Amplifying Ward 7 voices — RFK and beyond

There’s nothing like spring in D.C. The rain breathes life into the trees and flowers, patios are filling up again, and the city buzzes with the energy of change. For many in Ward 7, that change feels especially real this year, as we stand at the center of one of the biggest local stories: What’s going to happen with the RFK Stadium site?

If you’ve been following The 51st, you know we’ve covered the RFK saga extensively. But even with all that coverage, I keep hearing from Ward 7 residents who still have thoughts, opinions, and ideas they want to share. To make sure we’re hearing you, we’ve created this form where you can sound off. 

It’s been five months since The 51st launched its Community Connector pilot program focused on building relationships with D.C. residents in nuanced, on-the-ground ways. As the Ward 7 Community Connector, I’ve popped up at libraries and community gatherings, chatted with residents one-on-one, gotten a snapshot of what residents want from local news, and awarded prizes to folks who’ve answered our survey. We’ve featured little-known groups like the District Impact Skating Club, which started at the Fort Dupont Ice Arena, and a group of pole-vaulters and skateboarders who could be displaced by the stadium deal. And we’re keen on expanding our Ward 7 coverage. 

This season, I’m doubling down on making meaningful connections and creating spaces for real conversations. First on my list? An event focused solely on the RFK Stadium campus. We’re designing it to be interactive, intentional, and rooted in the voices of Ward 7 residents — a space where people can speak freely, without being rushed or talked over.

As a news organization, we see this as part of our responsibility to serve the public, not to persuade or push a particular agenda, but to facilitate a space where your ideas and concerns are centered. My hope is to engage with organizations in Ward 7 to make this a reality, because we do better when we work together. More event details to come, and please reach out if you’d like to collaborate. 

I’ll also continue to do what I love most: show up. I’ll be tabling at events, popping up at familiar spots like the Francis A. Gregory Library, and chatting with Ward 7 residents — in person, online, and wherever else we can connect (if you have an event you’d like me to attend, feel free to reach out). 

My goals for this season are simple: to hear what issues Ward 7 residents care about and how The 51st can better serve you and keep your trust. 

So, what’s on your mind? How do you feel about the RFK Stadium plans, the District’s budget, the updated Metrobus bus lines? What do you have a hard time keeping track of or deciphering? What stories matter most to you?

As your neighbor, I’m here to listen, learn, and share what I hear with my team at The 51st — so that together, we can create coverage that is authentic and truly representative of Ward 7.

If you’re in Ward 7 and want to connect, you can reach me at communityconnector@51st.news. Or, even better, come say “hi” when you see me out and about.

Looking forward to connecting,

George Kevin Jordan