FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
October 27, 2020 

 CONTACT: 
Jameel Harris (DCRA) – 202-497-1904; Jameel.Harris@dc.gov  

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), along with the Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID), is holding a media availability to provide a sneak peek of a new “We Are Anacostia” mural highlighting the tradition, culture, and accomplishments of Historic Anacostia. 

The approximately 200-foot mural was built on a perimeter wall of an otherwise empty lot near the corner of Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. It is the vision of award-winning artist Luis Peralta Del Valle with inspiration from the Anacostia community. The impressive painting serves as a visual timeline marking the proud past and present of the Anacostia Historic District, to include Native Americans, famous figures such as Frederick Douglass and Marion Barry, and the women of Anacostia who stand for social justice and affordable housing.  

In the District, vacant buildings and lots fall under DCRA’s purview. Mayor Bowser has charged DCRA with ensuring that vacant properties are safe and secure, and that they are not eyesores detracting from our city’s vibrant neighborhoods. As part of this mission, DCRA built the wall to serve as the mural’s canvass. The Anacostia BID’s mission is to support a thriving and diverse commercial district. They agreed to fund the artist and this significant piece of artwork to be an inspiration to the entire DC community.  

WHO: 

Director Chrappah, Director DCRA  

Kristina Noell, Executive Director, Anacostia BID  

Luis Peralta, Lead Mural Artist  

Some Anacostia business owners involved in selecting the mural design 

WHEN:  

Wednesday, October 28 at 11 a.m.  

WHERE:  

 Anacostia, near the corner of Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE