Commissioner Sedrick Muhammad with the partner of Sylvia Robinson
Honoring a neighborhood stalwart
Section 1B of Ward I is home to the neighborhoods of South Columbia Heights, Shaw and LeDroit Park. On Oct. 5 Ward 1B held its monthly Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meeting (ANC) on Florida Ave. NW where they discussed community announcements, project proposals, upcoming events and prospective funding.
The meeting began with a MidCity Bid Update at 6:30 pm. The official meeting commenced at 7:00 pm after a call to order, community announcements, roll call of the board and approval of agenda.
The first of many announcements regarded Howard University’s upcoming Homecoming 2017 celebration. The events of Howard’s Homecoming 2017 kick off with a fashion show on Oct. 19, followed by Yardfest on Oct. 20, an annual step show, and a parade on Oct. 21st.
A detailed map of the Homecoming parade line-up and route were also passed out during the meeting.
Sedrick Muhammad, Commissioner 03 of Ward 1B, spoke in recognition of the life of community advocate Sylvia Robinson, with her husband by his side. Robinson was a well-known and beloved community member who was active in the Pleasant Plains neighborhood. Commissioner Robinson called her a “tireless leader.”
Robinson was the founder and executive director of The Emergence Community Arts Collective (ECAC). ECAC is a community space located at 733 Euclid St NW that allows residents to come together, plan and participate in events, workshops, fitness classes, dance lessons and art programs. In a 2014 interview, Robinson stated that ECAC is “very diverse because we have such a diverse set of offerings.”
Commissioner Muhammad spoke on the accomplishments and community advancements Sylvia made in her life. Robinson passed away in September from cancer.
“Sylvia’s spirit and legacy will continue to inspire our community for years to come,” stated Muhammad.
The board of ANC Ward 1B
Violent crime on the rise
Jessica Smith, Commissioner 07, spoke on the several violent crimes that have occurred in Ward 1 over the past few months. “We are not going to let up until we get to the bottom of these things… I am committed to staying on top of them until these crimes are solved,” stated Smith.
She also reported that although there has been a rise in crime in her area, crime in PSA 302 and PSA 304 have gone down 30% in the past year. Ward 1B has also seen a decrease in violent crimes, from 25 around this time last year to 15 so far this year. Smith reported that she is working closely with the Crime Suppression Unit to solve these crimes.
