So much goes on in D.C., as people live ordinary lives surrounded by the center of government. Here’s just a fraction of what we’ve seen this year.
The return of traditional celebrations
While the pandemic still affects so many things, most of the traditional celebrations came back this year.
Cherry Blossom Parade
Emancipation Day Parade
Pride Parade
Juneteenth
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
July 4th
Fiesta D.C. Parade
H Street Festival
Art All Night
High Heel Race
Activism
Roe v. Wade overturned
The biggest domestic issue that gripped the city was the overturning of Roe after 50 years.
Here’s the scene as people rushed to the Supreme Court the night the draft opinion was leaked:
A couple of weeks later, there was a massive Bans Off Our Bodies march:
Here’s the scene in front of the Court the moment the final decision was released – with demonstrators on both sides:
After the decision, there were many days and nights when people came to the Court, most in disbelief and mourning, and some in celebration:
A few weeks later, a “Summer of Rage” march continued the protests.
Woman’s March
The Woman’s March took place shortly before the midterms, and was a continuation of the protests about Roe.
Climate activism
There were many climate protests. Here’s one at the D.C. building:
Jane Fonda came to D.C. in December to continue her Fire Drill Fridays push for more action against climate change.
Gun violence
Demonstrations against gun violence continued throughout the year, led by young activists:
A huge March for Our Lives rally took place in April:
LGBTQ rights
The Supreme Court heard a case in December that could change whether businesses can refuse to serve some customers. A decision won’t be made until spring.
Poor People’s Campaign
Reverend William Barber spearheaded a revival of the Poor People’s Campaign of 1968, with a large rally in June bringing attention to poverty and workers’ rights.
Foreign Affairs
There are protests throughout the year for many different issues happening in places all over the world, but the two big issues this year have been the war in Ukraine and the shutdown of women’s rights in Iran.
Ukraine
Iran
Political and military
January 6th hearings
The January 6th hearings became riveting TV.
Justice Jackson appointed to the Supreme Court
40th Anniversary of the Vietnam Memorial
In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Memorial, volunteers read every name inscribed on the wall over a four-day period in November.
PACT Act
The PACT Act struggled through Congress, but was finally passed to give health care to veterans who suffer from exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances. There was a muted celebration of its passage outside the Capitol:
Death of Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth was mourned in many places, especially outside the British Embassy:
Nature
Despite all the terrible events, the city continued to amaze us with the natural world that thrives here.
Snowy owl
Early in the year, a snowy owl came to Union Station for a few weeks, visible at night usually perching on the top of the statue in front of the station.
Qiao Xi Jin grows up
Baby panda Qiao Xi Jin is now two years old, and he and his mother still play together.
Nature all over the city
The beauty of the city
Spring and fall views from the Washington Monument
Spring and fall glory:
Sunsets:
New developments
Korean War Memorial expansion
The Korean War Memorial opened a wall of remembrance, with the names of those who died in the war.
Senate Park
Senate Park reopened after a multi-year project.
Rubell Museum
The Rubell Museum opened in the old Randall School, showcasing contemporary art from the Rubells’ collection – and they’ve made it free for D.C. residents.
There’s so much we are not showing here – some of which is difficult to put into words or photos, especially the ongoing suffering from the pandemic, and the lives that are lived in difficult economic and social circumstances. We wish everyone the best for 2023.