The best ways to honor Black History Month in DC

What's CITY Talking About?

City Paid in Opioid Settlement

D.C. could be paid $600,000 of a $350 million national settlement with healthcare communications company Publicis Health. The settlement alleges that Publicis aired “deceptive” marketing campaigns to encourage doctors to over-prescribe OxyContin. [Washington Post 🔒]

• Related: There were over 427 fatal overdoses from opioids in the District last year. Last November, MPD helped bust a global fentanyl ring, drawing attention to the city’s growing opioid crisis. [City Cast DC 🎧]

A Bazaar Union

José Andrés’ Group has agreed to recognize The Bazaar’s union. The agreement follows a wave of restaurant unionizations throughout the city. The Bazaar’s employees praised Jose Andres’ Group for “standing by their values and doing the right thing.” [WTOP]

Virginia is For (To-Go Cocktail) Lovers

Virginia lawmakers passed legislation Wednesday to permanently allow to-go cocktails. The law, which was due to expire in July, originally passed during the pandemic and is credited with helping restaurants stay afloat. [WTOP]

Black History Month Spotlight: Shopping

Black history and culture fundamentally shaped the D.C. we know today, and this month is all about honoring that past.

Every day this week, we will highlight different ways to celebrate Black History Month in D.C., starting with local businesses.

Loyalty Bookstore (Petworth/Silver Spring):

This Black/queer indie bookstore specializes in books by diverse authors and has an impressive selection of local writers. Recommended by reader Lilah S.

Candace Candle Co. (online only): Each of the candles from this D.C.-based candle company comes with a unique playlist that matches the scent's vibe. The “cozy” candle is perfect for long nights and cold days.

Best Life Organics (online only):

The peach+ginger body butter is everything. All their products have natural minimal ingredients. Check out their special Valentine's Day drop.

Grounded (online):

This online plant store is opening a storefront/café/wellness studio in Anacostia this spring. Recommended by reader Amanda L.

Femme Fatale (Cleveland Park):

This shop is a hub for women and non-binary creatives and entrepreneurs. They have all sorts of jewelry, crystals, and clothes, as well as crafty events.

Sio Ceramics (Brookland):

Sio makes adorable ceramic earrings that make for great gifts. Their storefront/studio has limited hours but you can also grab them online.

Flowers by Alexes (Petworth):

A luxury floral design shop that just opened in Petworth last year. Perfect for Valentine's Day goodies. Recommended by reader Kris H.

The Museum (Langdon):

A hip gallery/boutique shop that works with local established and emerging artists and hosts creative events.

Check back throughout the week for more ideas including book clubs, exhibits, and restaurants!

Where Is It?

First, where was last week’s photo?

This photoof Jeff Koon’s “Split-Rocker” living sculpture was taken at the Glenstone Museum. From mid-spring to mid-fall, 24,000 annuals bloom, turning the 40-foot sculpture into a living tapestry. If you peek inside, you can see a complex irrigation system of thousands of tubes that keep the head alive.

🏅Nice work, Kirsten D., Tess K., and Michela S. for guessing correctly first! And thank you all for the great tidbits you sent in. Here are some favorites:

“It brings together the three essential worlds of Glenstone: art, architecture, and garden. It uses more than 70 varieties of annuals, which bloom until the fall!” – Lahaina M.

“Personal to me … my fiancé was planning to propose to me in front of Split-Rocker! It wasn’t in bloom yet, so he proposed in the lily pond in the middle of the Pavilions building instead. 😊” – Elizabeth C.

Now, onto this week’s challenge:

Can you tell me where this is? Bonus points if you share your favorite place to eat there.

What To Do

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