LiVE FRESH

Home Rule Then. Statehood Now!

HOME RULE THEN. STATEHOOD NOW! CAPSULE

History is our greatest teacher when we know the whole story. As we transition from celebrating Black History Month to Women’s History Month, championing the intersection of this history as a precursor to the present day struggle for D.C. statehood brings into focus the movement’s pivotal role to the social justice issues of today. 

It is this history, particularly that of the Home Rule movement, that we examined as the source for our “Home Rule Then. Statehood Now!” capsule.

  

The 1966 Home Rule Day rally (July 17, 1966) at the National Mall was the catalyst of our inspiration. Drawing 32 speakers and approximately 4,000 people, attendees heard from notable advocates including Richard Claxton "Dick" Gregory, civil rights activist and comedian,who said, "You can't laugh your problems away." Senator Wayne Morse further stated that home rule legislation at the time offered the "opportunity to strike a blow for human dignity which we cannot afford to reject." Looking back at the few black and white photos available, we pulled ideas from a variety of campaign signs at the rally. 

 One photo in particular taken that day, featured in the Washington Star, depicts three young women at the rally sitting on the grass at the National Mall. The woman in the forefront holds a pennant banner which reads 'Home Rule Now Washington, D.C. 1966’.

 

 

 

We recreated that banner as the graphic featured on the front of “Home Rule Then. Statehood Now!” t-shirt and crewneck sweatshirt. The large print featured on the back is a reinterpretation of a combination of signs carried by marchers at the rally. This capsule is in recognition of this lesser known moment in the statehood movement. Using our medium of fashion, we want to bring awareness not only of this moment, but also amplify the ordinary women - Black women - that have done extraordinary things; oftentimes leading movements that they ultimately are the last to benefit from. 


Civil Rights activist Dick Gregory leading Southwest residents at Home Rule Day on the National Mall - Jul.. 17, 1966

The historical legacy for representation of D.C.’s residents via the Home Rule and Statehood movements is interwoven with the Civil Rights Movement, Black suffrage, and Women’s suffrage. Black women were instrumental in advocating for universal suffrage and equal representation in the 19th and 20th century and continue to be a force of political power in America today. 


Members of the American Federation of Teachers demonstrate in support of home rule - Jan. 1, 1967

From assembling church functions, attending political conventions, organizing meetings, forming political societies, to planning strategies towards gaining the right to vote, Black women have traditionally exerted their influence in American  politics to the greater benefit of the Nation.

Despite facing the patriarchy, sexism, and racism of white supremacy so deeply rooted at the core of American democracy — Black women leaders past and present such as Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Ida B. Wells, Sojourner Truth, Coretta Scott King, Rep. Shirley Chisholm, Rep. Cori Bush, Rep. Jasmine Crockett; to Black Panthers Elaine Brown, Ericka Huggins, Frances Beal, Fredricka Newton, and Kathleen Cleaver; to D.C. 's Nannie Helen Borroughs, Mary Church Terrell, Anise Jenkins, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Councilmember At-Large Christina Henderson, Councilmember At-Large Anita Bonds, Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, to D.C. Votes - Kelsye Adams, have all been a part of the legacy of advocacy and activism for the rights, freedoms, protection and representation of Black people and liberty for Washingtonians.

Black women have been formidable in social justice movements from before the founding of the United States but faced opposition even from within the movements they’ve fought so passionately for. Even now the contributions of Black women in politics, activism, and advocacy lack the broader acknowledgement of their accomplishment. While amazing strides have been made by the likes of those forementioned, these Black women and countless others are still largely under-recognized, under celebrated, and in some cases under attack. Longtime activists such as Anise Jenkins-Executive Director of Stand Up! for Democracy in D.C. (Free D.C.) have made it their life’s work in pursuit of statehood. 

Deeper knowledge of the Black Liberation, Women’s Equality, Civil Rights and the D.C. Statehood movements and how they are all interconnected and historically linked to other watershed social justice moments, is necessary to dismantle white supremacy and counter the actions of those in power acting to turn back time in America. Republican lawmakers in a number of states have even taken steps to deny the teaching of this full history through defunding education programs, outlawing curriculum, and banning books. 

