Women Run the DMV - #HerStory5K

#HERSTORY5K - WOMEN RUN THE DMV

On Saturday March 9th in DC, Freedom Plaza was overflowing with early risers: runners stretching and prepping for their 1st or 40-somethingth 5k; supporters who braved the rain to cheer on their friends, partners, sisters; and vendors getting the crowd pumped for the event.

The #HerStory5K kicked off at 10am, and the scene was electric. Thousands of runners at their own paces, but running in support of the women in their lives as well as their own fitness. It was an overwhelmingly positive morning, complete with outbursts of achievement as each person reached the finish line.

Welcome to The DoJo.

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON.

Tucked away in an industrial plaza in the shadow of FedEx field, The Dojo Studio looked apt to burst it seams this last Tuesday night, due to a massive amount of irrefutable talent. From poets to performers, photogs to percussionists, it was a night for the ages.

The best part? Creativity level was on ten, both on the stage and in the crowd. The sea of faces was nearly indistinguishable from a roll call of movers, shakers, and supporters within the DMV free artist movement.

Feel free to peruse and save some of your favorite shots below. As always, give credits where due.

ME 📸 - @Reese.Bland
The Dojo Studios - @TheDo.Jo
Dayo - @TheArtHype
James - @TheArtofJamesPoet
DJ T3ch - @officialdeejayt3ch
Sneaky Linkz - @sneakylinkzsocial
Future Band - @futurebanddc
Malik Dope - @Malik.Dope
Naomi C - @theerealnaomic_
Bolu OG - @boluog
Orville the Poet - @orvillethepoet
Bomani X - @iambomanix

(Quick note - if you are currently in IG’s browser, you may need to switch to another browser to save/download photos)

#SunflowersNMelanin

They are inherently beautiful in their own right, and have much within them that they can offer the world.

D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton pictured with Angel Anderson (Founder of Spice Suite), Tony Lewis Jr. and crowd of D.C. natives at union market. 5/19/19

“YOU FROM DC?”

”NAW, I’M FROM PITTSBURGH.”
”HOW LONG YOU BEEN IN DC?”
”ABOUT 12 YEARS.”
”OH, SO YOU’RE PRACTICALLY A NATIVE…”
”NAW. THAT’S NOT HOW THAT WORKS.”

IN THE DIZZYINGLY FAST GENTRIFYING AREA THAT WANTS US TO CALL IT “NOMA” …

…hundreds of D.C natives gathered outside on 5th street northeast. This was a day to celebrate those who are proud to be FROM DC, and they made sure their presence was felt. Damn whatever a certain local paper feels visually represents the non-tourist residential makeup of the district.

The purpose of the event was to recreate (and continue the momentum sparked by) a photoshoot one year ago, led by the efforts of activist Tony Lewis Jr. and business owner Angel Anderson. The resulting images reintroduced those wayward “locals” to the real residents of Washington — a place once proudly declared “Chocolate City”.

Before we get into the images, a few disclaimers:
1. It bears repeating, I know I’m not from D.C. and most of the folks I kick it with, volunteer with, advocate for, and generally call my people in the district also know it. But I’ll be one of the first in line to support any effort that centralizes the needs and visibility of the people who’ve been denied them.
2. The day was officially documented by native photographers Dee Dwyer and Sam Johnson III, but you know if there’s dope Black folks, I’m there…with a lens and a purpose.

#HERSTORY5K - WOMEN RUN THE DMV

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON.

“YOU FROM DC?”

”NAW, I’M FROM PITTSBURGH.””HOW LONG YOU BEEN IN DC?””ABOUT 12 YEARS.””OH, SO YOU’RE PRACTICALLY A NATIVE…””NAW. THAT’S NOT HOW THAT WORKS.”

IN THE DIZZYINGLY FAST GENTRIFYING AREA THAT WANTS US TO CALL IT “NOMA” …

”NAW, I’M FROM PITTSBURGH.”
”HOW LONG YOU BEEN IN DC?”
”ABOUT 12 YEARS.”
”OH, SO YOU’RE PRACTICALLY A NATIVE…”
”NAW. THAT’S NOT HOW THAT WORKS.”