Afro e-Edition 01-24-2025

Ben Crump and NAACP sue Southern California Electric for Altadena residents impacted by Eaton fire

By Deborah Bailey AFRO Contributing Editor

Ashes are still settling over parts of Altadena, Calif., but victims of the Eaton wildfire have started filing lawsuits in the wake of the unprecedented blaze that destroyed more than 7,000 structures across more than 14,000 acres. Aside from property damage, lives were also lost, with officials saying multiple fires caused the death of at least 28 victims in Altadena, nearby Pasadena and surrounding communities.

Now, noted civil rights attorney Ben Crump has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Evelyn Cathirell, mother of Evelyn “Petey” McClendon. McClendon died in the Eaton fires that consumed much of the Altadena community and devastated parts of the surrounding neighborhoods of Pasadena. The suit, filed Jan. 15, is against Southern California Edison (SCE), the power company responsible

for electrical service for the area.

McClendon and Cathirell shared a home, which was consumed on Jan. 7 in the Eaton wildfire. McClendon’s remains were found by family members the following day.

“We don’t take it lightly–this responsibility of making sure this Black angel, Evelyn McClendon gets full justice and accountability,” said Crump at a press conference announcing the lawsuit.

“We don’t want anybody to marginalize her,” he added.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Cathirell is the first of a growing number of lawsuits that are being filed against

Southern California Edison as residents begin the process of reviewing the remains of their homes and property in the

of Erliene Kelly. The 83-year-old retired pharmacy technician who died

“Altadena - a community deeply rooted in Black history and homeownershipdeserves justice.”

wake of the Eaton fire.

Crump has also filed suit against SCE’s parent company, Edison International (EI), on behalf of the family

The negligence lawsuit filed on behalf of Kelly claims SCE and its parent company are responsible for the tragedy due to “SCE’s aging electrical

equipment and its decision not to de-energize power lines, despite warnings from the National Weather Service,” according to a statement issued by Crump’s Florida firm, Lawyers for Justice.

On Jan. 16, the NAACP joined with civil rights and environmental justice law firm Singleton Schreiber, announcing yet another lawsuit filed against SCE and EI on behalf of Eric Mahone and Mahone family members, whose home in Altadena burned to the ground.

The negligence lawsuit claims the fire started “when Edison’s electrical equipment caused sparks to ignite dry

vegetation in Eaton Canyon.

Despite previously identifying the area as an extreme fire risk zone, Edison failed to take adequate precautions to prevent the fire, resulting in this catastrophic tragedy,” according to a statement issued by the NAACP.

“Altadena - a community deeply rooted in Black history and homeownership - deserves justice,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in a statement announcing the lawsuit. Pedro Pizzaro, CEO of Edison International, said the cause of the fires remains under investigation.

Outrage builds over executive order ending DEI in federal agencies

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

By Keith Boykin Word In Black

Convicted felon Donald Trump has granted clemency to every criminal involved in the Jan. 6 insurrection to overthrow the U.S. government, including those who attacked police officers.

If there was ever any doubt about the 2024 election, let it be known now that it was not about law and order; it was about White supremacy.

More than 1,200 people have been convicted of Jan. 6-related crimes, including 200 who pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement officers. And for those who haven’t been convicted yet, Trump ordered the attorney general to dismiss about 450 cases now pending before judges.

Although the Constitution prohibits treason, the president’s action virtually nullifies the spirit of the law and establishes a dangerous precedent

that whenever White people don’t like the outcome of an election, they can literally attack their own government by force and be forgiven for it.

Yes, this was about race.

The violent insurrection, the attacks on police officers, the targeting of Black election workers, and the attempts to throw out hundreds of thousands of Black votes in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Detroit and Milwaukee were all a part of a coordinated campaign to protect the interests of White America in our two-tiered system of justice.

Even J.D. Vance argued against pardons for the people who attacked Metropolitan and Capitol Police officers. “If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned,” Vance told Fox News. So much for that principle.

Sadly, Trump’s pardons are not an isolated event in Ameri-

President Donald J. Trump’s first-day executive order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies across federal agencies and contractors has drawn widespread condemnation. Critics say the move systematically undermines civil rights, economic equity and decades of progress toward inclusion for marginalized communities. The order terminates DEI considerations in federal hiring, promotions and contracting. It revokes affirmative action criteria in federal contracting and directs agencies to investigate private-sector DEI practices, claiming these measures violate civil rights. Trump’s administration heralded the order as a return to “colorblind equality,” but civil rights leaders, labor advocates and lawmakers strongly disagreed.

CBC: “A step backward for America”

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) lambasted the order, calling it “an attack on economic opportunity for Black and minority communities.” CBC Chair Yvette Clarke said the action “does nothing to help our communities grow economically or address the costs of living for hardworking American families.”

Clarke connected the move to the Supreme Court’s recent decision to end race-conscious college admissions, stating, “This administration is dismantling tools that have opened doors to education and opportunity.”

in the Eaton Fire on Jan. 7.

Famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump is suing Southern California Edison, the company responsible for supplying power to homes in Pasadena, Calif.. Crump alleges the company is responsible for multiple deaths that occurred as a fire swept through the area and came into contact with live power lines. Shown here, a house on Altadena Drive and Santa Rosa Avenue, burning Jan. 8, in Altadena, Crump, and a shot of the damage left in the wake of the fires.

