Community Profile: LeDroit Park

LeDroit Park is a Historic District located in Washington D.C. near Howard University. LeDroit Park was developed by one of Howard University founders, Amzi L. Barber. LeDroit Park was originally a planned architecturally unified subdivision designed by James McGill and created between the years of 1873 and 1877. It is bounded by Rhode Island and Florida Avenue on the south; Howard University on the west; Elm St. on the north; and 2nd St. on the east. The Metro stop is called Shaw-Howard University. LeDroit’s houses include many mansions, houses and row-houses designed by James McGill. It currently contains 50 of the original 64 McGill houses constructed in the late 1880s and 1890s.
History:
In the early years their was a lot of controversy centered around LeDroit Park being a “whites only” neighborhood. They were also scrutinized for having a gated community which had guards to patrol the premises to ensure no unwelcome guest. After a few years and countless efforts to integrate the neighborhood, some unidentified students from Howard University tore down the fences that separated the neighborhood. This was the beginning of the neighborhood integration. Through the years it became integrated, then segregated and housed mostly African Americans to now integrated again.
LeDroit is uniquely positioned near Howard University, which has and still plays a major influence in the neighborhood. When it was first establishing itself LeDroit was known as an intimate, romantic neighborhood, unique from various other neighborhoods in the rest of Washington D.C. due to its quaintness.
Gail Watson is a 59-year-old native Washingtonian. Watson is currently a 2nd grade teacher at Bruce Monroe Elementary School in NW. Watson has lived in Ledroit Park for over 30 years and eye-witnessed various changes throughout in the neighborhood.

“When I first moved here to LeDroit from Northeast DC, the neighborhood had a reputation for being were the elite black folks stayed, so of course I wanted to be in that number. My husband and I bought this house for our family and now my grandkids are growing up here” said Watson.

By the 1940s, the neighborhood had become home to a number of famous African-American scientists, poets, and musicians including, Duke Ellington, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Senator Edward Brooke, and Dr. Ralph J. Bunche. LeDroit Park remains essentially intact today and serves as home to many prominent African Americans.

The adage “Things fall apart” is correct because even after a prestigious reputation and being home to some of African American’s finest, LeDroit Park began to fall apart. By the 1970s, 80s and 90s the old characteristics and culture which made the neighborhood special began to become memories of the pass. The Old Victorian mansions, and homes became distorted, some blocks turned into drug corners, and the tenacious spirit was a thing of the past.
LeDroit’s reputation as a good place to live had been distorted by the crime stint that was prevalent in the 1990s. Watson has seen the neighborhood go from good to bad, to back good since her time being here, and she says it’s just apart of life. “Every ten years or so it seems like the things just change, the people and everything. I’ve seen so many of my friends move out and now their houses are being renovated and rented to Howard students” said Watson.
Crime:
These percentages represent the risk of personal and property crimes for this area as compared to the national average.

*Table provided by Washingtonpost.com
Murder 1213% Rape 122% Robbery 424%
Assault 271% Burglary 63% Larceny 81% Vehicle Theft 281%
Total Risk203%

Neighborhood Watch Clubs were formed in the 90s when crime and drug trafficking became a community issue. “I’ve never been scared to walk around, but I definitely remember a time were drugs and crime were a big issue within the community. Some of the neighbors would ban together and try to come up with ways to get those thugs off the street” said Watson.

Despite the decline in the 80s and 90s these days LeDroit Park is positioning itself as an up-incoming neighborhood again; with houses being restored, and various blocks being renovated, the neighborhood is back to restoring its historic greatness.
Statistics:
Although the neighborhood only spans across a few city blocks, today the population exceeds 2,300 and the relationship demographic are as follows: Single- 72%, Married- 12%, and Divorced- 11% with the median age being 30 years old. *Statistics provided by Washington Post.

The wide mix of people living in LeDroit Park reflects the neighborhood’s in-between state. There are longtime residents, “pioneers” who invested when the area’s potential wasn’t quite so obvious, and renters who are finding that living alone or with four friends can be fairly inexpensive.

Watson admits she has considered relocating to another area, but none of the pitfalls have been off-putting enough to make her and her family want to leave. “Yes I’ve thought of leaving, but this is home- and honestly the neighborhood has gotten better. I still love sharing the history with my grandkids, and this is just home.”

