Ask a D.C. Native: What are you hopeful for?
People power and rest for Black women.
I heard an advertisement recently that said something like, “There are lots of things to worry about right now, but there are also things to look forward to.”
I said aloud to myself: “Like … what?”
So, this question took some contemplation. But after meditating on it, I came up with three things I’m hopeful for — personally, professionally, and as a D.C. native.
I’m hopeful that Black women will rest and find peace
Too often, Black women bear the weight of our households, workplaces, and communities. But over the years, I’ve been inspired by my peers who encourage rest over stress. Right now? The world feels like a dumpster fire; that’s even more reason for Black women to protect our peace and sanity. Personally, I hope to find time and space for creativity and to cultivate a consistent spirit of wonder and joy — even as things crash down around me. My greatest gift to my community is taking care of myself so I can make meaningful contributions with intention and ease.
I’m hopeful that people will support local news
Put another way: I hope to keep my job and maintain a consistent income (which I shouldn’t have to explain why this is a concern in these times or in my industry). From foundations to wealthy donors to everyday readers, I believe enough people will find value in trustworthy, community-centered news that local outlets like The 51st will thrive financially. More specifically, I hope to see a concentration of support for worker-led outlets that govern themselves — leading to better working conditions for employees — and focus on reciprocal relationships with readers. With all that might happen to D.C. and other cities across the country, this is the time to throw support behind people-centered journalism.
I’m hopeful D.C. won’t lose home rule
I never thought much about D.C.’s Home Rule until recently. I grew up knowing that our congressperson didn’t have the right to vote but there wasn’t a strong emphasis on Home Rule — likely because that’s a battle we’d already won. Now that it could be stripped away, I’m hopeful that lawmakers, D.C. leaders, and residents will unite around protecting the city's right to self-governance and ensuring that the voices of D.C. residents aren’t silenced by those who don’t live here.
I’m curious, readers, what are you hopeful for these days?
