The 18th Annual Ward 6 Brickie Awards took place Thursday, Dec. 5 at Arena Stage in the Molly Smith Study on the first floor (1101 6th St SW). Throngs of Ward 6 neighbors attended the event, hosted by Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D).
The Brickie Awards are an annual celebration of Ward 6, with actual bricks given as awards to winners in five categories: Neighbor, Community Organization, Business, Public Service, and Civic Pride.
Established as the ‘Livable Walkable Awards’ by then-Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, a 2023 winner, the awards are presented as engraved bricks. The event was nicknamed ‘The Brickies’ by Hill Rag Editor Andrew Lightman and th name stuck.
“Each year, the Brickies are such an uplifting evening,” Allen said. “The people recognized are inspiring, the food and drinks are delicious, the venue is spectacular, and the evening is a reminder of everything great about living in Ward 6.”
Neighbor Award: Ward 6 Pedestrian Advocates
The neighbor award usually goes to a single person, but this year Allen presented it to a group of neighbors working together for safer and better sidewalks throughout the Hill community. They include Cheryle Adams, Ward 6’s representative on the District’s Pedestrian Advisory Council. It also included of the Capitol Hill Village Sidewalk Safety Team, led by former ANC 6C Commissioner Scott Price. Together they are working to encourage the DC government to prioritize the safety of all those who use the streets and sidewalks.
Community Organization Award: Waterfront Village
The award went to Waterfront Village, an organization of neighbors in Southwest DC. Together they work to connect and serve older neighbors by building a strong community, delivering key services, and advocating for neighborhoods that ensure seniors can live active, vibrant, and independent lives in Southwest. These include cultural and wellness programs, neighbor-to-neighbor volunteers and referrals to local services, resources and providers.
Public Service Award: DC Health’s Ward 6 Rodent Control Team
The award goes to DC Health’s responsive, persistent, hard-working, and dedicated Ward 6 rodent control team, which fights rats in alleyways, behind buildings, in parks, and everywhere else they are found. Their work improves the quality of lives and public health in Ward 6.
Business Award: Solid State Books
The award goes to H Street NE bookshop Solid State Books. The store has something for everyone and is a dedicated and active member of the local business community. Allen said that owners Scott Abel and Jake Cumsky-Whitlock have created a special space where neighbors meet up, residents book clubs, and people can grab a cup of coffee while finding their latest great read. They’re also a leading voice among local businesses, helping participate in everything from school fundraisers to improving safety and quality of life along the H Street corridor. Check out storytime with Mrs. Claus Dec. 12, 14 and 15! See the Solid State events calendar.
Civic Pride Award: The Shirley Chisholm Elementary School Community
The Shirley Chisholm Elementary (1001 G St. SE) community of staff, PTA leaders, parents, and students work together create a safe, inclusive, and ionate environment for student learning. The award particularly highlights the efforts over the last few years that culminated in 2024 with a successful effort to rename the school which was formerly the John Tyler ES. The process included the entire school community and resulted in legislation Allen ushered through the Council. Chisholm school leadership has also hosted a regular Safety Hub that brings together leaders from the neighborhood, school, public safety and community service organizations to meet the needs of the whole child and family.
Special Recognition: The Hill is Home
This special award recognized the 15-year anniversary of the founding of The Hill is Home, a ubiquitous local blog and social media presence documenting and driving daily life for Ward 6 neighbors. The tireless work and ion of Maria Helena Carey, the blog’s author, is the primary reason for its popularity, along with the regular contributions of local historian and tour guide Robert Pohl, whose pieces are must-reads for anyone wanting to deepen their local history knowledge.
Attendees enjoyed free food and beverages generously donated by Ward 6 and local
DC businesses.
From the H Street Corridor and Northeast: The Queen Vic | Tiki Garden Thai Street Food | Paste & Rind | Sticky Rice | H Street Liquors
From Capitol Hill: Tunnicliff’s Tavern | Hill East Burger | We, The Pizza | Little Pearl | The Pretzel Bakery | DCanter | Mr. Henry’s
From Southwest: Good Company Doughnuts & Café | Bartaco | Cordial at The Wharf
Out of Mt. Vernon Triangle: A Baked t
And brewing up fun here in DC: Atlas Brew Works | DC Brau
