2019 Budget Engagement Forums
 Join with fellow DC residents at budget engagement forums to share your values, priorities, and ideas with the Bowser Administration as the FY20 budget is developed.
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Mayor Muriel Bowser's 2019 State of the District Address
 Please join Mayor Muriel Bowser for the 2019 State Of The District Address.
When: Monday, March 18th, 2019 | 5:30 pm
Where: University of the District of Columbia Theater of the Arts | Connecticut Avenue and Windom Place NW | Washington, DC | 20008
Closest Metro: Van Ness-UDC Station
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Mayor’s Office on African Affairs Free Tax Prep & Resource Fair
 In collaboration with the DISB and DC Credit Union,The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (MOAA) is hosting a Free Tax Prep and Resource Fair. Recive easy-to-access information on bank accounts, employment, financial education, free tax preparation assistance, and other programs.
When: Saturday, March 2, 2019 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Franklin D. Reeves Center, 2nd Fl | 2000 14th Street NW | Washington, DC | 20009
For more information or reasonable accommodations, please call 202.727.5634 or oaa@dc.gov
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Mayor's Commission on African Affairs Monthly Meeting
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Mayor Bowser Celebrates Black History Month at Houston Elementary
 Mayor Muriel Bowser along with Acting DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee, and other community leaders celebrated Black History Month at Houston Elementary School’s African American Read-In. This event commemorated the significance of literacy through read-alongs and spoken word performances. The National African American Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature.
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Mayor Bowser Launches the READY Center, Connecting Returning Citizens To Housing, Employment, and Other Critical Programs
On February 12, 2019, during Fair Shot February, the Bowser Administration launched the READY (Resources to Empower and Develop You) Center. The READY Center is a one-stop shop where formerly incarcerated District residents can access critical post-release services such as housing and employment assistance as well as educational and health care supports and opportunities. Returning citizens can also obtain vital documents and get connected to programs for substance use disorder and mental health aftercare. The READY Center is located behind the Correctional Treatment Facility (1901 E Street, SE).
“To give more returning citizens a fair shot, we must continue building strong support systems for men and women transitioning back into the community,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “By partnering with community-based organizations and working across DC Government agencies, we can set more residents up for success by providing more immediate access to employment, housing, educational opportunities, health care, and more.”
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Oklahoma City Thunder star Hamidou Diallo, American of Guinean descent wins 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
 The 20-year-old American of Guinean descent pulled off several outrageous moves at the Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, February 16. Diallo beat participants Miles Bridges from Charlotte Hornets, John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks and Dennis Smith Jr of the New York Knicks to emerge champion. Diallo was nearly flawless in all of his attempts in the prelim nary rounds which got the crowd hyped.
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Fast Company reveals list of most innovative African companies
 American business magazine, Fast Company has revealed its list of 10 most innovative companies in Africa for 2019. The winners were selected based on those "making the most profound impact on both industry and culture," the magazine said.Some of the top companies in Africa include African Leadership University, Flutterwave, and the Farm to Market Alliance.
African Leadership University earned this year's number one spot for remaking education for the new era, the magazine said.
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From Wakanda to reality: Building mutual prosperity between African-Americans and Africa
This year’s Black History Month is being celebrated with a higher sense of African pride, given the unprecedented enthusiasm generated by Marvel’s “Black Panther” last year and increased conversations about a better representation of minority groups. “Wakanda”—a fictitious, prosperous, “futuristic, powerful, and proud African nation”—salutes black culture by “shedding light on black excellence.” After the movie’s release, many in black America—and across ethnicities—and around the world are wondering how to turn this fiction into reality.
During the hype of “Black Panther,” we both were giving talks on how to unlock Africa’s potential to African-American professionals, community, and business leaders. Many of them asked us how they could help make Africa as successful as the imaginary Wakanda. In other words, where are the opportunities to develop mutually beneficial relations between Africa, African Americans, and the United States?
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Grants Available through Office of Partnerships and Grants
Office of Partnerships and Grant Services the clearing house for the Government of the District of Columbia’s grant programs. There are over 21 available grants.
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My School DC Application for Grades PK3- Grade 8
The school year 2019-20 lottery for PK3 – grade 8 is currently open and closes on Mar. 1. If your child will be a new student at a DCPS or charter school in school year 2019-20, please submit your application by Mar. 1 at MySchoolDC.org. Please note that if you are seeking for your child to attend their DCPS in-boundary PK3 or PK4 program, you must still submit a lottery application. Application support is available in your language through the My School DC Hotline: (202) 888-6336 | info.myschooldc@dc.gov. The hotline is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The lottery application deadline for high school (grades 9-12) has passed. However, families seeking a new public high school option for school year 2019-20 can submit a post-lottery application today at MySchoolDC.org.
