Did you know there are scientific benefits to celebrating? I recently learned that it helps us to feel safer in our bodies, “digest” positive outcomes, and deepen our connections in community.
OK, don’t quote me — I’m paraphrasing a therapist. But I believe it. I left The 51st’s first birthday party feeling in awe of what we’ve built together and more determined than ever to keep going.
A year ago, The 51st was just a seed of an idea: that D.C. residents deserve an independent newsroom built by and for our community. Today, we’ve published hundreds of stories about the neighborhoods, policies, and people shaping our city. We’ve hosted events across D.C., and heard from so many of you about what you want local news to look like. Every tip we receive now, and every story idea we can’t yet take on, is a reminder of how much more we want to grow — so we can be the news source our city truly deserves.
As we keep our dreams for the future in sight, we’re reflecting on why we’re doing this work — and wow, did you all show up to help us with that at last month’s celebration. More than 250 readers and supporters joined us at Kbird Bar to toast one year of The 51st! The night was filled with music from DJ Candy Krush, a beautiful (and delicious) cake from Capitol Jill Baking, DIY D.C. flags with linocut artist Raina Fox, selling our new shirts designed by Mikka Kei Macdonald, and so many great conversations with the community of passionate people who make our newsroom’s work possible.
Huge thanks to Kbird Bar for hosting us in their art-filled space, Omni Cocktails for sponsoring the event, and to our photographer, Rodney Choice, for capturing the magic!
An assortment of scenes from our First Birthday Party! (Rodney Choice)
Your support — your stories, your feedback, your encouragement — means everything to us.
As we look ahead to the end of the year, we have some exciting opportunities. From November 1 through December 31, every dollar you give — whether as a one-time donation or through a membership — will be doubled thanks to a program called NewsMatch. (We’ll share more details about that in the next few weeks.)
For now, we’re taking a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come — and to invite you to help us reach even more Washingtonians. We’re so thankful for the 11,000+ people who already get The 51st in their inbox each week, but we know we could be serving more of D.C.
So if you’ve found value in our work this year, the best way you can help right now is simple: 👉 Share The 51st with a friend, neighbor, or coworker who loves this city as much as you do.
DCist had around 70,000 subscribers. Can you help us get closer to that number, one new reader at a time?
We’re grateful you’re a part of our experiment in people-powered local news.
Here’s to year two — and to keeping D.C. connected, informed, and inspired!
With your help, we pursue stories that hold leaders to account, demystify opaque city and civic processes, and celebrate the idiosyncrasies that make us proud to call D.C. home. Put simply, our mission is to make it easier — and more fun — to live in the District. Our members help keep local news free and independent for all:
