OHR February Newsletter – Director’s Message

Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends:

As we recognize Black History Month, we celebrate the profound impact of Black leaders, activists, and everyday trailblazers who have shaped not only our nation but also the very foundation of Washington, DC. From Frederick Douglass, whose home in Anacostia remains a beacon of his legacy, to Charles Hamilton Houston, the Howard University law professor who laid the groundwork for dismantling segregation, DC has long been a hub for civil rights advocacy and progress.

Our city has been the stage for historic movements - from the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, to the ongoing efforts for justice today. At the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR), we honor this legacy by working every day to uphold civil rights protections and make sure that all residents and workers in our city are treated with fairness and dignity. Recently, during our performance oversight hearing, I had the opportunity to highlight our agency’s achievements over the past year and outline our plans to strengthen enforcement and expand outreach for our communities. While we have made meaningful progress, there is still much more to do. We remain dedicated to continuing the historic work of advancing human rights in the District and helping that every person has the protections they deserve.

This month, we encourage you to explore DC’s Black history through events, museum exhibits, and community conversations. Whether visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture, engaging with Black-owned small businesses, or advocating for your own neighborhood, each of us plays a role in continuing the work of those who came before us.

As part of our commitment to accessibility and community empowerment, OHR hosts several Office Hours sessions to connect with constituents, answer questions about civil rights protections, and guide individuals through our complaint process. We invite you to join us at our next session - whether you have a concern, need assistance, or just want to learn more about your rights, we are here to help.

Together, let us celebrate Black history, not just in February, but every day, recognizing it as a vital part of our past, present, and future!

In Solidarity,

Kenneth Saunders