Opinion: While Mayor Bowser stood with Trump, D.C. residents were left vulnerable

As a lifelong football fan, I am genuinely excited for the NFL Draft coming to D.C. in 2027. For years, I have watched the draft and celebrated these talented young men as they embark on their dreams.

But there was something unsettling about the jubilation marking the announcement in the Oval Office Monday. With NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, and D.C. Mayor Bowser looking on, President Trump launched into a long, rambling diatribe against immigrants, saying in part:

“[The Biden administration] allowed millions and millions of people to pour in, murderers, uh drug dealers, the biggest drug dealers in the world actually, terrorists come in, uh emptied prisons from many countries, not just from South America, all over the world they empty their prisons into our beautiful USA, and uh, to get that many people out, 21 million people we think the real number is, but let’s say that 3 million people are serious criminals…”

And it devolved from there. Now, of course, he offers no proof for any of his ridiculous accusations. But none of the reporters challenge him, and neither does anyone standing behind him. And he uses their complicity to normalize and justify his dehumanizing and heinous attacks on our immigrant siblings. By choosing to stand up there with the president, those standing behind him, including our mayor, chose to offer him cover for hateful rhetoric that harms rather than heals. 

I think there is a belief among folks in positions of power that if they keep their heads down, do whatever is demanded of them – no matter how silly, nonsensical, or demeaning (or dehumanizing to others) – then maybe their hold on power will be spared. Bowser appears to be taking that tack this time around, having gotten much quieter in her opposition to the president’s policies. Maybe her strategy will work, but I doubt it. History shows us that bending the knee doesn’t often have the desired outcome. And what good is any hold on power if you can’t effectively use it to protect and serve people who are vulnerable?

Every day, I witness the suffering that people are enduring directly because of the policies of this administration. Where I work at The Festival Center, I welcome into our building people who are fighting for justice. They are fighting to gain basic access to necessary resources that meet the most minimal of needs. 

Our days are filled with stress and constant struggle. But they’re also full of celebration – when groups come together and worship and pray, plan and strategize, dream and conspire, there is joy to be found. As we create new organizations and new coalitions, as we dream of new ways to protect and care for one another, we celebrate. The meanness and cruelty do not win because we the people of D.C. keep us safe.

This has been evident in so many ways. As federal workers and contractors have been fired or placed on furlough, I have seen numerous examples of people supporting families monetarily, or with meals. The Festival Center has provided free co-working space to workers as they seek to rebuild their lives and careers. Just a month ago, ICE-related agencies showed up and attempted to abduct school staff at HD Cooke Elementary. In just a matter of hours, more than 30 Ward 1 residents gathered at Cooke during afternoon pickup to provide protection to school children, their families, and school staff.  

I believe faith, justice, and hospitality always lead us to solidarity. I believe that we keep us safe. I believe it because I see it every day.

It’s not too late for the mayor, the D.C. Council, and other people in power to join the fight, speak up for the vulnerable, and be among those the community can count on.