With parents and students navigating tensions and heightened law enforcement in D.C., what are some of your concerns going into the school year?
Golden Lyons, Northeast D.C.
I’ve been hyper-vigilant — more than usual — contacting my child, who’s a freshman at a DCPS high school, as she rides the metro to school for the first time. Thankfully, we’re saving money for Metro fare every day through the Kids Ride Free program. I want every kid to ride free and consider the youth who may not have access to the Kids Ride Free program and the reasons why they don’t have access. Public transportation is a necessity for some families. Further, I want students to be aware and hope they’re actively learning about what’s happening in their city so they can advocate for their needs. It’s important that we share facts with them, even if it’s ugly or feels uncomfortable.
The Rev. Nathaniel Douglas, Laurel, Maryland
“Elevation is something you should do, until it becomes something you need to do, [and] we are now in a place where we all need to elevate in God’s order…to elevate in obedience to God. That is the key to our peace in this season, for the rest of our days.”
Rylinda Rhodes, Southeast D.C.
We are deeply concerned about the trauma this could inflict, especially on Black and Latino youth already navigating a legacy of mistrust. It is crucial that these forces engage our children in a language they understand, fostering trust and safety, while we at Mane Rhodes Soap and Wellness prioritize mental health resources to help them cope with these challenges.
Compiled by Micha Green and Jada Ingleton