The reason why I wanted to shine some light on Love Bites is because to me, the Food Truck trend is also touched by privilege– having the money to buy a $15 lobster roll, having the sort of job where you have the luxury of leaving and standing in line to procure one. Beyond that, Love Bites caught my attention because they are an African-American, Mother-Daughter team who are native Washingtonians serving a local recipe. It’s rare that I encounter a truck owned and run by women, let alone Black women. I mentioned this fact in the first piece I wrote but not the second and for that, I am at fault for assuming people had read both. Thank you for showing me that I should always include details which might help readers understand why I’m highlighting a story for them.

I would love to do more interviews with District residents but I have one huge problem– and pardon me for the blunt words I am about to use– white people almost invariably refuse to be quoted or interviewed, citing the fear of becoming a “spokesperson” for gentrification, other white people, or whatever else they are worried about being linked to “in this age of google”. Sometimes they’ll speak to me on background, but I’ve had interview subjects shut their mouths the moment I open my laptop. With issues as fraught as race, class and privilege, this isn’t surprising, but it does make it difficult to speak to all sides.

Again, thank you so much for the constructive, actionable feedback on how to improve the site. I will work hard to try and implement your suggestions– and I hope you keep commenting!