Washington, D.C
Mosaic Theater Company launches ‘Young John Lewis’ reflection series
Mosaic Theater Company of DC is proud to announce the Young John Lewis Reflection Series, a season-long slate of community conversations, performances and special events leading up to and surrounding the world premiere of Young John Lewis. Running March 26-April 26, 2026, Young John Lewis is a new musical celebrating the life and legacy of the late Congressman and Civil Rights leader. The Reflection Series extends the play’s themes into the community with events across all eight wards of Washington, DC, honoring Lewis’ commitment to “good trouble” while celebrating the city’s rich cultural, artistic and civic life.
“Art and activism go hand in hand in moving society forward,” said Reginald L. Douglas, Artistic Director of Mosaic Theater Company. “With this Reflection Series, we honor John Lewis’ legacy by creating space for dialogue, celebration and action across our city. Our hope is that audiences will see themselves in his story, and leave the theater not only inspired but empowered to make good trouble of their own.” “The Reflection Series is about weaving John Lewis’ story into the fabric of DC life,” added Jacob Ettkin, Mosaic’s Education and Engagement Manager. “By partnering with community leaders, schools, libraries and arts organizations, we’re ensuring that this musical extends beyond our stage into a citywide movement that uplifts history, community and future generations of changemakers.”
About Young John Lewis
Book and Lyrics by Psalmayene 24
Music by Kokayi
Directed by Reginald L. Douglas
March 26-April 26, 2026
It’s time to make some Good Trouble! In this new musical, Mosaic’s Playwright-in-Residence Psalmayene 24 honors the legendary “Conscience of Congress”: the late Congressman John Lewis. Focusing on the Congressman’s formative years of ages 18-28, Young John Lewis reveals the humanity and heart of this mighty historic figure. The musical explores how the murder of Emmett Till motivated Lewis to pursue a life of service, including leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, fighting for Civil Rights with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and nearly two decades of work in Congress. A theatrical event not to be missed, Young John Lewis is both a galvanizing call to action and an inspiring reminder that we can all make a difference, no matter our age.
A Season of Good Trouble: Young John Lewis Reflection Series
October
Celebration of Community
October 9, 2025 | Ward 2 | Eaton DC | Free event
In the spirit of John Lewis’ commitment to coalition building across disparate communities, Mosaic will celebrate the power of connecting across differences with this kickoff event at Eaton DC featuring food, drinks, and a celebration of Good Trouble from a diverse group of inspiring voices.
A Celebration of Community
Thursday, October 9 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Eaton DC – 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeN1C…/viewform
What to expect:
Sneak peek of Young John Lewis from Helen Hayes Award-winner Psalmayene 24 and a taste of the music from Grammy Award-nominee Kokayi
Insights from the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History & Culture
The Honorable Cori Bush and Mosaic Artistic Director Reginald L. Douglas in conversation
Panel of local leaders featuring Seeds of Peace, AARP DC, US Department of Justice–Civil Rights Division, Capital Pride Alliance, and Rising Organizers
November
Hip Hop History Month
November 5, 2025 | Ward 8 | Busboys and Poets Anacostia
Mosaic partners with Busboys and Poets Anacostia for a night uplifting local spoken word and hip-hop artists and highlighting Young John Lewis’ hip-hop roots.
December
A Celebration of DC Home Rule
Date TBD | Ward 2 | MLK Library
December 24, 2025, marks 52 years of home rule in Washington, DC. Mosaic heads to MLK Library–the first major project DC built independently–for a celebration of DC artistry, identity and community. Programmed in partnership with the DC Public Library and the DC History Center.
January
Remembering John Lewis: Good Trouble and the Black-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance
January 16-18 | Ward 3 | Adas Israel Congregation
Mosaic partners with Adas Israel Congregation and its church and gospel partners for the yearly Martin Luther King weekend days of inspiration. From shabbat to the Sunday community day of service, Mosaic and Adas will share stories, challenges and musical inspirations from Lewis’ exemplary life of social action and building the beloved community.
Not Just Another Day Off Poetry Reading
January 17, 2026 | Ward 6 | Folger Theatre
Each year, the Folger celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday with inspiring poetry readings and rousing historical speeches delivered by contemporary poets and actors. Mosaic will amplify their work and the significant relationship between Dr. King and Congressman Lewis, which is featured heavily in the musical.
