The African Beat

April 20, 2018

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Mayor Bowser's Newsletter Subscriptions

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Please follow Mayor Bowser by subscribing to the Mayor’s Newsletter under the Get Email Updates tab here

Thank you for signing up to receive the Mayor's Office on African Affairs' bi-monthly newsletter here

Please add dcdocs@dc.gov to your address book, email safe senders list, or contact list to ensure that our emails reach you!

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In This Issue:

  • MOAA Frontpage
  • What's New with Your Mayor?
  • Rolling in Resources 
  • You Should Go
  • Get Hired 
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*UPCOMING EVENTS*

West African Drum Ensemble: Deconstructing Polyrhythm techniques

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 A hands-on lecture demonstration series on how to create polyrhythms under the guidance of “Divine” Master Drummer, Kwame Ansah-Brew, making these techniques more accessible to any drummer.

Participants of all levels will embark on a rhythmic journey to the classical drumming ensemble compositions of our ancestors from Ghana, West Africa, and experience the art of using polyrhythmic techniques, where several contrasting rhythmic patterns are played simultaneously.
WhenSaturday, April 28, 2018 | 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm 
Where: 8576 Laureldale Drive | Maryland City, MD | 20724

Learn more                         

(Re)defining African Womanhood 2nd Annual Retreat Open House

by (Re)Defining African Womanhood

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Please join the (Re) Defining African Womanhood 2nd Annual Retreat Open House on Saturday April 21, 2018. This event is your opportunity to learn more about the retreat and the community of African women who organize it. During the event Will be shared highlights and learning from last year’s inaugural retreat, host a Q&A session and have a conversation on what it looks, feels and means to be an African woman one who is fully connected to her power and utilizing her agency.

WhenSaturday, April 21, 2018 | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Where: 1725 I (Eye) street |  Suite 300 | Washington, DC

Learn more

 CHCTDC's 30th Anniversary Celebration Events

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Please join the Congress Heights Training and Development Corporation to celebrate 30 years of dedicated service to the Congress Heights Community and for their VIP CDC Birthday Party, next Friday. This event will be semi-formal.

When: Friday- April 20th, 2018 | 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
 
Where: Old Congress Heights School | 3100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
Washington, DC 20032
 
RSVP here

African Independence Day Awareness 

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Please Join the African Student Association U.D.C to  celebrate African countries' independence with refreshments and discussions. 

When: Thursday, April 26, 2018 | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

WhereUniversity of the District of Columbia | 4200 Connecticut Avenue Northwest | B02 Lounge | Washington, DC | 20008

Learn more

Annual Meeting and Togo Independence Day commemoration 

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Please join the Diaspora Togo in the USA to celebrate the Annual Meeting of the Togolese Diaspora in the United and States (DTUSA) and the AGOA Roundtable. The event of this year is co-hosted with the AGOA CSO networks and open to the whole African community. The annual meeting features an economic forum and the commemoration of Togo Independence Day. 

Learn more

Workshop Wednesdays: Swahili Arts -Proverbs and Poetry

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Discover the proverbs and poetry of Swahili with artist, actress, poet, and performer Ana Mwalagho! Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is a Bantu language and the first language of the  Swahili people. In the African Great Lakes and Southeast regions, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is considered a true lingua franca. Get to know Swahili, and how it has been used in art, in this fun and engaging workshop.

WhenWednesday, May 16, 2018 | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

WhereSmithsonian National Museum of African Art | 950 Independence Avenue Southwest | Washington, DC | 20560

Learn more

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IT Specialist (Software Integration Architect

DC Department of Employment Services (DOES)

The primary purpose of the position is designing, documenting, and developing/programming, modifying, testing, installing, implementing and maintaining new or existing applications programs according to specifications in a mainframe environment.

Learn more

Public Affairs Specialist

DC Alcoholic Beverage Regulation

Serves as point of contact for request and arrangements for press plans, media interviews and press statements.  Develops and disseminates news releases and other press documents. Communicates and maintains effective relationship with the city and community officials, as well as representatives of the mass media to gain their cooperation in keeping the public informed of Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) activities, and to ensure a full understanding of programs and activities. 

Learn more

Public Health Analyst      

DC Department of Health   

Provides critical analyses and evaluations of actual or potential effectiveness of current and/or projected program activities. Provides technical assistance in the design, development and implementation of improved program designs/operations. Review and analyzes planning, operations, and financial activities of major program areas administered by the department.        

Learn more        

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MOAA receives the 2018 Hepatitis Champion Award

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During the Champions Appreciation Dinner organized by Hepatitis B Initiative of Washington DC on Sunday, April 18, 2018, the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs was awarded  the “2018 Hepatitis Champion Award” in recognition of outstanding and service to the community.

