FAIRFAX, Va. — Only one race on today’s primary ballot, but my vote is in. #EveryElection #myvoicecounts #KENTCANDO
Husband, Father, Man of God
NMAAHC 10th Anniversary Celebration
WASHINGTON — Last night, Thurraya and I had the honor of attending the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
For the past decade, this extraordinary museum has preserved, shared, and celebrated the stories, struggles, achievements, and enduring contributions of African Americans to our nation's history. Since opening in 2016, it has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world, becoming a place of education, reflection, inspiration, and hope.
The evening brought together guests to commemorate this important milestone with opening remarks, a special anniversary program, and an opportunity to celebrate the museum's remarkable first ten years. Walking through the museum and sharing in this celebration was a powerful reminder that history is not only something we study—it is something we preserve, honor, and pass on to future generations.
#TodaysAdventure #MyDMV #KENTCANDO #TeamKent #NMAAHC #Smithsonian #BlackHistory #HistoryMatters
My Annandale: Cat Janice Mural
ANNANDALE, Va. — Annandale has long been home to talented artists and musicians, and few have touched hearts around the world like Cat Janice.
Born Catherine Ipsan the Annandale native was a singer-songwriter whose music inspired millions. After being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, she released her final single, Dance Outta My Head, ensuring that all proceeds would support her young son. The song became a global sensation, reaching the top of the TikTok Billboard chart and introducing her remarkable story of love, courage, and resilience to audiences worldwide.
Today, her legacy is being celebrated in Annandale with a beautiful new mural on the side of the Annandale Watch & Clock building at 4221 Annandale Road. The mural depicts Cat singing into a microphone, surrounded by flowers she loved, a star-filled night sky, and the poignant lyric, "I see you in the stars now." The project was inspired by her husband, Kyle Higginbotham, and made possible with the support of her family and the local community.
The mural is more than public art—it is a lasting tribute to an Annandale native whose music, strength, and generosity continue to inspire people around the world.
#TodaysAdventure #MyDMV #Annandale #GetOutside #OutdoorAdventures #KENTCANDO #JustMe #PhotoWalk
Civilian Conservation Corps (Colored) Camp Historical Marker
SPRINGFIELD, Va. — During the New Deal era, the Civilian Conservation Corps established racially segregated camps across the South and border states. The Depression-era Colored CCC camp at Fort Belvoir (Army 3 VA-2399 C) was home to African American enrollees who constructed fire trails and other conservation infrastructure throughout Fairfax County's forests. Like all Colored CCC camps, the Fort Belvoir unit operated under federal segregation policies, reflecting the compromise that President Franklin D. Roosevelt made with Southern Democrats to secure passage of New Deal legislation.
Today, the Fairfax County historical highway marker near the Lake Accotink Park Headquarters building acknowledges both the labor contributions of these men and the discriminatory system under which they served.
Monocacy National Battlefield
FREDERICK, Md. — On July 9, 1864, Federal soldiers, although outnumbered three to one, fought gallantly along the banks of the Monocacy River to buy time for Union reinforcements to arrive in Washington, DC to defend the city from advancing Confederate forces. Because of their actions, the Battle of Monocacy is known as the “Battle that Saved Washington.”
Designated as a National Military Park by Congress in 1934, Monocacy National Battlefield Park officially opened to the public in 1991.