Modern Day Slavery

*Beyond Curfews and Toward Real Community Safety*. While youth curfews in DC continue to be pushed in the name of “public safety,” we must shift the focus toward what real safety looks like when communities lead. Instead of policing and punishment, this discussion explores how investing in youth, housing, education, and opportunity can prevent harm at its roots. Grounded in PACA’s vision, this **Assata Shakur Popular Education (ASPE)** session will examine how residents can take decision-making power over safety, resources, and accountability. Together, we will identify concrete steps to move beyond curfews and build community-led, youth-centered systems of care and safety. Food will be provided! *Food will be provided!*

TICKET LINK : (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/language-exchange-happy-hour-and-friending-tickets-718774623247). ABOUT THE EVENT Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs à moitié prix. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez débutant ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with half-priced appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from beginners to native fluency. http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/3/f/a/event_293177402.jpeg

1850s Kentucky, 1950s NY, and 2019 Wash DC. “A fascinating saga based on the famous 19th-century racehorse -Publishers Weekly. Smithsonian scientists find themselves unexpectedly connected through their shared interest in the horse—one studying the stallion’s bones for clues to his power and endurance, the other uncovering the lost history of the unsung Black horsemen who were critical to his racing success. “Brooks makes a masterly case for the power of retelling.” —NYTimes. “There’s something bordering on the supernatural about Brooks. She seems able to time travel. Boston Globe. (401 pgs) In March 2025, the Defense Dept ordered that the book removed from the library of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, listing it as one of 381 books banned for addressing topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Winner of Library of Congress (LOC ) new Prize for American Fiction 2025

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

Link to purchase tickets: [https://filmfestdc.org/filmView.cfm?passID=10](https://filmfestdc.org/filmView.cfm?passID=10) As part of this year’s Film Fest DC we will be attending a screening of TCB: The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing with a Q&A by the director Louis Massiah. *This is the first of two screenings! We will include a meetup for the second screening on April 23rd.* **April 22 screening**: Producer/Director Louis Massiah and Director/Editor Monica Henriquez with guest moderator Dr. Rhea Combs, curator, writer, arts leader, Senior Curatorial Fellow, Baltimore Museum of Art, Former Director of Curatorial Affairs National Portrait Gallery Synopsis: TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing is a biography of the influential writer Toni Cade Bambara, whose literary works and film collaborations were a catalyzing force in 20th century cultural and political movements. The documentary is made up of stories shared by friends and colleagues including Toni Morrison, Nikky Finney and Haile Gerima.

Beginner-friendly evening [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) class [at OSMA in Herndon, VA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/): Learn escapes, submissions, and live strategy with expert instruction. **🔥** No experience is required -- new students and first-timers are genuinely welcome. Classes focus on practical, real-world fundamentals taught in a safe, technical, and highly supportive environment. You’ll learn how to **escape common holds**, **apply effective submissions**, and **understand live positional strategy** \-\- the same leverage\-based system used in modern BJJ and [Mixed Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_martial_arts) (MMA), adapted for everyday people. This **gi class** takes place every **Monday** and **Wednesday** and includes **one hour of guided instruction** followed by **one hour of optional open training** (live rounds, drilling, review, and research). Gis are available if you need one. **Drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** \-\- let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest\.

At this event you'll discover how to better understand and control your subconscious mind, helping you overcome doubts and fears. If you have anger issues, depressions and anxieties. this event will show you how to overcome them.

