Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie represents the residents of Ward 5 on the Council of the District of Columbia. Kenyan McDuffie is a third-generation Washingtonian and native of Ward Five.
Raised in a working-class family of six in the Stronghold/Edgewood neighborhood of Northeast, Kenyan is the third of four children. Born to an electrician and a library technician, he learned early on the importance of family, hard work, education, perseverance, and public service; values that he and his wife, Princess, have committed to instilling in their two daughters, Jozi and Kesi. Kenyan, an experienced attorney and civil rights advocate, is a proven community leader whose life’s work is focused on Ward 5’s future. For more than a decade, Kenyan has dedicated himself to improving the lives of Ward 5 residents and the collective life of the Ward 5 community. In addition to serving as president of his neighborhood’s civic association, Kenyan has held leadership positions in numerous local community development and education-focused nonprofit corporations, including serving as a board member of the McKinley Technology Campus Corporation, which assisted with the reopening of the school. During his career, Kenyan has developed a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of the District of Columbia and federal governments, and he has worked extensively with members of area civic associations, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, and government officials to solve problems, improve services, and to achieve successes for Ward 5 residents. Kenyan’s ability to positively transform the future of Ward 5 and its residents is exemplified both by his achievements in public service and in his own life. Educated in the District of Columbia, Kenyan attended Shaed Elementary in Edgewood and graduated from St. Anthony Grade School in Brookland. He went on to graduate from Woodrow Wilson High School, where he played varsity basketball. After graduating from high school, Kenyan worked for several years as a Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He eventually found the courage to resign from his position with the Postal Service in order to attend college. Kenyan enrolled at the University of the District of Columbia, eventually graduating summa cm laude from Howard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Community Development and becoming the first male in his family ever to graduate from college. After college, Kenyan began a career in public service, working on the staff of Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District’s Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. There, he assisted Delegate Norton with research and preparation for hearings and performed casework, including helping constituents resolve concerns with various federal government agencies. Armed with a passion for public service as well as a strong desire to make positive changes in his community, Kenyan enrolled in law school. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law, where he served as an editor of the University of Maryland Journal of Race, Religion, Gender, and Class, and assistant to then-Professor Tom Perez, now Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. Most recently, Kenyan worked as a policy advisor to the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, helping to shape policy and legislation concerning public safety in the District of Columbia. Prior to joining the Deputy Mayor’s office, Kenyan served as a trial attorney for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he conducted investigations and managed cases throughout the United States regarding enforcement of key federal civil rights statutes, including defending the rights of the mentally ill, nursing home residents, and persons with disabilities, and also working to reform the policies and procedures of police departments throughout the country. Before serving in the Justice Department, he worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Prince George’s County, where he prosecuted misdemeanor and felony cases in District Court and on appeal in Circuit Court. He also served as a judicial law clerk for an Associate Judge on the 7th Judicial Circuit of Maryland. Kenyan and his family live in his childhood home on North Capitol Street. Councilmember
Operating as usual
Starting Monday, Councilmember McDuffie will be holding hearings to evaluate government agency performance. These hearings are open to public testimony and we encourage you to sign up and make your voice heard!
The full schedule and instructions on how to sign up for oral and or written testimony are below.
Our office has been altered to the transformer that exploded in Brentwood. There are 1013 who lost their power, Pepco has said power should be restored by 3AM.
DCPS is on a two-hour delay for in-person students on Tuesday, February 2nd. Students who do not report in person should also plan to log into virtual classes two hours later than their usual time. All staff working in person or remotely should continue their normal tour of duty. - DCPS
Here is a clip from Councilmember McDuffie during the press announcement on saving the Secret Garden at @checkitenterprises_ to be apart of the Go-Go Museum. #RacialEquityDC
“Restaurants are still hurting and fighting to stay afloat during this pandemic and they need every possible support to continue operating, employing D.C. residents, and serving their local communities"
Full bill details: https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/PR24-0053
https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/507319/d-c-could-forbid-delivery-apps-from-listing-restaurants-without-permission/
Kenyan McDuffie introduces legislation that would prohibit delivery apps from listing D.C. restaurants without a mutual agreement in place.
DCPS schools will be all virtual tomorrow and public testing sites will be closed tomorrow.
Starting Monday, February 1 at noon, individuals who work in-person for a licensed child care provider or independent school located in the District will be eligible to book a vaccination appointment with One Medical.
