Xclusive April 2021 eNewsletter

Inside This Edition:

Every year in April, DC celebrates Emancipation Day and its historical impact on the city. Emancipation Day is observed in the District of Columbia to mark the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Nation's Capital.

On April 16, 1862, eight months before the Emancipation Proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act. The legislation granted freedom to 3,100 enslaved individuals living in the District of Columbia. They were the first in the United States to be freed from slavery.

The pursuit of freedom continues, as the District continues its fight for #DCStatehood now. Join us in our countdown to Emancipation Day by tuning into our Road to Representation series. The five-part program that chronicles Washington DC’s journey from the Declaration of Independence to a city without a voice to its unrelenting push for Statehood and Equality. The series will air on DCN and premiere on YouTube leading up to Emancipation Day. Visit the Road to Representation section below to learn more about each episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive premiere notifications.

Follow us on social media to keep up with our creative community.

Facebook: Entertain DC, DCRadioHD

Instagram: Entertain_DC, 202Creates, DCRadioHD, CreativeAffairsDC

Twitter: Entertain_DC

Angie M. Gates
Director
DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment

Help DC Stop COVID-19

The DC COVID Alert Notice (DC CAN) is the official COVID-19 exposure notification system for DC. Using Bluetooth technology, the system lets you know if you’ve come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. To learn more, visit coronavirus.dc.gov/dccan.

Road to Representation

From April 12 to 16, tune into DCN Channel 16 at 7 pm for a new installment of Road to Representation. Tap the images below to learn more about each episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive premiere notifications to watch on-demand.

Episode 1

The Seed is Planted

Episode 2

The Plan takes Root

Episode 3

Home Rule

Episode 4

The First Gavel

Episode 5

Create the State

Anniversary of Go-Go Designation

As the official Music of DC

Follow the DC Creative Affairs Office on Instagram at @creativeaffairsdc to learn more about the District's support of the Go-Go community.

Women's History Made in Our Community and Beyond

Tap the images below for each woman's full biography. Follow us @entertainDC to learn more about the District's support of the creative community.

MURIEL BOWSER

MAYOR, WASHINGTON, DC

Muriel Bower is the Mayor of Washington DC. As DC’s Mayor, she is its chief executive and also functions as governor and county executive. Mayor Bowser became the first female two term mayor of Washington, DC and the first mayor to earn a second term in 16 years. Since taking office, the Mayor has taken bold steps to reset DC’s global and national competitiveness, speed up affordable housing production, diversify the DC economy, increase satisfaction in city services, and invest in programs and policies that allow more families to live and thrive in DC. Mayor Bowser has been a strong advocate of DC becoming the 51st State and its residents having full access to “our” nations democracy.

DR. LAQUANDRA S. NESBITT, MD

DIRECTOR, DC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Dr. Nesbitt currently serves as the Director of the DC Department of Health. Dr. Nesbitt is a board-certified family physician with over a decade of experience leading population health initiatives in governmental public health agencies. Under Mayor Bowser she is leading the District’s charge on crushing COVID -19 and keeping DC residents healthy. As a physician leader, Dr. Nesbitt mobilizes organizations and communities to implement innovative solutions that promote health and wellness, and achieve health equity. In addition to her role as Health Director, Dr. Nesbitt is a published author and served as an executive editor of Population Health: Management, Policy, and Technology.

ANGIE M. GATES

DIRECTOR, DC OFFICE OF CABLE TV, FILM & ENTERTAINMENT

Angie M. Gates serves as the Director of the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment. In her role, she also serves as the DC Film Commissioner and leads the DC Creative Affairs Office. Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer Gates, made history when the District of Columbia Government won its first Emmy Award at the 60th Emmy Awards. She also led the efforts in the historic launch of DC Radio 96.3HD4. Gates plays a pivotal role in Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents 202Creates initiative which highlights, educates and promotes the diverse and vibrant creative community in the District of Columbia.

CATHY HUGHES

FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN, URBAN ONE, INC

Cathy Hughes is the Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc. (formerly known as Radio One, Inc), the largest African-American owned and operated, broadcast company in the nation, Cathy Hughes’ unprecedented career has spawned a multi-media conglomerate that generates original content across the spectrums of radio, television and digital media. Her humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska, were not a deterrent to her success but rather part of the catalyst that fueled her ambition to empower African Americans with information and to tell stories from their perspective.

