Jun 19, 2023
Sneak sneak
seen from Malaysia
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Germany
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Malaysia
seen from Israel
seen from Singapore
seen from Canada
seen from China
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Malaysia
seen from Greece
seen from Malaysia
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Sneak sneak
Kitty!
TopPot Doughnuts makes a super cozy Ovaltine latte. I cannot spend all my monies on that. So I bought some malt powder from Barry Farms. They have a craptastic website, but I found the malt. I’m going to do up my own latte at home. It will be glorious.
Barry Farms....
Barry Farms is more than a forgotten community. It is a place that has paved the way for so many successful African-Americans today. You may be wondering how that is possible. Barry Farms is more than just the home of the Goodman League every summer; it is a community whose soil is filled with rich history.
Barry Farms started out as 375 acres of land that was purchased from white farmers in 1867 by the Freedmen’s Bureau. They sold one acre lots ranging in price from $125-$300 to newly freed slaves. The Freedmen’s Bureau then took a portion of the money made and built Howard University. Yes, Howard University was initially funded by the land that was purchased for Barry Farms. The Commissioner of the Bureau was General Oliver O. Howard, he named a street after himself in the Barry Farms community as well as the University. The community had its own schools and churches and was the first community of its kind in Washington, DC. It also became the future home of abolitionists and educators. Unfortunately the local government got a hold of some of the property and developed major highways and train tracks. In the 1950’s what was once an affluent neighborhood for Blacks, was turned into low subsidized housing by the government for tenants being displaced from Southwest and Georgetown. One can assume from the downfall of the community, that once they were placed they were soon forgotten, that is until recently. There is new talk buzzing about Barry Farms and no, it isn’t about the rich history or great world leaders that were birthed there, it’s because the tenants are fighting for their right to live there. The government has again come in with empty promises of investing in their future and placement of remodeled homes in a mixed income housing community. They have already promised the tenants that lived where the new Sheridan Station is placement, but those tenants are still waiting for the call and as of yesterday no housing is available. The community has built a panel that is fighting for their homes. What’s sad is that after many years of being dilapidated, the community center has been rebuilt as well as other community buildings in the area. But it isn’t for the longtime residents the “belongers,” it’s for the “non-belongers” (see previous post). Why does the local government feel the need to fuel the divide in this GREAT city? Why can’t they invest in the longtime residents that make CHOCOLATE CITY what it is? Shouldn’t Barry Farms be considered HISTORIC and protected? The reason why we have a Howard University is because of them. Why aren’t Howard students and faculty outraged by what’s happening? Why aren’t the citizens of DC outraged by this?
US Poverty Rate Hasn't Changed in 50 Years; How Can We Address It?
US Poverty Rate Hasn’t Changed in 50 Years; How Can We Address It?
During a speech at Georgetown University this past May, President Obama voiced the need to resume the War on Poverty, expressing the 40% drop in the poverty rate since its inception. It is true that in 1950 the poverty rate stood at a staggering 32.3%, but the fact that the percentage of those in poverty has remained the same since the mid 1960’s at around 15% is troublesome. It isn’t that there…
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Happy Birthday Rick Rubin...
Rubin Produced "The Word/Sardines" record, from JunkYard Band, who're from the home corner of my hometown, Barry Farms in South East Washington DC.
MONDAY'S MANTRA
"Barry Farms" - Me'Shell Ndgeocello
In honor of an amazing article I read today about plans to raze one of DC's cultural hubs (despite its criminal reputation) in favor of "mixed-income" housing and a rising arts district. If your a Washingtonian or DC Transplant, please take time out of your Monday Blues to read it.
And if you have an extra hour, please dedicate it to watching this excellent documentary about the history of Barry Farms.
And if you're reading this, Me'Shell, come back home, girl. They ruining your city.
Merry Christmas