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

AP

Photo George Walker IV

Photo courtesy of Ben Crump Law

22 states sue to stop executive order blocking birthright citizenship

By Mike Catalini The Associated Press

Attorneys general from 22 states sued Jan. 21 to block the 47th president’s move to end a century-old immigration practice known as birthright citizenship guaranteeing that U.S.-born children are citizens regardless of their parents’ status.

The 47th president’s roughly 700-word executive order, issued late Jan. 20, amounts to a fulfillment of something he’s talked about during the presidential campaign. But whether it succeeds is far from certain amid what is likely to be a lengthy legal battle over the president’s immigration policies and a constitutional right to citizenship.

Democratic attorneys general and immigrant rights advocates say the question of birthright citizenship is settled law and that while presidents have broad authority, they are not kings.

“The president cannot, with a stroke of a pen, write the 14th Amendment out of existence, period,” New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin said.

The White House said it’s ready to face the states in court and called the lawsuits “nothing more than an extension of the Left’s resistance.”

“Radical Leftists can either choose to swim against the tide and reject the overwhelming will of the people, or they can get on board and work with President Trump,” White House deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said.

Connecticut Attorney

General William Tong, a U.S. citizen by birthright and the nation’s first Chinese American elected attorney general, said the lawsuit was personal for him.

“The 14th Amendment says what it means, and it means what it says —if you are born on American soil, you are an American. Period. Full stop,” he said. “There is no legitimate legal debate on this question. But the fact that Trump is dead wrong will not prevent him from inflicting serious harm right now on American families like my own.”

What is birthright citizenship?

At issue in these cases is the right to citizenship grant-

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ed to anyone born in the U.S., regardless of their parents’ immigration status. People in the United States on a tourist or other visa or in the country illegally can become the parents of a citizen if their child is born here.

It’s enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, supporters say. But the 47th president and allies dispute the reading of the amendment and say there need to be tougher standards on becoming a citizen.

The U.S. is among about 30 countries where birthright citizenship — the principle of jus soli or “right of the soil” — is applied. Most are in the Americas, and Canada and Mexico are among them. Most other countries confer citizenship based on whether at least one parent — jus sanguinis, or “right of blood” — is a citizen, or have a modified form of birthright citizenship that may restrict automatic citizenship to children of parents who are on their territory legally.

What does the 47th President’s order say?

The 47th president’s order questions that the 14th Amendment extends citizenship automatically to anyone born in the United States.

Ratified in 1868 in the aftermath of the Civil War, the 14th Amendment says: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

The 47th president’s order asserts that the children of noncitizens are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. It excludes the following people from automatic citizenship: those whose mothers were not legally in the United States and whose fathers were not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and people whose mothers were in the country legally but on a temporary basis and whose fathers were not citizens or legal permanent residents.

It goes on to bar federal agencies from recognizing the citizenship of people in those categories. It takes effect on Feb. 19.

It’s not clear whether the order would retroactively affect birthright citizens. It says that federal agencies “shall” not issue citizenship documents to the people it excludes or accept other documents from states or local governments.

What is the history of the issue?

The 14th Amendment did not always guarantee birthright citizenship to all U.S.born people. Congress did not authorize citizenship for all Native Americans born in the United States until 1924.

In 1898 an important birthright citizenship case unfolded in the U.S. Supreme Court. The court held that Wong Kim Ark, who was born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants, was a U.S. citizen because he was born in the country. After a trip abroad, he had been denied reentry by the federal government on the grounds that he wasn’t a citizen under the Chinese Exclusion Act.

But some advocates of immigration restrictions have argued that while the case clearly applied to children born to parents who are both legal immigrants, it’s less clear whether it applies to children born to parents without legal status.

The issue of birthright citizenship arose in Arizona — one of the states suing to block the 47th president’s order — during 2011 when Republican lawmakers considered a bill that would have challenged automatic birthright citizenship. Supporters said then that the goal wasn’t to get every state in the nation to enact such a law, but rather to bring the dispute to the courts. The bill never made it out of the Legislature.

What has the reaction to the 47th president’s order been?

In addition to the states, the District of Columbia and San Francisco, immigrant rights groups are also suing to stop the president’s order.

Chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts along with other immigrant rights advocates filed a suit in New Hampshire federal court.

The suit asks the court to find the order to be unconstitutional. It highlights the case of a woman identified as “Carmen,” who is pregnant but is not a citizen. The lawsuit says she has lived in the United States for more than 15 years and has a pending visa application that could lead to permanent status. She has no other immigration status, and the father of her expected child has no immigration status either, the suit says.

“Stripping children of the ‘priceless treasure’ of citizenship is a grave injury,” the suit says. “It denies them the full membership in U.S. society to which they are entitled.”

In addition to New Jersey and the two cities, California, Massachusetts, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin joined the lawsuit to stop the order.

Arizona, Illinois, Oregon and Washington filed a separate suit in federal court challenging the 47th president’s order as well.

Associated Press reporter Jacques Billeaud in Phoenix, David Collins in Hartford, Conn., Zeke Miller, Rebecca Santana and Mark Sherman in Washington, contributed to this report.

PRESS ROOM: April Ryan joins Black Press USA as Washington bureau chief and senior White

By Jason Roberts NNPA Newswire

The Black Press is the trusted news and information source for millions of Americans, and it is bringing on news trailblazer, April Ryan. This is April Ryan’s sixth presidency having covered five presidents as a White House correspondent and bureau chief.

