01/21/2021
A wonderful #InaugurationDay2021 today. Tears of joy were shed. Much more work to be done. Here we come #DCStatehood, a #LivingWage, and more economic relief for our friends and neighbors!
Yilin (Ellen) Zhang is a former progressive candidate for the Ward 2 seat on the DC Council. She has a vision for a better quality of life for Ward 2 residents, that is grounded in being inclusive, safe, and community centered.
Operating as usual
A wonderful #InaugurationDay2021 today. Tears of joy were shed. Much more work to be done. Here we come #DCStatehood, a #LivingWage, and more economic relief for our friends and neighbors!
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." "The time is always right to do what is right." Martin Luther King, Jr.
#MLKDay
Joe Biden just gave an address..."It must end now". Alarming, heinous, and unthinkably sad what is happening today and what has led to this. Mayor Bowser has issued a 6pm curfew. Please stay home and stay safe.
Happy Turkey (or Tofurkey) Day tomorrow. I'm looking forward to spending time safely with loved ones - many virtually - and eating pumpkin pie :).
Looking forward to the 47th Annual DC History Conference. If you can, register (fee and free for students) & tune in Friday for the Timeless Echos: Viral Racism Before and During the Age of COVID-19 DC History 1882 Foundation.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/47th-annual-dc-history-conference-tickets-122301319539
In a year of upheaval, loss, pandemic, and protest, explore the shared frequencies between our contemporary era and moments in D.C. history.
A heartfelt Happy Veterans Day to all who have served to protect our community and country. Thinking of you and especially those who I am lucky to have in my life. Today and everyday, thank you for your service.
Congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris!
It's been an emotional 24 hours. We are a democracy. EVERY VOTE needs to be voted. COUNT THE VOTES!
DC Friends,
Election Day voting tomorrow starts at 7:00am and ends at 8:00pm.
This link will take you to the voting locations spread across DC. https://dcboe.org/Voters/Where-to-Vote/Election-Day-Vote-Centers
If you need to drop off your mail-in ballot, you can also find the link on the site (on the left side) below.
Please vote! Your vote matters very much. And it may be chilly, so dress warmly :)!
#FirstVoteFilm airs on WORLD Channel’s America ReFramed TONIGHT 10/20 at 8/7c. Watch here: https://worldchannel.org/episode/a#firstvotefilm
#FirstVoteFilm is a feature length documentary about Asian American voters in battleground states, directed by the very talented filmmaker Yi Chen.
Thank you to Chinese American Museum Washington DC for hosting a panel discussion with director Yi Chen, John Yang of Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC and activist Yilin Zhang. What a fruitful discussion!
TOMORROW #FirstVoteFilm airs on WORLD Channel’s America ReFramed on 10/20 at 8/7c. Come watch the premiere with us: https://worldchannel.org/episode/arf-first-vote/
Dear Friends!
It's been a bit since I last posted. I've spent the last few months reflecting, spending time with family, reconnecting with friends, and staying engaged on important issues in our community. And, today I would not be posting this unless it was important.
I am writing to endorse James Harnett FOR DC STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION IN WARD 2. I have had the opportunity to get to know James this year and I am extremely impressed by his can-do attitude, empathy, and compassion.
Specifically, I am impressed because:
James' priority is to uplift the voices of students and empower them to be a part of the decision-making process.
James is the son of immigrants and has worked hard to achieve what he's achieved and he wants more opportunities for all students.
James shows up, always does his best to make time for others, and fights hard for the support our children, parents, and educators deserve.
James has served and serves Ward 2 as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and he understands the needs of our Ward 2 community.
If you are a DC resident in Ward 2, please join me in supporting James and let's elect him as our next DC State Board of Education Ward 2 Representative.
Please check out James' campaign on Facebook here James Harnett or https://www.jamesforward2.com/
Our democracy needs your vote! Thank you!
Sincerely,
Yilin
P.S. Below is a picture of James and I, wearing masks, and taking an elbow bump selfie!
