Afro Washington, D.C. Newspaper, December 20, 2008 by Afro American Newspapers editor

Volume 117 No. 19

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DECEMBER 20, 2008 - DECEMBER 26, 2008

Powell to GOP: Listen to Minorities A2

Journey to the White House

Pr. George’s Politicos Empowered A10

OPINION

White People And Race A12

Evolution of John Legend B3

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Black Middle Class in Crisis By Zenitha Prince Washington Bureau Chief

47105 21847

President-elect Barack Obama gestures during a news conference in Chicago where he continued to announce his cabinet nominees. Recently he announced current Chicago school district chief Arne Duncan as Education secretary; former Sen. Tom Daschle for Health and Human Services; and New York City Housing Commissioner Shaun Donovan to head Housing and Urban Development.

The current economic crisis has waged a particularly severe attack on the Black middle-class in the United States, experts say. For African Americans, “2008 was not a good year,” said Algernon Austin, director of Program on Race, Ethnicity and the Economy at the Economic Policy Institute, “and unfortunately, it looks like things will get worse.” The adage that when America sneezes, Black America catches a cold has held true, making it almost inevitable that African Americans would bear the brunt of the country’s financial woes, economists say. Continued on A11

It’s Official! Obama Elected 44th President

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Electors in 50 States and D.C. Cast Votes By Sean Yoes and Zenitha Prince AFRO Staff Writers Members of the Electoral College in all 50 states and the District of Columbia officially cast their ballots Monday, in one of the final steps in the 2008 presidential election toward certifying Barack Obama as the 44th president and Joe Biden as vice president of the United States. The vote is largely a formality and took place despite a flurry of legal roadblocks meant to stop the Dec. 15 conclave, including a challenge to Obama’s eligibility that was shot down by the Supreme Court on Dec. 8.

Although the election was determined more than a month ago, the results became official only when the nation’s 538 Electoral College members voted in state capitals across the nation. The 538 electors represent the number of a state’s senators and representatives in the U.S. Congress, and include the District of Columbia which is given electors as if it were a state. U.S. territories are not represented in the Electoral College. This is an absolute honor. I am delighted to be a part of this incredibly historic moment and Continued on A4

A2 The Washington Afro-American, December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008

In The News Powell: GOP Should Listen to Minority Groups, Not Rush Limbaugh The Republican Party must stop “shouting at the world” and start listening to minority groups if it is to win elections in the 21st century, says former Secretary of State Colin Powell. In an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria that aired Dec. 14, Powell said the Republican Party’s attempt “to use polarization for political advantage” backfired in last month’s election. “There is nothing wrong with being conservative,” Powell said in the interview. “There is nothing wrong with having socially conservative views... But if the party wants to have a Courtesy Photo future in this country, it has to face some realities. In another Former Secretary of 20 years, the majority in this country will be the minority.” State Colin Powell Powell, who crossed party lines and endorsed Presidentelect Barack Obama just weeks before the election, said the GOP must see what is in the “hearts and minds” of African-American, Hispanic and Asian voters “and not just try to influence them by…the principles and dogma.” Powell, who says he still considers himself a Republican, said his party should also stop listening to conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. “Can we continue to listen to Rush Limbaugh?” Powell asked. “Is this really the kind of party that we want to be when these kinds of spokespersons seem to appeal to our lesser instincts rather than our better instincts?”

who as teenagers desegregated Little Rock’s Central High School in 1957. But one member, Elizabeth Eckford, 67, has said she can’t afford the trip. Invitations to the Tuskegee Airmen, the famed AfricanAmerican pilots of World War II, were announced earlier Courtesy Photo

Little Rock Nine Will Join Tuskegee Airmen at Inauguration One of the Little Rock Nine members has said she can’t afford the trip to the nation’s capital, but the now-aging civil-rights pioneers have all been invited to join the Tuskegee Airmen to witness the swearing-in of Barack Obama as president. The Washington Post reported that invitations were being extended to the nine people

heart disease and other persistent health problems that plague poor and underserved communities. Dymally recently retired from the state legislature, the longest-serving AfricanAmerican lawmaker. He first served in the California Assembly in 1962 and became the first Black state senator in 1966, subsequently the first and only Black lieutenant governor, and later a six-term U.S. congressman. He returned to the state assembly in 2002, where he chaired the Health Committee. In 2001, Dymally was approved as a professor in the CDU College of Medicine, shortly before his return to politics.

Courtesy Photo

Mervyn M. Dymally for new presidents and their families.

Obamas Denied Early Move-in at Blair House The Obamas will have to find other living quarters for their family if they still plan to move to Washington before the official guest house for the president-elect is available. Quoting anonymous sources, the Associated Press report the Obamas had asked White House officials to move into Blair House about two weeks before the traditional date so their two daughters could start their new school when classes resume Jan. 5. President-elect Obama’s two

because the Bush administration still has plans for the historic government home across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, that there were previously scheduled events at Blair House and guests could not be displaced. Sally McDonough, first lady Laura Bush’s press secretary, declined to comment on the transition conversations, but said Blair House would be available on Jan. 15, the traditional date it becomes available

Courtesy Photo

Blair House daughters — Malia, a fifth grader and Sasha, a second grader — will attend Sidwell Friends School, a private school with a campus in northwest Washington and another in suburban Bethesda, Md. Classes start more than a week before the incoming first family could stay at Blair House. An Obama aide said the White House told the Obamas that the request cannot be met

FBI Offers $10,000 Reward in Civil-Rights Era Killing

Ex- Congressman to Head New Health Institute

The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information that could help them solve a 44-year-old murder case in Louisiana. The Associated Press says the 1964 death of Frank Morris is one of several civil rights-era killings in Louisiana that the FBI is reviewing as part of a “cold case” initiative. The FBI says Morris, a Black man, was sleeping in a room next to his shoe repair store in a place called Ferriday, La., when unidentified White men burst in and set fire to the shop. Morris was severely

Mervyn Dymally, a former California Lt. Governor and U.S. congressman, was named to head a new Urban Health Institute at the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. He will also assist with government relations on the federal, state and local levels. The mission of the new institute is advocacy policy and research to improve health inequities, particularly childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental illness, HIV/AIDS and

burned in the fire and died four days later. The FBI is urging anyone with information about Morris’ murder to call its New Orleans field office at 504-816-3000.

Obama-Targeted Graffiti Spurs UNC Hate Crime Study In reaction to racially-charged graffiti found at North Carolina State University hours after Barack Obama’s presidential win, the University of North Carolina System will study whether a system-wide policy is needed to address hate crimes and acts of violence and intimidation. The graffiti, which included “Let’s shoot the N——- in the head,” was spray-painted in the Free Expression Tunnel, which is on the university’s Raleigh campus and has been open to students’ free speech since the ‘60s. Many students, community members and others wanted the students expelled. Instead, after they apologized for the comments, the students will participate in diversity training and community service. An 11-member commission will present its recommendations to UNC System President Erskine Bowles in March. The panel will be led by Harold Martin, UNC System senior vice president for academic affairs and former chancellor of Winston-Salem University. The Rev. William Barber, president of the North Carolina NAACP, said the civil rights group made several demands of university officials in handling the incident that included expulsion. The NAACP also asked that the system clearly define hate speech and include diversity and race courses in the curriculum.

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December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

No Need to March, Says Obama Adviser By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Valerie Jarrett, who will likely become a household name very shortly as she serves as a senior adviser and public liaison for President Barack Obama, says the landscape of activism may drastically change under an Obama administration as those who have traditionally fought to be heard will likely have seats at the table. “You do not need to have demonstrations in front of the White House to convince this president that there is a disparate impact in the AfricanAmerican community around issues such as health care and education. He’s got that,” says Jarrett in a telephone interview with the NNPA News Service. “The campaign stood for change. It stood for a grassroots, bottom-up drive toward a better country. That does not have to be confrontational. It can be engaging.” This could mean a mixture of people at the table of solution-seeking, Jarrett says - those from all generations, races and walks of life, she said in the interview that focused mostly on Obama’s style of leadership and how he will maintain a progressive relationship with the Black community. “It starts with working toward solutions. You don’t have to convince him that there’s a problem. You have to just work with us to come up with the appropriate solutions. And his strategy is, ‘Look if we all come to the table and we have a common goal of trying to solve a problem, there’s no end to what ordinary

Courtesy Photo

Senior adviser and public liaison-appointee to President-elect Obama people can do. We can do extraordinary things together.’” During the Bush administration, protest marches surged, with iconic Black activists like the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson Sr. leading thousands of people over the past several years in protesting everything -- from economic injustice to inequities in the criminal justice system to specific cases of police misconduct and racial unrest. Jarrett, a Chicago businesswoman who’s already called the “first friend” to the Obamas, has not ruled out the possibility of even Jackson and Sharpton at the table in the White House. “This administration is about inclusion and not about exclusion,” she said when asked whether Jackson, Sharpton and the Rev. Joseph Lowery might be among those at the table. “The basic foundation of his philosophy is that too many people have been excluded for too long; the special interest groups and the lobbyists have dominated Washington. And as a result,

the voices of everyday people have been drowned out. And this grassroots campaign has been about reengaging the American people. And so, there’s room for everyone at the table.” Acknowledging that it is clearly “a new generation’s turn to lead”, she said Obama still sees a place for those, such as Lowery, who marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. “You don’t turn your back on the older generation,” she said. “But, you understand that they’re seeing the world through a different prism and in order to move forward, we have to have a new generation of leadership. That doesn’t disenfranchise those who have worked so hard who came before us. But, it is a natural succession that you would have this new era in a sense.” Valerie Jarrett knows how the president-elect thinks. It’s often said that talking to Jarrett is the same as talking to Obama. That assertion is close to the truth, she concedes. “Obviously, he is his own person, but we are very close,” she says. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing both the president-elect and his terrific wife, Michelle, for over 17 years now. I have worked with them both. They are my very dear friends, so I think we understand each other.” Preparing to lead, they hash out issues daily. “During the transition now I speak with him several times a day,” Jarrett says. “He’s in the transition office every day. I’m there at least some portion of every day and so, we’re deeply involved in the selection of his

Obama’s Historic Inauguration Takes Shape for Jan. 20 Service Projects Planned, Celebrities Abound, Tuskegee Airmen Get Special Invitation By Sean Yoes AFRO Staff Writer As the nation’s capital braces for what some officials estimate will be a crowd of at least 4 million people, President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration is shaping up to be a four-day first-class affair that will include top entertainers, wall-to-wall parties, traditional balls and service projects to honor Martin Luther King’s holiday. The inaugural theme, “Renewing America’s Promise,” is borrowed from the Democratic National Convention in Denver and from the party’s national platform. “At this moment of great challenge and great change, renewing the promise of America begins with renewing the idea that in America, we rise or fall as one nation and one people,” Obama said in a

statement. “That sense of unity and shared purpose is what this inauguration will reflect.” The surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots in the U.S., have been officially invited to witness the inauguration of the nation’s first Black president. “I want to come hopping, skipping and jumping!” declared 92-year-old Spann Watson, an airman from New York. “We had a part in changing these United States.” After fighting the Nazis during World War II and producing one of the most successful combat mission records in history, the Black war heroes returned to America only to face Jim Crow discrimination. “We were excluded out of everything and hidden from everything,” Watson said.

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“Now this time is our time. And to have a Black man as the elected president, this is indeed a turn in history.” Congressional organizers are looking for ways to expand capacity for Obama’s swearing-in ceremony beyond the 240,000 tickets allotted, and inaugural aides declined to release the slate of balls this week because the details have not been completed. But some high-profile names are emerging as hosts of balls that have been announced. Music legend Dionne Warwick will reportedly host The American Music Inaugural Ball. Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr. will host the Purple Ball. And former Vice President Al Gore is the honorary chair of the Green Inaugural Ball on Jan. 19. Hollywood and music industry celebrities are expected to be well-represented during the history-making Obama inauguration. The phalanx of superstars from movies and television will include Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Scarlett Johansen, Chris Rock, Chris Tucker, Ron Howard, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins. They are just a few of dozens of stars who will attend official and unofficial parties and balls in Washington, D.C. And there may be even more music greats lined up to perform at formal concerts and Continued on A6

cabinet and analyzing agency reviews and all of the multiple array of both challenges and opportunities facing our country. And so, we spend a lot of quality time together these days.” Jarrett is not only a senior adviser and public liaison, she will also lead the administration on intergovernmental affairs, working with state and local governments, where many of the nitty-gritty issues, such as crime, poverty, homeless and unequal justice are being fought every day. “He understands that change starts at the ground,” she says.

Citing the racially disparate economic impact on job losses and health and health care statistics, Jarrett acknowledges, “They are far more rampant in the Black community than you see in the general population… So, if you’re going to say that front and center is the economy and we take initiatives to jumpstart the economy and the Black community is most fragile, it’s going to inure to the African-American community,” she said. Jarrett says Obama’s inclusive leadership style will naturally remind America that what’s good for African Americans is good for all.

“There’s room for everyone at the table.” CEO of a real estate development and management company, Jarrett brings to the table a plethora of educational and professional experiences that have prepared her for this moment, including degrees from Stanford University and the University of Michigan and she has worked for two Chicago mayors, Harold Washington and Richard Daley. But Jarrett says she pulls mostly from Obama himself when helping him to make day-to-day decisions on appointments and transition strategies. For Black people – who have been historically at rock bottom of nearly every negative social statistic in America - that means rising as others rise, Jarrett says.

“We have to see that we are all inextricably bound,” she says. “So I think he brings to the conversation a way of describing how you help the Black community that is in the self-interest of the general population.” Still, there are enemies even to that vision. Jarrett laments news of reported racial hate crimes and attacks that have happened in response to Obama’s election. “He has absolutely no tolerance for racial injustice, regardless of the race that it’s been directed toward,” she says. “He feels very strongly that we have to come together and stop the racial injustice that has ravaged our country in the past.” Still, she says, nothing will distract him from the goals

he has set to change the way business is done in American politics. She cites his personal experience as perhaps his best guide. “He knows what it’s like to grow up without a father. He knows what it’s like to have a mom struggling between being at home with her family and being away working. He knows what it’s like to have to put himself through school through scholarships and piece together and work so that he can get the quality education that will allow him to be the kind of president that he’s going to be. And so, there’s a level of empathy having walked in the shoes of those who are the less fortunate,” Jarrett says. “I think our country is so fortunate to have a president whose life has not been so easy.” Still, America’s first African-American president is taking on levels of responsibility never seen in American history. Jarrett is optimistic. “Our challenges are so immense. We haven’t been in this kind of economic crisis since the Great Depression. We have two wars going on. We have our climate that’s in peril, we have our public school system that needs an enormous amount of help, we have an energy crisis in our country, we have a health care problem in our country.” She concluded, “Change does not come easy. There will be many forces that will want to continue the status quo. We have to rise above that.”

