Black Museums Search for Financial Independence
Black museum leaders gathered at the 48th annual Association of African American Museums conference in Philadelphia to discuss strategies for achieving financial independence and securing resources amid uncertain federal funding.

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Things to Do, DMV: Weekend Rundown, Aug. 27-30
Several community events, ranging from cultural festivals and historical baseball celebrations to comedy shows and interactive games, are scheduled to take place across the DMV areaโฆ
BOOK REVIEW: ‘Every Inch a Lady: My Amazing Journey from Dear Harlem to Haute Couture & Beyond’ by Audrey Smaltz with Alina Mitchell, foreword by Michael Kors
Audrey Smaltz explores her colorful life in fashion and her journey through the industry in the new memoir “Everyโฆ

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Business
U.S.-Canada Trade War Lands at D.C.โs Checkout Counter
President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion in Canadian goods, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney to promise a “dollar for dollar” response startingโฆ
Actor Morris Chestnut Brings Sable Bourbon to D.C.
Actor Morris Chestnut promoted the bourbon brand Sable, a joint venture with several of his “Best Man” cohorts, during a recent appearance at a Costcoโฆ
Young, Black, and In Business
With National Black Business Month in full swing, all eyes are on boosting the entrepreneurial sector that holds the second-strongest link to wealth creation amongโฆ
D.C. Has Nation’s Highest Unemployment Rate. For Black Workers, It Tops 10%
Washington, D.C., recorded the nation’s highest overall unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2026, driven largely by federal workforce cuts that pushed Black unemploymentโฆ
D.C.’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program Gives Startup Boost to D.C.-Area Students
Zaynah Crawley and Tioluwani Fabunmi won the grand prize of $2,500 at the D.C. Youth Entrepreneurship Program pitch competition held on Aug. 4 to fundโฆ
This week’s issue & Special Sections
DMV
A DC Masterpiece of Business, Community and Washington, D.C. – Mrs. Virginia Ali
The Washington, D.C., chapter of the National Black MBA Association will present the Catherine W. LeBlanc Legacy Award to Virginia Ali, co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl,โฆ
Things to Do, DMV: Weekend Rundown, Aug. 13-16
Several events are scheduled across the DMV area this weekend, including a Tomato Party, an All-Star Comedy Show, the DC Hot Air Balloon Festival, Pandaโฆ
Things to Do, DMV: Weekend Rundown, July 30 โ Aug. 2
Several community events, ranging from carnivals and dance classes to fundraisers and flea markets, are scheduled to take place in the DMV area between lateโฆ
VIEWPOINTS
People are staying cool during the intense DMV heat by drinking plenty of water, wearing light clothing, and staying inside with the AC on.
Investing in a Safer, More Reliable Energy Future
Washington Gas is investing in the DMV’s energy future through its Accelerated Pipeline Replacement Programs, which have invested over $2.4 billion in infrastructure upgrades toโฆ
Money Talk
Financial education series dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap.
Prince Georgeโs County
Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Greenbelt FBI Headquarters
A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration cannot cancel plans to relocate the FBI’s new headquarters to Greenbelt, Maryland, citing violations of the Administrative Procedureโฆ
Superintendent Shawn Joseph Shares Plans, Goals for the Future of PGCPS
Prince George’s County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph aims to drive student growth during the 2026-2027 school year through new literacy and math initiatives,โฆ
Annual Negro League All-Star Game to Celebrate Legacy, Honor Women
The Negro League Legends Hall of Fame is scheduled to host the annual Negro League East-West All-Star baseball game on Aug. 29 at Prince George’sโฆ
Prince George’s County Business Updates
Prince George’s County leaders approved a new development district for a 14-acre Sphere project while Kevin Anderson was appointed to lead the Maryland-National Park andโฆ
Prince George’s County Political Updates
Maryland’s presiding officers have called for a special legislative session in early August to focus on congressional redistricting, while the state also announced plans forโฆ
Community
Racial Healing in Black America: What the Data Tells Us
This report explores how Black Americans define racial healing, where they experience the deepest harms, and what they believe is needed to move the country forward,โฆ
Alpha Kappa Alpha Encourages Economic Empowerment, Local Chapter Surpasses Black Dollar Days Goal
The Alpha Gamma Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. exceeded its $11,830 spending goal by investing over $16,452 in 89 unique Black-ownedโฆ
Defend D.C.: Council Member Robert White to Take Statehood Fight on the Road
D.C. Council member Robert White launched the Defend DC initiative and the DC51 Leadership PAC to build a Democratic majority in Congress and protect Districtโฆ
RAP Reports First Death Since Opening 56 Years Ago
The first death of a patient in the 56-year history of RAP, Inc. has reignited intense conflict between the historic D.C. addiction center’s local leadershipโฆ
Kay Family, OAG Reach Agreement in Settlement Dispute
The family of Deon Kay finalized a settlement agreement with D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, resolving a long-standing dispute over the payout amount following theโฆ
Let’s Talk
Video | Clearing the Air: How DC Is Working Toward Fully Electrifying Transportation by 2045
Washington, D.C., has committed to fully electrifying its transportation sector by 2045, but what will it take to reach that goal? Watch: Washington Informer reporter Myaโฆ
Late Night Hype Creates a Safe Space for Teens in Washington, D.C.
The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreationโs Late Night Hype program returned for its fifth season on June 5, 2026, with a kickoff event atโฆ
Video: D.C. Voter Guide Helps Seniors Navigate Ranked Choice Voting
As the June 16 primary approaches, AARP D.C., the League of Women Voters D.C., and the D.C. Board of Elections have joined forces to createโฆ
DCision 2026 Debate Video: A Brief Look at the Mayoral and Delegate Debates
The Washington Informer, in partnership with the DC Democratic State Committee (DC Dems), the Washington Association of Black Journalists, the Greater Washington Black Chamber ofโฆ
Video: Real Safety D.C. Roundtable – Level Setting on Public Safety in Washington, D.C.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW250xKBx1M In partnership with the Public Welfare Foundation and its Real Safety D.C. education campaign, The Washington Informer hosted a powerful discussion exploring how communitiesโฆ

LIFESTyle
NABJ Called Out Stephen A. Smith. He Went to Fox News
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith defended himself against criticisms from the National Association of Black Journalists regarding his commentary on Black women during an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.”
Things to Do, DMV: Weekend Rundown, Aug. 20-23
Several community events, ranging from cultural festivals and comedy shows to educational workshops and back-to-school giveaways, are scheduled to take place throughout the DMV areaโฆ
Stellar Awards Celebrate Gospel’s Legacy, Faith and Future in Charlotte
The 41st annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 14-15, celebrating artistry and faith with performances and honors forโฆ
Nekisha Durrett: The Artist, D.C. Native Behind the ‘Hem of Heaven’
Mixed media artist Nekisha Durrett has installed her 24-foot ceramic artwork, “Hem of Heaven,” at the Obama Presidential Center to honor Black history and inspireโฆ
‘Where We Once Belonged,’ An Artist’s View of D.C. Gentrification
Painter Marilyn Gates-Davis is presenting her exhibition “Where We Once Belong: DC’s Development and Disappearance” at the Amy Kaslow Gallery in Bethesda, Maryland, and willโฆ

