If every blogger has a catch phrase then DC Debutante's would definitely be, “That’s right I said it!” This lady believes in speaking plainly and directly on the issues plaguing our community – something that is all too rare but much needed in the Ward 8 community. Her post are sometimes controversial, but always come from the heart and the deep seeded desire to see the River East community become the best community it can be – without all the “tomfoolery” (okay that was my catch-word).
It is only fitting that March’s “I am Ward 8” profile is of LaShaun Smith, a young woman who is not afraid to "march" to the beat of her own drum.
LaShaun Smith
Project Analyst
Debutante
Straight Shooter
LaShaun Smith, 27 years old, Project Analyst
2.) Your Neighborhood?
The ever advancing Congress Heights!
About 3 years.
4.) What brought you to Ward 8?
Actually, I was born in Ward 8 and lived here for the first few years of my life until my parents decided to purchase a home in nearby Prince Georges County. In 2007, after college, I decided to move back to the District. I knew that Ward 8 would soon experience the same transformation as other troubled neighborhoods in the city. I wanted to be apart of the change. I also wanted to purchase an affordable property.
5.) What do you think is the biggest misconception about Ward 8?
Ward 8 is viewed as the run down backyard of the city. Everyone thinks that the neighborhood is inundated with crime and public housing. Actually, most of the neighborhood consists of hard working, family oriented, intelligent people that would like to see Ward 8 prosper.
My favorite thing about ward 8 would have to be the people. I have formed friendships that I will always cherish, right here in Congress Heights. I have NEVER in all my years met so many genuinely nice, intelligent, hard working, loving people. For a period in my life I never thought these type of people even existed. If I need anything from a ride to or from the metro to help digging my car out of the snow these people will be right there to help me. We are truly a close knit family.
7.) Your Wish for Ward 8?
If I could make a wish and see it happen this year it would be that my neighbors STOP VOTING FOR THE EMBARSSMENT that is Marion Barry! I understand that he has crowned himself “DC’s Mayor for Life” but he has done nothing for ward 8. I wish my people would realize we deserve better leadership. And I wish Barry would realize his day as a brilliant political figure is over. Part of being a great leader is never living in past success and knowing when to step down, making way for new ideas. The fact that so many continue to Vote for Barry reflects poorly on the Ward as well as the entire city. People from all over the country laugh as we allow someone with a criminal record, known drug abuse and owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes to remain on our city council. And lastly, Barry sets a bad example for our youth. How can you tell your child to study hard, stay away from drugs and pay his/her debts? Barry earns a six figure salary without adhering to those rules so why should they? Barry, do the right thing and step down! City Council, do the right thing and ban those with criminal records from serving on the Council. Residents wise up and understand you deserve the best leadership possible. There is a better way of living!
I love the name River East. East of the River sounds like a shady place you dare not go to after 6pm.
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9 Comments:
Love DC Debutante! Great subject of this month's "I am Ward 8"!
After living in Ward 8 for the past 9 years, I was happy to come across young, energetic bloggers who seem interested in making moves.
However, if positing yourself as the "antiBarry, antiwhatotherblacksdo" alternative is the best way to communicate your message, then I'll fall back into obscurity.
Understandably, this is your blog and you should do as you please. As delighted I was to find out about the blogging in my area, this and DCDebuntates style leaves a lot to be desired.
*I will make a concerted effort to read archived posts by both of you in my attempt to be fairminded*
I am not anti Barry or Anti anyone. I AM ANTI FOOLISHNESS! I want the best for my ward and it starts with leadership.
You are right to consider yourself whatever you want. Like you, I am educated. Educated enough to read and form an "objective" opinion. Considering that the first time I had heard or visited your blog was on yesterday, I shared "my" view.
You site seems centered around being antiwhatever. Talking negatively about the people who live w/in our Ward because you disagree w/their decisions does not make room for a constructive dialogue. What is does do it pit one against the other - something our Ward can not afford to do.
I also want the best for my ward and believe that what we need is a "leader" capable of communicating ALL of our Wards concerns - not just those you agree with. That would include not questioning the "intelligence" of people who voted for Obama or calling them lowdown and underhanded.
I respectfully submit that isn't leadership. It's posturing.
Hello thanks for commenting. The purpose of my blog is to encourage a dialogue - that is always welcome. However, I don't see where LaShaun mentioned Obama - definetly not questioned anyone who voted for him. WE LOVE OBAMA - I know LaShaun does because she came to my election party. :) Where do you see this?
Speaking for me I am "anti-tomfoolery" and I speak directly and plainly because I think in Ward 8 - as in many of our communities - we have been sugarcoating the real issues plaguing our community. However I do think there is such a thing as a "crab" - which I hate - and which I work very hard to discourage on the blog.
You are definetly intitled to your opinion - I just suggest you read more and perhaps you will get a better feel for my blog. I've been writing it since the Summer of 2008 - I daresay there was an evolution of sorts that got me here. It defiently didnt happen overnight. I think that is why my readers can relate - maybe not always agree - but can relate to my posts and my views. They are always heartfelt.
Hope this helps and please keep reading. :)
Speaking for me I am "anti-tomfoolery" and I speak directly and plainly because I think in Ward 8 - as in many of our communities - we have been sugarcoating the real issues plaguing our community. However I do think there is such a thing as a "crab" - which I hate - and which I work very hard to discourage on the blog.
You are definetly intitled to your opinion - I just suggest you read more and perhaps you will get a better feel for my blog. I've been writing it since the Summer of 2008 - I daresay there was an evolution of sorts that got me here. It defiently didnt happen overnight. I think that is why my readers can relate - maybe not always agree - but can relate to my posts and my views. They are always heartfelt.
Hope this helps and please keep reading. :)
That was definately an error on my part because I meant questioning the intelligence of people who voted for "Barry" not Obama. I'm not originally from this area but I certainly understand the affection people have for the man despite his troubles. That's how politics works and the trials of Bill Clinton and every other likeminded politician proves that.
Personally, I know very few people who are pro-tomfoolery. From my experiences, there isn't a lack of people willing and able to extol the long tales of everything wrong within our community. It is nothing uncommon for someone black to posture themselves as the "voice that blacks don't wanna hear." Don't most black republicans do it all the time?
Yelling from a street corner that we're all going to hell does not really encourage people to attend church.
I am confused about what you're saying. Perhaps you should read more post from my blog. Only recently I wasted my time on Marion Barry because of what is happening in the news. I highlight homes, issues, social gatherings etc. Before you judge the blogs it really may be a good idea for you to read them.
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