DC Councilmember honored by Wanda Alston Foundation

DC At-Large Councilmember Doni Crawford receives inaugural Wanda Alston Legacy Award

About 100 people turned out Tuesday evening, April 7, for a presentation by D.C.’s Wanda Alston Foundation of its inaugural Wanda Alston Legacy Award to D.C. Council member Doni Crawford (I-At-Large) for her support for the foundation’s mission to support homeless LGBTQ youth.

Among those who attended the event was Japer Bowles, director of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, who delivered an official proclamation issued by Bowser declaring April 7, 2026 “A Day of Remembrance for Wanda Alston.” Alston, a beloved women’s and LGBTQ rights activist, served as the city’s first director of the then newly created Office of LGBTQ Affairs under then-Mayor Anthony Williams from 2004 until her death by murder on March 16, 2005.

Crawford was among those attending the award event who reflected on Alston’s legacy and outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ and feminist causes.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this inaugural award,” Crawford told the Washington Blade at the conclusion of the event. “I think the world of Wanda Alston. She has set such a great foundation for me and other Council members to build on,” she said.

“Her focus on inclusivity and intersectionality is really important as we approach this work,” Crawford added. “And it’s going to guide my work at the Council every day.”

Crawford was appointed to the D.C. Council in January of this year to replace then Council member Kenyan McDuffie (I-At-Large), who resigned to run for D.C. mayor as a Democrat. She is being challenged by four other independent candidates in a June 16 special election for the Council seat.

Under the city’s Home Rule Charter written and approved by Congress, the seat is one of two D.C. Council at-large seats that cannot be held by a “majority party” candidate, meaning a Democrat.

A statement released by the Alston Foundation last month announcing Crawford’s selection for the Wanda Alston Legacy Award praised Crawford’s record of support for its work on behalf of LGBTQ youth. 

“From behind the scenes to now serving as an At-Large Council member, she has fought fearlessly for affordable housing, LGBTQ+ funding priorities, and racial justice,” the statement says. “Council member Crawford’s leadership reflects the same courage and conviction that defined Wanda’s legacy.”

Organizers of the event noted that it was held on what would have been Wanda Alston’s 67th birthday.

“Today’s legacy reception was a smashing success,” said Cesar Toledo, the Alston Foundation’s executive director. “Not only did we come together to celebrate Wanda Alston on her birthday, but we also were able to raise over $10,000 for our homeless LGBTQ youth here in D.C.,” Toledo told the Blade.    

“In addition to that, we celebrated and we acknowledged a rising star in our community,” he said. “And that is At-Large Council member Doni Crawford, who we named the inaugural Wanda Alston Legacy Award recipient.”

Read more in the Washington Blade here.

Councilmember Crawford Named Inaugural Wanda Alston Legacy Awardee

Washington, DC - The Wanda Alston Foundation is proud to announce At-Large Councilmember Doni Crawford as the recipient of the inaugural Wanda Alston Legacy Award, an honor to a rising community leader who carries forward Wanda’s bold spirit, commitment to equity, and longtime support for the LGBTQ+ community.

“In a newly surfaced interview, Wanda spoke about leadership, where she shared: There are two types of people. Those that talk about doing and those that do. Councilmember Crawford is one of those who do,” said Cesar Toledo, Executive Director of Wanda Alston Foundation.  

“From behind the scenes to now serving as a Councilmember, she has fought fearlessly for affordable housing, LGBTQ+ funding priorities, and racial justice. Councilmember Crawford’s leadership reflects the same courage and conviction that defined Wanda’s legacy.”

“Wanda Alston’s story helped shape DC’s LGBTQ+ history and reminds me that real change happens when people refuse to stay silent,” said Councilmember Doni Crawford. “I’m deeply honored to receive this award and to carry forward Wanda Alston’s vision for a fairer and more just city.”

The award will be presented on April 7, Wanda Alston’s birthday. While Wanda’s life was tragically cut short, her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of leaders.

Date:   Tuesday, April 7th 
Time:   5:00pm - 7:00pm 
Program: 6pm
Location: Crush Bar, 2007 14th St NW

This is an open-press event with reporters; reporters should RSVP with Cesar Toledo at Ctoledo@wandaalstonfoundation.org.  

###

About At-Large Councilmember Doni Crawford
Doni Crawford serves as an At-Large Councilmember for the District of Columbia, with more than a decade of experience in public policy, economic development, and racial equity. Prior to her appointment, Doni was Committee Director for the Council’s Committee on Business and Economic Development, where she led complex budget oversight and advanced legislation to strengthen small businesses, commercial corridors, and inclusive economic growth. She played a pivotal role in negotiating the Commanders stadium redevelopment deal, ensuring robust community benefits, local hiring requirements, and accountability measures. More here.

About Wanda Alston Foundation 
Since 2008, the Wanda Alston Foundation has been providing housing, support services, and pathways to economic mobility for at-risk & homeless LGBTQ+ youth in the Nation’s Capital. More here.