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How to celebrate Juneteenth in D.C.

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How to celebrate Juneteenth in D.C.


Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Juneteenth has gotten much more nationwide consideration since turning into a federal vacation in 2021, however Washingtonians have been celebrating the day lengthy earlier than George Floyd’s homicide.

Historical past lesson: The Anacostia Neighborhood Museum has hosted Juneteenth occasions as early as 1989. Moreover, a few of D.C.’s Texas transplants will be credited for bringing their Juneteenth traditions to the District. 

What they’re saying: Laquan Austion, founding father of D.C.-based The Juneteenth Basis, says folks of all races ought to view June 19 as an American vacation — not one only for Black folks. 

  • “Take into consideration July 4th,” Austion tells Axios. “We have a good time that day for American independence. Juneteenth represents our independence from ourselves. Now all of us have the power to pursue the Founding Fathers’ imaginative and prescient.” 
  • The group hosts a celebration for the vacation and was based in 2020 to construct consciousness round Juneteenth and promote commemoration of it as an American vacation. 

The way to have a good time: Listed here are Austion’s suggestions for recognizing Juneteenth:

  • Be taught the historical past: It is a second to be introspective and ask, “Why have been folks nonetheless enslaved in 1865? Why didn’t they get the data in Galveston?” he says.
  • Scholarships: He encourages folks to donate to traditionally Black faculties and universities. 
  • DEI: Push your organization on variety, fairness, and inclusion insurance policies and ask them to share their particular DEI plans. 
  • Have a good time mindfully: Austion stated it’s essential to acknowledge that for some folks, it is a “second of solace and mourning.” However nonetheless, folks ought to get out of their communities, go to occasions, and use this as an “alternative to study and listen to.” 

On being an ally: “Positively exit, be an ally, be an asset,” Austion says. “However don’t be tone-deaf and attempt to hijack it as your individual. Don’t attempt to commercialize it.”

There can be many methods this weekend to watch the vacation domestically. 

  • We’re eyeing Alexandria’s celebration, which is able to embody the re-opening of the Freedom Home Museum. It’s devoted to honoring the lives of free and enslaved Black individuals who lived and have been trafficked via Alexandria.

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Washington, D.C

‘We got to come out to vote as a people’: Early voting continues in special election in Ward 8 DC Council seat – WTOP News

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‘We got to come out to vote as a people’: Early voting continues in special election in Ward 8 DC Council seat – WTOP News


Early voting continues to fill the seat on the D.C. Council that Trayon White held before he was expelled in February by the council after being charged with taking bribes.

Residents went to the Anacostia Public Library Saturday to cast their ballots for the Ward 8 seat on the D.C. Council.
(WTOP/Jimmy Alexander)

WTOP/Jimmy Alexander

Ballot stations in Southeast DC
Additional ballot stations at the Anacostia Public Library.
(WTOP/Jimmy Alexander)

WTOP/Jimmy Alexander

Early voting sheet
The Board of Elections posted the numbers of early voting at Anacostia Public Library in Southeast D.C.
(WTOP/Jimmy Alexander)

WTOP/Jimmy Alexander

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Early voting continues to fill the seat on the D.C. Council that Trayon White held before he was expelled in February by the council after being charged with taking bribes.

Ward 8 residents went to the Anacostia Public Library in Southeast D.C. Saturday to cast their ballots for the council seat. The candidates are White, Mike Austin, Salim Adofo and Sheila Bunn.

“This will be the best time to get a new councilmember on Ward 8,” said Andrea Tucker.

The main issues for voters included crime, new restaurants, new recreation centers and keeping children off the streets.

Another voter, Allan Bussey, said that to see change, people will have to go out and cast their ballots.

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“We got to come out to vote as a people. We need young voters, if we can get them, all the way up to our elders,” Bussey said.

Early voting runs through Monday, ahead of Tuesday’s election.

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© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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Man accused of shooting 3-year-old in DC held without bond – WTOP News

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Man accused of shooting 3-year-old in DC held without bond – WTOP News


The man accused of shooting and killing a three-year-old girl in Southeast D.C. will be held without bond.

The man accused of shooting and killing a 3-year-old girl in Southeast D.C. will be held without bond.

Charles Rucker, 24, appeared in court Saturday on a charge of first-degree murder while armed after his arrest on Friday for the shooting of Honesty Cheadle.

Cheadle was with her family in a car parked on 14th Street on July 5 when Rucker allegedly opened fire on the car at least six times, shooting the toddler in the head.