In case you missed it, check out this panel discussion with CM McDuffie, Smart Growth CEO Calvin Gladney, Andre Perry, and Jasmine Thomas on the urgent need to support Black-owned businesses and spur equitable growth. Ending the racial wealth gap in America would create over $5 trillion in new GDP.
Every district resident should have the opportunities to thrive and fulfill their potential. This panel covers how we're fighting to achieve that goal in the legislative, academic, and financial sectors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLGN1F_Bq5U&list=PLkIS9ahfD8Q_zDHwpSIMrGfIHkLdElWTF&index=2&ab_channel=SmartGrowthAmerica
Day two of the 2021 Smart Growth America Equity Summit. Learn more at https://smartgrowthamerica.org/equity-summit/
Councilmember McDuffie commends
PepcoConnect and Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) on their new plan to promote racial equity & economic inclusion. This partnership is an important and intentional step towards empowering low-wage workers and supporting Black-owned businesses, both critical issues in closing the racial wealth gap.
You can read their full statement here:
https://www.pepco.com/News/Pages/PepcoandWashingtonInterfaithNetworkWorktoDriveEquityandJobCreationforDistrictofColumbiaResidents.aspx?sf242414696=1
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 28, 2021) – Pepco, in collaboration with the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN), is expanding its efforts to advance equity, inclusion, economic opportunity and social justice in the District of Columbia in alignment with the District's inclusive equity objectives. Thi...
Important read here about the Council Office of Racial Equity and new Racial Equity Impact Assessments. The pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated longstanding racial disparities in the District of Columbia. REIAs will provide vital data and metrics to ensure the Council takes intentional measures to pass legislation through the lens of racial equity and address these inequities.
“Black folks are lagging behind disproportionately,” says D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5), who wrote the REACH Act. “And although the council and the District have done a number of very progressive things designed to ameliorate many of the ails that that exist in communities of color, we’ve got to do more to dismantle the systemic racism and institutional bias.”
https://dcist.com/story/21/01/27/dc-council-office-racial-equity/
A new D.C. Council Office of Racial Equity joins similar efforts in other local governments to better address longstanding racial discrimination.
Hear Councilmember McDuffie speak at the SmartGrowthUSA Equity Summit today from 11 am - 1 pm. He’ll be joined by thought leaders and experts in business capital to highlight how the preparation, prioritization and promotion of Black and brown-owned businesses is essential for achieving racial equity and economic inclusion. You can join him at https://smartgrowthamerica.org/equity-summit. #smartgrowthequity
Join us for Smart Growth America’s Equity Summit: Improving racial equity, economic inclusion and restorative justice through smart growth Join us for three straight days January 26th-28th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST for a three-day virtual summit where we’ll convene an exciting group of exper...
The Ward 5 budget survey is now available! Please fill out this quick survey to let our office know your priorities and concerns for the FY22 budget. Hard copies will also be distributed to libraries, senior centers, and residential buildings.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/McDuffie
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
Alert! Councilmember McDuffie’s landmark REACH Act begins implementation today with the launch of the Council Office of Racial Equity. CORE’s mission is to eliminate racial disparities and achieve racial equity within the District of Columbia.
Read Councilmember McDuffie’s full statement below:
Appointments are now back online.
Thank you for your patience.
We have received several complaints about technical difficulties with the COVID-19 vaccine portal. We have contacted DC Health and they are working to resolve the issue. We will provide an update once we receive it from the agency.
CC: DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer
We have received several complaints about technical difficulties with the COVID-19 vaccine portal. We have contacted DC Health and they are working to resolve the issue. We will provide an update once we receive it from the agency.
CC: DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer
The numbers speak for themselves! These are the latest numbers of how many residents have booked appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by Ward. This is unacceptable!
"This new Ward based approach will help ensure residents with the greatest risk have access to the vaccine. Thank you Dr. Nesbitt for responding to my request & thanks to all the constituents who brought this issue to my office's attention." - CM McDuffie
https://coronavirus.dc.gov/release/dc-health-make-additional-vaccination-appointments-available-residents-wards-1-4-5-7-and-8
Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is calling for access to the vaccine to be handled equitably.
“People with more resources should not be favored in this process," he said.
McDuffie is now urging the health director to prioritize distribution according to zip codes.
“We should be looking at the data which clearly says that 75% of D.C. residents who've died from COVID-19 are Black residents, sadly," he said. "So we need to be looking at those areas that are hardest hit and getting a vaccine to those residents."
