Posts by Lynda Laughlin — Guest Contributor
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How the other half worships: Storefront churches at NBM
Typically, when one thinks of a house of worship one thinks of grand sacred spaces with magnificent spires, stained glass windows, and an established decorum that creates a sense of awe. As communities change from rich to poor or from white to black, the buildings and spaces used for worship also change. A phenomenon that photographer Camilo José Vergara has captured and is now on… Keep reading…
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Community revitalization must start with persisently poor neighborhoods
The economic and social deterioration of urban neighborhoods over the last several decades has been of particular interest to researchers, politicians, and community activists because of the positive and negative effects of neighborhood conditions on individual outcomes. According to a new study by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the level of poverty in a neighborhood is the strongest… Keep reading…
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Homeless shelters reaching a crisis
Homelessness is increasing in cities across America. Social service programs are reporting an increase in requests for food, housing assistance, and shelter space. While the economy in the Washington area is stronger than other regions in the country, the area is not immune from homelessness. Foreclosures, increasing demand for housing and shelter services, and the lack of affordable… Keep reading…
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When a “ghetto” is not a “ghetto”
The term “ghetto” is often an overused and stereotypical term used to describe urban culture and residential communities. Any avid reader of neighborhood blogs in DC has most likely noticed how commenters over use the term “ghetto” to describe communities they see as poor, crime ridden, undesirable, and Black. A recent post about a new mural in… Keep reading…
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The growing classroom
The District is home to numerous community gardens and farmer’s markets. There is also a growing movement for the “greening” of schoolyards across the District through gardens at school sites. School gardens can serve as learning laboratories to promote the consumption of fresh produce as well as be used for academic instruction in areas of science, math, environmental… Keep reading…
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When you gotta go, where do you go?
We’ve all been there. You’re out and about, and then suddenly, you need a restroom. When I leave home to go on a walk or run an errand, I keep a mental map of the closest available restrooms. I usually rely on restrooms in commercial businesses, largely because it is difficult to find public restrooms in the District. Access to public restrooms is more than a matter of… Keep reading…
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Pump up the volume for low power community radio
The deregulation of many media sources means that a few powerful corporations control much of our daily information. Since 1975, two-thirds of independent newspaper owners have disappeared. Today less than 275 of the nation’s 1,500 daily newspapers remain independently owned, and more than half of all U.S. markets are dominated by one paper. The airwaves are also becoming… Keep reading…
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Could the slowing economy benefit DC schools?
The DC public schools sure could use some positive news given the recent reports of declining enrollment and mediocre test scores. DCPS has launched a new $9,000 ad campaign, titled “Rediscover DCPS”, to boast public confidence in the local school system. The first ad ran last month on WPGC (95.5 FM) with the tag line, “Go public and get a great free education!”… Keep reading…
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DC funding depends on 2010 Census mail-back rates
Studies show that the 1990 and 2000 Census failed to accurately tally the population, particularly the poor, children and minorities. As a result, these groups most likely lost programs and services that serve their communities. The failure of the Census to accurately count the District of Columbia’s population seriously shortchanged the federal funding the District… Keep reading…
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Task force addressing juvenile crime in DC
While crime in the District is generally decreasing, crimes committed by juveniles remains a significant problem across many DC neighborhoods. Some crimes committed by juveniles appear to be growing in their intensity and violence. Adolescence is marked by frequent turning points that can bring about positive outcomes, such as entering a high performing school or finding part-time… Keep reading…