Washington Informer Lifestyle: Culture, Wellness & DMV Living

Michael Trotter Jr., and Tanya Trotter (formerly Tanya Blount) take the gospel-country scene by storm with the Feb. 14 release of The War and Treaty’s fourth studio album, “Plus One,” a journey of resilience, love and empowerment examined through raw vocals and cross genre blends of country, gospel, rock and blues. (Courtesy of The War and Treaty via Instagram)

War and Treaty Brings Innovative Sound, Cultural Roots to Howard Theater on April 11

by Jada Ingleton April 7, 2025April 8, 2025

President Donald J. Trump’s new executive order, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” alludes to the National Museum of African American History and Culture as part of “a widespread effort to rewrite our nation’s history.” (Courtesy photo)

Patrons Visit a Smithsonian Museum Under Siege

by Sam Plo Kwia Collins Jr. April 3, 2025April 3, 2025

Kevin Young, the director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, is currently on personal leave and not leading the museum. (Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution/Leah L. Jones)

Director on Leave as Trump Order Targets African American History Museum and Cultural Institutions

by Stacy M. Brown April 3, 2025April 3, 2025

Petalpalooza hosts a full day celebration of spring along the banks of the Anacostia River on April 5, highlighting live music, interactive art installations, family-friendly hands-on activities, and more. (Courtesy of National Cherry Blossom Festival)

Things to Do DMV

Things to Do, DMV: Weekend Rundown, April 3-6

by Tait Manning April 2, 2025April 2, 2025

**FILE** Despite President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting “anti-American ideaology” in cultural institutions, Lonnie G. Bunch III, the first African American to lead the Smithsonian Institution, is laying a path forward for staff. (Courtesy photo)

Black History Under Fire: Trump’s Executive Order Puts Smithsonian’s Future at Risk

by Stacy M. Brown April 1, 2025April 1, 2025

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr is investigating The Walt Disney Company and its subsidiary ABC, alleging they contradict with new orders on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) that considers DEI discrimination. (Courtesy photo)

FCC Investigating Disney Because the House of Mouse Enjoys Diversity

by Stacy M. Brown April 1, 2025April 1, 2025

Shana Tucker sings while Amy. K Bormet accompanies her on piano. Tucker blends sounds of jazz, soul, folk and acoustic pop, producing a genre she calls “chamber soul.” (Tait Manning/The Washington Informer)

Washington Women in Jazz Festival Provides Platform for Local Jazzwomen

by Tait Manning March 31, 2025March 31, 2025

Students strike a pose while participating in a game of “Simon Says” during the first round of the Youth Improv Slam competition. (Tait Manning/The Washington Informer)

Youth Improv Slam Shows Storytelling and Self-Expression Through ‘Artivism’

by Tait Manning March 31, 2025March 31, 2025

Now in theaters, “Opus“ is a thriller about entertainment journalists, written and directed by Mark Anthony Green. Featured in the movie is John Malkovich, a legendary pop icon, and Emmy award-winning actress Ayo Edebiri, a young journalist hoping to get a scoop. (Courtesy of A24 Films)

Journalists Caught In Web of Sensationalism in the Film ‘Opus’

by Brenda C. Siler March 27, 2025March 27, 2025

Nia Savoy-Dock (left) stars as Sister Mary Clarence/Deloris Van Cartier, along with Duke Ellington School of the Arts alum, Kanysha Williams (front left), in the role of Sister Mary Robert, and other cast members in the hit musical, “Sister Act,” on stage at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., now through May 17. (Courtesy of Scott Suchman)

For a Family-Friendly Musical, ‘Sister Act’ Soars with Sensational Music, Acting, Story

by D. Kevin McNeir, Special to The Informer March 26, 2025April 17, 2025