DJ HEAT

LIVE & ON-AIR PERSONALITY

The nation’s capitol has a hometown hero that spins, scratches and blends music while staunchly staying true to her roots. Known as the DJ for the Wizards and world-champion Mystics, this sonic savant went from working as a Mystics ball girl to entertaining the crowd at Capital One Arena 20 years after her first gig. She is also the creator of “The Rap Up Show” podcast and “My First Album” web series, all whilst promoting her new single “City Girls’” featuring Styme & Reece P.

ANDRENE M. TAYLOR

VISUAL STORYTELLER

Andrene is using visual storytelling to decolonize the African continent and liberate the diaspora. She says, "Africa and its diaspora, has had its story told for it. And, while there have been many advancements for the culture, and more Black visual storytellers are telling Black stories, there is still need for more." Currently, Andrene is working on a project in partnership with Kenyatta University, where she designed a hybrid online and in-person platform on creativity. The aim is to provide creatives with the space and time to hone their creative skills.

MELANIE A. ADAMS

DIRECTOR, SMITHSONIAN ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY MUSEUM

With more than 25 years of community engagement experience in museums and higher education, Melanie Adams is dedicated to bringing stakeholders together to address relevant community issues. After the museum shut its doors in March 2020, she worked with staff to create virtual programs and opportunities for people to share their experiences through the digital initiative Moments of Resilience. The museum staff quickly pivoted to place exhibits outside of its walls. The first exhibit, Men of Change: Taking it to the Streets, opened in the Deanwood community on February 1st to kick off Black History month. The second exhibit will open on the museum’s plaza in early April and focuses on food insecurity in the DC region.

Derek Gray

DC Public Library

"Thanks to the Go-Go community's 'Don't Mute DC' movement, the magnification of the voices of thousands of marginalized and displaced Washingtonians resulted in Go-Go being designated as DC's official music. As curator of the Go-Go Archive, the naming greatly motivates me to continue to work with the many 'griots' of Go-Go to ensure that this narrative is well-documented, preserved, and made accessible."

Cherie Mitchell-Agurs

Sweet Cherie

"Go-Go music being the official music of DC means so much to me. As a DC Native and a product of DC Public Schools (LaSalle Elementary, Bertie Backus JHS, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and Howard University), I have listened to and loved Go-Go music my entire life. Believe it or not, I always thought that Go-Go was already DC's music, however, to have it "official" is very important and necessary for our culture."

Anwan "Big G" Glover

BackYard Band

"Go-Go being the official music of DC means that the music and sound of Go-Go will be around for the long haul as the city changes. There is a better sense of respect and feeling of something that is "OURS" as a native Washingtonian. In the words told [to] me by Chuck Brown 'Don't Let Our Music Die' and Go-Go being the official music of DC affords the opportunity to stay alive."

Porche' Anthony

Queen P

"Go-Go music being the official music of DC means so much to me because I represent the DC dance culture of beat ya feet. Go-Go belongs to chocolate city just like the style of beat ya feet. Making it official just stamps and promotes how we present culture nationally and internationally. It's the ownership for me. We as a culture own something that can't be taken away from us no matter how much the look of our city changes. 'WE rep DC, WE are DC, GO-GO music 4 Lyfe'"

ANDRE "White Boy" JoHnson

Rare Essence

"For Rare Essence, Go-Go music being the official music of DC is an incredible feeling. We are honored to be one of the founding bands and to have been a part of this scene since before it was called Go-Go. As a result the entire genre has been energized to develop and release new music and this will hopefully ensure that our "homegrown sound" will be around for at least another 50 years."

Cherita "Cookie" Whiting

Talent Management

"It means EVERYTHING. It means honoring Chuck's Legacy and nothing means more than that!"

Kato Hammond

Take Me Out To The Go-Go Magazine

“In a nutshell, Go-Go music being the official music of DC means to me that we as a culture and music are FINALLY and officially being recognized, accepted and celebrated as a staple and sound of Washington, D.C. It means that our history and contribution are just as important as anything else."

Kerrie Cotten Williams

DC Public Library

"The naming of Go-Go as the official music of Washington, D.C. speaks to the influence and importance of this locally grown and supported art form out of the Black DC cultural and social experience. Go-Go comes from a long tradition of musical genius that transforms and grows with each new generation of musicians."

Eric Coffen

Pure Elegance

"In my eyes and mind growing up [Go-Go music] was always DC music, it will never change."

