RECIPIENT OF THE DC BLACK MBA ASSOCIATION 2023 LEGACY AWARD
Serving Our Community in the DMV
Vol 60 No 12
Capture the Moment Page 35
January 2 - 8, 2025
Amid Chaos and Uncertainty, Local Kwanzaa Celebrations Provide a Call to Action By Sam P.K. Collins and James Wright WI Staff Writers
5 Educator Mama Nia Onyenolachi walked children through the lighting of the kinara on Dec. 27 during the Kwanzaa Children’s Party at the Panorama Room in Southeast. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
Kwanzaa celebrations this year served as a reprieve for Black District residents who weathered the storms of violent crime, weakened government safety nets, police-involved shooting deaths, and a young Black council member’s legal troubles. However, as District residents prepare for a second Trump presidency and, possibly, further congressional infringement on Home Rule, Dr. Maulana Karenga, the elder who’s credited with Kwanzaa’s creation, continued to herald its seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collec-
KWANZAA Page 22
Black Traditions for the New Year: Thinking Forward Religious Leaders, Washingtonians Emphasize Historical, Cultural Significance of the New Year
5Runners in the 11th Annual Fresh Start 5K in Southeast, D.C.’s Anacostia Park on Jan. 1. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
Mayor’s 11th Annual Fresh Start 5K Promotes Health, Celebrates D.C. Culture, Emphasizes Unity By Micha Green WI Managing Editor
Braving the cold weather and gusty winds, Washingtonians brought warmth and cheer to Anacostia Park on Jan. 1 for Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 11th Annual Fresh Start 5K. With thousands flocking to Southeast, D.C. to kick off 2025 with exercise, the annual gathering was not solely about promoting health, but also emphasizing the importance of togetherness and celebrating the beau-
ty and boldness of District culture. “We’re carrying a lot of great momentum into 2025, and that starts on Jan. 1,” Bowser said in a statement on New Year’s Eve. “Whether you’re running for fitness, walking with friends, or cheering on loved ones, the Fresh Start 5K is a celebration of community and an energizing way to start the new year.” Since its inception, the mayor’s 5K, free for
D.C. Leaders Pleased with Senate’s Passage of RFK Stadium Bill
By Hamil R. Harris and Jada Ingleton WI Contributing Writer and WI Digital Equity Fellow
5While most people anticipate new beginnings at the top of January, many African American families will start 2025 with time-tested traditions that uphold the foundation and historic values of the Black community, such as Watch Night services and eating foods like collard greens and black eyed peas. AI Generated Image/Fotor)
From Christmas carols, to lighting the kinara during Kwanzaa, and eating specific food on New Year’s Day, the holiday season is packed with a series of traditions that celebrate African American history, strength, culture and the work that continues toward equity and justice for all. While families, churches and native Washingtonians anticipate new beginnings at the top of January, many will start 2025 with time-tested traditions that uphold the foundation and historic values of the Black community, including: hosting Watch Night services, praying for the future, and maintaining generations of heritage with meal preparations and practices.
TRADITIONS Page 36
FRESH START Page 42
By James Wright WI Staff Writer
5D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (right) and Councilmember Brooke Pinto (center) at the“Farewell RFK Stadium” event in December 2022, hosted byEvents DC. (WI File Photo)
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In a surprise, exciting and relieving turn of events for District leaders, the U.S. Senate approved legislation in the wee hours of Dec. 16 that transfers the jurisdiction of the RFK Stadium site in Northeast from the federal government to the District.
RFK Page 43