Inspired by having been in Barcelona in 2018 after their failed independence movement, when Catalan flags covered every conceivable surface, I organized my neighbors to display DC flags on the balcony railings of our building. I am very moved by my senior and disabled neighbors in my building, each one of those DC flags is a resident who said YES to a positive affirmation of DC identity and pride, starting a year ago after the National Guard deployment. I did the organizing of neighbors, and recruitment of volunteers to install flags and regularly replace them as they fade. We have garnered lots of positive social media attention, starting immediately with OG DC reporter Tom Sherwood, and being featured in Mayor Bowser’s 2025 end-of-year recap video.
In August, 2026, a few of my neighbors were featured in local traditional media for their participation: