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Dear Neighbors,
There are not many moments in American life these days where the nation has a collective memory. Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, I was in second period at my high school when I learned the news that a plane hit one of the World Trade Center towers. When Coach Whitt turned on the television in class, we assumed it had been a terrible accident. And then collectively we watched the second plane hit. There we stood in my 10th grade US History class watching history unfold.
Later that week, my high school’s football game went on as planned. I was on Colorguard in the marching band that year and it just so happens that our field show that season was themed “Salute to America.” We had performed this show many times at this point through band camp and other games, but I remember the butterflies as we approached halftime for that game following September 11. There was a greater sense of patriotism that enveloped the country at that time and our rendition of “America the Beautiful” hit differently that night. It felt more like a hymn – a prayer.
2,977 individuals lost their lives that day. Many years later, the number affected is much, much higher. The common refrain has always been “Never Forget” and it is remarkable that many years later, the collective memory of that day and the days after has not faded.
I do wish the greater sense of community and care for all humanity would have sustained more deeply for the nation. “America the Beautiful” was originally a poem titled “Pikes Peak” written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1895. A biographer of Bates explained that the poem was written at a time of the Gilded Age marked by economic anxiety and high polarization. The original poem had this zinger: “America! America! / God shed his grace on thee / Till selfish gain no longer strain / The banner of the free!” Over time, Bates revised the poem to the copyrighted version we now know. It became a song in 1910. We often do not hear beyond the first stanza, but today I want to offer as we commemorate the anniversary of 9/11 the words of the often-unsung third and fourth stanzas:
O beautiful for heroes proved
in liberating strife,
who more than self their country loved,
and mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
till all success be nobleness,
and every gain divine.
O beautiful for patriot dream
that sees beyond the years
thine alabaster cities gleam,
undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
Katherine Lee Bates died in 1929 at age 70. Before then she wrote regarding the enduring popularity of America the Beautiful: “That the hymn has gained . . . such a hold as it has upon our people, is clearly due to the fact that Americans are at heart idealists, with a fundamental faith in human brotherhood.”
The work towards a more perfect union continues…
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
The Committee on Health will resume holding hearings after the conclusion of summer recess on September 15, witnesses can sign up to testify at https://lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/.
Celebrating the RESALE Act
On Tuesday, September 1, Councilmember Henderson joined concert enthusiasts at the Anthem to celebrate the passing of the Restricting Egregious Scalping Against Live Entertainment (RESALE) Amendment Act of 2026. The bill introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen and co-introduced by Councilmember Henderson aimed to improve the experience of purchasing tickets for live events held at venues in the District.
In late June, the two Councilmembers offered an amended version of the legislation that requires all-in pricing and refunds for counterfeit tickets, cancelled events, or incorrectly issued tickets; prohibits the sale or reselling of speculative tickets; requires consumer disclosure of ticket transferability terms; requires that people who sell or resell more than 50 tickets in a year be licensed with the District and bonded; caps the resale value of a ticket at 110% of the total initial purchase price, and allows resale platforms to charge a platform use fee that is no more than 10% of the total initial ticket price; permits the Mayor to limit by rulemaking platform fees charged by a ticket sale or resale website; prohibits surveillance-based price setting for tickets; and establishes civil penalties for violations.
Proper Cafe’s Grand Opening
On Thursday, September 3, Councilmember Henderson traveled to Ward 5 for the grand opening of Proper Cafe. The cafe is the first a several new small businesses coming to this corridor of New Jersey Ave NW.
Touring Armstrong Friendship Public Charter School
On Tuesday, September 8, Councilmember Henderson toured the Armstrong campus of Friendship Public Charter School with Chief Executive Officer Pat Brantley and Chief Academic Officer Vielka Scott Marcus. Friendship Armstrong offers programming for students from kindergarten through eighth grade and incorporates rigorous early learning through their Reggio Emilia Learning Center.
Volunteering at Lederer Gardens
The next day, on Wednesday, September 9, Councilmember Henderson and staff volunteered at the Department of Parks and Recreations’ (DPR) Lederer Gardens in Ward 7. Lederer Gardens is one of three communal gardens that DPR manages with the purpose of providing various ways for community members to volunteer, participate in hands-on educational opportunities, and to receive free veggies via weekly veggie giveaways from May to November.
Weighing Better Biking
On Thursday, September 10, Councilmember Henderson joined the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) for their member social at the Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights. WABA prioritizes a just and sustainable transportation system where walking, biking, and transit are the best ways to get around.
Celebrating 40 Years of the Art Bank
Later that day Councilmember Henderson’s staff attended the DC Commission on the Arts and the Humanities opening reception for DC Art Now 2026, featuring the finalists for the FY27 Art Bank Program.
This year, the Art Bank Program celebrates 40 years of investing in DC artists while building a collection that brings original artwork into the District government spaces and communities. You can view highlights of the artists and their pieces below.
Dawn Flight (2022) by Claudia "Aziza" Gibson-Hunter
Linnaeus Botannicus (2026) by Sally Veach
Cherry Blossoms (1969) by Jacqueline Bryant Campbell
The New Ferebee/Hope Recreation Center (2024) by Roderick Turner
ANC Round-Up
Throughout the past two weeks, Councilmember Henderson has visited with ANC 4A (September 1), ANC 1B (September 3), ANC 8C (September 9), and ANC 3B (September 10) to share updates about what she’s been working on over the summer and what to expect as the Council returns from recess. Topics covered at each of the ANC meetings ranged but good discussions were had.