“April Ryan has exemplified the best of outstanding journalism for decades at the White House for news companies across the nation and world. We are so proud to announce that April Ryan will now be the Washington Bureau Chief and Senior White House Correspondent for Black Press USA,” emphasized Dr. Benjamin F, Chavis, Jr.,president and CEO of the NNPA. “As the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) celebrates 2025 the 198th year of the Black Press of America, we acknowledge the transformative contemporary benefit to the amplification of the strategic importance of the Black Press that will be rendered by the courage and professional effectiveness of April

House correspondent

Longtime Washington, D.C. journalist April Ryan, who has covered five presidencies, now represents Black Press USA as Washington bureau chief and senior White

correspondent.

“I am going home to make history as the Washington Bureau

“January 13, 2025, marked my 28th year as a White House Correspondent and I am thrilled to continue my journey at honoring the esteemed legacy of these iconic Black journalists.”

Black Press USA. This is the home of history makers who were the first Black White House correspondents, Harry McAlpin, Ethel Payne, and Alice Dunnigan,” said Ryan. “January 13, 2025, marked my 28th year as a White House Correspondent and I am thrilled to continue my journey at honoring the esteemed legacy of these iconic Black journalists.”

Photo courtesy of NNPA Newswire

House

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown speaks during a news conference announcing that Washington will join a federal lawsuit to challenge the 47th president of the United States’ executive order to end birthright citizenship.

Ryan. April is the longest serving, Black tenured White House correspondent in the history of the United States.”

Chief and Senior White House Correspondent for

Federal government issues new rule eliminating medical debt on credit reports

By Deborah Bailey AFRO Contributing Editor DBailey@afro.com

Millions of Americans will no longer have the burden of medical debt listed on their credit reports, thanks to a new ruling issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

On Jan. 7, the CFPB finalized a rule removing an estimated $49 billion in medical bills from the consumer credit reports of 15 million Americans. The CFPB’s action will also prevent banks from using medical information in their lending decisions and prevent debt collectors from intimidating medical bill payers with the threat of health-related debts being listed on their credit reports.

The CFPB rule was announced by Vice President Kamala Harris Jan. 7 from the White House. It was published Jan. 7 in the Federal Register and is currently scheduled to go into effect on March 17

“This will be life-changing for millions of families, making it easier for them to be approved for a car loan, a home loan or a small business loan,” she said. “As someone who has spent my entire

Outrage

Medical debt disproportionately affects Black people and the news that this will no longer show on one’s credit report means financial change for many Americans.

career fighting to protect consumers and lower medical bills, I know that our historic rule will help more Americans save money, build wealth and thrive.”

CFPB’s research in advance of the announcement of the rule revealed that medical debt reported on a credit report does not predict

Broad condemnation from advocates

Labor unions, civil rights organizations, and other groups responded with outrage. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, warned that eliminating DEI policies would harm both federal employees and the public they serve. “These programs promote fairness and build a federal government that reflects the diverse population it serves,” Kelley said. He also noted that DEI initiatives have contributed to narrowing gender and racial pay gaps.

Dr. Andrea Abrams, executive director of the Defending American Values Coalition, called the executive order “an alarming assault on the core values of diversity and inclusion.” Abrams emphasized that DEI has been instrumental in driving innovation and economic growth by fostering workplaces that attract top talent. “By dismantling these efforts, the administration risks weakening our economy and setting our nation back for generations,” Abrams said.

SEIU International President April Verrett tied Trump’s actions to broader policies prioritizing the wealthy over working families. “This administration has made it clear that its priority is protecting the privileged few, not creating opportunities for everyday Americans,” Verrett said. “We will not back down”

Rev. Al Sharpton addressed the order at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day rally in Washington, D.C., warning corporations that abandoning DEI policies would lead to boycotts. “DEI was a remedy to the racial bigotry practiced in academia and corporations. If you want to put us back in the back of the bus, we’re going to do the Dr. King-Rosa Parks on you,” Sharpton declared to a packed audience.

a person’s capacity to repay loans and was a factor in thousands of denied mortgage applications. The government agency predicts the rule will lead to an increase of 20 points in the average credit score and 22,000 additional approved mortgages each year.

“We are extremely grateful for the announcement of this new federal rule,” said Dr. Virginia Caine, president of the National Medical

crises in the lives of many Black families, affecting issues such as housing and employment and their mental and emotional well-being. Caine also indicated negative medical credit has played an inordinate role for Black women in deciding about medical treatment.

“More than 31 percent of Black women refuse or delay medical services over accruing medical debt,” said the infectious diseases

“This will be life-changing for millions of families, making it easier for them to be approved for a car loan, a home loan or a small business loan.”

Association and director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department in Indianapolis, Ind.

In an exclusive interview with the AFRO, Caine emphasized the devastating toll medical debt exacts on the Black community.

“Black Americans carry more medical debt than any other ethnic/racial group,” said Caine, quoting from National Institutes of Health data.

That heavy burden of medical debt can create

Pardons

Continued from A1

Foundation reports that lowwealth Americans, persons living with disabilities or who are in poor health and the uninsured are more likely to carry medical debt as well.

Dr. Beverlyn SettlesReaves has experience with mounting medical bills both as a patient and care manager for Howard University’s Urban Health Initiative, Department of Community and Family Medicine.

Settles-Reaves was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as an adolescent and is a life-long patient of the chronic condition. In the early years of her health journey, Settles-Reaves said many of the treatments she needed for her disease were not covered by insurance.

specialist who has witnessed the burden of medical debt on the lives of patients in her health practice.

“There is a higher burden for people of color. I have spent a lot of time with my own patients helping them review their medical bills. It’s tough even for a healthcare provider to understand those medical bills. Moreover, health care bills frequently contain mistakes that take weeks, months or more to remove from your credit report,” she added.

