A Year of Resistance in the Nation’s Capital: How D.C. Resisted the First Year of the Second Trump Administration

2025 has brought one emergency after another. But in this crisis, residents across D.C. fought for their rights and showed why the urgency of self-governance in D.C. is more important than ever.

By Monica Hopkins

A stylized graphic with a dark blue background featuring three overlapping red-tinted panels. The left panel shows the Statue of Liberty holding a torch. The center panel displays a handwritten sign that reads “DEMOCRACY STANDS” and “THE CONSTITUTION STANDS.” The right panel includes an image of Donald Trump.

Three Reasons D.C. Youth Need More Support, Not More Punishment

The safest communities are the ones with the most resources, not the most police.

By Alicia Yass

A collage-style graphic featuring blue-toned images and text on a beige background. The composition includes a person playing a drum, a large drum in the center, and graffiti-style artwork with the words “GO GO CITY.” Another image of a person holding a child's hand and another image of a Black man speaking to community members in an urban farm. Red scribble-like lines accent the design, and layered rectangular shapes create a dynamic, artistic layout.

Know Your Rights in Encounters with Law Enforcement and Military Troops

The recent militarization of D.C. is a reminder of how quickly government power can expand. Our guide explains what to do if you’re stopped by police or troops.

By Michael Perloff

A group of uniformed soldiers gather around the back of a pickup truck on a city street, while a few civilians stand nearby. Behind them are colorful murals and a large sign advertising live music events.

Stop and Frisk FAQ: What you need to know in D.C.

D.C. police continue to stop and frisk people in D.C., and Black people disproportionally bear the brunt of this troubling tactic. Given how often D.C. police rely on this practice, here are some answers to questions you may have about stop-and-frisk in D.C.

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D.C. Native Artecka Brown Brings Healing to Chocolate City

D.C. native Artecka Brown brings healing and resources to her beloved "Chocolate City." Through Christopher Brown's Heart Beats, she organizes community events and supports grieving moms.

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D.C. needs police accountability. Congress and the President should not get in the way.

The District’s police accountability bill creates more transparency, holds police accountable, and restricts harmful practices. Making it law is crucial to advance public safety and rebuild trust.

By , , , , Monica Hopkins

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Congress, Hands Off Our Revised Criminal Code

In order to overturn our democratic will, opponents of the RCCA have spread misinformation about the bill. Here are three reasons why it’s critical that the RCCA becomes law.

By , , , , , Damon King, , Damon King

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Five bills that move D.C. closer to justice and freedom (if Congress doesn’t get in D.C.’s way)

While there is a lot to accomplish in the months and years ahead, we’d like to celebrate five major gains that our communities made last legislative session.

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How trans women at the D.C. Jail are advocating for their rights

After her experience being incarcerated, Courtney Phillips is committed to spreading the word about trans people’s rights at the D.C. Jail. Read about her experience and how an ACLU-DC case settlement allows trans people at the jail "the right to be housed where they identify."

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