A NEW ERA: RESILIENCE AND OPPORTUNITY
JOIN US FOR POWERUP DC 2020
A Virtual Business Forum
Tuesday, June 30, 2020 10:00am - 11:30am
Learn from top business leaders in the region about resources and tips for recalibrating during COVID-19:
John Falcicchio - Interim Deputy Mayor, Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)
Kristi Whitfield - Director DC Department Small and Local Business Development
Antonio Doss - District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Washington Metropolitan Area District Office (WMADO)
Rosie Allen-Herring - President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA)
Liz Sara - Chair, National Women’s Business Council
Margo Dorfman - CEO, U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Karima Woods - Acting Commissioner, DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
Also, hear from youth entrepreneurs who have started businesses and local business owners who have found ways to survive and thrive during the pandemic
Register Here
https://www.dchealthlink.com/powerupdc2020/
POWERUP DC 2020 Small Business Forum Tuesday, June 30, 2020 10:00am - 11:30am Sign Up Now Small Business — A NEW ERA: Resilience and Opportunity Each year since its inception in 2015, POWERUP DC has been a valuable resource for many in the DC small business community. Hosted by DC Health Link, its...
Thank you to everyone for your incredible support. This is just the first part of our journey together. And, if you want to run for office, the time is now. Our country needs you. Let’s build a better, more equitable, and more just future together. #itstimeforrealchange
Ward 2 Special Election - Vote for Patrick Kennedy
These last nine months campaigning has been an incredibly rewarding experience. My team and I have worked very hard, and we've had the opportunity to meet caring, brilliant, and hard-working individuals along the way, who want to build a better community for all. One of the individuals who very much stands out is Patrick Kennedy.
Throughout this process, I've gotten to know Patrick as a candidate and an individual. Patrick has and is working extremely hard, and I am very impressed with his campaign. At forums, I've met his family members and team members - hard-working and kind individuals. You know how great someone is by the company they keep.
Patrick cares deeply about our community and making it a better place for all. While we may not agree perfectly on every issue, I know that he is honest about his positions, and open and very willing to listen to others. This is the type of leader and leadership we need.
The DC Primary Election is over (we are awaiting the final count; official results have not been released). However, the DC Ward 2 Special Election is on June 16, 2020, from which I am withdrawing.
At this time, I am writing to endorse Patrick Kennedy - Vote for Patrick Kennedy in the Ward 2 Special Election on/before June 16, 2020 (early voting will be available).
https://patrickforward2.com/
I'm looking forward to speaking with Patrick on Facebook Live at 8pm this evening. Join us for the conversation!
It's time for real change.
Sincerely,
Yilin
Patrick Kennedy for Ward 2 D.C. Council
PoPville
‘Black Lives Matter’ is currently being painted on 16th St leading up to the White House
Just Mercy is now free to watch - the month of June - on YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services.
Just Mercy, based on a real life story, is an important story about systemic racism and injustice.
Please find some time to watch.
#nojusticenopeace
https://www.justmercyfilm.com/
Just Mercy - #JustMercy - Watch for Free
Mayor Bowser has ordered a curfew for DC for Wed, June 3. Curfew starts at 11pm until 6am. Essential workers - including healthcare personnel and media - are exempt.
Mayor Bowser has ordered a curfew for DC for Wed, June 3. Curfew starts at 11pm until 6am. Essential workers - including healthcare personnel and media - are exempt.https://youtu.be/qQAmZuREL2Y
I want to say a very heartfelt thank you to everyone. Thank you for supporting our campaign, believing in our campaign, and voting.
This is just the first part of our journey.
When I first started this campaign 9 months ago, all I knew is that I would work hard and use my platform to discuss important community issues.
This journey has been an incredible experience. Would I do a few things differently? Yes. But what I do know is that I've met many wonderful, brilliant, and caring individuals who want to see a better community for everyone.