The Kaiser Family

Continued from A1 can history. By pardoning these thugs and labeling them “hostages,” he continues a long and tragic tradition of sweeping the interests of Black people under the rug to protect a misplaced sense of White victimhood.

Sharpton reminded listeners of the historical struggles for civil rights and warned that dismantling DEI programs would provoke a sustained fight. “You must have forgotten who we are. We are the ones that you took everything from, and we are still here,” he said.

Economic and social impact

Advocates emphasized that DEI policies benefit everyone by promoting fairness and innovation. “Diversity is not a partisan issue,” Abrams said. “It strengthens democracy, ensures economic resilience, and gives everyone a fair chance to succeed.”

Critics warn that the executive order could reverse decades of progress. “Programs that promote an inclusive workforce ensure rules are applied fairly and help build a government that reflects the people it serves,” Kelley noted.

Labor groups, civil rights leaders, and advocates have vowed to resist. “Our fight continues,” Verrett said. “We won’t back down.”

In 1862, when Congress abolished slavery in the District of Columbia, the U.S. paid reparations to White enslavers for the loss of their “property” but nothing to the Black people whose “property” was actually stolen. Because those poor rich White folks who enslaved their Black neighbors were the true victims.

In 1868, President Andrew Johnson pardoned the Confederates who killed American soldiers in the Civil War. Because those racist traitors who killed all those people were harmless and shouldn’t have to suffer for destroying our country.

In 1877, Rutherford B. Hayes removed the federal troops who protected formerly enslaved Black people from lynch mobs and klansmen in the South. Because those innocent Southerners had suffered enough.

In 1883, the Supreme Court struck down the Civil Rights Act, arguing that it would somehow make Black people “the special favorite of the laws.” Because all those innocent White people were being hurt by letting Black people have basic civil rights.

Even in recent years, when researchers discovered a 67-year-old unserved arrest warrant in 2022 for Carolyn Bryant Donham, the White woman whose false accusation led to the lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till, a Mississippi grand jury refused to indict her. That poor old lady didn’t do nothin’ but get a young Black boy killed. What’s the big deal?

While Germany is still prosecuting Nazis from the 1940s, and South Africa is still operating its Truth and Reconciliation Commission three decades after it started to resolve the injustices from decades of apartheid, we in America won’t even pun-

“I carried the burden of medical debt on my own credit record for many years,” she said, “so I understand the financial stigma and additional stress patients experience when medical debts are part of their credit profile.”

Settles-Reaves now works with patients at Howard University’s Urban Health Initiative and oversees patient care management for substance abuse patients and those living with other health issues. She welcomes the news that medical debt will be eliminated from credit reports as she reflects on both her

own experience as well as the experience of her patients.

“No one plans to be sick. No one plans to be in the hospital,” Settles-Reaves said, as she agreed with the CFPB’s research distinguishing medical debt from other types of liabilities.

“Medical debts are not anything a person voluntarily incurs,” she said. “The more we can do to support patients with the other essential determinants of health when they are already living with the stress of an illness, the better.”

ish people who committed crimes against the state from four years ago. We just sweep our dirty history under the rug, and allow the perpetrators to declare themselves to be the victims. I don’t want to hear another word from MAGA about “law and order” and “back the blue.” And I won’t entertain any of

“By pardoning these thugs and labeling them ‘hostages,’ he continues a long and tragic tradition of sweeping the interests of Black people under the rug to protect a misplaced sense of White victimhood.”

their complaints about Black people and immigrants committing violent crimes when they’re literally giving “get out of jail free” cards to White people who commit violent crimes against the government and the police.

If you want to know why so many Black people remain enraged in America, it’s because so many White people never allow themselves to be held accountable when they do wrong.

“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues and what’s at stake for Black America. This article was originally published by Word In Black.

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martina

Photo courtesy of National Medical Association Dr. Virginia Caine, president of the National Medical Association and director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department, says the removal of medical debt from credit reports will make a major difference in the lives of Black people.

Photo courtesy of Howard University Dr. Beverlyn SettlesReaves is patient and care manager for Howard University’s Urban Health Initiative in the Department of Community and Family Medicine.

COMMENTARY

The ‘America first agenda’ and what it means for the marginalized communities

The ‘America first agenda’ and what it means for the marginalized communities

By Stacy M Brown NNPA Newswire

The president has unveiled his priorities, which include measures addressing border security, economic policies, government restructuring and social values. While the policies aim to bolster what the administration calls “American values and safety,” they carry profound implications for Black Americans and other marginalized communities. Border security and immigration

The president plans to reinstate hardline immigration policies, including ending “catchand-release,” reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” program and expanding the border wall. The proposed suspension of refugee resettlement could disproportionately affect Black migrants from African and Caribbean nations who seek asylum in the U.S. Increased deportation operations targeting undocumented immigrants, including those with minor infractions, may further contribute to fears of racial profiling and discrimination in Black and immigrant communities.

Additionally, deploying the military, including the National Guard, to the border raises concerns about the militarization of immigration enforcement. The designation of certain cartels as foreign terrorist organizations could lead to broader

the “America First” agenda being carried out in a second Trump presidency.

enforcement measures that risk overreach and collateral harm to immigrant populations, many of whom are Black.

Economic and energy policies

The president’s plan to “Make America Affordable and Energy Dominant Again” centers on reducing costs through expanded energy production and deregulation. While these measures aim to lower living expenses, they could have mixed consequences for Black Americans. Communities of color often bear the brunt of environmental harm caused by deregulated industries and fossil fuel expansion, raising questions about long-term health and environmental justice.

The administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and rejection of renewable energy investments could also slow progress in creating green jobs, an industry where Black workers have begun to gain traction.

Government reform

In his pledge to “Drain theSwamp,” Trump proposes freezing hiring in non-essential areas of the federal workforce, with a specific focus on reducing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This could result in fewer opportunities for Black professionals and reduced attention to addressing systemic inequities in federal agencies.

Plans to reduce remote work among federal employees could disproportionately affect Black workers, who often rely on flexible arrangements to manage systemic disparities such as longer commutes and caregiving responsibilities.

Social policies

Under “Bring Back American Values,” the president has vowed to uphold traditional gender definitions and push back against what he terms “radical gender ideology.” While the policy may resonate with some, critics argue it risks undermining protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including Black transgender and nonbinary people who already face high levels of discrimination and violence. Additionally, the administration’s promise to rename American landmarks to “appropriately honor” U.S. history raises concerns about erasing the recognition of Black leaders and historical figures in public spaces.

immigration, environmental regulations and government reform could exacerbate existing inequities, while the rollback of DEI programs threatens to stall progress toward racial justice.

Implications for Black Americans Trump’s America First agenda presents a mix of challenges for Black communities. Policies targeting

As the administration prepares to implement these policies, the impact on Black Americans will depend on how federal and state agencies carry out the president’s vision. Critics warn that many of these proposals risk further marginalizing Black communities in an era of increasing social and economic disparities.

“No administration can ignore the lasting impact of its policies on communities already fighting systemic barriers,” a civil rights advocate said.

The ‘American Dream…’ and nightmare

The ‘American Dream ...’ and nightmare

By Jamie Seals

Not all dreams have become or stay nightmares.

Many experts in neuroscience and psychology have concluded that dreams are essential for all of humanity. Dreams are needed for our mental, emotional and physical health. Before August 28,1963, many Black Americans would contend that their lives in America had been anything but a dream because their lives resembled a continuous ongoing nightmare. It is believed that nightmares are the effects of stress, trauma, depression and other adverse life events. To this day, some Black Americans are unable to conceptualize dreams because nightmares are all they know.

The nightmare of slavery; the nightmare of the Rebellion War; the nightmare of Reconstruction; the nightmare of the Jim Crow South; the nightmare of fighting for civil rights; the nightmare of fighting for Black women’s rights; the nightmare of mass incarceration in the Black community; the nightmare of

over-policing and underfunding Black communities; the nightmare of gentrification; the nightmare of fighting to have the right to stay woke and the nightmare of fighting for right to show Black Lives Matter– all have contributed to a nightmare that many Black Americans are unable wake up from because this nightmare has been inherited from one generation to the next.

On Aug. 28, 1963, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about his dream for humanity in his world-renowned “I Have a Dream” speech. American society celebrates King every year on his birthday, Jan. 15. Like clockwork, many in the media, academia and the church all flock to the “I Have a Dream speech.” The “dream” that King spoke of has yet to be realized for many Black Americans.

American society has yet to fully live up to being a nation where men, women, boys or girls can live without being judged by their gender or by the color of their skin– especially if they are Black. Critical, honest and transparent conversations are necessary to have not just

within the Black Community, but within American society at large, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, creed or gender. For far too long, numerous Black Americans have wondered if the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream still lives. At one time or another, many of us have asked ourselves that daunting question: “Should I even dare to have a dream, especially since his dream hasn’t come to fruition yet?”

Many Black Americans generally question their capability of having a dream for the society in which they live because, in many cases, they have not been undergirded with positive reinforcements, positive affirmations, positive experiences or a level playing field. When dreams become insignificant in the eyes, minds and thoughts of the dreamers, thoughts of apathy and irrelevance become commonplace.

It would be easy to place all the blame and lay all the onus at the feet of American society for allthe unanswered dreams, lack of dreams and all the dreams that have been deferred for Black

Americans, but that would be unjust and unfair to do so. As a member of the Black community, I realize we shouldn’t be guilty of being hypocrites or being guilty of lacking accountability for some of our poor choices and decisions. If we, as Black Americans, lack accountability, we would be accountability dodgers since we have a part in our destiny.

As Black Americans, we must be willing and able to hear the voices of Black women when they tell about the dream. As Black Americans, we must be willing to push our Black men to take a stand, provide leadership and have soundness of mind and clarity of speech.

As Black Americans, we must provide an environment where our children know the dream and have a dream of their own.

Individuals across the globe, regardless of their race, color, creed, ethnicity or gender, proclaim that Americans are dream killers due to the injustices they perceive we have committed routinely. If our nation desires to be a beacon of hope and democracy, we must fix our nation first before assisting abroad.

If America truly desires for Black Americans to live in a country where we all can have a dream,we must realize we are in this life together. When Americans rise and become one, we can move from having and discussing a dream to realizing it as our reality.

Resisting the current presidential administration: Look to Florida — and organize

By Fedrick C. Ingram Word In Black

By Fedrick C. Ingram

The dystopian future that the president is building for this country is one I have already seen. Born and raised in Florida, I’ve lived, worked and fought in a state that has become a laboratory for MAGA experiments in extremist education policies and prohibitions. What works here, they assume, will work everywhere. To an extent, they are correct — we all live in Florida now. Since his re-election, the president has amassed more power and converts to his insane vision and–at least until the midterms–he has essentially unchecked power to carry out that vision. However, I can tell you, he’s going to have to fight for every inch because I have seen what it takes to not just push back, but what it takes to win against extremist policies in our schools and colleges.

