THE HEARTBEAT OF DC

A Washington Spirit game is the heartbeat of DC with non-stop drums coming from the Spirit Squadron and fan section. Among the diverse crowd of intergenerational Americans are pride flags flying high and chants for DC to “rise up.” At the 51st minute, the crowd chants proudly, “Free DC” in our pursuit of statehood.

Image by Sam Pittman

SINCE 2012

Soccer in the district has come a long way since the Washington Freedom started playing at RFK stadium in 2001, shortly after the iconic 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final. The NWSL gave new life to the sport in 2012 when the Spirit played during the inaugural season. The following decade would be pivotal for the growth of women’s soccer. Read the 2012 press release.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

The 2019 National Team won the World Cup and paraded down Broadway in NYC with visibility for their ongoing fight for equal pay. Using the momentum from their victory, they negotiated a historic Collective Bargaining Agreement which was signed right here in Washington, DC at Audi Field on September 6th, 2022.

Image by Sam Pittman

OWNER MICHELLE KANG

There is no doubt where Michelle Kang’s vision for the sport is: the potential of a better future. In 2024, she made a $30 million dollar pledge to invest in U.S. Soccer to support female players, coaches, and referees. Supporting her efforts are notable Spirit investors such as Chelsea Clinton, Jenna Bush Hager, Dominique Dawes, and Briana Scurry. Most recently, Magic Johnson announced his investment, followed by a local visit to meet young soccer players at Ida B. Wells elementary school. 

THE RISE OF WOMEN’S SPORTS

Well, what’s a story about the nation’s capital without a policy reference? Today, we have Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and its author Patsy Mink to thank. This was a federal law that prohibited sex discrimination under any federally-funded education program, essentially mandating equal access to sports in schools. Since then, generations of girls have hit the ground running. Read more from NWHM.

Image by Sam Pittman

In a historic election on Tuesday November 3rd, Janesse Lewis George was officially voted in as DC’s new Mayor. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, who is featured in our book and shared this post in celebration:

“Your win is a win for the community you have poured into, for the women who see themselves in your leadership, and for every young girl in the District who now knows what is possible. This moment is bigger than a title. It is the fruit of the work, and we are proud to see it. Xi Omega stands with you as you step into this next chapter, championing service to all mankind, empowering sisterhood, and transforming the world from our home in Washington, DC.” Read the full post.

This book records the legacies of these women and encourages readers to explore their names on headstones, street signs, and buildings, while also discovering where hidden history is unmarked. Rising from a strong foundation, modern DC women have continued to nurture the legacy of their foremothers as chefs, artists, athletes, philanthropists, politicians, and entrepreneurs.

PK stands for Penelope Kix and is a fan of our book too!

Briana Scurry was a pioneer on the U.S. Women’s National Team. She won gold in Atlanta in 1996, the first time women’s soccer was ever played in the Olympics. She was a key part of the fabled “99ers,” making an epic save in the decisive penalty-kick shootout in the final. She is pictured here with TOHO President Kaitlin Calogera exchanging books with each other.

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3 Night, 3 City

Women’s Sports Trip

Janaury 21st-24th 2027

Take in the buzz of New York City, the excitement of Philadelphia, and grit of Washington, DC. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the East Coast through the lens of women’s sports, feminist history, and LGBTQ+ culture. From an iconic basketball game to historic walking tours, find meaningful connection with other like-minded travelers and fans.

Forward to Your Friends!