If you are new to DC or are seeking a transfer for your child to attend a new public school for this school year (school year 2018-2019), please call the My School DC Hotline at (202) 888-6336 to learn more about schools with short waitlists and in-boundary schools.
When: PK3 – Grade 8 Lottery Application Deadline is Friday, March 1, 2019
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Department of Employment Services
Public Education Program Round 2 Request For Applications (RFA)
 The Department of Employment Services (DOES), Office of Wage-Hour (OWH) is developing a community-based public education program, involving the non-profit community. Two non-profits may be selected annually, and will be assigned 2 to 4 wards in the District for which they will be trained and required to perform outreach to District employees, employers, and residents to raise awareness for DOES OWH and to inform the community of wage laws, employee commuter benefits, and First Source requirements. DOES OWH will require grantees to participate in training and submit monthly reports detailing the number of businesses, employees and residents contacted.
Pre-Application Meeting
When: March 5, 2019 11:00 AM
Where: 4058 Minnesota Avenue, NE | Washington, DC| 20009
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Inclusive Innovation House Africa @ SXSW
 Continuing in the tradition of the Inclusive Innovation House's (IIH) mission of inclusion, innovation and startup growth, we launch IIH Africa!
IIH Africa looks to incubate an often forgotten tech ecosystem that personifies inclusive innovation through life changing healthcare, food tech and other sustainibility iniatives.
IIH invites you to join and showcase any inclusive innovation initiatives that will further the growth and advancement of Africa, the African Diaspora and its people.
When: Friday, March 8th - Sunday, March 10th
Where: The Venue ATX | 516 East 6th Street | Austin, Tx | 78701
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High School Leadership Institute
 The District of Columbia Department of Human Resources (DCHR) has partnered with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to create the High School Leadership Institute, a year-round internship program for high school students. The program provides highly-focused juniors and seniors with internship opportunities in District of Columbia government agencies. The program also provides mentors, leadership training, and other workshops to support and enhance the student experience. Students will be selected primarily from the DC Career Academies and linked to internship opportunities in their fields of study.
When: Application Deadline is Friday, April 12, 2019
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DC Health Link Open Enrollment for Small Businesses
 Find the right medical, dental or vision insurance plan for you, or for you and your family.
Open enrollment for Small Businesses(1-50 Employees) continues.
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Connect.DC - Digital Inclusion Initiative : Public Computer Access
People who don’t have access to the Internet and don't know how to use it are at a great disadvantage in an increasingly digital age. With access to technology people can find out about new job postings, take an online class, or connect with family and friends. Use the Tech Locator to search for free public technology access and get connected today.
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SBRC One-On-One Session: Basic Steps to Obtaining a Business License
During this session, the DCRA Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) staff will provide one-on-one assistance with navigating through the regulatory process. You will gain in-depth knowledge of registering with corporations (i.e. Limited Liability Company, Corporations, Non-Profit, etc.) and with the basic steps of obtaining a business license. Additionally, you will receive assistance with the zoning application process (i.e. Certificate of Occupancy and or Home Occupancy Permit).This opportunity is geared towards future and current business owners looking to conduct business in the District of Columbia.
When: Ongoing
Where: 1110 4th Street SW | E-268 | Washington, DC | 20024
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The Writing Resumes & Job Interview Techniques Course
This help participants to construct a resume that makes an effective and dynamic first impression. Participants will also gain insight into strategies that today’s interviewers use when making their selection. This course will also assist participants in understanding how to avoid common interview errors, learn how to answer typical interview questions, & discuss how to formulate thoughtful interview questions.
When: Fourth Tuesday of each month from 10 am – 12:30 pm
Where: 1015 Half Street SE | 9th floor | Washington, DC | 20003
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Registration for All DPR 2019 Spring Programs is now open!
 Registration for all DPR 2019 Spring Programs is now open. Offerings include DPR's fitness, sports and enrichment programs, such as "Young Ladies on the Rise" and more. Mid-Winter Break Camp as well as Cooperative Play open houses are also available for parents online. D.C. residents can enroll in sports activities such as baseball and soccer for kids, flag football and tennis for youth and adults. There are popular exercise classes like weight training, yoga and Zumba. Included are “Senior Strength,” and “Walk Fit” for active seniors.
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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, March 6, 2019 by 5:00 pm. Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov.
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