Ward 8 D.C. Council member Trayon White, standing next to Regina Pixley, is currently facing a federal bribery charge. On Dec. 16, the D.C. Council unanimously approved a motion to expel White from the legislative body. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)
Ward 8 D.C. Council member Trayon White, standing next to Regina Pixley, is currently facing a federal bribery charge. On Dec. 16, the D.C. Council unanimously approved a motion to expel White from the legislative body. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

January 

  • Davon McNeal’s Legacy Lives On With Street Renaming in Southeast D.C. (Jan. 8, Sam P.K. Collins)
    • Days before what would’ve been Davon Thomas McNeal III’s 15th birthday, his family and friends came together to honor his life. On July 4, 2020, Davon, an athlete and violence interrupter in training, was killed on the 1400 block of Cedar Street Southeast as his mother hosted a cookout. Less than four years later, the community honored his young, powerful legacy by ceremoniously renaming the same block where he was killed to: Davon T. McNeal III Way. 
  • Snow Fails to Dampen King Holiday Parade (Jan. 16, James Wright)
    • Despite sub-freezing temperatures and snow, the 2024 MLK Holiday Annual Rally, Peace Walk and Parade took place in Ward 8, warming residents by spreading encouragement, love, and positivity.  The parade, sponsored by the 19th Annual MLK Observance Week 2024 and led by Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes and community activist Stuart Anderson,  capped off a week of events preceding it that included a prayer breakfast, an essay contest, and religious services. 
  • Gas Explosion in Southeast D.C. Levels Convenience Store, Injures One (Jan. 18, Kayla Benjamin)
    • A gas explosion on Marion Barry Avenue SE destroyed a convenience store on the morning of Jan. 18, causing minor injuries to one person hit with flying debris and requiring the rapid evacuation of over a dozen toddlers at the daycare next door, along with dozens of people working in buildings nearby. The gas leak appears to have been caused by a car crashing into a gas meter outside the building, and the fire was extinguished by late that afternoon, with work to clean and rebuild the area planned to begin soon after.

February 

  • Month of Highlighting Black Arts in D.C. (All Month, curated by Micha Green)
    • In joining the nationwide celebration of Black history, The Washington Informer used each week of February to highlight Black arts and honor African American creatives’ contribution to arts and culture worldwide. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the creators of Black History Month, focused on “African Americans and the Arts,” for its 2024 theme and through interviews with local artists, historians and research, Washington Informer reporters explored how Black artists in the District and nation have historically contributed to the arts and American culture as a whole.
  • Tired of Tires: Hundreds of Illegally Dumped Wheels Pollute District Woods (Feb. 26, Kayla Benjamin)
    • While residents have made complaints to the Department of Public Works (DPW), and DPW, in turn worked to remove tons of debris, residents along the I-295 corridor were concerned about massive piles of tires left in the District’s woodlands and green spaces, which often slip through the cracks, leaving citizens to step in. Volunteers collected almost 250 tires — weighing about 5,000 pounds — during an MLK Day cleanup in Ward 7’s Pope Branch Park in January, according to Dolly Davis, president of the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance. In some cases, if they’re hidden or hard to get to, tires might just sit in the woods for weeks, months or even years. Residents and environmentalists advocate for stopping dumping and to encourage the quick removal of tires as the rubber leaches chemicals slowly into the soil and water, while also posing a serious fire hazard and — in warmer months — forming perfect mosquito breeding grounds.
  • D.C.-Area Mothers Organize “ArrestCPS” Campaign (Feb. 20, Sam P.K. Collins)
    • The African National Women’s Organization (ANWO), a group Black women in the D.C. area, has been working  to demand the reunification of Black children who’ve been separated from their families by the government.  The ArrestCPS Campaign is an effort to expose the child foster care system’s role in criminalizing Black parents, breaking families apart, and siphoning state funds needed to sustain communities.  The campaign includes court watch, during which members of ANWO, Operation Stop CPS, and other entities support mothers in their appearances before family court judges. It also involves banner drops, a process by which organizers hang up signs across the region targeting child and family service agencies and raising awareness about stories of mothers who say they have been unjustly separated from their children.

