Pope Francis Visits the
Nation’s Capital
Later today, Pope Francis will arrive in the District for a three day visit. We are so pleased to have the Pope in our
nation’s capital, and we welcome with open arms the thousands of people who will
come to DC during the Papal Visit. We
have launched pope.dc.gov to serve as
your one-stop shop for information. This
site includes the Pope’s
schedule,
road
closures,
school information, public
transportation information and much more. I encourage all District residents and those who
work in the District to review pope.dc.gov to plan your
commute from September 22-24. Our city
is ready, and we look forward to hosting a successful Papal Visit.
In honor of Pope Francis’ visit, I joined the ‘Walk with Francis’ challenge to serve those in need in our community. And I hope you will join me and sign this PLEDGE to end homelessness in the District of Columbia.
The Advisory Board Company: Here to Stay
Last week, with the support of the “Local Jobs Tax Incentive Act of 2015,” the Advisory Board Company (ABC), a global research, technology, and consulting firm, announced that it would keep its headquarters here in the District. Even better, the ABC committed to create jobs for 1,000 District residents. This agreement between the city and ABC is a testament to the attractiveness of DC’s market, our competitive strength, and our focus on creating pathways to the middle class.
Shaw-for-Shaw
Last Saturday, I attended a community pop-up event hosted by MRP Realty called “Shaw for Shaw.” This event brought together community members to participate in a conversation about the future of 965 Florida Avenue NW - a development that will create more than 100 affordable housing units, hundreds of jobs and services for Ward 1. This is an example of yet another project that will build pathways to the middle class for District residents.
Howard University Joins 500 for 500
I am pleased to share that Howard University is joining our 500 for 500: Mentoring Through Literacy Program. On Monday, I will join Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, President of Howard, and encourage others to sign up and help our young scholars build strong literacy skills, gain confidence, and discover a passion for reading. Each mentor will receive training and ongoing support from the school system and community partners. All you need is a desire to see a student succeed and the commitment to get them there. Sign up here.
Radio Interview with Kojo Nnamdi
On Thursday, I participated in a live interview on The Kojo Nnamdi Show. We discussed a range of issues including the new sports and entertainment facility that will become the practice facility for the Wizards and the new home of the Mystics at St. Elizabeths in Ward 8, my new legislative proposals, and all that we’re doing to prepare for the Papal Visit. I want to thank WAMU for allowing me the opportunity to share valuable information with DC residents. If you missed the show, you can listen to the entire interview here.
#IAmMBSEYP Spotlight: Rashema Melson, Intern for Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
This week’s #IAmMBSYEP Spotlight is Rashema Melson, an undergraduate at Georgetown University and 2014 Valedictorian of Anacostia High School.
This summer, Rashema interned in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in the Department of Forensic Sciences, where she worked alongside experienced forensic pathologists.
Dr. Roger Mitchell, the District’s Chief Medical Examiner, opened his doors to Rashema after hearing about her interest through various media reports. He promises her a continuous mentorship and internship until she goes to medical school, with the hope that she’ll return to work for DC government in the future.
When asked about her internship, Rashema said:
“From watching the first incision to blood collection and taking cultures, it was amazing. That was the best part of it. I wanted to be the one performing surgery, but you have to have a license for that.”
Congratulations on a successful summer, Rashema. And thank you to Dr. Mitchell for being a wonderful mentor.
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