RECIPIENT OF THE DC BLACK MBA ASSOCIATION 2023 LEGACY AWARD
Serving Our Community in the DMV
Vol 60 No 48
September 11 - 17, 2025
Demonstrators Respond to ‘Paid Protesters’ Claim, Call for ‘Free D.C.’
Federal Surge Highlights Potential for Racial, Socioeconomic Solidarity, Organizers Say
Marchers Go to Freedom Plaza, Congress in Rallies Across District
Mixed Reaction to Bowser’s Mayoral Order By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer As the federal occupation of D.C. nears the 30-day mark, District residents of various racial and socioeconomic backgrounds are not only standing up against the influx of federal agents, but also criticizing what’s been described as D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s blatant cooperation with the Trump administration. For a District educator who re-
Business Leaders Have Mixed Reviews on National Guard in D.C.
Some Feel Safer, While Others Say Guardsmen Bad for Business
Sports Page 44
quested anonymity, this particular moment creates an opportunity for more privileged dissidents to fully understand the overpolicing that occurs in the District’s majority-Black,
By Trevor Johnson Contributing Writer While conservative critics have attempted to delegitimize anti-Trump movements and claim demonstrators are paid— an idea the president has repeatedly advanced in his attacks against opposition— protesters from diverse backgrounds continue to rally across the District, calling for a “Free D.C.” About 10,000 demonstrators took to the
SURGE Page 40 4About 10,000 people took to the streets of Northwest, D.C. to march from down 16th Street NW to Freedom Plaza in the We Are All DC march on Saturday, Sept. 6. (Trevor Johnson/The Washington Informer)
FREE D.C. Page 51
Spirituality, Family Define Million Man March, Unifest Reboot
March Leaders Announce Details for October Events By James Wright WI Staff Writer
Guard was going to be posted at Union Station— though admittedly not a fan of President Donald Trump or his politics— she was somewhat pleased at this new development. “We need the additional security,” Banks, 30, told The Informer on Sept. 2, days before the U.S. Army reportedly said it will stay in the District until Nov. 30. “I honestly don’t think it is so bad.
As Washingtonians navigate the federal officer surge and other pressures from the Trump administration, the Rev. Willie Wilson and community leaders took to Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast, D.C. to spread the good news of the 30th Anniversary Million Man March and the rebirth of Unifest, highlighting the importance of bringing people together during a challenging time for the nation’s capital, country
BUSINESS Page 15
MARCH Page 11
5 While some entrepreneurs are welcoming the National Guard in D.C., others have already begun to experience a shift since troops assumed control of the Metropolitan Police Department in August. (WI File Photo/Cleveland Nelson)
By James Wright WI Staff Writer Over the years, Samarah Lee Banks has reported to work at Lee’s Flowers in Union Station in Northeast, D.C., navigating some of the challenges that come with encountering residents who are dealing with behavioral and mental crises, housing insecurity, or have criminal intent. So when Banks found out that the National
5 The Rev. Willie Wilson speaks about the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Million Man March and the revival of Unifest at Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast, D.C. Wilson, senior pastor emeritus at Union Temple, says the events will unify Black people across the District, nation and world. (Demarco Rush/The Washington Informer)
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