Join the
Mayor's Office on African Affairs and the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
as we celebrate Black History Month
The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs is hosting an evening to commemorate Black
History Month celebration on Thursday, February 8, 2018 in partnership with the
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. The event will feature a panel discussion titled “Religious
Identity, Cultural Preservation and Generational Frictions” which will explore
conflicting beliefs about Western values and African traditions while unveiling
challenges related to immigration, displacement, assimilation and interracial
marriage.
The discussion will be followed by a staged play titled
“Familiar” by American actress and playwright of Zimbabwean ancestry Danai
Gurira. The thought-provoking production sheds a light at the life of a
Zimbabwean family that resides in snowy suburb of Minneapolis as they prepare
for the wedding of their eldest daughter. When the bride insists on observing a
“roora”, a traditional bride-price in which the groom reimburses the bride’s
family for their “gem”, it opens a deep rift in the household revealing
surprising family secrets, unearths the tensions within the family, and offers
a spot-on glimpse into the price paid by people astride two cultures.
When: Thursday, February 8, 2018 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: The Woolly Mammoth Theatre | 641 D St
NW, Washington, DC | 20004
RSVP here
February Commission Meeting Announcement
Mayor Bowser Kicks Off Black History Month
with the Release of ‘A Fair Shot: A Toolkit for African American Prosperity’
On Thursday,
February 1, 2018, Mayor Bowser officially kicked off Black
History Month with the release of A Fair Shot: A Toolkit for African
American Prosperity – a first-of-its kind resource for African American
residents that provides an overview of the many District-funded programs and
services that support Washingtonians in reaching pathways to the middle class.
“By staying laser-focused on spreading
prosperity and creating new pathways to the middle class, we have made
tremendous progress,” said Mayor Bowser. “However, we know
there is more work to do to ensure African Americans in every corner of the
District have a fair shot. With this toolkit, we are ensuring that the
hardworking residents who could benefit most from the many resources and
programs we have available actually know about them. You have been here for DC,
and we are going to continue to be here for you.”
Learn
more
Mayor Bowser, DPW and AFSCME, Joined the National Moment of
Silence in Observation of Sanitation Workers’ Rights and Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr.
On Thursday, February
1, 2018, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) joined
select cities across the country in partnership with the American Federation of
State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Church of God in Christ
to observe a “National Moment of Silence” in honor of the 50th anniversary of
the tragic deaths of Echol Cole and Robert Walker, which triggered the historic
1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike, as well as the subsequent assassination
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Today, we remember and
honor the lives of Echol Cole and Robert Walker and stand in solidarity for
fair and just conditions for all workers,” said Mayor Bowser. “The fight for
racial and economic justice brought Dr. King to Memphis in 1968, and fifty
years after his death, it is our commitment to these same values that brings us
together today.”
Learn
more
At Signing of Women’s Health Care Bill, Mayor Bowser
Announces Open Enrollment Extension
On Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at the bill signing for the Defending Access to Women's Health Care Services Amendment Act of 2018, Mayor Bowser announced that open enrollment for District residents has been extended through Monday, February 5, 2018 at 11:59 pm. Residents now have through Monday, February 5 to go to DCHealthLink.com to shop for, compare, and enroll in affordable, high-quality insurance plans.
“Preventive care saves
lives and reduces health care costs,” said Mayor Bowser. “From extending open
enrollment to creating forward-thinking legislation that keeps Washingtonians
safe from detrimental health care reforms, in Washington, DC, we are committed
to ensuring all residents are able to get the care and services they need to
thrive and get on the pathways to the middle class. Over the next five days, we are
asking the entire community to work with us to ensure all your friends, family,
colleagues, and neighbors get covered and stay covered.”
Learn
more
Mayor Bowser Kicks Off Application Period for 2018
Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program
On Friday, January 26,
2018, Mayor Muriel Bowser officially kicked off the application period for
youth and employers who want to participate in the 2018 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP). District youth ages 14 to 24 and
employers may apply online for MBSYEP 2018 at summerjobs.dc.gov. Applications
will be accepted until Saturday, February 24, 2018.
