Breonna Taylor,charges, police reform,Louisville

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 9, 2025

Kentucky Rep To Reintroduce The Justice For Breonna Taylor Act

Kentucky Rep. Morgan McGarvey is renewing his effort to pass the Justice for Breonna Taylor Act, which would ban no-knock warrants nationwide.

Kentucky Rep. Morgan McGarvey has announced he will reintroduce the Justice for Breonna Taylor Act, which aims to ban no-knock warrants permanently.

The Congressman shared the news on Dec. 8, noting he will formally reintroduce the bill on Dec. 10, WHAS11 reported. Named for Taylor, who the Louisville Metro Police killed during a botched 2020 raid, the legislation would prohibit no-knock warrants nationwide.

“We are lining up bipartisan support across the aisle,” McGarvey said. “This is something we’ve done in Kentucky. When I was in the general assembly, the general assembly passed a ban on no-knock warrants. And I think we can show how we came together in Kentucky to keep people safe and use it as a template for the rest of the country to continue to make sure everybody is safe as well.”

Although Kentucky banned no-knock warrants statewide with Senate Bill 4 in 2021, the newly reintroduced legislation aims to outlaw them nationwide. McGarvey pointed out that Sen. Rand Paul first introduced the measure in 2024, and it never advanced.

He will reintroduce the bill at the House Triangle in Louisville, joined by Breonna Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, along with Sens. Rand Paul and Cory Booker, and Reps. Yvette Clarke and Jasmine Crockett. While progress in Washington can be slow, McGarvey said, his team is working to ensure lawmakers recognize how widely this issue can affect communities.

“That’s why we have Republicans and Democrats coming together saying, ‘Let’s look at this practice, let’s see if this is something that’s really necessary and if it’s actually keeping people safe,” he said.

The bill’s return comes more than a year after a federal jury convicted former Louisville Metro Police officer Brett Hankison of using excessive force with intent to kill for firing 10 rounds into the side of Breonna Taylor’s apartment during the 2020 raid. None of the bullets struck Taylor. In July, he was sentenced to 33 months in prison, despite the DOJ’s recommendation for a 1-day sentence. Hankison is currently held at Fort Dix in New Jersey.

Two other former officers — Kyle Meany and Joshua Jaynes — still face federal misdemeanor charges tied to the case. Jaynes is charged with conspiracy and falsifying records, while Meany is accused of giving a false statement to federal investigators.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 9, 2025

A Second Chance Looks Good On Mysonne As Rapper-Turned-Activist Is Appointed Mamdani Crime Advisor

Mysonne's advocacy efforts have landed him a spot on Zohran Mamdani's mayoral transition team’s “criminal legal system” committee.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is drawing media attention for his recent decision to appoint rapper-turned-activist Mysonne to his mayoral transition team’s “criminal legal system” committee.

On Nov. 26, Mysonne, born Mysonne Linen, revealed on Instagram that he and other leaders from his activist group Until Freedom, which focuses on fighting systemic racial injustice, had been tapped to serve on the Mayor-elect’s criminal justice committee as part of the transition team.

“We are proud that Until Freedom leaders have been chosen to serve on Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team on committees for public safety and criminal justice, respectively,” the post announced.

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“This is a testament to our decades of work advocating on behalf of Black and Brown communities and our expertise in gun violence prevention, legislative advocacy and criminal justice reform,” the post added. “We are building something different.”

Fans and supporters of the criminal justice reform group, led by Mysonne, Tamika D. Mallory, and Angelo Pinto, took to the comments to applaud the group, including Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who left hand-clapping emojis.

“Wow, this is amazing,” one person wrote.

“Congratulations,” added another.

But just weeks after sharing the news, Mysonne, 49, came under fire from conservatives who resurfaced his criminal history and the seven-year prison sentence he served for armed robbery.

“It is both disheartening and deeply disturbing that individuals who are convicted felons and have a history of breaking the law are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of New York’s criminal justice system,” Benny Boscio, president of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, told the 20-member Committee on the Criminal Legal System.

“Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani just appointed a convicted armed robber to help shape NYC’s crime and policing policy,” Jews Fight Back tweeted.