Using New Technology to Improve Trust from the Government Blockchain Association Webinar at Noon April 23. GBA Webinar for Civil Servants from local to state officials including those in uniform on how to use New Technology to improve trust in government Thu, Apr 23, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT/NYC time zone) https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85762266787?pwd=ApBzwTv1QvG9qEnT5R8a5aNf3jae89.1 Join the Government Blockchain Association (GBA) for a webinar, "From Transparency to Trust in Public Governance," tailored for elected, appointed, sworn, or employed government workers. Discover how blockchain technology can revolutionize your work by boosting: \- Election integrity \- Ensuring representative transparency \- Strengthening fiscal responsibility \- Most importantly\, making your job easier than ever\. Why Attend? Learn practical ways to leverage cutting-edge tools to drive efficiency, solve critical challenges, and build public trust all from the comfort of your desktop or phone. CIVIL SERVANTS including those in uniform at all levels of government and all branches of service Free Access: No cost to join the webinar or the GBA! Actionable Insights: See real-world applications of blockchain for local governance. Ongoing Education: Gain exclusive access to free, continuous training with GBA membership. Critical opportunity to be more efficient, accessible, transparent and to make your job simpler! Presenters include Jonathan Baha'i Architecting Sovereign Infrastructure for Government & Enterprise \| Founder: Toto & Woof \| Owner: The Diefenbaker \| SSI & Civic Trust Layers Senator Michael "Big Mike" Fesi Louisiana State Senator for District 20 Gerard Dache GBA Founder & Executive Director Nimit Sawhney Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Voatz, Cybersecurity/AI/ML Engineer Thu, Apr 23, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT/NYC time zone) https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85762266787?pwd=ApBzwTv1QvG9qEnT5R8a5aNf3jae89.1 For More Information Contact: Bob Miko, bmiko@pacificdialogue.com 203 278 2803 About GBA The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) is a nonprofit (501c6) organization committed to advancing blockchain technology standards, facilitating industry education, and ensuring a trusted, secure ecosystem for blockchain solutions. For more information, visit https://gbaglobal.org/. For more information contact Bob Miko, bmiko@pacificdialogue.com 203 378 2803.

“Education does not change the world. Education changes people. People change the world.” (Paulo Freire) Featuring newly unearthed archival footage of Brazil in the 1960s, this fascinating excursion into the early work of Paulo Freire shows how he implemented the ideas of democratic, non-hierarchical education that made him the internationally revered education philosopher he became. “Learn to read in 40 hours” was not a slogan but a promise Freire and his teaching corps made to illiterate farmworkers in the Brazilian countryside, and that they made to themselves. Simply put, instead of rote memorization, educators used familiar surroundings and objects to construct meaningful vocabulary. Moving interviews with some of the hundreds whose lives were forever changed by learning to read, sign their name, and thus vote personalize the link between education and democracy. Both were upended by the 1964 military coup that exiled Freire for 16 years and gave him to the rest of the world.—Judy Bloch Ticket Info/Price: Single Admission: $15 ($10 for ages under 25). Director’s Pass: $110 (10 tickets)

**What generational trauma are you storing in your uterus? Do you find yourself repeating the same story of your mother's or grandmother's life? If the answer is yes, then this ceremony may help you break generational trauma passed down to you by previous generations.** **The Womb holds ancestral memories from past generations, and it can store trauma and imbalances affecting your everyday life. A balanced womb promotes regular menstruation cycles, fertility and emotional healing. During this ceremony we will drink sacred cacao and connect with our sacred uterus. Womb healing ceremonies are exclusive for women only , for all other ceremonies please check our schedule.** **What you may experience during this session:** -Activation of your womb promoting deep healing of emotional wounds, grief and traumas stored in your womb -Ancestral Healing and connection to your ancestors -Connect with your feminine energy and intuition -Ability to create self-love and improve relationships **What to bring:** -Your own water bottle -A Yoga mat (or use one at the studio) -A blanket ( or use one at the studio) -Eye mask (if you have one) -Comfortable clothes to breathe and lay down \- \(optional\) Small offering for the altar like a small piece of fruit or flower\. **About Jenny Perez Curandera:** Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion). Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with plenty of food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important. \*\*IMPORTANT NOTE:\*\* It is possible to experience some side effects such as nausea, sweating, headache, and nervousness with overconsumption of cacao. Please consult with your doctor before consuming ceremonial Cacao. This ceremony is not for people who are pregnant and/or have a heart condition or if taking SSRIs medications. \*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization from Jenny Perez, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. **DATE: Saturday 04/25/2026** **TIME: 1:30pm-3:30pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. PLEASE DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS LOCK IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER.** **Energy Exchange: $88** **Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205** **Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM** \*\*[healing@curanderasheart.com**](http://healing@curanderasheart.com**/ "http://healing@curanderasheart.com**/") **703\. 531\.7046 call or text** For more information, contact Jenny at: Website: [www.curanderasheart.com](http://www.curanderasheart.com/ "http://www.curanderasheart.com/") Email: [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) Phone:703-531-7046 (call or text) **\*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds for missed, canceled reservations or if you arrive after session has already started\*\*\*\***