December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

It’s Official! Obama Elected 44th President of the United States Electors in 50 States and D.C. Cast Votes Continued from A1

being able to cast an electoral vote for the first AfricanAmerican president is beyond words,” said Washington, D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D), who along with Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser (D) and Ward 1 resident and longtime Democratic civic activist Jerry Cooper proudly cast official ballots for Obama and Biden Monday afternoon. Electors are people who often are selected in recognition of their service and loyalty to their party, or they may have a personal or political tie to the presidential candidate. Many are highly politically active and may include community activists and party leaders. According to the U.S. Electoral College Web site, on the Monday following the second Wednesday in December, the electors of each state meet in their respective state capitals to officially cast their votes for president and vice president. These votes are then sealed and sent to the president of the U.S. Senate, who on Jan. 6 opens and reads the results and certifies the election in front of a joint session of Congress. The winner is sworn into office at noon Jan. 20. Most of the time, electors cast their votes for the candidate who has received the most votes in that particular state. However, there have been times when electors have voted contrary to the people’s decision, which is entirely legal. The final nationwide totals from the Nov. 4 election gave Obama 365 electoral votes, nearly 200 votes more than the 270 votes he needed to become the 44th president of the United States. Sen. John McCain finished with only 173 electoral votes. The last state to announce its election results was Missouri,

American voters during Reconstruction and to resist desegregation of schools and public facilities, the Capitol was also the place where L. Douglas Wilder took his oath as the nation’s first elected Black governor in 1990. And, “today, this building is home to another historic occasion,” Kaine said as the electors cast their lots for Obama. “We rejoice in the moral power that has bent institutions, traditions, behavior and hearts ever closer to the equality principle. And, we proclaim our pride in Virginia’s role as a leader among the states.” Like Virginia, the state Photo by George Parrish of Nevada also delivered a political turnaround for the Doug Gansler, Maryland attorney general and Michael Democrats, turning another Cryor, chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, show off a certificate which officially designates the state’s 10 electoral heretofore red state — which voted Republican in the 2000 votes for Barack Obama. and 2004 presidential elections which didn’t declare McCain at the time the Constitution was — blue. Nevada’s five Electoral the winner of the state’s 11 framed we (African Americans) College members cast their electoral votes until Nov. 19, were still considered three-fifths votes in Carson City for Obama more than two weeks after of a man and women couldn’t who won the state 55 to 43 Obama was declared presidentvote until the 20th century to percent. elect. McCain grabbed a razorhave such a diverse group was Monday’s vote was thin victory of 49.5 percent to satisfying. especially gratifying for Nevada HE ALPRACTICE AWDuncan IRM Obama’s 49.3 percent, a margin In Washington, D.C., Obama elector Ruby who of just two-tenths of 1 percent. collected three electoral votes led a group of Black welfare Unlike Missouri, however, by crushing McCain nearly mothers in the early ‘70’s who the vast majority of states unanimously by a vote of 93 were fighting on behalf of poor & ASSOCIATES, P.C. delivered a definitive victory percent to 7 percent for the women and children. for Obama as the polls closed. Arizona senator. “It’s justlaw wonderful. “the heavyweight malpractice firm” I never Maryland, for example, And in the pivotal state Washington Business thought I would live Journal to see a September 8, 2003 delivered an emphatic win for of Virginia, the speculation day like this,” Duncan, 76, told Obama and 10 electoral votes that Obama would flip the the Associated Press. She grew - 62 percent for Obama to 37 former seat of the Confederacy up in the segregated South and percent for McCain. – formally a dyed-in-the-wool moved to Las Vegas in 1952. State Sen. Delores Kelley, red state – from Republican to “I never thought I’d live to D-Baltimore County, chair Democrat came to fruition on Post see- aThe day Washington like this. All my life, 3, knowing 2000 of Maryland’s Presidential Nov. 4, with Obama snagging I never hadJanuary the joy of Electors for 2008, said this the state’s 13 electoral votes that I could J.D., help work and vote Robert S. Chabon, is the third time she’s cast a with 53 percent to 46 percent of for M.D., a Black president.” Attorney/Pediatrician ballot in the Electoral College the vote. “What I love about Obama Is speaking of Counsel to thehe Firm and that this time has proved Gov. Tim Kaine, is that wants to be a president to be the charm after the failed from the 200-year-old Capitol for all the people,” Duncan 17TH 888 STREET , N.W. campaigns of Democratic building Monday, noted the added. • 4TH FLOOR candidates Michael Dukakis momentous change Obama’s for Black people WASHINGTON , DC“But 20006 and John Kerry. election represented for the throughout this country, we “We had a very diverse state. Once a building where never thought that something like group of electors—women, lawmakers orchestrated efforts this would ever happen in our Asians, Hispanics, African to disenfranchise Africanlifetime. Not people my age.” Americans,” she said. “To think

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President-elect Obama nominated former New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson for administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Jackson currently serves as New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine’s chief of staff. By Sean Yoes AW IRM AFRO StaffHE Writer ALPRACTICE President-elect Barack Obama on Monday announced his energy and environmental team that includes Lisa Jackson, the first African P.C. & ASSOCIATES, American to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Jackson, a PrincetonThe University-educated chemical engineer, Law Firm With is currently New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine’s chief of staff, the first Experience Black person to Major hold such a position in the state. in Prosecuting Malpractice She spent 16 years at the EPA in Washington, D.C.Cases and Children Cerebral palsy Newfor York before being hiredwith at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in 2002.Corzine made her the head of the or Brain Damage & department in 2006. Other severely injured persons When Jackson took over as the New Jersey DEP chief, the state was regularly considered one of the most polluted in the nation and M.D., was home toRobert one of theS. mostChabon, hazardous waste sites J.D., in the country. During her timeAttorney/Pediatrician running the department, Jackson has passed mandatory reductions in greenhouse with her work on the Is of Counsel gases to the Firm Global Warming Response Act and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. SheTH alsoS worked to,clean up the• state’s N.W. 4THnotorious 888 17 TREET FLOOR contaminated sites. DC 20006 “She is theW bestASHINGTON possible choice,that President Obama could make,” said Dena Mottola Jaborska to the Associated Press. Jaborska is executive director of Environment New Jersey, a citizenbased environmental advocacy organization. “It represents a 180 degree turnaround for the United States on the environment,” Matt Elliot, the group’scerebral spokesman. Couldsaidyour child’s But despite all of the accolades bestowed on Jackson, as palsy have been prevented? her pending appointment gains momentum, she does have her detractors.“the heavyweight malpractice law firm” Business Journal Washington The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility said September 8, 2003 in a letter to the Obama transition team that Jackson’s record with - ifDepartment it was caused Protection by improper the Yes New Jersey of Environmental did not management of pregnancy, labor or delivery. warrant a promotion. Call toallegations, find outthe if group yourclaims child’s is Amongus other New disability Jersey has been due to a medical mistake. You may be criticized by federal wildlife officials for failing to adopt standards toother compensation pay for your for entitled pesticides and toxic chemicals thatto protect wildlife. care, disability, pain and suffering. child’s But Jackson’s supporters argue she inherited many of the problems New is plagued yet under her leadership We Jersey have majorwith, experience with there have been improvements in many areas. cerebral palsy and birth injury cases. Jackson’s advocates also cite her compelling biography. She Robert S.rough Chabon, J.D.,Ward grew up in New Orleans’ and tumbleM.D., Lower Ninth Attorney/Pediatrician and graduated summa cum laude from Tulane’s School of Chemical Firm degree in of Counsel to the Engineering in NewIsOrleans. She earned her master’s chemical engineering from Princeton. The Malpractice Law Firm Former New Jersey governor and former head of the EPA, ACKTodd Whitman, LENDER SSOCIATES Christine recently told The Star Ledger, “I think she 888 17TH Shave TREET, N.W. • 4TH FLOOR • WASHINGTON, DC 20006 (Jackson) will the support of the career people at the agency879-7777 -they’re looking(202) forward to a change now, and a commitment from the higher levels to the issues they face every day.”

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December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

Maryland Becomes Latest State to Seek End to Death Penalty By Sean Yoes AFRO Staff Writer The Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment this week released its final report, calling for an end to capital punishment and making Maryland the latest state in the nation to move toward abolishing the death penalty. “After a thorough review of this information, the Commission recommends that capital punishment be abolished in Maryland,” the report reads. The commission’s chairman, former U.S. Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti, said during a press conference held for the report’s release, “There is no good and sufficient reason to have the death penalty and plenty of reasons against it.” Later, in an exclusive interview with WEAA/AFRO First Edition radio talk show, Civiletti said, “The death

penalty is a difficult and complex issue regardless of who considers it, whether it is our court of appeals or the Supreme Court.” In reaching its conclusion, the commission’s report cited among its primary concerns

House Michael Busch. Civiletti added that administering the ultimate penalty in a system plagued by disparities is inherently perilous. “The death penalty is a very difficult penalty to administer

inmate, it’s hard to imagine how truly honored I am today,” Bloodsworth said during the press conference. In 1984, Bloodsworth was accused of the rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl and sentenced to death on March 8,

“There is no good and sufficient reason to have the death penalty and plenty of reasons against it.” the existence of racial and jurisdictional disparities in the state’s capital sentencing system. “Where you have a Black accused and a White victim, you have almost three times the likelihood of the death penalty being part of the process,” said Civiletti, who was appointed the commission’s chairman by Gov. Martin O’Malley, Maryland Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. and Maryland Speaker of the

error-free and as a result there is always the real possibility of having an innocent winding up on death row. The real danger (of the death penalty) couldn’t be better epitomized than by Kirk Bloodsworth,” he said. Bloodsworth, a Maryland resident and the first person sentenced to death row to be exonerated by DNA evidence, was also a member of the commission that Civiletti chaired. “As a former death row

Opportunity Knocks.

1985. The ruling was appealed a year later and he received a new trial but was found guilty a second time and sentenced to two consecutive life terms. Finally, on June 28, 1993, Bloodsworth was released from prison after DNA evidence cleared him of the crime. “There’s a real possibility to execute an innocent person and I know that for myself,” he said. The commission voted 139 to abolish the death penalty, with one abstention. Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger voiced the minority opinion. “The close vote on the commission’s findings

regarding the death penalty in Maryland demonstrates that this is an issue upon which reasonable minds can differ,” Shellenberger said in a statement. “It is my strong belief that the death penalty should remain a sentencing option for those prosecutors who wish to seek it.” During the press conference, Shellenberger specifically balked at some of the commission’s findings. “There was absolutely no evidence of racial discrimination by any official in the state,” he said. “There was absolutely no evidence the five who’ve been executed or the five on death row are innocent—no evidence.” However, there are many in the Maryland General Assembly who hope the commission’s recommendation will give opponents of capital punishment during the upcoming legislative session the leverage to make Maryland the 16th state (including the District of Columbia) with no death penalty.

“I believe the overwhelming weight of the report will be persuasive with our colleagues,” said state Del. Sandy Rosenberg, who represents the 41st legislative district in Baltimore City, and who served as one of the commissioners. Five men have been put to death by lethal injection in Maryland since the state resumed capital punishment in 1978 following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1976. The last was Wesley Eugene Baker, an African American who was executed Dec. 4, 2005, for the murder of Jane Tyson, 49, a White teacher’s aide in June 1991 at Westview Mall. Bloodsworth, who was officially pardoned in December 1993 by then-Gov. William Donald Schaefer, hopes Baker was the last person executed in the state of Maryland. “There is nothing more safe or strong in an emergency of life as the simple truth,” said Bloodsworth, quoting Charles Dickens. Bloodsworth added, “And here it is.”

Obama’s Historic Inauguration Takes Shape Service Projects Planned, Celebrities Abound, Tuskegee Airmen Get Special Invitation Continued from A3 informal jam sessions all over the District. Rumors are swirling that both Beyonce Knowles and Mary J. Blige will perform in concerts as well as Knowles’ husband, hiphop superstar Jay-Z. Rock legend Bruce Springsteen, who played at an Obama rally in Philadelphia that attracted tens of thousands towards the end of his presidential campaign, may also perform during the Obama four-day celebration. John Legend, an ardent Obama supporter and Jennifer Hudson, a Chicago native also are odds-on favorites to perform during the inaugural

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festivities. Other stars rumored to perform include will. i.am, who produced an all-star music video honoring Obama, Seal, Cyndi Lauper and Melissa Etheridge. The president-elect himself is expected to attend dozens of events during his fourday inaugural celebration. But many of the A-list entertainers and celebrities who want to be a part of history may suffer the same fate as the millions of “regular” inauguration attendees – finding somewhere to stay since hotel rooms in the District are sold out.

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December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

School Prepares Future Scientists with Help of Parents By Dorothy Rowley AFRO Staff Writer When it came to recalling some of their middle school science class assignments, a group of parents at Chamberlin Academy campus of the Friendship Public Charter Schools had their work cut out for them. As some struggled to remember what a hypothesis is, others listened attentively as experiments based on real world applications were explained. In the end, everyone walked away a bit wiser, leading principal Carolyn Albert Garvey to conclude that last week’s event had been a successful gathering. “This is one of the first events that has a sole academic background and it’s going to help the parents to be able to Parents at work during a science fair at the Chamberlain Academy of Friendship Public Charter Schools. help their children,” Garvey told the AFRO afterwards. “We have an open-door policy, so these kinds of activities further encourage parents to come into the schools.” Chamberlin’s “Science Fair Parents Night” attracted about 30 parents of students from grades pre-kindergarten through seventh who appeared

involved to basically teach them how their children go about creating and designing projects,” said Greene. According to Garvey, one of the goals of the school is to consistently promote more after-school projects that are academically based. Chamberlin, which enrolls about 700 students, is one

“We’re having the parents involved to basically teach them how their children go about creating and designing projects.”

Photos by Rob Roberts

EDD supervisor Cherice Greene and Carolyn Albert Garvey, principal of the Chamberlain Academy in the District.

excited to engage in the exploration of science. In the process they become team members for their children’s projects which are done over the course of several weeks. Cherice Greene, who serves as Chamberlin’s science supervisor, said the faculty was delighted to have the parents involved in their children’s projects. “We’re having the parents

of five schools in the 4,000student Friendship Charter system. The other schools have also held science night events and a community science fair competition involving all of the system’s middle and high schools is slated for early January. The individual fairs provide opportunities for students to report and display information they’ve gathered

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after conducting experiments and investigations where they learn to apply skills that include observing, measuring analyzing and forming conclusions. The projects enable students to practice critical and creative thinking while serving as vital

working components of the schools’ science programs. In some instances, students’ participation in the fairs can account for as much as 40 percent of their quarterly grade. Referencing state-mandated tests in science, Garvey said her school only tests fifth graders. She said, however, that they are currently at the 40 percentile level in science. “That’s low,” Garvey said, “but we have a big emphasis on science which is departmentalized this year.” She explained that while there is just one science teacher for the school’s sixth- and seventh grade students, that situation makes it easier for the instructor to plan and be more focused on lesson content. Lisa Denslow, whose son Dante Hatcher is a sixth grader at Chamberlin, worked on a project that will help him determine if plants grow better in sunlight or artificial light. “He’s pretty good in science,” said a smiling Denslow. “This is a good opportunity for parents to see what’s going on in science classes and I wanted to see first-hand what he’s learning so that I can be of more assistance to him at home.”

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December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

Obama’s Election Empowers Young Pr. George’s Politicos By James Wright AFRO Staff Writer Inspired by Barack Obama’s historic election to the presidency and the unprecedented number of young people it attracted to the election process, political leaders in Prince George’s County under the age of 40 are looking at what options may be available for them in the next election in 2010. Obama’s tremendous success in the county was fueled by young people in key positions in his county campaign and the work of registering young voters whether they were seniors in high school, in college or at events aimed at young adults. Obama received his highest percentage of votes - 88 percent - and his highest count - 332,396 - in Maryland from Prince George’s County, many from young adults. Jamal Miller, lead organizer for VisionPrinceGeorge’s, an organization whose mission is to empower citizens on how to produce change for the county, said that Obama’s candidacy provided a spark for otherwise lethargic young voters. “Obama gave a lot of energy to young people getting into politics, it got a lot of people excited and involved in the political process,” Miller, 35, said. “It was like Obama ‘awakened the sleeping giant’, which is the vote of young people.” Prince George’s County is 64 percent Black, according to the 2006 “American Community Survey” sponsored by the U.S. Census Bureau. The survey notes that the county’s median age is 34.6 years, with about 243,249 residents between the ages of 18-44, a little under a third of the population. A 2000 census map shows that cities, towns and unincorporated areas that are the closest to the District of Columbia border have the most Blacks in numbers and percentages. Jurisdictions such as Fort Washington, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, Largo, Suitland, Capitol Heights, Upper Marlboro, Mitchellville and Landover are known for the large presence of Blacks under 40. The mayors of District Heights and Capitol Heights, James Walls and Darrell Miller, respectively, are considered young political up-and-comers, along with Seat Pleasant City Councilwoman Latasha Gatling, Hyattsville Councilwoman Nicole Hinds and Maryland State Dels. Aisha Braveboy (D) and Jay Walker (D) -- all are under 40. The Prince George’s County Young Democrats, the county’s chapter of the Young Democrats of America, is working on a program to put politically ready young adults to work, according to Kim Ross, the group’s press secretary. “Young Democrats worked hard and turned out in record numbers to elect Obama, but it does not stop there,” Ross said. “We’ll hold forums about issues impacting our demographic, we’ll work closely with campaigns and we want to recruit more youth Democratic precinct captains. Young people are energized and we want to keep them engaged.”