Importantly, I want to thank my team for working so hard, believing in our campaign and our message, and putting their heart and soul into running this campaign. Shoutout to Nicole Davies, my communications director and friend for being with me every step of the way. Shoutout to Jess Bailey, my treasurer and an amazing individual who has taught me so much. Shoutout to creative and inspirational Ricardo Villalba and the Washington Digital Media team Edgar, Steve, Geo, Marcelo, and Yanci for working day and night to direct and produce our campaign videos, grow our social media presence to reach residents, and manage the day-to-day to run a smart and professional campaign. If you need video and digital media support, they are the ones to contact. Shoutout to Ricardo's incredibly intelligent and hilarious daughter Mimi for her constant support and endorsement :). Shoutout to Walter, Francia, Johary, Julio, Yilin, Tiyahna, Wolf, and Abby for their above-and-beyond support at the voting centers.
For preliminary DC Primary Election results, please visit the DC Board of Elections page. There may still be a few thousand votes to count, and official results will be reported on/after June 12 (the last day to receive mail-in ballots). And, we have a Special Election on June 16.
I am incredibly proud of the grassroots, people-powered campaign we ran.
It's time for real change.
Yilin
We utilize digital marketing and the power of compelling stories to help our clients vision come alive. We transform our clients products, services, and ideas from a commodity into the solution that their audience will appreciate, connect with, and envision using in their own lives.
Thank you for voting today
We are at the voting locations until the last person votes
Today I’m asking for your vote and your support. I’m asking for the opportunity to serve you and this beautiful city that I love. We need a candidate who holds strong values, a strong work ethic, and a relentless commitment to serving. And that’s what I bring.
#itstimeforrealchange #dcvote #vote #ward2 #dcprimaryelection
TOMORROW / TUESDAY, JUNE 2 is the last day to vote in the 2020 DC Primary Election.
Voting centers are open 7:00am - 8:00pm (you can vote past the 7pm curfew). Please visit one of the voting centers below. Masks are required - locations provide single-use masks if you forget.
Voting centers IN Ward 2
Hardy Middle School, 1819 35th St NW
One Judiciary Square - Old DC Council Chambers, 441 4th St NW
Voting centers NEAR Ward 2
Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th St NW
Prince Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 1000 U St NW
Oyster Adams Bilingual School, 2801 Calvert St NW
If you requested your mail-in ballot, please sign and postmark by June 2. You can mail back to the DC Board of Elections or drop off at one of the 20 voting centers.
Thank you for voting.
#DCPrimaryElection #DCCouncil #Ward2 #June2 #yourvoicematters #votesafely #itstimeforrealchange
Yilin
I’m very thankful to our volunteers helping us at the voting locations, if you see them please say hi #thankyou #itstimeforrealchange #dcvote #ward2 #thewinningteam #wegotthis
Starting our day at our local coffee shop Peregrine Espresso
#blacklivesmatter #itstimeforrealchange #criminaljusticereform #nojusticenopeace
The $200k that will be spent on the Special Election, caused by Jack's unethical behavior, could have been spent on COVID-19 testing and saving lives.
As of May 30, 2020:
Total Overall Tested: 46,483*
Total Number of DC Residents Tested: 38,413*
Total Positives: 8,801
Total Lives Lost: 466
Cleared From Isolation: 1,116
https://wjla.com/news/local/special-election-to-fill-jack-evans-seat-will-cost-city-200k
On June 2nd, voters will have to narrow down the candidates for the Ward 2 council seat, in a primary election. They’ll also have to decide who will finish out Councilman Jack Evans’ term for the rest of the year – in a special election on June 16th. “We decided not to hold t...
Live stream of protests in DC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlutS5xbqdw&feature=youtu.be
What we are seeing now is the snowball effect of hundreds of years of systemic inequalities. We must fight racism and fight for one another; people just want to be heard and treated as human beings.
Mayor Bowser is ordering a citywide curfew for the District of Columbia from 11:00 p.m. tonight until 6:00 a.m. Monday.
