July 17, 2026
Dear Washingtonians,
This week, I presented a Key to the City, one of the District’s highest honors, to media mogul and legend Cathy Hughes. We reserve this special honor for the people who have done the most, who've raised up our culture, who've celebrated our communities, and who have set DC apart.
Cathy came to Washington more than 50 years ago, and she got to work. At Howard University, she made history at WHUR. She changed radio when she created the Quiet Storm—something created right here in Washington, DC went on to influence radio across the country. Then, in 1980, Cathy bought WOL. From that one station, she built Radio One, which became Urban One. And in 1999, Cathy made history as the first Black woman to chair a publicly held corporation.
But here's what I also want people to understand about Cathy Hughes: She built more than a company. She built careers. She created jobs. She opened doors. She gave people their first shot. She helped broadcasters, journalists, executives, artists, and entrepreneurs build careers and create opportunities of their own. And that impact is still growing.
And, of course, we know that Cathy and WOL have a special place in the story of Go-Go. At a time when our homegrown music needed to be heard, WOL gave Go-Go a platform.
We don't give out the Key to the City very often, and this will be my last. And it was a fitting celebration—at an event Cathy made possible, in Ward 8, surrounded by the music, the culture, and the community she has championed for decades.
Cathy bet on herself, she bet on Black voices, and she bet on Washington, DC. And DC is proud and grateful.
Sincerely,
 
 Smoke from wildfires is causing unhealthy air quality in the DC area, and this problem is likely to continue through the weekend. DC Health recommends that residents pay attention to local air quality reports and the US Air Quality Index.
Learn about steps you should take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe at dchealth.dc.gov/air-quality-and-your-health.
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 The Safe Commercial Corridors Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible organizations committed to making the District's commercial corridors safer, healthier, and more welcoming for everyone.
The program supports evidence-based strategies that improve public safety and strengthen connections between residents, workers, businesses, and visitors. Through this funding opportunity, organizations will implement community-centered initiatives that build trust, address public safety concerns, and connect individuals with critical resources and services.
Learn more and apply here.
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 The Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) invites community members to help us recognize District residents who are 100 years old or older, or who will be 100 by September 7, 2026.
If you know a centenarian, please submit their name, date of birth, contact information, and a brief biography by August 14, 2026. To learn more or to submit a nomination, contact DACL at (202) 724-5626 or dacl.communications@dc.gov.
Help us honor the remarkable lives and contributions of DC's oldest residents!
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 Disability Pride Month is an annual event celebrated in recognition of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990.
Throughout the month of July, the Center for Accessibility at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is hosting a variety of events to celebrate the anniversary of this landmark legislation.
Check out a list of upcoming events here.
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