Tahira Mahdi, Ph.D.

Author

"In the Go-Go tradition, recognition means so much. A shout out from the stage, knowing that everyone can identify your crew, or the satisfaction felt when someone from outside of the community can identify that go-go beat. This recognition of go-go as the official music of DC feels like the city is finally calling back a loving response to the gifts that Go-Go has been offering over the years. Official recognition ji' cranks."

Keith Clagon

DJ Flexx

"Not sure why it took so long[.] Go-Go has always been the heart beat of the city but I love it and [am] very proud[.] I just wish Chuck Brown was here to see it."

William "Malachai" Johns

Redds

"Go-Go music has been vilified and scapegoated for a good deal of the violence in the DMV for much of my life. It's great to have this validation for the positive impact Go-Go has made on the world through its musical and cultural contributions. "

Chef Kwame Onwuachi is The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment's Inaugural DC Star

OCTFME will highlight the achievements of District of Columbia residents who exemplify excellence in the area of creativity, education, creative entrepreneurship, economic revitalization of creative businesses, social justice, or racial equity.

OCTFME is delighted to recognize Chef Kwame Onwuachi as the inaugural recipient of this distinction. Onwuachi trained at the Culinary Institute of America and opened five restaurants before turning thirty. A former Top Chef contestant, he has also been named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, and a 30 Under 30 honoree by both Zagat and Forbes. The incredible story of Kwame’s rise in the culinary world is chronicled in an inspiring memoir; about the intersection of race, fame, and food, “Notes from a Young Black Chef.” Chef Kwame will be part of Top Chef’s special new competition, when the show returns for Season 18 in 2021. Check out our 202Creates Masterclass with Onwuachi.

Congratulations Chef Kwame!

#KeepTheBeatGoing

The #EntertainDC Office has curated a special YouTube playlist of Go-Go hits from the 80s to present day that will be sure to have you busting loose. Tell us what you think on social media by using the hashtag #KeepTheBeatGoing

DC Radio 96.3HD4

April is Jazz Appreciation month. "From classic jazz to bebop to smooth and contemporary jazz, DC Radio will be airing special jazz episodes of it's jazz episodes of it's popular podcasts.

Backstage Beyond the Laughs hosted by Niki Moore airs Saturday mornings at Midnight. “Backstage Beyond the Laughs” piques the curiosity of everyone who has ever wondered what life is like for those famous funny folks “on or off” the road.

Wit & Reason with Dr. Alexis Moreno airs weekdays at 11:30am. The podcast provides smart and practical explanations for human behavior. Dr. Moreno interviews diverse health experts regarding today’s ever-evolving life and culture and asks questions on anything from love to hardships. Listen in and bring a little bit of positive mental health to your day.

The Cannabis Conversation Podcast airs weekdays at 2:30pm. The show is hosted by Linda Mercado Greene, who is the Board Chair and CEO of Anacostia Organics in Historic Anacostia, the first medical marijuana dispensary located east of the river.

Millennial Minds Podcast airs weekdays at 2pm and hosted by activist, model, preacher, and motivational speaker, Yasmine “YazzieSpeaks” Arrington as she sits down with artists, content creators, business owners, and community activists to get their stories.

Soul Wealth Radio hosted by Dr. Vikki Johnson airs weekdays at 10am. This show is an enlightening, insightful, 30-minute conversation with amazing people to help listeners nurture their own souls and live their best lives.

OPC Radio Connect airs weekdays at 7am and is hosted by Sandra Mattavous-Frye, Director of the Office of the People’s Counsel. The show tells listeners about the services and programs of the Office of the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia, the independent DC government agency that represents the interests of electric, natural gas, water and local phone consumers.

The Woman Behind The Business is hosted by Angel Livas and airs weekdays at 9am. The show features unapologetically honest dialogues to advance women entrepreneurs (and aspiring entrepreneurs) to acquire strength, strategies, and success — the toolkit to sustainability.

Putumayo World Music Hour airs weekdays at 10pm and is hosted by Rosalie Howarth. The show takes listeners on a journey through the music of many different cultures. Shows include well-known names like Bob Marley, Sting, Loreena McKennitt, and Santana, along with exceptional, underexposed international artists.

Grits and Garri airs weekdays at 9pm and is hosted by Carolyn Malachi. The podcast features artist-on-artist interviews and live collaborations. It juxtaposes the work of African-American, African and Caribbean artists who create music in Washington, DC.