My name is Fedrick Ingram, and I am from the future. Not the distant future — the future that started on Jan. 20 when the president returns to the White House, bringing with him the promise of dangerous, retrograde ideas about education, immigration and even democracy itself. The dystopian future that the President is building for this country is one I have already seen. Born and raised in Florida, I’ve lived, worked and fought in a state that has become a laboratory for MAGA experiments in extremist education policies and prohibitions. What works here, they assume, will work everywhere. To an extent, they are correct — we all live in Florida now.

ident has amassed more power and converts to his insane vision and, at least until the midterms, he has essentially unchecked power to carry out that vision. However, I can tell you, he’s going to have to fight for every inch because I have seen what it takes to not just push back, but what it takes to win against extremist policies in our schools and colleges.

you: organize, organize, organize.

This is not just a lesson I have learned from my time in education and labor, but by being a Black man in America who has the sense to listen to his elders and understands my success is the fruit of those who met, often in secret, to strategize a way to freedom. They saw an obstacle, they created community and they made a plan.

But I’m here to sow hope, not fear. And to that end, I want to share three words that are key to the fight ahead of you: organize, organize, organize.

But I’m here to sow hope, not fear. And to that end, I want to share three words that are key to the fight ahead of

Since his re-election, the Pres-

This is not just a lesson I have learned from my time in education and labor, but by being a Black man in America who has the sense to listen to his elders and understands my success is the fruit of those who met, often in secret, to strategize a way to freedom. They saw an obstacle, they created community, and they made a plan.

In Florida, one of the biggest obstacles to success and freedom for our students is the most fundamental: reading. Case in point: last November, the Florida Department of Education released a list of 700 books that have been “removed or discontinued” in public schools — making my home state the leader in banning books. Caught in the ban are stories about our history, stories by luminaries like Alice Walker and Toni Morrison to relative newcomers like Angie Thomas and Ibram X. Kendi. And it’s not just books Florida objects to. It’s history itself. When

In Florida, one of the biggest obstacles to success and freedom for our students is the most fundamental: reading. Case in point: last November, the Florida Department of Education released a list of 700 books that have been “removed or discontinued” in public schools — making my home state the leader in banning books. Caught in the ban are stories about our history, stories by luminaries like Alice Walker and Toni Morrison to relative newcomers like Angie Thomas and Ibram X. Kendi.

the country’s first AP course on Black Studies debuted, Gov. Ron DeSantis rejected it for “indoctrination.”

“STOP WOKE” act wanted to remove any mention of systemic racism, sexism or bigotry in order to present a sanitized vision of America that has never existed.

He took issue with the course, citing movements like Black Lives Matter or “intersectionality” as lacking in educational value. His now barely breathing “STOP WOKE” Act wanted to remove any mention of systemic racism, sexism or bigotry in order to present a sanitized vision of America that has never existed.

And it’s not just books Florida objects to. It’s history itself. When the country’s first AP course on Black Studies debuted, Governor Ron DeSantis rejected it for “indoctrination.”

He took issue with the course, citing movements like Black Lives Matter or “intersectionality” as lacking in educational value. His now barely breathing

This is not a new fight for Black folks who knew books and even the knowledge of books to be precious contraband in an antagonistic country. And so, we are doing what we have always done to fight back — we organize. I can speak personally about joining the NAACP to launch a Freedom Library in Tampa and helping furnish it with thousands of books filled with our history, our faces, and our stories.

This is not a new fight for Black folks who knew books and even the knowledge of books to be precious contraband in an antagonistic country. And so, we are doing what we have always done to fight back — we organize. I can speak personally about joining the NAACP to launch a Freedom Library in Tampa and helping furnish it with thousands of books filled with our history, our faces, and our stories. But I was not alone.

leaders, some Florida students are setting aside their weekends to gather at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach to fill in the history and story gaps left open by DeSantis’ extremist policies. Sometimes, the key to fighting comes from our collective past.

I am speaking from the future, sometimes the key to fighting comes from our collective past.

together, and if you plan on succeeding, then you must also plan on organizing the voices and the hands that have the most at stake. The future is ours to win, but we must begin today.

I am seeing this return to organizing in other tested areas like Texas, which has also prioritized book banning and curricular censorship. Educators in the state who were committed to academic freedom didn’t just stand by wringing their hands. Instead, they joined hands to create 12 new chapters of the American Association of University Professors.

But I was not alone.

Thanks to community and church

Thanks to community and church leaders, some Florida students are setting aside their weekends to gather at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach to fill in the history and story gaps left open by DeSantis’ extremist policies. While

In a time when unions are in the sights of the president and his cronies, folks in states impacted the most by extremist policies doubled down on organizing. That’s because creating a responsive and responsible community is the best way to address the needs of your neighbors, friends and family. The only way through the next four years is

I am seeing this return to organizing in other future-tested areas like Texas, which has also prioritized book banning and curricular censorship. Educators in the state who were committed to academic freedom didn’t just stand by wringing their hands. In stead, they joined hands to create 12 new chapters of the American Association of University Profes sors. In a time when unions are in the sights of the President and his cronies, folks in states impacted the most by extremist policies doubled down on organizing. That’s because creating a responsive and responsible community is the best way to address the needs of your neighbors, friends and family. The only way through the next four years is together, and if you plan on succeeding,

This article was originally published by Word In Black.

Stacy M. Brown is senior national correspondent for Black Press USA and host of “Let It Be Known News.”

