FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2021
Media Inquiries:  marketing@anacostiabid.org

ANACOSTIA BID LAUNCHES 1st ANNUAL ‘JUNETEENTH: PASSAGE TO PROGRESS STROLL’

A self-guided exploration through Historic Anacostia highlighting the history of emancipation while supporting local businesses

WASHINGTON, DC – The Anacostia Business Improvement District, with its Art, Culture, Entertainment, and Education (ACEE) Council and partner Ward 8 Advisory Neighborhood Commission A06, are launching the first annual Juneteenth: Passage To Progress Stroll in Historic Anacostia on Saturday, June 19, from 9:00am - 8:00pm. This first of its kind initiative is designed to educate, inform and engage the public about Juneteenth, an official holiday in the District since 2005.  

Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of formerly enslaved peoples in the United States on June 19, 1865. However, in Washington, DC, slavery was abolished on April 16, 1862, nearly nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865.  

The Juneteenth: Passage To Progress Stroll is free, and all are invited to join in on the fun!  With Stroll Card, map, and mobile device in hand to scan QR codes on the sidewalks, visitors and Ward 8 residences alike are encouraged to explore Historic Anacostia’s very walkable business and arts district while learning Juneteenth historical facts. 

Along the Juneteenth promenade, participating businesses Grubbs Pharmacy, Open Crumb, Starbucks, Mahogany Books, Fresh Food Factory, Nubian Hueman, Neighborhood Pharmacy, Turning Natural, Check It, Charlie's Corner, Tony's, Chicken and Grill, LaThreadz, Metro PCS, and Subway will stamp the Stroll Card. The first 50 participants to turn in their stamped card to Busboys and Poets Anacostia will receive a free one-of-a-kind 2021 Anacostia Juneteenth commemorative t-shirt designed by local artist and entrepreneur Nabeeh (Nabi) Bilal, co-founder of Creative Junk Food. In addition, Starbucks is giving the first person with a fully stamped tour card a free pound of Starbucks coffee and a mug. 

To learn more and receive updates, visit the event page: www.anacostiabid.org/juneteenth2021

“We were truly inspired by the ongoing success of phase one of our ART TO GO-GO project, the first-ever self-guided ground mural scooter tour in Ward 8”, said Kristina Noell, Executive Director of the Anacostia BID.  “The Juneteenth Stroll was an organic continuation of how we can create initiatives that connect communities and our businesses in an innovative, informative, and impactful way.  Due to social justice issues brought to the forefront across the county, there is a renewed awareness about the Juneteenth holiday.  With that awareness, cultural traditions are growing, and the BID can share our rich history by creating new traditions around it.” 

ANC 8A06 Commissioner Robin McKinney adds, “This is an exciting outdoor initiative, and we are thrilled to be in partnership with the Anacostia BID in implementing new ways to incentivize people in Ward 8 and throughout the city to shop our local businesses.”

The scannable QR codes will be on the sidewalks throughout the Anacostia BID. As a result, the public will be able to find information about the history and significance of Juneteenth while engaging with and supporting the local business community.   

To learn more, visit www.anacostiabid.org or contact the Anacostia BID at info@anacostiabid.org.

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About the Anacostia Business Improvement District (ABID)
The Anacostia BID is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2012 and governed by a board of directors. The Anacostia BID provides valuable services to support the commercial, creative, and non-profit community located within the Anacostia BID’s boundaries.

As a community-based organization, the BID is relied upon to be an integral part of the resurgence of the commercial corridors of the Historic Anacostia neighborhood. The BID is committed to a thriving, safe, clean, and inviting community through placemaking, partnerships, and marketing. Our motto is, “Anacostia - the heART of the District."