The Fox & the Panther Play Reading
January 22, 2026 | Ward 4 | Busboys and Poets Takoma
The Fox & the Panther by Tariq Hamami takes us to the 1960s when Algeria established itself as the anti-colonial capital of the world and hosted multiple revolutionaries including the Black Panther Party. Presented in collaboration with California’s Golden Thread Productions, this new play reading will include a special talkback with the playwright and local leaders, highlighting the work of activists in the 1960s and now. Reading hosted at Busboys and Poets Takoma.
DC: A Home for New Musicals
January 26, 2026 | Location TBD
A panel conversation led by Washington Post theater critic Naveen Kumar highlighting local theater companies producing new musicals. Produced in partnership with Olney Theatre Company and Signature Theatre Company, the event will feature performances from Young John Lewis and upcoming productions at the peer theaters.
February
The Spark
February 7, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Mosaic’s annual benefit event will honor local “Good Trouble” leaders Susan Clampitt (former Deputy Chair for Programs at the National Endowment for the Arts), Andy Shallal (Founder & CEO of Busboys & Poets), and George Vradenburg (civic leader and founder of Mosaic’s Trish Vradenburg Play Commission, honoring his late wife’s contributions to the arts by supporting emerging female playwrights). The event will feature a performance from Young John Lewis and a sneak peek of Mosaic’s 2026/27 season.
Celebration of DC Black Theater
February 26, 2026 | Ward 1 | Howard University
A moving panel highlighting DC’s long history of being a hub for Black theater featuring present-day local Black women artistic leaders in conversation with trailblazers who built the legacy. Programmed in partnership with Howard University and State of DC Black Theatre.
March
The Mosaic High School Playwriting Contest
March 15, 2026 | Ward 2 | MLK Library
Mosaic uplifts the next generation of playwrights through its High School Playwriting Contest, providing mentorship, instruction and a professionally guided reading of the winning play with a director and working actors. This year’s contest is inspired by the themes of Young John Lewis, including justice, coalition building, and activism within our communities.
Artist Talkback with Psalmayene 24
March 28, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Curious about what went into the making of Young John Lewis? Playwright Psalmayene 24 will share insights into the process behind the production and his artistic practice following a performance of the musical.
Author Talk: March
Date TBD | Ward 2 | MLK Library
March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis’ personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement. Mosaic and the DC Public Library welcome March author Andrew Aydin for a conversation on his work and Lewis’ legacy.
April
Intergenerational Matinees
April 2, 9, 22, 23, and 30, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
After watching Young John Lewis together, middle and high school students and seniors will engage in a post-show conversation with Mosaic’s artists and one another.
65 Years of Good Trouble: SNCC in DC
April 3, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
2025 marks the 65th anniversary of the founding of SNCC–the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee–by leaders including Congressman Lewis. Mosaic invites SNCC members into conversation around SNCC’s work, legacy and more.
Washington Performing Arts Weekend
April 10-12, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Mosaic partner organization Washington Performing Arts will lead the curation of a weekend of special events celebrating the power of music and local arts collaborations.
Millennium Arts Salon Talkback
April 12, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Millennium Arts Salon holds a talkback conversation bridging arts and activism after a matinee performance of Young John Lewis.
The Dramaturgy of Hip Hop Theater
April 18, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Young John Lewis keeps the power of hip-hop theater alive! Playwright Psalmayene 24 is a leading figure in the movement and will shed insights into the form and its legacy in dialogue with other hip-hop theater leaders.
The Next Generation of DC Changemakers
April 19, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
John Lewis sparked many generations of activists and organizers towards fighting for change within their communities. This post-show conversation will feature some of the changemakers mobilizing for DC here and now.
The Good Troublemaker’s Symposium
April 24, 2026 | Ward 2 | Eaton DC
Mosaic concludes our season-long “Good Trouble’ Reflection Series with the Good Troublemaker’s Symposium. Featuring keynote speakers, breakout conversations, and opportunities to come together and mobilize towards a better future collectively. Programmed in partnership with Eaton DC and DC History Center.
Artist Talkback with the Cast of Young John Lewis
April 26, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Members of the cast will share insights into the making of the show and their unique connections to the work.
