Sam P.K. Collins

On this good ol , I'm reminded of the diversity of the D.C. native population.

As a first-gen D.C. native of Liberian descent, I was often told that I didn't fit the mold. But still I rise. To Jah be the glory.

Any trip outside of the District is an opportunity to relish in Black History and remember my "why."

Here I am near the site of what used to be The New Orleans Crusader, a 19th century Black-owned newspaper where activists organized against the segregation of street cars.

Those efforts would manifest into the Plessy v. Ferguson case where the courts upheld the "separate but equal" doctrine that would continue as the law of the land until 1954, when Brown v. Board of Education (and Bolling v. Sharpe before that) outlawed segregation (only in name of course).

At a time when the powers that be, local and otherwise, want to quiet Black journalists, it's imperative that the Black journalist remembers their role in the community. It's not up for debate.

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When I'm with my mother, I can always expect a laugh or a lesson. Thankful to fulljoy life with her. Happy Mother's Day to her and all the mothers. To Jah be the glory.

Read my latest in The Washington Informer about the Ward 8 D.C. Council special election.

Ward 8 Special Election Hopefuls Give It All at Candidate Forum Ward 8 residents voiced concerns about economic development, public safety, and education at a special election forum. Candidates proposed solutions.