Chasity Thurston, Armani Green and River Jones stand in front of Rocketship Rise Academy on Raynolds Place SE in D.C. on Nov. 14 and read monologues they prepared under the tutelage of Britney Ayala, their arts and drama teacher. Each monologue touched on themes of violence and how young people use their voices to compel change. (Courtesy of Glen Gordon Jr.)
Chasity Thurston, Armani Green and River Jones stand in front of Rocketship Rise Academy on Raynolds Place SE in D.C. on Nov. 14 and read monologues they prepared under the tutelage of Britney Ayala, their arts and drama teacher. Each monologue touched on themes of violence and how young people use their voices to compel change. (Courtesy of Glen Gordon Jr.)

Today’s Headlines – November 16, 2023

Gun Violence Concerns, Civil Rights Legacy, Diversity in Parks, & The Black Church’s Climate Disconnect

Good evening! It’s Thursday, November 16, and we’ve got a roundup of some important news stories to start your day. Today, we’ll be covering concerns about gun violence near a D.C. school, the passing of a civil rights advocate, the appointment of a new director for Maryland Park Service, and the Black church’s struggle to address climate change. Let’s dive in!

Young students speak out against gun violence at Rocketship Rise Academy

A community in Southeast D.C. is growing increasingly concerned about gun violence near Rocketship Rise Academy, where stray bullets have struck the walls and shattered windows three times since the beginning of the school year. In response, teachers, parents, and staff members recently took to the streets as a show of solidarity with nearby Woodland Terrace Public Housing community to call for change.

Remembering Maudine Cooper: civil rights leader and CEO of Greater Washington Urban League

Maudine R. Cooper, a civil rights advocate and former President of the Greater Washington Urban League, has passed away at the age of 82. Cooper’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who worked with her as she championed social justice and community development throughout her career.

Breaking barriers: Angela Crenshaw named first black woman director of Maryland park service

Angela Crenshaw has become the first Black woman director of the Maryland Park Service. She plans to make systemic changes and improve diversity in the park service’s hiring while prioritizing telling more types of stories within Maryland’s parks.

Black church and climate change: Bridging the gap in environmental awareness and solutions

Discover why the Black church, historically a pillar of support for Black Americans, is facing a disconnect when it comes to addressing the climate crisis and promoting environmental justice.

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Desmond Barnes was born in Washington, DC. He is the son of Washington Informer Publisher Denise Barnes. He has been a part of the Washington Informer family all of his life. He helps produce Sounds Of...