A New Era
in America JANUARY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 1
JANUARY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Peaceful Transfer of Power
Trump Signs Multiple Exec. Orders
PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes
Black Turnout at Women’s March on Washington Examined
EDITOR’S LETTER As a new era in America’s history begins it is glaringly obvious that life as we know it will never be the same. This is obviously nothing to fear, but it definitely should set a fire under everyone to be informed, engaged and aware of what is happening around them. This year started off with the 44th President Barack Obama saying farewell to the American people, a business man with no political experience taking over as commander-in-chief and a historic Women’s March on Washington.
Solidarity Overriding Theme from Historic Day
Artist Jidenna Urges Resistance in a Simple Way
PHOTOGRAPHER Dejah Greene
Millennial Activist and Political Leaders Speak
Black History Month Guide 2017
ON THE COVER
In this issue we report from the 58th Presidential Inauguration, a NAACP rally and the Women’s March getting on the ground reactions to history in the making.
LAYOUT
These events without a doubt, will forever change the political and social landscape of the country; and now more than ever it is time to pay attention to what unfolds in Washington on the federal and local level and hold lawmakers accountable.
Dominiqua S. Eldridge
Activist, thought leaders, celebrities and everyday people have taken on the fight to make America live up to its ideals as stated in the constitution. See them in action inside. The policies that Donald Trump’s administration put forward from here on out will effect our lives and future generations tremendously. It is on us to be vigilant and active in this democracy. In the meantime check out our Black History Month Guide 2017 to find plenty of events happening in and around the District. Don’t forget to keep up with us on social media! If you’re a writer/photographer and you want to be a part of the Bridge team email me at swright@ washingtoninformer.com. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at Sarafinasaid.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS A woman gives the Black Power salute while participating in the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, Jan. 21 on the National Mall. /Photo by Roy Lewis.
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Sarafina Wright Jade James-Gist
JANUARY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 1
Peaceful Transfer of Power Trump Signs Multiple Exec. Orders
The 44th President Barack Obama and the 45th President Donald Trump greet each other at the 58th Presidential Inauguration on Friday, Jan. 20 at the U.S. Capitol. /Photo by Roy Lewis.
On Friday, Jan. 20, Donald Trump was officially sworn in as the 45th president at his inauguration on the steps of the United States Capitol. “Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent,” Trump said. The 45th President Donald Trump gives his first address at the 58th Presidential Inauguration of the on Friday, Jan. 20 at the U.S. Capitol. /Photo by Roy Lewis.
By Sarafina Wright WI Bridge Editor-in-chief The 44th President Barack Obama gave his last address as commander in chief of the United States on Tuesday, Jan. 10 in his hometown of Chicago assuring the people that despite a contentious election season there will be a peaceful transfer of power to Donald Trump. “I committed to President-Elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition, just as President Bush did for me,” Obama said in his speech weeks ago. “Understand democracy does not require uniformity. Our founders argued, they quarreled, and eventually they compromised. They expected us to do the same. But they knew that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity. The idea that, for all our outward differences, we’re all in this together, that we rise or fall as one.”
The president insisted that the American people would also experience a “transfer of power” from Washington back to them. “The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country,” he said. “For many decades, we've enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry; subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military; we've defended other nation's borders while refusing to defend our own; and spent trillions of dollars overseas while America's infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay.” “From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land,” he said. “From this moment on, it's going to be America First.” Hours after the inauguration news broke on social media that the White House websites on climate change and LGBT rights had been removed. On the same day President Trump signed several executive orders appointing controversial cabinet members, but most notably his first stab at dismantling Obamacare or the Affordable Care
Act [ACA]. The executive order addressing the ACA seeks to allow relevant agency heads to waive or defer provisions that “impose a fiscal burden on any State or a cost, fee, tax, penalty, or regulatory burden on individuals, families, healthcare providers, health insurers, patients, recipients of healthcare services, purchasers of health insurance, or makers of medical devices, products, or medications.” He also cut a federal mortgage program that helps low-income homebuyers with discounted fees. According to CBS News the Federal Housing Administration [FHA] backs mortgages for homebuyers with less than perfect credit scores or who put down small down payments. About one in five mortgages is backed by the FHA, according to reports. The program is particularly popular with lowincome and first-time homebuyers. Top Democrat Chuck Schemer from the state of New York chastised President Trump’s action on the floor of the Senate. “One hour after talking about helping working people and ending the cabal in Washington that hurts people, he signs a regulation that makes it more expensive for new homeowners to buy mortgages,” he said.
