Events
Harriets Responders Orientation
Come learn more about the Responders of Harriet's Wildest Dreams!
Harriets Responders is committed to building local power through transformational direct actions, rapid response & mutual aid. By organizing, strategizing and responding, we work to decrease the power of the carceral state and oppressive systems.
Join this info session to learn how to get plugged in to the DC Safety Squad and Harriets Responders. Come learn about how we are building community and reimagining safety. We are piloting a response team that is going to act as an alternatives to calling the police. We are advocating for harm reduction resources, as we provide community support, perform rapid responses and civil disobedience. #WeKeepUsSafe
Repro Justice Campaign Meeting
Join the Repro Justice campaign for our first meeting of 2026! We will meet to discuss our upcoming events, actions, and more. We will be going over our campaign, how you can get involved! RSVP for the zoom link.
Reach out to bawg@mdcdsa.org with any questions.
Check out our linktree for more information!
2026 Launch Party for Bodily Autonomy Working Group
Join the Bodily Autonomy Working Group on Thursday, January 8th for our 2026 Launch Party! We will be meeting at Marx Cafe starting at 7PM to talk about what our plans are for the new year, how you can get involved, answer any questions you have, and to celebrate! Come early, come late, come whenever!
We'll be meeting on the left side of the bar - look out for our banner and we'll have signs on the table. We can't wait to see you there!
If you have any trouble finding us, RSVP for a phone number of one of our Co-Chairs that you can call in case you have trouble finding us.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please reach out at bawg@mdcdsa.org.
2026 Black Lives Matter at School Curriculum Fair
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, Teaching for Change’s D.C. Area Educators for Social Justice will host an online curriculum fair featuring a keynote speaker and interactive workshops that uplift the 13 guiding principles and demands of the Black Lives Matter at School movement. These principles focus on improving the educational experiences of Black students by centering Black joy, confronting anti-Blackness, and fostering authentic partnerships with all who work toward creating equitable school communities across the nation.
I’ll Make Me a World: The 100-Year Journey of Black History Month
Join Jarvis Givens to discuss his latest book, I’ll Make Me a World: The 100-Year Journey of Black History Month. Drawing on archival research, personal stories involving family and students, and especially the wisdom of Black educators, Givens recovers the legacy of Carter G. Woodson and many others who envisioned Black history as a liberatory force — knowledge that shapes who we are, how we resist, and what we dream.
Black History Is for Everyone with Brian Jones
On Wednesday, February 25, educator Brian Jones, in conversation with Dave Zirin, will discuss his latest book Black History Is for Everyone, a look at how the study of Black history challenges our understanding of race, nation, and the stories we tell about who we are. This FREE Beyond Heroes & Holidays Series is hosted by Busboys and Poets and Teaching for Change.
End-of-Year DC Guaranteed Income Coalition Volunteer and Info Session
We are closing out the year by looking back at five years of hard won progress in the DC Guaranteed Income Coalition and looking ahead to new canvass opportunities and deeper organizing in 2026, even as our local autonomy remains under threat. Together with parents, caregivers, and community partners, we have pushed for policies that honor family dignity, stabilize household income, and challenge the way our systems treat our neighbors. At our next Coalition meeting on Thursday December 18 2025 on Zoom, we will share updates on guaranteed income campaigns, discuss the road ahead, and invite you to plug in to concrete ways to support organizing, policy advocacy, and outreach in the coming year. Save the Date and register now for the December 18 2025 meeting via Zoom. Registration information is at bit.ly/DCGIEndofYear. We hope you will join us as we close the door on 2025 and welcome 2026 for new hope and opportunity.
Stomp Out Slumlords Meeting
Join Stomp Out Slumlords for our December all hands meeting. This year, Metro DC DSA members are considering a record number of candidates seeking our Chapter's endorsement. 2026 is shaping up to be an important year on the electoral front. At this meeting, we will discuss how SOS and endorsed candidates can collaborate to build the tenant movement and fight to protect and expand tenant rights. Join us on Tuesday December 16th, 6:30 pm at MLK Library, room 401-F.
