Our phones are still buzzing from last night's BET Music Awards. Salute to DC natives Taraji Henson and Regina Hall, and go-go legends Sugar Bear and James Funk for shining a national spotlight on the ongoing work needed to FULLY unmute DC. Thanks to everyone who came out to last week's Don't Mute DC strategy meeting at Check It Enterprises facilitated by Ronald Moten, and weighed in on Twitter and here to decide what to tackle next. Next up: 

--Natalie Hopkinson will be speaking at a panel at 6:30 p.m. tonight 6/24 at Plymouth Congregational Church on "DC Gentrification and Black Cultural Loss." 

--Follow The Smithsonian Folklife IG livestream of Tuesday's 6/25 evening practice for the Royal Pocket Tour produced by Ronald Moten with legendary conga players Smoke, Sauce, Wink, Jungle Boogie and more. They will be performing near our Don't Mute DC tent on The Mall Saturday. 

--Finally, come out for our "Don't Mute DC" block party on The Mall on Noon-5 p.m. Saturday 6/29 as part of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival theme, "The Social Power of Music." This will include live and multimedia appearances featuring store owner Donald Campbell, hashtag creator Julien Broomfield, music producer Tone P, and activist Tony Lewis Jr., and more.