Linen was convicted in 1999 for allegedly taking part in two taxi robberies in the Bronx — one on June 8, 1997, involving driver Joseph Exiri, and another on March 31, 1998, involving driver Francisco Monsanto. Mysonne has long maintained his innocence and denied committing the robberies.

After rejecting a plea deal and taking the case to trial, he was found guilty of three robbery counts, weapons possession, and possessing stolen property. This verdict arrived just as his planned Def Jam debut album was set to be released. Following his incarceration, Mysonne reinvented himself as a vocal activist and has since become a prominent figure in social justice movements.

His work includes founding Rising Kings, a nonprofit that provides classes for inmates at Rikers Island, teaming up with Mamdani adviser Linda Sarsour to launch the advocacy group Until Freedom, and authoring two children’s books: I Know My Rights and Raising Kings: 10 Principles of Manhood.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 9, 2025

Metro Atlanta Mother Defends Video Of Son Body Slamming A Female Classmate

The mother says the girl hit her son multiple times before he retaliated.

The mother of a middle schooler in Metro Atlanta is speaking out after a video revealed her son body slamming a female classmate.

The video shows the student at Snellville Middle School seemingly flipping the girl into several desks before he walked out of the classroom. As news outlets received the footage, the mother of the boy spoke out against the assumption that her son started the violence.

Adrianna Cotton told 11Alive that the girl actually started the physical altercation. Additional footage showed the girl in question smacking Cotton’s son, Derek, after he touched her hair. The slap seemingly prompted him to pick her up and throw her over some desks and chairs.

Cotton explained that the girl proceeded to slap and hit her son multiple times before he became fed up and reacted.

“I guess it was a slap in the face the first time,” said Cotton about the incident.” Something was said, and after that, he just scrolled on his phone. It happened a few more times where she hit him repeatedly.”

The upset mother added, “The part of the video that I showed you was the last slap that she did before he finally retaliated.”

However, the news outlet also spoke to the female student for her recount of the incident. Her family also gave the news outlet part of the footage. Their clips show Cotton’s son slamming her into the ground.

The girl, named Paradise Muhammad, asserted that she did not slap the boy multiple times to spark his response. While she denies hitting the boy first, others say that his retaliation did not match the assault.

When asked whether her son had taken things too far, Cotton responded, “Absolutely not.”

“And I say that because I teach my girls to keep their hands to their selves,” she added. “If they were to hit a male, you know, expect to get hit back like one. “That’s how I was raised. “

The mother continued, “And when it comes to my men, my young boys becoming men… If a female [puts] their hands on you, and you have all right to defend yourself. [But] don’t hit them back because you can seriously hurt them. Restrain them, somehow, someway, and then walk away.”

She further asserted that her son did precisely that. Both families differ on how the situation came about. However, they both agreed that a teacher or an adult should have prevented the situation from escalating.

The middle schooler and the Gwinnett County School District both confirmed that a teacher was present in the room at the time.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 9, 2025

As The ‘Quarter Zip’ Gains Popularity, Chicagoans Debate Trend’s Impact On Black Men

The trend has grown in popularity as it becomes the male youth fashion staple of the moment.

The quarter-zip sweater has grown in popularity since the trend took off on social media.

Black men and male youth have caught onto the fashion wave by posting about their own “quarter zips and matcha.” As an overall lifestyle, participants drink the green tea latte as they don a more professional look. The trend has highlighted a breakaway from more culturally-recognized outfits such as Nike tech suits and Jordans.

However, the trend has made some who usually rock the “YN” aesthetic to instead put on sweaters. As the trend refuses to lose steam, some Chicagoans are breaking down its greater impact on the Black community, especially its boys and young men.

Younger Chicago residents put on their finest quarter-zips for a supportive event at a local ice cream spot Dec 7. Deemed the Chicago Quarter-Zip Link-Up, the event sought to support businesses in one neighborhood that suffered from break-ins last month. There, they discussed what putting on the soft-knit sweaters means to them.

“I feel proper when I wear a quarter-zip,” said a 14-year-old Lake Rome to WBEZ. “I’m a Whitney Young [High School] student, so I pride myself on nothing less than excellence.”

