Societal shifts, such as the rise of social media and digital communication, economic hardship, changes to community structures, have drastically impacted the way we socialize.
While social media has seemingly made it easier to stay connected, many young adults are feeling disconnected socially. People are struggling to develop close friendships and in recent years, we’ve seen an increase in mental health struggles and feelings of isolation.
Our communities thrived in churches barbershops, hair salons, community centers and family gatherings, but gentrification and rising costs have led to closure of many local black-owned spaces and staples. As a result, we’ve shifted to digital entertainment and online communities that lack the real-life intimacy of physical spaces.
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The KRF Community Spotlight
Fosters a sense of connection and encourages people to get out and be involved in the community. Our community spotlight will be used to celebrate individuals or organizations and feature events around town. If you’d like to shine the spotlight on an individual or group click here. If you have an event you’d like to see featured, fill out this form.
Featured Spotlight: Allura Rayford
Allura is a native Washingtonian, artist, mom and friend! She is an HBCU graduate having recently earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of the District of Columbia.
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With her degree, she moves a step closer to achieving her dream of opening an art studio and storefront to teach art classes and workshops especially for children, elders, and veterans.
About Allura
What Inspires You?
My past inspires me. The only constant is change and knowing I am ever-evolving is inspiration to keep going, keep improving, and keep learning. Growth never
stops.
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What Gives you Hope?
My daughter gives me hope! Sometimes when you get older, you lose some of that tenacity when it comes to life but finding that childlike wonder really will keep you going.
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What is your favorite season in DC?
Springtime in DC is my absolute favorite! The atmosphere is top tier and as a big flower person I really look forward to seeing all the flowering trees around the city.
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Your Go-to spot around town:
I’d say Union Market--I always run into at least one person I know. It’s great for people watching and I love letting my daughter play with other kids.
Words That Matter: Jamaur Law