Ongoing
The Power of Knowing: John Lewis, Poetry & Hip Hop
Wards 5 and 7 | Capitol View Neighborhood Library, Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library and Woodridge Neighborhood Library
“The Power of Knowing” is an interactive workshop that brings together the legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis and the expressive energy of hip hop and spoken word. Led by poet, spoken-word artist, and hip-hop educational leader Tony Keith Jr. in partnership with DC Public Library.
More activities and special events to be announced.
About Mosaic Theater Company
Mosaic Theater Company of DC produces bold, culturally diverse theater that illuminates critical issues, elevates fresh voices, and sparks connection among communities throughout our region and beyond. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Reginald L. Douglas and Managing Director Serge Seiden, Mosaic produces plays that both entertain and enlighten, using art to build empathy amongst diverse people united by the magic of theater, and hopes to build community by reflecting the many cultures that call DC home.
4 things to know about the weather:
- Feeling more like spring and summer over the next 72 hours.
- Monday and Tuesday will feature plenty of sunshine.
- Almost humid and definitely warm with strong storms possible on Wednesday.
- Rain with falling temperatures and windchill in the low 40s on Thursday.
Happy daylight saving! Today was this year’s first sunset after 7 p.m. — 7:08 p.m. to be exact.
For the rest of the evening, expect clear skies, although there could be an isolated shower, especially south and east of the D.C. area.
Monday will be a beautiful day with temperatures in the upper 60s and lower 70s with plenty of sunshine.
Tuesday will get to around 80°. That could break a record of 79° sit back in 2016. Expect sunshine and dry conditions
By Wednesday, there is a possibility for severe storms in the afternoon and evening, but temperatures will once again approach 80°. Heavy rain and winds are the main thing to watch out for.
A pretty strong cold front will push through the area Thursday morning. That will bring some steady moderate rain to our area on Thursday. Temperatures will only be in the 50s, but the average high temperature for this time of year is also in the 50s, so this is actually closer to normal.
Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to check the weather radar on the go.
QuickCast
SUNDAY NIGHT
Mostly clear skies
Temps: 60s and 50s
MONDAY
Sunny
HIGHS: Lower 70s
TUESDAY
Partly Sunny
HIGHS: Near 80°
WEDNESDAY
Afternoon and evening storms
HIGHS: Near 80°
THURSDAY
HIGHS: Near 50°
Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.
Four years ago, high school senior Aaron O’Brien wouldn’t believe he’d be studying chemistry now. Thanks to the Upward Bound program, that’s not hard to believe anymore.
“Before I came into the program, whew I don’t know who that man was,” O’Brien said.
Through free tutoring, test prep and college visits weekly, Upward Bound has helped millions of students like O’Brien, who attends McKinley Tech High School, pursue higher education.
The program is coordinated by colleges like George Washington University.
“The program has really expanded my vision for the future,” O’Brien said.
He joined Upward Bound as a freshman in high school.
“I never imagined I would be in these spaces and be able to network with so many different people,” he said.
“Upward Bound is basically a family,” said Layla Leiva, a senior at DC International School.
“A lot of us are first generation or low income. My parents do not know what the common app is, or standardized testing, and being able to have students that I can relate to meant the world for me,” she said.
Upward Bound falls under a series of federal TRIO programs funded by the Department of Education. Several programs in the series help veterans, students with disabilities, limited English and those facing foster care and homelessness.
Amid the Trump administration’s overhaul of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (D.E.I.), however, TRIO program funding was slashed because words related to the inclusionary policies were mentioned in its grant applications.
Last fall, a group that advocates for TRIO sued the Department for over $40 million in slashed grants.
Last June, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon testified at a Senate budget hearing, saying that TRIO didn’t give her apartment enough oversight.
“I just think that we aren’t able to see the effectiveness across the board that we would normally look to see with our federal spending,” McMahon said at the hearing.
When funding froze, George Washington University paused most of its programing and cut nearly all its staff.
“It was a staff of just me, I was still working with my seniors,” said George Washington’s Upward Bound director, Darrell Thornton.
After growing up in a similar program, Thornton says he wanted to give back.
“I knew I wanted to be that educator that made a difference,” he said.
Earlier this year, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s cuts, restoring funding for the program.
“It kind of felt like I was cut off from my family for a little bit. When we got back, it was like thank God,” Kevin Williams, a junior at Ron Brown Preparatory College High School said.