The purpose of the event was to provide a networking platform for all HBI-DC stakeholders and also show appreciation to partners who have funded and positively impacted HBI's program activities in the District of Columbia. 

Event's photos can be found here

African Community Grant - Success Story: 

Washington English Center (WEC)

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Washington English Center (WEC) is a community-based program that offers English and literacy training to low-income immigrants in the greater Washington area with a mission to provide excellent and affordable English classes with complimentary workforce programs to adult immigrants using volunteer teachers. To further support their programs, in 2018, the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs awarded ten thousand dollars ($ 10,000.00) to support DC Immigrant African residents enhance their English language proficiency. The stories below highlights the impact the program is having on DC Immigrant African resident.

Student Story- of AbdallaNationality: Sudanese , Living in DC Ward: 6                 

“I came from Sudan because I’m a refugee. I had problems with the government in Sudan. Washington English Center is open for everybody. It is not very expensive. It’s easy to come here to get your books. This school is better. I had a school a long time ago, but I didn’t get help like at this center. English is important for me because this gives me a better job. Maybe one day I’ll write a book about my home.”

Student Story- of ThiernoNationality: Senegalese, living in DC Ward: 4

Thierno came to the US from Senegal with dreams of continuing his education. As a native French speaker, he searched for classes to improve his English, but could not afford any of the programs he found in DC. He finally landed at WEC. He tells us, “More than simply giving quality English classes at a low price, [WEC] also helped me find and apply for a job with the Washington Nationals baseball team, where I am working now (I greet and seat guests and respond to their questions). I really like what I am doing, it's a fun job. WEC gave me free career coaching, which helped me update my resume and prepare for my interview. Now I can say because of WEC, my dream is becoming reality.” Thierno is currently enrolled at the University of the District of Columbia.

Learn more

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Mayor Bowser Kicks Off #EarthWeekDC with One of the Largest Municipal Solar Projects in the Country at HD Woodson High School

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On Tuesday, April 17, 2018, Mayor Muriel Bowser kicked off #EarthWeekDC with a ribbon cutting at HD Woodson High School in Ward 7 to celebrate the launch of one of the largest municipal on-site solar projects in the country. HD Woodson is one of roughly 50 District government facilities with a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. With a combined 670 kilowatt (kW) solar roof and parking lot installation, the solar PV system at HD Woodson is the most powerful solar power generating system in the District.

My Administration has vowed to uphold the goals of the Paris Climate Accord and power District government facilities with 100% renewable energy.” said Mayor Bowser. “The HD Woodson solar installation is a tremendous example of how we are not only living up to our commitment, but also taking monumental steps toward becoming the sustainable capital of the world.

Learn more

Mayor Bowser Honors Six DC Sustainability Leaders at the 2018 District of Columbia Sustainability Awards

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On Wednesday, April 18,2018,  Mayor Muriel Bowser presented the 2018 District Sustainability Awards to recognize outstanding sustainability achievement and leadership in areas such as energy and water conservation, renewable energy production, green building, access to healthy food, and community engagement. Mayor Bowser and Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Director Tommy Wells presented the awards at a ceremony Eastern Market North Hall in Southeast DC.

Since taking office, the Bowser Administration has made significant progress in working to meet the District's sustainability goals. In addition to Washington, DC being named the first LEED Platinum City in the world in 2017 by the U.S. Green Building Council, Mayor Bowser also released the fifth annual Sustainable DC progress report, which highlighted achievements in the implementation of the District’s sustainability plan.
 
With monumental investments in environmental stewardship, the District is taking significant strides toward becoming the sustainability capital of the world,” said Mayor Bowser. “Tonight’s honorees have been instrumental to our success in making the District a greener, healthier, more livable city.”

Learn more

Mayor Bowser Announces $2 Million Fund to Help Non-Profit Developers Finance Affordable Housing

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On Wednesday, April 2018, Mayor Muriel Bowser  announced a new $2 million fund to help non-profit developers secure capital for predevelopment soft costs – a common obstacle when financing affordable housing projects. Through the fund, which is named after the late Oramenta Newsome, developers will be able to receive loans of up to $100,000 per project. The Mayor announced the fund at a memorial service for Newsome at THEARC.

Oramenta made it her mission to serve the vulnerable, better neighborhoods across the District, and look out for longtime Washingtonians – in many ways, she wrote the book on DC values,” said Mayor Bowser. “This fund honors Oramenta’s legacy by supporting our nonprofit partners who are continuing her work to bring more affordable housing to District residents.