Another teen, a 19-year-old college student named Raymond, said his own quarter zip helps him feel “fancy” and “professional.” A prominent city leader also showed up with his own quarter-zip to mark the occasion. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appeared to, rightfully so, sip matcha with his Black male constituents.

As tens of participants came, it not only showed support for local businesses but also served as a testament to the quarter-zip trend’s impact.

“This quarter-zip meetup is bigger than just about what you’re wearing,” said Corey DooleyJohnson, one of the event’s organizers. “It’s about how you’re living. It’s about community service and brotherhood. What we want to do is bring that holistic community feeling back. We want to create a positive network among young Black Americans, especially young Black Chicagoans.”

While the quarter-zip trend aims to promote seemingly positive traits among this demographic, some critics worry its effects could harm the community. The “Quarter zip” could come across as a symbol of respectability politics, playing into the look of the “tech bro” by appearing more white.

The trend, initially a joke on social media, caught on like wildfire amongst the TikTok-focused youth of America. Now, Black boys are trying matcha to match their fashion aesthetic. More importantly, they are using the moment to maintain a professional outlook on how they conduct themselves.

“It started as something kind of funny,” added Corey Phillips, another event organizer. “But I think it’s something positive. We see a lot of trends that promote a lot of negativity, like youth doing things that aren’t productive. You haven’t seen many times where the media showcases young men of color coming together.”

However, naysayers warn that the trend could make those not wearing the quarter-zip seem “unprofessional,” although one’s clothes should not determine their behavior. Wanting to shy away from deeming one outfit more “dangerous” than the other, critics urge Black men not to view such indicators to prove their worth in society.

“I’ve seen some people online say, ‘You’re just culture-appropriating or you’re trying to fit into the white man’s box,’” DooleyJohnson told the Chicago Sun-Times. “But that’s not true because Black Americans have always had a sense of style, and that has a wide variety. But I have seen some people say we’re trying to conform to white supremacy. But I don’t believe that’s true.”

On the other hand, Black men have used the quarter zip to “repurpose” the “tech bro” aesthetic. Now, they have transformed a traditionally professional clothing option into a way of getting fly.

From the Black dandy until now, Black men have taken charge of their fashion choices. It further shows their ability to make any staple into its own moment.

“There is a long tradition of Black men taking symbols of elite spaces and repurposing them, sometimes just to be humorous, but sometimes [to express] identity and sometimes for defiance,” said Chicago Fashion Coalition President Marquan Jones. “We take something that wasn’t meant for us, and we make it ours, and we make it even more relevant and cool.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 9, 2025

Bout It! Black Woman Road Trips To Confront A Troll For Racist TikTok Comments

The woman had the man recite her provided, pre-written apology over his racist comments.

One Black woman documented her journey to confront a man for his racist moments in a now-viral TikTok.

The content creator, whose account name is @davillainumade, posted the video of her taking a three-hour road trip to confront the person who left racist comments on one of her videos. While many would just make a snarky response in the app, the woman decided to take things a step further by approaching the man, reportedly named Mike, in person.

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The innanet is not real!😂
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The woman, who recently made her account private, showed up at Mike’s work address to talk about the situation head-on.

“Hello, I’m looking for a Mike. Does a Mike work here?” she recorded herself asking cheerfully to someone inside the building.

She started the conversation politely before getting to the “why” for her showing up.

“So, a couple of days ago, you left a comment under somebody’s comment section. Do you remember that by any chance? It was regarding the Tennessee District 7,” she stated on the TikTok.

According to The Root, the TikToker is referring to the heated local race between Republicans and Democrats in the area. Mike’s alleged deleted comments called Black people the N-word while also sharing that he had “Black fatigue.”

Previously covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE, “Black fatigue” is a twist on the initial concept of Black people feeling burnout from white supremacy. Co-opted by an alt-right online group, its new meaning describes racist white people and their stereotypical thoughts of Black people on the internet.

However, the TikToker decided to cut out the fatigue and address the negative commenter face-to-face. She wanted him to realize that his words have real-life consequences. She also made mention of his secrets that she could easily reveal to those he loved most.

