Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 19, 2022
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 19, 2022 — On Tuesday, April 19, Council Vice President Evan Glass, along with Councilmembers Andrew Friedson and Will Jawando, will introduce a resolution affirming Montgomery County’s support for H.R. 1256, the Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act. Introduced in the United States Congress by Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Ben Cardin, Representative Jamie Raskin and Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton, the federal resolution would remove Francis G. Newlands’ name from the grounds of the memorial fountain located in Chevy Chase Circle. The resolution is co-sponsored by Council President Gabe Albornoz and Councilmembers Craig Rice, Tom Hucker, Sidney Katz, Hans Riemer and Nancy Navarro.
United States Senator Francis G. Newlands, who founded the town of Chevy Chase, Maryland in the 1880’s was an outspoken white supremacist who actively sought to strip voting rights from African Americans. As a developer, Newlands built communities that excluded immigrants, Jews and others from living there. While in office, Senator Newlands advocated for the repeal of the 15th amendment, published journals that called for expelling African Americans from the United States, and advocated for “White Plank” policies that would have allowed immigration to the United States only to White people.
“Montgomery County is one of the most diverse communities in the United States and we celebrate that every day,” said Council Vice President Evan Glass (At-Large). “All residents should feel a sense of inclusion and connection, not alienation, when they travel around our beautiful community. The legacy of hatred, bigotry, antisemitism and racism has no place here.”
“The Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act will send a strong message repudiating housing discrimination and segregation which should not be accepted or tolerated in Montgomery County, our Nation’s Capital, or anywhere,” said Councilmember Andrew Friedson (District 1). “For too long, this statue has represented exclusion and division rather than a welcome sign to an inclusive community. As we do the critical work of dismantling the structures that perpetuate institutional racism, the symbols and statues that normalize it matter, too.”
“Senator Newlands instituted segregation in the developments in and around Chevy Chase, and sought to strip voting rights from people of color. I look forward to the day when the plaque on the memorial constructed in his honor is removed and more worthy residents are honored in his place,” said Councilmember Will Jawando (At-Large).
In acts of solidarity, Montgomery County has changed the names of streets and roadways that had been dedicated to residents who espoused beliefs contrary to what we stand for today. In 2020, both the D.C. Chevy Chase Advisory Neighborhood Commission and the Maryland Chevy Chase Board of Managers adopted resolutions calling on the National Park Service to remove the plaque bearing Senator Newlands’ name.
The resolution can be found here.
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