This week, he discusses

Courtesy photo

Originally from Inkster, Mich., Jamie Seals is a writer, speaker and thinker. This week, he discusses Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dream for humanity and the American Dream.

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Fedrick C. Ingram is secretarytreasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. This week, he discusses how to resist during the current presidential administration.

Nation’s capital divided on Martin Luther King Day 2025

By DaQuan Lawrence AFRO International Reporter

Some 57 years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., America remains just as divided as it was during the lifetime of the fallen religious and civil rights leader. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the District of Columbia featured major national events despite the frigid temperatures that altered scheduling and planning.

The city was divided as thousands arrived to attend the inauguration of the 47th president of the United States, while others chose to honor the legacy of Dr. King.

On Jan. 20 the Metropolitan AME Church filled to capacity as attendees from around the country traveled to the nation’s capitol to participate in the National Action Network’s (NAN) rally, organized in the past couple of months as a form of resistance against the incoming presidential administration.

The organization changed their plans of marching from McPherson Square to the historical Metropolitan AME Church located on M Street for a rally. Instead, attendees avoided the cold and met for the rally portion of the event. The Metropolitan AME Church is historically significant as a proponent of racial and social justice for the African-American community. It was also the site of the funerals of Frederick Douglass and Rosa Parks.

NAN is one of the premier civil rights organizations in the nation and was founded in 1991 by Rev. Al Sharpton. The organization works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a contemporary civil rights agenda.

During the MLK Day convening, Sharpton discussed the importance of honoring Dr. King and continuing his work in modern society.

“When Trump was President, before he went into the Oval Office, he hung a portrait of his favorite president, Andrew Jackson. Jackson nominated the Supreme Court judge Roger Taney, who later was the Chief Justice that rendered the Dred Scott decision that Blacks had no rights,” Sharpton said.

“[Jackson] was Trump’s hero, but on this side of town our hero is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Sharpton emphasized.

Sharpton condemned Trump’s racist actions and public stance on hot topic issues such as the death penalty. He noted the 1989 advertisement Trump took out multiple newspapers, calling for the men accused in the Central

Park Five case to be executed.

Last year, Trump doubled down on his views, despite the men receiving exoneration more than two decades ago. Sharpton said this was an important example of how past actions by Trump marginalized can still harm communities today due to social implications.

“The problem is we have too many folks scratching where they don’t itch, or too many people laughing at what’s not funny,” Sharpton explained during his speech.

“We fought too hard, we’ve shed too much blood, and we’ve spent too many nights in jail to think that Trump can turn us around.”

During the program speakers continued to focus on the legacy of Dr. King, whose work for economic justice spanned around the globe due to his stance and efforts to eradicate poverty and capitalism. While acknowledging the concurrent activities in the nation’s capital, attendees of the MLK Day rally remained positive about the potential for Dr. King’s vision of America to be actualized.

“I think we have to keep Dr. King’s dream alive,” Jamie Bland, president of the Paterson, New Jersey Chapter of NAN, said.

“[Dr. King] wanted little girls and boys to be able to hold hands together in unity despite their racial background. Many of my friends don’t look like me, but I think coming together is what we have to stand for,” Bland told the AFRO.

Before concluding his remarks, Sharpton addressed the historical and contemporary civil rights struggles around the nation, particularly focusing on the legacy of Dr. King and current political figures’ ability to live up to these principles. He emphasized the responsibilities of past and present leaders for failing to address racial justice, and cited the lack of action on police accountability and the erosion of voting rights.

Sharpton also spoke on the economic exploitation of African labor and the importance of explicit public policies that advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

“Why do we have DEI? We have DEI because you denied us diversity, you denied us equity, you denied us inclusion. DEI was a remedy to the racial institutionalized bigotry practice in academia and in these corporations,” Sharpton said.

On day one of his second term in office, Trump slashed all DEI initiatives from the federal government.

Still, even without DEI on the federal level, Black people will continue to push forward

and achieve success.

“You must have forgotten who we are. We are the ones that you took everything from, and we are still here,” Sharpton told a packed house at Metropolitan AME Church in the nation’s capital. He then led hundreds of guests in an oath to uphold and advance Dr. King’s dream for a just nation.

Rev. Sharpton’s address on Jan. 20 took place on the same day as Inauguration Day, which is always held on Jan. 20. MLK Day is always the third Monday in January. The two events have coincided in the past before.

While more than 11 buses of patrons commuted national attendees to the District for the MLK Day rally for NAN, hundreds of thousands of people also made the journey to the nation’s capitol to witness the inauguration ceremony. Per the inauguration schedule of events, security screening for the anticipated crowd began at 7 a.m. Only about 20,000 attendees would be allowed into the Capital One Arena to watch the ceremony, as the arena’s expected capacity is about 20,356.

Upwards of 200,000 people traveled to the nation’s capitol to witness the 60th U.S. presidential inauguration. Attendees viewed the ceremony from the Capital One Arena while Donald Trump and J.D. Vance took the oath of office in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

While MLK Day and Inauguration Day events took place, protests erupted around the country. In D.C., Chicago and New York citizens took the streets to voice their frustrations and concerns regarding a second presidency for Trump, who is now a convicted felon.

Although Dr. King and others fought to diminish racial and economic injustice during his lifetime, nearly six decades later the nation remains divided ideologically –a fact proven by the duality of the events taking place in the District on MLK Day 2025.

Bland said it will be important for spiritually-led politicians, during a political climate where America may be experiencing a return to a previous era of injustice.