The university was also able to bring its staff back.
“I’m so relieved to find out this program finally has funding and that this program will continue to support students in the way that it did for me,” Leiva said.
News4 reached out to the Department of Education, but have not heard back.
Washington, D.C
‘It can affect everyone’: Capitals therapist details mental health struggles athletes face – WTOP News
As the U.S. faces a mental health crisis, one therapist is telling WTOP that practicing mindfulness strategies could vastly improve struggles.
Regardless of their greatness on or off the ice, athletes are working on more than their physical well-being. They are also attempting to improve their mental health.
Dr. Kurt Ela, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the outpatient programs at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, told WTOP that it is crucial to discuss mental health in all avenues, including sports, as the struggles remain and the consequences may be dire.
“I do think it’s a universal challenge,” Ela said. “Mental health can affect the young, it can affect the old, it can affect everyone.”
Ela, who also serves as the Washington Capitals’ therapist, will join a panel on athletes’ mental health following a special screening of “Shattered Ice” on Sunday, March 8, at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Northwest, D.C. The film centers on a teenage hockey player navigating life after his best friend and the team’s best player dies by suicide.
Films like “Shattered Ice” are important for spreading the message about mental health awareness, Ela said. However, its messaging can resonate better with younger audiences and connect on a personal level versus talking to a professional.
“There’s still a taboo around suicide and around mental illness,” he said. “A film like this really gets the word out that it’s not only OK to talk about mental health, but it’s crucial.”
‘They’re not alone’
Ela said the numbers show that the United States is dealing with “a mental health crisis.”
According to a 2023 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two in 10 high school students seriously contemplated suicide, while 40% had “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.”
“We’re talking big numbers,” Ela said. “Most of our youth are really struggling right now.”
Sports are slowly getting better at discussing mental health topics, Ela said. Multiple athletes, including basketball star Kyrie Irving, gymnast Simone Biles and figure skater Ilia Malinin, have spoken about their struggles in the spotlight of their respective fields.
Despite some advances, mental health struggles remain underreported overall, Ela said. One common thread among most people, including athletes, dealing with mental health problems is a reluctance to admit when they are struggling.
“They think that, ‘well, if I keep working hard, if I keep pushing through, if I keep winning or keep scoring goals,’ or whatever their sport is, that everything is going to be OK,” Ela said.
“They lose sight of the bigger picture that they’d actually play much better, they’d function much, much better if they were happier and really enjoying their sport and their lives.”
Other common signs some athletes display include being hard on themselves, withdrawing from teammates, being self-critical, not getting enough sleep and not eating enough.
“When that starts to happen, we start to worry that their mental health is really deteriorating, and they may not be doing very well from a wellness standpoint,” Ela said.
Practicing mindfulness strategies
Athletes with healthy mental states can recalibrate and focus on becoming the best athletes they can be, Ela said. That can be learned through mindfulness strategies that emphasize reflection and learning from each experience. That ability to reflect also allows them to focus on their sport and their relationships off the field.
“They do have emotions, of course, and they might be anxious before games, just like any of us, but they’re able to really put it in perspective,” Ela said. “They’re able to see the anxiety as probably excitement that they want to do well and that it’s motivating for them, as opposed to something that can hold them back.”
For adults dealing with young athletes, Ela recommended being patient and consistently asking how they are doing. Their demanding schedules, filled with practices and competitions, may not be as easy for them to handle. When someone is going through an injury, practicing mindfulness strategies and avoiding negative self-talk will keep the recovery process on track.
The key, Ela said, is to talk about it.
“I think a lot of people still feel that they want to white-knuckle through this, or that it’s going to get better magically on its own,” he said. “The truth of the matter is it can get better, and there is a lot of help available, but you have to work at it, and you have to find support when you need it, and that’s a good thing.”
The most important thing for anybody, not just athletes, to understand is that they are not alone when struggling with mental health. Ela said the hope is they have a trusted friend or someone they can depend on to talk to. If not, getting help from a professional or calling a crisis hotline are options if they don’t feel safe talking to anyone.
“Athletes struggle with mental health concerns. We all struggle with mental health concerns,” Ela said. “It’s important that people know that they’re not alone, and to know that there’s help available, that no one has to go through mental health challenges alone.”
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
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