March 

  • The D.C. Council Approves Secure DC Omnibus Package (March 5, Sam P.K. Collins)
    • The D.C. Council approved the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act on Tuesday, March 5, during the second reading of the bill. A nearly 90-page bill, Secure DC Omnibus includes provisions that had residents, activists, and all those in between weighing in on elements of the legislation that sparked controversy. A part of the bill that ignited much discussion included allowing police officers to engage in vehicular pursuits and review body-worn camera footage, except in cases involving serious use of force. In approving the bill, the council approved, by an 11-2 vote, an amendment that Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8), who was the sole “present” vote on the omnibus act, introduced to prevent the omission of police officers’ names from documents during adverse action proceedings.  
  • Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge Destroyed in Collision with Container Ship (March 26, Kayla Benjamin, Stacy M. Brown, Hamil Harris)
    • In one of the ultimate nightmares, the Francis Scott Key Bridge, an iconic lifeline for Baltimore’s bustling metropolis, was ripped apart in a thunderous clash with a colossal container ship, unleashing chaos in and around Charm City and tragedy for at least seven families. When the ship, known as the Dali, hit the support column, the once-sturdy structure crumbled beneath the vessel’s onslaught, sending people and vehicles plummeting into the icy depths of the Patapsco River at about 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, halting key transports of goods and causing economic injury to many workers and businesses.  Since the collapse, President Joe Biden and Maryland and federal leaders have pledged funding toward rebuilding the bridge. 

April

  • White House Easter Egg Roll Emphasizes ‘Egg-ucation,’ Despite Rain Black Families Celebrate and Reflect on Magnitude of the Moment (April 3, Ashleigh Fields)
    • Despite the District’s dreary weather on April 1, more than 40,000 attendees gathered for the White House Easter egg roll, brightening the day by donning pastels and smiles and continuing a tradition for American families since 1878. First lady Jill Biden centered activities around the theme of “EGG-ucation” encouraging young children to excel in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, and among the  groups in attendance, were members of Jack and Jill of America Inc., a national leadership organization for African-American children and their mothers headquartered in Washington, D.C. Witnessing their children enjoy and engage with others on the White House lawn during the event, many Jack and Jill families weighed in on the magnitude of the moment and hoped it sparked interest in them about politics, voting and speaking up for interests important to Black communities around the nation. 

From the National Mall to Southeast D.C. and Bowie State University, residents, students and tourists flocked to outdoor watch parties around the DMV to look to the sky and witness a rare solar phenomenon on Monday, April 8. The rare occurrence was a total solar eclipse that crossed North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. The last total solar eclipse visible in North America took place in 2017 and the next will be in 2044.

May

  • Police Chief Ministers Hold Community Walk to Support Parents of 3-Year-Old Fatally Shot (May 8, Hamil Harris, with later reporting from Sam P.K. Collins)
    • After the tragic fatal shooting of 3-year-old Ty’ah Settles on Friday, May 3, politicians, local leaders, and dozens of pastors came together at the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Seventh District to offer powerful prayers and community comfort on Tuesday, May 7. MPD Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith, who is also an ordained minister, offered condolences, words of encouragement, condemned the violence, and assured attendees that MPD, the Bowser administration, community leaders and local pastors would be working to improve public safety. In December, with the new year just weeks away, the Bowser administration is celebrating a significant reduction in violent crime to pre-pandemic levels. 
  • Raising 12 Children: A District Mother’s Journey (May 8, James Wright)
    •  Christina Jeter, a Congress Heights resident, has faced the joys and challenges that come with raising 12 children on her own. Despite trials such as the tragic loss of her son who was incarcerated in October 2023, Jeter and her family celebrated many triumphs on Mother’s Day 2024.

June

  • Groundbreaking Treatment Makes Way for Sickle Cell Patients (JUNE 5, Lindiwe Vilakazi)
    • Twelve-year-old Kendric Cromer became the first recipient of the groundbreaking stem cell gene therapy designed to cure sickle cell disease. Through a host of stem cell extractions, Cromer and his family, along with Children’s National Hospital and his health team, will see if the federally approved therapy has shown positive results in leading him on his way of being cured of the debilitating disease.
  • D.C. PRIMARY ELECTION: D.C. Council Incumbents Hold Seats,Wendell Felder Emerges as Winner in Crowded Ward 7 D.C. Council Primary Election (June 5, 7, Sam P.K. Collins)
    • In the 2024 D.C. Primary Election, D.C. Council incumbents, including Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White (D), emerged victorious; while the crowded bid to occupy Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D)’s seat in Ward 7 culminated in a win for Wendell Felder. Despite a large victory gap, White’s triumphant reelection became challenged when he found himself embroiled in federal bribery charges that sparked contentious debate among Ward 8 residents over write-in candidates and a Republican takeover.
  • D.C. Council to Soon Consider Bill that Strengthens Accountability for DYRS (June 11, Sam P.K. Collins)
    • D.C. Attorney General Brian Schawlb introduced the Recidivism Reduction, Oversight and Accountability for DYRS Act of 2024 (ROAD Act), legislation that ensures the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) efficiently supports residents awaiting long-term placement. Following delayed readings and the fallout from Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White’s bribery scandal, which involved DYRS, D.C. Council unanimously approved the amendment during the council’s final legislative meeting on Dec. 17.
  • The Election Season that Tested the Political Establishment: Initiative 83 approved by D.C. voters, White reelected (Nov. 6, Sam P.K. Collins)
    • Despite the opposition of local Democratic leaders, nearly 73% of D.C. voters approved Initiative 83, a ballot measure in support of open primaries and ranked-choice voting. D.C. Councilmember Trayon White, facing a federal bribery charge, also won re-election against a handful of write-in challengers and an increasingly perennial Republican general election candidate. Weeks later, as Councilmember White faces expulsion from his seat, local Democrats continue to prepare for a second Trump presidency.

