WASHINGTON — A local radio station his hosting a radiothon to help raise money for the opening of the District’s first Go-Go museum and cafe in Ward 8 located in the historic Anacostia neighborhood.
The new museum inside the Check It Building will enhance programming that will be incorporated in the two-level museum, café and event space; which will also include an outdoor garden and performance space.
Over the last four years, this social enterprise started by former leaders of a marginalized gang has raised over $70,000 to transform the previous building into a popular culture space that has become a staple in the District.
Ronald Moten, one of the museum’s organizers and a leader in D.C.’s Go-Go community, is working to raise $25,000 to complete the project.
WPGC 95.5 is broadcasting live from the Metro by T-Mobile store in Shaw where the Don’t Mute D.C. movement got its start.
The radio station will be on air between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. helping Moten and his team raise the money needed to open the museum.
Museum officials said they are aiming to preserve historic artifacts and history while showcasing local Go-Go musicians and the entire Go-Go music creative. Officials said they hope to not only attract but teach students and tourists about the history of Go-Go music by utilizing preserved history and living legends in Go-Go Music.
While being an outlet for the Go-Go music industry, organizers are aiming for musicians to showcase their talents and further helping the movement of preserving D.C.'s music, history, and culture through teaching the next generation of go-go artists, new Washingtonians, and tourists.
The museum will also incorporate D.C.'s first culture tourism training, hospitality, culinary arts, sound men, workforce training and placement program embracing D.C.'s rich culture. It will focus on Returning Citizens and the LGBTQ community in partnership between Check It Enterprises, National Association of the Advancement of Returning Citizens and Yaay Me Inc.
If you are interested in donating to the museum’s fundraiser, click here.
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