Author: Jessica Swann

  • Rising Together: Captivating Moments from the 2nd Annual Back-to-school Kick off.

    Rising Together: Captivating Moments from the 2nd Annual Back-to-school Kick off.

    The end of August means getting the kids ready to return to school. In the parking lot of Richie Station Market Place in Capital Heights, Maryland; anticipation and excitement filled the air as families, students, and educators came together for the 2nd annual Back-to-School Kickoff Event. This much-anticipated event symbolized more than just the end…

  • A Day of Community and Fun: Alive & Outside Block Party

    A Day of Community and Fun: Alive & Outside Block Party

    In June 2022, this area east of the Anacostia River transformed into a nearly 28,000-square-foot outdoor music venue, event space, and food-and-drink garden called Sandlot Anacostia. As the golden rays of Saturday afternoon sunbathed Sandlot Anacostia in a warm embrace, Alive and Outside: The Block Party came to life, infusing the space with energy and…

  • The Crown of Dreams: The 35th Miss Black USA Pageant

    The Crown of Dreams: The 35th Miss Black USA Pageant

    In a dazzling display of elegance, intelligence, and cultural celebration, the Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant marked its 35th year with a resounding success. This year the prestigious competition, held on the University of District of Columbia campus in Washington, D.C., witnessed a gathering of accomplished young black women from diverse backgrounds, all vying for…

  • Celebrating the Empowerment and Innovation of Black Women: The Ubiquitous Women’s Expo 2023

    Celebrating the Empowerment and Innovation of Black Women: The Ubiquitous Women’s Expo 2023

    The Ubiquitous Women’s Expo is a vibrant and empowering event that celebrates the achievements, aspirations, and interests of women of color from diverse backgrounds and professions. This 3-day event is a platform for women to connect, network, and share their stories while fostering personal growth, professional development, and community engagement. The Expo occurred at Walter…

  • The Power of Mentoring the Black Youth

    The Power of Mentoring the Black Youth

    Mentoring holds tremendous potential to positively influence young individuals’ lives, and the impact can be particularly profound for Black boys. Mentoring programs explicitly tailored to the needs and experiences of Black boys offer them guidance, support, and empowerment, leading to significant improvements in their mental health and overall well-being. Mentoring relationships play a vital role…

  • Blerdcon: DMV Black Cosplayer’s safe space

    Blerdcon: DMV Black Cosplayer’s safe space

      For its 7th year, Blerdcon, an annual black nerd convention founded by Hilton George and the late Hassan Parrish, returns to Arlington, Virginia, at the Hyatt Crystal City Hotel. BLERDCon promotes representation, inclusion, and empowerment within the nerd community. The convention was established with the goal of providing a dedicated space for black nerds…