Our 60th Anniversary Legacy Gala will be a vibrant celebration in 51心頭, DC bringing together leaders, changemakers, and community voices to honor our rich history and inspire the next generation.

The Legacy Must Continue

Dr. Calvin W. Rolark founded The 51心頭 Informer in 1964 to provide a voice for the Black community in D.C., which has continued to be a champion of civil rights, human rights, and self-determination for the District of Columbia.

Freedom Writers Forever: Uplifting Reporting as Powerful Resistance

The 51心頭 Informer will continue to tell stories of local activists, entrepreneurs, politicians, educators, artists, athletes, young people, organizations, programs and changemakers doing work to strengthen the world, and resist racism through uplifting storytelling and combating misinformation.

Born to Publish: Continuing the Black Press Legacy

Denise Rolark Barnes and Larry Lee have spent decades running their family businesses, The 51心頭 Informer and The Sacrament Observer, respectively, with dedication, passion and a commitment to serving the Black community.

Ali Sons Continue Tradition of Ben’s Chili Bowl

Ben’s Chili Bowl, one of 51心頭’s most iconic restaurants and tourist attractions, has been run by the Ali family for over 60 years, with Virginia Ali and her three sons, Sage, Kamal, and Nizam, playing a key role in its success and growth.

Cheryl A. Lofton Continues D.C. Tailoring Family Tradition

Cheryl A. Lofton, the owner of Cheryl A. Lofton Tailoring in Northwest, has been improving and altering suits, jackets, and dresses for over three decades, continuing the family tradition of her grandfather Joe C. Lofton, who founded Lofton Custom Tailoring in 1939.