May 19 | Rally to Protest the Liquor License Renewal of Mart Liquor
Wed, May 19, 2021
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM EDT
The National Black United Front is rallying the community to protest the renewal of the liquor license of Mart Liquor on the grounds of the adverse effect of the establishment on peace, order, and quiet, per ABRA Code 25-313.
The rally will take place on Malcolm X Day, Wednesday May 19 at 4:30 pm. The rally will take place at the intersection of Malcolm X Ave SE and Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. The goal of the rally is to secure 500 petition signatures from residents in the community to deliver to the Alcohol Beverage Control Board.
Situated at the intersection of Malcolm X Ave SE and Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, Mart Liquor continues to be a major contributor to many of the ills that plague the Ward 8 community. This establishment continues to exploit and capitalize off of the poverty and lack of economic opportunity in this vulnerable community.
Currently, there are five establishments that sell alcohol, within this corridor. However, there are no grocery stores, banks or fruit and vegetable stands. According to the DC Health Equity Report, “The stressors of living in neighborhoods with inadequate access to economic and educational opportunities has been flagged as indicative of trauma at the community level. Reduced community safety in the District is correlated with gaps in health-promoting community resources. Evidence shows that factors such as lack of jobs, racial and economic segregation, concentrated poverty, and high alcohol outlet density negatively impact community safety, quality of life, and neighborhood quality, as well as the likelihood of violence.”
In addition to seeking petition signatures, NBUF will also use this opportunity to provide opportunities to help create a more healthier community. For more information on how to get involved contact chair@dcnbuf.org