Gatling, 24, who was elected to the Seat Pleasant City Council on Sept. 8, got into politics because she wanted to make an impact on her city. “I was encouraged to get into politics because of what I believed was the lack of representation of not only my community, but of the youth vote as well,” said Gatling, who works as an education consultant. “I wanted to make a difference in my community and encourage others to do the same, no matter how young or old. Our community is the foundation of our children.” Mel Franklin, president of the Greater Marlboro Democratic Club, said that he often talks to young adults who want to get involved politically because of an issue that affects their community, but don’t know how. “When I talk to them, I realize that they have ideas but do not know what to do,” said Franklin, whose 50-member club is based in Upper Marlboro. “I tell them to get involved in their civic association, join the Young Dems and educate themselves about the political process. I keep in mind that many people are problemoriented, not solution-oriented. “I tell them to be a problem-solver they have to get involved in the process.” The 2010 mid-term elections are an opportunity for the county’s young adults to flex their political muscles, Jamal Miller said. “I believe that 2010 is the most pivotal election in 30 years -maybe ever in this county,” he said. “You will have five of nine county council seats up as well as the county executive

Photo by J. Wright

Seat Pleasant Councilwoman Latasha Gatling talks with her colleague, Darrell Hardy, at a city council session. Broadwater said that young political activists and aspirants to elective office should not expect someone to give them something. “They have to work their way up in the system,” he said. “Then, somebody might notice them. These young people have to be a little patient. They have to understand that politics is ‘more than a notion.’”

that they should stay in an office as long as they can and they tell others ‘wait your turn.’ “That’s not right because we need people in there who have new ideas and new ways of doing thinking. While we do want to retain the wisdom, knowledge and experience that longtenured elected officials have, we’ll lose out if we do not have new voices.” Gatling said that while she encourages young people to get politically active, they need to know what they’re doing. “Too often people who want to become more politically involved get discouraged and scared,” she said. “If it is your dream to make a difference on the political level, go for it because your heart may never be at peace until you achieve your dreams.”

“It was like Obama ‘awakened the sleeping giant’, which is the vote of young people.” and several delegate races. There is going to be a lot of movement going on. “Prince George’s County is going to be the county to watch in Maryland in 2010.” Ross said that there are a number of young people looking to run in 2010. “We have some smart young leaders rising up in the county, and in our organization, and I don’t know if they’re going to run statewide, but we certainly want to help young people get elected,” she said. One of the hurdles faced by young political hopefuls in the county is running against the “old guard” politicians who have been in office since the early ‘90s. Many young Prince Georgians believe that “old guard” politicians are out of touch with the issues that confront them on a daily basis. Former Maryland State Sen. Tommie Broadwater, the first African American to represent Prince George’s County in the General Assembly’s upper chamber from 1974-1983, said that young people who want to get involved in county politics “should not just jump out there without knowing what they are doing.” “They need to try to understand the game of politics,” Broadwater said. “They need to learn as much as they can. There is room for everybody.”

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Broadwater’s views bother Franklin. “I have a lot of respect for the years that some of our longtime elected officials have put into the county,” Franklin said. “But that does not mean that they always have the right vision for Prince George’s County. Some of them have this idea

District’s 3rd Annual Go-Go Awards Honor Chuck Brown

Photo by Khalid Naji Allah

o-go bands, fans and public officials from the Washington, D.C. area gathered Dec. 14 to honor standout musicians in the locally-based music genre. Pioneer go-go music legend Chuck Brown was inducted into the newly established Go-Go Hall of Fame and recognized by Mayor Adrian Fenty for his contributions to the District. This year’s show also promoted a theme of peace. Ronald Moten, an organizer with the Peaceaholics, told Fox 5 News, “We can use go-go to change the violence and the negative things going on in our community whether it’s people not voting, people not being parents, that microphone can get people to do the right thing and that’s what our message is.”

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December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

Black Middle Class in Crisis which were unfairly peddled in large numbers to Black and Latino communities—would lead to increased foreclosures. But no one listened as the markets rode high on the growing housing bubble that enriched many. Hungry to capitalize on the housing boom, financial servicers piled on features on these loans such as exploding adjustable rates, balloon payments and penalties for early re-payment then packaged them into securities and sold them at high profits on the stock exchange. Unsurprisingly, however, the bubble burst, people began to default on loans and foreclosures exploded, sending a cataclysmic shock into Wall Street that brought the industry—and the economy—to its knees. On Black Main Street, however, the devastation was far worse. “This represents the greatest loss of wealth for people of color in modern U.S. history,” declared the authors of a report, “Foreclosed: State of the Dream 2008,” a publication by the nonprofit, United for a Fair Economy. From subprime loans, Black/ African American borrowers will lose between $71 billion and $92 billion, the report concluded, and the ripple effect will exact an even higher toll. “The spillover effect of the subprime crisis affects whole communities negatively, in terms of abandoned houses, increased crime, devaluation of neighboring houses, and erosion of the tax base, causing revenue shortfalls that mandate service cuts,” the report read. At the base of the foreclosure crisis, both analysts agree, is a wage crisis, which forces African Americans to live paycheck to paycheck and deplete their savings and which led them to take additional mortgages on their homes in an attempt to bridge the gap between their earnings and cost

of living. “The reason why people don’t save for the most part is not because of some moral failing but the main reason is their income is not enough to deal with their expenses,” Schmitt said. “Income growth has been slow or stagnant for the last 30 years. To keep the standard of living up and to account for inflation people have had to work more or use more credit.” The lack of income growth among African Americans is attributable to many factors, the chief of which is the industries

Additionally, Schmitt said, there’s been a downturn in state and local employment which has been especially important for the African-American middle class. These have all led to staggering job losses for Blacks. Nationwide, since December 2007, the number of unemployed persons rose by 2.7 million to 10.3 million and the unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points to rest at 6.7 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As expected, however,

discouraged workers. “A lot of discouraged Black workers who have looked month after month for jobs have just given up,” Austin said. Joblessness is but the “tip of a very large iceberg,” Schmitt added. “Even people who keep their jobs will find wages and benefits under pressure and they’ll be reluctant to ask their bosses for a raise or an increase in benefits because they’ll be afraid to lose their jobs,” he said, and all of this is “taking place alongside some longstanding problems like

minority companies and win the contracts….They’re just gobbling up all the work.” The Maryland businessman along with Schmitt and Austin was cheered by Presidentelect Barack Obama’s plan to jumpstart the economy and create millions of jobs with a sizable investment in infrastructure projects such as fixing roads, bridges, school construction and modernization and investing in greener more efficient energy. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has already pledged the quick passage of

“From subprime loans, Black/African American borrowers will lose between $71 billion and $92 billion, the report concluded, and the ripple effect will exact an even higher toll.” in which they tend to work. After World War II and more so after the civil rights era, the manufacturing industry fed the growth of the Black middleclass. And as that industry began to decline due to unfair trade practices by foreign countries, failed trade policies like NAFTA and the export of American jobs abroad, Blacks were the first to lose their jobs. The Center for Economic and Policy Research estimates that the share of AfricanAmericans working in manufacturing declined from 23.9 percent in 1979 to 9.8 percent in 2007, the highest drop of any group. The nonprofit said dropping unionization rates have also played a part in Black economic decline. AfricanAmerican workers who belong to unions earn wages that are 12 percent higher – about $2 per hour – than their non-union counterparts. But, the percentage of AfricanAmericans who are either members of or represented by unions fell by half, from 31.7 percent of all Black workers in 1983 to 16 percent in 2006.

Blacks have an unemployment rate that nearly doubles the national figure at 11.2 percent and it will only get worse. Schmitt said, “Next year I don’t think there’s a single analyst who does not think we’ll go 8 or 9 percent unemployment and the pessimists even predict 10 percent. So given the fact that African-American unemployment is usually twice that of Whites, it could easily go to 16 percent or even up to 20 percent.” When you add employment figures to the mix, the picture becomes even more stark. According to Austin’s “Reversal of Fortune” report, employment rates for African Americans declined 2.4 percentage points, a figure driven by a combination of racial discrimination, high unemployment rates among Black youth, lower educational attainment, geographic concentration, high rates of incarceration among Black males and the resultant unwillingness of businesses to employ ex-offenders and a general malaise among

health care cost and coverage, which add additional pressure on families.” Black-owned firms—a source of employment and revenue for Black communities—are also suffering, adding to the bleak picture. “The No.1 issue is that financing has all but dried up,” said Wayne Frazier, president of the Md./Washington Minority Contractors. “For businesses that do contracting works—not necessarily construction— most of the owners require performance bonds of more than $100,000 and the bonding has dried up [too].” In addition, as local, state and federal government agencies freeze spending, fewer contracts are being generated and competition has grown even stiffer. “With less work you’ll have larger, healthier firms who wouldn’t have touched small contracts before competing with smaller minority firms,” Frazier lamented. “And by virtue of those larger firms being stronger…they can cut prices, bid lower than the

an economic stimulus package worth about $600 billion that will include those elements. Austin said such a plan is a good step but only if it is properly implemented. “Out of this crisis comes an opportunity,” he said. “If we use the economic stimulus wisely there is a potential to decrease economic disparity if job creation and investments go to communities that suffer the most economically.” “It’s very important for public to ask when we get these jobs,” he added, “will Blacks get their fair share?” Schmitt warned however, that even if government leaders do everything right, the forecast for African Americans and all Americans will not turn rosy overnight, especially in the labor market, which usually lags behind the rest of the economy. “It’s going to be a long and tough one. It’s definitely going to get worse before it gets better,” he said. “The economy is a battleship—if you want to turn it, it takes a lot of time and a lot of energy.”

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Continued from A1 “Whenever there is an economic downturn, African Americans are the most negatively affected,” said Jon Schmitt, senior economist at the Center for Economic Policy Research. The disparity can be explained by a persistent gap in wealth between Blacks and Whites among other things, he added. “The unique challenge for African-American middle class is they tend to have much less financial wealth (like stocks and bonds) and wealth in general so they have much less of a margin to get through tough times,” the economist said. It was just a decade ago that journalist Ellis Cose declared that “it’s the best time ever to be black in America.” A tight labor market saw marked increases in employment, higher wages and homeownership and declines in joblessness and poverty that promised a robust growth of the community’s wealth base. However, Austin said, unlike other Americans, Blacks generally have not recovered what they lost during the 2001 recession, making them even more susceptible to the downswing in the economic cycle, which started late last year. What makes this recession particularly painful, Schmitt said, is its origin in the housing market collapse. Homes comprise 80-90 percent of net worth of the average American, he added. “The problem with housing is you have twothirds of Americans who are homeowners so when housing prices fall 15-25 percent it has a bigger impact on the wealth of a typical person,” the economist said. “So this is a particularly hard recession because [people’s] wealth was directly attacked.” For years advocates like the National Urban League had warned that the conflagration of subprime mortgages—products meant for limited use by a limited number of people,

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A12

The Washington Afro-American, December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008

Opinion When are Whites Going to Get Over Skin Color? For much of the last 40 years, ever since America “fixed” its race problem in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, we, White people, have been impatient with African Americans who continued to blame race for their difficulties. Often, we have heard Whites ask, “When Andrew Manis are African Americans finally going to get over it? Now I want to ask, “When are we White Americans going to get over our ridiculous obsession with skin color? Recent reports that “Election Spurs ‘Hundreds’ of Race Threats, Crimes” should frighten and infuriate every one of us. Having grown up in “Bombingham,” Ala., in the ‘60s, I remember overhearing an avalanche of comments about what many White classmates and their parents wanted to do to John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Eventually, as you may recall, in all three cases, someone decided to do more than “talk the talk.” Since our recent presidential election, to our eternal shame we are once again hearing the same reprehensible talk I remember from my boyhood. We, White people, have controlled political life in the disunited colonies and United States for some 400 years on this continent. Conservative Whites have been in power 28 of the last 40 years. Even during the eight Clinton years, conservatives in Congress blocked most of his agenda and pulled him to the right. Yet, never in that period did I read any headlines suggesting that anyone was calling for the assassinations of Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan or either of the Bushes. Criticize them, yes. Call for their impeachment, perhaps. But there were no bounties on their heads. And even when someone did try to kill Ronald Reagan, the perpetrator was a nonpolitical mental case who wanted merely to impress Jody Foster. But elect a liberal who happens to be Black and we’re back in the ‘60s again. At this point in our history, we should be proud that we’ve proven what conservatives are always saying — that in America anything is possible, even electing a Black man as president. But instead, we now hear that schoolchildren from Maine to California are talking about wanting to “assassinate Obama.” Fighting the urge to throw up, I can only ask,

“How long?” How long before we, White people, realize we can’t make our nation, much less the whole world, look like us? How long until we, White people, can once and for all get over this hell-conceived preoccupation with skin color? How long until we, White people, get over the demonic conviction that White skin makes us superior? How long before we, White people, get over our bitter resentments about being demoted to the status of equality with non-whites? How long before we get over our expectations that we should be at the head of the line merely because of our White skin? How long until we, White people, end our silence and call out our peers when they share the latest racist jokes in the privacy of our White-only conversations? I believe in free speech, but how long until we, White people, start making racist loudmouths as socially uncomfortable as we do flag burners? How long until we, White people, will stop insisting that Blacks exercise personal responsibility, build strong families, educate themselves enough to edit the Harvard Law Review and work hard enough to become president of the United States — only to threaten to assassinate them when they do? ow long before we start “living out the true meaning” of our creeds, both civil and religious, that all men and women are created equal and that “red and yellow, black and white” all are precious in God’s sight? Until this past Nov. 4, I didn’t believe this country would ever elect an African American to the presidency. I still don’t believe I’ll live long enough to see us White people get over our racism problem. But here’s my three-point plan: First, everyday that Barack Obama lives in the White House that Black slaves built, I’m going to pray that God (and the Secret Service) will protect him and his family from us White people. Second, I'm going to report to the FBI any person I overhear White person I overhear saying, in seriousness or in jest, anything of a threatening nature about President-elect Obama. Third, I’m going to pray to live long enough to see America surprise the world once again, when White people can “in spirit and in truth” sing of our damnable color prejudice, “We HAVE overcome.” Andrew Manis is a historian and author of ‘Macon Black and White.’ He serves on the steering committee of the Macon (Ga.) Center for Racial Understanding.

National Urban League's Economic Plan For Communities Last week, the National Urban League submitted its ‘’Economic Recovery Plan for Job Creation in Urban Communities’’ to both President-elect Barack Obama and Congress. Our plan is designed to help stem the steady erosion of jobs that included another 533,000 lost in November. Marc H. Morial Nearly 2 million jobs have been lost so far this year. The overall unemployment rate has now reached 6.7 percent, and African- American unemployment has risen to 11.2 percent. Some economic experts are forecasting that if this trend continues the unemployment rate will be least 9 percent by the end of next year. For months, we have been calling for an economic stimulus plan that includes an immediate extension of unemployment benefits, more help to states for infrastructure projects, a greater investment in summer jobs for at-risk youth, job training for disadvantaged workers, help for the stalled-out auto industry and the possible creation of a temporary public service program similar to the one that generated more than 100,000 jobs during the recession of 1974-75.

