I wanted to do a story on a restaurant but I didn't know exactly which one I wanted to do. I didn't want to be cliche and replicate a story about Ben's Chili Bowl or Florida Avenue Grill, although those two restaurants are directly in my beat. So, I decided to walk around the area and I just so happened to stumble upon this southern-inspired restaurant.
When I went there I was amazed at how the inside was meticulously decorated. It seemed like everything had a story. There were murals covering every inch of the walls which contributed to the aura of the room.
Something that sparked my attention was that the beverages are served in mason glasses and not ordinary glass cups. This place allows you to experience what a meal would be like in the South. The food was very delicious, because I'm not from the South I really don't know the difference of "real" southern food from "imitation" southern food, it tastes all the same to me.
I did like how every month there is a themed dinner that focuses on Food and storytelling. And there is a guest speaker who either reads to the customers or they discuss an important topic. I really enjoyed myself here and I would recommend that every African American woman attends at least one monthly dinner.
Friday, April 16, 2010
African American Civil War Memorial
I always wondered about the history behind this memorial and I was positive that a lot of young people didn't really know the significane of this memorial. Therefore, I was promted to do an article on it.It wasn't too difficult to get people to comment on this memorial site becasue this is statue is located directly across from the entrance/exit of the metro station. Although, many of the people that I attempted to interview were in a rush, I did manage to get people to stop and talk to me for a couple of minutes. I decided not to use every person who I talked to about the memorial because in my opinion they didn't have a lot of valuable comments.
But I did have a lot of fun writing this piece. I was able to stand around outside and enjoy the weather.
I would like to add that I had a hard time concentrating on my assignment because the weather was so nice but I managed to get everything accomplished.
I did have a hard time getting in contact with the founder of the museum, which is roughly two or three blocks down U street. The museum is very much hidden amongst the surrounding bars and restaurants but it holds a lot of historical pieces that have been donated and/or purchased.
While doing this story, I was able to learn a lot of the background information on the statue and the museum. I also learned that at the end of this year the museum will be re-locating to a much larger location, where they will have the ability to display more artifacts and where they can further educate the surrounding community.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
DMV helps Haiti
As Haiti continuously struggles to recover and make sense of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the poor island. Local establishments are doing everything they can do to help.
The effects of January's catastrophic earthquake in Haiti are tragic to say the least, and people all over the world are doing whatever they can to help out.
"We may live thousands of miles away but here in the District, there are plenty things you can do to show your support for the relief efforts," shouted a member of the crowd.
It's been over a month since the 7.0 earthquake hit the southern part of Haiti, completely destroying its capital of Port Au Prince.
On Saturday January 17th, 2010 just days after the quake Busboys and Poets organized the "DMV helps Haiti," to raise money for the destruction in Haiti. Local artists came together in the media room at the 14th street and V street location for an uplifting and emotional open mic at Busboys and Poets on 14th and V street northwest. The event was hosted by the popular radio station in the district 93.9 FM station WKYS's DJ Quicksilva. Along with the spoken word performances, community members presented statistics as well as inspirational stories about recovering despair.
"It was very touching to hear all of the inspirational stories. I felt like there was a true connection between everyone in the room. It was nice to see African American people unite as a collective group," said Evelyn Graham, a resident of the Ledroit Park neighborhood.
The event included performances by MTV's "Making the Band" season contestant D'Angela Redman, poet Benny Blaq, and Komplex.
"It was a treat to see all of these performers contribute to a good cause. This was not like any other open mic night. It was very educational. Community leaders were there discussing the statistics of Haiti as a country," said Ezenwanyi Onwuzuruoha , a visitor of the District.
The event was co-sponsored by the TransAfrica Forum. The benefit raised over 4,000 for Haiti. Nicole Leeks, president of TransAfrica was proud to be given the opportunity to co-sponsor this event.
Individuals present were allowed to stand as members of their family in Haiti were honored and remembered.
During the event, Ricardo Noel, a student from the Haitian Student Association at Howard University mentioned the upcoming benefit concert with Wale. As soon as he was done making this announcement the room was filled with applause and cheers.
"It is amazing to see how the Howard University community is coming together to help their 'brothers and sisters' out. These students don't understand how much of a difference that they are making," said Joshua Polk, a local resident.
The effects of January's catastrophic earthquake in Haiti are tragic to say the least, and people all over the world are doing whatever they can to help out.