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JANUARY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 1
Black Turnout at Women’s March on Washington Examined Solidarity Overriding Theme from Historic Day
A mother and daughter participate in the historic Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, Jan. 21 on the National Mall in Washington, DC. /Photo by Roy Lewis.
By Jade James-Gist WI Bridge Contributor On the morning after the 2016 presidential election where Donald Trump prevailed over Hillary Clinton a hastily made Facebook event popped into the newsfeed of many located in the District. Two months later, the Women’s March on Washington took over D.C. on Saturday, Jan. 21, one day after the 58th Presidential Inauguration. Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children clad with pink hats and witty signs took over the National Mall, subsequently, birthing scores of sister marches around the country and the world. What seemed to be coming together as a historic movement for all women, became challenged by the dogma of white feminism versus Black feminism and “who the march is for?” Many women of color expressed on online platforms that the march would be another “white feminist” event that historically silenced Black women and Black issues, whereas some white women felt unfairly demonized and chided to listen more and talk less.
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A woman walks in the Women’s March on Washington rally on Saturday, Jan. 21 in Washington, DC. /Photo by Roy Lewis.
The Johnsons, a Black family from Charleston, WV. didn't seem to understand the division. “You know, I don't know why,” Erica Johnson said referring to the separatism of Black and white women on the issues. Her parents Simone and Eric wanted more of colorful presence on the ground referring to the one in 30 Black people at the march. “Where were we today?” they questioned as a couple. Another Black family from Brooklyn, NY had a different perspective. “Yes, I definitely see Black people represented here,” Jackie Barham said. She traveled to D.C. with her two daughters, specifically so her children could witness the historic Women’s March. “I felt they should be a part of this,” she said. “I think everybody is understanding that we are interdependent on each other. The one good thing about this presidency is that it’s bringing up the idea of white supremacy — that it is real and that it exists.” “It’s raising people’s consciousness and it’s bringing
forth a lot of issues that we as a country need to stop acting like don't exist. We need to have a debate and a discussion about it.” Despite lower Black turnout than expected, women and men across all ages, races and ethnicities displayed solidarity. Baby boomers, millennials, small children and even babies marched for hours championing human rights, opposing the the dawn of a Donald Trump presidency. Although the movement was mostly white and female, the global sense of solidarity reigned supreme. “I really believe what Martin Luther King said about an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Arthur Stuart, a millennialaged Black man living in D.C. said. “We're all marginalized in the grand scheme of of things, and we need to support one another. We're in the same fight.”
JANUARY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 1
Artist Jidenna Urges Resistance in a Simple Way Millennial Activist and Political Leaders Speak
Singer Jidenna, encouraged resistance at the ‘People’s Inauguration’ rally on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Metropolitan AME Church in Northwest. /Photo by Travis Riddick
By Sarafina Wright WI Bridge Editor-in-chief Recording artist Jidenna expressed to dozens of youth and college students that Donald Trump’s presidency should be viewed as a blessing because you cant have Moses without Pharaoh. The NAACP Youth and College Division held the ‘People’s Inauguration’ rally to oppose the 45th president on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the historic Metropolitan AME Church in Northwest. Stephen Green, president of the division, CNN Political Commentator Symone Sanders and singer Jidenna spoke on the resistance movement against this new administration and how it must be done. “What drew me here today is simple,” Jidenna said. “It’s a time for us to think beyond what we’ve already done. We’re known around the world as people who resist, but we can’t just be reactive.” “We have to think about the next 100 years. I am here today to try and change the conversation and direction of our people.”
Green mapped out in his own words what resistance actually looks like for those willing to join the movement. “Resistance is non-violent direct action,” he said. “It’s going to take a lot more of us going to jail. We need lawyers helping us get out of jail and we need money to post bail.” He claims social media has made organizing a lot easier but not necessarily better for the millennial generation. “Martin, Malcolm and everyone back then didn't have Facebook and Twitter but they got things done,” he said. “Social media should be used as a resource, but not as our foundation. We must be willing to use history as our roadmap.” One of the tactics Jidenna suggested to show resistance was communication or the lack thereof. “We have to be covert in what we say to each other,” he said. “Everybody is so use to us being loud, speaking out and being at the forefront of every movement, we would scare them if we all just got quiet.”
He asserts that Black people would make the most noise by simply being quiet outwardly and communicating inwardly like during slavery.WW “The song ‘Wade in the Water’ wasn't just a spiritual,” he said. “It was used to warn those on the run to stay in the water and not come out, because the slave catchers were out.” NAACP President Cornell Brooks encouraged the young people at the rally to lead if they want to lead because the doors are open. “There will be no more of us relegating the millennial generation to the kiddie table of leadership,” Brooks said. A former New York City public school teacher and community activist Jidenna believes that there are certain skills Black and brown people need to get back to in order to truly resist. “How many of you know how to fish, farm and have weapons training? If you're not doing that you're not a revolutionary,” he said. “I don't want to throw that word around if we’re not ready for it.”