The National Urban League is urging Congress to specifically address the needs of disadvantaged workers through its seven-point plan: 1. Fund proven and successful models of workforce training and job placement similar to the Urban League’s successful Urban Youth Empowerment Program. 2. Fund the Summer Youth Employment Program. 3. Fund pre-apprenticeship programs in the construction industry targeted to ‘’green jobs’’ to benefit disadvantaged workers. 4. Infrastructure plans should also include community development block grants for renovating schools, libraries, recreation centers, etc. 5. A percentage of all infrastructure monies should be directed to job training, placement and preparation for disadvantaged workers. 6. Fund a temporary public service employment program. 7. Congress must include provisions that establish and reinforce goals which ensure that minority and women-owned businesses participate fully in contract opportunities created by the economic recovery plan. To read our full plan, log on to www.nul.org . Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Blacks and the Virginia Republican Party Have Nothing in Common What do the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) and Blacks have in common? Absolutely nothing! Having served as the first and only Black to be elected as national committeeman for the Young Republicans Federation of Virginia in Raynard Jackson the early ‘90s, I have spent almost 20 years trying to educate state party leaders about how to get more Blacks involved, but to no avail. Too often, White Republicans think they know more about the Black community than Blacks. Their approach has always been to tell the Black community what should be important to them, versus asking what is important to us. In all my years of involvement with the Virginia Republican Party, there has never been a Black person in a position of power. When I say power, I mean someone with hiring or budget authority. This is somewhat odd when you consider the fact that former Govs. Jim Gilmore and George Allen had very good relations within the Black community and both put Blacks in significant positions within their administrations. The problem has always been with the political side of the party. I was much too young for the Civil Rights Movement, but attending RPV meetings and functions gave me an idea of what it must have been like during that time. It was a mostly old White male event circa the 50’s. They were so conservative that it was scary. The only Blacks they wanted involved were those who hewed to a very conservative orthodoxy. In case the RPV didn’t notice, the Democrats carried the state and added a new U.S senator during this month’s election. White conservative voters are a shrinking part of the electorate. Republicans can get 100 percent of the conservative White vote, but it wouldn’t be enough to win state or nationwide. So, what is the RPV plan to build a coalition that will make them competitive? Move further to the right! So, let me make sure I understand this strategy. The party just lost the state to a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since 1964; the state has changed from red to blue; they just lost

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the other U.S. senate seat to a Democrat; they lost control of the state Senate and have a seven-seat lead in the House of Delegates; and they want to move even further to the right. This illogical thinking is driving people like me and others away from this party in droves. What should the party do? The first thing they should do is get rid of their racist chairman, Jeff Frederick. Last month, he compared Sen. Obama to Osama bin Laden, saying, “They both have friends that bombed the Pentagon.” Which, of course, is not true. Frederick has yet to apologize for his ignorant remarks. But, what is more surprising is that Frederick is only 33 years old, an elected state legislator and of Latino descent. You would think he would be more sensitive to issues of race and bigotry. Not one person in leadership from RPV called him to task on this insidious comment. That’s why I have ceased any involvement with the RPV. If I want to “pal around” with racists, I should go to KKK meetings, not RPV meetings. I know the RPV will trot out a Black or two to attempt to refute my position. But, can the RPV explain the lack of any Blacks in significant positions on their headquarter’s staff? Can they explain the lack of Blacks on the staffs of delegates and senators? Can they explain the lack of Black consultants working on statewide campaigns? As long as the RPV continues to inject race into their campaigns, require conservative litmus tests for participation and ignore the changing demographics of the state, they are destined to continue losing seats and elections. The country and Virginia will continue to get less White. The RPV is not prepared to accept this reality. They continue to use 20th century tactics and views in a 21st century world. Their future is to cling to their past. Within the Black community, the actions of the Republican Party of Virginia speak so loud we can’t hear a thing they are saying!

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December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

A13

Opinion U.S. Automakers Held to Double-Standard Commentary

GEORGE E. CURRY AFRO File Photo

Nothing has been more interesting to watch in recent months than the contrast between the way Congress has treated the Big Three U.S. auto manufacturers seeking a bridge loan to keep their troubled industry afloat and the overly generous handouts used to reward Wall Street greed. Considering the different constituents, one would have thought the most hostility would have been directed at the fat cats on Wall Street, many of whom profited by betting that some mortgagebacked investments would go belly up. But that hasn’t been the case. When CEOs of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler flew to Washington on corporate jets to make a plea for help, windbags in Congress stepped over one another trying to express the most outrage. Never mind that some of those legislators have themselves flown on corporate jets. Never mind that they have traveled free on military jets. Never mind that they enjoy health benefits and other perks far beyond the reach of most Americans. It was the equivalent of Jesse James complaining about the crimes of Frank James. Whether you believe that the U.S. auto industry should

receive a loan or feel they should be forced into bankruptcy in order to reorganize, it should be noted that car manufacturers and Wall Street were seeking two markedly different forms of federal assistance. The Big Three were asking for a loan while Wall Street was seeking - and got - a handout. The Bush administration, after being given a $700 billion pot to pretty much spend as it wants, has evidently adopted the motto: No Bank Left Behind. Take the case of Citigroup, Inc. It recently received a $20 billion infusion of cash from the feds and a guarantee of $306 billion

average cost of current wages and benefits and future benefits to falsely assert or suggest that autoworkers make $70 or more per hour. But, as analysts and some media outlets have noted, the figure includes not only future retirement benefits for current workers, but also benefits paid to current retirees.” Dean Baker, co-director of Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, wrote on his blog, “”The New York Times told readers that GM’s autoworkers are paid $70 an hour (including health care and pension). This is not true. The base pay is about $28 an

“…more than $3.5 billion has been used to subsidize foreign manufacturers that built plants in the U.S.” against its high-risk assets. That’s on top of a previous $25 billion the federal government had doled out to Citigroup. In exchange, the federal government will receive preferred stock shares with an 8 percent dividend. We’re in the middle of providing nearly $1 trillion to Wall Street, yet no one has talked about Wall Street executives’ use of corporate jets, or their coming up with an acceptable plan before receiving the money or removing the inept leaders that plunged the industry into this morass. The heated debate over helping the U.S. auto industry has not been advanced by sloppy news reporting. As Media Matters, the watchdog group, notes: “Several media outlets have used data that combines the

hour. If health care cost per worker average $12,000 per year, that adds in another $6 an hour. If the pension payment takes up 25 percent of base pay (an extremely high pension), that gets you another $7 an hour, bringing the total to $41 an hour. That’s decent pay, but still a long way from $70 an hour.” Most of those opposed to helping the Big Three supported the Wall Street bailout plan. That’s the same group that railed against welfare for the needy but voted to support corporate welfare for the greedy. Republican lawmakers have strongly objected to granting a loan to U.S. carmakers. Sens. Richard Shelby of Alabama and Bob Corker of Tennessee have been helping lead that effort.

While they oppose loans to Detroit, they didn’t object to taxpayers in their respective states subsidizing foreign automakers. According to Good Jobs First, a non-profit group that monitors corporate subsidies, more than $3.5 billion has been used to subsidize foreign manufacturers that built plants in the U.S. Alabama, for example, used $258 million to subsidize the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, $252 million to support Hyundai in Montgomery, $248 million to help Honda in Lincoln and $30 million to assist Toyota in Huntsville. Corker, the former mayor of Chattanooga, Tenn., neglected to point out that Tennessee gave up $577 million in subsidies to encourage Volkswagen to build a plant in his hometown and $233 million to Nissan in Smyrna and another $200 million to them in Decherd, Tenn. “As elected officials debate aid for the Big 3, taxpayers have the right to know the full extent of government involvement in America’s auto industry,” said Greg LeRoy, executive director of Good Jobs First. “And while proposed federal aid to the Big 3 would take the form of a loan, the vast majority of subsidies to foreign auto plants were taxpayer gifts such as property and sales tax exemptions, income tax credits, infrastructure aid, land discounts, and training grants.” George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of ‘Emerge’ magazine and the NNPA News Service, is a keynote speaker, moderator and media coach. He can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com.

Jesse Jackson Jr. Should Bow Out Of Obama’s Seat Commentary

EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON

Illinois Cong. Jesse Jackson Jr. should bow out of contention for Barack Obama’s Senate seat. True, there is yet no evidence that he offered to grease Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s palm in return for the seat, but there’s a continuing probe into whether a Jackson family member or associates acted as Jackson’s paymasters to Blagojevich. The probe, the suspicions and the time he has spent in his defense have hopelessly tainted him as a credible candidate for the seat. He should also withdraw because Blagojevich’s alleged funnymoney dealings have tossed too ugly a glare on Chicago’s wheel-and-deal, borderline legal racketeering politics. The whispers and rumors about Jackson Jr. will swirl no matter what the FBI and the U.S. attorney ultimately decide about the extent of his involvement in the scandal. But this is really less important than the accusation against him. In politics, especially Chicago politics, protests of innocence to wrongdoing are not the same as innocence. Jackson Jr. is not just a Chicago politician. He’s an African-American politician who carries his

famed father’s namesake. The elder Jackson who was also mentioned in the allegation of seat-tampering is no stranger to controversy. That’s enough to further stir suspicions. It’s still race, however, that makes Jackson Jr.’s innocence or not most problematic. When Black elected officials are accused of wrongdoing, the presumption of guilt hangs heavily in the air. That’s in part because the recent corruption scandals that have snared former Louisiana Democrat William Jefferson and Birmingham Mayor Larry

When they’re popped, they wail that they should not be held to a higher standard of accountability than White officials who get caught with their hand in the corruption cookie jar. When White politicians are jailed and pay hefty fines for violating campaign finance and ethics laws, nobody says that they have to be a cross between Mother Teresa and St. Paul. However, even if Jackson is a victim of a slightly kooky governor as he and others claim, that still doesn’t absolve him of holding to a

“Unfortunately, the mud tossed on him will not wash off.” Langford have been plastered over the news. The cloud of suspicion is there in part, too, because in a few celebrated cases when they’re indicted, jailed, accused of financial improprieties or ethics violations (as in the case of Georgia Cong. Cynthia McKinney, who initially screamed race when she took a swing at a Capitol Police officer), the fingered officials have made race the centerpiece of their defense. During the ‘90s, former Illinois Cong. Mel Reynolds screamed racism when he was indicted, tried and convicted of sexual assault charges. Former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry also screamed racism when he was indicted, tried and convicted on a drug charge. And California Cong. Walter Tucker, convicted of bribery charges, loudly shouted racism.

standard that leaves not the slightest doubt that he is above reproach. He represents the majority Black 2nd Congressional District. His constituents view him not as other politicians, but as a leader and advocate. They look to him to represent their interests and to confront institutional power. Any legal smear on him, no matter how questionable, that soils his name makes it much harder for Blacks to retain confidence in them. This diminishes their political power and influence, creating distrust and dissension among Black voters. Jackson publicly pleaded to get his good name back. He knows full well that a taint, any taint, can hamper his ability to do his job. He has an even bigger burden than other Black politicians who carry the same cross. His father ensured that. The long and

storied years of civil rights crusading by Jackson Sr. markedly increased expectations that his son would not be solely a legislative fighter but also a champion for the rights of the underdog who, in this case, happen to be many of his constituents. Jackson to his credit did not reflexively try to deflect, dodge and muddy the charges and accusations against him by screaming “racism.” He wisely went in the opposite direction and singled out prosecutors for being honest and open and giving him a clean bill—for now. Yet, Jackson, other Black officials and, indeed, all public officials will be keenly watched by state and federal prosecutors for any hint of impropriety. If they engage in any forbidden activities with money, they will swiftly be called on the legal carpet. The burden of proof, then, is on them to prove that they can and will do any and everything to avoid even the slightest smudge of scandal. In Jackson Jr.’s case, a lot of damage has already been done. There are loud calls for him to withdraw his name from consideration for the Senate seat. Jackson hasn’t yet shown any willingness to do that. Unfortunately, the mud tossed on him will not wash off. It hasn’t on other Black elected officials who’ve been rudely plopped on the scandal hot seat. Jackson should withdraw his name and do it now. Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. His next book is ‘How Obama Won’ (Middle Passage Press, January 2009).

The Radical Right Rides Again Commentary

RON WALTERS AFRO File Photo

Think about it. A group of southern, right-wing Republican senators have stopped the U.S. Senate from approving a package of financial assistance to the Big Three auto companies that employ directly over 150,000 workers and affects 3 million more, including suppliers and dealers. This kind of cold-blooded action on their part strikes me as just the kind of conservative, mean-spirited and reckless decision-making that the nation voted against in electing Barack Obama. The issue was that in the Senate, negotiations over the

American manufacturers have made with respect to quality. In fact, what constitutes an “American car” today is questionable because of the substantial integration of auto parts from foreign countries into American cars. American cars cost about $2,000 more to make, largely because of factors such as heath care, retirement and dealership structure, but the governments of foreign auto makers absorb most of these costs. However, American elected officials who follow the pure capitalist model while other countries support their industries in a globalized world, contribute to the reason why we are losing out in a number of industries. The big exception is agriculture, where government subsidizes corporate farmers. But no one demanded that corporations, which received some of the $700 billion in funds, cut the salaries of their workers or return benefits. What these southern senators seem to be saying is that

“The auto industry helped African Americans escape the oppression of the southern oligarchy and, by unionization, to earn a decent living that could support their families for the first time.” $14 billion package for Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, Republicans — led by Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee — developed a four- point plan wherein three of the four major concessions were to be made by auto workers. It directed the United Auto Workers to agree that their wages would be brought in line with those of Nissan and Volkswagen; to take half of their $23 billion Voluntary Benefit Association fund in stock options; and to eliminate payments to workers receiving nearly full salaries up to four years after retirement. Some of these proposals had previously been made by the corporate auto heads, so Corker was doing their bidding as well. The UAW, which had already given up billions of dollars to the auto industries to keep them solvent, said no. Nevertheless, Corker and his party had lots of political interests here. Ron Gettlefinger, head of the UAW, charged Corker with trying to break the union and bring it into line with non-union auto makers in his own state. Second, the UAW was also a target because of its role as a strong constituency of the Democratic Party. Then, in Tennessee, Nissan and Volkswagen have plants and the latter’s headquarters is in Nashville and another Republican leader, Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, has argued that the companies should face bankruptcy. He has foreign auto makers in his state, too, such as Toyota, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai that he may be defending. To come clean, I drive a Toyota because of its reputation for dependability, but I am also aware of the strides

they don’t care whether there is a viable American auto industry. The auto industry helped African Americans escape the oppression of the southern oligarchy and, by unionization, to earn a decent living that could support their families for the first time. And because of the historical resentment by the oligarchy for this fact, they have waged an unrelenting and brutal war against the unionization of agricultural labor in the South that would help liberate labor in that region. Under the peonage system, for a good part of the 20th century, Whites paid Black laborers little, very often nothing, and were resistant to government social services or corporate wages that competed with wages in their region. A low wages economy has unified Republican corporate leaders and southern barons. I still have this image in my mind of House Republican leaders marching lock-step to impeach Bill Clinton for a minor offense, while his favorable ratings in surveys of the American people was at 85 percent, clearly suggesting they did not want impeachment to occur. But the radical right didn’t care because their narrow ideology was more important. No doubt, when Barack Obama recalled many of these kinds of events, it created the rationale for his statement that America should “turn the page.” Ron Walters is the distinguished leadership scholar, director of the African American Leadership Center and professor of government and politics at the University of Maryland College Park. His latest book is: ‘The Price of Racial Reconciliation’ (University of Michigan Press).

Opinions and letters on any subject are welcomed by the AFRO-AMERICAN Newspapers published in both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Send to editor@afro.com. Deadline is one week before date of publication. Thank you. — The Editor

December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

Photos by Danita Delaney

2009 Miss DC USA & Miss DC Teen USA Pageants On Dec. 7, the Miss District of Columbia USA and Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2009 Pageants were held at the Embassy Suites in Washington, D.C. Under Miss Universe Organization and NBC Universal, Miss District of Columbia USA and Miss District of Columbia Teen USA Pageant recruits young women from the area to participate. Althea Smith, executive director, has been a vital role model in this competition and every contestant has benefited from her guidance. There were 14 Miss District of Columbia Teen USA contestants and 33 Miss District of Columbia USA contestants, all pursuing the title of 2009 pageant queen. Shauntay Hinton, who is the second Miss District of Columbia USA and who has also won the title of Miss USA® 2002, and Mercedes Lindsey, Miss District of Columbia USA® 2007, hosted this year’s competition. This competition was emotional for both Ivana Grace, Miss District of Columbia Teen USA® 2008, and Chelsey Rogers, Miss District of Columbia USA® 2008, because they both were relinquishing their reigns to the 2009 pageant queen successors. After an intensive evaluation process, the hard work paid off for Jessica Nowlin, Miss District of Columbia Teen USA® 2009 and Nicole White, Miss District of Columbia USA® 2009.

Miss DC USA 2009 Nicole White and her father Aurello, mother Dalys and brother Albert

The judges with winners: Paul Wharton, Napiera Groves, Jessica Nowlin, Nicole White, Howard N. Berliner, LaChaunda Jenkins and Lawrence D. Singer, DMD PC.

Previous Miss DC USA winners with Althea Smith, pageant director (center)

Mistresses of ceremony Shauntay Hinton (Miss USA 2002) and Mercedes Lindsey (Miss DC USA 2007).

Ivana Grace, Miss DC Teen USA 2008, crowns her successor Jessica Nowlin, MISS DC Teen USA 2009, while Mercedes Lindsey (Miss DC USA 2007) holds her flowers.

