D.C. Intersections

An American University journalism class explores race and culture in the Metro area

Takoma Park, Md. - 2 posts

Takoma Park councilman teams up with former gang leader to help city’s youth

Takoma Park, Md., Takoma Park Launchpad

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Launchpad’s producer, Jerry Cowan, left, and creator, Councilman Terry Seamens, right, in the Takoma Park Community Center after a meeting with five young men as they prepare for their upcoming forum./ Photo by D’Ante Smith

| By D’Ante Smith |

It’s a clear, dark fall night. The streets are quiet, with no signs of anything or anyone. The audible sounds of doors slamming from the street echoes this sentiment. This is not the typical Saturday night in Ward 4 of Takoma Park.

“The Alternative: Crime, Prison and Death,” the first event organized by LaunchpadMaryland, a music concert headlined by local talent, could be contributing to this quiet. With 10 to 15 youth in the audience, that’s 10 to 15 fewer who could potentially be on the street corners making noise, and possibly getting into trouble.

This is a victory in the eyes of the program’s creator, Councilman Terry Seamens, and producer, Jerry Cowan.

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Activism in Takoma Park sparks new initiatives for residents

Takoma Park, Md., Historic Takoma Park

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| By Monika Thomas |

Residents of Takoma Park, Md., see various forms of grassroots activism as a way to preserve the city’s history sense of community while adapting to the needs of a demographically diverse population. From health-based advocacy programs addressing African Americans’ and Latinos’ increased risk of diabetes to a “buy local” movement that seeks to preserve small businesses, residents say they feel their city is unique among the larger, more commercialized and racially divided communities that surround it.

One community activist says, through these varied grassroots initiatives, Takoma Park residents are making connections and creating a place where people can meet each other and hold conversations that have the possibility to spark change.

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