July 

  • Wise High School Community Remembers Promising Athletes, Newly Minted NFL Player Killed in Tragic Accident (July 8, July 12, Richard Elliott)
    • Khyree Jackson, 24, who was recently drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, and his former Dr. Henry A. Wise High School teammates Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, were killed in a traffic accident on Pennsylvania Avenue in Upper Marlboro shortly after 3 a.m. on July 6. Hundreds of friends, family, and community members flocked to the Upper Marlboro high school on July 12, for a vigil to honor the lives of Jackson, Hazel, and Lytton Jr., three celebrated Wise alumni. After the vigil, two attendees were shot after 10 p.m., and one Shahid Omar Jr., was pronounced dead at a local hospital, while the other reportedly was recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.
  • Thousands Support I-83
    • On July 1, dozens of people representing Make All Votes Count DC converged on D.C. Board of Elections (DCBOE) headquarters in Southeast with six black boxes sitting atop a red wagon that had 8,528 petitions with more than 40,000 signatures from voters representing all eight wards of the District in support of Initiative-83 (I-83). The initiative pushed to allow for voters registered as independent to participate in primary elections and to implement ranked-choice voting. While some political and community leaders spoke out against I-83—including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser—nearly 73% of District voters approved in the November general election. 
  • Biden Withdraws, Harris Steps Up (July 21, Stacy M. Brown, Hamil Harris)
    • In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden (D) announced that he would not seek reelection, and soon after endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris (D) as the Democratic presidential nominee for the 2024 general election. This decision came after a growing number of Democratic Party members voiced concerns about Biden’s suitability for office after a poor performance during the presidential candidates’ June debate.  While Harris immediately raised a record amount of money and garnered widespread support once Biden stepped down, she ultimately lost to now-President-elect Donald Trump in the November general election.

August

  • D.C. Councilmember Trayon White Faces Federal Bribery Charges (Aug. 19, Sam P.K. Collins)
    • After being arrested by the FBI Sunday, Aug. 18, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White (D) was officially charged the following day on federal bribery charges. As a result, Council chairman Phil Mendelson (D) stripped White from the helm of the Committee on Recreation, Library and Youth Affairs, and recently, the council unanimously approved a motion to vote to expel him from the legislative body. The council tentatively plans to vote about White’s expulsion in January 2025. His court trial is scheduled for January 2026, and he could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. 
  • DMV at the DNC: Local Leaders Wow During Convention, Community Shares Importance of Convening and Offer Call to Action (Aug. 22, Aug. 28, Ashleigh M. Fields, Micha Green, Hamil R. Harris)
    • From then Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) taking the stage, to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) proudly speaking on behalf of District delegates in support of Vice President Kamala Harris (D), the DMV region was on full display while in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention (Aug. 19-Aug. 22). While local leaders, including Wes Moore, were offered a platform on a national (and worldwide) stage, area residents also showed their DMV pride by advocating for District statehood and the election of now-Sen.-elect Alsobrooks. They also offered a call-to-action to mobilize voters outside of the DMV region to vote for Harris, as the nation inched toward the November election.
  • FedEx Field No Longer, Now Northwest Stadium (Aug. 28, Richard Elliott)
    • The DMV landmark and home to the Washington Commanders known as FedEx Field is now Northwest Stadium, following the relinquishing of old naming rights and an early end to a 27-year sponsorship deal originally intended to last through 2026.