"We may live thousands of miles away but here in the District, there are plenty things you can do to show your support for the relief efforts," shouted a member of the crowd.
It's been over a month since the 7.0 earthquake hit the southern part of Haiti, completely destroying its capital of Port Au Prince.
On Saturday January 17th, 2010 just days after the quake Busboys and Poets organized the "DMV helps Haiti," to raise money for the destruction in Haiti. Local artists came together in the media room at the 14th street and V street location for an uplifting and emotional open mic at Busboys and Poets on 14th and V street northwest. The event was hosted by the popular radio station in the district 93.9 FM station WKYS's DJ Quicksilva. Along with the spoken word performances, community members presented statistics as well as inspirational stories about recovering despair.
"It was very touching to hear all of the inspirational stories. I felt like there was a true connection between everyone in the room. It was nice to see African American people unite as a collective group," said Evelyn Graham, a resident of the Ledroit Park neighborhood.
The event included performances by MTV's "Making the Band" season contestant D'Angela Redman, poet Benny Blaq, and Komplex.
"It was a treat to see all of these performers contribute to a good cause. This was not like any other open mic night. It was very educational. Community leaders were there discussing the statistics of Haiti as a country," said Ezenwanyi Onwuzuruoha , a visitor of the District.
The event was co-sponsored by the TransAfrica Forum. The benefit raised over 4,000 for Haiti. Nicole Leeks, president of TransAfrica was proud to be given the opportunity to co-sponsor this event.
Individuals present were allowed to stand as members of their family in Haiti were honored and remembered.
During the event, Ricardo Noel, a student from the Haitian Student Association at Howard University mentioned the upcoming benefit concert with Wale. As soon as he was done making this announcement the room was filled with applause and cheers.
"It is amazing to see how the Howard University community is coming together to help their 'brothers and sisters' out. These students don't understand how much of a difference that they are making," said Joshua Polk, a local resident.
Having a hard time getting people to comment/interview
At times I find it very difficult to convince people to allow me to use their name and quote in my articles. I have interviewed and spoken with a lot of people on the street, in the hopes of getting a good quote from them.
I first tried to introduce myself as a student from Howard University followed by me letting them know that I was writing an article about a specific topic/subject and I would then explain what direction my story was going in. At times this method worked, but I felt the direction of the interview started to go in another direction. Sometimes, the person that I am interviewing would begin to ask me questions about my major and what I wanted to after I graduated. So then I started introducing myself as a reporter for the Howard University News Service and they treated me like I was a professional and our conversation ran smoothly.
I've decided that depending on the situation and the type of story that I am covering I would pick a way in how I wanted to introduce myself to get good quotes from them.
I first tried to introduce myself as a student from Howard University followed by me letting them know that I was writing an article about a specific topic/subject and I would then explain what direction my story was going in. At times this method worked, but I felt the direction of the interview started to go in another direction. Sometimes, the person that I am interviewing would begin to ask me questions about my major and what I wanted to after I graduated. So then I started introducing myself as a reporter for the Howard University News Service and they treated me like I was a professional and our conversation ran smoothly.
I've decided that depending on the situation and the type of story that I am covering I would pick a way in how I wanted to introduce myself to get good quotes from them.
Keeping up with my beat
I find it really hard keeping up with all the activities and events that occur in my beat. Its really hard deciding which event I can cover. Sometimes, I get frustrated because my academic schedule and my extra-curricular activities prohibit me from covering somethings. To be an effective journalist, you really have to learn and master time management. Plus, no one wants to hear about news that is old and not important to their everyday life.
I have made a lot of good and strong relationships with people in my ward. I feel as though it was very challenging for me to mix and mingle with professionals and "real" adults. But at the same time it gave me a chance to venture outside of my surroundings, my comfort zone. As students we only allow ourselves to venture so far outside this perimeter, Georgia Ave and 7th street.
I really appreciated the experience of attending the ANC meetings. It made me feel as though I was a member of their community and that my concerns and opinions would be addressed if I ever felt like there needed to be some improvements in the area.
I have made a lot of good and strong relationships with people in my ward. I feel as though it was very challenging for me to mix and mingle with professionals and "real" adults. But at the same time it gave me a chance to venture outside of my surroundings, my comfort zone. As students we only allow ourselves to venture so far outside this perimeter, Georgia Ave and 7th street.
