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Amid tension across the country between police officers and black communities, the Metropolitan Police Department will host several events tomorrow that are designed to foster camaraderie between officers and the people they serve. The District will celebrate the 33rd annual “America’s Night Out Against Crime” with events organized in each police district.
Decades ago, the National Association of Town Watch created what’s now called National Night Out. In addition to strengthening “neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships,” the events will have drug prevention information, opportunities for residents to join anti-crime campaigns, and “send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back,” according to an MPD release.
This year’s event comes a week after prosecutors dropped all charges against three police officers related to the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, and last month’s rallies, protests, demonstrations, and a prayer vigil against police brutality.
About 38 million people are slated to attend National Night Out events across the country this year, according to the National Association of Town Watch. D.C. events will include food, film screenings, face paintings, moon bounces, talent shows, and more. Here’s the full schedule:
First District Activities
Description: Join neighbors and friends to enjoy an evening to celebrate community unity, obtain safety information, and recognize our citizen volunteers. Together we can continue to build safer communities!
Location: Sursum Corda/Tyler House // 1112 First Terrace, NW
Time: 4-8 p.m.Asian Liaison Unit Event
Description: Together we can continue to build healthier, cleaner and safer communities.
Location: 5th and K Streets, NW
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.Second District Activities
Description: Join the Second District for National Night out. Entertainment will include a gametruck, face painter, a clown making balloons, and moon bounce. Food and refreshments will be served while members of 2D promote crime prevention in our neighborhoods.
Location: Georgetown University // 37th and O Streets, NW
Time: 6-9 p.m.Third District Activities
Description: The event will have information tables as well as a moonbounce, food and drink.
Location: Bruce Monroe Park // 3000 Georgia Avenue, NW
Time: 6-8 p.m.Fourth District Activities
Description: The theme of the Fourth District’s National Night Out celebration is “Inspiring Our Youth to be Productive Citizens.” Activities include a youth talent show, music, food, and giveaways.
Location: Emery Recreation Center // 5701 Georgia Avenue, NW
Time: 5-9 p.m.Fifth District Activities
Description: Join the Fifth District for an evening to celebrate community pride, unity, and most importantly our public safety partnerships.
Location: Brentwood Village Shopping Center // 1300 Rhode Island Avenue, NE
Time: 6-8 p.m.Sixth District Activities
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT CITYWIDE KICK-OFF
Description: Join the Metropolitan Police Department for its citywide kick-off of the 2016 National Night Out. Food and refreshment will be served and there will be plenty to do for the whole family. Participate in a community bike ride, test your climbing skills on the rock wall, enjoy some more restful entertainment during movie night.
Time: 5:30- 9 p.m.
Location: River Terrace Park // Anacostia Avenue and Benning Road, NESeventh District Activities
Description: Enjoy a National Night Out with your friends at the Seventh District.
Location: Stanton Elementary School // 2701 Naylor Road, SE
Time: 6-8 p.m.