Listen. When MLK said "a riot is the language of the unheard", it was true then and now. What we are seeing now is the snowball effect of hundreds of years of systemic inequalities. We must fight racism and fight for one another; people just want to be treated as human beings.
(Click link below).
https://twitter.com/yilinforward2/status/1266950544574369792?s=20
“Listen. When MLK said "a riot is the language of the unheard", it was true then and now. What we are seeing now is the snowball effect of hundreds of years of systemic inequalities. We must fight racism and fight for one another; people just want to be treated as human beings. https://t.co/WxCS18...
Cómo una inmigrante que ha luchado para salir adelante entiendo los retos de la comunidad latina, con su voto lucharé para mejorar las escuelas, lucharé por igualdad y acceso de salud, lucharé por los negocios pequeños que son el motor de nuestra ciudad y economía. Por favor voten for Yilin Ellen Zhang #unidossomosmásfuertes #tuvotocuenta #somoswashingtondc
Your vote matters #vote2020 #dcprimary
Early voting happening now! #ward2 #yourvotematters🇺🇸 #voteforYilin
I'm looking forward to introducing Gabby Miller Schaeffer, Entrepreneur, Owner, Assets
Our future depends on your vote; we can make DC Ward 2 better for all of us. Vote for Yilin Ellen Zhang!
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Thank you to everyone for your incredible support. This is just the first part of our journey together. And, if you want to run for office, the time is now. Our country needs you. Let’s build a better, more equitable, and more just future together. #itstimeforrealchange
Today I’m asking for your vote and your support. I’m asking for the opportunity to serve you and this beautiful city that I love. We need a candidate who holds strong values, a strong work ethic, and a relentless commitment to serving. And that’s what I bring. #itstimeforrealchange #dcvote #vote #ward2 #dcprimaryelection
Cómo una inmigrante que ha luchado para salir adelante entiendo los retos de la comunidad latina, con su voto lucharé para mejorar las escuelas, lucharé por igualdad y acceso de salud, lucharé por los negocios pequeños que son el motor de nuestra ciudad y economía. Por favor voten for Yilin Ellen Zhang #unidossomosmásfuertes #tuvotocuenta #somoswashingtondc
I'm looking forward to introducing Gabby Miller Schaeffer, Entrepreneur, Owner, Assets
We look forward to featuring Kate D'Adamo, Partner, Reframe Health and Justice, focusing on the intersections of harm reduction, criminal legal reform, and healing. Previously, she was the National Policy Advocate at the Sex Workers Project, a community organizer with the Sex Workers Outreach Project and Sex Workers Action New York, and a founding member of Survivors Against SESTA and the PERSIST Health Project.
Yilin is having an interview with Amini Bonane (Miss Black USA D.C 2020) where explains the importance of women running in the D.C Ward 2 Council. She also explains the steps she has gone through for her campaign and some challenges one could face.
Yilin is having an interview with Amini Bonane (Miss Black USA D.C 2020) in which she explains her thought process of overcoming challenges that she faced running for D.C Ward 2 Council
Yilin is having an interview with Amini Bonane (Miss Black USA D.C 2020) where Yilin was asked about the challenges she has faced running for D.C Council in Ward 2.
Washington, DC's taxation without representation needs to STOP, we need to provide relief to our business owner and a rent/mortgage freeze for everybody. It's time for real change. Anita Bonds Muriel Bowser House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Donald J. Trump Chairman Phil Mendelson Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
We have the pleasure of featuring: Carolina Gomez, Corporate Chef of Gourmet Kitchen Inc. and consultant to businesses in DC. Ted Gong, founder and director of the 1882 Project Foundation.
The time to vote is now! The power to select the best person to represent you is in your hands. I'm one of you and we are together fighting for our voices to be heard. Vote now, vote early, vote safely. Vote for Yilin (Ellen) Zhang for DC Council Ward 2.
Yilin discusses why the push for equitable distribution of health care resources is needed across D.C. and how her experience in the health industry backs the need for it.