I really appreciated the experience of attending the ANC meetings. It made me feel as though I was a member of their community and that my concerns and opinions would be addressed if I ever felt like there needed to be some improvements in the area.
Reflection of State of the Union
President Obama’s first State of the Union address advised Congress to minimize the influence of special interests and for them to work together to confront the nation’s most pressing issues.
In his attempt to convince an agitated nation that his cure for the still-ailing economy was straight-forward, more jobs, better jobs or even jobs period. Until those materialize, he will continue to release a series of proposals aimed at giving financial aid in the form of increased tax credits for child care, retirement accounts, and help for children who care for aging parents, and relief for people weighed down by student loan debt.
He bragged by stating in his first State of the Union address that his economic program has cut taxes for 95 percent of the working families, after announcing that Democrats leaped out of their seats to cheer, In disgust, Republicans who were present sat quietly. President Obama paused as he glanced over to where the Republicans were sitting and said “I thought I’d get some applause on that one.” President Obama tried to recapture the magic of his yes we can campaign after a season of no we can’t governing but wasn’t too successful with the previous commodore.
His main message was “I don’t quit.” He pleaded for patience and understanding from the American people. And he then followed up by reminding the people, “ I campaigned on the promise of change; ‘change we can believe in,” said President Obama.
LaPorcia Wagner, a local resident in the Shaw neighborhood politely gave her opinion on President Obama’s role in the previous year. “I think President Barack Obama did a great job. But I suggest that he should listen to what the people want a lot more, but unlike previous Presidents, he was placed in office when our country was in trillions of dollars worth of debt. President Bush contributed to this debt as well and he failed to inform the American people right away. We as citizens need to be more patient with this crisis because it can’t be fixed over night.
By the end of his first year in office, the 44th administration had expected to have overhauled the health care system, enacted a market-based cap on carbon emissions blamed for climate change, imposed a new regulatory system on financial institutions, closed the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, etc. None of those have happened, while some of the proposals quite plausibly still could. Some of the initiatives are in progress, some have stalled and others have barely begun.
“His State of the Union address gave him the opportunity to establish his priorities for 2010, offer insights into whether he will implement a fight or flight approach in dealing with his adversaries, and, overall, offer an opportunity to lift himself out of a political gutter, said Jeffery Gilbert, a local resident.
President Obama made it clear that he was willing to participate more with the Republican party and that his party should do the same. There needs to be some type of unity between both parties, especially on Capitol Hill.
“I would also like to add that some people have been constantly complaining about President Obama borrowing money from China and then sending it to the victims in Haiti was a huge mistake, but I always say ‘what if the shoe was on the other foot what would you want the U.S to do for your country’,” said Wagner.
Health care was a major topic that was addressed during President Obama’s speech. When he talked about health care he referenced a Willy Loman-esque soliloquy on his year long effort, as if his bill’s underlying benefits and all his hard work goes unappreciated. When he mentioned the economy he offered a spirited defense of the stimulus plan. But he couldn’t stray away from talking about more bankers baiting, and he gladly promised that he’s determined to see tax rates rise for millions of Americans next year as soon as the Bush rates begin to expire.
Elizabeth Blackmon, a local resident says that President Obama is doing all that he can with this country. He has been given a large task to accomplish and he is working night and day to help this economy. “I think that he is trying as hard as he can. He is only human; people tend to forget that,” said Blackmon.
In his attempt to convince an agitated nation that his cure for the still-ailing economy was straight-forward, more jobs, better jobs or even jobs period. Until those materialize, he will continue to release a series of proposals aimed at giving financial aid in the form of increased tax credits for child care, retirement accounts, and help for children who care for aging parents, and relief for people weighed down by student loan debt.
He bragged by stating in his first State of the Union address that his economic program has cut taxes for 95 percent of the working families, after announcing that Democrats leaped out of their seats to cheer, In disgust, Republicans who were present sat quietly. President Obama paused as he glanced over to where the Republicans were sitting and said “I thought I’d get some applause on that one.” President Obama tried to recapture the magic of his yes we can campaign after a season of no we can’t governing but wasn’t too successful with the previous commodore.
His main message was “I don’t quit.” He pleaded for patience and understanding from the American people. And he then followed up by reminding the people, “ I campaigned on the promise of change; ‘change we can believe in,” said President Obama.