“The Mayor Marion S.
Barry Summer Youth Employment Program gives young Washingtonians a unique
opportunity to learn from other professionals, connect with mentors, and gain
meaningful work experience – all while getting paid,” said Mayor Bowser. “While
it is only January and summer may seem far away, before we know it, school will
be letting out. When summer arrives, we want all our young people to have the
opportunity to participate in experiences that set them up for success and keep
them safe.”
Learn
more
This Week's District Minute
This
week’s District
Minute
features stories about the kickoff of the application period for the
Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, the launch of Mayors
and CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment, and the UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball.
Click on the image to view the full video.
Daughters of African Immigrants Use the Stage to Tell of Two Worlds
Clockwise from top left: Danai Gurira, Jocelyn Bioh, Mfoniso Udofia and Ngozi Anyanwu. Credit Top left, Elizabeth Weinberg for The New York Times; other photographs by Brad Ogbonna for The New York Times
Death rites can be quite elaborate — even
after a funeral, there is often a “second burial” with days of lavish
celebration to ease the deceased person’s journey to the afterlife. Ngozi
Anyanwu knows this because she’s heard about it from her mother and father, who
traveled back to Nigeria to bury their own parents. And she knows that, when
the time comes, she will have to do the same for her father, who has spent his
entire adult life in the United States, but still expects to be buried in the
country where he was born. But what does Ms. Anyanwu, a 35-year-old performer and
playwright born in Trenton and raised in Bucks County, Pa., know about Nigerian
burial customs?
That question, and the puzzle of what it means to be
simultaneously connected to and disconnected from the country of one’s family,
prompted Ms. Anyanwu to write “The Homecoming
Queen,” a new play that opened Monday at the Atlantic Theater Company, an
Off Broadway nonprofit. The poignant drama is about a Nigerian-born American
novelist who is confronted by her own ambivalent feelings about home and
homeland when she returns to visit her dying father.
Learn
more
Google SSA appoints Mzamo Masito as its new chief marketing officer
Google has appointed Mzamo Masito as its
chief marketing officer for sub-Saharan Africa. Masito joins Google from
Vodacom, where he held a senior position. He has an MBA from the Gordon
Institute of Business Science (GIBS) as well as a post-graduate diploma from
UCT. He lectures at the AAA School of Advertising and serves on the GIBS
advisory board. He previously held senior positions at Nike and Unilever.
Masito says he is excited about working for a company that is so committed to
Africa and making a difference in people’s lives.
"I spoke to a number of people
before joining, and the consistent theme was Google’s humanity," he
adds. "The focus on teamwork, love
of its people, and drive to achieve goals – this is why I joined the company. I
hope while I am here I can channel my passion for Africa into the work we
do."
Learn
more
More than ever, American business is committed to Africa
From the pages of history books to the pages of newspapers, the
centuries-old relationship between Africa and the United States doesn’t always
make for easy reading. But mixed with that legacy are rich cultures, noble
traditions, and people of remarkable potential that have shaped American
society. Today, the vibrancy of the people of Africa continues to make a
remarkable contribution to our country’s civic life and that of many other nations.
Africa’s economic contributions cannot be overlooked either. American
businesses see extraordinary potential in Africa’s markets and recognize the
long-term strategic planning it will take to fully tap into that potential. To
do so, Congress and the administration must take action to help U.S. companies
compete in African markets.
Learn
more
MBSYEP Applications Open
Online applications for the Mayor Marion
S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) will go live at summerjobs.dc.gov. Applications will be available for
youth who want to apply for a position as well as employers who want to get
involved with MBSYEP.MBSYEP is a locally-funded initiative that provides
District youth ages 14-24 with enriching and constructive summer work
experiences through subsidized placements in the private and public sectors. In
2015, Mayor Bowser expanded the program so that District residents ages 22-24
can participate in MBSYEP.
Learn more
DOES's Workforce Development Program: Workforce Wednesday - Train to Compete
The D.C. Department of Employment Services can help you receive training and prepare for your dream job!