The present day struggle for D.C. Statehood persists as racism and white supremacy persists as the primary obstacle to progress. Republican politicians continue to deny resolutions that would modernize American democracy and put total control of the District’s affairs in the hands of its citizens. D.C. Statehood is not only for full representation of Washingtonians but also the pathway forward for every citizen to be afforded the American ideal of liberty and justice for all.


Students demonstrate their support for home rule at a rally in front of the District Building - Oct. 3, 1973

SUPPORTING THE PRESENT DAY MOVEMENT 

A donation of $3.51 from every t-shirt and $6.51 of every sweatshirt sold will go to dcvotearchive.org / @dcvote in support of their mission. Founded in 1998, DC Vote is a national citizen engagement and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening democracy and securing equality for all in the District of Columbia. 


 

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Learn more about the legacy of  civil rights leaders and activists - both past and present - from “Mayor for Life” Marion Barry and luminary Coretta Scott King to Yaddiya and Kelsye Adams of Long Live GoGo, and their contributions to the history of D.C.’s Home Rule and Statehood movements:

Up from the People: Protest and Change in D.C. 

‘THE HOME RULE THEN. STATEHOOD NOW!’ CAPSULE

We priced the items in this capsule to be accessible; as spreading greater awareness of advocacy for D.C. Statehood holds more value than a profit margin. There’s also significance in the price itself, with the t-shirt pricing at $32 - representing the 3 stars and 2 bars of the D.C. flag; the crewneck sweatshirt at $66 - representing the year of the Home Rule Day Rally of 1966 and the .51 cents symbolizing D.C.’s push to become the 51st State in the Union.

SHOP THE CAPSULE

Read more →

COMMUNITY. CULTURE. COMMERCE. OCTOBER 2023

CELEBRATING FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH THIS WEEKEND IN D.C. 

COMMUNITY

SAMASAMA x Kam & 46 presents UMPUKAN, a Filipino-American History Month celebration! UMPUKAN will take place at Metrobar on Sunday, October 29 from 12 - 6pm. The celebration will feature food, music, art, fashion and live performances by Klout Sitty Burd Gyang, Cody As Always, with Les The DJ

We at Chris Cardi are proud to be a FIL-AM owned featured vendor. Join us for a Sunday Funday celebrating Filipino-American history, Filipino culture, shopping with FIL-AM owned businesses, and the broader diversity of our shared D.C. community. This is a free admission and family friendly event. Bring your friends and pamilya! We are excited to see you there!

Click here for more details and to RSVP. RSVP not required but we will honor a 15% discount on Chris Cardi pop-up purchases at UMPUKAN for those that do.


CULTURE

Hiraya is the newest addition to the H Street NE Corridor culinary scene and features a menu that celebrates the beauty, history, and flavors of the Philippines. To celebrate Filipino-American History Month, Hiraya is hosting a slew of Fil-Am chefs changing the game for Hiraya & Friends happening this Saturday, October 28 starting at 11am.

No reservations are needed and the tasty dishes will be served on a first come-first served basis. Don’t meet us there, beat us there!

Check out the line-up here: Hiraya & Friends.



COMMERCE

Honoring Chris’ Filipino roots, we’ll be releasing the 2nd drop of his Pinoy centric capsule collection of apparel and accessories “Salamat Po” Drop II this weekend. The capsule features clothing, accessories and art that will be available at the UMPUKAN Fil-Am celebration on Sunday, October 29 and available online Monday, October 30. 

Shop the “Salamat Po” Drop I capsule now online at chriscardi.com/salamatpo.

Be sure to subscribe to our emails for all the latest releases, updates, and events.

Read more →

PIE SHOP H ST. HOUSE POP-UP PARTY

CHRiS CARDi presents the PIE SHOP H Street House Pop - Up Party!
Join us as we party at our H ST. House Pop-Up at Pie Shop on Sunday, September 10th. Pop-up starts at 1:00pm with sound selectionss curated by DJ Geena Marie kicking off at 1:30pm.

Patrons who RSVP via EventBrite can receive a free pie slice on CHRiS CARDi with a purchase from the H ST. House Pop-Up.
Swing by the crib! 

