Mount Pleasant residents say 'hell no' to trees of heaven
This invasive species is spreading through the District. Some residents are taking matters into their own hands.
Community Connector Program
Through community-centered and curated experiences, our Community Connector program centers communities that are frequently marginalized by mainstream media and makes them active participants in our newsmaking process.
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.
Our program currently focuses on two communities: residents who live in Ward 7, and D.C. natives:
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. Our Community Connector Program seeks to:
- make our news accessible to target communities,
- get insights into their media consumption habits and information needs,
- produce content that is reflective of their lives and experiences,
- write stories that demystify complex issues and equip them to become civically engaged,
- facilitate a feedback loop that shapes and deepens our coverage of the city at large
Reports
Press
Arts, culture, and outreach: Hiring local leaders to connect with communities
When we founded The 51st, we wanted to lead a news organization shaped by D.C. residents. And the Community Connector program has become an integral way of doing so.
Lilly Chapa
Want to build audience and revenue through live events? These five news nonprofits have some ideas to get you started
A community run? A block party? A trivia night? There are options for newsrooms of all stripes and sizes.
Sophie Culpepper
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.
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
Upcoming Events
Ask A D.C. Native, Live! The People’s Edition
Watch as two teams of D.C. natives go head to head answering trivia questions about the District’s history and culture.
August 24, 2026
Past Events
The City Speaks: A D.C. Native Poetry Set
In a city often spoken to — or at! — join acclaimed D.C. poets as they speak for themselves. Hosted by The 51st and Black.Native.Creative.
Ask A D.C. Native, Live! in Ward 7
Watch as two teams of D.C. natives go head to head answering trivia questions about the District’s history and culture.
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.
