Washington, DC is the capital of the free world. It is also a completely divided, racially segregated city. There aren’t many cities like this left at all.

On one hand, Washington, DC is home to some of the greatest achievements in both American and global history. Here is the seat of federal power – the Supreme Court’s decisions are written here, Senate hearings are filibustered, where the President makes decisions that alter the landscape of humankind. The District is full of stories and government. It’s an empowering, beautiful feeling. Patriotism hardly has hands on this feeling.>

On the other hand, Washington is a racially divided time-bomb. Residents of the District do not have a vote in Congress, yet are taxed (“Taxation Without Representation” is labeled on all District license plates). DC public schools are some of the worst in the nation. Gang violence is rampant and murders are all too common. The North- and South-East corridors of the District are largely African-American and impoverished. Gentrification has pushed residences out of their homes and onto the streets. The homeless population of DC ranks among the highest in the nation. What is most shocking, however, is that DC HIV/AIDS infection rate is 3% (the national average is 1%). This is higher than large parts of Africa. It’s a shame and a sin that the capital of the free world is so tarnished and burdened.

This is definitely a city to go to. This is a city in need. Instead of visiting monuments, take a moment and venture into Anacostia and realize the conditions that some Americans are forced to live in, and then do something about it. Washington, DC is a city primed for help, and it should be all of our duty to start the work now.