CHRiS CARDi x PIE SHOP H ST. HOUSE
1339 H ST. NE, District of Columbia 20002 

Pop - Up Party:
Sunday, Sept. 10 | 1 - 5 PM

RSVP

Read more →

The Binge Shop | An H Street NE Pop-UP

 

This Saturday we invite you to BINGE SHOP with us at Binge Bar, D.C.’s premier alcohol-free cocktail bar and bistro. 
We’ll have plenty of our H St. NE merch to shop ahead of H Street Festival with some new limited edition surprises! 
Come for the clothes, stay for the cocktails!
CHRiS CARDi x BINGE SHOP POP-UP
Saturday, August 26 II 12 - 3 PM
506 H St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

 

Read more →

COMMUNITY LOVE POP-UP EVENT WRAP UP

Thank you to @virginiaarrisueno, the team at Steadfast Supply DC, and the entrepreneurs that joined us this past weekend for a pop-up market featuring Black businesses in celebration of Black Business Month!
Thank you also to everyone that dropped by, shopped with us, and to all the new friends we made.

So many amazing businesses featured and we encourage you to follow:

@blacknerdcoffee ☕️
@enjoyeelife_ice 🍧
@reminiscentluxecandles 🕯️
@saimar.shop 🛍️
@ashwhatspoppin 🍿

#ChrisCardi #SteadfastSupplyDC #Community #ShopSmall #BuyLocal #BlackBusinessMonth #DC #DClife #DCliving #DCstyle
#NavyYardDC #dcsmallbusiness #dcsmallbiz
Read more →

COMMUNITY LOVE POP-UP EVENT With CHRiS CARDi

A POP-UP EVENT

COMMUNITY LOVE

Chris Cardi Inc. invites you to a special Pop-Up event in partnership with Steadfast Supply at The Yards in Washington, DC.

Join us this Saturday for a special Chris Cardi Pop-Up shopping experience hosted by Steadfast Supply. Meet the wonderul team at Steadfast and a selection of small businesses from the DC community, offering a variety of unique gifts and goods. Shop summer styles as Chris Cardi will be featuring merchandise from "The Bastards” capsule collection, Flag Tank Tops and fashion accessories for the season.
 

Pop-Up Event Details...

Saturday, August 19, 2023
Steadfast Supply
Located at The Yards DC
301 Tingey St #120
SE Washington, D.C. 20003
12:00PM - 4:00PM

 

Other Participating Brands:
Read more →

COMMUNITY. CULTURE. COMMERCE. AUGUST 2023

 

August is Black Business Month and we are sharing our platform to highlight other enterprising entrepreneurs and creatives we admire! Also in celebration of Black Business Month we are offering a promo discount and free shipping to our subscribers. Find out more in the Commerce section. Buy Black!

COMMUNITY

Shanklin Hall is a Washington, D.C. social club centered at the intersection of community, creativity, and wellness. The club truly believes in the power of collective economic partnerships and the strength it brings to building community. One such partnership features resident Chef Dionne McDonald of Doula’s Kitchen. Dionne’s inspiration ranges from her deep southern roots, her mother’s Korean food influence, and her extended family’s various cultural backgrounds. 

Enjoy Doula’s delicious dishes now through September 3rd at Shanklin Hall. 

Visit ShanklinHall.com for more details. Follow @doulaskitchen on Instagram.

CULTURE

Artist Maurice James Jr. sits down for an artist talk with BeMo Brown to go in depth about his latest solo exhibit, Black Trust. The event also welcomes special guest Buck!

Black Trust - Artist Talk w/ Maurice James Jr. 

Saturday, August 5 || 4 - 6 PM

Art of Noize - 821 Upshur St. NW, WDC 20011 Rear Alley, 2nd floor

Find out more at www.artofnoizedmv.com and follow artist Maurice James Jr. @art4theblackmarket and host @BeMoBrown on Instagram.

COMMERCE

We invite our friends near and far to Buy Black and shop online with us for Black Business Month. Use code: “BBM” for 20% OFF purchases of $100 or more. 

We are also waiving shipping costs on all online orders the month of August. Thank you for rockin’ with us and supporting Black business! 

Shop ChrisCardi.com

Community. Culture. Commerce.

Read more →

COMMUNITY. CULTURE. COMMERCE. JUNE 2023 - There's More...

 

COMMUNITY

Join the Anacostia Community Museum in commemoration of Juneteenth on Monday, June 19  from 11am - 4pm. Come celebrate as we gather with family, friends, and neighbors to honor the present and reflect on shared tradition and history.

