In the wake of her announcement of her new five year plan, Mayor Muriel Bowser hosted a DCPS Back to School Block Party with special guest Magic Johnson, at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School.
Her plan according to the Executive Office of the Mayor, is “to increase college and career readiness, accelerate early literacy, increase high school graduation rates, improve student experiences, and increase excellency in schools.”
The block party was held in the street directly in front of Ron Brown with awnings above a buffet supplied by SodexoMagic, a company partially owned by Magic Johnson Enterprises. Students, parents, and members of the DCPS community shared a meal provided by the school district before the speakers of the event took the stage.
The main speakers were Mayor Bowser, DCPS Chancellor Antwan Wilson, and Magic Johnson. Chancellor Wilson and Mayor Bowser have both set their sights high for the future of DCPS and are beginning to make strides towards those goals by becoming more involved in the communities of the District. “High expectations for our students. Support for our adults. Build on our success. That’s what we’re gonna do,” Chancellor Wilson said.
Magic Johnson also delivered a speech encouraging the students of DCPS to value involvement in the community. “I’m just trying to be an example for them to follow, that once you do make it, you have to come back, reach back, and give back to your community.”
Johnson went on to discuss the value in a full education and the distances that it can take a person. “I’m trying to stress that if you get an education, then nobody can define who you are, and what you can become. With that piece of paper, you can go as far as you want to go.”
Johnson’s stress on community involvement and togetherness was continued throughout his speech and the rest of the event. On stage performances from schools such as Plummer Elementary, Phelps High School, and Patterson Elementary were mixed into the event.
Mayor Bowser’s initial goal of creating a more inclusive, interactive, and closely knit community was put into perspective with the success of the DCPS Back to School Block Party.
PHOTO BY ADIN MCGURK