Miss DC USA 2008 Chelsey Rodgers takes a final walk while performing a tribute song.

The introduction of Miss DC USA and Miss Teen DC USA 2009 contestants to the audience

Miss DC Teen USA 2009 Jessica Nowlin with aunt Gloria, mom Eady, grandmother Odessa and aunt Patricia

Chelsey Rogers, Nicole White, Shauntay Hilton, Ivana Grace, Jessica Nowlin and Mercedes Lindsey

The top five Miss DC USA 2009 finalists Jessica Headly, Nicole White, Kate Michael, Jacqueline Drakeford and Francheseca Ellana.

Nicole White, Miss DC USA 2009, after winning the coveted pageant title

December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

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Montgomery County Council Votes to Limit Home Sizes

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Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, Md., was given the OK by Montgomery County to move its overcrowded, inaccessible hospital to White Oak, the Washington Business Journal reported. The county planning board unanimously approved the decision in a 5-0 vote earlier this month. Rockville-based Adventist HealthCare system, which runs the hospital, bought the White Oak property in April 2007. While lobbying for the move with the Montgomery County Planning Board, Washington Adventist also asked community leaders and civic groups for their input. The planning board received more than 700 letters from the community stating their overwhelming support of the hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relocation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You did a very good job with the architecture, landscaping and site plan,â&#x20AC;? said Royce Hanson, planning board chairman, during the hearing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made it almost fun to be sick.â&#x20AC;? The new campus, located near Plum Orchard Drive and Route 29, is a 48-acre space with major interconnecting roads making it more accessible to Montgomery and Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County residents. Hospital officials will file a Certificate of Need with the state in the spring.

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Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County government is consolidating several offices in the local market at a new building called Inglewood Office Center 2, according to globest.com. The New Boston Fundowned building comes as part of a deal inked last month that will allow the county to occupy 17,000 square feet at 1801 McCormick Drive in Largo, Md. Several area locations will move to the new government-leased space. The building is located in the Inglewood Business Park, a 538,554-square-foot complex with five flex and two office buildings. Tenants leasing there include the Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County Board of Education, Inphonic Linemark Printing and Rx Solutions and is currently at 70 percent occupancy. Niel J. Beggy of Cushman & Wakefield, which represented New Boston Fund in the transaction, told globest.com the asking rate for the building is $22.95 per square foot. Beggy says Largo and many other Washington, D.C. submarkets have been feeling the pinch from the economyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downturn and that â&#x20AC;&#x153;portions of the building have been vacant for more than two years.â&#x20AC;?

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VA-KTA Group, a locally-based engineering consulting and design firm, has signed on for a 20,676 square-foot lease at Dulles View, an edifice owned by Chicago developer Fifield Cos., according to reports from globest.com. KTA will use the space to house its headquarter operations. Dulles View is an eight-story, class A office complex with two buildings totaling approximately 355,000 square feet. KTA brings the complex to 35 percent occupancy and is the third tenant to ink a lease. The building is LEED-certified and underwent a $1 million upgrade to meet LEED standards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not an inexpensive proposition when it is not originally designed for LEED,â&#x20AC;? said Todd J.

Frye, senior director of Strategic Partners in Los Angeles, in an interview with globest.com. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We weighed all of the benefits and costs and decided it was worthwhile to go for it.â&#x20AC;? The lease is Fifieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first commercial venture in the Washington, D.C.-area.

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December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

By Zenitha Prince Washington Bureau Chief John Legend is well on his way to earning his name. It’s been a while since the then-Kanye West sidekick emerged from behind the scenes as the voice on the hook of Slum Village’s “Selfish.” Now, three albums and several Grammy awards later, Legend is at the top of his game, ushering in a new era of “baby making music” and evolving as “The Voice” of 21st century R&B. As the head of HomeSchool Records, Legend is also set to transform the musical landscape as he already has with the introduction of British phenomenon, singer and rapper, Estelle. Beyond entertainment, the multi-faceted artist has also emerged as the face of civic leadership through his work with the campaign of President-elect Barack Obama and his efforts to end poverty via his Show Me Campaign. Currently on tour showcasing his new album, Evolver, Legend took the time after sold-out shows in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., to chat with the AFRO about his latest project and more. AFRO: Towards the end of “Green Light” Andre 3000 says, “ Sometimes you gotta step from behind the piano and let them know what’s going on….” Did that challenge in any way influence this album and your concert performances? (The D.C. performance was

The Evolution of John Legend

Photo by Danita Delaney

John Legend performed before cheering— sometimes swooning—fans at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 6 as part of his Evolver tour.

sound. That’s all. When it comes to live performances, I’ve always gotten up from the piano when I thought it was appropriate for the song. Now that I’m doing songs from three albums, I get up from the piano

“I want the songs to make you smile, make you dance, inspire you, make you think, etc. That’s what great music is supposed to do, and that’s what I was aiming for when making this album.” “crazy good” by the way.) John Legend: “I think the album wasn’t really influenced by that particular statement. The album was a result of me and my collaborators just going in to the studio to try to make some great music. I wanted to make an album with great songwriting and a great

a little more because ‘Evolver’ is less pianodriven. It’s been fun putting this show together because there is a nice range of material from ‘Get Lifted’ to ‘Once Again’ to ‘Evolver.’ The show has a nice balance of up-tempo, mid-tempo and ballads. I’m glad you enjoyed the show. I really have fun performing it every night.”

AFRO: What was your goal with this album? What message did you want to give your audiences about John Legend the songwriter, performer, producer, man? JL: “Well, I just want people to love the album, first of all. I want them to listen to it all the time. I want the songs to make you smile, make you dance, inspire you, make you think, etc. That’s what great music is supposed to do, and that’s what I was aiming for when making this album.” AFRO: As a child of the Caribbean, I was particularly enamored with “Can’t Be My Lover” featuring my man Buju Banton and “No Other Love.” Did you intentionally inject that Caribbean flavor in there or did these songs just evolve that way? How did the collabo with Buju come about? JL: “I intentionally decided to try to

make some reggae-inspired tracks on this album. When I’ve done performances in the Caribbean at various festivals, I’ve done reggae remixes of my own tracks and some collaboration with reggae artists, but these are the first original songs I’ve tried to compose. I did it because I thought my voice and my singing style would fit well with reggae. So I reached out to the producer Supa Dups, who I worked with on Estelle’s song ‘Come Over.’ We worked in Miami for a couple days in November 2007 and came up with ‘No Other Love’ and ‘Can’t Be My Lover.’ I was really happy with both songs and decided to put them on the album. I reached out to Estelle to contribute to “No Other Love” and Supa Dups reached out to Buju for ‘Can’t be My Lover.’ I’m really happy with the results.” AFRO: Some fans have attributed Evolver’s Continued on B4

Denyce Graves to Perform Benefit Concert Author Spotlight Toni Morrison Talks of at Kennedy Center New Novel on Slavery wanted to, but because there are limitations as to how far a district can go in terms of “Sophisticated Lady - An providing all the resources for Evening with Denyce Graves” every program. will feature the critically “Therefore, Duke Ellington acclaimed vocalist and Duke has always sought to attract Ellington School of the Arts additional revenue through alumna in a diverse recital various creative outlets, and on Feb. 25 at the Kennedy one such way has been to Center that will include have our alumni, who have classical music, along with a national and international pop, Americana, spirituals and presence, to come back and jazz. put on a benefit concert for A benefit for the the school because there are Georgetown-based performing so many needs. This is what arts high school, Graves is Denyce Graves is doing.” a D.C. native and one of Pullens noted the concert the opera world’s brightest represents something that stars. She rose to stardom “cannot be shared in words. after being raised by a single It gives Duke Ellington a parent near the Blue Plains broader exposure and it lets sewage plant in Southeast people know that this school Washington. A graduate of is doing something so worthy Oberlin College Conservatory that someone of Denyce’s of Music and the New stature will take the time to England Conservatory, Graves reach back.” has performed in some of According to Graves, the world’s most renowned life could not be better these Courtesy Photo days, as she settles into a opera houses. Tickets for Opera singer Denyce Graves will perform Feb. 25 at the the singer’s hometown newly purchased home in Kennedy Center in a benefit concert for her alma mater, the performance went on sale Bethesda, Md., and raises her Dec. 10 at the Kennedy Center Duke Ellington School of the Arts. 4-year-old daughter Ella. She box office and are expected to also continues to maintain However, this one is quite different and sell out quickly. a satisfying relationship with a French has a lot of meaning.” A mezzo-soprano with a sultry voice composer, who is the father of her only In recent years, Ellington, a college and commanding on-stage presence, child. preparatory public school, has suffered Graves said she is excited about the For several years, unbeknownst to from a drop in funding and personnel. February concert “because this school is many, the singer suffered from depression According to Rory Pullens, head of school the reason that I have the life that I have while trying to maintain the perfect at Duke Ellington, “The cost of running today. Often, I am called upon often to image of what others wanted her to be. a premiere arts school has always been do benefit performances, and I tell the Her fairytale marriage of 15 years to more than the revenues than the DCPS agency that they have to put a cap on her manager/husband failed and she system has been able to provide at Duke them because I have to make a living, too. Ellington, not that because they haven’t Continued on B4 By Edith Billups Special to the AFRO

By Natalie Cone Howard University News Service WASHINGTON — In a packed synagogue, a diverse audience gathered last week to hear one of the queens of literature, Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison. David Dulaney, a teacher at The Barrie School in Silver Spring, Md., sat with the 10 students of his African-American literature class. Joyce Sebian and her daughter, Beth, excitedly waited to hear Morrison speak as they glanced through her new novel, A Mercy, which Joyce is now reading in her book club. Morrison, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1993 and the Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for her novel Beloved, made an appearance at Sixth and I Synagogue in Washington to discuss her new bestselling novel. The story takes place in 1682, a time when America was just emerging, and the definition of a slave was not just someone brought to the country from Africa. During that time, almost anyone of any race could be a slave. “It’s less about slavery in the sense that we think of it today,” Morrison told the audience. “What’s interesting is how slavery becomes married with race in this country. It wasn’t always that way.” The beautifully written book switches back and forth from a first person to a third person perspective. The first person narrative is in the voice of Florens, an Africa slave girl who was given to Jacob Vaark by her owner, at the suggestion of the girl’s mother, as payment for a debt. Vaark is an Anglo-Dutch trader who claims to detest slavery and takes great pride in that fact. He disassociates himself from the trade mentally, even though he inadvertently supports the system by loaning money to plantation owners. Florens is taken to Vaark’s home where she joins three other women, Rebekka, Vaark’s wife; Lina, their Native American servant, and Sorrow, a quiet girl who was also given to Vaark as payment for a debt. Though he’s master of the three women, he does not mistreat them. Together they forge a small family. Everything changes when Vaark dies of small pox and the women are left to care for themselves in a time when “the promise and threat of men… was where security and risk lay,” Morrison writes in the book. Continued on B4

December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

Author Spotlight

Toni Morrison

Continued from B3

The story forms as Rebekka contracts small pox, and Florens is sent on a journey to get help. Morrison uses the story to show how enslavement affects the characters—who they are and who they’re forced to become. The novel is only 167 pages, but Morrison, in that short space, weaves a complex and poetic story. Morrison, who also wrote about slavery in Beloved, dismissed critics who say she should give the subject a rest. “There is no final or ultimate closing the door to slavery,” she said, “or closing the door to the holocaust, or closing the door to war. You don’t close the door on a period. That’s closing the door to your past.” Morrison explained her novel’s unique title. “A Mercy was simple; it sounded almost accidental,” she said. “God provides mercy, but a mercy, that’s something only a human can offer.”

Toni Morrison

D.C. Arts and Entertainment Calendar Dec. 18

The Sweet Heaven Kings Gospel Celebration Kennedy Center-Millennium Stage, 2700 F St., N.W., D.C. 6 p.m. A 16-member gospel percussion and brass ensemble performs holiday music with powerful singers. Free. For more information: 202-467-4600 or visit www. kennedy-center.org.

Dec. 19

A ‘Glympse’ of Glory: Birthing the Vision of Holiness Howard University, Cramton Auditorium, 2455 6th St., N.W., D.C.7 p.m. Priase in Motion presents a play about a teenage girls who finds and fulfills her destiny. Includes music, dance and more. $20 with group specials. For more information and to purchase tickets: 240-788-3596 or visit www.praiseinmotion. info

Denyce Graves to Perform me on this path,” said Graves. Today, Graves is one of the most respected female opera singers in the world, but it has not come without battling obstacles such as racism in an art form Graves believes “has a tradition and people who have their own ideas of what they like to see.” “I have people who made no bones about it. People told me right in my face, and at least you know what you are dealing with. Some general directors said there was no way they would hire me.” She cites as an example the time when she was asked to play Juliet by the producer of the opera, “by the director did not want a black Juliet. The first day I showed up, he wouldn’t even shake my hand or look at me. But I showed up every day and made sure my voice was ready. I even showed up at rehearsals where I didn’t have to be. One day slowly, he started to acknowledge me, and slowly, slowly he began to accept that I was doing this role and was part of this project.” Later, that same director offered the singer another role in France. Graves called the incident, “a very important lesson for me, and I am proud because there were so many ways to handle that. I came to understand that often it is hard for people to imagine your face in a role unless people see your face in the role. In the end, it was about the talent, and it brought something different to the production itself.” Graves notes that for African-American male singers, the blocks can be even harder to hurdle. “Most of the roles are written for the lead, and some feel uncomfortable with African-American men in leading roles,”

Continued from B3

underwent surgery for a non-cancerous polyp on her vocal chords. These days, however, the 40-something singer said “things are good” and she is happy. “[Since 1980] I have been working 98 percent of the time in America,” said Graves. “Previously, I was working mostly in Europe.” She remains fiercely close to her mother who she says “helps me out a lot with Ella.” She calls her only child “beautiful and bossy” and more outgoing than the shy, awkward child that she was. “She is more comfortable in social situations, and she loves to sing,” Graves said. “We can’t stop her!” One of three children who sang in their family gospel group, The Inspirational Children of God, Graves was raised in a strict, Christian home, listening to The Mighty Clouds of Joy and Mahalia Jackson. She was able to pull her life together during the difficult times, “because of my faith, and because of my belief in something other than this life here. I know that God has a hand in my life.” She notes that this has been evident since she was a kindergarten student and was taken under the wing of her music teacher, Judith Grove Allen. It was almost a mystical relationship, as the two crossed paths repeatedly during Graves’ childhood. “She was able to recognize my love for music, and I loved going to her class from kindergarten to middle school,” she said. By the time she had advanced to high school, Grove was the principal at Ellington and encouraged Graves to apply. “Heaven sent this woman and she guided me and set

GOLDEN GLOBE

NOMINEE

Graves said. Still, she sees some progress and is tremendously excited about Barack Obama becoming the 44th president of the United States. “For me this has been an enormous achievement. Even before he has taken office, he has brought change. I have a tremendous excitement about where we are going. When Barack spoke in 2004, I called my best friend in Switzerland and I said he could be president.” After Obama was nominated, the singer vowed, “I didn’t care where I was in the world. I said that I would fly back to vote for him, and I voted in Maryland.” Graves believes that Obama and others, like her idol, Leontyne Price, represent “the best of preparing yourself to your ability. Leontyne, for instance, is the reason I am singing. The sheer beauty and power of her voice changed my life.” And she empathizes with singers who are called divas because they demand excellence of the people they are working with. “We are trained to be super critical of every single note. It is the art of beautiful singing, and we are judged in that way. When you are out there on the front line, it’s just you and Jesus. Nobody is going to know that the conductor asked you to sing it that way. At the end of the day, you have to responsible for your choices because they are only going to remember that you sang it that way.” For the Feb. 25th performance, Graves will be accompanied by outstanding musical accompanists, including students from the Duke Ellington High School Choir. For tickets, call the Kennedy Center box office at 202-467-4600 or call 800-444-1324.

