Weeks before the November 6, 2024 presidential election, I decided to book a January 2025 trip to Washington, D.C.

While I’ve been to D.C. several times before — I’d even gone to grad school there — this visit would be my first during an inauguration. I wanted to be there regardless of the election’s outcome.

It was a gamble, but here’s my rationale:

💬 If the first female person of color from California (my home state) was going to be sworn in as the 47th president, I wanted to witness that historic moment, especially with my daughters.

💬 If the candidate with 34 felony convictions was re-elected, it would still be an historic moment.

💬 Inauguration Day 2025 just so happens to fall on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (January 20). This year would be only the third time that’s happened since 1997 and 2013. I wanted to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. on actual MLK Day!

About MLK Day: Although Civil Rights Movement leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, the third Monday is observed as a federal holiday in the United States (since 1986) to honor his life and work dedicated to achieving a more inclusive society. It’s a day to reflect on the continuing struggle for civil rights, racial justice, and equality.

The Reality

Recrudescence: the return of something terrible after a time of reprieve 

Well, as we all know, Election Day 2024 came and went and Donald Trump was re-elected president.

Although I did not vote for him, I do respect the office of the president and the American democratic process. (Again, how 34 convictions don’t automatically disqualify someone from running for the highest office in the nation confounds me!)

It was announced only three days prior to the Inauguration that the events would be moved indoors due to extremely cold temperatures. I think it was a good call as it was bitterly cold (about 20°F with a wind chill that made it feel even colder, of course!)

incognito on Inauguration Day (with a cough and cold, too!)

My point of view 

I was in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 2025 and from what I could tell, there was a peaceful transition of power.

There were police officers everywhere, on foot, on bicycle, in helicopters, and by car. We caught a glimpse (mainly heard the sirens) of the motorcade around 10:30 a.m. (ET) as it made its way to the U.S. Capitol.

There were minor service interruptions on the Metro (skipping some stations, for example) 
To deter spectators (I assume), they removed all of the folding chairs, video screens and audio equipment, but the portable toilets were still there
Although it was announced on January 17 that the Inauguration would be moved indoors, the west side (exterior) of the U. S. Capitol was still decorated on January 20
Despite reports of widespread loud protests in D.C., I didn’t see/hear any on the National Mall on January 20
View of the Lincoln Memorial (center) and World War II Memorial (right) from the Washington Monument, where it was extremely windy!
A replica of the Parisian métro is part of the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
The Memorial honoring third U.S. President Thomas Jefferson (and America’s most famous Francophile) can be seen in the distance. The Tidal Basin is frozen thanks to rare Arctic air!
part of a line from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech is carved on his memorial: “with this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope”
wreaths in front of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on MLK Day (January 20, 2025)

At the precise moment of the presidential oath, at 12:01 p.m. (ET), my family and I were inside the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bookstore (located just yards behind the two slabs of stone above). The beauty of it was that it was perfect timing.

In a 1956 sermon he delivered in Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. King, who was an advocate for nonviolent resistance, said, “Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.” Every time the president does something outrageous, I will remind myself of Dr. King’s words and seek understanding.✌🏼

There were no protests at other D.C. neighborhoods we went to, like U Street and Columbia Heights
Ben’s Chili Bowl on 1213 U Street opened in 1958 and is part of the African American Heritage Trail (you must have Virginia Ali’s first-rate banana pudding!)
each cup sleeve is handstamped with the Little Hat Coffee logo

After our lunch of spicy half smokes, chili, and fries at Ben’s Chili Bowl, we walked a few blocks north to Little Hat Coffee in the Columbia Heights neighborhood. It has received dozens of rave reviews for their matcha lattes. It was our first time there, but the baristas were so warm and welcoming that we felt like regulars! They even gave us some cookies on the house. It’s a kiosk located inside Streets Market, so you might miss it if you walk by too quickly. I recommend a visit to this café whether or not you’re a matcha fan! As the saying goes, come for “a cup of kindness!” ☕️ 🍵

My heart goes out to the families and friends of the 67 people killed in the midair collision of an Army helicopter and commercial airline near Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C. on January 29, 2025. 🕊️

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