Fair Budget Coalition Presents: Community Voting Town Hall
Do you care about how your tax dollars are spent? Do you believe that people deserved to be centered in our local budget process?
Here at Fair Budget Coalition, we think so. That's why we're building our budget platform for fiscal year (FY) 2027 (October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027) for the people, with the people, and you're invited.
Voting Town Hall Details
🗓️ December 16, 2025
⏰ 6:00 - 8:30 pm
📍371 Morse Street NE, 20002
The purpose of this event is to provide a space for community members to get familiar with the Fair Budget Coalition recommendation process, the list of recommendations produced by our issue groups, and to vote on top priorities.
Feedback gathered at this town hall and in community will be considered as we develop our FY 2027 FBC Budget Platform (view our FY 2026 platform).
Mapping Deportations Curriculum Workshop
Mapping Deportations is a new classroom-friendly digital resource that uses maps, data, and timelines to unmask the relationship between race and U.S. immigration enforcement.
On December 15, site co-creator and award-winning historian Kelly Lytle Hernandez will introduce the purpose and design of Mapping Deportations, including how the history of anti-immigrant legislation and racism are intertwined.
Teachers will meet in small groups to brainstorm ways to integrate the site in curriculum, followed by time to ask Hernandez questions and discuss ideas. Professional development certification provided.
"Crimes of the Century": A Teach-in on the Situation in Sudan
Join us for a teach-in exposing the atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, the UAE’s direct role in causing the genocide and how U.S. actions have fueled the violence. We’ll break down what’s truly happening and discuss how we can stand with the people of Sudan in their fight for justice.
Metro DC Cuba Delegation reportback
This October, forty DSA members from across the country traveled to Cuba to deliver solidarity aid, visit hospitals and schools, and learn directly from Cuban workers, students, and officials about the challenges and achievements of Cuban socialism under the U.S. blockade.
Join the Embassy of Cuba and Metro DC DSA delegates who will share what they saw and learned on the ground. Hear firsthand stories about Cuba’s health and education systems, the effects of U.S. sanctions, and how ordinary Cubans are organizing to sustain their communities amid crisis.
We’ll also discuss what comes next: how DSA members can build on this delegation to strengthen Cuba solidarity work in our chapters, push for an end to the blockade, and grow our internationalist movement at home.
Human Rights and Migration in the Philippines
Meet comrades at Middle East Books and More for a discussion on human rights and migration in the Philippines on International Human Rights Day, where we will focus on the right of Filipino self-determination and how we can broaden our support with the Filipino people.
Immigration Know Your Rights Workshop
DC Jobs with Justice y Many Languages One Voice presentan una capacitación para aprender sobre los derechos de residentes de DC. Los derechos que cubrimos serán derechos de inmigrantes, trabajadores, e inquilinos. Únase!
DC Jobs with Justice and Many Languages One Voice present a Know Your Rights training for DC Residents to learn about their rights. The topics covered will be immigrant rights, workers rights, and tenants rights. Join us!
We will not keep or share any of your information. / No guardamos ni compartimos nada de su información.
DC GIC Child Tax Credit Clinic and Celebration
DC is rolling out powerful tax tools that can help stabilize family income and reduce child poverty, and our upcoming virtual workshop will walk community partners through what is available and why it matters. On Tuesday December 9 from 5:30 to 7:00 in the evening, Mother’s Outreach Network will host a free Zoom briefing (https://bit.ly/MONTaxClinicDec2025) on the expanded federal Child Tax Credit for tax years 2025 and 2026, the strengthened District Earned Income Tax Credit that now provides a larger local match to eligible workers, and the new DC Child Tax Credit that begins with the 2026 tax year for qualifying families, all of which build on a growing evidence base that refundable credits reduce material hardship and support better outcomes for children. Participants will hear how these credits fit into broader strategies to boost cash resources for low income families, receive plain language information about tax filing rights and access to free preparation and multilingual assistance in DC, and leave with clear next steps and referral information they can share with parents they serve.
The Road Ahead: Finding Clarity Amidst the Chaos
The Road Ahead will address the urgent policy threats putting at risk the health, safety, and economic well-being of DC residents.
