The Great Ward 8!

Ward 8 Democrats Unveil New Community
Census Portal

PictureThe Ward 8 Democrats unveiled a new Census 2020 web portal on the Ward 8 Democrats website where residents can find the latest news and information on census activity in the ward.
To help residents prepare for the upcoming Census, the Ward 8 Democrats unveiled a new 2020 Census portal during its November 2019 public meeting on becoming Census Ready. 
The site features videos and links to resources for the Ward 8 community and includes content in Spanish.

According to multiple media reports, the Trump Administration is determined to make it harder than ever to count some residents and their families. This is important because the Census helps communities like ours determine everything from where to build schools and supermarkets to homes to hospitals. It also helps the government decide how to distribute funds and assistance to residents in our ward.

"We are excited to launch our very own Census 2020 portal as a tool for residents to access important Census news and resources," said Ward 8 Democrats President Troy Donté Prestwood. "We know there is a lot of misinformation out there about what the Census is and what it isn't. The site, which will be updated as new information is released, is designed to be a simple one-stop-shop that cuts through the noise to provide visitors with facts. It will also be a key resource for our new Census Ambassadors to help their communities become Census ready."

During the Ward 8 Democrats meeting, Melissa Bird, executive director for District Census 2020, led a powerful workshop on the importance of the Census, how people are counted, and what happens when members of our community go undercounted. An inaccurate Census can stop the flow of much-needed dollars into our communities. She also busted several myths around the Census and said it cannot be shared with government entities like Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Everyone in attendance received a certificate as "Census Ambassadors". 

Find the latest news and information on Census activity in our ward on our 2020 Census portal at www.ward8dems.com/2020Census 

Scenes from our November 2019 Meeting

Join our Team: Recruiting New Directors and
Co-Chairs for Executive Committee

The Ward 8 Democrats is looking for spectacular individuals to join our high-energy executive committee to help us spread Democratic values of equity, inclusion, and freedom to every section of the ward, and beyond. We are seeking candidates with excellent communications and social skills, a proven track record of working successfully with diverse groups, and a passion and dedication to Democratic principles. If that's you, we want to know your name. 

We are looking for directors and committee members for the following positions:
  • Programming
  • Issues & Legislative Affairs
  • Senior Citizen Engagement
  • Membership
  • Public Relations
  • Fundraising/Development
  • Public Relations
  • Youth Engagement
  • Special Events
  • Precinct Captains
  • Organization Volunteers
Are you ready to help us take up this fight? Are you ready to join the chorus? If you are interested or know of qualified candidates who might be, please forward the announcement accordingly. All interested candidates should email us a resume/bio at info@ward8dems.com. Please put "I'm ready to Fight" in the subject line. Please note, these are all non-paid volunteer positions but great for your resume. Applications are due by close of business on Monday, November 25, 2019.

Ward 8 Democrats Elect New Officers at its 2019 Biennial Convention

Newly elected Ward 8 Democrats Officers (L-R): Troy Donté Prestwood, President-Elect; Sheila Bunn, Corresponding Secretary-Elect; Maria Riri Johnson, Recording Secretary-Elect; Darryl Ross, Treasurer-Elect; Salim Adofo, 2nd Vice President-Elect; and Deloris Walker, 1st Vice President-Elect.
Check out The Washington Informer story: Ward 8 Democrats: New Leaders, Old Challenges

Democrats from across the ward elected the next leaders of the Ward 8 Democrats during its 2019 Biennial Convention at Martha's Table on Sept. 21.

Mayor Muriel Bowser, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, DC Office on African American Affairs Director Ashley Emerson spoke at the convention, which also featured a community health fair.

Troy Donté Prestwood was elevated up to president after previously serving as the corresponding secretary. His leadership with the organization began as chair the public relations committee where he helped develop a new website, social media channels, and increase communications with community stakeholders. As corresponding secretary, Prestwood led voter education, outreach and registration efforts as well as deployed new fundraising tools to raise dollars for the organization.

Returning with Prestwood is current 1st Vice President Deloris Walker, who was elected to her own term after being appointed late last year when outgoing President Leonard Watson, Jr. moved into the president role; public relations chair and DC Democratic activist, Sheila Bunn, will move up to corresponding secretary; and long-time executive committee officer, Darryl Ross, will retain his seat as treasurer.

Two new faces will join the executive committee in the new term. Salim Adofo will become 2nd vice president and Maria Riri Johnson will become recording secretary. Adofo is currently an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in ANC 8C and Johnson is a community activist in the ward.

The new officers will be officially sworn in at the next Ward 8 Democrats meeting on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. 

Images from the 2019 Biennial Convention
See what they were wearing...

Latest News:

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton addresses Ward 8 Democrats during June meeting

Please support our "Taste of Ward 8" Sponsors who helped make the DC Democratic Party visit to Ward 8 a massive success.

Highlights from our May 2019 meeting on the District's 2020 budget and how to serve on one of the city's Boards and Commissions

Highlights from our March 2019 Meeting  Featuring a Community Discussion on Violence Prevention

Highlights from our February 2019 Meeting Celebrating Past Ward 8 Democrats Leaders and
Discussion on the DC Budget

Our annual Black History Month celebration looked back on the Ward 8 Democrats' 35-year history with an esteemed panel of former and current Ward 8 Democratic leaders. Panelists reflected on the organization's major milestones, accomplishments, and the path forward. Next up was Ed Lazere of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, who led a discussion on DC Budget 101. Last fiscal year, DC programmed a record-setting $14.5 billion budget that many say left more to be desired for Ward 8. Lazere talked about the DC budget process and how to advocate for the interests of the community.

