The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs’ & the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ Braiding Boot Camp
 On Friday, October 25, 2019, the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (MOAA) and the Small Business Resource Center of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) hosted a Braiding Boot Camp for budding and existing small hair braiding businesses. Attendees learned about business licensing, the regulation renewal process, and small business legal information to develop their hair braiding businesses. French interpretation was provided to ensure all attendees fully understood the content.
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Mayor's Commission on African Affairs Meeting
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MOAA African Community Grant Spotlight: African Women's Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA)
 A Sudanese woman with an 8-year-old daughter had breast cancer. She fell on hard times due to her sickness, losing her apartment and having to live at the mercy of family and friends. It became increasingly difficult to find accommodations for her and her daughter, causing her enormous anxiety and depression. The African Women's Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) contacted the Mayor's Office on African Affairs for help; MOAA provided the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)’s and the Department of Aging (DACL)’s contact information. An AWCAA patient navigator followed up, resulting in the DHCD giving the mother a list of three housing complexes to review and choose. She is expected to find permanent accommodations through the DHCD.
The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs is proud to support the African Women's Cancer Awareness Association and its Health Literacy and Screening Program, which provides culturally relevant educational outreach, referrals, and screening services to African immigrants in Washington, D.C.
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Mayor Bowser Celebrates World Champions Washington Nationals and Announces District’s Plans to Support the 2019 Nationals Championship Parade
 On the evening of Wednesday, October 30, 2019, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the following statement after the Washington Nationals defeated the Houston Astros to capture their first-ever World Series championship:
“Our Washington Nationals are World Champions! This victory is the culmination of a journey that began 14 years ago when our community brought baseball back to DC. By staying in the fight and finishing the fight, the Nationals have brought a tremendous amount of joy to the District and, no doubt, inspired a new generation of baseball players and Nationals fans. We are DC Proud of our team and cannot wait to show them our love and support with another historic parade in the Sports Capital.”
The #SportsCapital will host the 2019 Nationals Championship Parade to celebrate the Washington Nationals’ World Series victory.
Fans attending the parade are encouraged to:
- Text “NATS” to 888-777 to receive text alerts on safety, transit, and weather updates from the District about the parade
- Leave your car at home - take Metro or the many other public transit options as parking will be extremely limited near the route
- Use #FightFinished on social media
- Visit sportscapital.dc.gov for the latest information.
To ensure the celebration is a safe and enjoyable experience for all, the Bowser Administration is coordinating service and logistical operations across multiple District agencies.
When: Saturday, November 2, 2019 | 2:00 pm
Where: The parade will begin on Constitution Avenue NW at 15th Street NW, proceed east along Constitution Avenue NW, and end on Pennsylvania Avenue NW at 3rd Street NW with a team rally.
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Mayor Bowser Announces the District’s Public Schools as the Fastest Improving in the Nation
On Wednesday, October 30, 2019, Mayor Muriel Bower announced that based on the results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the District is the fastest improving state in the nation and DC Public Schools (DCPS) is the fastest improving urban school district in the nation. Mayor Bowser announced the results at the launch of a new homebuyer program with Landed, a financial services organization that will offer DC’s public school teachers and staff guidance and financial assistance in purchasing a home.
“Just over a decade ago, our community made a commitment to invest in our public schools. Since then, the renaissance of our schools has been the driving force behind the renaissance of our city. Across all eight wards, students are engaged in rigorous and joyful lessons and programming, and our educators, coaches, and staff are committed to excellence and equity,” said Mayor Bowser. “We became and remained the fastest improving state in the nation by investing in our educators and by making our public schools a top priority citywide. Today, in launching this new tool that will help our educators live in the city they serve, we keep those investments and that commitment going.”
Landed’s new homebuyer education program supports teachers, school administrators, and staff in DC Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools in becoming homeowners by providing a personalized team that includes a partner agent and a Landed home buying expert. Landed also provides down payment assistance towards a home through its shared equity down payment program. The down payment program provides up to $120,000 to help educators get to a 20% down payment, with no income restrictions.
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Mayor Bowser Announces 11 Years of Continued Enrollment Growth for DCPS and Public Charter Schools
On Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the number of students enrolled in public schools in Washington, DC increased for the 11th consecutive year, reaching 94,603, with DC Public Schools (DCPS) exceeding 50,000 students for the first time since 2006, according to preliminary data released by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). These unaudited numbers show a 1.7% increase overall across DC – or 1,587 additional students – over the last school year.
“The continued growth at our public schools is proof that if we listen to and work with the community, meet the needs of our students, and build the programming and the facilities that our students need and deserve – then families will come,” said Mayor Bowser. “We’re going to keep investing in our students and teachers to improve the quality of education and keep DCPS and our public charter schools growing for another decade to come.”
Enrollment at DCPS increased from 49,056 students in the 2018-19 School Year to 51,060 students in the 2019-20 School Year, a 4% gain over final, audited numbers released in February 2019. Enrollment at DC’s public charter schools decreased from 43,960 students in the 2018-19 School Year to 43,556 students in the 2019-20 School Year, less than a 1% decrease over final, audited numbers for last school year released in February 2019.
