Bench for Hannah in Franklin Park
Hannah’s bench can be found in the SE corner of Franklin Park at 13th and Eye Streets.
Shana’s Speech at Bench Dedication
For those who haven’t gotten up close, the plaque reads “Friends of Hannah Levy”. Of course we had hoped for something more descriptive in recognition of our great loss. But after we started this process, we learned that Franklin Park is actually federal land managed by the National Park Service. And to be commemorated or memorialized in a national park, you need congressional authorization. Don’t think that Alex didn’t encourage us to try for that… But after being honest about what that might take, we decided that Hannah would understand that our advocacy energy would be better served in other efforts in her memory.
And because what really is the most important part of this plaque isn’t the language around her name, but its place here in the heart of downtown DC. As Hannah‘s mom reminded me in this process Hannah was born in DC and spent her early years in DC, in addition to all her working years.
This particular park is right in between the two Beekeeper offices that Hannah spent the most time at- 14/G and 14/L. I also love that it sits right on K Street which is nationally known as DC public affairs hub.
For me personally, though, part of the joy of this park, that people might not notice, is we are surrounded by mediocre lunch spots. One of Hannah‘s roles at work throughout the years was to take new employees to get lunch on their first day. We would bicker all the time about which places she should take them to get carry out to bring back to the office. Yes, that is in fact now a treasured memory.
Another reason this park is perfect is because the donation goes to the Downtown DC Foundation. They are the nonprofit arm of the downtown DC business district and they build a maintain community spaces like this one, as well as provide services to DC most vulnerable populations. I know Hannah would be proud to be connected to this cause.
And finally, the most important part of this spot is for Hannah‘s community of family, friends, and colleagues to have a local place to connect with her.
I’m sure we’ve all found ways to bury our grief as our busy lives demand, but I hope when you do have time to miss her or just to reflect —or the time picks you— that this is a place you can come. Or to just be comforted that it is here, keeping her memory alive.