Gracie McKenzie - The 51st

Gracie is an editor for The 51st. She's also the managing editor for 730DC and a community organizer in Mt. Pleasant.

6 articles

Photo illustration of reporter Sam Delgado and managing editor Abigail Higgins plus a post-it that says "AND...We're Hiring" the background is a blurred screenshot of the 51st website

Building The 51st

Some personnel news

Thanks to you, we’re hiring two journalists — and looking for one more.

Maddie Poore, Gracie McKenzie Apr 2, 2026

Text from survey respondents: “I'm paying ~45% of my income in rent.” "My healthcare premium almost tripled.”“Weekly groceries stress me out..." (Read more below.)

Affordability

Where is your money going? We asked dozens of D.C. residents.

Locals are worried about the cost of housing, healthcare, childcare, and debt.

Gracie McKenzie Mar 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

Used books packed onto a shelf.

You Street

Want to better understand D.C.? Read these books.

Our local bookshelf, curated by you.

Gracie McKenzie Jan 8, 2026

What our reporting accomplished this year

Building The 51st

What our reporting accomplished this year

Tracking the impact of our local journalism.

Gracie McKenzie Dec 30, 2025

Three tents in D.C.'s Dupont Circle under a cloudy sky.

Civics Roundup

No plans? We ain't buying it: Your weekly Civics Roundup

Plus, a vigil for those who died on our streets this year, a book swap, and a march for migrant solidarity.

Gracie McKenzie Dec 18, 2025