Yilin introduces herself to more than 250 people at the Women's National Democratic Club. She explains her background and history to the D.C. area.
Yilin answers a question at the March 5th, 2020 Candidate forum regarding the Council's respect for the will of the people. She briefly explains how unacceptable it is to deny what the community wants while using women in the restaurant industry as an example.
Yilin joined a very welcoming interview with Pedro on the Pedro Biaggi Encendio Radio Show. They discuss many topics such as Yilin's campaign and why she should get the community to support the candidates that work for them.
Yilin briefly discusses with more than 250 people at the Women's National Democratic Club her work history and how she has seen the community grow and change.
Yilin briefly explains how gentrification became an issue among the community such as income inequality and the need for better resources.
Yilin discusses the need for a comfortable and reliable environment for those affected by HIV/AIDS and some ways we could go about a successful change.
Yilin explains the need to improve the homelessness crisis and a focus on things such as stable housing, and access to wraparound services like healthcare
Yilin explains the importance of priority for healthcare, homelessness crisis, and the need to improve the quality of life for multiple communities in Ward 2 such as the LGBTQ and sex worker community
Ranked Choice Voting #willofthepeople #yourvotematters #ward2 YOU decide who you want to represent you not the establishment #vote #yilinellenzhang
Today we're going live with our recent Campaign video and how you can request your mail-in ballot. Our featured guest is Dr. Leonard Friedman from the George Washington University Milken School of Public Health. We'll be addressing the impact of COVID-19 on students, schools, community, and hospitals. We look forward to your questions!
I have been living in the DC area for the last decade and I’m proud to call myself a Washingtonian. This is my home and where I want to live and raise a family.
I'm a first-generation Asian-American, I’m proud of my heritage and I’m proud to be an American. From my parents, I learned to navigate cultural, class differences, and persevere in building my dreams.
I have spent the last decade in the health care industry, working in the corporate and non-profit spaces. I am a published researcher and have worked in strategy consulting, operations, and business development.
My name is Yilin Ellen Zhang and I’m running for Ward 2 DC Council.
I’m running because we need to work together to find solutions for our homeless population. In conversations with our residents who do not have a home, they don’t want to go to a shelter for many reasons, including don't feel safe, not clean, do not allow pets, do not allow couples without children. In addition to stable housing, our homeless population needs coordinated, continued access to wraparound services, including access to health care, mental and behavioral health support, and opioid addiction treatment. Some individuals may be working with a case manager, and we need to ensure there's continuity of care.
I want to work hard to find solutions for our most vulnerable residents.
I’m also running because I want to see our local economy and small businesses thrive. DC was short changed more than $700 M in federal COVID-19 relief funding because it is not a state. Many small businesses, and especially our restaurants that are now only offering take-out/delivery or have closed, operate on very thin margins. Even after we reopen our economy, some businesses may not survive past this year.
We need support for our local, small business community.
We also need DC Statehood. I've been fighting for DC Statehood for more than two years. We are closer than ever to passing the H.R. 51 Bill in the House. Democrats need to take back the Senate.
And, most importantly, we need representation. I’m not running to enrich myself. I’m not running to just serve certain people. I’m running because I want to be the voice of every resident of DC. I want to see more opportunities for everyone. I want better schools - we see right now how COVID-19 is affecting education because of lack of access to technology across all our schools and students’ homes. We need to invest our funds so that every community gets a fair share of our tax dollars. I want to see DC become an exemplary state for the 21st century. Like many of you, I’m tired of injustice, I’m tired of seeing our concerns pushed aside, I’m tired of the rats, and lack of inconsistent enforcement of legislation and laws that don’t benefit everyone equitably in DC.
With your vote and support, together we can fight to make our future state better for all of us.
It is time for real change.
My name is Yilin Ellen Zhang and I’m running for Ward 2 DC Council. We would be honored to have your support and vote May 22, 2020 through June 2, 2020.
For information on how to request your mail-in ballot, go to www.dcboe.org (official DC Board of Elections site for voting information).
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