The summer of 2020 seems unfamiliar, both for good (our country’s increasing embrace of racial justice) and ill (our continuing struggles with the pandemic). Photographers from throughout the DMV have captured scenes both ordinary and unprecedented and more than 30 of them contributed to this post.
In appreciation of the USPS
In these tough times, the uncertainty around the speed and reliability of the USPS and current and planned changes to it have many people worried. Living in D.C., we get to see both local and Federal postal operations, so here are some of the components of the service that we appreciate:
How a diverse community harnesses its skills to support Black Lives Matter
All performers have been saddened and sidelined by the pandemic. But as the Black Lives Matter movement grew, the performers from Sunset & Chill saw an opportunity to use their skills to create something that spoke in support of Black Lives Matter. They decided that their statement should take the form of a dance video, using their language of movement to help showcase diversity and counter toxic culture.
Smithsonian Gardens: An Oasis in the Heart of the City
Smithsonian Gardens, which include 13 horticultural delights sprinkled around the Mall, are perfect places to get away from it all in the heart of the city.
Raised Fists and Black Lives Matters
In the past few weeks of protests, raised fists have been a powerful symbol of the strength and passion of the Black Lives Matter struggle for racial justice.
John Lewis, in memoriam
John Lewis’s life and legacy was both mourned and celebrated this week in D.C.
The Zoo Reopens to the Public
During the COVID-19 outbreak, we’ve missed being able to visit our friends at the Zoo. Thankfully, as of July 24, the Zoo is once again open to visitors!
Complicated lives, complicated statues
The current Black Lives Matter protests have caused a nationwide rethinking of what types of statues belong on public display as representatives of our history and culture. If we decide to replace some statues with new ones, then even more complex decisions have to be made on who to honor and how to portray them…. Continue reading
Dance as Protest, on Black Lives Matter Plaza
Native Washingtonians Airro, L, Loso and Xanyy have been at Black Lives Matter Plaza from the beginning of the protests. Immediately following the murder of George Floyd when the crowds were gathering day and night and tensions and anger were very high, the group decided that they wanted to be a voice too, but a voice through dance, a voice that would give people pause for a moment or longer, a voice to bring a bit of a balance to the anger.
Cedar Hill on July 4th
Fireworks and concerts on the mall and neighborhood fireworks displays are annual traditions in Washington, DC but there is another tradition that acknowledges that independence was not accorded to all citizens on the July 4, 1776. Each year before the current pandemic one at the Frederick Douglass’ Cedar Hill home in Anacostia, there is a program that includes the reading of Douglass’ speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”