Starting today, the national mall will be temporarily closed until Thursday, January 21st. There are also short-term Metro stop closures, and suspensions of Capital Bikeshare near the Mall as well as DC Streetcar service. Updates will be posted at http://inauguration.dc.gov
You can also sign up for alerts at: https://inauguration.dc.gov/page/stay-informed-dc
Closed metro stops include:
Red Line - Farragut North, Judiciary Square,
Yellow/Green - National Archives,
Blue Arlington Cemetary
Blue/Orange/Silver - Farragut West, McPherson Square, Federal Center SW, Capitol South, Smithsonian, Federal Triangle
CM McDuffie continues to demand equitable access to the COVID vaccine for seniors. Listen to him call for a zip code-based that supports residents in the greatest need below:
“We should be looking at the data which clearly says that 75% of D.C. residents who've died from COVID-19 are Black residents, sadly," [McDuffie] said. "So we need to be looking at those areas that are hardest hit and getting a vaccine to those residents."
https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/growing-concerns-over-equity-and-access-to-vaccines-covid-19/65-b1884b0b-5d32-4d13-a356-f9e4a755b544
One D.C. councilmember is suggesting prioritizing the COVID-19 vaccine distribution by the ZIP codes most affected.
Read about Councilmember McDuffie's fight to ensure residents with the greatest COVID risk can access the vaccine.
Black residents make up 74 percent of COVID-related deaths in DC, yet many residents in Black communities have been unable to schedule a vaccine appointment.
https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/505858/councilmembers-butt-heads-with-dc-health-director-over-racial-equity-in-vaccine-distribution/
D.C. councilmembers suggest prioritizing vaccine distribution for residents of certain wards or zip codes. DC Health insists its plan is working fine.
Airbnb is canceling reservations and blocking new ones in the Washington, D.C. metro area during Inauguration week. Guests will be refunded and hosts compensated.
https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-to-block-and-cancel-d-c-reservations-during-inauguration/
Airbnb will cancel reservations in the Washington, D.C. metro area during the Inauguration week.
“I’ve got deep concerns about the coordination and preparation between several law enforcement officials and others who are charged with the keeping people safe through and during the inauguration,” said Council member Kenyan R. McDuffie (D-Ward 5).
He and other lawmakers said they are especially disturbed that Trump egged on the demonstrators at a rally outside the White House before they headed to the Capitol.
“Law enforcement — local and federal — should be coordinating with the understanding President Trump and his far-right conspiracy influence fanatics are a threat to local District of Columbia, the Capitol, national security and democracy,” McDuffie said.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-council-trump-insurrection/2021/01/12/2680805c-5454-11eb-a931-5b162d0d033d_story.html
Council members say they are concerned about federal and local preparedness and the possibility of violent protests.
DC residents 65+ can now get the COVID vaccine. Schedule an appointment at vaccinate.dc.gov or by calling the Covid Call Center: 855-363-0333. The call center is open M-F 8AM-7PM & Sat 8AM-4PM. Bring a photo ID and your confirmation code when going in to get vaccinated.
The entire country has now witnessed the Capitol—and the city surrounding it—come under siege by extremists acting out the wishes of the president. “This is definitely a flash point,” Kenyan McDuffie, the Ward 5 councilmember, told me. “I hope in the midst of the tragedy, the insurrection, and the continuous inexplicable behavior by the president, that citizens across the country will better understand the plight of District of Columbia residents and why we continue to demand statehood.” To fully comprehend Wednesday’s events, and the potential for such chaos to recur, it’s imperative to grasp just how little control the District’s elected officials and its more than 700,000 residents hold over their city—and how statehood would change that.
https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/01/dc-statehood-capitol-attack/617621/
“The real fraud is that we call ourselves a democracy yet deny the people of our capital political representation.”
See CM McDuffie's full statement on today's insurrection at the United States Capitol:
Mayor Bowser has ordered a curfew that goes into effect from 6PM tonight until 6AM tomorrow morning.
CM McDuffie during the release of the Green Book in 2019 discussing the importance of economic inclusion and supporting our local workers and small businesses owners.
The FY2021 Small Business Enterprise spending goal is $917 million.
For more information on the Green Book visit - Greenbookdc.com.
Councilmember McDuffie was recognized nationally for his fearless leadership here in the District of Columbia. Championing legislation that prioritizes racial equity and economic inclusion.
