Every year during the Christmas season, if you’re a fan of the theater or a classic film aficionado, Charles Dickens’ characters – from Tiny Tim to Ebenezer Scrooge – come to life in a plethora of adaptations from his seminal novel, “A Christmas Carol.” But Dickens, the 19th-century British journalist revered as one of literature’s best-known novelists, wrote other pieces that also reflect his commitment to social criticism including, “A Tale of Two Cities,” in which he asserts his belief in the possibility of resurrection and transformation, both on personal and societal levels.
In the novel, Dickens uses the guillotine as a symbol of how revolutionary chaos often becomes institutionalized.
Meanwhile, here in D.C., one could argue that what has become “institutionalized” and therefore accepted as the norm is poverty within the Black community.
Over the past 40 years, Black communities, from homes to schools to businesses, have been razed to make way for new train lines, while gentrification and surging property taxes have forced many Black people to shutter their doors and move to other areas in the region where the cost of living is one which they can more easily afford and where they can find a grocery store close by.
Last week, the doors of the White House were opened to the public for self-tours during which citizens enjoyed the opulent Christmas decorations now on display throughout the warm and toasty East Wing.
But less than a mile away along New York Avenue, several dozen Black and Hispanic men and women were huddled in a McDonald’s where the temperature was uncomfortably cool, and prices high.
Those who attended the tour were decked out in brand-new Christmas outfits, while the patrons in McDonald’s sported a hodgepodge of jeans, sweaters and oversized coats – soiled and torn more from overuse than because of the efforts of creative fashionistas. Tidings of comfort and joy were apparent on the faces of those touring the White House. However, those at McDonald’s for a bite to eat or for a few minutes’ respite from the cold displayed a shroud of defeat on their brows.
Forty years ago, D.C. was a place that welcomed diversity, encouraged the unique characteristics and ethnicities that could be found in all eight wards and provided real opportunities for those who dared to dream to improve their lives. But the pendulum has swung in a different direction.
Whether we want to admit it or not, Dickens would be right in describing the District today as “a tale of two cities” – a home for the haves and the have-nots.
Further, unfortunately, those who seem to struggle are disproportionately represented by people with Black and Brown skin.
As the holiday season continues, it’s important to remember neighbors who are less fortunate. While celebrating the festive time, also find ways to give back to those who are unable to tap into the holiday cheer.
Although the two cities might still exist, reaching out and giving back helps, somewhat, bridge the wide wealth gap.
