One of the most satisfying parts of running a local news site in D.C. is highlighting the creative, curious, and resilient people who make our city such a great place to live. It feels especially important now, when people in the highest levels of our government are leaning on narratives about D.C. that we know aren’t true — but could influence our political future. Today, our work is even more vital. Will you support it?
As we celebrate our first anniversary this month, we’re reflecting on the dozens of District residents who’ve allowed us to share their stories.
Personally, I love our video series featuring D.C. natives like ANC commissioner, singer, and cultural advocate Paul Spires and Shehariah Johnson, a nonprofit entrepreneur, teacher, and storyteller. “I love to see D.C. people helping D.C. We need us more than anyone,” Johnson said in her interview.
Our archive has a trove of stories about people helping make D.C. what it is — from restaurateurs and musicians to beloved lifeguards and the workers who literally know where the (animal) bodies are buried.
We could not have told these stories without the support of our 3,165+ members. And this month, we have the lofty goal of bringing 551 more people who love D.C. into the fold.Will you join us?
D.C. is community-oriented and ambitious, and so are we: With 551 new members, we can sustainably add two more full-time team members in early 2026, and deliver even more of the local news all of D.C. truly needs, as we continue to fight for the autonomy we deserve.
Christina is an editor at The 51st, who's written for more than two dozen publications. As a staff writer at DCist, she wrote more than 1,600 stories about life in The District.
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:
