Wilson Building Bulletin: To fight (Congress) or not to fight, that is the question
D.C.'s elected officials need to decide whether to defy Congress – or defer to it – over a tax bill.
Community Connector Program
When we founded The 51st, we wanted to create a local news organization that is shaped by D.C. residents. Our Community Connector program allows us to connect one-on-one with people to understand how they view local media and how we can meet their news and information needs.
The term “Community Connector” was created by D.C. native and photographer Dee Dwyer, who also saw the need for local media to reach District residents in intentional and targeted ways.
Since December 2024, we’ve hired D.C. residents to create and implement projects that engage specific audiences — often those who are marginalized by society and in mainstream media. Some of our Community Connectors’ work includes:
- Collecting data to understand information access and the needs of target audiences,
- Cultivating trust between community members and The 51st,
- Hosting and attending events to raise awareness about The 51st,
- Producing content that highlights target audiences, and
- Gathering story ideas that reflect the experiences and interests of marginalized communities.
Our program currently focuses on two communities: residents who live in Ward 7, and D.C. natives:
Meet our Community Connectors:
George Kevin Jordan
Lead Community Connector: Ward 7
communityconnector@51st.news
George (he/him) is a Hillcrest resident, working as a community connector focused on Ward 7. He loves his neighbors, his community, and his ward. He wants to learn how local news can better serve his community. He is also a contributing writer for The 51st, previously covering D.C. for The AFRO and Greater Greater Washington. Get to know George more through this introduction and his reporting.
Jennifer Gray
Community Connector: Ward 7
communityconnector@51st.news
Jennifer (she/her) is a Washington, D.C.–based photographer, avid reader, and devoted museumgoer with a deep appreciation for art, storytelling, and visual culture.
William Clarke IV (Phresh Ingredient)
Digital Community Connector: Ward 7
communityconnector@51st.news
Phresh (he/him) is a D.C. based visual storyteller and cultural worker committed to documenting truth, honoring spirit, and building community through the lens. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, his work lives at the intersection of portrait journalism, film photography, and community-centered storytelling. Phresh’s practice is grounded in intuition, rhythm, and deep listening. Whether behind the camera or cultivating space beyond it, he is invested in creating moments for conversation, reflection, and healing. His work is guided by the belief that creativity is sacred and, at its core, an act of love.
Dwayne Lawson-Brown
Community Connector: D.C. Natives
communityconnector@51st.news
Dwayne (they/them) is a father, poet, playwright, and crochet kingpin. A proud D.C. Native, Dwayne has served their hometown for their entire adult life through HIV prevention education, museum education and advocacy, and informing artists of funding opportunities through the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Artistically, Dwayne is the former co-host of Spit Dat, the longest running open mic in Washington, D.C., has performed and hosted at several prominent arts venues across the city. Get to know Dwayne more through this introduction.
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Get in touch! communityconnector@51st.news
Past Events
Ask A D.C, Native, Live!
ACM Beyond The Exhibition presents Ask A DC Native together with The 51st at Grounded Cafe.
Ask A D.C. Native, Live! Holiday Edition + Black-owned Market
Celebrate the holidays in D.C. with a gameshow competition, where two teams of D.C. natives flex their hometown knowledge.
An afternoon of coffee, hot cocoa, and community!
The worker-run newsroom will attempt to fill a niche its founders say opened when WAMU closed DCist.
Ask A D.C. Native, Live!
Celebrate DC with a gameshow competition: Two teams of D.C. natives flexing their hometown knowledge. Suggested $15 donation at the door.
Ward 7 Ice Cream Social with The 51st
Come celebrate the end of Summer and share your stories and dreams with the Ward 7 community connector and The 51st newsroom.
Ask A D.C. Native, Live!
Celebrate DC with a gameshow competition: Two teams of D.C. natives flexing their hometown knowledge. Suggested $15 donation at the door.
