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2020 Ethiopian Epiphany Celebration
 On Monday, January 20, 2020, The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs was honored to participate in the largest Ethiopian Orthodox Church Epiphany Celebration in the United States at Rock Creek Park. Thank you to the 13 Ethiopian churches and the District’s Ethiopian community for sharing this UNESCO recognized holiday with us.
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KanKoouran West African Dance Company's MLK Day Celebration
 On Sunday, January 19, 2020, The Mayor's Office on African Affairs attended KanKouran West African Dance Company's MLK Day celebration honoring Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Johnson.
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2020 Budget Engagement Forums
 Join fellow DC residents at forums to share your values, priorities, and ideas with the Bowser Administration as the FY2021 budget is developed.
Senior Budget Engagement Telephone Townhall
When: Monday, February 10, 2020 | 12:00 pm
To RSVP, please call 202.442.8150
Budget Engagement Forum #1
When: Tuesday, February 18, 2020 | 6:30 pm
Where: Edgewood Recreation Center | 301 Franklin Street NE |
Budget Engagement Forum #2
When: Thursday, February 20, 2020 | 6:30 pm
Where: UDC Student Center | 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW |
Budget Engagement Forum #3
When: Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 11:00 am
Where: Kenilworth Recreation Center | 4321 Ord Street NE |
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DC Health Link One Touch Enrollment at Carlos Rosario
 In partnership with District government agencies, business associations, and community partners, DC Health Link has established “one-stop shop” enrollment service centers and events throughout the open enrollment period. Interpretation services will be provided in French and Amharic.
When: Saturday, January 25 | 9:00 am- 12:00 pm and Thursday January 30 | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School | 1100 Harvard St NW | Washington, DC | 20009
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MOAA African Community Grant Success Story
 The Hepatitis B Initiative of Washington, D.C. Inc.(HBI-DC) offered screenings at Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Multicultural Resource Fair on January 11, 2020. In addition to conducting screenings, HBI-DC provided tailored outreach to the District’s African community to educate about hepatitis B and hepatitis C, which disproportionately affects African immigrants.
The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs is proud to support the Hepatitis B Initiative of Washington, D.C. Inc. and its Liver Cancer Prevention Program, which raises awareness about liver disease, provides the District’s African residents with hepatitis B and hepatitis C screenings, and links positive patients to appropriate care.
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2020 US Census
 The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting to fill hundreds of temporary positions across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count. Positions include:
Bilingual applicants are needed and are encouraged to apply.
Mayor Bowser Announces Two Measures to Support Victims of Domestic Violence
On Wednesday, January 22, 2020, as part of her ongoing commitment to the victims and survivors of domestic violence, Mayor Muriel Bowser has submitted two legislative proposals, the Strangulation Prohibition Amendment Act of 2019 and the Victims’ Protection Amendment Act of 2020, to the Council of the District of Columbia to strengthen the District’s responses to domestic violence.
“We owe it to every victim and survivor of domestic violence to strengthen our laws to enhance their safety and protection,” said Mayor Bowser. “By enacting this legislation, the District will be better able to hold offenders accountable and provide a sense of security for those who need these protections most. I urge the Council to take up these measures so that together we can send a clear message to victims and survivors that they have our support.”
The Strangulation Prohibition Amendment Act of 2019 amends Title 22 of the District of Columbia Official Code to create a felony offense for the strangulation of another person and adds strangulation to the definition of a crime of violence. It also establishes a sentencing enhancement of up to 1.5 times the maximum term of imprisonment and fine upon conviction if: the victim sustained serious bodily injury at the time of the offense, or the defendant was subject to supervised release at the time of the offense or had been convicted of an intrafamily offense within the past five years.
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Mayor Bowser Participates in 2020 Point in Time Count, Connects Residents with Homeless Services
On Wednesday, January 22, 2020, Mayor Muriel Bowser launched the District’s Point in Time (PIT) Count, the annual census of persons and families experiencing homelessness. Each winter, the PIT Count is conducted by The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness and community volunteers to engage residents experiencing homelessness and connect them to resources and services available in the District. In May, a final 2020 PIT Count report will be released by the Council of Governments, alongside count results for other jurisdictions in the region.
“As we continue working to end homelessness in Washington, DC, the residents we talk to tonight and the information we collect will help us ensure we’re building the right programs and funding the right resources to get all Washingtonians into safe, permanent housing ,” said Mayor Bowser. “Every day, we have outreach teams in the community building relationships and connecting unsheltered residents to the services, shelter, and housing opportunities they need to thrive. Our work continues until every person in our city has a place to call home.”
Mayor Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget includes more than $91 million for new and upgraded emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing facilities including $40 million to rebuild the 801 East Men’s Shelter; $11 million to complete Short-term Family Housing programs in Wards 1 and 3; $10.7 million to complete enhancements to the New York Avenue Men’s Shelter; and, $4.1 million for critical upgrades to low-barrier shelters in the District.
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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been Honored with the First Belle van Zuylenring Award in Netherlands
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the inaugural recipient of the Belle van Zuylenring, an honorary prize set by the ILFU International Literature Festival Utrecht. Adichie received the award for her unique way of questioning the world today and its ingrained thinking patterns.The award is an honorary prize set by the ILFU International Literature Festival Utrecht and Chimamanda is receiving the prize because of the unique way in which she questions the world today and its ingrained thinking patterns.
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Egyptian American actor Ramy Youssef wins Golden Globe
Egyptian American actor Ramy Youssef took home the first major film award of 2020, winning a Golden Globe award for best actor in a comedy TV series for his role in “Ramy”, a comedy-drama that premiered on Hulu in 2019. Youssef, who plays the eponymous character, also served as its co-creator and a lead writer, as part of a series produced with the intent of showcasing only the best of the American Muslim community.
