In the words of the diva Ms. Patti LaBelle, in 2012 “I’ve got a new attitude!” I would like to keep things simple on my blog! (and in life)

1.  I will continue to announce important events, provide info that I think will be helpful for DC residents.  If you know something you should share it!

“If you don’t know, you don’t know.” -famous quote heard on the street regularly.

2.  It’s an election year, I will be “taking sides.”  However, as a former election judge from the age of 18 I will always encourage folks to get out and vote! DC find out about voting here.

3.  7th & T, NW.  If you haven’t heard me discussing the blocks that surround the area on Twitter follow me @NWtoSE.  44 years– 44 YEARS after the 1968 riots (check out my neighbors blog- Left of LeDroit here and here) the surrounding blocks are still operating as an open air drug market, filled with trash, and on any given day you can find around 25-40 grown men over the age of 45 chillin, using, dealing, urinating, defecating or intimidating passers-by.  One of the corner stores on 7th street that sells chicken also sells Newport cigarettes for $6.00 a pack (pack with tax should total around $8.50).  After full support by MPD the DC Code does not allow for any kind of arrests.  These illegal sales only add to the increased traffic in the area.

So, I will be making every effort to take a pro-active, well planned and thought out approach to making a difference (don’t ask me what that is yet) around 7th & T.  I will first start with a survey.  If you see some white girl out on the block with pen to paper with “my peoples”- “Slim, Black, T, L,  Young Money (c’mon man you are 60!)” and company stop by and say hello and get involved.

4.  I will be sharing experiences, reviews, eye-witness accounts (sounds intense!) of various services in the District that I have ”experienced.”  The goal of the posts should be used to initiate improvement steps and to let agencies know they are doing a great job.  Who am I to judge?  I am just a woman who is logical and likes to see systems function to do the most good in the community.

5.  I will devote a lot of attention to information, advocacy, stories about “my people” (men who were incarcerated) and reentry.

6.  I will be employed well before 2013.  If you can help make that possible please contact me. (Facebook, Twitter and e-mail are on the right column- Thank you in advance!)

6.  Lastly, I will not be straightening my hair as much.  I’m spending
too much time under the flat-iron.  I just thought you should all know.