Washington, D.C. residents living in the Southeast neighborhood of Anacostia are in many ways isolated from the rest of the city. The geographical line of separation is drawn by the boundaries of the Potomac River. Residents of Anacostia have limited access to the resources available to residents of higher socioeconomic status in other quadrants of the city. "The Wishing Wall" is a chain link fence panel representing barriers, both geographic and systemic. It was installed in Anacostia Park and the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum where neighborhood residents were invited to write wishes for their community on multi-colored ribbons which they tied onto the fence. The community's wishes covered themes of access to affordable and nutritious food options, exposure to nature, and safe spaces to play or be physically active. Empirical evidence shows that meeting these needs can benefit physical and mental health. “The Wishing Wall" amplifies the voice of a community to disrupt the longstanding neglect by local and federal powers.
Activated at:
- Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
- TED Talks/TEDMED conference
- National Academy of Medicine
- Figment Festival
