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Monthly News & Updates

February 2024

Issue XXXVVVVVVI

Words Matter: A Guide to Inclusive Language around Racial and Ethnic Identity

Director's Note

አማርኛ (Amharic)中文 (Chinese) | Français (French)

한국어 (Korean)| Español (Spanish) |Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends: 


Before the Harlem Renaissance kicked off in the 1920s, the U Street Corridor boasted the largest urban population of African Americans in the nation. It essentially functioned as a city within a city, where African Americans were free from the shackles of  Jim Crow and could enjoy Black-owned or Black-friendly businesses, churches, theaters, gyms, or other community spaces free.  


For the first half of the 20th century, “Black Broadway,” a name coined by actress, author, and singer Pearl Bailey, was the hub for creativity, activism, and community – a testament to the incredible power of Black voices shaping our world. Iconic figures like Louis Armstrong, Madame Lillian Evanti, Billey Holiday, Miles Davis, and Jelly Roll Morton performed in local clubs, while figures like Zora Neale Hurston and Mary McLeod Bethune found refuge.  


The area also was home to the country’s first African American YMCA, which opened in 1853 and functioned, in part, as a meeting space for civil rights activists. During Prohibition, many of the District’s thousands of speakeasies were located along the corridor, which historian Garret Peck credits for helping to integrate the deeply segregated city. You can learn more about U Street and other notable DC neighborhoods on the DC Heritage Trail. 


Although the history of Black Broadway has been long forgotten by some, it is a reminder that Black artists have played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and political landscape, not only of the District but also of the nation.  For centuries, the arts, whether visual and performing, literature, music, culinary, and so on, have been a powerful medium for storytelling, activism, and social change.  



As we celebrate Black History Month, we must take a moment to honor the legacy of Black artists and to reaffirm our commitment to amplify Black voices and support emerging talent. In doing so, we reiterate our commitment to advancing racial justice and equity and ensure that the arts remain a vibrant reflection of our shared humanity. 


Together, let us continue to honor the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of the Black community, not just in February, but all year long.  

In Solidarity,

Hnin Khaing

Director

Trait of the Month:

Under the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, color is defined as "skin pigmentation, including variations in skin pigmentation."




DID YOU KNOW: Melanin is a pigment produced by special cells called melanocytes, that controls the color of your eyes, lips, skin, and hair. There is a special type of melanin in the brain, called neuromelanin, that is believed to protect against degenerative conditions of the nervous system. A significant loss of neuromelanin in the brain has been observed in those with Parkinson's.

OHR in the Community

MOCA Open House

January 30th

Marion Barry


Winter Hiring Fair

February 13th

MLK Library

Know Your Rights Training

February 15th

This training happens quarterly and is a great way to learn about your protections in DC. Keep an eye out on here for the date for the next one.

Human Rights Liaison Training 2.0

February 21st

This training is a great opportunity to learn about the District's long and rich tradition of being a leader in human and city rights; what discrimination is in three of the four enforcement areas; and what to do if you believe you have been discriminated against. The next one will be held in June. Stay tuned for more information.

What's New and Upcoming

Events and Observances

We are delighted to announce the 17th Annual Rooting DC!

Saturday, March 9th


Rooting DC is a FREE, day-long urban gardening forum which:

1) provides education about urban agriculture and food systems,

2) cultivates health and protection of the environment, and

3) builds community.


Rooting DC is the District’s central meeting ground for individuals and entities looking to expand urban gardening efforts to grow a healthier food system in the nation’s capital. This annual, day-long event started in 2007 as a small gathering of 150 urban gardeners and has grown into an annual event with hundreds of attendees and local experts from across the region. This year's event is in-person and includes educational workshops, networking space, and valuable community building where local food-systems stakeholders share their knowledge and learn from one another.

Reserve a Spot Here

DC Office of Human Rights | 202.727.4559 | ohr.dc.gov

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