DCentric

Good morning, DCentric readers! Ready for some links?

The decline of the majority-black (Congressional) district, and what it means What black migrations mean for redistricting: ” (D.C.) saw its black population plummet 11 percent over the last decade, while suburban D.C. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) gained more black voters than anyone outside of the fast-growing Atlanta area…The effect of all this movement is that the black population is significantly more dispersed than it was a decade ago…In other words, significant line changes will have to be made to keep these districts as heavily black as they were for the last decade.” At least those new Maryland residents have representation to go with their taxation. (The Washington Post)

The Black Class War of the Obama Critics “With 84 percent of African Americans supporting the President in a recent Gallup poll, the most public voices of dissent on Obama seem to come from some pretty lofty places — the halls of academia and out of the mouths of the educated, black “sophisticate.” The Intelligentsia. Also known as the Talented Tenthers — those who believe within their backgrounds and breeding is the salvation of the African American community.” (TheLoop21)

As the Economy Recovers, Mayor Gray’s proposed FY 2012 Budget Leaves Little Room for Affordable Housing “Despite the fact that rents in DC have risen faster than in most major cities — and faster than the incomes of most DC households — and that many families are still reeling in the wake of the Great Recession, Mayor Gray’s proposed budget would make significant reductions and changes to some of DC’s main affordable housing programs. The result would be to significantly weaken the District’s capacity to respond to the affordable housing needs of DC’s low- and moderate-income residents.” (dcfpi.org)

Youth Activism Rises in D.C. “With black bands wrapped around their mouths and sporting T-shirts that read, “No Taxation Without Representation,” nearly 80 students stood in front of the Senate building last Friday to fight for Washington, D.C.’s autonomy…Threats to the District’s self-determination on local marriage equality laws, AIDS prevention programs, Medicaid coverage of reproductive health care and other issues have motivated young people to get involved.” (afro.com)

Four D.C. youth escape from S.C. detention center More trouble for DYRS: “Police are searching for four D.C. youth who escaped from a detention center in South Carolina Wednesday evening, according to District officials…The 60-bed center is an out-of-state placement facility for D.C. Youth Rehabilitation Services. It offers treatment programs for teens with sexually aggressive behavior, substance abuse problems and other behavorial issues.” (The Washington Post)