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According to the arrest warrant, Rucker fled the scene but returned three minutes later and was seen on camera shining his flashlight at the ground and picking up different items.

The arrest warrant states he was likely picking up shell casings.

Cheadle was taken to a hospital by DC Fire and EMS personnel, where she died on Monday.

A preliminary hearing for Rucker will be held on Aug. 13.

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© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.



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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority returns to D.C. for 57th National Convention

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority returns to D.C. for 57th National Convention


Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com

Thousands of members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority gathered in the nation’s capital for the organization’s 57th National Convention, celebrating more than 111 years of sisterhood, scholarship and service. The biennial event, held July 8-13, welcomed more than 20,000 attendees to Washington, D.C., where the sorority was founded in 1913.

Sorority members from all across the country have come to Washington, D.C., to the 57th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. From left, Delicia Arnic, Delois Woodard, Deandria Arnic, Deloren Arnic and Felicia Arnic). Credit: AFRO Photo/ Andrea Stevens

Founded by 22 collegiate women on the campus of Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta is one of the largest historically Black sororities, with more than 350,000 initiated members and over 1,000 chapters worldwide. The return to its birthplace marked a meaningful homecoming for many members and served as a powerful reminder of the sorority’s legacy and continued impact.

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Elsie Cooke-Holmes, the 27th international president and chair of the board of directors, welcomed attendees and reflected on the significance of the convention.

“This is Delta’s home, and I know for some of my D9 (Divine Nine) brothers and sisters, you’re at home too,” she said. “This convention is more than a convening — it’s a homecoming of strength and purpose. A sacred opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve built and the vision we carry forward as we continue to serve.”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is celebrating more than 111 years of sisterhood, scholarship and service. Seen here: Demeata Watson Robinson, left, and Shari Wright-Harley. Credit: AFRO Photo/ Andrea Stevens

The five-day event featured a mix of business sessions, service initiatives, educational forums and cultural celebrations. One of the highlights was the public meeting held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, featuring remarks from civic leaders, educators and national figures who applauded the sorority’s commitment to social action, economic development and public service.

Several awards were presented during the public meeting, but for the AFRO team, the Lillian Award stood out with deep personal significance.

Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher of the AFRO, received the Lillian Award. She is the granddaughter of the award’s namesake and a descendant of one of the sorority’s founders. The honor has been a part of her family’s legacy for generations. Dr. Draper shared a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother.

Founded by 22 collegiate women on the campus of Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta is one of the largest historically Black sororities. Credit: AFRO Photo/ Andrea Stevens

“‘Be strong. We’re not here to play, to dream, to drift. We have hard work to do and loads to lift.’ That hymn was my grandmother’s favorite — not just a melody, but a mandate,” Draper said. “She didn’t just hum it; she lived it. She leaned on those words through joy and heartbreak, from trials to triumph. She then passed that strength on to her family, her church and her beloved Delta Sigma Theta.”

Media personality Joy-Ann Reid, another recipient of the Lillian Award — named in honor of the sorority’s 15th national president, who championed the positive portrayal of African Americans — also spoke passionately about the power of Black storytelling.

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One of the highlights for many attendees like Angela Lee was the public meeting held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Credit: AFRO Photo/ Andrea Stevens

“We have to call our own names. We have to tell our own stories. We have to assert our dignity on our own terms,” Reid said. “It is up to us to make sure that we don’t disappear, that our stories, our narrative, don’t disappear. Storytelling is how we do that, and I’m just honored to be in the business of telling our stories.”

The convention also brought significant economic impact to the region, generating an estimated $50 million for the District through hotel bookings, transportation and tourism.

“I am so delighted that you’re having your 57th national convention here,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “I was happy to hear that this is your second largest convening. I promptly asked, ‘Well, what was the first?’ And it was right here in Washington, D.C.”

The five-day event gathered more than 20,000 sorority members for a time filled with celebration, memories and reflection. Seen here: Kristina Jones, left, Lolita Cromer and Marcileen Pruitt.
Credit: AFRO Photo/ Andrea Stevens

Mayor Bowser went on to thank the sorority for its long-standing political engagement and for choosing the nation’s capital as its convention site.

“Thank you for your advocacy in City Hall during ‘Delta Days’ every single year for budgets that affect us. Thank you for your advocacy on Capitol Hill. Your legislators must hear from you,” Bowser said. “We appreciate you for spending those long Delta dollars in the nation’s capital, but beyond that, thank you for choosing this city for your convention.”



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