EXPERIENCE THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

“�� 1/2

FAST, LIVELY AND PACKED WITH SHARP PERFORMANCES –

The Evolution of John Legend Continued from B3

sometime departure from your usual fare to commercial interests. Did the pressure to ‘sell’ influence your choices in this album? JL: “Everybody wants to sell records and have hit songs, but I don’t let that cloud my creative vision. I figure that if I make great music, it’s going to sell. So I focus on that first. Once you make the music, you have to market it right, choose the right singles, etc., to maximize it. But, most importantly, you have to make great records.” AFRO: Mr. Legend in all three of your albums—and more so in Evolver, I think—you come across as a very smooth, very elegant, dare I say master of seduction. Is that an alter ego or are you the same in your real life? JL: “Everybody has their own style and approach to seduction. I think mine works pretty well, and I think my songwriting reflects my personality and the way I think and carry myself. I’m probably not as smooth as I portray myself in my lyrics though. Who is?! I’m still a nerd at heart. But there are plenty of young ladies who like that in a man. So I’m gonna stick with what works for me!” AFRO: You were an avid supporter of President-elect Barack Obama during his campaign. Where were you when election results were announced and how did it feel to know that he would become the next president of the United States? What message would you give to the millions of singers, actors, college students and other ordinary people who contributed to his victory about the role they should play in framing the future of this country and perhaps, the world? JL: “I was in Los Angeles when the results were announced. My band and I had just done a taped performance that afternoon. (I absentee voted in New York a week early). We rented out the V.I.P. room in the hotel bar and had them set up a TV so I could watch the results with the band and crew and some friends. We pretty much knew he was going to win, but every time a swing state came in, we cheered. And we finally popped champagne when the networks called it for Obama. I was thrilled. I was emotional. I was inspired. It was a beautiful feeling. The sense of euphoria and optimism lasted for a while, and I’m still feeling really good about it. It’s exciting to have a new administration that, though it will make some mistakes, is at least being led by a brilliant, thoughtful individual and a set of highly competent staff and cabinet members. It’s exciting to have been part of this campaign. The campaign was truly driven by the people, not by the establishment. Everyone who volunteered, voted and contributed should be proud.” AFRO: Will you be in D.C. for the presidential inauguration and are you performing in the festivities? JL: “I’ll be there. We’re still confirming the details of my appearances and performances, but I wouldn’t miss it.”

this is how true-life movies should be done.” Rafer Guzmán, Newsday

“ROLLICKING AND INSIGHTFUL” A.O. Scott, The New York Times

Friends of Carter Barron and Trust Corporation presents the

“BEYONCÉ KNOWLES IS A REVELATION” Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

8th Annual Youth Holiday DC Musical,

“JEFFREY WRIGHT IS SUPERB”

GOD’s Gift to DC - No Mo’ Crime.

Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal

December 19-21, 2008

THE STORY OF THE LEGENDS WHO CHANGED MUSIC FOREVER

SONY MUSIC FILM AND PARKWOOD PICTURES PRESENT A SONY MUSIC FILM PRODUCTION ADRIEN BRODY JEFFREY WRIGHT “CADILLAC RECORDS” GABRIELLE UNION COLUMBUS SHORT CEDRIC THECOSTUMEENTERTAINER EMMANUELLE CHRIQUI EAMONNDIRECTOR WALKER WITH MOS DEF PRODUCTION OF AND BEYONCÉ KNOWLES CASTINGBY KIMBERLY R. HARDIN DESIGNER JOHNETTA BOONE DESIGNER LINDA BURTON PHOTOGRAPHY ANASTAS MICHOS, ASC COMUSIC ORIGINAL EXECUTIVE EDITOR PETER . FRANK, A.C.E. PRODUCER PETRA HOEBEL MUSIC PRODUCER MARSHALL CHESS PRODUCER STEVE JORDAN SCORE TERENCE BLANCHARD MUSIC EXECUTIVE PRODUCED WRITTEN AND SUPERVISOR BETH AMY ROSENBLATT PRODUCERS BEYONCÉ KNOWLES MARC LEVIN BY ANDREWLACK SOFIASONDERVAN DIRECTED BY DARNELL MARTIN SOUNDTRACK FEATURES MUSIC BY BEYONCÉ, Q-TIP, BUDDY GUY, RAPHAEL SAADIQ, NAS FEATURING OLU DARA, SOLANGE AND MORE

NOW PLAYING

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

COLUMBIA PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA AN OVERBROOK ENTERTAINMENT ESCAPE ARTISTS PRODUCTION A FILM BY GABRIELE MUCCINO “SEVENC POUNDS” ROSARIO DAWSON MICHAEL EALY WITH BARRY PEPPER AND WOODY HARRELSON EXECUTIVE WRITTEN MUSIC BY GRANT NIEPORTE BY ANGELO MILLI PRODUCERS DAVID ROCKETT DAVID BLOOMFIELD KEN STOVITZ DOMENICO PROCACCI PRODUCED DIRECTED BY TODD BLACK JAMES LASSITER JASON BLUMENTHAL STEVE TISCH WILL SMITH BY GABRIELE MUCCINO

NOW PLAYING

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES SORRY, NO PASSES ACCEPTED FOR THIS ENGAGEMENT

“Historic” Lincoln Theater; starring DC’s gifted and talented youth, featuring Five Time Grammy Award K E L LY P R I C E Winner, KELLY PRICE and Dual Grammy Platinum Award Winners, MARY MARY, entertainment from Council members Yvette M. Alexander, Marion S. Barry, Jr. and Harry Tommy Thomas, Jr. for (three) 7:30 pm evening and 3:30 pm matiness performances. For more info call: 202-328-6000 or 232-5610 General Admission: M A RY M A R Y $20.00

December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

Faith In Action

‘Still have not gotten your flu shot?’ Gospel Service Hosts Banquet

Photos by Edgar Brookins

Hayden Banfield presented Griffin with a plaque for his services to the Fort Myer Gospel Service. Photo by Herb Quarles

“Still have not gotten your flu shot?” asks Dr. Carolyn Veiga. “Do not put it off, for there is still time.” Veiga and members of the Black Nurses Association of the metropolitan area were at Peoples Congregational UCC in Northwest, Washington again this year to give free flu shots to members of the congregation. Shown is Karen Hammond, who received her shot from nurse Reggi Parker, assisted by Linda Haughton. Waiting to get their yearly flu shots are Nadine Kearns and her son Julien.

Obituary Marnette Jackson, 95 Businesswoman Marnette Agnes Jackson, a long time resident of the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area, passed away peacefully March 26 in Florida at the age of 95. A private interment was held May 3 at Maryland National Memorial Cemetery. Born In St. Mary’s County, Md., Marnette was predeceased by six siblings born to Ida May (Barnes) Smith. Extremely active, Marnette participated in many social service and political organizations. She served as president of the Metropolitan Women’s Democratic Club and was an avid fundraiser for the Continental Societies, Inc. of Washington, D.C. She was youthful and spirited and enjoyed the company of her special “sisters,” especially at her famous birthday celebrations. Marnette was also a vibrant part of the social scene and was well known for her pink Cadillac and membership in the National Association of Turtles. Marnette was an avid bridge player and held a membership in the American Bridge You’d think at least one of them could tell you how to renew a passport.

Got government-related questions?

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Association. Before relocating to Florida, she enjoyed her membership in the Overtricks Bridge Club, an affiliate of the Washington Bridge Unit. As a businesswoman, Marnette was a pioneer. She had an independent spirit that served her well as an entrepreneur who had numerous business interests some of which she and her former husband

of many years, Charles M. Jackson, shared. Her friends remember Marnette as a small business owner who spent most days and many long evenings overseeing the finances of Jock’s Liquors until her retirement in 1985. Marnette lit up a room. She will always be remembered as a dear mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

The Fort Myer Gospel Service recently held its annual Christmas banquet at Spate Hall Community Club in Fort Myer, Va. In addition to an uplifting holiday speech by Bro. Griffin, a member of the First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, Va., the congregation and guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal and an evening of spiritual fun including a praise dance presentation. Soulful jazz music performed by a local group

complemented the cheerful atmosphere of the banquet. Min. Donald Myers and his wife Cynthia were the emcees for the occasion, which was themed “A New Beginning.” Some of the special guests included Chaplain Barry White and his wife, installation chaplain; Chaplain Derrick Riggs, chapel funds manager and Sgt. First Class Washington and his wife. Chaplain Jose Rodriguez is pastor of the Gospel Service.

The Ransom family was among those who enjoyed the program held during the banquet. The planning committee received a hearty salute for putting together a wonderful holiday treat.

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afro .com

December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

Bridge in D.C. Compiled by Herb Quarles Tournament Calendar WBU – Seminar on 1 NT Forcing and Open Pairs “C” Regional (1-2-09) 10 a.m.

VIP – Open Pairs “C” Regional (1-4-09) 2:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 2 p.m. WBU – Seminar on Druy and an Open Pairs “C” Regional (1-5-09) 10 a.m.

Bridgemasters – Open Pairs “C” Regional (1-909) 7 p.m. Tournament Results Y-Bridgettes – City Open

Pairs (11-5-08) [NS] 1. Irene Thomas-Theodore Austin, 2. Karen Pollock-Annie Moss, 3. Geneva Wade-Elizabeth Woods, 4. Elizabeth WilsonDeloris Tolson. EW 1. Andrew RansomJane Lee, 2. Cornelia ProctorBessie Heggs, 3. Shirley Baker-

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THE LAST Photo by Herb Quarles

Irene Thomas and Theodore Austin won the Open Pairs “C” Regional tournament sponsored recently by the Dubridgettes in the WBU Home located at 3801 Eastern Ave. in Mt. Rainier. Md.

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Betty Spencer, 4. Virginia Brockington- Bennie Martin. Overtricks – City Open Pairs (11-11-08) 1. Marcea Austin-Theodore Austin, 2. Irene Thomas-M. Cassandra Smith, 3. Marion Best-Helen McCormick. Y-Bridgettes – City Open Pairs (11-19-08) [NS] 1. Charles Carrington-Marvin Raines, 2. Geneva WadeElizabeth Woods, 3. Karen Pollock-Annie Moss, 4. Elizabeth Wilson-Deloris Tolson. EW 1. Andrew RansomJane Lee, 2. Bertha WilliamsLillian Howard, 3. Alice Harriston-Cornelia Proctor, 4. Irene Thomas-Naomi Millet. Capitol – City Teams of Four (12-2-08) 1. Elizabeth Wilson, Jeanne Brown, Marjorie Coleman, Herbert Quarles, 2/3. Andrew Ransom, Mattie Barrow, Frances Powell, Ann Derricotte, 2/3. Charles Carrington, Victor Stewart, Carrolena Key, Elaine Conway, 4. Geneva Wade, Elizabeth Woods, Gwendolyn Harllee, Dorcas Glascoe, 5. Naomi Millet Daisy Grimes, Marcellino Borges, James Stringfellow. Eastern – Open Pairs “C” Regional (12-4-08) Flight A 1. Jerri Thomas-Louis Garner, 2. Reginald Chapman-Geraldine Flowers, 3. Bernice BowmanMary Smith. [Flight B] 1. Bowman-Smith, 2. Dolores Parker-Costella Tyler. Capitol – Teams of Four “C” Regional (12-9-09) Y-Bridgettes – Open Pairs “C” Regional (12-1008) [Flight A] 1. Charles Carrington-Marvin Raines, 2. Reginald Chapman-Geraldine Flowers, 3. Clarice Reid-Jewel Chapman, 4/5. M. Cassandra Smith-Frances Powell, 4/5. Shirley Baker-Daisy Smith. Flight B 1. Baker-Smith, 2. Bertha Williams-Lillian Howard.

December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

Changes Haven’t Helped Struggling Wizards By Perry Green AFRO Sports Writer Facing a train wreck of production so far this season, the Washington Wizards’ proposed solution has been change. After opening the season with an underachieving 1-10 record, Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld changed coaches in hopes it would revive their chances as a

In a desperate attempt to strengthen the team’s performance on defense, coach Tapscott benched rookie center JaVale McGee for four-year veteran Andray Blatche Monday night against the Indiana Pacers, but the lineup adjustment didn’t help. In just his second start of the season, Blatche put up an impressive 19 points on offense, but his presence as a paint defender

“The Wizard’s recently poor performance as a whole is something coach Tapscott can’t afford to live with.” competitor. A few weeks later, Washington continued to struggle with a 4-14 overall record, and decided to change up the roster by trading veteran distributor Antonio Daniels in exchange for veteran guard Mike James and second-year guard Javaris Crittenton. Currently 4-18 overall, Wizards’ new interim head coach Ed Tapscott has decided to make another change, this time to the team’s starting lineup.

didn’t stop the Pacers from outscoring Washington, 118-98, at the Verizon Center. Blatche told the media he not only could have played better defense, but also could have done a better job at crashing the boards. “I don’t feel I gave 101 percent of effort rebounding,” said Blacthe who recorded just two rebounds on the night. “That’s what is killing us…we had the game tied and we just didn’t rebound or play defense. Rebounding is just effort. I

didn’t rebound, so I didn’t give that much effort.” Although Tapscott has made some adjustments since replacing former head coach Eddie Jordan, the one area he hasn’t addressed is the struggles of starting guard DeShawn Stevenson. Stevenson is currently shooting a career-low 30 percent from the field and 28 percent from the three-point line. Yet, coach Tapscott says he’s sticking with the experienced guard. “DeShawn is a trusted veteran, and trusted veterans get all due respect and deference,” Tapscott told the media. “He plays hard, he defends, so if his shooting is off, I’ll live with that.” However, the Wizard’s recently poor performance as a whole is something coach Tapscott can’t afford to live with. And judging by the loud booing from the Wizards’ crowd Monday night, the fans can’t live with the poor play either. “It’s embarrassing when you get booed at home in front of your crowd,” All Star forward Antawn Jamison told the media. “And that’s something we don’t want to ever happen again.”

Tim Lacy ANOTHER Viewpoint

Jack’s Back It’s December again and there are a few constants attached to this time of year. You can look at the angelic faces of the children who are hoping that Santa Claus has forgotten the past 11 months of mischief, there is a Christmas story on every channel of your TV, the closest parking space available at the mall is about as close as Nova Scotia and you have fortified yourself with aspirin to ward off the headache that shows up every year while you search for that elusive gift for your significant other. The other important constant attached to this time of year for me is the annual Olender Foundation Awards. Some of you may be familiar with Jack Olender, but for those of you who aren’t, let me pull your coat. Jack is the advocate for those who have been victims of malpractice. Before you dismiss this as a piece on an ambulance chaser, fasten your seat belt. Jack has served as president of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, the Trial Lawyers Association, D.C.,

the American Board of Trial Advocates, D.C. and the George Washington American Inn of Court. Jack was the first lawyer in the District of Columbia certified as a civil trial specialist

is to honor people in four categories: generous heart, America’s role model, unsung hero and advocate for justice. If you are wondering why this event holds such a special place in my heart, the 1999 America’s role model was Sam Lacy, my dad. Jack always treated him as a special friend and I have

benefited from the association. When my pop died in 2003, the first person I saw when I reached the church was Jack Olender. This year’s recipients were Ed and Patricia Leahy (generous heart); Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa and Cong. John Conyers, (advocate for justice); and Cpl. Wesley LeonBarrientos, (unsung hero). The achievements of these people are too numerous to list here, but I would like to take a moment to add my personal honor to Cpl. Leon-Barrientos. While serving a tour in Iraq, he was wounded in the face and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was sent back for a second tour and he was wounded in

National Christian Academy Takes Out McKinley Tech By Perry Green AFRO Sports Writer Dante Taylor and the National Christian Academy handled business against McKinley Tech Monday, outscoring their opponents easily in an 81-71 victory. Taylor finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds, and Ayobeji Egbeyemi added 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds to NCA’s total. The National Christian Academy is now ranked fourth in the metro area.

Reggie Theus Becomes Sixth Coach Fired the head and awarded another Purple Heart. On his third tour, he was the victim of an explosive device and suffered the loss of both legs. Another Purple Heart, and he was off to rehab and the struggle to pull his life together. He has overcome the biggest obstacle by mastering his prosthetic legs and he married

“If you are wondering why this event holds such a special place in my heart, the 1999 America’s role model was Sam Lacy, my dad.” by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has won or settled more than 200 cases upwards of $1 million each. So much for the ambulance chaser handle, because these credentials are just the tip of the iceberg. Add to these accolades a little eye candy for his wall–– the induction into the Hall of Fame of the District of Columbia, the Washington Bar Association and the National Bar Association. The Olender Foundation Awards isn’t just an opportunity for a few friends to get together and dine on some scrumptious food while listening to some quality musical entertainment. The purpose of this gathering

Courtesy Photo

New Wizards coach Ed Tapscott has made some adjustments to the Wizards since taking over for Eddie Jordan, but the team is still struggling with a 4-18 record.

his fiancé. This is the part of the story that brings a smile to my face. His wife accompanied him to the awards and she is about 10 minutes past pregnant. The whole while she displayed the most heartwarming smile you have ever seen. My best wishes go out to them both. Grants were offered to charities of all four recipients and it was off to dinner. This year’s awards were held on Dec. 9, and as I opened the invitation I heard my wife say, “Jack’s back.”