“You don’t know me, I don’t know you, but I was that person you commented under. Yes, that’s crazy, right? Crazy world,” she said in a mildly joking manner.

She continued, “But I just wanted you to know…You see how easy I found you? It’s not cool, right? So, I’m going to give you the opportunity to apologize, or I’m going to show your wife the Grindr account I found. How do you feel about that?”

Clearly shaken up, the man agreed to read an already-written apology. Although off-camera, the humiliation clearly worked as he took the accountability she asked for.

“I, Mike, do apologize for my actions. I see the consequences of my actions, and I will not do this to anyone else ever again,” Mike recited.

She then grabbed the note back, maybe to use for the next person who makes racist remarks. The TikTok, reposted on other accounts, has gone viral for the surprising act of getting one’s own justice.

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 9, 2025

Amazon Deads Data Center Proposal Citing Lack Of Interest

Pima County Supervisor Matt Heinz and Tucson City Councilman Paul Cunningham said multiple sources highlighted the possibility of seven or eight potential end-user tenants.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has dumped plans to be part of the Project Blue data center in Tucson, Arizona, citing a lack of continued interest, but city council members say differently, Data Center Dynamics reports.

The 290-acre strip of land in Pima County, developed by Blue Owl-owned Beale Infrastructure, had plans of hosting up to ten buildings totaling two million sq ft. Reports reveal the lack of interest from AWS comes after a change in proposed cooling technology, calling it unacceptable. The project will now host air cooling instead of water cooling, following complaints from local officials, resulting in denying project access to the city’s reclaimed water system.

Despite the back-and-forth, Beale says Amazon showed interest, but there was never an official contract in place to greenlight the partnership. “Beale can only speak on behalf of our project, and not to the intention of other companies,” the company said in a statement.

“Rather, it is up to any companies seeking to come into a market to announce that for themselves.”

However, there is room for another owner to come in. Pima County Supervisor Matt Heinz and Tucson City Councilman Paul Cunningham said multiple sources highlighted the possibility of seven or eight potential end-user tenants.

There is still work to be done on the Amazon project before ground is officially broken, while Beale says an energy agreement isn’t necessary in order for the center to move forward. According to the Arizona Luminaria, state commissioners are expected to vote on a request for Tucson Electric Power to provide hundreds of megawatts of energy to the data center, as Tucson leaders and residents have expressed concerns.

The assistant city attorney to Tucson’s newest top lawyer, Roi Lusk, filed a request for the commission to host a more thorough public hearing on the energy agreement. “The very existence of these terms of the agreement raises the question of the impact of the agreement on the cost of electric power to other customers,” the filing says.

“The Commission should order that a proceeding be opened to consider Company’s request, complete with discovery, sworn testimony, a hearing with cross-examination, and briefing.”

Several residents, including those involved in the No Desert Data Center Coalition, have shown opposition to all large data center projects in the state. “We cannot afford to keep building these profit machines for billionaires that raise our bills and give us nothing in return,” the coalition said in a statement.

“Together as communities, we need to imagine what sustainable economic development projects are that give our families a prosperous and livable future.”

Vacant Historic Black Church, Virginia, Community Learning Center

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 9, 2025

2819 Church In ATL Has Young Christians Waiting Hours In Line To Catch Its Viral Vibes

The church, led by Pastor Mitchell, approaches its sermons in a impassioned, unrelenting way.

One church in Atlanta has seen tremendous growth, with young Christians coming in droves for its Sunday service.

Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell of 2819 Church has seen its congregation grow from a few hundred to several thousand since its establishment a few years ago. The popularity of his no-fluff sermons has made many young adult believers wait hours to snag a seat inside, WABE reports.

Going viral for clips of his preachings, more Atlanta Christians have sought his by-the-word spiritual guidance. Beyond his sermons, the atmosphere of 2819 has established a contemporary approach to Sunday worship. While true to some aspects of traditional church culture, visitors can hear Christian rap through the halls as they wait in line. Young ushers help guide the droves of believers to the hall.

The draw and the difference lie in Pastor Mitchell’s preachings. Unlike other viral preachers who use grander metaphors, Mitchell follows a “tell it like it is” approach to his lessons. While still impassioned, his grounded guidance allows churchgoers of all walks to feel more structured by the word. He wants people to leave with a sense of urgency surrounding their reconnection to Jesus Christ, especially before the Christian belief of his return to Earth.

