As executive director of the League of African-American Women and founder of the political leadership-training program Young Advocates, Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-Calif.) has garnered a number of quiz-worthy firsts in her career of public service. She was the first black woman to chair the House Administration Committee. Soon she will have another accomplishment of which she can be proud.

Millender-McDonald will deliver the keynote address for the Library of Congress’ celebration of African-American History Month at 1 p.m. today in the Mumford Room of the Library’s James Madison Building. John Fleming, national president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, will also speak. The event is free and open to the public.

Residents Rally in Support of Boys & Girls Clubs

Capitol Hill-area residents concerned over the future of the eastern branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America will meet for a rally Saturday to garner support for the continued use of the club’s building.

Alarm broke out in the community recently when the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington announced that it was undergoing a study into its facilities and their efficiency. Rumors that the eastern branch will close has sparked action from activists.

The Saturday rally will start at 2 p.m. across the street from the eastern branch at Massachusetts Avenue and 17th Street Southeast. Participants will discuss possibilities for the building in preparation for future meetings with Boys & Girls Clubs officials, said organizer Will Cobb, who ran unsuccessfully last fall for the Ward 6 D.C. Council seat.

“People do care about this club and the community wants to be part of this dialogue, more than just checking a box,” he said.

Saturday originally was the date of a meeting at the club’s eastern branch, but Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington CEO Will Gunn said he changed the date because he won’t be able to attend this weekend.

Now that meeting is set for 2-5 p.m. Feb. 25. Gunn said residents will be able to give suggestions, which will then be included in the study.

“I applaud the fact that they love the club and that they want to help,” he said. “I also hope, though, that in their desire to be of help that they don’t contribute to a situation that has a negative impact on the people we’re trying to help, and that is the children.”

— Evan Haine-Roberts and Emily Yehle