Week 2: DC Living
By Sharon Washington
Week 2 in Washington D.C. was incredible. My team was tasked to cover a press hearing key-noted by the mayor. We also watched and covered the H-R 40 hearing live on Wednesday, June 19th (Juneteenth). We even had the opportunity to cover TV One’s “The Bobby DeBarge Story” movie premiere. My love for multimedia reporting is maturing. It’s also becoming clear to me that I love covering the cross between history, social advocacy, and entertainment.
Washington D.C. has a rich history and lots of community pride. I’m excited to learn more about the community and keep exploring local landmarks. This week we visited Ben’s Chili Bowl, a Black-owned restaurant that’s been present in the city upward for more than 60 years. We also traveled to the White House and were surprised by all the demonstrations we saw. We walked the Washington Mall and saw the Lincoln Memorial. I read Lincoln’s inauguration and Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to myself while there (nerd things). It was great to simply have some American pride and bask in the beauty of the country.
This week we visited Ben’s Chili Bowl, a Black-owned restaurant that’s been present in the city upward for more than 60 years. We also traveled to the White House and were surprised by all the demonstrations we saw.
The day of the reparations hearing was especially interesting. So many people came out to protest, listen, and advocate on behalf of the bill. My mindset about reparations changed following the hearing. Initially, I believed that the thought of it was too pie in the sky. However, I now believe that reparations for Black Americans are required for us all to move forward as a country. I also believe that we shouldn’t rule out any type reparations, whether it’s a check or an education scholarship. The form should be approved by our community before the bill is passed.
We walked the Washington Mall and saw the Lincoln Memorial. I read Lincoln’s inauguration and Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to myself while there (nerd things).
During the press hearing with the mayor, I realized that naked political ambition can make me wary of a person. It was a summer kick-off event where she personally handed out free summer lunches to the kids of the community. The idea of the event was great, and I know that the programs will aid children for years to come. Having said that, the event felt staged and forced. I wish politicians were more sincere, I understand they have to build their public image, but I wish not every event had to be a photo-op.
The Bobby DeBarge movie premiere was fascinating. The movie had some star power, but it was clear that it was lacking in budget. I’m interested in television and film production, and I learned that the most important element of any creative project is the story itself. The Bobby Debarge story is truly dark and tumultuous. Yet, audience members laughed at some of the most emotional scenes of the movie due to poor costume design. I’d love to see the same film done again with a larger budget, but I know the business doesn’t work like that. We got the chance to speak with the star of the film, Roshon Fegan and the director, Russ Parr. Mr. Parr was very passionate about the project and gave us advice for our future careers.
During boot camp, Fonzworth Bentley told us to track what we do in our free time. My goal for the remainder of the summer and my life is to use my free time as wisely as possible. Also, I changed my hair! My afro was becoming too hard to work with all of the spontaneity, so I am now rocking braids with ease. I’m excited for next week.
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