“It is life or death for me,” Mitchell told The Associated Press. “There are souls that are hanging in the balance. … I think about the fact that in that room somebody might hear the Gospel, and that might be their last opportunity.”

His church’s growth comes at a time when fewer young people attend church. Yet, his style has more young, and primarily Black, adults coming every Sunday. Mitchell is also no saint himself, revealing his own less-than-righteous past to better relate to his congregation. While not sugar-coating the reality of living a life of Christ, his followers say this approach is needed amid the sea of motivational preachers.

“I’m preaching without watering that down, without filtering out things that we think might be too controversial,” explained Mitchell.

2819 Church holds a more conservative view as well, opposing abortion and same-sex marriages. Its pastor has also navigated controversies surrounding his harsher teachings.

Despite this, Mitchell has built a loyal congregation that feels convinced by his rougher but “real” ways of spreading the gospel. Many are often moved to tears by the rawness of the entire worship experience. However, most return each Sunday for a transformation.

“I think that there is a generation that is gravitating towards that authenticity and truth,” added Mitchell. “As a result of that, we are seeing lives being radically transformed.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 9, 2025

HBCU Marching Band Pops Out In Glorilla’s Music Video, Bringing ‘Hounds Of Sound’ To Hip-Hop

The HBCU marching band is the first-ever in Wilberforce University history.

Glorilla introduced a special guest in the music video for her newest single, “March,” an HBCU marching band.

Wilberforce University’s “Hounds of Sound” Marching Band appeared in the visual to accompany the latest song from the Memphis rapper. The HBCU musical squad celebrated the video’s drop on Dec. 5, as it puts the Hounds of Sound on the map among elite marching bands.

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The video prominently featured musicians in the band as Glorilla conducted a fake tryout. The marching band then performed with “Big Glo” as she took on some drumsticks of her own. The video has already garnered over 1 million views on YouTube.

Wilberforce’s Director of Bands issued a statement about their monumental appearance in the music drop. He called a testimony for the HBCU’s emerging space in this tradition.

“This moment permanently embeds Wilberforce University into music culture,” said Dr. Virgil Goodwine, Chair of Digital Humanities, Media, and Performing Arts/Director of Bands, in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “The Hounds of Sound delivered excellence, discipline, and pride not just for the University, but for the HBCU legacy. This is bigger than a feature; it is a cultural stamp.”

The introduction also platforms the newly-established HBCU marching band. Formed in 2021, the Hounds of Sound are the first band in Wilberforce history. Now, with a co-sign from one of the hottest artists in hip-hop, the band has greater exposure as it seeks to build a legacy of its own.

The band not only stepped up to represent its school but also helped bring Glorilla’s vision for the shoot to life. Members helped with choreography, scene performance, and more as they gained insight from Glorilla herself on how to make it in music.

“Our students didn’t just show up — they showed out,” added Dr. Goodwine. “They met the moment, honored their craft, and connected with an artist who embraced them fully as rising musicians and cultural contributors.

Their appearance adds to the growing impact and recognition of HBCU marching bands in mainstream media. With appearances in other grand stages like Battle of The Bands and Beyonce’s “Homecoming,” HBCU marching bands are taking the tradition off the yard to global domination.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 9, 2025

Gloria Gaynor Is The Proud Recipient Of Medal Of Honor From Trump

Gloria Gaynor was all smiles while receiving her Kennedy Center Honors medal from Donald Trump.

Gloria Gaynor was all smiles at the Oval Office while receiving a 2025 Kennedy Center Honors medal from Donald Trump.

The “I Will Survive” singer was front and center alongside Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, members of KISS, and Michael Crawford, all of whom received custom Tiffany & Co. gold medals on the newly introduced blue ribbon after the Trump administration replaced the traditional rainbow ribbon used in previous Kennedy Honors ceremonies, The New York Post reported.

“This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans,” Trump, the Chairman of the Kennedy Center, told the room. “This is perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled.”

