Issue date: 11/5/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Courtesy Photo. India and Kathy Henderson.

Like most UDC students, India Henderson is a working adult. Both a junior and Biology major, her schedule can be hectic. However, India has another duty that makes her unique to many young women her age. Endowed with not only brains and beauty, the twenty-one year old also has heart-for her community.

India Henderson serves a voluntary role as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) in the Carver Terrace Community located in Northeast D.C.
"The [responsibilities of a Commissioner are to] protect and value the quality of life for all residents living in their [Single Member District]," Commissioner Henderson informs. "…We are the first level of government that you go to… We take all of the concerns of the citizens and bring them before the different directors of agencies."

Commissioner Henderson's job is by no means an easy task. In Carver Terrace alone, she addresses the needs of over 2,100 residents. If any of her constituents have a problem with trash pick-up, drug dealers, or controversial businesses setting up in her area, India can and will address those concerns to Mayor Fenty, Police Chief Lanier and Council Members. The list goes on. The ANC role is not new to India. Her mother, Kathy, has been Commissioner since she was eleven.

"I didn't necessarily know what her position entailed as much as I do now," India admitted. "But I knew that the [Metropolitan Police Department] were strong key holders in our partnerships." She goes on to note how dangerous Carver Terrace was as a result in the increased crime and drug activity. "I was really scared [when my mother ran for office]; there were a lot of threats of violence that came along. It took a lot of work to gather community support. My mom became successful in getting her message across in two terms. She used to do clean-ups, host rallies, marches. She was really active."

Watching her mother's struggles and triumphs enabled to India run for Commissioner in 2006 when Kathy ran for Council Member. "I have been her sidekick for eight years…I stepped up to the plate."

India found out immediately that all her training would be put to the test. "In my first term in office, starting from October 31st [of last year] to March 19th, I had experienced four quadruple shootings in my area. I felt a great deal of pressure; now I was dealing with homicides." India even had to deal with the added frustration with establishing a relationship with the new Mayor and Police Chief. Eventually, the violence died down and India developed respect for Mayor Fenty and Police Chief Lanier.

Continued...

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