Why This Conversation Matters:
DC residents are facing a critical moment. Federal threats to sanctuary protections, health coverage, and food assistance—combined with deep cuts to local safety net programs—are putting the health, safety, and economic well-being of our communities at risk. This event will bring together policy experts, community leaders, and advocates to explore how we can respond with clarity, strategy, and collective action.
What to Expect at the Event
Opening remarks to frame the current policy landscape and set the tone for the day
A moderated panel discussion featuring national and local leaders from advocacy, government, and community organizations
Reflections to inspire continued engagement and forward-looking action
Opportunities to network and connect over breakfast with fellow advocates, policymakers, and changemakers
Juror Information Project: Overview Session
Harriet’s Wildest Dreams and Free DC are coming together for a juror teach-in. We’ll discuss what it really means to serve on a jury and how we can use that role to protect our people especially those with marginalized identities who are disproportionately targeted by the criminal legal system.
Jury duty is not just a civic responsibility; it’s a powerful tool for ensuring fairness and justice. As community members, our participation in juries is vital to safeguarding the rights of those who are most vulnerable to systemic biases. By serving on a jury, we can influence outcomes and help create a more equitable legal process.
Come and engage in meaningful conversations, learn from legal experts, activists, and fellow community members, and find out how you can play a pivotal role in shaping a more just society. This session is open to everyone.
Black Studies Book Club
The MLK Black Studies Book Club meets every first Saturday of the month to explore, engage, and discuss books from and relating to the Black radical tradition.
We will be reading classics from authors such as Martin Luther King JR., Malcolm X, WEB Dubois, James Baldwin, Audrey Lorde, as well as lesser known and contemporary works. Our scope will not be limited to the U.S. but will encompass an array of authors across the African diaspora and will challenge our conceptions of what Blackness is and what constitutes Black struggle as a whole. Please email MLK Library's Adult Services department at adultservices.dcpl@dc.gov to inquire about meetings and to be placed on the listserv.
No ICE in My Cup!
Our Free Spirits soccer fans had a great year in DC—the Spirit made it to the finals!
Now, Trump and FIFA will be at the Kennedy Center on Friday, December 5 for the World Cup Drawing and to give Trump a Peace Prize, all while his administration wants to let ICE and federal law enforcement harass soccer fans around the US. Trump and FIFA deserve a red card—don't let them ruin our beautiful sport!
World Cup fans shouldn’t have to worry about ICE while watching the games. Join us on Friday, December 5th outside the Kennedy Center to demand that ICE and federal law enforcement stay away from the World Cup.
Free hot cocoa station will be on site!
Pack the Council: Public Safety Hearing
On Thursday, December 4, Free DC leaders and community members will speak to Council about the harms of the federal occupation on public safety. We need you to show up, pack the DC Council, and support speakers advocating for DC’s rights and safety.
We expect the hearing to go all day, so join us at any time. There’s no dress code, but wear your Free DC gear if you've got it!
While this is a great opportunity to make our voices heard, this does not replace our demand for a full oversight hearing. We encourage you to show up to DC Council and sign our petition to Councilmember Brooke Pinto demanding a hearing on MPD’s cooperation with federal forces.
At 3 PM, Youth Voices 4 Resources will be holding a rally outside the court at Freedom Plaza, so we encourage you to show up for the hearing and stay to support DC’s youth.
Healthcare Roundtable
On Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Councilmember Henderson will hold a roundtable on the DC Healthcare Alliance and Medicaid including the new Basic Health Plan.
A roundtable is like a public hearing: individuals have the opportunity to testify as part of the official record. Each person will have three minutes to testify either in person at the Wilson Building or over zoom. Individuals can testify with interpretation.
Now is an important time to share your story! The Council needs to hear how the Alliance cuts are impacting patients, families, and providers. Register to testify today!
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El miércoles 3 de diciembre de 2025, la concejal Henderson celebrará una mesa redonda sobre la Alianza de Salud de DC y Medicaid, incluido el nuevo Plan Básico de Salud.
