Press Releases

Statement by Councimember Trayon White on the Demotion of Commander Rebis Bryant

May 31, 2021

(Washington, D.C.) Last evening while attending a community meeting, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the demotion of Commander Regis Bryant in the Seventh Police District. Unfortunately, I was not given a courtesy advance notice of this decision either by Mayor Muriel Bowser or Police Peter Newsham. Accordingly, I am formally requesting that Commander Bryant be reinstated, effective immediately.

My community is in crisis – a State of Emergency. My own family is in crisis. Just this past Tuesday, my cousin was one of three shooting victims in the District. In recent weeks, he has been at the forefront of several anti-violence marches and meetings. Just today, there were two separate shootings in the Ward.

Councilmember White Announces FY2019 Proposed Budget for Ward 8

March 27, 2021

(Washington, D.C.) — Councilmember Trayon White today announced highlights of the FY2019 proposed budget that will include significant investments in affordable housing, education, public safety, human services and workforce development for Ward 8 residents.

“As we all know, the city's budget is fundamentally a reflection of our city's values and priorities,” said Councilmember White in a statement at the Mayor’s FY2019 Budget Hearing held on Friday, March 23rd. “This budget supports our families, the elderly, those experiencing homelessness, and residents of all income levels. I'm most excited about the specific items in the budget that speak to the needs of Ward 8 residents as it relates to public safety, healthcare, improving access to recreation, workforce training, and ensuring that our elders are well taken care of. Many of these items were included in my budget request to Mayor Bowser, and I'd like to thank the mayor along with her team for working with me,” stated White.

Councilmember White Leads Protest Calling for Justice, Inclusion and Change for Ward 8 Residents in Bozzuto/Chapman Development

March 9, 2022

(Washington, D.C.) — Councilmember Trayon White announced that he will lead a protest today in response to the continuous malpractice and faulty hiring/contracting processes of the Bozzuto and Chapman development in Ward 8. The protest will take place from 12pm-5pm at the construction site located at 2300 Martin Luther King, Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. 20020.

For over 3 months, the Councilmember has requested information from Bozzuto and Chapman on the development of the $50 million project that was ambiguously acquired by Chapman Development in 2012 for only $1.00. In addition to the cryptic acquisition of land, fallacious hiring processes have surfaced revealing unfair and unethical malpractice by Bozzuto and Chapman, leaving out Ward 8 residents from employment opportunities on the project.

Councilmember White Hosts a Community Conversation on Ballou SHS

February 9, 2022

(Washington, D.C.) — Councilmember Trayon White today announced that he will host a Community Conversation on the ‘State of Ballou’ on Tuesday, February 13, 2022 at Ballou Senior High School Auditorium.

The discussion will address the recent events and concerns around the Ballou High School investigations. Guest speakers will include DCPS Chancellor Antwan Wilson and other city officials, who will convene to address D.C. Public School policies and provide answers to improving the present conditions of Ballou SHS, and the future of public school protocols citywide.

Councilmember White's Statement on the Passing of Ballou High School Student, Joevan Patterson-Smith

January 30, 2022

(Washington, D.C., January 30, 2022) — Councilmember Trayon White released the following statement on the passing of Ballou High School student, Joevon Patterson-Smith.

“My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the family of 17 year-old Joevon Patterson Smith, a bright, young special needs Ballou High School student who departed from us on January 29, 2018.

Joevon had a promising future ahead of him, he ran track and was scheduled to graduate this year. He passed away last night after being in a coma for 2 weeks. Joevon’s family is convinced that this incident happened inside the school by other students. DCPS cannot confirm that the allegations are true at this moment. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating this case and the cause of Smith’s death.

This is a devastating tragedy for the family, Ballou High School, and the entire community."

Statement on the Ballou high School Investigative Report from Councilmember white

January 25, 2022

(Washington, D.C.) — Councilmember Trayon White released the following statement on the Ballou High School investigation:

“In the wake of the preliminary findings in the Ballou High School investigation by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education and issued by Mayor Bowser, it is clear that there is a critical need for a citywide system to be implemented in order to address the social ills and barriers to truancy and learning. There are reasons students are being tardy and absent, and we must take a step back to assess the root of the problem,” states White.

Councilmember White Appeals UMC Board Decision on Obstetrics Unit Closure

January 18, 2022

(Washington, D.C.) —  Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White released the following statement after the public roundtable on United Medical Center held on January 16, 2018:

"I am deeply disappointed that United Medical Center Board Chair LaRuby May did not attend at the UMC Board roundtable on its decision to permanently close the obstetrics unit. As well, May has previously refused to provide the Committee with critical information regarding the events surrounding the decision to close the UMC obstetrics unit. With obstetrical services terminating at United Medical Center and at Providence Hospital, Ward 8 residents are experiencing a critical health care crisis. This is unacceptable and I will work unceasingly until every District resident East of the River has access to reliable, first-rate, and comprehensive health care."

Councilmember Trayon White to Host Unity Breakfast in Celebration of Kwanzaa

December 28, 2021

(Washington, D.C.) — Saturday, December 30, 2017, Councilmember Trayon White will host Unity Breakfast from 9:00AM-11:00AM at the Union Temple Matthews Memorial, located 2616 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC.