Introducing our new Community Connector for D.C. Natives
Dwayne Lawson-Brown is a poet, playwright, and fiber artist who wants to amplify the voices of native Washingtonians.
Peace, I'm Dwayne Lawson-Brown, a poet, playwright, and fiber artist. I'm the new Community Connector for The 51st representing D.C. Natives and our interests.
You're probably expecting me to list a bunch of writing credentials to prove my worth as a news writer. Honestly, I haven't done much journalistic reporting. I’ve written a couple of plays, a few poetry collections, and recaps of events I've attended, but only when moved by personal interest.
You may be expecting me to be a popular vlogger covering the trendiest places in the District or a counter-culture tastemaker that helps dictate D.C.'s seemingly disjointed but wildly successful underground nightlife. While I've had the pleasure of performing on some of the largest and smallest stages in our city, few immediately think of me when the term "trendsetter" is mentioned.
You might think the D.C. Native Community Connector would know the history of every Go-Go band, displaced venue, and the origins of "the pocket." Well ... I do know a little bit, but I would never claim to be an authority on Go-Go when there are scholars who have devoted decades to documenting and celebrating D.C.'s homegrown sound.
So why should I have this opportunity to contribute to D.C.'s free press? What makes me an acceptable representative for D.C. natives when I don't hit the above criteria?
Simply put, I'm one of us. You know, the folks who were born in a D.C. hospital that no longer exists (Columbia Hospital for Women). I was raised in Stanton Hill Apartments, which became Stanton Glenn, which became Hillstone. I enrolled in four high schools in a three-year span and graduated from a public charter school that has since shut down. I’ve experienced the joy of hot meals on the family table, and the sorrow of all our belongings out in the street.
Bands used to get my neighborhood “out the way” at the Go-Go; and I've seen D.C. policies and developer investments get my neighbors out the way, too. I'm both connected to and a part of D.C. culture, as much as some people may want to force me out.
As the Community Connector for D.C. natives, I'm aiming to amplify the voices of native Washingtonians and remind us that there is not only a seat at the table for us, but that nobody eats unless we’re in the kitchen.
D.C. natives are the continuous thread in this city’s cultural tapestry and, as such, should be a part of the news, both as subject and presenter. With so much distrust in the media, it is dire that we document and share our accounts of the historic times we’re living in.
This summer, I'll be attending events of all sizes and collecting input on what you want The 51st to cover. I’ll be producing video profiles of D.C. Natives in various industries and hosting another edition of Ask A D.C. Native, Live! this fall ... because we love a good time.
I'm honored to serve as your community connector. I hope to earn your trust, and look forward to connecting with you in our D.C. streets. Real live.