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 2020 Multilingual Education Fair of DC
 The fair will feature 150+ exhibitors covering 18+ languages to allow you to explore and deepen your linguistic and cultural skills, and learn about careers where languages are crucial.
Resources for young professionals, families and educators include language classes for all ages, apps, books, tutors, assessments, travel abroad programs, university programs, dual language programs, after school programs, daycares, language and culture organizations, embassies and multilingual recruiters.
When: Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Where: Woodridge Library | 1801 Hamlin Street NE | Washington, DC | 20018
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Notice of Funding Availability: Robust Retail Citywide
 The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is excited to announce that it will be accepting applications for the 2020 Robust Retail: Citywide grants starting January 15, 2020 and closing March 15, 2020. A robust retail sector is critical to maintaining the vibrancy of DC neighborhoods, but market realities are changing for retail businesses. Thus the Robust Retail grant(s) support existing DC-based retail businesses adapting their business model to meet changing customer demand. DSLBD encourages but does not require applicants to include Made in DC products as part of their concept for business model redesign.
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Building Futures Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
 The Building Futures Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Training program is a free class that connects low-income women and men ages 21+ with family-sustaining jobs in the construction industry and related occupations.Accepted students attend the 6-week pre-apprenticeship class from 8am – 1pm daily (plus two Saturday sessions) with a curriculum that includes construction math review, blueprint reading, tool identification and use, OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid, Scaffold Basics, and Flagger Safety & Traffic Control certifications, as well as job readiness preparation.
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Understanding Your Medicare & Legal Rights
This seminar will inform seniors and their families how to navigate Medicare coverage and how to begin fighting for their healthcare, in the event it is denied.
When: Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Northeast Neighborhood Library | 330 7th Street NE | Washington, DC | 20002
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Social Security and You
 Join a complimentary seminar to learn potential strategies for maximizing your Social Security benefits. Discussion topics include who is eligible for Social Security benefits, what factors you should consider before starting your benefits, when is the most appropriate time to start taking benefits, and ways in which you can potentially maximize your benefits.
When: Monday, January 27, 2020 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Cleveland Park Library | 3310 Connecticut Ave NW | Washington, DC | 20008
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Free Legal Assistance at DC Public Library
 Get help with social security income (SSI)/social security disability income (SSDI) applications/denials/termination, criminal records (record sealing, or help preventing discrimination by landlords and employers), employment background check problems, driver’s or professional license acquisition issues, student loans, credit reports, wage garnishment, debt collection, lawsuits and harassment, placement on DC’s Child Protection Register, and recovery of security deposits from a former landlord. Walk-ins are welcome, and registration is preferred!
When: Monday, January 27, 2020 | 10:00 am
Where: Benning Library | 3935 Benning Road NE | Washington, DC | 20019
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Applying for Government Jobs - Practical Steps for Success
 Applying for government jobs can be intimidating. Come to the library and learn from an experienced human resources specialist from the DC Government Department of Human Resources. Participants will ultimately approach their job search more strategically, application process more effectively and interview process more confidently.
When:Tuesday, January 28, 2020 | 2:00 pm
Where: Library Express | 1990 K Street NW | Washington, D.C. | 20006
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Youth in STEAM in collaboration with Rooting DC 2020, Hosted by the Renaissance Center for Culture and Education
 Join the Renaissance Center for Culture and Education at a Youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) presentation at the Rooting DC 2020 forum. Middle and high school students interested in STEAM environmental careers are encouraged to attend. Environmental topics include alternative energy, water resources, green infrastructure, green business, and environmental policy. The program includes dozens of interactive workshops, cooking and food preservation demonstrations, as well as panel discussions focusing on youth gardening, nutrition, sustainable growing techniques, and healthy food access.
When: Saturday, February 29, 2020 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm (Youth in STEAM), 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (ROOTING DC)
Where: Ron Brown College Preparatory High School | 4800 Meade St NE | Washington, DC | 20019
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Amharic Class at Carlos Rosario
 This is an introductory level class fro students who have never studied Amharic. Students will learn the basics of alphabet, vocabulary, and grammar necessary to have simple conversations.
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DCRA Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) Free Workshops
Learn critical business skills and insight at free small business workshops. Receive one-on-one counseling or attend a group session. Space is limited, sign up today!
When: Throughout January
Where: 1100 4th Street SW | 2nd Floor | Washington, DC | 20024
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Young at Art Weekly Seniors Program
 Promoting healthy aging through the arts and creative expression, Young at Art allows seniors aged 55+ to explore activities in painting, drawing, ceramics, and crafts. This free, weekly hands-on, instructor-led program goes beyond the traditional “arts and crafts” activities; allowing participants create original works of art that articulate the richness of their life experience.
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GED and High School Skills Tutoring
Join DC Public Library for skill assessments for adults who need a high school diploma (GED or National External Diploma) and tutoring for those with skills at the high school level. Tutoring takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4 to 7 pm Assessments take place on Wednesdays only.
Please note: In order to qualify for tutoring, you must take the assessment first.
When: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays | 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Library | 1630 7th St NW | Washington, DC | 20001
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Want Your Event Featured in the African Beat?
The African Beat is distributed to over 8,000 subscribers every other Friday. For an event to be featured in MOAA's newsletter, please submit the event description, venue, time, and a website link for additional information. The submission deadline for the next edition is Wednesday, February 5, 2020 by 5:00 pm. Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov.
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