September

  • Labor Day Weekend: Community Remembers MPD Investigator Wayne David, Advocates Fight for More Answers After Justin Robinson Dies in Police-Involved Shooting (Sept. 3, Sept. 10, Sam P.K. Collins)
    • With a few hours left in the Labor Day holiday weekend, dozens upon dozens of family, friends, neighbors and police officers gathered in honor of Wayne David, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigator who died Aug. 28, while working to retrieve a firearm in the line of duty. However, that same long weekend, Justin Robinson, a Cure the Streets violence interrupter, died in a police-involved killing while in his car, which had crashed at a McDonald’s franchise on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue Southeast.  After his family and advocates demanded MPD release body-camera footage, police provided a redacted video, which has some people still calling for more answers and fighting for justice.
  • The Fight for Unity Health Care Clinics (Sept. 11, Lindiwe Vilakazi)
    • Union members of the District’s leading health care clinic rally against upper management to correct inhumane scheduling and work conditions ultimately harming the health outcomes of patients who need them the most. 
  • White House Hosts Historic Celebration of Black Excellence (Sept. 16, Stacy M. Brown)
    • While the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation hosted its annual conference in downtown, D.C. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the White House South Lawn transformed into a historic celebration of Black excellence, bringing together actors, authors, politicians, television personalities, journalists, writers, activists, and artists. The Black Excellence Brunch on Friday, Sept. 13 marked the first celebration exclusively dedicated to honoring the achievements of African Americans that took place on the White House grounds, outside the context of Black History Month, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or Juneteenth.

October

  • Gray Announces Dementia Diagnosis, Makes No More Votes for Rest of D.C. Council Term (Oct. 24, Sam P.K. Collins)
    • Having already announced the end of his political career and supported his Ward 7 Council seat successor Wendell Felder, Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D) continued to face health challenges that kept him away from legislative meetings. The two-time stroke survivor, who hadn’t publicly expressed himself verbally in recent months, revealed he was diagnosed with early-stage dementia and would not vote for the remainder of his Council term.

November

  • Angela Alsobrooks Declared Winner of Maryland Senate Race; First Black Woman to Represent the State (Nov. 6, Richard Elliott)
    • While the nation voted for the next president of the United States on Election Day, in Maryland — a majority-blue state — the Senate race was undoubtedly the marquee ticket of the cycle. After a heated campaign season, then Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) defeated former Governor Larry Hogan (R). Senator-elect Alsobrooks has since resigned as county executive and will be sworn in Jan. 3, when the new Congress begins.
  • Ceremonial Ribbon-Cutting Commemorates Long-Awaited Go-Go Museum (Nov. 19, Sam P.K. Collins, Jada Ingleton)
    •  During Go-Go Preservation Week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other District politicians, musicians and community leaders, cut the ribbon at the highly anticipated Go-Go Museum & Café in historic Anacostia, co-founded by Ronald Moten and Dr. Natalie Hopkinson. The event marked the launch of the first institution dedicated to celebrating and preserving go-go, the heartbeat of DC’s cultural identity.
    • One Decade After His Death, Family, Friends, Colleagues Commemorate Marion Barry’s Life, Work With Legacy (Nov. 25, Sam P.K. Collins)
      • In a labor of love, research, advocacy and education, and weeks after &pizza made a mockery of the late Marion Barry’s legacy for marketing purposes, family, friends, former colleagues and District leaders gathered for the unveiling of a new mural in his honor. One of many commemorative works on display since the late politician’s death, the latest mural was a collaboration between the Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Foundation, CreativeJunkFood LLC, and other District organizations to design a three-part installation chronicling the leader’s life. The legacy mural currently hangs in the Marion S. Barry Jr. Building in Judiciary Square in Northwest D.C.

December

  • Hill-Bound Alsobrooks Resigns; Special Election Ahead for New Prince George’s County Executive (Dec. 2, Richard Elliott)
    • Fresh off a general election victory, U.S. Sen.-elect Angela Alsobrooks (D), resigned, making Tara Jackson, acting county executive for Prince George’s. Jackson, who served as county administrator until her appointment, has made it clear she is not interested in making the title permanent, and a crowded field of candidates are vying to finish Alsobrooks’ term, including Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D-At-large). In addition to seeking the county executive role, Ivey’s former District 5 seat is now vacant. Prince George’s has scheduled a special primary and general election March 4 and May 27, for the county executive and District 5 council seat.
  • Black D.C. Residents Troubled by City Vacant Property Law (Dec. 4, James Wright)
  • Entrepreneur Romeo Morgan and other advocates have been working to protect Black businesses on Georgia Avenue and the nearby area, as they navigate challenges such as government notices and feeling pressured to sell their properties to developers at a cheaper rate than the market would demand.
  • The Collins Council Report: Council Period 25 Ends with Celebration, Difficult Conversations (Dec. 18, Sam P.K. Collins)
    • As the District of Columbia Council wrapped its 2024 legislative season, there were a lot of tough conversations, particularly after an ad-hoc committee hearing moved a beleaguered Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White closer to expulsion. While White awaits his fate on the council (with a council vote tentatively scheduled for January), his colleagues honored Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray for his years of service, discussed oversight for the Department of Youth and Rehabilitative Services, and confirmed Kweli Sneed as executive director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement.

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