“She never asked for the role, but somehow she became the one everyone turns to when they need help. When you’ve been rooted in a place long enough, you start to feel responsible for the soil.”
That’s how one longtime resident described their neighbor when nominating Pam McKinney for our Thankful Neighbors series featured at the Southwest library and in The Southwester—a celebration of those in our community who consistently go above and beyond.
And that’s where the idea started.
Here at the Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID), we spend our days keeping the neighborhood clean, green, and safe. But the heartbeat of Southwest isn’t the planters or the sidewalks—it’s the people. The everyday neighbors who wave to the Ambassador crew, the people who show up to every event here ready to participate, and the artists who turn blank walls into public joy.
We realized it’s time for you to meet them.
So we launched a new series: The Southwest, Hell Yes! Neighbor Spotlight Series.
This storytelling project shines a light on the amazing people who make Southwest DC more than just a place—it makes it a community. Through video portraits and personal stories, we’ll introduce you to neighbors who are making a quiet yet significant impact: mentors, volunteers, artists, organizers, and the individuals who simply make the community a little brighter.
Over the course of five weeks, we shared these new stories on social media. Some will make you smile. Some will make you think. But all of them will remind you that behind every door, on every street, is someone helping shape the character of our home.
Want to hear about someone specific? Let us know through Instagram. We’d love to hear from you. These are your stories as much as ours.
Thanks for tuning into the Southwest, Hell Yes! Neighbor Spotlight Series. Let’s meet the neighborhood—one neighbor at a time.
First up is long-time neighbor and advocate, Thelma Jones! She’s already a Southwest celebrity and breast cancer advocate, but if you see her around, be sure to tell her you’ve seen her video!
For our second Neighbor Spotlight series, our favorite grill master, Bufus! Bufus is a SW legend who frequently helps with our events. If you see him, say hello. He loves singing too. 😉
Eric, the founder of SW Academy, is all about empowering youth and strengthening our community. Through his programs, he bridges gaps and helps everyone harness their unique skills to grow and thrive.
Pam has poured her heart and soul into carving out a little corner of the neighborhood to benefit everyone and create a real sense of community through gardening. She has even been a Pocket Change winner in the past, providing public housing residents with access to healthy food and cooking resources.
Westminster’s Brian Hamilton is a longtime beloved neighbor who runs the Jazz and Blues ministry. His commitment to community development through the arts has resulted in the award-winning experience of Friday Night Jazz, Blue Monday Blues, Thinking About Jazz, SW Catering, and more!