The District Creatives Radio Show hosted by Savvy Cherise airs weekdays at 3:30pm. The show provides a platform for creatives to share the work and content they provide in the city and for the city.

Champagne and Credit with Muriel Garr airs weekdays at 10:30am. The shows highlights pathways to the middle class and how do you get there. This podcast answers the question what are the tools you need to build wealth so you can enjoy that “champagne life.”

The Sonya Dunn Show airs weekdays at 1pm and brings news, information, and interviews from industry power players in entertainment, media, business, and technology.

Artimacy hosted by K. Charles aka Keanna Faircloth airs Saturdays and Sundays at 8pm. This podcast is truly where art and intimacy collide, providing an in-depth view of what inspires the artist to create.

The Sanctuary hosted by Wendi Cherry airs weekdays at 8am. “The Sanctuary” is an informational radio show for women of color. It inspires, educates, and empowers them to be their most authentic and healthy selves by tapping into the “goddess within.”

Listen Back – Creative Conversations with Ledisi airs Saturdays at 8am. Produced by Ron. T. Young and Ledisi Young, The Creative Conversations with Ledisi Podcast is a series of unpredictable conversations where creatives talk openly about life, their art and so much more.

Coming to America with Wayna and Friends airs Saturdays at 7am. This radio show and podcast features spirited discussions with a cast of African, Caribbean, and African American co-hosts and artists in the District.

Suffrage. Race. Power. (S.R.P.) airs weekdays at 7:30am. This show is an initiative launched by Black women that uniquely seeks to redefine suffrage beyond the singular act of voting. It aims to elevate Black and Brown women as a force for democratic change before, during and after Election Day. The first season is hosted by Denise Rolark Barnes.

DC Radio 96.3HD4

April is Jazz Appreciation Month. From classic jazz to bebop to smooth and contemporary jazz, DC Radio will be airing special jazz episodes of its popular podcasts.

Artimacy hosted by K. Charles

Saturdays and Sundays 8 pm

NewUrbanJazz Lounge

Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm

Rememories for Seniors

Weekdays at Noon

Putumayo World Music Hour

Weeknights at 10 pm

The Wind Down

Daily at 5 pm

Raiding the Crates

Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm

Brazilian Hour

Weeknights at 11 pm

Catch The Flo

Sundays at 11 am and 10 pm

Urban Beauty TV is a 5-episode series created and executive produced by BET Programming Executive Jon Marc Sandifer in collaboration with OCTFME. It will be distributed nationally and internationally on OCTFME platforms, BET HER, BET and CaribVision.

The program will air each Saturday evening at 10:30PM on BET HER, through April 24, 2021.

District of Columbia Network (DCN)

In honor of Black History Month, DCN presents special programs that aim to educate, inspire and entertain viewers by telling stories. Some stories are familiar, some are not, and others are well known. What they all share is a celebration of the vivid past, the vibrant present and the rich culture that is Black history. This very special slate of programs will begin airing on Monday, February 1 through the end of the month, weeknights from 7pm to 11pm and weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 12pm until 12am on DCN.

Incredible Gospel Artists from all over the #DMV gathered in Studio A to celebrate Black History Month through song. Black History is everyday!

DC Black Pride takes a look back at the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the black gay community in the District. This special also offers an insightful look at the struggles and the triumphs still affecting the city black LGBTQ Community.

This television special is an intimate portrait of the life of Barack Obama that details his early life in Hawaii and Harvard as well as his meteoric rise in politics culminating with his historic victory in the 2008 Presidential election and his inauguration.

The documentary film, "A Legacy of Mies and King," follows architect Francine Houben as she investigates the past and present in order to design a world-class library of the future. Francine delves into the archives, meets contemporaries of Mies and King, speaks to current visitors of the library, and participates in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day march.

MLK: The Making of a Holiday profiles Dr. King’s life and the Civil Rights Movement. It contains Dr. King’s moving speeches, musical tributes to him and remembrances from those who knew him. The program contains footage of his memorial and contemporary celebrity tributes.

James Brown – The Man The Music explores the illustrious career of who many call the Godfather of Soul. This special takes you on a journey which illustrates the faith, dignity, integrity and soul contained in the music he created.

The Million Man March Story chronicles the journey of the men that gathered at the United States capital for a day of atonement and reconciliation on October 16th 1995.