April 2025. Volume 10. Issue 4.
Moving Into Spring
We’re in Instagram @wibridgedc @WIBRIDGEDC editor-in-chief & creative director :
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Lafayette Barnes IV
Photography : Lafayette Barnes IV
Layout Design :
Lafayette Barnes IV
Contributing Writers : Staff
letter from the editor
Dear Readers, As the year moves along, we continue to recognize those who make our area worth enjoying. In this edition of The Bridge, we highlight the continuing legacy of Lee’s Flower Shop with Marah Banks, the fourth-generation owner, who is celebrating the third anniversary of the company’s Union Station location. We also spend time with Tydryn Monet, a professional dancer who has returned to the city after performing with some of the biggest stars around the world. Lastly, we spotlight a new Black-owned supper club that’s sure to be on your list of places to visit. There are so many more stories to explore, so be sure to visit us online at www.wibridgedc.com and follow us on social media. We’re on Instagram and TikTok at @wibridgedc. We've been working hard to deliver meaningful and entertaining video content that connects you with the people and places shaping the DMV. Have a great month, and embrace the changes coming your way. Don’t forget to stop and smell the owers, too. Love, Lafayette Barnes IV Editor-in-Chief The Washington Informer Bridge
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Flower Finesser in Full Bloom Marah Banks Celebrates Year Three of DC’s Iconic Black-Owned Flower Shop at Union Station
Written by: Lafayette Barnes IV
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Lee's Flower and Card Shop, a cherished establishment in Washington, D.C.'s historic U Street corridor, is celebrating a significant milestone: the third anniversary of its Union Station location, affectionately known as "Lee's 2." Under the stewardship of Marah Banks, a fourth-generation member of the Lee family, this expansion has flourished, continuing the family's legacy of floral excellence and community service. Founded in 1945 by William and Winnifred Lee, Lee's Flower Shop has been a resilient presence in the city, navigating challenges such as the 1968 riots and ongoing urban transformations. The original shop relocated to 1026 U Street NW in 1968, just before the upheaval following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. During that tumultuous time, Richard Lee and his mother Winnifred safeguarded the store by staying overnight and placing a 'Soul Brother' sign to deter looting. Marah Banks, known as the "Flower Finesser," has infused Lee's 2 with vibrant energy and a commitment to quality. Located in Union Station's main hall, the shop offers an array of flowers, plants, candles, and gii items, catering to the diverse needs of commuters and visitors alike. Reflecting on the journey, Marah shared, "We are so proud to have our location at 1026 U Street and our second location at Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue."
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To commemorate the third anniversary of Lee's 2, a celebration is scheduled for Sunday, May 18th, from 3 to 7 p.m. The festivities will feature D.C. native rapper and influencer Pinky Killacorn as the celebrity guest host. Attendees can look forward to engaging with Black-owned vendors offering candles, waist beads, and cards. The event promises a lively atmosphere with food, drinks, and community spirit, embodying the shop's dedication to fostering local connections. For those interested in staying connected, Lee's Flower Shop maintains an active online presence. Follow them on Instagram at @LeesFlowersDC and visit their website at www.leesflowersandcard.com for updates and offerings. Marah Banks also shares her floral designs and new inventory on her Instagram handle, @1finnesserr. As Lee's Flower Shop continues to bloom across generations, the third anniversary of Lee's 2 stands as a testament to the family's enduring commitment to beauty, resilience, and community engagement in Washington, D.C.
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Church on Sunday Presents “Church on the Move” with Renowned Dancer Tydryn Monet
Written by: Lafayette Barnes IV
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Movement, music, and community took center stage at the Dance Institute of Washington as Church On Sunday presented its newest immersive experience: Church on the Move. The house dance workshop series kicked off with energy, rhythm, and soul—anchored by D.C. native and globally renowned professional dancer Tyndrn Monet.
“This was about sharing, not just movement, but a legacy,” Tydryn explained. “We talked about Brian Green, Ray Basa... we name-dropped the greats.”
“Church on the Move” is more than just a dance class—it’s a cultural revival. Led by Tydryn, whose resume includes performances with Beyoncé, Rihanna, N.E.R.D., and Katy Perry, the two-hour session wove together the foundations of house dance with storytelling, cyphers, and pure community energy.
Backed by a live house music soundtrack from @JackieChansDog, the session pulsed with nonstop rhythm. From warmups to freestyle cyphers and group choreography, “Church on the Move” was a celebration of expression, fitness, and freedom.
“Everybody was vibing, everybody was dancing, was sharing energy. And it was amazing—beautiful. I cannot wait for the next one,” Monet shared aaer the event, smiling wide from the joy of giving back to her hometown. A seasoned performer with over 15 years of professional experience, Tydryn brought the crowd back to the roots. Participants moved through foundational steps, learned the history behind house dance, and honored legends like Frankie Knuckles, Jojo Diggs, and Marjory Smarth. 8
Hosted at 3400 14th St NW by Church On Sunday, the workshop marks a new chapter in D.C.’s dance culture—one rooted in legacy, driven by creativity, and powered by community. Keep your eyes peeled for the next session—and come ready to move.
Downtown D.C. Welcomes GAIA Supperclub a New Global Dining Experience Written by: Lafayette Barnes IV
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A new Latin and Mediterranean fusion restaurant has opened in downtown Washington, D.C. GAIA Supperclub, located at 1025 Vermont Avenue NW, combines upscale dining with immersive entertainment in a space designed by local firm Drummond Projects. The restaurant draws inspiration from international destinations like Mykonos, Dubai, and Saint-Tropez, aiming to blend fine dining with elements of nightlife. The concept was developed by a team of hospitality and nightlife veterans. Wayne Johnson and Tony Perry, known for their work on popular venues like Saint Yves, Abigail, and Llamabar Café, partnered with Mele Melton, an East African-born entrepreneur with over two decades of international experience in luxury hospitality. Melton described the restaurant as a space that reflects her upbringing between cultures and her professional background in high-end service, emphasizing a global approach to the dining experience.
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The menu at GAIA was created by chef Sammy Davis, a past winner of Food Network’s Chopped and the founder of the Milk & Honey restaurant group. At GAIA, Davis moves away from his usual Southern comfort style, presenting a menu that features a mix of Mediterranean and Latin flavors. Dishes include deep-fried hummus with a mousse-like texture, chicken nuggets topped with crème fraîche, caviar, and edible gold, and a 1.5-pound Tomahawk ribeye served with truffle butter, chimichurri, and tiger sauce. In addition to food, GAIA offers live entertainment including DJs, musicians, and dancers, merging the dining and nightlife experience. The space seats approximately 70 guests and is designed with emerald green tones, golden brown accents, and plush banquettes arranged to allow for both conversation and celebration. The cocktail menu features herb-forward drinks inspired by coastal Europe. GAIA Supperclub is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. More information and reservations can be found at gaiasupperclub.com.
Photography by: Cameron Whitman
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