Tuesday, April 16th marked the 157th anniversary of the day that slavery was legally abolished in D.C., freeing over 3,000 enslaved people living in the District - a crucial turning point in the history of American slavery. 

To commemorate the date, this year ONE DC, in collaboration with We Act Radio, held a Freedom School in Southeast, focusing on elements of D.C. history not taught in our public schools. Residents of all ages participated in lively discussions and educational workshops throughout the day. We were joined by special guests historian Dr. C.R. Gibbs, who spoke on the history of slavery in the District; breathologist Ayo Handy-Kendi, who lead a community meditation session to honor our ancestors and find peace with their memory; and director Mignotae Kebede, who discussed her new documentary "What Happened 2 Chocolate City", which was screened at the event.

Read The Washington Informer coverage here. 

Participants reflect on issues of education and housing

Historian C.R. Gibbs leads a lesson on D.C. history

Participants hold small group discussions

Drummers from MOMIE's TLC introduced the program

Native Washingtonians participate in ritual burning of the settlement sheet

ONE DC members pose outside the building after the banner drop! Click here to view more photos from the event

Black Workers & Wellness Center Updates
In recent weeks, the BWC has begun to take shape for its meeting and training functions this summer. On a shoestring budget and with volunteer help, some basic improvements and planning are underway:

• Interior walls have been repaired and waterproofing done to stabilize the building
• One main floor wall was demolished to begin the opening up of the floor plan for larger meeting use
• Interior mold has been eliminated, and all carpeting removed (by fantastic volunteers) to move toward having an allergen-free environment, with our dumpster subsidized by Capital Construction Group
• Exciting first steps taken with our architects at Emotive Architecture: we have measured building plans for the first time and held our first community space planning discussion with our two architects, and expect their initial report soon

Click here to donate to the renovation fundraising campaign!