By Perry Green AFRO Sports Writer Sacramento Kings coach Reggie Theus was fired Monday morning, becoming the sixth NBA coach terminated since the 2008-09 season began this fall. Theus was replaced by assistant coach Kenny Natt after leading the Kings to a 6-18 start this season. Natt becomes the Kings’ fourth coach in three years. Theus’ final game with Sacramento was a 24-point home loss to the New York Knicks last Saturday night, the ninth loss in 10 games at Arco Arena. The Kings, who’ve been without star guard Kevin Martin for most of this season, have now fallen into last place in the Pacific Division of the Eastern

Courtesy Photo

Kings coach Reggie Theus was recently fired after a 6-18 start to this season. Conference. Theus now joins Eddie Jordan (Wizards), Sam Mitchell (Toronto), Maurice Cheeks (Philadelphia), Randy Wittman (Minnesota) and P.J. Carlesimo (Oklahoma City) as coaches who’ve been fired this season.

www.afro.com

kiDS DAY

WASHINGTON WIZARDS vs. DALLAS MAVERICKS Sun., Dec. 21st @ 6pm Kids tickets are only $5 at all Wizards Sunday home games! $5 tickets on The Hill (Upper Level) for all children of age 15 and younger. Offer valid with the purchase of a full price adult Upper Level ticket. Purchase limit of two kids tickets per adult ticket. Offer valid while supplies last.

To buy tickets: CliCk: www.WashingtonWizards.com

08 09

Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah

National Christian Academy swarms a McKinley guard on defense.

For accessible seating, call 202.661.5065 TTY 202.661.5066

The Washington Afro-American, December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008

Community The ‘Jubilee’ Exhibit

Museum Celebrates African-American Traditions By Shakira Thomas Special to the AFRO Have you ever heard of Pinkster? How about John Canoe or Junkanoo or John Kuner, as they call it in some places? What about the Black “Indians” of New Orleans? If not, you’ll find the answers to those questions and others in a new exhibit, “Jubilee: African American Celebration,” on display at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum from Dec. 7 through Sept. 20, 2009. “Jubilee” displays over 50 traditional celebrations and holidays observed in the AfricanAmerican community. The exhibition tells the history of celebrations that were derived from slavery to national holidays that are celebrated today. Visitors can explore African-American holidays that are unique but no longer celebrated such as Pinkster, a celebration where both free Blacks and slaves in the colonial era paraded the streets dressed in carnival costumes the day they elected a “pinkster king,” and John Canoe, a celebration where slave revelers dressed in rags, masks and horns while parading around their community on Christmas Day. Visitors will also learn about intricate Native American-style garments made of feathers and tomahawks during Mardi Gras by Blacks in New Orleans since the 19th century. The exhibit also examines the ways Black families have come together over the years to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas, leisure-time activities popular in the Black community, the formation of Black Greek organizations and the tradition of family reunions and more recent holidays like Kwanzaa, which was founded in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga. Portia James, curator for the museum and the exhibition, said “Jubilee” hopes to delve into the

complexities of African-American history and the development of Black identity. “Jubilee explores holidays and celebrations and how they shape a unique African- American community,” James said. The exhibit is season-based, with winter celebrations opening the display and an introduction of Black New Year’s Day traditions following the initial scene. The spring-season celebrations enhance the visual effect of the exhibit with artifacts such as bronze sculptures of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry of the Union Army, an all-Black unit during the Civil War, and a wedding dress worn by a slave in 1845. “I love the artifacts,” James said. “They are one of my favorite parts of the exhibit.” A display of summer and autumn celebrations closes the exhibit and showcases items from traditional summer vacations, social gatherings from the 1950s to today, the traditional practices of African Americans on Eid al-Fitr—-a Muslim holiday commemorating the end of Ramadan—Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa and the significance of Watch Night, a religious observance of New Year’s Eve. “African-American social gatherings developed historically as occasions to eat, dance, share news, trade goods, re-connect with loved ones and, in some cases, plan escape, providing respite from slavery and discrimination,” James said. A short film will also be shown featuring Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., as he explains how Martin Luther King Day became a national holiday. Jubilee is more than an exhibit of holidays and celebrations, James said. It is a journey through the traditions that have sustained the AfricanAmerican community and pays homage to the traditions that helped shape a unique Black identity.

The "Jubilee" exhibition of the history of AfricanAmerican culture and tradition will be on display through Sept. 20,

Courtesy Photos

December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

Farewell Cuttino By Stephen D. Riley Special to the AFRO

Courtesy Photo

Cuttino Mobley retires after 11 years in the NBA.

Long-time veteran Cuttino Mobley was forced to retire last Thursday due to heart disease that may have gotten worse. Mobley shares the same heart ailment that claimed the lives of former Boston Celtic Reggie Lewis and Loyola Marymount star Hank Gathers. Mobley is an 11-year veteran who has spent time with the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings and most recently, Los Angeles Clippers. Mobley, alongside former Maryland Terrapin Steve Francis, powered the backcourt for the Rockets for years and even took their act to Orlando in a blockbuster trade at the time for Tracy McGrady. “The doctors said to not chance it and I feel as though they’re right, having an 8-year-old son, having a long life ahead of me, it’s the smart thing,” Mobley told ESPN. “It’s a tough thing to swallow, but things in life happen, but you have to keep going.”

B10

The Washington Afro-American, December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008

It’s a fact: more than 600 people every day die from diabetes and its complications. But there’s a simple test that can warn you that you’re at risk. So you can do something about it before it’s too late. It’s called A1C. Ask your doctor why it’s important to keep your A1C under 7 or call 1-877-TEST-A1C.

Know your risk. Know your A1C. diabetesA1C.org

December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American

Council Bill Supports Quicker Trials for Juveniles By Dorothy Rowley AFRO Staff Writer The District of Columbia City Council recently gave its nod of approval to legislation that makes it possible for nonviolent youth held in community shelter homes to have speedier trials. The bill had initially been presented as an emergency bill. But now titled Juvenile Speedy Trial Equity Amendment Act of 2007 and sponsored by Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, it has become permanent and targets a backlog of cases that have stalled many youth offenders’ court dates. Wells’ bill, which was jointly introduced with Councilman Phil Mendelson, is expected to drastically reduce cases on wait. “It simply didn’t make sense that youth held in secure detention were entitled to speedy trials, while the kids who were placed in community shelter homes languished, sometimes for weeks, waiting for a trial,” said Wells. “Their trials need to he held quickly, too, and they need to face the consequences of their actions just as swiftly as the youth who are securely detained.” According to the Washington,

D.C.-based Campaign for Youth Justice, as in the cases of their violent peers, it’s preferable for non-violent youth to be placed in group homes rather than in jail. Placements in group homes protect them from risk of physical and sexual assault which commonly take place in jail. The organization’s research shows that placing youth in the adult criminal justice system also increases their likelihood of reoffending. Curfew violations and trespassing are listed among a range of nonviolent crimes committed by youth. Eric Solomon, spokesman for the Justice for D.C. Youth Coalition, said that in essence, speedier trials are needed for all juvenile offenders. “For one thing, a lot of the kids that are charged as adults end up held pre-trial in jail,” said Solomon. “We don’t want them there to begin with, but if they are detained, we want to make sure their trials come to an end quickly so that they are sentenced to where they need to go or they get back into the community.” Alan Pemberton, a partner with Covington & Burling law firm in the District, testified on behalf of the bill when it was

Community Calendar Dec. 18 From Haiku to Hip Hop Benning Interim Library, 4103 Benning Rd., N.E., D.C. 6 p.m. Creative writing and poetry session for youth 12-19. Free. For more information: 202-727-1186 or e-mail India.Young@dc.gov.

Dec. 19 XTreme Teens Kwanzaa Celebration Allentown Fitness and

Splash Park, 7210 Allentown Rd., Fort Washington, Md. 7-8 p.m. Celebrate the Fifth Principle of Kwanzaa and learn the true meaning of the holiday. Ages 13-17. $4-$5. For more information: 301449-5596. Step Competition & Toy Drive Upper County Community Center, 8201 Emory Grove Rd., Gaithersburg, Md. 7-10 p.m. See area steppers compete for prizes, cash and brag-

introduced as an emergency effort, as well as when it faced council approval. He said it’s a good measure for shortening time in detention prior to trial and speeds up an offender’s day of reckoning. “It cuts down on needless detention for nonviolent youth who don’t need to be incarcerated,” said Pemberton. “Many studies show that incarceration is not good for many non-violent youth offenders but may help with violent offenders,” though light offenders may more often reoffend. Wells, who chairs the council's Committee on Human Services and whose district has seen a surge in juvenile crimes this year, added that providing detained youth with speedy trials has also reduced the need to create more group homes in District neighborhoods. At this time, nearly 80 nonviolent youth are being detained in group homes across the city. Wells said punishing youth offenders sooner for their crimes also takes pressure off the District government to create additional youth shelter facilities. While his bill reduces the need for additional shelter homes, it also makes it more

equitable for youth being held in detention. In the past, the usual wait time for nonviolent youth offenders’ trial has been 45 days. But Wells said that sometimes when they are held for as long as eight to 10 months without trial, when the youths finally go to court they have a hard time understanding why they’re there. Studies on minor juvenile delinquencies state that youth offenders usually begins around age 7, peaks at ages 9 to 13 before rising steadily to age 17 for boys and 15 for girls, and then dropping. Studies also show that nonviolent serious delinquency also begins around age 7 and peaks at age 9. For boys, it peaks again around age 12 and continues rising through age 19. For girls, it peaks again from ages 13 to 15, then declines. Wells spokesman Charles Allen added that there are lots of different programs set up in the District to curb juvenile crime and include the Peaceaholics program, aimed at cutting down on gang activity. Other initiatives like the citywide Children’s Investment Trust enhance other projects like the youth crime force which has been established in Ward 6.

ging rights. All attendees should bring a new unwrapped toy donation or gift card with a receipt indicating the gift card amount, or a $5 donation. Step teams are welcome to register three participants. For more information: 301-528-9697 or e-mail usc20874@yahoo.com.

children 17 and under. For more information and to purchase tickets; 202-399-7993 or visit www.atlastarts.org.

Dec. 20 Kwanzaa Celebration of Music & Dance Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St., N.E., D.C. 2 p.m., 7 p.m. Coyaba Dance Theater presents a dance celebration honoring Kwanzaa. $15 general admission, $10

Everything You Need to Know to Celebrate Kwanzaa Historical Society of Washington, D.C. 801 K St., N.W., D.C. 12:30- 2 p.m. Learn the history of Kwanzaa and its creator, the purpose of the holiday and items needed to celebrate. For more information: www.historydc.org. More calendar items at afro.com More calendar items at afro.com

B11

Black State Legislators Honor Obama, J.C. Hayward

Photo by J. Wright

State Lawmakers1-D.C. Council Member-elect Michael Brown speaks to the Nation Builders Awards banquet at the 32nd Annual Legislative Conference of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in D.C. Behind him are CNN contributor Roland Martin, WPGC 95.5 personality Justine Love and D.C. City Councilman Marion Barry (D-Ward 8). President-elect Barack Obama was honored at the banquet, along with Channel 9 anchor J.C. Hayward, civil rights activist James Meredith and Johns Hopkins Associate Dean Dr. Leon Watkins.

CAREER CORNER Safety

CAMPUS POLICE OFFICER Loyola College in Maryland has a Campus Police Officer position available in the department of Public Safety to perform and support the functions of communications operator, desk security, access system control, and data entry. Will also monitor the CCTV and all alarm systems. Position is on 4pm-12am shift. Must have H.S. diploma (or equivalent), a valid MD driver’s license and good driving record and the ability to write and articulate information in an accurate and timely manner during stressful situations. Applicant must be able to pass a background investigation, physical, and drug screen. Loyola offers a competitive total compensation package which includes paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave, a full range of insurances, retirement, and tuition remission. To apply, please complete an on-line application at https://careers.loyola.edu or visit the Human Resources Department at 5000 York Road between 9:00a.m. 3:00p.m., Monday-Friday, to complete an on-line application. Paper applications will not be accepted. EOE

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The Washington Afro-American, December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008

Payment Policy for legal notice advertisements

Effective immediately, The Afro American Newspapers will require prepayment for publication of all legal notices. Payment will be accepted in the form of check, credit card or money order. Any returned checks will be subject to a $25.00 processing fee and may result in the suspension of any future advertising at our discretion. LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 0001233-08 Thelma A. Temple, Decedent DEBORAH L. DAVIS, ESQ. 6811 KENILWORTH AVE., SUITE 100 RIVERDALE, MD 20737 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Geraldine H. Johnson, whose address is 1806 Metzerott Road, Unit 404, Adelphi, MD 20783, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thelma A. Temple, who died on September 16, 2008, without a WIll, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 5, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 5, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Geraldine H. Johnson Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 5, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-5, 12-12, 12-19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Stephanie Scott Marshall, whose address is 4301 21st Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James C. Scott, who died on November 20, 2006, with a WIll, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 5, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 5, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Stephanie Scott Marshall Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 5, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-5, 12-12, 12-19

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 994-08 Aruna A. Tildon, Decedent WILLIAM C. KING, ESQ. POWERS, LEWIS & KING, PLLC 4201 CONNECTICUT AVE., N.W., SUITE 400 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20008 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Calvin C. Tildon, whose address is 6021 Forrest Hollow Lane, Springfield, Va., was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Aruna A. Tildon, who died on August 14, 2008, with a WIll, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 5, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 5, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Calvin C. Tildon Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 5, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-5, 12-12, 12-19 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 0001240-08 James C. Scott, Decedent BRUCE A. MARSHALL, ESQ. 1200 G STREET N.W. SUITE 800 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 0000495-08 Georgette D. Heiligh, Decedent KIMBERLY TAYLOR LOGAN, ESQ. 745 PARK ROAD, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20010 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Charlene M. Holmes, whose address is 1725 Dutch Village Drive, Landover, MD 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Georgette D. Heiligh, who died on December 17, 2007, with a WIll, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 5, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 5, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Charlene M. Holmes Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 5, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-5, 12-12, 12-19 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 697-08 Florine W. Corbett, aka, Florine Corbett Decedent ALEXANDER DJORDJEVICH, ESQ. 5335 WISC. AVE., N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20015 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lena C. Haith, whose address is 256-14th Street, E.E., Washington, D.C. 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Florine W. Corbett, aka, Florine Corbett, who died on May 19, 1989, with. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their

LEGAL NOTICES

appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 1, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 1, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Lena C. Haith Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 1, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-5, 12-12, 12-19

Veazey Terrace, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, free from any ownership, interest or lien of any person, other than the pLaintiff, in or upon said Apartment Unit and Parking Space, or in the stock certificates, assignment and assumption agreements and proprietary lease agreements relating to said Apartment Unit and Parking Space dated May 20, 2005. : Upon Joint Motion of Plaintiff and Defendant, it is, by the Court, this 4th day of December, 2008. ADJUDGED, ORDERED AND DECREED That any person or persons claiming an ownership interest in or a lien upon the aforesaid Apartment Unit and/or Parking Space, Stock Certificates, Proprietary Leases, or Assignment and Assumption of Proprietary Lease Agreements, cause his, her or their appearance to be entered herein on or before the fortieth (40th) day, exclusive of Sundays and legal holidays, occurring after the day of first publication of this Order; otherwise, the cause will proceed as in case of default, PROVIDED, a copy of this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in the WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER or some other paper of general circulation in the District of Columbia before said day. Judge, Superior Court of the District of Columbia 12-12, 12-19, 12-26