LaPorcia Wagner, a local resident in the Shaw neighborhood politely gave her opinion on President Obama’s role in the previous year. “I think President Barack Obama did a great job. But I suggest that he should listen to what the people want a lot more, but unlike previous Presidents, he was placed in office when our country was in trillions of dollars worth of debt. President Bush contributed to this debt as well and he failed to inform the American people right away. We as citizens need to be more patient with this crisis because it can’t be fixed over night.
By the end of his first year in office, the 44th administration had expected to have overhauled the health care system, enacted a market-based cap on carbon emissions blamed for climate change, imposed a new regulatory system on financial institutions, closed the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, etc. None of those have happened, while some of the proposals quite plausibly still could. Some of the initiatives are in progress, some have stalled and others have barely begun.
“His State of the Union address gave him the opportunity to establish his priorities for 2010, offer insights into whether he will implement a fight or flight approach in dealing with his adversaries, and, overall, offer an opportunity to lift himself out of a political gutter, said Jeffery Gilbert, a local resident.
President Obama made it clear that he was willing to participate more with the Republican party and that his party should do the same. There needs to be some type of unity between both parties, especially on Capitol Hill.
“I would also like to add that some people have been constantly complaining about President Obama borrowing money from China and then sending it to the victims in Haiti was a huge mistake, but I always say ‘what if the shoe was on the other foot what would you want the U.S to do for your country’,” said Wagner.
Health care was a major topic that was addressed during President Obama’s speech. When he talked about health care he referenced a Willy Loman-esque soliloquy on his year long effort, as if his bill’s underlying benefits and all his hard work goes unappreciated. When he mentioned the economy he offered a spirited defense of the stimulus plan. But he couldn’t stray away from talking about more bankers baiting, and he gladly promised that he’s determined to see tax rates rise for millions of Americans next year as soon as the Bush rates begin to expire.
Elizabeth Blackmon, a local resident says that President Obama is doing all that he can with this country. He has been given a large task to accomplish and he is working night and day to help this economy. “I think that he is trying as hard as he can. He is only human; people tend to forget that,” said Blackmon.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
ANC- 1 B meeting
I really enjoyed attending the ANC -1B that was scheduled in March. I have never been to a community meeting ever in my life. Not even in my hometown of San Francisco. I really learned a lot about the ward that I am covering when I sat in at the meeting.
I felt like I was a part of ward 1, the council members and the residents present made me feel really comfortable. I was nervous at first because I didn't know how the meeting was going to be ran. But I got over my fears and everything went smoothly.
For the majority of the meeting I sat down quietly listening to everyone speak. There were quite a few presenters and there was minimal interaction with the audience until the close of the meeting. That was when the residents could voice their concerns.
There were some confusing among the ANC board members on a few presentations. Some people were confused with protocol and it was really tacky. I feel as if I might have been the only one to notice this. Maybe not but I think it needs to be improved. How can a community trust a organization that was created to be the voice of the community when the right rules and guidelines are followed consistently. I don't want to attack the board members but there could have been a lot more organization.
All in all, I enjoyed the meeting. I found out about a lot of good information and I think that I was able to use one or two of the story ideas, or at least propose them.
The meeting began at 7pm and ended around 9pm. It was held in the Reeves building on 13Th and U street. These meetings are held every month at the same location, unless otherwise specified.
I felt like I was a part of ward 1, the council members and the residents present made me feel really comfortable. I was nervous at first because I didn't know how the meeting was going to be ran. But I got over my fears and everything went smoothly.
For the majority of the meeting I sat down quietly listening to everyone speak. There were quite a few presenters and there was minimal interaction with the audience until the close of the meeting. That was when the residents could voice their concerns.
There were some confusing among the ANC board members on a few presentations. Some people were confused with protocol and it was really tacky. I feel as if I might have been the only one to notice this. Maybe not but I think it needs to be improved. How can a community trust a organization that was created to be the voice of the community when the right rules and guidelines are followed consistently. I don't want to attack the board members but there could have been a lot more organization.
All in all, I enjoyed the meeting. I found out about a lot of good information and I think that I was able to use one or two of the story ideas, or at least propose them.
The meeting began at 7pm and ended around 9pm. It was held in the Reeves building on 13Th and U street. These meetings are held every month at the same location, unless otherwise specified.
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