September 26, 2019 | Vol. 5, Issue 39
Dear Washingtonians,
Last week, DC, we made our voices heard: the time for DC statehood is now. I was honored to represent my hometown and testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and petition Congress to act upon the will of DC voters by admitting Washington, DC as the 51st state in the nation. I'm particularly proud of the hundreds of residents who packed the hearing room and showed their support outside of the Capitol and across the city.
We heard the usual arguments in opposition, and we also heard a surprising new one: a suggestion that the parking rights of congressional staffers should supersede the voting rights of 702,000 taxpaying Washingtonians.
But one by one we rebutted those claims, and made the overwhelming case that we're not only ready to become a state, but that statehood is the only way to make our residents full and equal citizens. I made this point crystal clear: it's true that we may be more brown and more liberal than some some of our fellow Americans, but denying statehood would be unfair no matter who was affected. This isn't a Democratic or a Republican issue – it's an American issue.
And the hearing has already yielded results – on Friday, the 218th voting representative cosponsored H.R. 51, essentially guaranteeing House passage. Securing a vote in the House gets us halfway there. But we’ll need everyone to continue to fight, rally, and organize if we want to get across the finish line. Go to statehood.dc.gov to learn more about how you can get involved.
Sincerely,
 Throughout September, the Bowser Administration has been celebrating DC's fourth annual 202Creates, a month-long showcase of the District’s diverse and vibrant creative community.
Upcoming Events:
Friday, September 27: DC Fashion Week
Saturday, September 28: Barrack Row Fall Festival, 202Creates Closing Celebration
Find a full list of all 202Creates events at 202Creates.com.
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 In partnership with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, the Mayor’s Office on Fathers, Men, and Boys has launched #FlipTheScript, a positive visual campaign aimed at dispelling the myth of the absent Black father, combating negative imagery of men of color, and highlighting the role of fathers as it relates to early childhood development.
This initiative uplifts and celebrates positive images of Black and Hispanic fathers with their children. Residents are encouraged to upload proud “Daddy and Me” photos to social media using the hashtag #FlipTheScript.
Learn more by following the Office of Fathers, Men, and Boys on Twitter.
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 On Saturday, September 21, Mayor Bowser broke ground on the modernization and expansion of Benjamin Banneker Academic High School at the site of the former Shaw Junior High School. Banneker currently serves students from all eight wards of the District, and the new location will allow DC Public Schools to expand access to Banneker to 300 additional students in a central location for students traveling from neighborhoods across the city.
The new Banneker Academic High School is expected to open in School Year 2021-2022, and serve 800 students by 2025. Learn more HERE.
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This week’s District Minute features stories about Fiesta DC, new DC statehood art created by local artists, and the Banneker groundbreaking.
 The mission of the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) is to provide high-quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.
DFS has an opening for a Medical Technologist. This position is responsible for performing molecular diagnostic assays following the Bio Watch program protocols. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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