This is going to be a short post (I hope). I think everything I have to say about this milestone I've already said to myself in the days and weeks leading up to today. 10 years ago I was 31 and a new homeowner. I wasn't super familiar with Ward 8 but I was still excited about living here. That said, there were the moments where I was frustrated with the lack of progress, discouraged by the lack of inclusion (both from DC at large and local community leaders) but all in all I was still hopeful. Hopeful that great things were on the horizon, not only for myself but for my neighbors. I really did believe that the more Ward 8 residents that got involved, were encouraged to speak up and out about their community, the better. It really does take a village.

A decade later, I still feel all of those things, hope, excitement and at times frustration. Frustration that a decade later we are still fighting against the same type of fear and fear-mongering that was prevalent a decade ago when I settled here as a new resident. I think that great things are on the horizon for Ward 8, but in order to open our hands to the opportunities of today and tomorrow, we may have to let go of some of the old narratives. The "us vs. them" mentality is still keeping us divided as a community and on the sidelines economically. We need to be open to a new path, a new narrative and a new strategy toward our path to evolve into a thriving, safe, economically diverse and inclusive community where people have options. Options to stay if they are so inclined and options to move on if they are so inclined. We can have a thriving community and be an authentic community. We can be a community of renters, homeowners, seniors, young professionals, new residents and old residents, black and white, middle-class and low-income. We all deserve to be a part of this community.

So that said, I give thanks for my friendships and the experiences I've had over the past decade. I give thanks for the kind hearts and helpful hands that have helped me along the way. I honor the confidence that has been instilled in me by continuing to read this blog and support for the community work that I do. A passion that has been the lifeblood of my east of the river experience since I moved to Congress Heights in 2007.

That said, I do feel that I am embarking on the next chapter in my complex story. I am not sure where my book will end but I am very excited about where I am about to begin. I am confident that just as I can say "yes" to new opportunities" I can close the door on old ones. I feel as is now is my time to really start to do the things that I have long felt called to do, in my own way, according to my own personal code. And the universe has seen fit to connect me with new people and new opportunities to allow me to compile my new toolkit for the future. And that is very exciting!

So, I want to take this moment to thank all of you who have been with me on this journey, regardless of the length of time. Your presence has kept me honest, kept me encouraged and most of all, kept me committed. Typos and all, I love this thing.

Thank you very much for the support and happy birthday to us all!

XOXO
Nikki Peele
AKA

P.S. Special thanks to my family at ARCH Development who always had my back! Duane Gautier in particular for giving me a shot and endless support. My darling best friends Jeff, Tommie, Beth, David and my entire team of ride or die folks like Greta, Marcia, Charles, John & the entire Fillmore dance crew! And for the new friends who have come into my life and given me the support, encouragement and fire to keep going another day. I don't want to embarrass them by mentioning them by name but please know that A. L. and K. are amazing women who recently stepped into my life and gave me encouragement, love and care at a moment where I could really use some magic. My amazing clients who always have faith in me and are willing to jump off the cliff with me when needed. And always, love goes to my mother, [name redacted] and my ultimate partner-in-crime (and snacks) Teddy Bear. I love you guys!

P.P.S. And special thanks to my small but committed pool of haters. I didn't do this for you but know that your attempts at shade/disruption/discouragement have given me much amusement over the years and have driven me to greater heights along the way. I can keep it 100 enough to acknowledge that. I sincerely do wish you the best and hope you realize peace, happiness and success. And that I give with no shade at all, that's real.

Happy Birthday to us! Congress Heights on the Rise is 10 years old today!