Free Voice

New Incinerator Sites Target Black Communities

BY HECTOR RODRIGUEZ

A local organization hopes to stop the building of a trash incinerator that would gravely impact the black community.

Empower DC teamed up with Mike Ewall of the Energy Justice Network in a meeting Nov 2, to address Washington DC government’s current plan to erect a new incinerator in a primarily black and impoverished community.

“There is a national trend where hazardous waste facilities, trash incinerators and other noxious industries tend to be located in communities of color… (and)  this environmental racism trend is unfortunately about to play out in DC,” said Ewall.

Fort Totten, Benning Road, and Blue Plains are the sites most likely being considered by city officials to house the new “waste-to-energy” plant that will burn trash for D.C. and Prince George’s County. Communities that are not only primarily black, but already suffer from many years of hosting three of the city’s major waste facilities.

Benning Road, a community comprised of 98 percent African-Americans, with an astonishing 52 percent poverty level, houses one of two city waste transfer stations in the city.

“The city used to host a trash incinerator here (Benning Rd) from 1972-1994,” said Ewall urging community involvement.

The discussion focused on the health and pollution impacts the incinerator would have on the community; the financial burden the incinerator would have on the city’s budget; and provided alternative measures the city could take to address waste management that was environmentally conscious and would create more jobs in the community.

“Ward 5 (for instance)… (may contract) job intensive companies that repair and recycle furniture, computers, and appliances,” said Ewall.  This approach not only deals with the waste but creates new jobs.

The community focused meeting, planned by Empower DC provided environmentally conscious information to D.C. residents. By collaborating with the Energy Justice Network and consulting with the Sierra Club and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (to name a few), Empower D.C. is working to move the city away from “burning waste” toward “zero waste.”

To learn more about this campaign, contact Mike Ewall at mike@energyjustice.net or 215-436-9511. For more information about Empower D.C. visit their website at: http://washingtonpeacecenter.net/ag_empowerdcdistrictofcolumbiagrassrootsempowermentproject

4 Neighboorhoods You Should Know In D.C.

BY JABARI LEVELL

When people think of D.C., the touristy neighborhoods are usually what peaks most people’s interest. In a city of a mere 10 miles it’s hard to believe some neighborhoods can go completely unnoticed in our modest metropolis.

First up, Logan Circle. The battle scars from the rampant prostitution, and drug abuse of the 80’s and 90’s have finally healed, creating a more inviting atmosphere in this N.W. neighborhood. Buffalo Exchange, a consignment shop, is a new addition to the neighborhood and has since become a bright spot. Logan Circle offers a plethora of quality food spots, but one you need not overlook is Great Wall Szechuan House, home to the most amazing fried rice in the district. If you’re feeling adventurous, anything on the Ma-La portion of the menu will be a spicy satisfaction.

Capitol Hill may be well known for its congressmen and lobbyists, but this southeastern neighborhood boasts two of the best commercial strips in the city, Eastern Market and Barracks Row. For our bookworms Capitol Hill Books offers a peerless shopping experience with books stacked from floor to ceiling and a foreign section that lies in the bathroom. Then there’s the Sunday Flea market an integral part of the Capitol Hill community for 30 years, home to an abundance of vendors from around the globe.

A neighborhood on the rise commercially; Near Northeast’s H Street corridor offers a lot of exciting and unconventional things to do. The strip is home to the Atlas Arcade a chance for adults to relive childhood moments by playing classic arcade games. The Rock and Roll Hotel is a bar in the city where on any given night you’re liable to have a spelling competition, trivia night, or a live performance from a music act. Taylor Gourmet brings the classic Italian hoagie to D.C., and keeps the night owl in mind during the weekend by operating until 3 a.m.

The Palisades is located in the most western part of the city, almost feeling like separate town within the city. It is littered with homey restaurants like Black Salt, whose Sunday brunch is unrivaled. The Boat House at Fletchers Cove, a landmark of the Palisades neighborhood for more than 150 years, offers daily rowboat and kayak rentals for rides along the Potomac. Fletchers Cove also rents cruiser bikes so you can roll along the Capital Crescent Trail.

Designer Creates Stunning Cards

BY TINA HAMILTON

Creativity never sleeps.  Just ask D.C. resident and entrepreneur Martha Britton whose passion for design has attracted a stream of loyal customers. 

Britton is the creator and owner of Simply Stunning Creative Services whose products range from creating high-end wedding invitations to developing layout designs for government and corporate publications. Her seasonal holiday and specialty cards, such as the cards celebrating Black History Month, are top sellers.

“I enjoy the personal aspect of designing, so the message is always meaningful,” Britton said. Since 1999, her ingenuity has lead to building a successful brand along with establishing an impressive resume. 

Simply Stunning resulted from Britton’s sister’s request that she design her wedding invitations.“The invitations were an elaborate piece of work, made with the finest quality paper, hand cut with satin ribbon and everyone loved them,” said Britton.

Britton’s sister worked in the advertising field where the wedding invitation caught the eye of reputable executives. The attention then encouraged her to design and create more products. Britton’s D.C. home workshop is rich with evidence that she takes pride in delivering quality work. Her workspace is filled with exotic Japanese paper and imported fabrics.

“I will never compromise the quality of my work, and over time, through experience, I have figured out ways to deliver nice pieces at an affordable price,” Britton said who is originally from Chicago.

Longtime friend and Director of Sales and Marketing for the company Jackie Barnes said, “People look forward to Martha’s products because she dedicates herself to every job. Her creativity always shines through; I am continuously amazed at her work ethic.”

For the past 13 years innovation has been the key ingredient to the success of Simply Stunning. Britton has always maintained a full time job in addition to designing. She is often asked if she would sell her company to a global distributer.

 “I don’t know if I will sell, but in the next few years I look forward to retiring to Simply Stunning on a fulltime bases. If the numbers are right anything is possible,” said Britton.

For more information please email simplystunningscards@comcast.net