The “Men Make a Difference” Day program, held at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School on October 14, 2024, is part of a broader initiative encouraging male figures to actively support students’ educational experiences in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This annual event emphasizes the vital role that fathers, male family members, and mentors play in enhancing educational outcomes for students. The program includes activities designed to foster positive engagement between male participants and students, aiming to strengthen the school-community connection and provide students with supportive role models.

The school system hosts this day to inspire ongoing community involvement, underscoring how male mentorship contributes to improved academic and social development among youth in the area. Additionally, similar events are planned across local schools, building a culture of support and involvement within the Prince George’s County educational community.”

The event at Padgett’s Corner Shopping Mall took place as part of the National Faith & Blue Weekend, which is an initiative aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement and local communities through faith-based partnerships. The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) collaborated with faith-based organizations to host events countywide, including the one at Padgett’s Corner.

The goal of these events is to foster open dialogue and trust, provide community support, and highlight the positive work being done by both the police and community leaders. Events like these often feature a mix of activities such as outreach, community service, and discussions about public safety and unity.

The 3rd annual Domestic Violence Walk/Run at Fairwood Park is a community-focused event hosted by the Prince George’s County Police Department. The event seeks to raise awareness about domestic violence and the resources available to those affected. It typically attracts various participants, including survivors, law enforcement, local leaders, and residents, all united to advocate against domestic violence and support prevention initiatives.

The police department and other local organizations use the event as an opportunity to spread information about domestic violence services, share personal stories of survival, and foster a stronger sense of community engagement to combat rising rates of domestic violence in the area. These efforts align with broader county initiatives aimed at addressing family violence, which saw an increase during the pandemic and remain a significant issue in the community.

Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ (Peoples Church) in Washington, DC, is a vibrant community with a wide range of activities aimed at fostering faith, community service, and justice work. The church hosts weekly hybrid worship services and Sunday school, and it engages members with a variety of spiritual programs, such as teleconference praise and worship, Bible studies, and prayer meetings. Peoples Church is also deeply involved in justice and social action, with projects like the Justice and Witness Action Network-DC (JWAN-DC) team, which supports the homeless through donations and advocacy. Furthermore, the church recently participated in the United Church of Christ’s General Synod, focusing on anti-racism efforts and confronting white supremacy.

The “Day of Remembrance” event focused on honoring victims of violence, particularly gun violence. Community members, families, and faith leaders gathered to remember lost loved ones and advocate for the reduction of gun violence in local communities. Through prayer and reflection, the event underscored the importance of healing and collective action to prevent future tragedies and support survivors. The event was a deeply emotional and spiritual gathering, aimed at strengthening community resilience and solidarity.