For more than 25 years, Operation Understanding DC has been gathering a group of Black and Jewish youth designed to foster leaders who will fight racism, antisemitism, and other forms of discrimination. In recent years, youth who do not identify as Black and/or Jewish but have a commitment to these goals have joined some cohorts. […]
Author Archives: vspatz
Preparing to Protect the Vote
Jorge Vasquez, new director of Power and Democracy Project at the national Advancement Project office, shared plans to help communities cope with difficult voting situations. Planning — for individuals and communities — is key, he explains. Waiting until voting day is unwise, and his “Power and Democracy” team is poised to help in these next […]
Covid, Democracy, and Operation Understanding
Guests this week on Community thru Covid are Jorge Vasquez of the Advancement Project and Yolanda Savage-Narva of Operation Understanding DC.
Covid, Caste, Corporation, and Kids
Where do kids really fit in our current models of education and schooling?
Covid and Arts Education
What happens to arts education in the virtual/distance learning environments many young people are experiencing, at least in part, this year? What about social-emotional learning and support? Is the current situation worsening learning and access gaps? Is Covid-19 loosening the hold of systems that were already not working for Black children? We Act Radio’s “Community […]
Encampments, Vacant Apartments, Computers, and DC Housing Insecurity in the Pandemic
A variety of community partners, led by individuals who have or are currently experiencing homelessness, are stepping up to meet the needs of the housing insecure in DC.
Recent Updates
Vigil for Christopher Brown (age 17) killed in mass shooting on August 9, 2020. Thursday at 7. Update on Farmville (7/15 show) actions continue to work toward release of ICA-Farmville detainees. See LaColectiVA — Facebook or website — for current information, including weekly PHONE ZAPs. See also memorial meeting including remarks from Verity, daughter of […]
Covid and Encampments
The People for Fairness Coalition and Serve Your City DC, a Mutual Aid hub, have been gathering each Sunday afternoon to support people living in encampments during this pandemic. “Covid Reduction Plan” has been focused in DC’s NoMa neighborhood and is now expanding to other encampments. Qaadir El-Amin of the Fair Budget Coalition, Maurice Cook […]
Covid, Commutation, and the Black Coalition
July 22, 2020 — We Act Radio’s “Community thru Covid” Segment 1: Ronnie Long’s case and commutation. Top of the hour Prof. Jamie T. Lau and AshLeigh Long on the case of Ronnie Long, still serving an 80 year sentence many think he should never have received at all, while facing additional health risks from […]
Covid and the Black Coalition: Update from Dr. Reed Tuckson
Heat emergencies and other logistics are impacting the District’s response to Covid-19, while the pandemic continues to hit harder, and be more lethal, for Black people in the city. Dr. Reed Tuckson, of the Black Coalition Against Covid, joined “Community thru Covid” Wed, 7/29. Segment begins around 33:00 mark — Dr. Tuckson highlighted our responsibility […]