Experience Art All Night
Art All Night is Back! Celebrating 15 years of art, culture and community - two nights, across all eight wards! Join in on the fun September 11 and 12 and explore Art All Night activations and Dine All Night locations happening across the District. Use the online directory to browse by neighborhood, discover performances and experiences, find participating restaurants, and start mapping out your night.
You can find out event details, locations, times, and more, here.
Learn How and Where to Fish in the District
Join the District Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) for a day of fishing at Diamond Teague Park. Fishing gear, bait, and fishing instruction will be provided by staff. Come learn on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Diamond Teague Park (100 Potomac Ave SE).
Please reach out to Brady Waters with any questions at: brady.waters@dc.gov.
The Chocolate City Market
The Chocolate City Market is an all Black farmers and vendors market in the heart of Chocolate City at the historic Go-Go Museum & Cafe in Southeast DC. The market will include live music, a free yoga session, and other pop-ups throughout the day. While you shop with local Black businesses, volunteers will package and deliver free grocery bags with fresh produce and household essentials to neighbors in Ward 8. Come out to the Go-Go Museum & Cafe (1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE) on Sunday, September 20 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
This is family-friendly community event, shaped by the community, built for the community.
You can find additional details, here.
Celebrating H St
The festival started as a 500 participant block party more than 19 years ago and has now grown into a 150,000 participant event. The festival is 12 blocks long and has 15 staging areas that are diversely themed and programmed to target the different segments of audiences. The staging areas feature music of different genres, dance, youth-based performances, interactive children’s program, fashion, heritage arts, poetry and many more. This year’s H St Festival takes place on Saturday, September 19 from 12:00pm to 7:00pm, 3rd St to 15th St NE.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Service Academy Night
Join Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for her in-person Service Academy Night at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library, Room 401-A, (901 S St NW) on Monday, September 28th, from 5:30 to 7:30pm to learn about how to obtain a nomination to attend one of our nation's prestigious service academies.
All DC students, family, and teachers are welcome!
Contact norton.academy@mail.house.gov to rsvp.
Lost in Translation Book Club
This book club aims to celebrate the labor translators provide in expanding the beauty of the literary world. Through contemporary works of fiction from authors in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China, with an honorable feature from the current poet laureate of the United States, Arthur Sze, we will explore the role of translation in enriching our understanding of the human condition. And read some great books!
The club will alternate between virtual and in person meetings on select Mondays, lasting for about one hour every month. Limited copies of each book will be available for checkout at West End Neighborhood library.
Please email westendlibrary@dc.gov for a link to the virtual meetings, or with any questions.
Have a Home-Based Business?
If you operate – or are planning to start – a business from your DC residence, there’s an important change to know.
As of August 10, 2026, all new Home Occupation Permit (HOP) applications are processed by DOB, transitioning from the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).
A HOP is required for most businesses, professions, or other economic activities operated from a person’s primary residence. Most home office uses are eligible for an auto-issued HOP, while uses such as childcare and lodging require additional staff review.
Learn how to obtain your Home Occupation Permit, here.
DPR Presents: The Hillman Experience
The Hillman Experience is an immersive HBCU-inspired college and career fair that brings together students, families, educators, colleges, and community organizations for a day centered on education, empowerment, and opportunity. Connect with resources and culture on Saturday, September 12, from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Reservoir Park Recreation Center (10 Lower Service Cort NW). Admission is free and open to all high school and college students, families, educators, and community members.
You can find more information, here.
Build with Confidence Workshop
To help keep the community informed, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is excited to share a free workshop offered by the DC Department of Buildings (DOB). The “Build With Confidence” workshop is a great opportunity to learn useful tips on permits, inspections, and planning your next project. Experts will share what to expect, common issues to avoid, and the tools and resources needed for the permitting process, housing inspections, and illegal construction. The workshop takes place on Thursday, September 17, from 12:00pm to 3:30pm at 1100 4th St SW, virtual participation options are available.
You can register for the event, here.
The 2026 RiverSmart Home Showcase
Join the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and the DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) at the 2026 RiverSmart Homes Showcase. The event will be held on Saturday, September 26 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church (rear parking lot), located at 4625 G Street, SE. Learn how to keep our local waterways clean and healthy through green infrastructure and ecological landscaping practices. The event will include native tree and plant giveaways with activities for the whole family!
You can register for the event, here.
The Return of Free Veggie Giveaways
It's officially FREE veggie giveaway season in Washington, DC. The Department of Parks and Recreation is bringing farm-fresh produce straight to the community, from rooftop harvests to garden-grown goods, this is your weekly chance to grab fresh, locally grown food -on us.
From now until November 25 (weather permitting) you can attend weekly veggie giveaways at DPR communal farms.
Early arrival and reusable bags are encouraged.
To attend giveaways participants must be registered. You can find more information and register, here.
Have a constituent service need related to the Health Committee or any of the other agencies in DC Government? Want Councilmember Henderson to come to your community event or meeting? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Constituent Services Director Ana Berrios-Vazquez during regular business hours (9:00am - 5:30pm) at 202-724-8105, or ABerriosVazquez@dccouncil.gov.
You can visit us online at christinahendersondc.com. Or stay connected by following Councilmember Christina Henderson on her socials.
Website: christinahendersondc.com
Twitter (X): @CMCHenderson
Instagram: @christinahendersondc
Facebook: @christinahendersondc
Bluesky: @cmchenderson.bsky.social