WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — For 38 years, Washington, D.C. has celebrated Adoption Day aimed at raising awareness about adoption and helping children find forever families. On Saturday, dozens of families and even city leadership gathered at D.C.'s Superior Courthouse to share how adoption impacted their lives and hope their stories can inspire others.
“This truly is the single greatest day for the Superior Court each and every year, bar none," said Hon. Milton Lee, Chief Judge, Superior Court of D.C.
It's a celebration of those who made that life-changing decision, like Tracie Wilson-Brockington who finalized the adoption of 1-year-old Jessey this month.
“Don't be scared, just take a leap of faith. If God gives you the ability the space to love, to do it, then just do it," said Wilson-Brockington whose mother and aunt adopted before her.
“We raise like a village, it's a village of us," she said. "There's never not enough love to go around.”
"She's always been a part of our family, but for us to, by law, actually have her as a part of our family and carry our name is the best thing we could have ever asked for," said Wilson-Brockington's daughter, Alexiya Wilson. "We are forever grateful.”
A feeling D.C.’s Mayor, Muriel Bowser, experienced six years ago.
“On Aug. 16, 2018, my adoption was finalized, and I became Miranda’s mom, and it is the single best decision I have made in my life," said Bowser at Saturday's Adoption Day.
It's a decision D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith is grateful her adoptive parents made.
"It was this week over 30 years ago where I entered the foster care system, and I spent over six months in the foster care system before a pastor and his wife thought enough of my brother and myself to adopt us," said Smith.
According to DC's Superior Court, 144 children were adopted this past year. As of Sept. 30, 542 children remain in foster care.
If you are interested in adopting, or are looking for more information, dial (202) 671-5683.