The Great Ward 8!
Ward 8 Democrats Lifetime Achievement Awards
Re-watch: Citizen 101
With the election season officially over, now it’s time to become more active and engaged in the political process. But how?
Join the Ward 8 Democrats for the first of our new discussion series on Citizen 101 - Going from Active on Election Day to Activism 365 Days a Year. The first series will center around the District’s 2021 budget process and how to fight for your priorities. Our incredible speaker lineup includes elected officials, community leaders, and grassroots activists who will help guide our discussion on everything from successfully advocating for policies and issues to connecting with the decision-makers and influencers among us. Special Guest Speaker:
Panelists:
Watch it again on Facebook! Re-watch Virtual Kwanzaa Celebration
It's a Ward 8 cultural tradition that's going virtual this year. Re-watch and re-live our 2020 Kwanzaa Celebration.
Kwanzaa is a seven-night holiday that honors African-American and Pan-African culture and traditions and stretches across millions of homes and communities including here in the District. The seven principles translated into English are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. This year's Kwanzaas speakers are: Umoja (Unity) SPEAKER: Nakia Blacknell, Ward 8 Resident & Community Activist Kujichagulia (Self-determination) SPEAKER: Jacque Patterson, At-Large Member-elect, SBOE Ujima (Collective work and responsibility) SPEAKER: Rep. Markus Batchelor, Ward 8 Representative, SBOE Ujamaa (Cooperative economics) SPEAKER: Lafayette Barnes, Business Owner and Ward 8 Resident Nia (Purpose) SPEAKER: Toni Harper, President, The Federal City Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Kuumba (Creativity) SPEAKER: Shaniyah Robinson, Junior, Ballou High School & Vice President, SGA SPEAKER: Damien Thurston, Junior, Anacostia High School Imani (Faith) SPEAKER: Rev. Wanda Thompson, Ambassador Baptist Church Rewind and Watch: What Now?!
Twenty-twenty has turned out to be one hell of a year. From protests to the pandemic and from loud calls for police reforms to the movement for Black lives, it's enough to make your head spin. And with the November General Elections "almost" over, people are rightly asking where do we go from here. Join us for a conversation on "What's Now?! -- a discussion the local DC election, the presidential race, and what it all means for the future of the District and the country.
Our esteemed panel includes:
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| Your Choice, Your Voice Offocial Program Book |
DC Board of Elections Announce Mail-In
Voting Measures Amid COVID-19 Emergency
As you know, the Ward 8 Democrats has pushed the District for years to allow vote by mail. We are now happy to report the way the District conducts its elections is about to change. The DC Board of Elections (DCBOE) announced new measures to increase voter access and safety during the June 2, 2020 Primary Election amid the recent COVID-19 outbreak nationwide.
The Board is encouraging voters to request mail-in ballots to protect the public and election workers. Here are the following ways to get a ballot:
Don't forget, you can always register to Vote HERE!
Please help to pass this on to all Ward 8 Voters.
The Board is encouraging voters to request mail-in ballots to protect the public and election workers. Here are the following ways to get a ballot:
- Voters can request mail-in ballots online at https://www.vote4dc.com/ApplyInstructions/Absentee
- You can also request a ballot on their Vote4DC mobile app
- You can call the DCBOE at (202) 727-2525 or (202) 741-5283, or fax your request at (202) 347-2648
- You can mail or drop off in person a ballot request form (https://dcboe.org/Data-Resources-Forms/Forms-and-Resources/AbsenteeBallotRequestForm.aspx) to the DC Board of Elections, 1015 Half Street SE, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20003
Don't forget, you can always register to Vote HERE!
Please help to pass this on to all Ward 8 Voters.
A special message from our president...
Dear Democrats:
As you know, the District remains under a state of emergency due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Following current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and local District leaders on social distancing and mass gatherings, we are cancelling our Ward 8 Democrats' March 21 and April 18 general body meetings. We invite you to stay tuned to our website and social media for updates on local and national politics as well as any virtual meetings in the works.
The DC Democratic Party State Convention, originally scheduled for April 18, has also been canceled. However, the selection of DC Delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, now scheduled for August 17-20, 2020, will
continue through an online process being developed by the DC Democratic Party. You can learn more at www.dcdemocraticparty.org.
Lastly, we know these are uncertain times. The news surrounding the health crisis has left many of us with questions and anxiety around the future of our normal routines. I find reassurance in hearing first-hand from health experts who are following the science and briefing leaders with their best assessments. There are two reliable sources of information I encourage you to bookmark:
DC Government Guidance
coronavirus.dc.gov
Federal Government Guidance
cdc.gov/coronavirus
It's in times like these that neighbors help neighbors. So please check on our most vulnerable neighbors, especially seniors, and let them know of available resources in the District.