**☕ Code & Coffee \| Black Code Collective** Pull up, plug in, and enjoy some good company. Join us for a chill Sunday coworking session — bring your laptop and your current project (or no project at all). All skill levels welcome. **Free to attend. Coffee & treats provided. Just show up.** 📅 **Sunday, April 26** 🕙 **10:30 AM – 12:30 PM** 📍 **Falls Church, VA** Please note that we would be located on the 5th floor with the listed address below. 105 W Broad St, Suite #410 · Falls Church, VA 22046

NOTE: You MUST sign up and pay via our website to reserve your spot (https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events). Simply responding yes to attend via Meetup does not hold your spot. Thank you for your understanding! If you are brand new to aerial yoga this workshop is the start of your journey! We will introduce you to using the aerial hammock as a yoga prop. Students will learn the basics of aerial yoga; including terminology, wrist wraps, hammock placement, inversions, and safety practices. We will also help you understand the difference between the various aerial yoga class offerings. Leaving you feeling confident and ready for classes on our weekly schedule. Please email us at info@flyingbuddhastudio.com if our workshop days/times are not possible with your schedule or if you’d prefer a private one-on-one or private group setting, we can make arrangements for you. This workshop is the prerequisite to taking any aerial yoga class listed on our weekly schedule. Class is limited to 12 students. Sign up early to reserve your spot! Cost of workshop: $55 without hammock rental, $65 with hammock rental \*Please note that we require a hammock rental to cover the costs of properly sanitizing our hammocks after each use. There is also the option to purchase your own hammock (payment plans are available). If you are bringing your own hammock that was not purchased at our studio please let your instructor know so they can evaluate the equipment for safety. Only climbing grade equipment may be used in our studio. Sign up: https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events

D.C.’s healthcare system, like the rest of the U.S., is profit-driven and structurally racist. Black residents—especially those east of the Anacostia River—suffer from higher rates of chronic illness and maternal mortality and life expectancy gaps of over 15 years compared to white residents. Pan-African Community Action (PACA) has launched a revolutionary survival program to provide practical services while building political power. **[The People’s Pan-African Wellness Front (PPWF)](https://pacapower.org/our-work/programs/ppwf/)** is a community-based grassroots program led by PACA to confront the health disparities impacting African/Black working-class communities in Southeast Washington, D.C. Inspired by revolutionary legacies like the Black Panther Party’s People’s Free Medical Clinics and the Cuban healthcare model, this program seeks to deliver immediate relief while organizing toward long-term self-determination and community control of health. The PPWF will provide: * Free high blood pressure screenings * Free glucose tests (diabetes screening) (available upon request) * Free hygiene products and medical supplies * Free health information and guidance for preventative care As well as political education on community control of health and radical health programs, including the Black Panther Party’s Free Medical Clinics and the Lincoln Detox Center. Medical professionals will also be available to answer health-related questions. Come out March 22nd either to receive services and/or to learn how to come involved with later phases of the program to scale up services, expand into more neighborhoods, and anchor broader campaigns around community control. This effort is part of PACA’s broader strategy to build forums for participatory democracy and build a mass movement for power. *This is more than a health program—it’s a step toward Black self-determination. We welcome healthcare workers, students, community members, and all who are ready to organize, learn, and build power*.

