Housing/urban Issues/Gentrification

Developer Adrian Washington gets home demo after illegally padlocking 4 Black-owned businesses

On Oct 3 (possibly using the Kavanaugh drama to divert press attention), develper Adrian Washington's Neighborhood Development's subsidiary 1100 Eastern LLC padlocked three Black-owned buisinesses and a church oin the Deanwood neighborhood in NE. On the 6th of October, Black Lives Matter and other activists paid a visit to Adrien Washington's cushy home near Rock Creek Park and 16th st

Video of the march on developer Adrian Washington's house 4 min 32 sec

Protesters from Black Lives matter in front of the home of developer Adrian Washington

Tenant Activists protest sale of rent controlled buildings to developers by Catholic Church

On the 16th of September, DC area community activists showed up outside the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, demanding that the Catholic Church cancel plans to sell off rent-controlled buildings near Rhode Island avenue to developers who intend to evict the tenants.

Video-speakers call out the greed and hypocrisy of the Church throwing tenants out in the street for 30 pieces of silver

Ivy City residents, Empower DC crash Mayor Bowser's birthday party to save Crummel School

On the 26th of July, DC Mayor Bowser celebrated her birthday with a "public" party at the Ivy City Smokehouse, a restaurant owned by ProFish president and developer Greg Casten. Outside, Empower DC and Ivy City residents staged a loud protest demanding the Mayor include a rec center and playground in any redevelopment of the historic Crummel School site, saying "Something's fishy in Ivy City."

Video-Mayor Bowser shows up 40 minutes late, scuttles in the back to evade protesters in front

Something is fishy in Ivy City!

Senate Passes Puerto Rico Nutritional Assistance in Farm Bill: Puerto Rico Housing Assistance Fails in Senate

The US Senate voted for Puerto Rico disaster relief in the form of food assistance with the passage of the "Farm Bill." The Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, included Senators Marco Rubio and Kirsten Gillibrand's amendment to fund Puerto Rico's Nutritional Assistance Program.

Poor People's Campaign Direct Action at HHS

A contingent of activists from the Poor People's Campaign marched to and delivered testimony at the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting the plight of immigrant families separated by the Trump administration, health care and housing for all and other issues faced by poor people in this country.

Video Stream

 

Part 2

Poor People's Campaign launches coordinated blockades at multiple targets

On the 18th of June, the Poor People's Campaign abandoned Capitol Hill protests. Instead, they marched from a big tent on the Mall and broke into three sections. The march sections went to EPA, HUD, and HHS. The EPA and HUD got blockades, while HHS has barricaded protesters out. A "People's HHS" was erected at that location. In all cases cops declined to make arrests, so protesters escalated to street blockades and a final blockade at the Dept of Injustice.

Video including all of the blockades and targets (5min 33 sec)

The Poor People's Campaign blockade at the EPA

Jobs With Justice 2018 May Day Parade

Jobs With Justice DC observed International Worker's Day 2018 with a May Day parade to construction sites in DC to bring awareness of subcontractors such as Power Design Inc. with a history of wage theft. Also highlighted were gentrification and the displacement of DC historic communities of color as well as salary abuses among restaurant and domestic workers. Video Link

Empower DC, Barry Farms residents celebrate as appeals court REJECTS redevelopment zoning

On the 26th of April the Court of Appeals overturned zoning approval for the "Planned Unit Development" that had been planned to replace and evict Barry Farms. While this fight probably isn't over, Empower DC turned their already scheduled happy hour at Mediterranian Spot on U st into victory party.

Slumlord Geoff Griffis gets home demo for Congress Heights

On the 10th of February, notorious "City Parners" slumlord Geoff Griffis received another protest at his Cleveland Park home over his ongoing efforts to force out the tenants of Congress Heights. Geoff Griffis' partner Sanford Capitol is attempting to duck a court order that the Congress Heights apartments not be sold to anyone other than a developer chosen by the tenants by transferring their interest to him.

Video highlights of the protest at slumlord Geoff Griffis' house

Tenants and allies in front of Geoff Griffis's house

Transit Equity Day rally held in front of Councilmember Jack Evan's car

Feb 5, 2018 was national Transit Equity Day. Here in DC, activists from several organizations stood between the doors of the Wilson Building and councilmember Jack Evan's parked car. Yes, the car he drives as WMATA board chairman instead of using Metro Center (across the street) was parked almost directly in line with the doorway to the Wilson Building, providing the perfect stage for transit advocates. The protest ran 4-5PM, as he normally leaves at about 4:30PM-but today Jack Evans refused to appear.

Video highlights of the transit protest in front of Jack Evan's car

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