This work doesn’t happen without the support of the people and 2021 will be no different.
Many thanks to NewsOne for the recognition.
https://newsone.com/4058417/black-politicians-you-should-know-cori-bush-mondaire-jones/
Just finished a wonderful meeting with youth from the Ft Lincoln community who joined together this holiday season to donate winter coats to Thrive DC to support residents experiencing homelessness.
It’s an honor to represent these amazing children as Councilmember for #OurWard5.
🚨 5PM today is the DEADLINE to apply for $35 million Restaurant Bridge Fund.
Restaurant and food service establishments can apply at coronavirus.dc.gov/bridgefund
Questions Email @DMPEDDC at [email protected]
Councilmember McDuffie is out today making some holiday toy drop offs throughout #OurWard5.
Remember to wear your mask and have a safe holiday weekend.
Step Afrika!
🎁 The holiday has us thinking of all of the things we love about what makes us who we are — our families and our community! Our #MaskItUp initiative is about our community! We stepped on our virtual stage with the virtual premiere of #MaskItUp and we stepped in our community to do the work! And we’re still at it 😉! We’ve been distributing vital PPE kits to 1,000 families within the Washington, DC community! #THANKYOU to our incredible partners and a huge thanks to our Mayor — Mayor Bowser! #MaskItUp is sponsored by a DC HOPE Grant through the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser.
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#repost • via Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie • Many thanks to all of the volunteers who came out to the Ward 5 Toy and Meal giveaway. @stepafrika provided 500+ packages of hand sanitizer, gloves, and masks. The @dcfirefighters provided over 700 to go meals of some of the best BBQ in this area. In #OurWard5 we prioritize community! 📸 - @aboogie301
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#Community #WashingtonDC #MaskUpDC #StepAfrika • www.stepafrika.org
“Chief Contee brings extensive professional and personal experience to the position of Chief of Police, both as a 31-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and a native Washingtonian raised in Ward 5.
“Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie (D-Ward 5) called the selection process “a missed opportunity” and vowed to use the confirmation hearings to gauge whether Contee believes changes in the department are warranted and whether he’s capable of improving policing in the District.
“I would love to hear his candid assessment of what percentage of MPD’s sworn personnel actually have the pulse of the community,” he said, “and what’s his overall vision for the department? How does he respond when he hears calls to reform MPD or defund the police?”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/washington-police-chief-newsham-bowser-contee/2020/12/22/34739df8-30ef-11eb-bae0-50bb17126614_story.html
Contee, who replaces Peter Newsham, grew up in Northeast Washington.
The $100 million Bridge Fund modeled after the Business Support Grant Emergency Amendment Act authored by CM McDuffie, is now open for applications from the entertainment industry.
Apply at http://Coronavirus.dc.gov/bridgefund
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1 year ago today Councilmember McDuffie held a public hearing on the Go Go Official Music of The District of Columbia Designation Act. CM McDuffie took things a step further this summer by securing $3 million in funding for Go GO artist and preserving the culture in FY21. You can’t mute our music!
Councilmember McDuffie congratulates Dance place on 40 years of creating, innovating and performing. #OurWard5
DC Board of Elections Town Hall
Councilmember McDuffie spoke with Anna-Lysa Gayle on his introduction of the The Reparations Task Force Establishment Act of 2020. ABC 7 News - WJLA
Councilmember McDuffie on the importance of supporting minority and women owned businesses in the District and some of the concrete investments he championed in the FY21 budget to support Black businesses. #RacialEquityNow
Councilmember McDuffie spoke with Maureen Umeh FOX 5 DC on the impact of last weeks flooding. Stating very clearly “Residents don’t need a long drawn out process, they need immediate relief now.”
Message from Councilmember McDuffie following today’s shooting incident that ended at Brookland Metro station.
