Washington Informer (WI) Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes hosted a Valentine’s Day weekend episode of WIN-TV.
Feb. 12 WIN-TV segment focused on books, and business, as the weekly segment welcomed Dr. Shantella Sherman to share her 28 Days, 28 Ways campaign, celebrating literacy amid Black History Month, Derrick Young of MahoganyBooks, 17-year WI book review columnist Terri Schlichenmeyer, and Kim Dreux-Kelly, co-executive director of Think Local First, joined with board president Thomas Martin, to discuss the resources and support they are offering business owners of Metropolitan DC.
Rolark Barnes first introduced writer, historian, and executive director of Washington Informer Charities, Dr. Shantella Sherman, who is now launching a literacy campaign in respect of Black History Month, as she shared an in-depth synopsis of historic links between Black American oppression, and rights to literacy.
“I wanted to encourage people, first of all, to look back because it’s Black History month, and understand that in this country, there were active anti-literacy campaigns, and legislation created specifically for Black people,” said Dr. Sherman. “Within this platform, we want folks to be able to engage, and understand that too often we don’t take advantage of literacy that’s all around us. We don’t take advantage of all of the great access resources that our ancestors couldn’t.”
Remaining guest Kim Dreux-Kelly, and Thomas Martin of Think Local First, provided viewers a clear scope into the new local Independent Business Association (IBA) serving local independent small, and micro small businesses, encouraging the movement of buying, and supporting all things local.
The midday Friday program concluded with Schlichenmeyer as she shared a few of her favorite reads, while MahoganyBooks co-owner Derrick Young discussed new developments, and milestones for the Black-owned business, including their newest National Harbor location, slated to open on Juneteenth (June 19th) of this year.
“Both of these locations are in places that are near and dear to me. I lived here growing up as a young child in SE, so this is my home. But I also grew up in Prince George’s county as an older kid,” said Young. “So to be able to put a bookstore there as well in a place that is majority Black, with maybe just one or two bookstores inside the beltway, is super important for us to…continue the mission of making books accessible, to bring authors to our community, to allow for conversation, discussion, debate, and to spread ideas. So it’s really important that we continue to make these books accessible, and have a place where the community can gather to enjoy ourselves and each other.”
Per usual, The Bridge additionally presented a news recap with The Media Prince, as well as the second edition of “Sounds of the DMV, ” this week showcasing local rap siren Miss Kaniyah performing her single “Just Play It.”
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