Greetings, Let's meet again for another end of the month Melanated Investors Book Club discussion. Last year, several individuals participated in the virtual 12 month review of **Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings'**--financial literacy experts, master investors, and founders of the Earn Your Leisure PodCast debut book **'You Deserve to Be Rich'** (released January 14th, 2025; see link below). Prior to that, Jason and Cassandra Lockhart facilitated monthly virtual discussions pre and post pandemic (2021/2022 to 2024) before planning thier wedding in 2025. For those interested in **in-person book discussions** **(informal)** to include various topics related to leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, financial literacy, and community services--**feel free to RSVP.** All are welcome to attend (no need bring a book or have read any featured text). As usual, feel free to discuss other topics to include books/content you are currently reading that extend beyond entrepreneurship. If you, or anyone you know, would like to partner, collaborate, or lead a discussion feel free to reach out via meet-up message or phone at anytime. Also, if there are any questions regarding this meet-up do not hesitate to reach out at anytime. Updates may also be added to the event chat/comment section at anytime, thank you. **Book Link:** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=you+deserve+to+be+rich&ref=nav_bb_sb](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=you+deserve+to+be+rich&ref=nav_bb_sb) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Alicia (202) 627-0361 Tuesday April, 14th, 2026 12:00pm (update)

[The Kind Exchange](https://www.facebook.com/events/3087825058070662/) A gathering to share, swap, and connect with like-minded people who care about plant-based living, sustainability, and mindful choices. This is more than a swap — it’s a space to circulate what we already have and meet others in the community. Bring any of the following to share: * **Vegan-related books** (cookbooks, sustainability, mindful living, etc.) * **Plants or cuttings** (optional) Swap for something new-to-you from others. *The more you bring, the more there is to exchange!* Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly- [https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073](https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVGxJeFRub0FQNmhUcmF3VnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4u9YhVWcSkITKfEn_NajeEUIyxFrXbcaG0HjFHoQn-MCxKlhGlUpFAnsMIzw_aem_vo9QISntFpTtGskmWaVEkQ) Unclaimed books/plants at the end of the event will be donated.

Let’s meet Saturday morning for coffee and a treat. La Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro in Worthington, Ohio, is a family-owned, authentic French restaurant and bakery located at 627 High St. Established in 1992, it offers scratch-made French pastries, breads, and classic bistro dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a rustic, Parisian-style setting.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!

## Escape the Office: Your Remote Career Takes Off Here Imagine the possibilities: Ditch the daily commute, design your ideal lifestyle, and work from anywhere. This Remote Ready Bootcamp delivers the skills and community you need to thrive as a location-independent pro. In just two weeks, learn to build a flexible, fulfilling remote career that lets you earn on your own terms, anywhere in the world. ### Ready to begin? [Secure Your Spot! 🚀](https://remoteready.io/product/RemoteReadyBootcamp?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-04-24T22:00:00Z) --- **Is This For You?** This bootcamp is ideal if any of these describe you: * Yearning for remote work and ready to commit * Tired of being tied to a desk * Seeking ways to diversify your income streams * Craving location freedom in your professional life **What to Expect** Picture yourself in a vibrant cafe in Bali, effortlessly managing your work, then exploring ancient temples. Location-independent professionals make this their reality daily. This bootcamp empowers *you* to do the same. Over fourteen immersive days, you'll learn how to create multiple streams of income online and master the art of staying productive, no matter where you log in from. Our expert instructors have built successful remote careers across numerous countries. You're not just learning skills; you're joining a global movement. **Outcomes You Can Anticipate** * Developing diverse income opportunities to fund your lifestyle * Understanding crucial frameworks of successful location-free work * Gaining exclusive access to a network of remote-first entrepreneurs **Kickstart Your New Life** From the moment your enrol, you receive resources and support that prepare you for a remote-first trajectory. Don't wait! This course is high in demand, and seats dissapear quickly. [REGISTER NOW 🚀](https://remoteready.io/product/RemoteReadyBootcamp?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-04-24T22:00:00Z) **Important Next Step:** Completing the registration form is essential to formally confirm your placement.