By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
Silver Spring, Md. salutes its own: Olympic icon Dominique Dawes
Joined by loved ones, including her four children and fans, Silver Spring, Md. native Dominique Dawes was recently honored for her contributions to the sport of gymnastics, her community and to the nation.
Photo: Unsplash/ Bank Phrom
On Tuesday, July 23, the three-time Olympian who was the first African American to win an individual gold medal in gymnastics, witnessed the unveiling of a new statue at the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center (SSRAC).
During the ceremony, Dawes expressed her gratitude and highlighted the importance of inspiring future generations.
“I came from humble beginnings and I have never lost sight of what matters most and that is the ability to impact future generations,” she said during the unveiling. “This statue is part of my legacy and I hope each time a young boy or girl walks by, they too realize that anything is possible when you choose to work hard and never give up striving to be the best that you can be.”
Dawes, who said her family is more important than any Olympic accolade, also expressed pride in being able to make gymnastics more accessible – a feat she and her husband accomplished after opening the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academies in Montgomery County where she serves as the president, CEO and co-founder.
“Dominique Dawes has not only made history in the world of gymnastics but also left an indelible mark on our community and it is fitting that we honor her with this statue at our new Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.
“Her achievements as an Olympic athlete are extraordinary but what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to giving back to our community. This statue stands as a testament to her dedication, integrity and the positive impact she continues to have on young people in Montgomery County,” Elrich said.
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair to celebrate 75 Years of fun and tradition
The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, Maryland’s largest and most beloved annual event, returns this year, much to the delight of children and adults alike, from Aug. 9 through Aug. 17. This year will mark the fair’s 75th anniversary and promises to come alive with a spectacular line-up of entertainment, attractions and family-friendly activities.
Since 1949, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair has been a cherished tradition, bringing together the community for a week of agricultural education, entertainment and fun. Key events and attractions this year include:
Rodeo Spectacular: Saddle up for an adrenaline-pumping rodeo experience featuring skilled cowboys and cowgirls competing in fun events. It’s an exciting display of Western culture and athleticism that you won’t want to miss.
Demolition Derby: Get ready for the crunch and crash of metal as cars go head-to-head in the ultimate test of endurance. The demolition derby is a fan favorite, promising thrilling action and suspense.
Monster Trucks: Feel the ground shake as monster trucks roar into the arena, showcasing their power and agility. Watch as these massive vehicles perform jaw-dropping stunts and crush anything in their path.
Carnival Rides and Games: From exhilarating rides to classic carnival games, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the nostalgia of a Ferris wheel ride or try your luck at winning a prize.
Live Entertainment: The fair will feature a diverse lineup of musical performances, local talent shows and entertainment acts that cater to all ages and tastes. Whether you’re a fan of country, rock, or pop, there’s a show for you.
Agricultural Exhibits: Discover the rich agricultural heritage of Montgomery County through educational exhibits, livestock shows, and displays of local produce and crafts. Meet the farmers and artisans who contribute to our community’s vibrant agricultural scene.
Food and Vendors: Savor delicious fair food from a variety of vendors offering everything from classic funnel cakes to unique culinary creations. Browse through stalls featuring handmade crafts, local products and more.
All events and activities take place at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, Md. For more information including tickets, visit www.mcagfair.com.
Stay tuned!
Search for Fawzan Hassan, six, ends tragically at Gaithersburg, Maryland Park
A parent’s worst nightmare was realized after a six-year-old boy, Fawzan Hassan, was found dead on July 28. The boy was located in a pond adjacent to a playground where he first went missing at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg, Md.
Fawzan, who was nonverbal and had autism, was last seen on Saturday afternoon July 27 around 3 p.m. Initial reports indicate that he had been in the care of his grandmother whose attention was diverted away from him as she went looking for his younger sibling.
More than 100 volunteers assisted in search efforts for the little boy, while officers from both the Montgomery County police and fire departments searched throughout the night on Saturday and deployed drones with the assistance of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police. Police will share additional information to confirm the cause of the child’s death upon the release of results from a requested complete autopsy.
According to the National Autism Association, children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than the general population of children. Accidental drowning accounts for 71 percent of deaths and nearly half of wandering incidents happen when a non-parent is supervising the child.
According to a spokesperson for Autism Speaks, an organization committed to doing research for those with autism and their families, autistic individuals are routinely drawn to water but many are unable to comprehend the dangers associated with water.
“Tragically, the leading cause of death among autistic people who wander is drowning,” the spokesperson said.
Suggestions for those who have autistic children include: emphasize the dangers of water; take precautions to prevent wandering; sign up for swim lessons; develop a safety plan; and let your neighbors know about your child’s tendency to wander and his/her attraction to water so they can be on high alert.
While drowning is among the leading causes of death of individuals with autism, a 2017 study by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health found that deaths in individuals with autism increased 700 percent in the past 16 years and were three times as likely as in the general population to be caused by injuries. Recent studies also indicate that autistic youth and adults appear to have higher rates of suicidal thoughts, plans, or behaviors than other people do. As a group, their suicide risk may be two to seven times higher than the risk for youth and adults who do not have autism.
D.C. activists lead protest demanding justice for Sonya Massey, killed by Illinois cop
Outrage continues after the shooting death of Sonya Massey, 36, at the hands of former Deputy Sheriff Sean Grayson. The mother of two was shot and killed in her Illinois home on July 6. As Massey’s family continues to advocate for justice in Illinois, the D.C.- based organizations are doing the same in Washington D.C.
The D.C. Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression led a protest on July 28 at the Freedom Plaza in D.C., demanding justice for Massey and her family and remembering Massey’s life. At the gathering, the group called for the conviction of Grayson, who was fired and indicted by a grand jury shortly after the killing. Activists also called for the Metropolitan Police Department of D.C. to investigate and fire cops who have killed innocent civilians on duty.
