COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA THE JOHN A. WILSON BUILDING 2350 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004, Davin Grosso ‘Committee Member Councilmember At-Large Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Education Finance and Revenue Health ‘Transportation and the Environmént Aprilas, 2025 Mr. David Smith Executive Director The Pearl Coalition 2000 Half Street SW Washington, DC 20024 Dear Mr. Smith: ‘As we embark upon Emancipation Day, lam honored to extend greetings to The Pearl Coalition (TPC), the Earth Conservation Corps and the Richardson Museum on the launch of its two-year Build the “Spirit of the Pearl” campaign launch to build a replica of the 1848 pearl cargo chartered by African ‘Americans to escape slavery. In my second year as an At-Large Councilmember of the D.C. Council, | have seen the passion and relentless commitment from David Smith, executive director of TPC and fully support his mission and clear vision of engaging students on African American history, fostering economic opportunity, and adding to the wide array of activities that attract visitors to our great city. There are many documented pieces that do not necessarily get covered in the history books and by building a replica of the "Pear!" schooner to raise awareness and provide students with an educational opportunity to learn about African American history is to be commended. | am excited to see this campaign come to fruition and as chairperson of the Committee on Education am invested in creating opportunities for our youth to be engaged in educational programs that promote social and economic development. The Pearl Coalition has my continued support. ° Sincerely, Outen David Grosso At-Large Councilmember Council of the District of Columbia