Earlier this year, a piece in The Chicago Tribune summed up the world of bookstagram as "addicting, charming, informative and increasingly, a wellspring for the book industry." Not a bad way to describe this literary and social media phenomenon. About much more than colorful covers, perfectly positioned photos and engaging captions, #bookstagram, #…

Women of color have a unique presence in Washington, D.C.'s cultural landscape as creators of though-provoking nonfiction, soul-stirring poetry, and leaders of innovative spaces like Duende District. This group of literary purveyors includes model, writer and artist Nicole Capó Martínez of Duende District and Natalie Hopkinson, Ph.D., an award-winn…

Celebrating its fifth anniversary later this month, Little Salon DC has built quite a following and fanbase in the nation's capital and beyond. Founder Chris Maier created the monthly gathering in May 2014 as a one-of-a-kind experience curated to give Washingtonians a non-pretentious dose of the amazing creative talent that surrounds them. Ahead of…

The MahoganyBooks & Very Smart Brothas Book Club started in October 2018 with "the specific intention to have fun, open, and sometimes controversial book inspired conversations in a culturally inspiring location in the heart of Anacostia, Washington, D.C." Months later, the program has becoming a lively monthly gathering for book lovers who reside …

On February 28, 2019, The Washington City Paper published work from its first-ever essay contest focused on the unique stories of Washington, D.C. natives. This debut episode of "Live From The Library" explores the art of the personal essay, why featuring the voices of diverse and native residents is important to local storytelling, how does one cr…

Were you that young cousin in your family who didn’t take dance lessons?I was. No tap shoes. No leotards. No teased, glitter-laden or overly gelled hair. Instead of practicing for recitals, I satisfied my hunger to leap and pivot by desperately trying to emulate the synchronized moves of Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul.And then an infamous episode of…

With less than six months to Election Day, the U.S. Supreme Court has a big gaping hole due to the recent loss of Justice Antonin Scalia. The fear of a dreaded 4 to 4 split looms above its gleaming marble columns like a dark and lightening-charged cloud. U.S. President Barack Obama faces uncooperative congressional leaders and a high court nominati…