Watson has learned throughout the years that
no neighborhood is perfect, and she takes the good with the bad and continues to be fulfilled. She did say if it ever got to the point were she feared her safety she would certainly move but she doubts she’ll live to see that day.

If you currently live in LeDroit Park, it is surely a joy to stay in and a convenience. With just a short bike ride away you have access to downtown, 14th Street, and Columbia Heights, and the neighborhood is near a number of bus and metro stations.

Alpha Kappa Psi presents its 1st annual "Student Entrepreneurship Scholarship" Award

Alpha Kappa Psi honored John Knight on behalf of Reel Pangea Films with the first annual “Student Entrepreneurship Scholarship” Award. Senior hospitality management major Kiara McCoy presented the award during a career panel in Founders Library Browsing room on December 1, 2010 held during the Fraternity’s week to the student entrepreneur. McCoy also serves as the fraternities Scholarship Chair.

Reel Pangea is a campus organization/company geared towards bringing together the Howard University student body, through the development and practice of each other’s crafts, connecting various majors to achieve professional and career-driven tenacity.

When company creator John Knight accepted the award he said, “I was really excited to apply and impressed that a fraternity on campus was giving a scholarship away. I don’t see many organizations doing things like this and truly giving back to students.”

He continued by talking about his struggles and triumphs since creating the business.

“This scholarship will allow my team and I the opportunity to purchase some of our own equipment. We have a contract with the Hilltop now so we’ve really been bringing in revenue and I think this will give us the extra saving money we need to take ourselves to the next level” he said.

The Fraternity awarded the company with $500.00. “I was really passionate about starting this scholarship program because as a student leader and being in a professional business fraternity it seem to go in line with our purpose and chapter goals” said Kiara McCoy.

The award recognizes Howard University students that are entrepreneurs. To be considered you must be a Howard University student, create a business plan and submit all application components prior to the deadline.

Future entrepreneurs have been advice to visit fraternity website regularly to find out information about future scholarships. “I do want this award to be annual so the fraternity will continue to fundraise to make this possible every semester” said McCoy.

Confederate History Month

Democrats and civil rights leaders are outraged by the recent proclamation made last week by Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell that April will now serve as Confederate History Month. Initially McDonnell stated, "the month will serve as a time to remember and pay tribute to the soldiers who fought and died for the south in the Civil war." Since the initial proclamation McDonnell has received tremendous backlash from various supporters, civil right leaders, democrats and minorities around the country.

One of the main concerns is that McDonnell doesn't mention slavery in the proclamation. Co-Founder of BET Networks and one of McDonnells major democratic supporters Shelia Johnson said "The complete omission of slavery from an official government document, which purports to be a call for Virginians to ‘understand’ and ’study’ their history, is both academically flawed and personally offensive. "

L. Douglas Wilder, former governor called the passing of this month “mind-boggling to say the least.” Wilder supported McDonnell during his race for governor against opponent republican R. Creigh Deeds, but does not support McDonnell’s decision. Johnson went on to say "I must condemn Governor McDonnell’s Proclamation honoring ‘Confederate History Month,’ and its insensitive disregard of Virginia’s complicated and painful history, the remnants of which many Virginians still wrestle with today."

Many students in the surrounding areas had mixed emotions about the proclamation. LaMont Russell, Howard University senior Business Administration major from Chicago Il said "I think it is very insensitive, and shows me how far the United States hasn't come in regard to progression. For this idea to even be considered to go in our nations history is mind-blogging." Similarly Mark Chen, Junior Finance major attending Georgetown University said "I thinking its very insensitive and unnecessary proclamation, while I'm personally not offended, I can see how it would be offensive, and I'm completely opposed to adding American history that is offensive to any group."

In lieu of the controversy McDonnell released a public apology April 7, 2010 stating "The failure to include any reference to slavery was a mistake, and for that I apologize to any fellow Virginian who has been offended or disappointed."

According to CNN.com McDonnell also announced Wednesday that he would add the following language about slavery to the proclamation. "(I)t is important for all Virginians to understand that the institution of slavery led to this (Civil) war and was an evil and inhumane practice that deprived people of their God-given inalienable rights," the new language says, "and all Virginians are thankful for its permanent eradication from our borders."

Only time will tell what exactly will be done or if the decision passes, but Americans and Virginians specifically will be watching and listening for the final outcome.