‘The Social’- Public Responsibility, Private Choice

The Social’ this Thursday beginning at 4:30. You will hear senior activist from our community speak about their experiences in helping establish policy to prevent sexism and racism in DC and the nation, and get an opportunity to ask questions, have discussions and share your experiences on the topic.

You will learn more about how to be an Artivist(Social Activism through Art and Music) , from a representative of Sounds of my people Music and Arts Enterprises.
You will be able to join in our drum circle and be able to share your concerns. You are welcome to use one of our drums, bring your own instruments, or simply use your hands to clap and align with the rhythm. The drum circle is less about the physical act of drumming and more about coming together with a shared purpose—building connection, harmony, and community. Take the opportunity to join the movement and express your voice about what is going on in our community.

What Is a Salon-Style Social?

A salon-style social is a facilitated gathering rooted in the tradition of community and intellectual salons — spaces designed for thoughtful exchange rather than debate.

A salon-style social:

● Centers conversation over confrontation● Welcomes lived experience as expertise● Values listening as much as speaking● Encourages nuance, reflection, and relationship

No one is here to “win.”Everyone is here to learn together.

What Are Depolarizing Conversations?

Depolarizing conversations are structured dialogues that reduce “us vs. them” thinking by:

● Exploring multiple truths at once● Separating people from positions● Acknowledging uneven impacts across communities● Focusing on consequences, not ideology

The goal is understanding, not agreement.

This week we will discuss the history of Activism in the DC and have guest senior activist share their unique experiences fighting sexism and racism in the city, navigating gentrification and public policy.
We will hear from Tina Hobson, senior activist and widownof her late husband and activist, Julius Hobson. Together they were advocates of change in the Dc area and across the nation. Tina Hobson is a community member in NW DC.

Info: CORE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (MAIN ROOM)
Part I – Understanding the Shift
1. What does it mean when services once considered a public responsibility are replaced by private, voluntary, or market-based options — and how do people experience that shift differently?
2. How do age and life stage (student, parent, worker, retiree, caregiver) shape whether these shifts feel empowering or burdensome?
3. In what ways do public services create stability across generations — and what changes when that stability depends on personal resources or networks?

Part II – Community, Place, and Access
4. How have these shifts affected longtime DC residents compared to newer or gentrifying communities?
5. What differences do we see between experiences in DC and surrounding Maryland suburbs when services move from public to private systems?
6. When access depends on time, information, technology, or social capital, who is unintentionally left out — and who benefits?

Info: Part III – Equity, Responsibility, and the Future
7. Does framing services as “choice-based” increase freedom, or does it mask unequal starting points across communities?
8. Who becomes responsible when systems fall short — families, schools, nonprofits, elders, parents, or individuals — and at what cost?
9. What responsibilities do we hold to future generations when deciding how services are structured today?

AGE-SPECIFIC BREAKOUT FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS
For Students (Middle School, High School, University)
● When systems depend on “choice,” who helps you navigate them — and what happens if you don’t have that support?
● What services do you assume will be there for you as an adult? Which ones feel uncertain?
● How do policies today shape your sense of possibility for the future?
For Parents & Caregivers
● How do shifts from public to private services show up in your daily stress, finances, or time?
● What services feel hardest to access for your family right now — and why?

Info: Program Name: 100 Round Drum Circle
Structure: 10-week seasonal sessions
Activities Include:
Hand drumming and rhythm games led by youth
Mentorship pairings between youth and seniors
Dance, expressive writing, and call-and-response activities
Leadership training for youth and young adults and wellness engagement for elders
Support groups for seniors and youth and young adults future community leaders led by
clinical social workers.
Each session begins with youth-led icebreakers or rhythmic warmups, followed by
intergenerational co-creation and ends with reflective storytelling or group expression. Seniors
contribute wisdom, rhythm history, and life stories; youth bring energy, innovation, and structure.

Info: HU student organization- Join in the fun and competition. You can be experienced or a novice. Learn the game of chess and participate in tournaments and weekly games. After the meeting weekly, stay after play chess with community members, building intergenerational community connections.

Info: Here is link:

Join Zoom Meeting
Https://howard.zoom.us/j/6550178195?pwd=dDBNeTd6dldBRUFMRHVBMTV4akFsUT09

Meeting ID: 655 017 8195
Passcode: 225028

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