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Today marks the 57th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington and it comes as thousands of people once again take to our streets demanding change. It’s a day where I am also reminded of my hero and my mother, Marie-Marcelle Buteau Racine. After emigrating to the United States from Haiti in 1963, she joined hundreds of thousands at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom calling out injustice. Maye, as we called her, passed away a few weeks ago. In today’s Washington Post, I reflect and marvel at the progress she lived through, saddened by all that remains unfinished, yet hopeful that today offers a new inflection point.

Despite all that’s changed in our society since 1963, racism and inequities remain. We still see law enforcement assaulting peaceful protestors. We still grieve the killings of unarmed black people by police. And we still fight against voter suppression. We need a federal government that makes voting easier and addresses structural racism. Most important though, we must continue raising our voices, as my mother did. Every eligible voter must register, make a plan to vote via mail or in person, and cast their ballot.

In 2017, in her 80s, my mother returned to Washington's streets for the Women's March with a handwritten sign that read, "Welcome to the New Civil Rights Era." She knew that if racism and hate persist, our civil rights will remain at stake. Maye won't get to witness where this New Civil Rights Era leads. But we owe it to her and her generation to take up their courageous fight—with our feet, our voices, and our vote—and see to it that progress marches on.

Karl A. Racine
Attorney General 

Voting By Mail is Safe and Secure

Everyone should have the choice to safely vote by mail during COVID-19, but the Trump Administration is intentionally and unlawfully undermining the delivery of mail in voting ballots for the purpose of interfering with the November elections. AG Racine sued to stop President Trump’s cuts to the postal service that have already caused significant delays in mail delivery and threaten states’ ability to hold free and fair elections. District residents can visit the D.C. Board of Elections website to make sure they are registered to vote and make a plan to cast their ballots.

Suing Instacart for Pocketing Funds Meant for Tips

This week, AG Racine sued Instacart, a grocery delivery service, for charging District consumers millions in deceptive fees while simultaneously failing to pay D.C. sales taxes. OAG alleges Instacart tricked consumers into believing they were tipping grocery delivery workers when, in fact, the company was charging them extra fees and pocketing the money. OAG is seeking restitution for consumers, back taxes and interest owed to the District, and civil penalties. You can report illegal or unfair business practices to our office by calling (202) 442-9828, emailing consumer.protection@dc.gov, or filing a complaint online.

WIN: Stopping Housing Discrimination

Local landlord, Evolve LLC, must pay up to $250K to resolve an OAG housing discrimination lawsuit for denying rentals to low-income residents who use housing vouchers to pay rent. Evolve is also required to affirmatively state that it rents to housing voucher participants, implement policies to comply with D.C.’s anti-discrimination laws, and implement mandatory anti-discrimination training for employees. Report discrimination of any kind to OAG at 202-727-3400 or OAGCivilRights@dc.gov. You can also file a complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights.

Holding Washington Sports Club Accountable for Misleading Consumers

For the second time, AG Racine is suing Washington Sports Clubs’ (WSC) parent company for misleading District consumers about its membership policies. WSC did not honor an agreement to credit fees and cancel memberships during COVID-19 gym closures. Any WSC member who has been unlawfully charged membership dues or fees can file a complaint with OAG by calling (202) 442-9828, emailing Consumer.Protection@dc.gov, or submitting a complaint online.

Helping Families Support Their Children Year-round

August is Child Support Awareness Month, and OAG continues to help D.C. parents support their children and ensure they thrive. OAG launched a new online child support application and is continuing its job readiness program during COVID-19. While Child Support Services is still teleworking, you can access all of their services by phone, email, or online. Learn how you can obtain a child support order, get help collecting payments, or establish paternity by calling (202) 442-9900 or visiting the Child Support Services website.

Cure the Streets Spotlight: Frederick Mercer

In OAG’s latest “Cure the Streets Spotlight,” Ward 8 violence interrupter Frederick Mercer highlights how Cure the Streets works to make communities safer: “We don’t have bullet proof vests. We don’t use weapons. We use communication.” This communication helps build relationships, resolve conflicts in the community, and prevent retaliation if violence does occur. Read a recent Washington Post article on how Frederick and his team were able to use Zoom meetings to de-escalate a brewing conflict in Washington Highlands. To learn more about Cure the Streets’ ongoing work and progress, check out our new data factsheet.

We’ve Moved: OAG offices now located at 400 6th Street NW

OAG has relocated its offices to 400 6th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. The office is still conveniently located near the Judiciary Square and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metrorail stops, major Metro bus routes, and both local and federal courts. While OAG continues to telework during the COVID-19 pandemic, District residents can still access OAG services by telephone, email, and online.