To the people of Forest Heights:
Rejoice as we celebrate the diversity and cultural melting pot that is Forest Heights. I was so excited I could see so many familiar faces as well as so many new faces.
We are in a privileged and unique position to learn from each other and celebrate each other’s heritage - because it’s in our economic and social interests to do so. We cannot survive without each other; from Martha Belayneh, who owns the Forest Heights 7-11 and her Ethiopian roots, to me and my Southeast DC upbringing - making Forest Heights my first home on my own; from Sylvester’s rotisserie chicken - made El Salvadorian style - in Eastover, to Eddie’s American and Chinese cuisine on Livingston Road, Forest Heights is a special place to live, work, and play.
We are stronger together!!
So today, as we embrace the cultural divergence of this great town, be proud of who you are, where you live, who you love, and where you’re from.
The study of Anthropology and Biology teaches us that our molecular differences are finite and genetically negligible. So, when you assess people from that perspective, we are family and not all that dissimilar. Let’s continue to treat each other like brothers and sisters, love each other and help each other. When we do these things, we will ensure our survival on a sustainable level, and then nothing formed against us shall ever prosper.
Thank you, and enjoy the festivities!
CJ