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.

DC Natives Day 2019

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.

#JusticeorElse - Million Man March 2015

"The crowd was full of all forms and factions; a bouquet celebrating -- and offering a safe haven for -- religion and ethnicity. The creative expression was like none other, and everyone definitely wore their Blackness in style."

#HERSTORY5K - WOMEN RUN THE DMV

“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.”