Titled “Encore,” this statue of native Washingtonian and jazz legend Duke Ellington is now a familiar landmark in the historic Shaw-Howard Community. Like many supporters of the DC Living Heritage Network, Ellington explored the linkages between the arts, humanities, and business–often while living in Shaw and/or working in the Greater U Street Corridor.
In the short time that I have been aware of and actively participating in the small group meetings of the DC Living Heritage Network (DCLHN), I have come to appreciate the vital role that creative thinkers play in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors.
A program of Humanities DC, DCLHN is “an active community of cultural advocates that believes in inclusion, collaboration, and capacity building for organizations and individuals supporting the humanities, heritage, and preservation.”
Facilitated by Jerome S. Paige, the group sessions are held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, at the Mulebone Restaurant in the Greater U Street Corrider, home to “Black Broadway” and numerous jazz venues in the early 20th century.
Summer 2017 discussions have included such topics as “Writing Business Plans,” “Social Media and Marketing,” and “Building the Strength of Your Brand through Relationships.” Among those who attend on a regular basis are visual artists, directors of performing arts organizations, humanities scholars, educators, and representatives from Humanities DC.
Most recently, Gina Paige, founder of African Ancestry, a company that focuses on African DNA lineage tracing, served as the guest speaker. Launched in 2003, Paige describes her company as an “identity business.”
And what does this for-profit busines that relies so much on the science of genetics have to do with humanities, heritage, and preservation? For me, the answer can be found in Paige’s statement about the significance of African Ancestry’s heritage-related work: “Knowing where you are from is an important part of knowing who you are.”
For more information on the DC Living Heritage Network, visit http://www.wdchumanities.org/dc-living-heritage-network/.
The RASHAD Center, Inc. 