People's District

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

Termaie is pictured with his son Michael

“I am from this city. My parents and grandparents are from this city. In fact, I am a fifth generation Washingtonian and my three boys are sixth generation. I was raised in Anacostia, but spent a lot of time with my grandmother in Capitol Hill when I was growing up. I feel like I have been all over Washington and I love this city. Really, I love everywhere in this city.

“As a kid, I went to the Smithsonian every weekend and felt like that place was my playground. I learned to play sports at our recreation centers and even learned how to dance salsa because of our Hispanic population. I took all of these things with me when I went to the Navy. Over my five years on a ship, I went to over 60 countries, but I always missed D.C. and looked forward to coming back home. My friends in the Navy always wanted to know about the history and politics of this city. I would teach them about that stuff, but also let them know about our other things, like go-go, of course.

“When I got out of the military, I took advantage of the G.I. Bill to get my degree at Bowie State University and then took a job as a procurement analyst with Homeland Security. Now, I own a home in Anacostia and am raising my family there. Just like when I was a kid, I take my boys who are four, six, and eight to the Smithsonian and introduce them to places like Georgetown. We talk about how the president and lawmakers from all over the country live in this city and make decisions for all Americans.

“Today, I am taking my two older boys to their first real baseball practice. They have played T-Ball before, but never baseball. I remember my first day playing at the recreation center near my house, so this is a very special day for me. I feel fortunate that I was able to experience so much in this city, and I am going to give that same experience to my kids.”

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