WATCH: Voices from the June 6 Black Lives Matter protest in DC

By Monique Blyther
June 11, 2020 | 11:55 PM

Roger Campbell II holds a sign during the protests in D.C. on Saturday, June 6, 2020. (WTOP/Monique Blyther) — Roger Campbell II holds a sign during the protests in D.C. on Saturday, June 6, 2020.

Roger Campbell II speaks during a rally in D.C. on Saturday, June 6, 2020. (WTOP/Monique Blyther) — Roger Campbell II speaks during a rally in D.C. on Saturday, June 6, 2020.

2 OF 2

Last Saturday, thousands gathered in D.C. for the ninth day of protests following the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.

Demonstrators, braving the heat and the risk of coronavirus, assembled at the Lincoln Memorial in support of the city’s largest Black Lives Matter rally.

Among them stood activist Roger Campbell II, with a response to a question many non-black supporters have asked: How can I help?

He read portions of his essay, brought many to tears, and he challenged them to see life through the lens of a black experience.

For first time, Chuck Brown Day will go on without Brown family

By Jimmy Alexander
August 20, 2026 | 7:38 PM

For the first time in its 12-year history, Chuck Brown Day in D.C. will go on without the support of the family of the "Godfather of Go-Go." The Brown family announced it has withdrawn its support for Saturday's celebration at Fort Dupont Park, saying it no longer believes the event reflects the collaboration and respect Chuck Brown's legacy deserves. Chuck Brown's son, Nekos Brown Sr., told WTOP the issues are primarily with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. "It's been three years of issues we've been having with them as far as staying on par with proper communication, just overall professionalism and the ability to take our stance seriously," Brown said.

Related Stories

DC students made small gains on last year's standardized tests, but still below prepandemic levels in math, data shows

12-year-old arrested, charged with fatally shooting 13-year-old in DC

Metro and IndyCar team up for a busy weekend of Freedom 250 Grand Prix events

An inside look at final preparations for Freedom 250 Grand Prix in DC

DC road closures, parking restrictions in effect for Freedom 250 Grand Prix