ORDER OF PUBLICATION CHANGE OF NAME Roshawn Novellus Scales, by her counsel, having filed a complaint for judgment changing her name from Roshawn Novellus Scales to Roshawnna Novellus and having applied to the Court for an order of publication of the notice required by law in such cases, it is by the Court, this 1st day of December, 2008 that all persons show cause if any there be, on or before the 5th day of January, 2009, why the prayers of said petition should not be granted. PROVIDED, that a copy of this order be published once a week for three consecutive weeks before said day in the Washington AFRO-AMERICAN Newspaper. Judge of the Superior Court Date of First Publication: December 1, 2008 A TRUE TEST COPY: Superior Court of the District of Columbia COURT CLERK JUDGE-IN-CHAMBERS 12-12, 12-19, 12-26

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 0001256-08 GREGORY N. BRITTO, SHAPIRO & BURSON, LLP 13135 Lee Jackson HWY, Suite 201 Fairfax, VA 22033 Estate of CLARK M. WOODSON, Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Branch Banking & Trust Company for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the will dated May 28, 1992 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate Appoint an unsupervised personal representative Appoint a supervised personal representative Date of First Publication: December 12, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills, Clerk of the Probate Division Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-12, 12-19 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIVIL DIVISION Civil Action No. 08-4596 IN RE: PIERRE BERGERON C/O DIAMOND WHEELER Petitioner ORDER OF PUBLICATION CHANGE OF NAME Pierre Bergeron, having filed a complaint for judgment changing Diamond Wheeler name to Deshaun Wheeler and having applied to the Court for an order of publication of the notice required by law in such cases, it is by the Court, this 28th day of November, 2008 ORDERED that all persons concerned show cause, if any there be, on or before the 1st day of January, 2009, why the prayers of said petition should not be granted, PROVIDED, that a copy of this order be published once a week for three consecutive weeks before said day in the Washington AFRO-AMERICAN Newspaper. Judge A TRUE TEST COPY: Superior Court of the District of Columbia COURT CLERK JUDGE-IN-CHAMBERS 12-12, 12-19, 12-26 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIVIL DIVISION CIVIL ACTION NO. 08-8475 JEFFREY HOWARD FEINGOLD LIEBERSON 3001 VEAZEY ST., N.W. APT. 621 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20008 Plaintiffs v. V.N.N.C., INC. 3001 VEAZEY TERRACE, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20008 And ALL PERSONS CLAIMING AN OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN, OR LIEN UPON, APARTMENT UNIT NO. 621, AND PARKING SPACE B146X AT VAN NESS NORTH 3001 COOPERATIVE, VEAZEY TERRACE, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20008 OR IN THE STOCK CERTIFICATES, LEASES PROPRIETARY AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENTS DATED MAY 20, 2005 RESPECTING SAID UNIT AND PARKING SPACE Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to quiet title to Apartment Unit No. 621 and Parking Space B-146 X, Van Ness North Cooperative Apartments, 3001

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 0000883-08 Daniel M. Thompson, Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Rita S. Thompson-Joyner, whose address is 3812 Alta Vista Drive, Mitchellville, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Daniel M. Thompson, who died on December 1, 2007, without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Flr., Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 12, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 12, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Rita S. Thompson-Joyner Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 12, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-12, 12-19, 12-26 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001 Administration No. 08-1252 CLAUDE ROXBOROUGH, ESQ. 709 Irving St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20010 Estate of LYDIA YATES, Deceased NOTICE OF PETITION FOR STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Frank Yates for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses to the Will, the Court will enter an order admitting the Will to probate and appointing one or more Personal Representatives. In the absence of a Will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, the Court will enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate and appointing one or more personal representatives. Date of First Publication: December 12, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills, Clerk of the Probate Division Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-12, 12-19 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIVIL DIVISION Civil Action No. 0008415-08 IN RE: ROSHAWN NOVELLUS SCALES

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIVIL DIVISION Civil Action No. 2008CA005273(L) RP Larry Ewers P.O. Box 2723 Washington, D.C. 20013-2723 PLAINTIFF v. NATCO Developers, Inc. Suite 214 1701 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006-5805 And Gary Capital Properties, Inc. 7835 Eastern Avenue Silver Spring, MD. 20910 And John Faust 3206 13th St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20010 And District of Columbia Serve: Mayor of the District of Columbia Adrian M. Fenty ATTN: Tabatha Braxton Office of the Secretary 1350 Pennsylvania Ave., N.,W., Suite 419 Washington, D.C. 20005 Serve: Office of the Attorney General (D.C.) ATTN: Peter J. Nickles One Judiciary Square 441 4th Street, N.W. Suite 1060N Washington, D.C. 20001 And All unknown owners of the property described below, their heirs, devisees, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in leasehold or fee simple in the property and premises situate, lying and being in real property Square 2843, Lot 0815 a/k/a 13th Street, N.W. (vacant lot), Washington, D.C. 20010 Defendants. ORDER OF PUBLICATION In accordance with D.C. Official Code §47-1375, the object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of the right of redemption in the following real property located in the District of Columbia, and sold by the Mayor of the District of Columbia to the Plaintiff in this action: Square 2843, Lot 0815 a/k/a 13th Street, N.W. (vacant lot), Washington, D.C. 20010. The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid. Pursuant to the Chief Judge’s Administration Order Number 02-11, it is this 12th day of July, 2008, ORDERED by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in The Afro-American Newspapers, having a general circulation in the District of Columbia, once a week for three (3) successive weeks, notifying all persons interested in the real property described above to appear in this Court by the 18th day of February, 2009, and redeem the real property by payment of $521.23, together with interest from the date of the Certificate of Delinquency, court costs, and attorney fees, expenses incurred in the publication and service of process by publication and for reasonable fees for the title search, all other amounts paid by the petitioner in accordance with the provisions of D.C. Code §47-1361 and all outstanding municipal lien amounts due and owing on the aforementioned real property, or answer the complaint or, thereafter, a final judgment will be entered foreclosing the right of redemption in the real property and vesting in the plaintiff a title in fee simple. Clerk of the Court A TRUE TEST COPY: July 12, 2008 Clerk, Superior Court of the District of Columbia By Deputy Clerk 12-12, 12-20, 12-26 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2008 ADM 1284 Clarenza Johnson Felder, Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS David Stewart, whose address

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WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN-NEWSPAPER Legal Advertising Rates Effective October 1, 2006 PROBATE DIVISION (Estates) 202-879-9460/61 PROBATE NOTICES a. Order Nisi b. Small Estates (single publication) c. Notice to Creditors 1. Domestic 2. Foreign d. Escheated Estates e. Standard Probates

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LEGAL NOTICES

is 6210 District Heights Parkway, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clarenza Johnson Felder, who died on October 1, 2008, without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Flr., Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 19, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 19, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. David Stewart Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 19, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-19, 12-26, 1-2

5804 Balsam Street, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Doris W. Jackson, who died on September 25, 2008, with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Flr., Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 19, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 19, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Annie Doris Tinker Charles E. Samuel Personal Representatives Date of First Publication: December 19, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-19, 12-26, 1-2

and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Flr., Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 19, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 19, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Yvonne Wood James Wood Personal Representatives Date of First Publication: December 19, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-19, 12-26, 1-2

whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Flr., Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 19, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 19, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Debra M. Anderson Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 19, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-19, 12-26, 1-2

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 0001232-08 Doris W. Jackson, Decedent NAKIA V. GRAY 7404 Ivy Lane, Ste. 400 Greenbelt, MD 20770 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Annie Doris Tinker and Charles Samuel, whose address are 4411 Fishermans Court, Olney, JMD 20832 and

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2008 ADM 1284 Forrest Lee Ashby, Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Yvonne Wood and James Wood, whose address are 517 Ingraham St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011, were appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Forrest Lee Ashby, who died on Aril 25, 2002, without a will,

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 0001262-08 Reginald A. Gaither, Decedent Theodora H. Brown, Esq. 3814 12th St., N.E. Second Floor Washington, D.C. 20017 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Debra M. Anderson, whose address is 3874 Ninth Street, S.E., Unit 101, Washington, D.C. 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Reginald A. Gaither, who died on March 16, 2008, without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 0001264-08 Ada C. Hardy, aka, Ada Scott Hardy Decedent Lloyd D. Iglehard, Esq. 10719 Moosberger Court Columbia, MD 21044 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Adella Underdown, whose address is 3001 Tennyson St., D.C. Washington, N.W., 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ada C. Hardy aka Ada Scott Hardy, who died on November 8, 2008, with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceed-

December 20, 2008 - December 26, 2008, The Washington Afro-American LEGAL NOTICES The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M NCPPC) invites sealed Proposals from firms specializing in Occupational Health Services, (RFP 29-130). All in accordance with specifications to be furnished by the Purchasing Division, 6611 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 300 Riverdale, MD 20737. A pre-proposal meeting and will be held on December 23, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Executive Office, in the Merit Board Conference Room, located at 6611 Kenilworth Avenue, Riverdale, Maryland 20737.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2008-1258 Tegwin L. Jordan, Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Byron Jordan, whose address is 827 51st Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20019-3212, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tegwin L. Jordan, who died on September 25, 2008, without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Flr., Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 19, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2008-0201 Ruth Anni-Luisa Herman, Decedent Harry J. Jordan, Esq. 1730 M Street, N.W. Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20036 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Peter H. Herman, whose address is 814 South Wayne Street, Lewistown, PA 17044, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ruth Anni-Luisa Herman, who died on October 10, 2007, with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Flr., Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 19, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 19, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Peter H. Herman Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 19, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-19, 12-26, 1-2

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 0001242-08 Rena Pettis, Decedent Quentin Riegel, Esq. 1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W, #600 Washington, D.C. 20004 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Melvin A. Watson, whose address is 1440 Tuckerman St., N.W., #203, Washington, D.C. 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rena Pettis, who died on June 5, 2008, with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Flr., Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 19, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 19, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Melvin A. Watson Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 19, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-19, 12-26, 1-2

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIVIL DIVISION Civil Action No. 2008CA004364(L) RP Calendar #18 Magistrate Judge Irving Melaku Tefera 4432 Kane Place, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20019 PLAINTIFF v. Havilah Real Property Services, LLC, Fabco Investment Corporation and District of Columbia And All unknown owners of the real property described below, their heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in leasehold or fee simple in the property and premises situate, lying and being in the District of Columbia described as SQUARE 5125 LOT 0883. A land lot with Unknown Address on 44th Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20019 Defendants. AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION In accordance with D.C. Official Code §47-1375, the object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of the right of redemption in the following real property located in the District of Columbia, and sold by the Mayor of the District of Columbia to the Plaintiff in this action: Square 5125, Lot 0883. May also be known as a vacant lot with an unknown address on 44th Street, NE Washington, DC 20019. The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid. Pursuant to the Chief Judge’s Administration Order Number 02-11, it is this 8th day of December, 2008, ORDERED by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in The Afro-American Newspapers, having a general circulation in the District of Columbia, once a week for three (3) successive weeks, notifying all persons interested in the real property described above to appear in this Court by the 4th day of March, 2009, and redeem the real property by payment of $9,505.89, together with interest from the date of the Certificate of Delinquency, court costs, and attorney fees, expenses incurred in the publication and service of process by publication and for reasonable fees for the title search, all other amounts paid by the petitioner in accordance with the provisions of D.C. Code §47-1361 and all outstanding municipal lien amounts due and owing on the aforementioned real property, or answer the complaint or, thereafter, a final judgment will be entered foreclosing the right of redemption in the real property and vesting in the plaintiff a title in fee simple. Duane B. Delaney Clerk of the Court

Proposals must be received on or before 11:00 a.m. on January 28, 2009. Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to Jana M. Harris, Principal Procurement Specialist at (301) 454 1603, TTY (301) 454-1493. All proposals and associated documents will become the property of the M NCPPC and will be considered public information. The Commission is an E.O.E. with special procurement rules for Minorities, Females, and the Disabled. ____________ Nancy J. Keogh Purchasing Manager DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR BIDS INVITATION NO. 080140 ROCK CREEK SEWER SEPARATION & WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority is soliciting bids for Invitation No. 080140: Rock Creek Sewer Separation & Water Main Replacement. The major items of work included in this contract are: o 2,250 linear feet of 10 to 24-inch diameter sanitary sewer pipe. o 7,220 linear feet of 15 to 30-inch diameter storm sewer pipe. o 10,400 linear feet of 12-inch diameter and smaller water pipe including lead and galvanized service replacement in public space. o Replacing 2,600 linear feet of lead and galvanized water service pipe on private property. o Furnishing and installing 1,800 linear feet of 6-inch diameter and smaller private property storm sewer laterals. The project requires completion within 910 consecutive calendar days. This project is estimated to cost between $10,000,000 and $15,000,000. Bid opening date is January 21, 2009. A Fair Share Objective for Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises participation in this work of 32% and 6%, respectively, has been established. The program requirements are fully defined in USEPA’s “Guidance for Utilization of Small, Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises in Procurement Under Assistance Agreements –6010, 1997 Edition”. The Davis-Bacon wage determinations shall apply. DCWASA Owner Controlled Insurance Program will provide insurance. Bid documents are available at the Department of Procurement, 2nd Floor of Central Maintenance Facility, 5000 Overlook Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20032. Sets of Bidding Documents can be procured for a non-refundable $50 purchase price each, payable to DC Water and Sewer Authority. Payment must be in the form of a money order, certified check or a company check. Documents can be shipped to Bidders providing a Federal Express account number. The DC WASA Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant is a secured facility. Persons intending to pick-up Bidding Documents are to contact the Department of Procurement at 202 787 2020 for access authorization. For procurement information contact Mr. Carlo Enciso; email carlo.enciso@dcwasa.com FAX 202-787-2042, (voice 202-787-2029). DETSFor technical information contact: Construction.Bid.Inquiry@dcwasa.com View DC WASA current and up coming solicitations on WASA’s website at www.dcwasa.com CONTRACTORS OUTREACH “DC WASA WANTS BIDDERS FOR OUR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM” For more information contact our Procurement Department at 202-787-2020 or View DC WASA current and up coming solicitations on WASA’s website at www.dcwasa.com INVITATION FOR SEALED BIDS (IFB) IFB BID NO.: B29-153 DECEMBER 15, 2008 The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (“Commission”) hereby invites the submission of sealed bids by interested and qualified parties for the furnishing of all labor, supervision, equipment and materials, and the performance of all work necessary for HVAC Modifications and Associated Work to the Fitness Room at the Rollingcrest Aquatics Center, 6122 Sargent Road, Chillum, Prince George’s County, Maryland, all to be performed pursuant to and in accordance with the specifications and drawings. Copies of the Bid Documents for the project can be obtained from the Director of Parks and Recreation’s Office, 6600 Kenilworth Avenue, Room 205/207, Riverdale, Maryland 20737, after 9:00 a.m. on December 15, 2008. The cost per set of these documents is $30.00 and is nonrefundable; checks and/or money orders only will be accepted. Documents ill not be mailed. There will be a pre-bid meeting held at the site on January 8, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Sealed bids must be received by the Commission's Park Planning & Development Division Procurement Unit, c/o the Director of Parks and Recreation at 6600 Kenilworth Avenue, Room 205, Riverdale, MD 20737, no later than 3:00 P.M. on January 15, 2009. Bids timely received will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter. The envelope containing the bid should be marked in the lower left-hand corner, “Sealed Bid for HVAC Modifications and Associated Work to the Fitness Room at the Rollingcrest Aquatics Center”. The Commission reserves the right to reject any and all bids received, and to waive irregularities. Concerns and questions regarding this project should be directed to Fay Blake at 301-6992562.

LEGAL NOTICES THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION ____________ MICHAEL G. TERRY, JR., P.E. Engineering Supervisor Park Planning and Development Division Request for Proposal - The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide Claims Direct Data Entry (DDE) Services via the Medicaid Web Portal. Copies of the RFP 2009-01 can be obtained from the DMAS web site at www.dmas.virginia.gov or eVA web site at www.eva.virginia.gov

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LEGAL NOTICES Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 19, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Byron Jordan Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 19, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-19, 12-26, 1-2

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LEGAL NOTICES ing. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Flr., Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 19, 2009. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 19, 2009, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Adella Underdown Personal Representative Date of First Publication: December 19, 2008 TRUE TEST COPY: Register of Wills Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO AMERICAN 12-19, 12-26, 1-2

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