One neighborhood, One purpose

Rioters filled the streets of Mt. Pleasant 20 years ago following the shooting of a Salvadoran man by a rookie police officer. The incident prompted restrictions on businesses and residents, as well as complaints of discrimination by minority members of the community.

Today, the neighborhood is trying to maintain its identity, culture and freedom of speech through music. But the fight has not been easy for restaurants like Don Juan’s and Haydee’s, which used to have live music up until 1997. Since that year an organization called the Mt.Pleasant Neighborhood Alliance and other individuals have made an effort to end live music in this community because of loud noise and public drunkenness.
 

But many people in Mt.Pleasant gathered together to fight for their freedom of speech, and for what is in their blood: music.  After 17 years of struggle, Don Juan’s and Haydee’s can now have live music on weekends, but both owners will tell you the challenge is not quite over.

In-State tuition For Illegal Immigrants

THE MARYLAND GOVERNMENT VOTED THIS WEEK TO GUARENTEE IN-STATE TUITION TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. THIS LAW WILL BENEFIT UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS BY REDUCING TUITION PRICE. YECENIA ALFARO HAS MORE ON THIS DEBATE.

Spanish Newscast

District Wire News was produced in Spanish by Yecenia Alfaro and Annie Stephens. In this special newscast Briona Arradondo talks with experts and students about the Hispanic population’s increase and what it means for the future of America. Karina Stenquist gives a special report on a small community in Naco, Sonora, México, and takes a closer look at a resource center that helps illegal immigrants when they are deported from the United States. This Spanish newscast also focuses on the day’s international issues and local news.

VALENTINES DAY SALES

VALENTINES DAY FOR SOME SHOPS AROUND THE DISTRICT MEANS SALES AND PREPARATION. YECENIA ALFARO HAS MORE ON HOW SOME FLOWER AND CHOCOLATE SHOPS TAKE NOTES FROM PREVIOUS YEARS TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING VALENTINES BETTER FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. is celebrated every spring. Each year people around the metropolitan area gather around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. Yecenia Alfaro has more on what it means to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival for people in the District and visitors.

HISPANIC POPULATION INCREASES

According to the US Census, the Hispanic population has reached 50 million in the United States. Hispanics are now the largest minority group. But what does this all mean? Experts and students at American University weighed in. Let’s take a look.

Youth Gang Violence

THE LATIN AMERICAN YOUTH CENTER IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BROUGHT TOGETHER MORE THAN 250 YOUTH FROM DC, MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE GET OFF STREET GANGS. YECENIA ALFARO HAS MORE ON HOW GANG VIOLENCE HAS AFFECTED PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.