Visit the American Job Center Headquarters NE, Washington, DC 20019 on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 9:30 am in the Community Room to learn about American Job Center services and register for FREE industry recognized occupational skills training.
Prior to attending the event, please visit www.DCNetworks.org to create your profile and upload your resume.
DOES can assist you with training in the following industries:
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Project Management
- Information Technology
- Commercial Driver's License
- Healthcare
- Administrative Services
- Paralegal
- Welding
- Transportation
- Hotel & Hospitality
- Construction Trades
- Automotive Technician
Learn more
Open Enrollment Extended Through February 5, 2018
On January
31, at the
bill signing for
the Defending Access to Women's Health Care Services Amendment Act of
2018, Mayor Bowser announced that open enrollment for District residents has been
extended through Monday, February 5, 2018 at 11:59 p.m.
Residents now
have through Monday, February 5 to go to DCHealthLink.com or call (855) 532-5465
to shop for, compare, and enroll in affordable, high-quality insurance
plans.
Learn more
Metro’s
Fiscal Year 2019 Budget
Metro requests your
feedback on the budget
proposed for Fiscal Year 2019. To balance Metro's budget for the coming fiscal
year, Metro is seeking additional funding from District of Columbia, Maryland
and Virginia governments while continuing to take actions to cut costs and
increase business revenues. Metro's Fiscal Year 2019 Budget focuses on a better
ride for you.
As part
of the budget, Metro's Capital Improvement Program invests $1.3 billion in
funding safety improvements, rebuilding the Metro system and improving reliability
of the current rail and bus networks. It also funds the deployment of new
trains and buses, station upgrades and other important improvements. Comments
will be provided to the Metro Board for consideration prior to adopting the
budget. You are encouraged to comment by 5:00pm
on Monday, February 5, 2018. The link through which you can provide feedback is Provide comment online.
Learn more
Extended
Deadline for FLAS Fellowships Applications
The Center for African Studies (FLAS)
at Howard University is accepting applications for
the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships. There are
options for Academic Year programs and Summer programs. The deadline for FLAS Fellowships has been extended to Thursday,
February 15, 2018.
The Center for African
Studies provides Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships through
funding from the U.S. Department of Education Title VI program. FLAS
Fellowships support students taking African languages (Amharic, Arabic, Somali,
Swahili, Wolof, Yoruba and Zulu) and area studies coursework. The fellowships
support intensive for-credit study of an African language and to promote the
development of competency in African Studies either in the United States or
abroad.
Learn more
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): Winter 2018 Basic
Training
Serve DC’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer program trains
citizens to be better prepared to respond to emergencies in their communities.
When emergencies happen, CERT members can provide critical support to first
responders, immediate assistance to victims and can help organize spontaneous
volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency
projects that help improve the community safety.
CERT training is free and open to anyone who lives, works or congregates in
the District of Columbia. Classes include: Disaster Preparedness; Fire Safety; Medical; Operations and First Aid; Search and Rescue; Disaster Psychology and Terrorism.
When: February 13, 15, 20, 22, 2018 | 5:45pm
- 9:00pm
Where: 2720 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast | OUC Media Room | Washington,
DC | 20032
Learn more
General Vendor Workshop
The DC Office of Contracting and Procurement is hosting a General
Vendor Workshop to discuss how to get started doing business with the
District. In these sessions, participants are given an overview of how to
register in eSourcing, selecting commodity codes, and an overview of the
procurement process.
When: Thursday, February 22, 2018 |
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Where: One Judiciary Square Building | 441 4th
Street, NW | 700 South | Washington, DC | 20001
Learn more
Want Your Event Featured in the African Beat?
'The African Beat' is distributed to over 8,000 subscribers every other Friday. If you would like your event to be featured in our newsletter, please submit the following details: what, when & where, and provide a link to where readers can go for more information. Submission deadline for the next edition is Wednesday, February 14, 2018 by 5:00 pm. Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov.
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