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Nigerian-American teen becomes first black valedictorian in Alvin High School’s 125 years history after earning 6.9 GPA
Nigerian teenager Tobechukwu "Tobi" Phillips has made history at Alvin High School in Texas, becoming the school's first Black valedictorian 125 years after it was established in 1894. This incredible feat takes place 54 years after the school integrated with African-American students in 1965. According to an online platform called Because Of Them We Can, the school currently has 86 black students out of approximately 2,800 students. Phillips graduates with a 6.9 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, by taking AP courses along with her electives and earning all A's throughout her four years in school. In addition to being a scholar, she is a Sunday school teacher, a member of the Rho Kappa Honor Society, president of the National Honor Society, an AP ambassador, a decorated volleyball and track athlete.
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Two African business partners in the US invent smokeless cookstove which also charges phones
26-year-old Nigerian, Max Chinnah, and his Ghanaian partner, Godwin Attigah, have invented a smokeless cookstove which can ease the burden of cooking for rural dwellers in Africa while serving as a handy device for camp enthusiasts in Europe and America. The smokeless stove, apart from not discharging smoke while cooking, also has a feature which allows it to convert heat into electricity through a USB port; this allows for charging a phone.
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DC Health Link Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Coverage is Here
 Open enrollment for individuals and families is here! Renew or enroll in quality comprehensive health insurance coverage from November 1, 2019 – January 31, 2020. If renewing your plan, you may be able to save money or find other benefits you need by shopping for a new plan. Enroll by December 15th for insurance coverage that begins January 1, 2020.
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Senior Care Monthly Series
Learn from Senior Advisors Plus advisor Timothy Howard at a free monthly series on providing care to aging seniors. Mr. Howard will present information about at-home care, configuring the home, companion care, home care, home health, community care, independent living or active adult, assisted living, residential assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes.
When: Saturday, November 2, 2019 | 1:00 pm
Where: Petworth Library | 4200 Kansas Ave NW | Washington, DC | 20011
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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. To qualify for tutoring, you must take the assessment first.
When: Monday, November 4, 2019 | 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Library | 1630 7th St NW | Washington, DC | 20001
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Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) Coffee & Capital at the Department of Consumer Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
Join DISB to hear about innovative alternatives to financing for District startups, emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses. Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits should consider attending. Access to capital options to be discussed at the event include programs administered by DISB such as the District of Columbia Business Capital Program (DC BizCAP) and an investment crowdfunding option, the DC-Only Securities Offering Exemption. DISB will also discuss DC BizCAP requirements and how small business owners and entrepreneurs can utilize the program.
When: Monday, November 4, 2019 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: DCRA Small Business Resource Center | 2nd Floor (E-200) | 1100 4th Street SW | Washington, DC | 20024
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Job Seekers Clinic
 Are you looking for a job? Do you need help with your cover letter, resume or application? Come to Job Seekers Clinics at Petworth Library! Library staff will provide one-on-one assistance for job seeking patrons. Patrons will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis.
When: Wednesday, November 6, 2019 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Petworth Library | 4200 Kansas Ave NW | Washington, DC | 20011
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The DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) Workforce Wednesday
 Connect with employers and training organizations across the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan region. Candidates must demonstrate dependability, a great attitude and a passion to learn. All attendees are highly recommended to be registered in www.DCNetworks.org prior to the event and have several copies of one's easily readable, professionally-typed, accurate, and error-free resume. Be sure to bring an electronic or hard copy of the Eventbrite confirmation ticket to the event.
When: Wednesday, November 6, 2019 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Department of Employment Services | 4058 Minnesota Avenue NE | Community Room | Washington, DC | 20019
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Joyful Foods Market Volunteering
The Joyful Foods Market is a free monthly market where KIPP DC families can shop for fruits and veggies, sample fresh foods, and learn more about healthy recipes. Volunteers are needed to help support the Smilow Campus market. Contact Kristin Jackson at Kristin.Jackson@kippdc.org to register yourself or your group to volunteer.
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 | 3:45 pm - 5:45 pm
Where: 5300 Blaine St NE | Washington, DC | 20019
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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: Thursday, November 14, 2019 | 11:30 am
Where: Parklands-Turner Library | 1547 Alabama Ave SE | Washington, DC | 20032
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Financially Fit: Journey to Generational Wealth Workshop on Savings, Budgeting, and Credit
 Interested in building generational wealth? Come to this workshop to learn about building and managing credit, budgeting and increasing savings.
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Anacostia Library | 1800 Good Hope Road SE | Washington, DC | 20020
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Free Teen Musical Master Class, hosted by the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation
 This musical master class series aims to better prepare young musicians between ages 13 -18 on the audition process by grouping students by instrument class with a college professor who will be able to accurately assess the students development. Students must have access to their primary instrument and should have at least 2-3 years experience or be able to demonstrate the ability to read music, perform scales and rudiments.
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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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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, November 13, 2019 by 5:00 pm. Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov.
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