Outside the Oval Office, the Rose Garden played classics like Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 anthem “I Will Survive” and KISS’s “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” along with other hits from the performers. In a follow-up Instagram post, the Kennedy Center honored “the Queen of Disco” Gaynor and announced that the ceremonies will air on Dec. 23.

“The Queen of Disco herself, Gloria Gaynor, winner of the first-ever Grammy for Best Disco Recording, arrives on the Kennedy Center red carpet as we celebrate her induction into the 48th Honors class,” the Kennedy Center wrote.

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The comments section showed mixed reactions to Gaynor being dubbed “the Queen of Disco,” with some arguing that the title rightfully belongs to the late Donna Summer.

“The Queen of Disco is Donna Summer. Put some respect on her name, a One Hit Wonder could never. So shut up, please,” one user wrote.

Another user defended Gaynor, calling her a “pioneer” of disco music. The mixed reactions to her Kennedy Center Honor follow reports of her support for the Republican Party, revealing donations of about $22,000 since 2023 to right-leaning politicians, including Mike Johnson, Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz, and Marsha Blackburn. Gaynor—who made the donations under her birth name, Gloria Fowles—processed many of the contributions through WinRed, a Republican fundraising platform.

After skipping the honors during his first term amid artist protests, Trump said he was “heavily involved” in this year’s selection process and personally filtered out some potential honorees, a task traditionally handled by a bipartisan committee. The 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors will air nationwide on CBS and Paramount+ on Tuesday, December 23, at 8 PM ET/PT.

William McNeil, viral video, Recording The Police

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 9, 2025

D.C. Police Chief Resigns After 2 Years Amid DOJ Investigation And Criticism From Metro Police

On Dec. 8, Smith announced her resignation alongside D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, following Bowser’s earlier declaration that she would not seek reelection, NBC News reports

Pamela Smith, the first Black woman police chief to lead D.C.’s Metropolitan PD, has resigned after just two and a half years in the role.

On Dec. 8, Smith announced her resignation alongside D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, following Bowser’s earlier declaration that she would not seek reelection, NBC News reports. Smith’s departure comes two years after her 2023 appointment, which occurred during a 26-year high in homicides.

“I am deeply humbled, grateful, and deeply appreciative of my time with the District of Columbia,” Smith said in a statement. “Serving as Chief of Police has been the greatest honor of my career, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to Mayor Muriel Bowser for appointment me to this position and to the DC Council for their steadfast support throughout my tenure.”

Bowser noted that Smith was appointed during a “challenging time” for D.C., with a focus on reducing crime. She highlighted Smith’s achievements, including the opening of the Real-Time Crime Center, while “navigating unprecedented challenges and attacks on our city’s autonomy.”

“Chief Smith dramatically drove down violent crime, drove down the homicide rate to its lowest levels in eight years, and helped us restore a sense of safety and accountability in our neighborhoods,” Bowser said. “We are grateful for her service to Washington, DC.”

Smith’s resignation comes amid mounting criticism and investigations, including Trump’s takeover of the MPD and inquiries by the DOJ and House Republicans into whether MPD supervisors misclassified certain city crimes to inflate statistics, which led to a police commander being placed on leave in May. Some residents have also voiced frustration over what they perceive as MPD’s cooperation with ICE, citing instances where ICE agents arrived at scenes shortly after MPD arrests.

Smith, however, denies that her officers assist with immigration enforcement. The MPD has also shrunk to just 3,200 officers, some of whom have criticized her management style, claiming she regularly berated staff during crime briefings and meetings, allegedly embarrassing commanders over minor errors or perceived challenges to her authority. Additionally, some officers allege that high-ranking officials who raised concerns about her policies were reassigned to less desirable shifts or positions, creating a “chilling effect” across the department.

In her resignation statement, Smith described the role as both challenging and rewarding, thanking D.C. residents for their “trust and partnership.” She added that the city has made “tremendous progress” while noting that “there remains work ahead.”

“I am confident that the department is in a strong position and that the great work will continue, moving in a positive trajectory to combat crime and enhance public safety,” Smith said. “Washington, DC, is an extraordinary place to live, visit, and work, and I remain inspired by the resilience and spirit of this community.”