The Military Occupation Of Washington, DC: Then And Now
DC residents are living under an expanded military occupation ordered by Donald Trump that many are calling “unprecedented.” However, this is not the first time this action has been taken. Understanding this history is essential to properly contextualize what is happening now and to focus on the correct narrative and issue to fight going forward.
I grew up in Southeast DC after my mom moved us from our hometown of Jarratt, VA to a little apartment in a four-unit building on Parkland Place when I was about five or six years old. We enjoyed free summer concerts in the park across the street from our building. I used to walk about a half a mile to Malcolm X Elementary school during the week, and to Liff’s Market across the street from that school every Sunday to get the paper for my mom and snacks for myself.