Three local Washingtonians are facilitating efforts to convene the District Height’s community in generating positive images, inspiration, and resources for residents through their recently launched “Sunday Scrub” cleaning events.
Spawned from the group’s prior conversations on Instagram live streams used to discuss current events with their following, recent university graduates hailing from Washington, D.C., and District Heights, Md., created “Our TIN,” for “Our Time Is Now.” The organization brings an urgent focus to community needs and welfare, looking to reframe the narrative and visuals that impact the youth and residents of a subtly impoverished area.
“Our people need equality and equity, and without both our people cannot prosper. Equity is a key component. Equity is the resources that go into our communities. There’s a reason why you have more than one grocery store, there’s a reason why you have only this type of school in your District. We need the equity to ensure that everyone is educated, everyone has the same playing field, and everyone is ensured a life that is not deprived of any of our constitutional rights,” said Our TIN Co-President Chris Mullins.
Co-creators Christian Mullins, and Nia Steven, along with Vice President Tranel Robinson, embarked on a mission to help empower their community through esthetic and motivational practices. The Sunday Scrub, currently being their most popular event across District Heights, gathers residents to trek miles down Marlboro Pike, picking and cleaning up scattered trash.
The recurring Sunday gathering has garnered strong community support, as drivers honk their horns in solidarity as the team chants slogans that embrace and encourage residents.
Although the collective’s cleaning initiatives have helped stabilize a strong community presence, the group is more than merely a cleaning organization. The group has a projected rollout of school leadership conferences for grade school children, community food giveaways, and various initiatives aimed to give back to their neighboring parents and children.
“We’re out here because we want to help clean our community. We want to be able to give back and we want to provide that equity and equality for our communities so that we’re able to have nice things,” said Tranel Robinson.
Our TIN has additionally secured support by District Heights Mayor Jonathan Medlock, reportedly collaborating with community businesses planning for future events highlighting the organization’s purpose and community service efforts.
Our TIN’s marketing consultant Kadeem Ragg partnered with the group after developing ties with Robinson during their college tenure, Ragg being a Morehouse College graduate, and Robinson an alumna of Clark Atlanta University.
The organization pushes for positive Black imagery and empowerment, as they are planning to spread their agenda outside of Maryland, into popularly Black communities within Philadelphia, and Atlanta.
“You see everyone out here honking their horns in support — we need that. We want them to go home, talk about it, and tell others,” Ragg said.
Our TIN plans to continue Sunday Scrubs cleanings until November of this year, and make a return at the top of spring 2021.