Youth, Safety, Opportunity , & Education

special report from DC’s Ward 8

Calls for art instruction, more recreational activities, youth employment and mentorship, “training vs. incarceration,” and a host of other education-related issues were front and center through a recent “Community Conversation about Violence in [Washington, DC’s] Ward 8.” Roughly 200 community members gathered in response to a recent spate of shootings, including two fatalities just days apart. The topics of policing, crime, and guns were raised. But educational needs were underscored throughout the conversation, as was the effect of violence on student lives.

A variety of approaches are underway, in a struggle that dovetails with the national Black Lives Matter movement.

Here’s a report from southeast DC — Community Conversation report — including links for locals to become involved.

Which communities around the nation are dealing with similar issues in and around education?

How are local and national activists working together?

The Education Town Hall wants to know. Please share your stories.