Christina Sturdivant Sani - The 51st

Christina is the executive editor at The 51st. She's written for more than two dozen publications. As a staff writer at DCist, she wrote more than 1,600 stories about life in The District.

27 articles

How these D.C. natives are fighting to preserve the city's Black culture

DCish

How these D.C. natives are fighting to preserve the city's Black culture

By creating content, merch, and experiences that are for and about Chocolate City

Christina Sturdivant Sani Feb 12, 2026

Polaroid portraits of Black people wearing shirts that read "Proof of Life," in front of an African African flag.

DCish

Excerpts from Proof of Life, a new book highlighting D.C.'s culture

Seven area natives share how the spirit of Chocolate City is still alive.

Christina Sturdivant Sani, Gracie McKenzie Feb 12, 2026

The outside of Ben's Chili Bowl. A sign with the restaurant's name and "Chili," "Smokes," and "Burger."

Ask A D.C. Native

Ask A D.C. Native: Why does D.C. love Ben's Chili Bowl so much?

We asked a man on the inside.

Christina Sturdivant Sani Dec 11, 2025

Rows and rows of 51st stickers that say I heart DC's worker-led, nonprofit, independent, local newsroom,

Building The 51st

This season, we’re thankful for you

Our worker-led newsroom wouldn't be possible without your people power.

Christina Sturdivant Sani Nov 26, 2025

George Kevin Jordan, The 51st's Ward 7 Community Connector speaking with a reader who is filling out a survey at our summer happy hour.

Building The 51st

Six ways we love working with you

We've been publishing for over a year now, and so many D.C. residents have informed our reporting.

Christina Sturdivant Sani Oct 22, 2025

Why real D.C. news is so important right now

Building The 51st

Why real D.C. news is so important right now

With powerful people spreading misinformation about our city, The 51st’s work is more vital than ever.

Christina Sturdivant Sani Oct 7, 2025

Three kids playing on a street look back at a toy car.

DCish

New documentary dives deep into gentrification in D.C.

We interview the filmmaker behind “Cracked Shells.”

Christina Sturdivant Sani Oct 2, 2025

One year of publishing The 51st

Building The 51st

One year of publishing The 51st

And what a year it's been!

Christina Sturdivant Sani Oct 1, 2025

Ask A D.C. Native: How do we document this moment?

Ask A D.C. Native

Ask A D.C. Native: How do we document this moment?

A historian’s take on recording this unprecedented time.

Christina Sturdivant Sani Aug 21, 2025

Natalie Delgadillo, Christina Sturdivant Sani and Martin Austermuhle deliver remarks at Friday's happy hour and launch of this fundraising campaign (Henry Kan)

Building The 51st

Help us hire Martin Austermuhle!

The 51st is growing — but we can’t do it without you.

Christina Sturdivant Sani Jul 14, 2025

A large red, black, and green flag that says Juneteenth Celebrate Freedom June 19

Ask A D.C. Native

Ask A D.C. Native: How do you celebrate Juneteenth?

Festivals, concerts, and intimate gatherings with family and friends.

Christina Sturdivant Sani Jun 18, 2025

Mural of Marvin Gaye, a Black singer, wearing a purple suit in front of a color, musical background.

Ask A D.C. Native

Ask A D.C. Native: Why do D.C. natives have an official day?

While native Washingtonians contribute so much to the District's vibrancy, we're too often overlooked.

Christina Sturdivant Sani May 15, 2025