Highlights from meeting on the new "East End Hospital"

Highlights from Ward 8 Democrats at "Art All Night"

"Chocolate City" co-author discusses new book on the history of black people in DC

“Chocolate City" Co-Author George Derek Musgrove, Ph.D. participated in a special lecture series with the Ward 8 Democrats  about the history of African Americans in the DC. The book traces the city's massive transformations--from a sparsely inhabited plantation society into a diverse metropolis, from a center of the slave trade to the nation's first black-majority city, from "Chocolate City" to "Latte City," Musgrove and co-author Chris Myer Asch, Ph.D., offer an engaging narrative peppered with unforgettable characters, a history of deep racial division but also one of hope, resilience, and interracial cooperation. The Musgrove lecture was co-sponsored by the Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC) and DC Vote. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Ward 8 Democrats Push For New Election Reforms in WaPo Op-ed

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Much has been written and posted on social media about low voter turnout in June’s Democratic primary election, with pundits speculating about the causes. One popular narrative was that, counter to their well-to-do neighbors, residents of Wards 7 and 8 aren’t concerned about the future of the District or improving quality of life. This defeatist thinking is dangerous and harks back to an era when the District’s political class peered east of the Anacostia River and deemed residents’ calls for more jobs and less crime as undeserving of attention. Read full op-ed.

:: Do you have ideas to help make our elections run smoother in future? If so, we want to hear from you by CLICKING HERE!

Photos from the "Chocolate City" Discussion

Ward 8 Democrats Endorse
 Bowser, NORTON and Garcia's Reelection CAMPAIGNS;
Andria Thomas Comes Close but No Endorsement for DC Shadow Senator

The Ward 8 Democrats voted to support the reelection of Muriel Bowser for mayor of the District of Columbia. The Ward 8 political club also voted to support Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s attempt for a 15th term, and Shadow Representative Franklin Garcia's shot at his third. The endorsement forum was held at the Old Congress Heights School in the neighborhood bearing its name, and focused on a range of topics including affordable housing, development, public safety and schools and is the final forum before the June 19 primary.
Program Book - May 19
File Size: 5244 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Ward 8 Democrats Endorse
Karl Racine to Keep AG Seat
Council Chairman Phil Mendelson Comes Close But No Endorsements for council chairman and At-Large Council Seats at Candidates’ Forum

The Ward 8 Democrats voted to endorse DC Attorney General Karl Racine’s efforts to keep his seat for four more years. His endorsement came during the Ward 8 Democrats Candidates’ Forum for Council Chairman, At-large Councilmember and DC Attorney General. The forum focused on a range of topics including preserving affordable housing, increasing workforce development and fighting for stronger schools in Ward 8. The DC Democratic primary is Tuesday, June 19.
View Program Book:
Program Book - April 21
File Size: 1183 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

New Officers Elected at
Biennial Convention

Voters selected two new members to join three returning officers on the executive committee of the Ward 8 Democrats on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the organization's biennial convention.

Jackie Ward, long-time Ward 8 resident and business owner, was elected to the second vice president position. Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8A Chairman, Troy Donte’ Prestwood, will join the team as corresponding secretary. Prestwood, who chaired the 2017 convention committee, previously served as the chair of the organization’s public relations committee.
 
Ward and Prestwood will join returning officers Charles Wilson, who was reelected president; Leonard Watson, Jr., who will move up one spot from second vice president to first; Tangela Garnett, appointed recording secretary in 2016, was elected to the same role; and Darryl Ross, who was reelected as treasurer.

Ward 8 Democrats
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Ward 8 Democrats Holiday/Kwanzaa Celebration
Saturday, December 21 , 2019
Noon to 2 pm
Location: TBA
2021 District Budget Discussion
Saturday, January 18 , 2020
Time: TBD
R.I.S.E. Center
2730 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave SE

Photo highlights from 2017 Biennial Convention

Ward 8 Democrats Issues Statement on the Passing of Founder
Theresa Howe Jones

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The Ward 8 Democrats extends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Theresa Howe Jones, a founder of the Ward 8 Democrats, DC statehood activist, and longtime Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner from the Bellevue community.

Ward 8 Democrats Statement on the Passing of Marion Christopher Barry

The Ward 8 Democrats joins with members of our community in mourning the loss of long-time resident and former Ward 8 Democratic city council candidate Marion Christopher Barry, the son the late mayor, councilman and civil rights leader Marion S. Barry.

Trayon White Wins Ward 8 Democratic Primary

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Endorsed Ward 8 candidate Trayon "Ward Eight" White wins decidedly in a crowded five-way council race that included current incumbent LaRuby May as well as Aaron Holmes, Maurice T. Dickens, and Bonita Goode.

Ward 8 Democrats Endorse Trayon "Ward Eight" White
For Council

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White becomes the first non-incumbent candidate to reach the necessary threshold for endorsement in recent election cycles.