Learn more

Take the Citywide Cleanup Pledge

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This Earth Day weekend, the Bowser Administration calls on DC residents to help keep our city clean. On April 21, join us in taking five minutes to clean up outside your home, 30 minutes along your block, or team up with others for a full neighborhood scrub! 

Residents can also join larger cleanup events hosted by the Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services, ServeDC, and the Anacostia Watershed Society.

Take the Clean City Pledge Here and tell us how you plan to show your DC love on April 21.

Safer, Stronger DC

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Recently, the Bowser Administration launched SaferStronger.dc.gov, a website where residents can learn about the programs, resources, and initiatives that are helping us build a safer, stronger DC.

The website has information about:

  • the Safer Stronger DC comprehensive, citywide public safety agenda;
  • the ongoing implementation of the NEAR Act;
  • public safety statistics;
  • upcoming public safety events; and
  • other helpful resources to inform and educate the public.

Learn more

  Pledge to #SaveDCTAGSaveDCTAG

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                                                                                                      MOAA calls on its community members to support the Mayor's fight to save the DC Tuition Assistance Grant program (DCTAG), a program that has helped 26,000 students attend and get through college. Today, President Trump released a budget proposal for 2019 that completely eliminates DCTAG. This is grave news for DC. It means that a college education for thousands of DC students is at risk. Congress can and should reject this proposal and fully fund DCTAG for 2019 and beyond.

Please help us save DCTAG by signing the #SaveDCTAG petition Here

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Bowser Administration Extends Immigrant Justice Legal Services Grants to Ten Organizations

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On Tuesday, March 21, 2017, in participating in the US Conference of Mayors' Cities Day of Immigration Action, Mayor Bowser announced that her Administration will extend Immigrant Justice Legal Services (IJLS) grant funding to ten organizations in Washington, DC. In January, Mayor Bowser announced that the DC Government would provide up to $500,000 to community-based organizations, private organizations, associations, and law firms that do legal work for immigrants in Washington, DC.

“DC Values did not change on Election Day. The Immigrant Justice Legal Services grant program is one way that my Administration can help support DC’s immigrant community,” said Mayor Bowser. “The District is safer and stronger when residents know and understand their rights, and these ten organizations will help spread the message that our city has their back.”
 
After a thorough review of all project proposals, the Bowser Administration will extend funding to the following organizations: 

Learn more

 EDGIC Art Division - Fikru Gebre mariam

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The artistic prowess of Fikru Gebre Mariam from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia takes you into a world of cultural influences that light up your body with the veracity of truth held within the nature of humanity. Fikru was inspired to pursue his artistic career after winning an award at age 13 at the International Children’s Painting exhibition in Beijing. This led to formal studies at the Addis Ababa School of Fine Arts.


His curious nature to explore opened his life to experiencing realities in Paris to USA, however his deep cultural roots guided him home to Addis Ababa where the University of Fikru Gebre Mariam schooled him in the discipline of OWNing the inner wealth of his heritage. The graphic theme of Fikru Gebre Mariam art, which he has totally embraced, is a genre of Contemporary Ethiopian painting representing a motif of Ethiopian women engaged in daily tasks. The sensitivity of his nature allows him to engage with the energies of any subject at hand as his paintbrushes engage with his canvas to portray the powerful magic that his land represents.

                                                                                                Learn more

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CASEC Information Exchange: Bridging the Cancer Care Gap

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Please join MOAA and the CASEC Information Exchange organized by the Patcha Foundation. The conference is intended to be a forum of discussions and collaboration to improve Cancer Awareness, Screening/prevention, early detection and Care for low income countries and immigrant communities in the diaspora.
This year for the first time we are bringing the conference to Washington D.C.'s Ward 8, where residents face deep-rooted health/cancer disparities. For the first time also a panel on Men's Health and impact of cancer will be included.
Please click here for more information & registration.                      

When: Saturday, April 21, 2018 | 8 am - 4 pm

Where: RISE Demonstration Center | 2730 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032

Learn more

Washington English Center's Spring Community Services and Health Fairs

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On  Thursday, May 24, 2018, the Washington English Center will; be host the Community Services and Health Fairs to connect adult immigrant students with organizations in the community that provide services of interest to our student body. 

Washington English Center hosts Community Services and Health Fairs every term during regular class hours so that it is easy for students to attend and learn about these services. WEC typically have about 150 students in attendance at each event. About 60% are from Spanish-speaking countries, and the other 40% are from all over the world.

When: Thursday, May 24, 2018 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 

Where: 2200 California St NW | Washington, DC | 20008

RSVP here

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, May 2, 2018 by 5:00 pm. Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov.