Washington Informer Lifestyle: Culture, Wellness & DMV Living

**FILE** Wendy Williams (WBLS, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Wendy Williams Speaks Out: ‘I Am Not Cognitively Impaired … I Am in Prison’

by Stacy M. Brown January 17, 2025January 17, 2025

Of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities, also known as the Divine Nine, five celebrated their Founders’ Day this month: Kappa Alpha Psi (Jan. 5), Phi Beta Sigma (Jan. 9), Delta Sigma Theta (Jan. 13), Alpha Kappa Alpha (Jan. 15), and Zeta Phi Beta (Jan. 16). (Courtesy photo)

Divine 9 Organizations’ Celebrate January Founders’ Day, Reflect on Legacy and Values of Pioneering Leaders

by Jada Ingleton January 15, 2025January 15, 2025

Ella Fitzgerald (Courtesy photo)

Interpret Ella Fitzgerald in Blues Alley Annual Competition

by Brenda C. Siler January 15, 2025January 15, 2025

The annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade, pictured in 2024, will take place on Saturday, Jan. 18, with this year’s parade being held indoors at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast D.C.'s Congress Heights neighborhood. (Courtesy of Maurice Fitzgerald)

Things to Do, DMV: Weekend Rundown, Jan. 16-19

by Jada Ingleton January 15, 2025January 15, 2025

Black Leaves Dance Company is one of the acts performing as part of Busboys and Poets “2025 Peace Ball: Voices of Liberation and Justice” at Arena Stage on Saturday, Jan. 18. For Busboys and Poets founder Andy Shallal and celebrated writer and Peace Ball supporter Alice Walker, dance is a critical form of peaceful resistance. (Courtesy photo via Instagram)

Busboys and Poets 2025 Peace Ball Promotes Gathering for Positive Change

by Micha Green January 13, 2025January 14, 2025

The Langston Hughes II Quartet performs during “Phillips After 5: All That Jazz,” a collaboration between The Phillips Collection and DC JazzFest, with Chris Hon on upright bass, Hughes on saxophone and Kevin Kearney on drums. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Saxophonist Langston Hughes II Continues to Soar in His Jazz Career

by Brenda C. Siler January 13, 2025January 14, 2025

D.C. native and well-known journalist Derrick Ward died on Jan. 7 following complications from a recent cardiac arrest. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

NBC4 Reporter Derrick Ward Dies at 62, Leaves Behind Legacy of Kindness, Dedication in Local Reporting

by Jada Ingleton January 8, 2025January 8, 2025

Busboys and Poets will hold an exploration of James Baldwin's profound legacy in “James Baldwin at 100: Celebrating the Enduring Witness” on Thursday, Jan. 9, hosted by HumanitiesDC and guest curator Tracy Chiles McGhee. The event will feature a compelling panel discussion alongside artistic expressions including music, readings, and interactive elements. (Courtesy of Eventbrite)

Things to Do, DMV: Weekend Rundown, Jan. 9-12

by Jada Ingleton January 8, 2025January 8, 2025

Babalawo Badu theorizes the economy stands in the way of Black people fully healing, so Alejaibra’s House ensures accessibility to various therapeutic services from mediation to consultations to retreats. Badu wants to create a culture that centers rest and restoration. (Courtesy photo)

Alejaibra’s House Focuses on Healing Black Communities Through Ifa-Orisa Practices

by Mya Trujillo January 8, 2025January 8, 2025

“The Adventures of Prince Achmed,” considered the first feature-length animation and inspired by the tales of "Arabian Nights," tells the story of a young prince soaring headlong into a series of wondrous adventures after being tricked by a wicked sorcerer, featuring the likes of Aladdin and a fabled witch. (Courtesy of Kino Lorber and Milestone Films)

Things to Do, DMV: Weekend Rundown, Jan. 2-5

by Jada Ingleton December 31, 2024December 31, 2024