By Caroline Dehn
February is Black History Month and with the joy of celebration comes the reckoning of America’s violent history and actively taking steps to help the Black community nationally, but also in D.C. One of the many ways you can help this month is by donating money to Black-owned and Black serving organizations. I’ve listed some below.
DC Mutual Aid Network
There are many different types of organizations that need financial help, but if you don’t know where to start, mutual aid organizations are always a great place to start. Mutual aid focuses on community members helping each other and making sure that money is allocated where a community sees the most need. Ward 2 Mutual Aid is an organization that serves the area of D.C. that we live in. Its mission is to provide meals, groceries, clothing, and school supplies to families in need. As well as organizing supply drop-offs to unhoused peoples across the ward.
Further, consider donating to the mutual aid network for wards 7 and 8 that serve predominantly black communities.
East of the River Mutual Aid Fund
Similar to the DC Mutual Aid Network, the East of the River Mutual Aid Fund serves predominantly black neighborhoods in southeast D.C. The organization was created last year to aid the community as COVID-19 hit lower-income communities and communities of color even harder than others. The organization has a GoFundMe page and a Target Wishlist that states what is most needed. Lastly, you can paypal them @eormutualaid.
The Black Knowledge Coalition
This organization was founded by GW student, Peyton Wilson, and their website states, they work to, “remove barriers to information for the Black community. Leaning on the principles of mutual aid and with a commitment to community education, BKC shares valuable information that is kept behind a paywall with the people. By using more accessible language and encouraging dialogue and organizing, BKC uses a coalition of minds to expand the information network within our community.” The BKC collects books that can be used to educate on Black history, hosts powerful and productive conversations about the present-day struggles of Black Americans. There is a library of books that can be found on their website that are great resources to continue to learn. Donate here: https://www.blackknowledgecoalition.org/donate
Visit Black-Owned Businesses
Here is a list of great Black-owned businesses to visit, and contribute to this Black History Month.
- Mahogany Books: This bookstore is located at 1231 Good Hope Road SE, Washington, DC 20020. Their collection of books focuses on Black writers and stories about the Black experience in America and around the world. They also have a great online collection at https://blackbooksmatter.com/
- District of Clothing: this locally designed clothing collection was founded by Dionna Dorsey, a local resident who makes clothing with powerful messages of empowerment, anti-racism, feminism, and love. To shop her collection, visit https://districtofclothing.com/
- Lastly, Gift Shop is a store located in Union Market that brings together Black made products from across the DMV. Their motto is for everyone to “shop Black, every month,” continuing to support Black owned businesses outside of just Black History Month.
