There's No Place Like Home(Coming)

Our photo series, “There’s No Place Like Home(Coming): A Century of Legacy at Howard University,” captured the essence of HU’s historic 100th homecoming. The celebratory experience featured an array of talent, music, fashion, and dance and honored unity, joy, and, most importantly, love. It brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a family reunion of current Howard students, alumni, and friends to celebrate the university that gave so many a place to thrive and others a place to appreciate Black excellence. Relive the experience through our lens and immerse yourself in HU’s influential legacy.

Lavendar Reception

In celebration of Howard University’s 100th homecoming, Districtly Speaking attended the ninth annual Lavender Reception – an event centered around amplifying awareness and activism for the LGBTQIA+ community, and awarding scholarships for students who advocate for inclusion and justice.

We spoke to Jay Jones, Howard University’s first transgender student body president, to gather what the Lavender Reception truly means to her and any advice she may have for those struggling with their identity.

Fotos y Recuerdos: Hispanic Heritage Month

The National Portrait Gallery hosted a colorful and heartwarming event, Fotos y Recuerdos: Hispanic Heritage Month Festival, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The event primarily focused on the bilingual children’s book publishing company Lil’ Libros, which strives to educate young readers about bilingualism and Latin American culture. It consisted of a Q&A with Lil’ Libros founders Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, author Cynthia Gonzalez, and illustrator Ana Godinez, moderated by Lori Lizarraga from NPR’s Code Switch podcast.

Rodriguez and Stein spoke about what inspired them to start Lil’ Libros. They are mothers and didn’t see themselves represented in books growing up. They didn’t have access to English and Spanish books, and they wanted their children to have access to what they didn’t at their ages.

It was followed by a performance and dance workshop with Corazón Folklórico Dance Company, a nonprofit organization that practices Mexican folk dance. Furthermore, there was a book signing with Lil’ Libros founders, and Godinez led a “Vámos” storytime and a sketching demonstration.

Moreover, a tour was conducted in English and Spanish to educate attendees on Hispanic culture, highlighting some Latino/Latina artistry at The National Portrait Gallery. Overall, it was a fascinating and educational event that was enjoyable for all ages!

Banned Books Week

Districtly Speaking was thrilled to attend the start of Banned Books Week in DC with the “Shelved Voices” event, and found it so incredibly insightful. The admirable work of librarians and the national issue of book banning is often under-discussed, and this event allowed us to truly understand this pressing issue.

We spoke to Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director of the DC Public Library System, to learn more about the problems we’re facing and why Banned Books Week is so important.

Unbought & Unbossed

On the sidelines of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference ,an emotionally riveting event on Capitol Hill, honoring Black women in Congress. The ‘Unbought and Unbossed” reception highlighted several women who have made a difference in politics and advocacy and recognized the Black women who paved the way for them, specifically Shirley Chisholm.

The event pulled on many of the attendees' heartstrings and touched many Black women in the audience. Supermajority and other sponsors collaborated and organized a fantastic event. Chisholm was the first Black woman in Congress, and her motto and autobiography is “Unbought and Unbossed,” which also influenced the very name of the event.

The awardees included Purple Heart recepient and nurse Antoinette V. Scott; DNC Black Caucus Chair Virgie M. Rollins; Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA); Export-Import President & Chair Reta Jo Lewis, Former WNBA Player & Coach Dawn Staley; DC Mayor Muriel Bowser; and Supermajority’s Chief Impact Officer Jara Butler.

Overall, this was an amazing event that greatly affected the sea of Black women in Congress in the room and gave us hope for the future, specifically seeing Black women in high-profile roles potential.

Talk of the Town

A Historic Stop

#BlackWomenLead Reception

The Districtly Speaking team, took a casual day to truly explore a few different areas of the District. Washington D.C. is a wonderfully diverse city that encompasses many different people, environments, and experiences. Our time at Florida Avenue Grill particularly showed the heart of the district and its everlasting culture. Florida Avenue Grill has been family-run since 1944 and is the home of many historical events, including Martin Luther King Jr’s planning of the March on Washington. Washington D.C. has so much rich history and diverse ideas, and this is precisely what makes it great.

#BlackWomenLead Reception

Districtly Speaking President Jonelle Henry attended the #BlackWomenLead Reception during CBC's Annual Legislative Conference in DC. The event, co-hosted by Higher Heights and EMILYs List, was a powerful celebration of Black women's leadership. The event not only honored past achievements but also energized attendees for the challenges ahead. Great connections were made and attendees left the event feeling inspired and more committed than ever to amplifying Black women's voices in politics and beyond.

There's No Place Like Home(Coming)

Lavendar Reception

Fotos y Recuerdos: Hispanic Heritage Month

Fotos y Recuerdos: Hispanic Heritage Month

Banned Books Week

Unbought & Unbossed

Talk of the Town

A Historic Stop

#BlackWomenLead Reception

#BlackWomenLead Reception

#BlackWomenLead Reception

#BlackWomenLead Reception

#BlackWomenLead Reception

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