February 9, 2017 | Vol. 3, Issue 6
Dear Washingtonians,
For
more than two centuries, Washington, DC has played a pivotal role in the story
of the African American experience, serving as a national stage to both our struggle and our progress. And I would not be here today if it were not for countless strong, proud and brave black women - trailblazers like Dorothy Height and Shirley Chisholm who taught the world that "tremendous amounts of talent are lost to our society just because that talent wears a skirt."
Last week, my Administration kicked off Black History Month with two free screenings of the Oscar-nominated film, ‘I Am Not Your Negro' - one screening at Ballou High School and another at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This documentary uses James Baldwin's commentary to shed light on the racial challenges faced by African Americans.
Of course, in
Washington, DC, we not only celebrate and study black history in February, but we do so all year long. There is no way to tell the history of Washington, DC without telling the history of black Americans. And every day, we acknowledge that the fight for equality and equal opportunity is not over. In DC, we have 681,000 residents living in the shadow of the Capitol, yet we still lack a vote in Congress. We still fight off congressional interference in local matters because, without statehood, we are vulnerable to the meddling of representatives from other states who want to impose their personal beliefs on our residents.
As Mayor, I will continue to fight for all Washingtonians - to close the achievement gap and get more residents on pathways to the middle class. As we study and celebrate history, we cannot lose sight of the fact that every day we are still making history. Every day is a new opportunity to stand up for our DC values and to make our city and country a better place for people from all backgrounds.
Sincerely,
 Download the "Stat of the Week" and share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Throughout February, the Bowser Administration is engaging residents from all eight wards to discuss DC's budget and collect feedback. As part of the process, Mayor Bowser will host Budget Engagement Forums, designed as interactive discussions where DC residents can provide input to help shape the Administration's priorities.
Register for a Budget Engagement Forum using the links below.
Thursday,
February 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson High School (3950 Chesapeake
Street, NW)
Saturday, February 25, at 1:00 p.m. at the Department of Employment Services (4058 Minnesota Avenue, NE)
Monday, February 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Columbia Heights Educational Campus (3101 16th Street, NW)
Mayor Bowser will also host an Employee Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, February 21 so that employees have an opportunity to share their budget ideas.
Back to Top
Last month, Mayor Bowser launched an online survey to gather residents’ input about issues related to public safety in Washington, DC. Residents are encouraged to take the survey before it closes on Friday, February 10.
Since Mayor Bowser took office, total crime in Washington, DC has decreased by 9 percent. In 2016, violent crime in DC decreased by 10 percent, with a 17 percent reduction in homicides and a 13 percent reduction in robberies. The new online survey will inform the Bowser Administration on its work to create a safer, stronger DC.
Take the survey HERE.
Back to Top
Join the Bowser Administration on Thursday, February 16, for a celebration of Black History Month at The Lincoln Theatre. The event will feature performances by local artists, panel discussions by leading scholars, and a presentation from the Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia.
Register for free HERE.
Back to Top
Since 1987, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and the United Black Fund, Inc. have worked together to produce the Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet. This year, the 31st Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet will be held February 17-19 at the Takoma Aquatic Center.
The invitational was founded with the goals of providing urban youth nationwide a positive outlet for expression, exposure to strong competition, a forum to meet positive role models, and the opportunity to visit the nation's capital. The three-day invitational attracts nearly 800 minority competitors from swim teams around the country.
Learn more about the swim meet HERE, and register to volunteer at the event HERE.
Last week, the Bowser Administration and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) announced the UDC Workforce Edge (UDC-WE) partnership, a program that will support adult learners who want to get a high school diploma or a GED.
UDC-WE is a dual-track Community College program that enables adult learners enrolled in DC public charter high schools to learn valuable workforce training skills, while earning a high school diploma or GED. The first class of 10-20 students will begin the program as part of a pilot this spring, and an additional 10-20 students will join the program this summer. Participating schools include: Goodwill Excel Academy, Academy of Hope, and Next Step Public Charter School. As part of the spring pilot, participating schools will identify students to participate in the Guest Services-Hospitality class with the option of a follow-on class (Front Desk, Restaurant Server, Hotel Maintenance). Each school will identify 3-5 students and provide case management for the students.
Learn more HERE.
Back to Top
This week's District Minute features stories about DCPS's Teacher of the Year, Yo-Yo Ma and Joshua Bell's performance at Bunker Hill Elementary School, and the return of the Correctional Treatment Facility to DC Government control.
Back to Top
 The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is the primary law enforcement agency for Washington, DC. MPD's mission is to protect DC's residents and visitors through high quality community policing, state-of the-art-information technology, and a commitment to innovation.
MPD has an opening for a fleet servicer. The fleet servicer is responsible for inspecting vehicles to ensure that they are available, properly equipped, reliable, and safe to operate. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
Back to Top |