CM McDuffie in November of 2019 on the importance of racial equity and economic justice. Fast Forward to June 2020, CM McDuffie leads the charge on passing the FY21 budget that focuses on advancing racial equity and economic justice by - Funding the Racial Equity Achieves Results Act of 2019 (REACH Act) to establish the Office of Racial Equity and require all Council legislation undergo a racial equity assessment to score it for its impact on racial equity goals. • Funding a new disparity study that will provide the data-driven evidence needed to establish public policy goals that benefit Black and Brown people in their quest for equitable contract procurement. • Creating an Equity Impact Fund to provide access to capital for minority and women owned businesses, who often lack access to conventional financing options. The Equity Impact Fund will be managed by a third-party Fund Manager, outside the General Fund of the District of Columbia. • Establishing a new Certified Business Enterprise designation, Equity Impact Enterprises, to address structural impediments to opportunities faced by many women and minority owned businesses. • Allocating $2 million to establish a Go-Go music archive and for Go-Go creative economy development and support. • Expands funding to equity impact enterprises in Wards 5, 7, and 8, which have the three highest death tolls in the District as a result of COVID-19. Due to the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19, disadvantaged businesses in these Wards need additional support.
Committee on Business & Economic Development Meeting
Committee on Business and Economic Development Public Roundtable.
Committee on Business and Economic Development Meeting and Public Roundtable.
Budget Oversight Hearing Committee on Business and Economic Development Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Covering the following agencies: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development Office of the Chief Financial Officer Office of Lottery and Gaming
CM McDuffie spoke with Fox5 today at the site of the protest of President Trump's visit to the Shrine of Saint John Paul II in Ward 5. Rough transcript: It has been hard to articulate and put into words my thoughts. On the one hand, I'm deeply saddened by the loss of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, but the list goes on. What happened to Mr. Floyd demands justice, for his family and for his community. I am deeply disappointed at the president. At his antics last night, and that he has chosen Ward 5 and this sacred grounds in this area of our city to use as a backdrop for his production. This is not what justice looks like, this is what politics looks like. People here want justice. And until they get justice, I hope that these protest continue peacefully. And until they get justice, I hope these protests continue peacefully in cities like the District of Columbia and across America. I'm frustrated, I'm angry. And, frankly, as I'm sure a lot of people are around this city, they are trying to make sure they control the rage that's inside right now. To be able to watch a video a black man's life is taken from him at the hands of law enforcement. Not once, but you see it happening to people across the country, year after year after year. People want real change, not simply rhetoric and lip service. To say that you're with us in solidarity is not enough to address these issues fundamentally and systemically in law enforcement departments across the country should be everybody's priority not just in places where these things actually happen. ...As people know I've led the way on criminal justice reform here in the District of Columbia. We passed a comprehensive bill to reform the police department here in the District of Columbia. Sadly, the reforms didn't come as quickly as we would have liked and we've still got some ways to go, clearly. I will tell you, I have seen a distinction between how MPD has handled peaceful protests like this,
Budget Oversight Hearing: Committee on Business & Economic Development Budget Oversight Hearing Monday, June 1, 2020, 3:00 - 6:00 PM Covering the following agencies: Destination DC Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration Public Service Commission Office of People’s Counsel
Eight years ago today, Councilmember McDuffie was sworn in to represent Ward 5 on the DC Council. Thanks to all the friends and supporters who took part in wishing him congratulations here and elsewhere!
Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Business and Economic Development Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, Chair Budget Oversight Hearing Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 3:00 - 6:00 PM Covering the following agencies: Department of Small and Local Business Development Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking Department of For-Hire Vehicles
Councilmember McDuffie is hosting a live conversation on violence prevention in the District of Columbia during COVID-19.
Councilmember McDuffie at the Council Legislative Meeting on May 19. 2020, as the Council was passing additional emergency legislation in response to COVID-19: "Until we can get to those structural inequities and really put in place policies that are going to drastically change some of the conditions that exist in communities across the District, then, I don't think we will have done enough. The effects of this virus are going to be long-lasting, well beyond when we reopen the District of Columbia, and they are going to touch every aspect of our lives, health, loss of life, unemployment, food insecurity, and education. I hope we can work together to put some real, serious, meaningful structural changes in place that are going to get resources, not simply for folks to limp across the finish line, but to be able to thrive. Real equity and capital into small businesses that are owned by black and brown people in the District of Columbia. Real access to healthy foods in parts of the city that have not seen it in decades. That's the measure that we should be utilizing to judge whether or not we have been successful. Not simply getting back to normal... We should be looking far beyond that and really trying to help in a significant way."
While in-person classes are on hold, Wired Cycling is offering virtual sessions. Check them out and support #OurWard5SmallBiz Wired Cycling Fitness Studio http://wiredcycling.com Twitter: @WiredCyclingDC Facebook: /WiredCyclingDC Instagram: @WiredCyclingDC #OurWard5 #OurWard5SmallBiz
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