Over 3,000 people crowded the streets of northwest Washington D.C. on Tuesday night for Moechella—a mashup of D.C. slang “Moe” and Coachella—to protest against gentrifiers who have been fighting the city’s native go-go music.
What We Know…
- The “Save Chocolate City Protest” stemmed from a complaint that was made back in march against a Metro PCS store in the historically Black Shaw neighborhood for playing go-go music too loud. Despite the store being known for playing go-go music and not having a complaint in nearly 25 years, Metro PCS’ parent company T-Mobile, ordered the store to stop the tradition.
- In April, the chief executive of T-Mobile, John Legere, tweeted a statement in support of the Metro PCS store playing go-go music and that they would negotiate volume levels.
I’ve looked into this issue myself and the music should NOT stop in D.C.! @TMobile and @MetroByTMobile are proud to be part of the Shaw community – the music will go on and our dealer will work with the neighbors to compromise volume. https://t.co/qXvwzmc24E
— John Legere (@JohnLegere) April 10, 2019
- The hashtag #DontMuteDC was created in response to the temporary silencing of the Metro PCS store. However, other concerns about safety in communities, access to healthcare, and school budgets, became just as much a part of the #DontMuteDC conversation.
- An online petition, which garnered over 70,000 signatures, was also created to keep the store playing its go-go-music.
- This was the city’s third peaceful protest since the complaint, and was hosted by rapper and Moechella organizer , Yaddiya. The protest was lead by D.C. shadow senator Big G, aka Slim Charles from The Wire, Backyard Band, the legendary DJ Kool, DJ Domo, and Hav Mercy.
#MOECHELLA was classic. Three thousand people singing Pretty Girls 🔥🔥 #DontMuteDC ( via @BackyardBand) pic.twitter.com/lNljH31ifI
— DC Maryland Virginia (@DMVFollowers) May 8, 2019
Yaddiya, said in an interview that the goal of Moechella is not only to spread awareness about preserving the city’s lifestyle and culture, but also to give people a platform to express their concerns and connect with the community.
We will continue to follow this story.
