"AWashingtonWoman" .... Your Source for Credible Examples of a Native Washingtonian's Perspectives

So much has transpired since the last entry. September has been extraordinarily busy and taxing. This was the month that Washingtonians came back from beaches, vacations etc... We got back to work, sent kids back to schools and kicked off the political season in high gear. This is not to mention that September signals the begining of fundraisers, festivals, and a host of social events. The fall television line up was launched. And for all practical intent and purposes Washington, D.C. has elected a new mayor. Yes, the period of reflection for 2010 has come to an end and with that "AWashingtonWoman" has done some soul searching of it's own. We launched our concept just a couple months ago on July 4th. Our goals were and are lofty. And it is still our intention to be a platform for women from the metropolitan area. But as we reflected and had some frank internal discussion "AWashingtonWoman" is going to address issues, events, and human interest stories simply from the perspective of a woman from Washington, D.C. It is our intent that the stories you read will be no less provocative or informative. And over time, as we continue to develop and grow to be what we know we are capable of, we expect that when any entity wants to get respected opinion and representation "AWashingtonWoman" will be a natural source for information, insight and credibility.

Thank you for your patience as we are looking forward to stimulating your curiosity about the views and perspectives of a true native Washingtonian.

Michelle Fenty Upset By Perceptions of Mayor Fenty

During a debate yesterday, wife of Mayor Adrian Fenty, Michelle, became visiably emotional when being interviewed. She said she was upset by perceptions that her husband, Mayor Fenty, was being portrayed as arrogant or aloof.

We haven't heard much from Mrs. Fenty for some time now. A WashingtonWoman wonders what made her speak out now.

She has generally conducted herself with such poise and grace. It isn't the norm to see her so upset. Perhaps the stress of the political season is a bit much.

We don't know exactly where the directions of the hearts of the citizens of the District will lead them, but we are hoping it is in a positive space.

A WashingtonWoman Asks.... and Article In Washington Post Answers : "Progress stalls in closing gaps in D.C. schools"

Today, Friday, August 27, 2010 on the front page of The Washington Post there is an article which sheds light on the progress Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee has been able to be credited with since her appointment in 2007.

If one were to use an analysis of the 2010 test scores they would reflect that there has been little progress in narrowing the achievement gap which seperates white and African American children. Closure of this gap has been one of Rhee's major goals when she was appointed.

Reality check.... Chancellor Rhee may have good intentions, a fresh approach and lots of funding backing her up but realistically she could not have achieved this goal by herself. It was not the most mature or realistic approach to take when taking on such a tremendous task. A WashingtonWoman believes that Rhee had good intentions but failed to understand that it takes a village to raise a single child. Certainly, it will take a concerted effort among a variety of persons to lift an entire school system.

Not only Michelle Rhee, but no single human can come in and make all of the many facets of problems disappear. Stating that one could do so was arrogant and self serving. This is what raised the question in the earlier post of true intentions.

Perhaps it will serve the Chancellor best to form allies with parents, children, teachers and administrators to truly achieve the objective of elevating a system which needs sincere nurturing. Otherwise, she will be just another person who elevates themselves on the backs of our children. Our children deserve better and I haven't given up on the prospect that Chancellor Rhee can execute this. She has had an opportunity to become familiar and hopefully with some new wisdom, input and respect, she can be a real instrument for much needed change and hope in this city. Believe it or not, it isn't mission impossible. People who care just need to believe it can be done and want to get it done (not just set up photo ops and pieces to add to a professional portfolio).

Get it done Chancellor. You are our best shot at present.

Michelle Rhee Definitely Works PR Machines To Reflect Positively On Michelle Rhee

There was a time when the children who hailed from the D.C. Public Schools received an education that was equitable to that of any child from any of the fifty states. Somehow, over the years this school system has become the poster child for all that goes wrong in inner city schools. What happened? O.K. clearly something went off track. But I am having a hard time wrapping myself around the perception that no one in this city in many years has cared enough or had answers or commitment that could put the children of this city back on track. I can't accept that there is only one person who has made a difference.

Michelle Rhee recently dismissed a large number of teachers from the D.C. payroll. As a mother who is careful about when to introduce new concepts (like moving or replacing persons) in a child's reality, I question Ms. Rhee's timing. I also question her priorities. Fixing this "utterly broken system" is supposedly a goal. Cutting costs in another priority. And one obvious goal is also to present Rhee as the savior to Washington's children.

It is not clear which priority ranks first. I submit that the latter is considered. There is no guarantee that the kids here in D.C. are going to benefit from all of the negative publicity their schools have received, but you better bet that Michelle Rhee will coming out looking pretty good at the end of the day. So you tell me where exactly is the commitment and who is it benefiting?

Capitol File.... Why We Don't Recognize Your Capitol City

First of all, let me say I applaud the idea of magazine that covers this awesome and interesting city. However, I have been giving the publication a free pass for more than a couple years now. I keep waiting to see some cover that speaks to me... calls my name. Nothing. Today, I checked Facebook and as they promoted the upcoming issue, I couldn't take it anymore. Who are these people/

O.K., as a native, I am accustomed to omissions of the true locals. For a few years, I would recognize familiar faces in the social columns of newspapers like the Washington Post. Then even the remotely familiar faces started to fade.

When is this trend going to stop. Clearly there are people who are from other areas wanting to project "their" images onto "their" nation's capital. I have had this experience in every arena from the fashion industry to the new t.v. shows and in between. Sad thing about it for corporate America. "Corporate America, you leave an awful lot of money on the table as a result of this blind arrogance (and you misrepresent in the process). Then you wonder why your events are not well attended or why sales are falling flat." It's because you don't have a clue on how to access this city.

Capitol File, I want to buy your product. I want to promote it. It does have an attractive look... By industry standards, it's "sexy". But I just can't bring myself to do so. I can't bring myself to recommend it. And I want to see it last. We need you but we can't allow ourselves to loose ourselves in the process.

As I started this blog, I began to look for stories, ideas, images of just a few of the very fascinating and progressive women in this area. I have been surprised to see how few I came across. Do you mean to tell me, you can't find any real people who are compelling and exciting?

Please don't. It simply isn't true.

Washington's Own, Denyce Graves, Mezzo Soprano

Washington's Other Team: The D.C. Divas

Everyone who knows anything about Washington, D.C. knows how passionate we tend to be about our football team, the Redskins. (pay attention Real Housewives of D.C.) But last year was.... uhmmm.... PAINFULL and last night.... well, many of the die hard fans just couldn't bear to watch till the end....

But have no fear!!!! Once again, hope abounds.... Did we all forget? We have the D.C. Divas!!! Who knew? The D.C. Divas are members of the National Women's Football Association. Pictured above is D.C. Divas quarterback, Allyson Hamlin (look for additional details as A WashingtonWoman plans to get an interview with here in the near future). Home field is Landover's Prince Georges Sports & Learning Complex. Go Girl!!!! Do it like only a D.C. woman can.