Artist and Earth Conservation Corps (ECC) alumni Tendani Mpulubusi presented a concept design for new public art proposed for Diamond Teague Park.
In 2003, Diamond Teague was part of the ECC and was preparing to go to college on a scholarship when someone shot him on his front porch. The former U.S. Capitol Pump House building near the park now bears the name Monique Johnson Center, honoring the founding ECC member whom street violence killed in 1992.
Mpulubusi El once worked with Teague as part of the ECC. He presented his own designs for a bronze sculpture depicting Teague holding an eagle. The design includes seating elements integrated into the memorial footprint and interpretive components that reflect Teague’s environmental work and legacy along the Anacostia River.
It is a nod to Teague as well as the work of ECC, which restores local bird populations, including raptors and bald eagles, along the Anacostia River.
Mpulubusi El also discussed façade concepts for the Monique Johnson Center, incorporating imagery tied to ECC’s river restoration efforts and memorial themes, including one of Johnson looking at the original ECC river expedition boat; another of founding corps members, and one of Johnson fishing. He said that he has been in discussion with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and nearby developer Brookfield about the concept.
Commissioners focused their questions on the artistic vision, materials and long-term maintenance of the sculpture and surrounding elements. The discussion centered on design intent and how the artwork would fit within the broader park landscape.
Commissioners clarified that the presentation concerned ECC’s art proposal specifically and did not involve action on historic designation matters. The project is separate from the preservation initiative discussed at the commission’s past meetings by Sumayya Lane, who is working to found the Friends of Diamond Teague Park organization. Commissioners did not vote on the matter.
SBOE Examines Graduation Requirements
Ward 8 State Board of Education (SBOE) representative, Dr. LaJoy Johnson-Law, explained that the Board sets citywide education standards and advocates for families and equity, but has limited formal authority over DC Public Schools and public charters.
Her main focus was the ongoing overhaul of high school graduation requirements. OSSE has proposed six major changes, including: reducing community service hours from 100 to 60; adding a capstone project; creating endorsements on diplomas; strengthening career and technical education (CTE) pathways; and a controversial new pathway for students with disabilities. She raised strong concerns about a proposed alternate “Special Education Practical Studies Diploma,” which would not be equivalent to a regular diploma and could block access to college, trades and jobs. Johnson-Law said she was concerned it could lead to confusion and fraud if students present it as a standard diploma. She plans to send more details and will seek ANC support to oppose that version.
She also highlighted Board priorities: special education, school safety, academic proficiency, mental health supports and family engagement. She mentioned proposed legislation to expand the Board’s authority, a resolution to require special-ed best-practices training for all teachers, and upcoming youth pop-up town halls.
Petalpalooza returns April 4 to Yards Park
Patrick Oberman, presenting for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, outlined plans for Petalpalooza, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, with a rain date of Sunday, April 5.
The free, all-ages festival will run from 1 to 9 p.m. (or 5 to 9 p.m. if on Sunday), culminating in an evening fireworks display over the Anacostia River. Event programming includes multiple music stages, interactive art installations, family-friendly activities, roaming performers and
food vendors.
The footprint will span Yards Park, the large field near First Street SE, portions of M Street SE and New Jersey Avenue SE, and Diamond Teague Park. Oberman said the festival typically draws tens of thousands of attendees and works closely with District agencies and neighborhood partners to manage security, traffic and cleanup.
Commissioners asked logistical questions related to street closures, crowd management and coordination with local stakeholders.
Commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter of support for the special event application to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Group and to the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Budget Engagement and School Funding
Ward 6 Mayor’s Office of Community Relations (MOCR) Manager Noah Bryce Glasgow said the Mayor’s Office is wrapping up its final round of budget engagement forums. He described the District as facing a projected $1.1 billion gap across FY26 and FY27. However, he said the Mayor is still proposing a 2.55% increase to the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula (UPSFF), the basis of public school budgets.
Commissioners also asked about uncertainty around DC’s tax code and congressional action. Glasgow said the District’s Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, released an opinion Feb. 24 arguing that Congress had rebutted the District’s uncoupling from tax code outside the 30-day period allotted, meaning the Congressional decision was not binding. The District’s chief financial officer is currently reviewing the matter, Glasgow said.
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6/8F met in person and online for its February business meeting on Feb. 24. On the dais were Commissioners Nic Wilson (6/8F01), Vice Chair Markita Bryant (6/8F02), Chair Brian Strege (6/8F03), Secretary Edward Daniels (6/8F04) and Dan Reynolds (6/8F05).
The next business meeting of ANC 6/8F takes place over Zoom and in person at DDOT Headquarters (250 M St. SE) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Residents can find details on how to join and learn more about the commission at anc8f.org.
An earlier version of this story incorrectly spelled the name of Friends of Diamond Teague Park founder Sumayya Lane. We apologize for the error.