Una mesa redonda es como una audiencia pública: las personas tienen la oportunidad de testificar como parte del registro oficial. Cada persona tendrá tres minutos para dar testimonio, ya sea en persona en el edificio Wilson o a través de Zoom. Se puede testificar con interpretación.
¡Ahora es un momento importante para compartir su historia! El Consejo necesita saber cómo los recortes de la Alianza están afectando a los pacientes, las familias y los proveedores. ¡Regístrese hoy mismo para testificar!
Free Thanksgiving Lunch @ Busboys and Poets
Join us for a Free Thanksgiving Lunch!
On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Busboys and Poets–Anacostia will welcome the community for a free sit-down Thanksgiving lunch. Everyone is invited, including those who are unhoused, to enjoy a delicious multi-course meal featuring our signature Fried Chicken entree and dessert, lovingly prepared by our staff and community volunteers.
Come by starting at 11 AM to relax, enjoy a full meal, good music and connect with neighbors and friends.
This Thanksgiving is all about coming together, sharing good food, and celebrating the strength and spirit of our community. Busboys and Poets owner Andy Shallal and the Busboys and Poets Anacostia team are excited to continue this annual tradition.
Location: Busboys and Poets Anacostia 2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC
Free and Open to All. No Reservations Required!
Free and open to all — no reservations required! However, your RSVP helps us plan and prepare.
Washington Nationals Turkeypalooza
Washington Nationals Philanthropies is spreading cheer with their annual “Turkeypalooza” event from Monday, Nov. 24 to Wednesday, Nov. 26! They’ll be distributing meal kits at six different locations, helping families across the District enjoy a festive meal this Thanksgiving.
Each meal kit includes a fresh turkey, produce, and essential holiday staples like macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, and stuffing – everything needed to create a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Meal kits are first come, first served.
Washington Nationals Turkeypalooza
Washington Nationals Philanthropies is spreading cheer with their annual “Turkeypalooza” event from Monday, Nov. 24 to Wednesday, Nov. 26! They’ll be distributing meal kits at six different locations, helping families across the District enjoy a festive meal this Thanksgiving.
Each meal kit includes a fresh turkey, produce, and essential holiday staples like macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, and stuffing – everything needed to create a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Meal kits are first come, first served.
Washington Nationals Turkeypalooza
Washington Nationals Philanthropies is spreading cheer with their annual “Turkeypalooza” event from Monday, Nov. 24 to Wednesday, Nov. 26! They’ll be distributing meal kits at six different locations, helping families across the District enjoy a festive meal this Thanksgiving.
Each meal kit includes a fresh turkey, produce, and essential holiday staples like macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, and stuffing – everything needed to create a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Meal kits are first come, first served.
Washington Nationals Turkeypalooza
Washington Nationals Philanthropies is spreading cheer with their annual “Turkeypalooza” event from Monday, Nov. 24 to Wednesday, Nov. 26! They’ll be distributing meal kits at six different locations, helping families across the District enjoy a festive meal this Thanksgiving.
Each meal kit includes a fresh turkey, produce, and essential holiday staples like macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, and stuffing – everything needed to create a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Meal kits are first come, first served.
Housing Action Coalition Mass Meeting
The Housing Action Coalition is working to unite housing advocates, organizers, and community leaders across DC to build collective power for lasting housing justice. Together, we’ll align on strategy, messaging, and principles — creating a stronger, louder movement to drive real systemic change. Join us at our second mass meeting to learn more about the work and get involved in the fight!
Courtwatch DC Training
Courtwatch DC is a growing DC-based program that provides the space and training for the community to observe local court proceedings in the District of Columbia and document our city’s policies in action and to hold judicial actors accountable for injustice in the court system.
Courtwatch DC is powered by Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, with support from DC Justice Lab, and DC IWOC and was founded and led by formerly incarcerated Black women.
Courtwatching is a form of mutual aid. Inspired by Courtwatch PG, we strive to ensure that our community of Courtwatchers is multigenerational, multiracial, anti-racist, and moving towards an abolitionist future.