Kennedy Center Restored

Last year, Donald Trump took over the Kennedy Center. He said the programs there were "too woke." Fall out was immediate. So many performers pulled out of their shows that Donald decided to shut the center down, for "renovations." Then he decided to add his name to the signage. It now read "The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." Voices in congress pointed out that this was a Memorial Center to President Kennedy, and Trump should not have his name attached. One member of congress, Representative Joyce Beatty from Ohio, took action. She sued to have Donald Trump's name removed from the building.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the Kennedy Center was meant to be a living memorial to John F. Kennedy and only congress, not a sitting President, could change that. Trump's name was ordered to come off of anything related to the Kennedy Center, including the signage.

Friday June 12th was the deadline to remove Trump permanently from the Kennedy Center. The weather was cloudy and rainy. Crowds gathered to watch the letters come off the building. Trump made a last minute attempt to stop the process, but the Judge denied. Shortly afterwards, a rainbow transformed the sky. Onlookers took pictures and videos, posting them to social media sites. The crowd mentioned "signs from God," or "Mother Nature." Although Trump vainly ordered a tarp to cover the destruction, Americans knew what was happening. It was a triumph for checks and balances.

Rep. Joyce Beatty was there. She stated, "Today's victory is the beginning of returning the Kennedy Center to the American people." The process dragged on until Saturday morning, and still the tarp remains. Donald Trump does not want to admit he lost this battle.

As someone who grew up in Silver Spring, MD, close to the D.C. line, the Kennedy Center was truly the heart of the arts for me. I had field trips to the Kennedy Center. In high school when I was very involved in musical theater, I got to see Tommy Tune and Sandy Duncan in "My One and Only," and even meet them afterwards.

I attended The American University in Washington D.C., majoring in Print Journalism with a minor in Dance. Washington was part of the campus for me as a student. We went to Congress and the Senate Building. We interviewed Representatives. For my Dance minor, going to performances and writing about them was part of my experience. I remember going to the Performing Arts Library at the Kennedy Center and finding amazing reference books to study.

Later in life, I attended a performance of "Man of La Mancha" that starred Raul Julia and Sheena Easton at the Kennedy Center. The building was still red carpet and gold statues, but just as magical. Even passing by the Kennedy Center through the years inspired my heart. The building was designed to inspire, and showcase art. It was not designed to promote Trump or his brand.

I was disheartened when I heard Trump had taken over the Kennedy Center last year. It was also frightening in that it echoed Hitler's Germany. Hitler also went after the Arts, and twisted them to honor his vision of Germany. Trump has taken over so much of our Nation's Capital. I had begun to adjust to this new normal of defeat. But Friday, I felt something akin to hope. Watching Donald Trump be humbled by the democratic process sparked courage in my heart. In a democracy, no one is above the law, including the President. I pray that this victory will lead to more victories, toward a better America.