The Juneteenth Main Stage curated together with PorchFest DC- Southeast Edition, and hosted by BeMo Brown.

For more details visit: https://anacostia.si.edu/juneteenth

 

CULTURE

Chris “Cardi” Clayton has been a proud advocate, fundraiser, and volunteer for UNCF both here in the DMV area and nationwide. Over the year’s Chris has served to support the Mission of UNCF raising critical funds for HBCUs and the students that attend them. For the second year in a row Chris is serving on the host committee for UNCF Gala Noir: Sneaker Ball this Saturday, June 17 from 8pm - 12am at Planet Word.

To find out more and purchase tickets click the link below and be sure to note Chris “Cardi” Clayton as your affiliated host committee member.

We look forward to seeing you all dressed up and in your freshest pair of kicks!

UNCF Gala Noir: Sneaker Ball - TICKETS

Saturday, June 17 I 8pm - 12am

Planet Word

925 13th ST NW, Washington, DC 20005

 

COMMERCE

Our 3 Stars 2 Bars cap is a great gift for D.C. Dads or anyone for that matter. Shop online now or locally by visiting Shop Made In D.C. at Union Market.

It’s also tank top seasons and our Flag tank top collection is a style hit. Shop our full assortment online.

   

  

Read more →

COMMUNITY. CULTURE. COMMERCE. JUNE 2023

COMMUNITY

This Saturday, June 10, DRYY Garment Care will host the third annual DRYY RUN 5K fitness and philanthropy event! Chris Cardi is once again proud to support the DRYY RUN for a 3rd year in a row, designing the racer bibs and commemorative poster. This year’s event is a scholarship fundraiser benefiting underserved children in DC to attend the KidOvation Stage summer camp at The Lane in Ivy City.

Registration to participate is free; however, DRYY encourages participants to donate to the fundraiser using the link below:

DONATE HERE: DRYY RUN x KidOvation Scholarship Fund

Festivities and event sign-in starts at 8AM to 12PM. For more information and to register visit EVENTBRITE: DRYY RUN DC 23’ ***For safety please check air quality conditions prior to attending.


CULTURE 

We kicked off Pride Month by celebrating with the DC creative community attending DC FRAY’s Art Out Loud at Selina hotel, Saturday, June 3. This official Capital Pride event activated all senses  featuring art installations and queer owned business pop-ups from the lobby to the rooftop. Visit CapitalPride.org for more ways to enjoy Pride Month in DC.


COMMERCE

TANK TOP SEASON HAS RETURNED

Summer's here and our Chris Cardi Flag Tank Tops are a great way to get you ready for 4th of July, beach parties to BBQ's, picnics at the park to lounging the pool side, summer festivals, family reunions and all the fun that comes with days in the sun.

 

Check Out the Flag Tank Top Collection

Read more →

COMMUNITY. CULTURE. COMMERCE. MAY 2023

COMMUNITY

Kam & 46 x SAMASAMA presents Sari-Sari Pop-Up Market at Metrobar on Sunday, May 21st. The outdoor market will celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a bevy of artisan makers and vendors. We at Chris Cardi are proud to be a participating vendor. Join us for a day of food, drinks, music and shopping local. This is a free admission and family friendly event. We are excited to see you there!

Click here for more details and to RSVP.

CULTURE 

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month and in particular Chris’ Filipino heritage, we’ve curated a playlist featuring Fil-Am (Filipino-American) and Filipino diaspora R&B, soul, and funk musical artists for your enjoyment.

The playlist titled Salamat Po” Vol. 1, which is Tagalog (the national language of the Philippines) translates to “Thank you” in English.

Check out the playlist on Apple Music here.

COMMERCE

Honoring Chris’ Filipino roots, we are releasing a Pinoy centric capsule collection of apparel and accessories. The initial drop sharing the title “Salamat Po” Drop 1, features digital art prints, t-shirts, tank tops, hats, totes and even aprons will be available online Monday, May 22 and pre-released at the Sari-Sari Pop-Up Market in Washington, D.C. Sunday, May 21.

You can purchase the Philippine Flag Tank Top now online for pre-release here!

Check the online shop Monday, May 22 for more drop 1 releases.

Read more →