Please stay safe and comfortable. We will get through this together.
The very best,
Troy
Troy Donté Prestwood
President, Ward 8 Democrats, Inc.
As you know, the District remains under a state of emergency due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Following current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and local District leaders on social distancing and mass gatherings, we are cancelling our Ward 8 Democrats' March 21 and April 18 general body meetings. We invite you to stay tuned to our website and social media for updates on local and national politics as well as any virtual meetings in the works.
The DC Democratic Party State Convention, originally scheduled for April 18, has also been canceled. However, the selection of DC Delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, now scheduled for August 17-20, 2020, will
continue through an online process being developed by the DC Democratic Party. You can learn more at www.dcdemocraticparty.org.
Lastly, we know these are uncertain times. The news surrounding the health crisis has left many of us with questions and anxiety around the future of our normal routines. I find reassurance in hearing first-hand from health experts who are following the science and briefing leaders with their best assessments. There are two reliable sources of information I encourage you to bookmark:
DC Government Guidance
coronavirus.dc.gov
Federal Government Guidance
cdc.gov/coronavirus
It's in times like these that neighbors help neighbors. So please check on our most vulnerable neighbors, especially seniors, and let them know of available resources in the District.
Please stay safe and comfortable. We will get through this together.
The very best,
Troy
Troy Donté Prestwood
President, Ward 8 Democrats, Inc.
Ward 8 Democrats hold community meeting on the District's 2021 budget
Members of the Ward 8 Democrats Executive Committee, along with Panelists Councilmember Trayon White,
Ed Lazere and Dr. Marla Dean.
On January 18, the Ward 8 Democrats held the very first community meeting on the District's 2021 budget planning process with an eye toward identifying key funding priorities for the ward.
Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, DC Fiscal Policy Institute Executive Director Ed Lazere, and Bright Beginnings Executive Director Dr. Marla Dean were part of an expert panel that closely examined the District's budget and how well it matches up with the needs in the community.
Residents and panelists engaged each other on how best to fund programs for the homeless and for families, with a particular focus on youth. They also discussed additional resources needed for housing, education, and public safety. Councilmember White, Lazere and Dean each pointed out budget wins in fiscal year 2020 but urged residents to get engaged and speak up for what they want to see in 2021. The District's fiscal year starts in October.
The Ward 8 Democrats will soon issue a "Ward 8 Budget Priorities" resolution to the mayor and council as well as talking points for residents to advocate for themselves and their neighbors at upcoming budget forums and council hearings.
Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, DC Fiscal Policy Institute Executive Director Ed Lazere, and Bright Beginnings Executive Director Dr. Marla Dean were part of an expert panel that closely examined the District's budget and how well it matches up with the needs in the community.
Residents and panelists engaged each other on how best to fund programs for the homeless and for families, with a particular focus on youth. They also discussed additional resources needed for housing, education, and public safety. Councilmember White, Lazere and Dean each pointed out budget wins in fiscal year 2020 but urged residents to get engaged and speak up for what they want to see in 2021. The District's fiscal year starts in October.
The Ward 8 Democrats will soon issue a "Ward 8 Budget Priorities" resolution to the mayor and council as well as talking points for residents to advocate for themselves and their neighbors at upcoming budget forums and council hearings.
VIDEO: Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Ward 8 Democrats Unveil New Community
Census Portal
The 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
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:
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
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.
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:
- Click here to view Convention agenda
- Click here to view Convention slides
- Click here for "Rules of the Day" for officer voting
- Click here for proposed changes to the Bylaws
- Click here for proposed changes for the Ward 8 Democrats Platform
- Ward 8 Democrats unveil 2019 Convention Sponsors. View full list!
- Mayor Muriel Bowser to give remarks at Ward 8 Democrats Convention at 11 am
- Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White to give remarks at Ward 8 Democrats Convention
- View “Sample Ballot” of officer candidates
- Ward 8 Democrats team up with healthcare partners to host health fair at 2019 Convention. See our list of partners!
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
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!
:: 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.
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| Program Book - May 19 |
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:
View Program Book:
| Program Book - April 21 |
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.
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
Women's History Month
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Noon
Women's History Month
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Noon
Photo highlights from 2017 Biennial Convention
Ward 8 Democrats Issues Statement on the Passing of Founder
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