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JANUARY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 1
Black History Month Guide 2017
Celebrate Black History Month throughout the D.C. metro area with an array of educational, entertaining and thought provoking events. by WI Bridge Staff
I am Not Your Negro - Howard University Screening Wednesday, Feb. 1, 12 p.m. Sankofa Books & Films 2714 Georgia Ave. NW
After the screening, Dr. Gregory Carr, chair, African-American Studies Department will host a talk-back with students along with Raoul Peck, director of I Am Not Your Negro. The film will debut in theaters on Friday, Feb. 3.
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#DMVSocial: Black Brilliance 360 Viewing and Mixer Wednesday, Feb. 1, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Marvin Lounge [2nd Floor] 2007 14th Street NW
#blackbrilliance360 is everything that you HAVEN'T already seen on black men in the media. It's an original web series of conversations among black men about what matters to us most. It's inter-generational. It's stylish. It's hip. It's funny. It's smart. It's authentic. And, it's very black. Please join us for this exciting opportunity to have an Q&A panel with the producers and some of the contributors of the web series.
Discussion: African American Leisure Activities with Patsy M. Fletcher & Marya McQuirter Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m. Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library 1630 7th St. NW
Historian Patsy Mose Fletcher, author of ‘Historically African American Leisure Destinations around Washington, D.C.,’ and historian Marya McQuirter will discuss the history of African American leisure activities and places where they could relax without worrying about racism. A question and answer session will follow the discussion. A photography exhibit related to the discussion will be on view at the Shaw Library during the month of February.
Lecture: Wesley Lowery - The Obama Years: An Assessment of Race Relations in the United States Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library 901 G St. NW
Washington Post reporter Wesley Lowery contributed to the newspaper¹s 2016 Pulitzer Prize for the creation of the database tracking how often and why police shoot to kill their victims. He will discuss if U.S. race relations have improved since President Obama entered the White House, the Black Lives Matter Movement and the fatal attacks on law enforcement officers. Lowery is also the author of the forthcoming book, “They Can't Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America's Racial Justice Movement.”
JANUARY 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 1
This year’s heritage tour will take place at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. ‘Exploring our Roots’ will be the theme of the day. Ticket prices for adults are $15.00 and children under 12 are $10.00. Lunch will be provided.
Lecture: Alicia Montgomery - President Donald J. Trump: An Assessment His First 100 Days Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library 901 G St. NW
Black History Fine Wine and Art Affair Saturday, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Serengeti Gallery 7919 Central Avenue Capitol Heights, MD 20743
AfroFuturist Affair: Octavia Butler’s Kindred and Time Travel Saturday, Feb. 25, 2:30 p.m. Mt. Pleasant Library 3160 16th St. NW
Black History Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon Saturday, Feb. 18, 1:30 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library 901 G St. NW
Donald Trump's election as the 45th President of the United States has many African Americans, Muslims and immigrants fearful. Some fear being vilified. Some fear being deported. Alicia Montgomery, Editorial/Regional News Director of WAMU 88.5 and former Supervising Senior Producer of NPR’s ‘Code Switch’ will discuss what she believes Trump's first 100 days pledge to be the ‘president for all Americans’ will mean.
Can someone travel through time without a machine or an advanced degree and actively create the future? Using Octavia Butler's historical fiction masterpiece Kindred, AfroFuturist Affair founder Rasheedah Phillips proposes that time travel, defined as the reexamination of our pasts and active creation of our futures, is accessible to everyone. Phillips workshop focuses on time travel in some of its most practical applications, introduces participants to ancient African notions of time, space, and technology and their modern-day manifestation in science.
Celebrate Black History Month with a fine wine and art experience! Experience fine wines from black owned wineries/winemakers: Abbey Creek Vineyard, AlexCooper Project, Bodkin Wines, Brown Estate, Darjean Jones Wines, Frichette Winery, Longevity Wines, P. Harrell Wines, Theopolis Vineyards and Vina Sympatica. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com/UrbanConnoisseurs. Price: $75 - $900
Want to help researchers find accurate information about Black History? Wikipedia DC will lead an Edit-a-thon for Black History Month. Learn how to improve or update Wikipedia articles relating to Black life and history in Washington, DC. Attendees will also create or revise new entries related to the Library’s Black Studies collections. Participants should bring a laptop for editing articles.
Black History Month Guide 2017
7th Annual Washington Informer African American Heritage Tour Sunday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. THEARC 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE
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