From University of the District of Columbia (UDC)

The University of the District of Columbia will be joined by community members and local leaders on Friday, Sept. 11 to unveil a memorial plaque honoring Sarah Clark and Asia Cottom, a teacher and student at the former Bertie Backus school who were killed aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on Sept. 11, 2001. The event will include remarks from community leaders and invited guests, a moment of silence and the dedication of the plaque. Light refreshments to follow.

The plaque will be permanently installed at the former Bertie Backus school, now home to UDC Community College at Lamond-Riggs. The memorial was created through a partnership among community members, ANC 5A and UDC staff. 

What: Memorial plaque unveiling honoring Sarah Clark and Asia Cottom
When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Where: UDC Community College, 5171 South Dakota Ave. NE
Who: Community members and leaders, UDC representatives and members of the Bertie Backus community