Dear Seniors,
Happy Pride Month! As we embrace the colorful celebrations of Pride, I hope you are eagerly looking forward to the meaningful month ahead. With summer nearly in full swing and 2024 already at its midpoint, we reflect on the festivities of Older Americans Month. Your active participation and vibrant spirit at our events last month were truly amazing. Thank you for your unwavering support and joyous presence.
Although Older Americans Month has ended, we have a lot more in store for June! In collaboration with Mayor Muriel Bowser, DACL is thrilled to present a lineup of engaging events tailored for our senior community. On Saturday, June 8th, we invite you in celebrating our LGBTQ+ seniors as we proudly march alongside Mayor Bowser in the Capital Pride Parade. Solidifying our steadfast support and unity, we will participate in the parade in our infamous Senior Pride Trolley. March alongside the Mayor and Team DACL, showcasing our solidarity and dedication to inclusivity for all DC residents. Let us come together during this festive weekend to pay homage to the remarkable contributions of our aging LGBTQ+ community.
The following weekend, on Saturday, June 15th at 2:00 p.m., mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Ms. Senior DC pageant! Join us in cheering on our contestants as they compete for the title of Ms. Senior DC 2024! The pageant will take place at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Van Ness Campus, Theatre of the Arts. Our contestants have been working so hard to be the next representative of the District of Columbia, and we invite you to witness their elegance. Secure your tickets by visiting tinyurl.com/msseniordc24tix or contact my office at (202)724- 5626.
On Tuesday, June 25th at 10:00 a.m., DACL will host Mayor Bowser’s 13th Annual Senior Symposium at Ballou Senior High School, marking the culmination of this month’s events. Aligned with June’s recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, this year’s Senior Symposium will spotlight elder abuse and scam prevention. Seniors will have the opportunity to learn how to identify various forms of elder abuse, strategize against fraud and scams, and access support services to safeguard themselves. The theme “Empowerment through Awareness” echoes Mayor Bowser’s commitment to aging safely and ensuring that every senior in DC is protected. At DACL, our mission is to equip you with the tools necessary to live boldly, and learning how to protect yourself from fraud, scams, and abuse is part of that. The symposium will feature panel discussions, educational sessions, exhibitors, access to resources, and food. To register for the Senior Symposium, contact my office at (202)724-5626.
As we honor Pride Month throughout June, we invite you to engage with the LGBTQ+ seniors in your community, learn about inclusivity of all seniors, and enjoy all the events this beautiful month has to offer. Together, let’s remain steadfast in our commitment to the equity and inclusion of all older adults. I trust you will enjoy the events lined up for June and I cannot wait to see each and every one of you this month and the rest of the summer!
In Service,
Charon P.W. Hines
Director, DACL