Multiracial Adoption

This Assata Shakur Popular Education session, in conjunction with the Black Alliance for Peace-DC, will explore the history and political significance of African Liberation Day as a global expression of Pan-African unity, anti-colonial struggle, and Black self-determination. Together we will examine how liberation movements across Africa and the African Diaspora challenged colonialism, imperialism, and political repression while building movements rooted in collective power and international solidarity. The session will also connect these struggles to present-day conditions facing Black working-class communities in Washington, D.C., including displacement, disenfranchisement, and the fight for community control. *Food will be provided!* The ASPE are hybrid sessions with the option to participate via Zoom. **To join via Zoom use this link [https://tinyurl.com/africansstudy](https://tinyurl.com/africansstudy "https://tinyurl.com/africansstudy")**

**NOTICE: The park is open until 8:45 PM for Sunset Closing** [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunset-in-the-gardens-845pm-closing](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunset-in-the-gardens-845pm-closing) **Sunset is 8:25 PM** Fees: $5 for ages 6-17 & ages 55+, $9 for ages 18-54, and free for ages 5 & under We will meet at the visitor center. Bring Water, Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace. Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y For dinner, after the field trip around 8:30 PM, we will head to Anita's New Mexico Style Restaurant, 521 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3T7gw87tjvVuwDT96 Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature. [https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/](https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

**Looking for Players New And Old:** Hi y'all, I'm Andrew. I'm looking to jumpstart an Old-School Renaissance (OSR) TTRPG group in the Greenbelt/College Park area. No experience is necessary. Our first session will be a level 1 one-shot designed by me. In it, players investigate a stone tower on behalf of an army looking to occupy the surrounding lands. For those with limited experience with the OSR or Shadowdark, take a look bellow. I'm excited to see you guys there and get this thing rolling! **Shadowdark, Our Old-School Style Rule System:** Shadowdark is a system designed to bring together the principles of early D&D gameplay and the familiar and intuitive nature of modern systems. Those of you familiar with D&D and Pathfinder will find the six attribute/D20 roll-over system familiar, however, the way the game is played is fundamentally different in a few ways: * **Character Survival Not Guaranteed:** In some games, the DM works to ensure characters don't die easily or without a good reason. In Shadowdark, danger lurks in every corner and characters can die at any time depending on how they react to their environment. If they want their characters to survive, players must play carefully, avoiding traps and sneaking past enemies too powerful for them. The more hardcore style of gameplay encourages players to consider their risk management strategy and to develop creative solutions to avoid a perilous fate. * **Player Smarts Over Dice Rolls:** Yes, you'll still roll to see if you can push the door down or cast a spell, but you won't be rolling as many perception checks to search for traps or distract guards as in other games. Players are encouraged to play smart and communicate what they are doing in detail. "I run my hands along the face of the wall, checking to see if there are any strange indents or hidden buttons" is a lot more interesting than "I check for hidden doors, I rolled a 15" * **Rules-Light:** This game is simpler than D&D and Pathfinder in terms of how many rules there are. This opens things up for more creativity in our actions while still giving us a bounded ruleset to keep things fair and interesting.

Come learn how money really works. We’ll cover how to grow it, protect it, get out of debt, and use smart retirement and infinite banking strategies to build long-term security.

[Reserve Your Seat Now](https://DiasporaRoundtableDC.eventbrite.com/?aff=MU) A Curated Diaspora Dialogue in a Refined African Dining Setting In partnership with Afropolitan Cities & Breathing Art Studio, Ahaspora brings you the 2nd edition of the Diaspora Roundtable 2026 — Africa Day Edition — an intimate, high-level evening of dialogue, connection, inspiration, and cultural experience. 📍 The Continent DC 📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026 🕔 5:00 PM (EST) Taking place during Africa Day Week, this special edition brings together leading voices across the African Diaspora for a powerful exchange. This Diaspora talk series is designed to spotlight the global impact of Africa’s Diaspora, while exploring how diaspora communities are shaping narratives, driving innovation, and unlocking real pathways for engagement, investment, and long-term collaboration across the continent. Through curated dialogue and storytelling, the roundtable creates space for honest perspectives, shared experiences, and forward-thinking ideas — connecting those who are building, investing, and influencing across borders. This gathering is part of the Ahaspora in the USA series — an ongoing initiative focused on strengthening diaspora engagement, building meaningful bridges between Africa and the world, and positioning Africa as a central player in the global future. Set within one of Washington, DC’s premier African fine dining destinations, the experience blends thoughtful conversation with a refined culinary atmosphere — creating an intimate environment that is as elevated as it is engaging. What to Expect: • A dynamic, high-level roundtable conversation with leading diaspora voices • A refined dining experience in a culturally immersive setting • Thought-provoking insights on influence, investment, and Africa–Diaspora collaboration • Meaningful networking with leading voices, founders, professionals, creatives, and cultural leaders Because the future of Africa’s global story will not be written in isolation — it will be shaped through connection, collaboration, and action across the Diaspora.

Greetings, Let's meet again for another end of the month Melanated Investors Book Club meeting. 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 their 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 service--**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 any time. 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 Sunday May 17th, 2026 7:00pm (update)

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

Join us as we discuss our June pick: Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider! Book description: Even though she's not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta–the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there. Nor does she plan for the intense encounter with an enemy soldier that now threatens to unwind the fragile coexistence between their people–and everything Brynn once believed about herself to be true. Brynn's loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the truth of her identity is brought to light by this soldier who's taken an oath to bring her back to where she belongs. Narrowly escaping death on the violent high seas, Brynn's connection to the Alaha is further tested when she learns about the world of magic she's been denied. She was once certain of her fate and where she belonged, but the dark, knowing eyes of this stranger have her questioning everything, including her heart. Packed with knife fights and seafaring adventure, METAL SLINGER is the smash-hit start to the romantic fantasy duology, the Fire & Metal series

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

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.

**Not everyone will come. That is exactly why you should.** **Two for Tuesdays** is for the people who actually want to get out and do something instead of just talking about it. We’re kicking off the night with a one-hour social walk before Duckpin Social. **Expect a laid-back** But an Intentional 1 hour walk (2-3 miles), good people, and a better way to spend your Tuesday than staying home and doing the same thing you always do. **If the weather does not cooperate, we’ll move indoors.** **This is a paid event.** A small contribution helps keeps events sustainable and ensures those **who RSVP actually show up.** Payment **Link Found in comments** or you can pay on Venmo, Paypal, @WiseUnlimitedLLC or Cashapp $WiseUnlimitedLLC. Walk RSVP **$2** Walk / DuckPin Social **$5** Walk / DuckPin Social + 1 game of duckpin **$12** Please be sure **to Put Event and Event Date** in the note when paying RSVP Fee

Summer Session, Thursdays, June 4 - July 23, 2026, from 6 to 8:30pm ET **NAMI Family-to-Family** is a free, eight-week program for family members, caregivers, and partners of individuals living with mental illness. NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Other topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment, and recovery.