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Community speakers urge CAH to boost mentorship and support for DC Black Broadway
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Summary
Multiple public commenters, including leaders and supporters of DC Black Broadway, told the commission they feel overlooked and asked for mentorship, clearer grant navigation, and more funding; Chair Reggie Henley and staff pledged follow up and a meeting.
Several community members and arts practitioners used the commission’s public‑comment period on Sept. 29 to press for more mentorship and technical assistance from the Commission on the Arts and Humanities, especially in support of DC Black Broadway.
Dr. Bill Long, identifying himself as affiliated with DC Black Broadway, described a track record of sold‑out shows and said his organization employs many young people but has struggled to get help from staff. "I've been overlooked...My calls have been ignored by Mister Johnson," he said, addressing a staff member by name and urging the commission to provide support.
Other commenters reinforced the request for mentorship and grant navigation. Tammy Carrington said the city’s GoGo music tradition must be sustained and that better mentoring and grant guidance could help homegrown companies thrive: "Gogo needs to stay alive here in the Washington, DC area because it's the origin," she said. John Dominguez and additional supporters gave first‑hand examples of youth‑focused programming and urged the commission to invest in education and safe learning spaces.
Commission response: Chair Reggie Henley and CAH staff acknowledged the concerns and pledged follow up. "My commitment is I will work with you and our staff to figure out what we can do," Henley told the commenters. Staff directed Deputy Director Katie Martin to follow up with interested individuals and to convene a meeting to explore mentoring and other supports.
Context and next steps: Commissioners said they would meet with the DC Black Broadway representatives and other commenters to review pathways for technical assistance, potential grant eligibility and application help. The record shows the commission heard multiple testimonials and committed to a staff‑led follow up rather than making an immediate funding decision during the meeting.
