By the time Backyard Band released their hit single “‘91 We in a Dope Jam “, go-go had become a defining cultural force in DC—shaping streetwear, establishing legendary performance venues, and inspiring a loyal community.

While the go-gos cranked, city officials struggled to battle a public health crisis that would record over 500 homicides by the end of the year. And when incidents of violence occurred at music venues, officials raised questions about go-go’s role in the city’s struggles.

But was go-go actually to blame, or was it a space for community and healing? Our panel of musicians, artists, and fans complicated this question in a discussion facilitated by oral historians and DC natives Rhonda Henderson and Myron Long (both of The Dap Project).

The panel discussion is part of the larger oral history project, “ ‘91 We in a Dope Jam,” a collection of oral histories that explore this pivotal period in DC History, The Dap Project received support from HumanitiesDC and the Oral History Collaborative to complete the oral history, which will be a part of the People’s Archive.

A Culture Series presented by HumanitiesDC.

Details

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Length: 90 mins

Format: Panel Discussion

Audience Size: Approximately 50

Location: Busboys and Poets Anacostia

Session Title: Ignite Your Leadership Through Creative Talents

So boom. Catina sends an opportunity to the distribution list. The InDepth conference is calling for proposals. Hm. I love engaging with educators. Maybe I have something to offer.

I schedule time with Catina to brainstorm an idea that’s percolating. And ten minutes into listening to her ideas, I realize, wayminnit: Catina has done the thing that I’m starting to articulate. “Are you interested in co-presenting? Because your experience sounds directly aligned. Yes, she agrees. And then takes the next step: what about inviting our book club buddy David to join the team? Absosmurfly! We spend the next month brainstorming and revising our proposal. I submit on a Saturday afternoon from the cafe at the MLK Jr. Library, my “home” office.

Such sweet words: “Your proposal has been accepted!” Oh snap! Now we have to built out the content. More zoom meetings, including one from the McDonald’s in Adams-Morgan. Then run-throughs of the content. And just like there, we’re in St. Louis when it is BRICK DEGREES, rockin’ and rolling. What an amazing experience. The audience was so generous, so engaged, so thoughtful. At one point it felt like an open mic as participants read their original haikus about teacher observations.

We had an entire ball.

Details

Friday, February 21, 2025

Length: 50 mins

Format: Workshop

Audience size: Approximately 40 people (school leaders and classroom teachers)

=