“This is nothing new and people know that God is in everything. But these politicians, especially in 2025 –they’re going to definitely have to maintain the Spirit of God, otherwise it’s going to be bad for everybody,” Bland told the AFRO. “I think we have to continue to pray. Politicians must put God first and once they do that, everything will be running the way it’s supposed to run.”

AFRO Photo / DaQuan Lawrence

Black leaders and community leaders from near and far gather at the National Action Network’s MLK Day rally inside of the Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20.

AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

Demonstrators protest against President Donald Trump’s administration during a march in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.

Melina Mara/The Washington Post via AP, Pool

Former President Barack Obama arrives at the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol without former First Lady Michelle Obama at his side.

AP Photo/Erin Hooley

Sonia Rosa Sifore and other anti-Trump protesters gather in Federal Plaza to rally for a number of issues, including immigrant rights, the Israel-Hamas war, women’s reproductive rights, racial equality and others, on Inauguration Day, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Chicago.

AP Photo / Chip Somodevilla

From left, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush and former President Barack Obama, at the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.

WASHINGTON-AREA

Prince George’s police chief says perceptions of crime and reality ‘don’t align’

By D. Kevin McNeir Special to the AFRO kmcneir@afro.com

Crime in Prince George’s County, Md., is on the decline– contrary to popular belief.

While the data indicates that policing efforts in Prince George’s are bearing fruit, residents’ perceptions of crime seemingly have not caught up with the actual data, authorities said.

“There’s no real answer for why there’s such a difference [for] Prince George’s County residents between the actual homicide rate– which declined for 2024– and the perception of crime,” said Chief of Police Malik Aziz. “I’ll have to leave that to

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Achieving justice: Former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt speaks to new generation

By D. Kevin McNeir Special

to the AFRO kmcneir@afro.com

Native Washingtonian Sharon Pratt, the first female leader of the District of Columbia (1991-1995) and the first Black woman to serve as mayor of a major urban city, spoke not as a politician but– in her own words– “as a grandmother” during a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. prayer brunch in Prince George’s County, Md.

“I am not sure how equipped I am to give – as the program planners requested – a ‘clarion call’ on ways to eradicate the obstacles that hinder justice in America, but I can tell you what we’ve done in the past and what has proven most effective,” Pratt said.

Tapping into federal

Pratt served as the keynote speaker for the Greater Washington Urban League Guild’s prayer brunch, held on the MLK holiday on Jan. 20. The event was held at The Hotel at The University of Maryland in College Park, Md.

Pratt, 80, assumed the role of an African griot at the event, relying on her skills as a storyteller and chronicler of history, which she undoubtedly honed while matriculating at Howard University’s School of Law. She noted the contradictions and ironies faced by Blacks in a country founded on tenets of democracy that include individual rights and equality.

“It’s ironic that while we are here today to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there’s another celebration going on in the

District because of the successful election of a man, Donald Trump, who wants to be king,” she said.

“It’s also ironic that when America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, Trump will still be in the White House.”

“I want today’s youth to understand that those most responsible for affirming and fighting to protect and advance the basic tenets of American democracy first conceived by the Founding Fathers were us and our ancestors – African Americans.”

Pratt emphasized the importance of “We the People,” which is found in the opening phrase of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

“In its infancy, America was

procurement: How to position your business to win federal contracts

By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com

When thinking about expanding a customer base, there are more possibilities than just individuals and other companies. The federal government is one of the most expansive, consistent customers in the country. In fiscal year 2023, it spent nearly $759 billion on contracts, awarding a record-breaking $178.6 billion to small businesses.

Though breaking into the federal procurement space may seem daunting—complex paperwork, precise guidelines and fierce competition— help is available.

“The United States

government is the largest purchaser of services and goods in the world,” said Eric Morrissette, former deputy under secretary for minority business development. Appointed by the

nority-owned enterprises (MBEs).

He explained that the agency’s job is to assist entrepreneurs at all stages of their business. If a business owner wants support in pursuing government

“The United States government is the largest purchaser of services and goods in the world.”

Biden-Harris administration, Morrissette previously led the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), an office singularly focused on advancing the growth and competitiveness of mi-

contracts, MBDA has 130 centers across the country that provide free services, including finding procurement opportunities, solicitation analysis, bid and proposal preparation and certification assistance.

It can also support current contractors in expanding their work.

“There are people who have been a part of the contracting space, providing supplies to the federal government for generations, and it is imperative that we create a space for MBEs to enter those spaces and create intergenerational wealth for themselves, their families and their communities,” said Morrissette. “That’s not only our responsibility as a federal agency but it’s also our responsibility as a government.”

According to Morrissette, there is a $7.1 trillion opportunity gap for MBEs, which represents the economic growth they could experience if they

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser touts housing success, announces partnerships to improve on afforable housing goals

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and the National League of Cities (NLC) revealed on Jan. 16 that they’re forming a new advisory group, “America’s Housing Comeback.” The group is expected to bring private and public-sector representatives together to amplify the progress being made in housing in cities throughout the U.S. Bowser and Mark Shepherd, mayor of Clearfield, Utah, will be co-chairs of the advisory group.

“In lots of cities like D.C. we are looking for ways to add more hous-

“In lots of cities like D.C. we are looking for ways to add more housing and to make housing more affordable.”

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had equal opportunities compared to their counterparts. He advised minority businesses to open themselves up to procurement, research the landscape as it pertains to their niche and determine how they can stand out from competitors. He also recommended teaming up with another small business on a con-

ing and to make housing more affordable,” said Bowser during the National Housing Summit in D.C. “We’ve been strategic about where we’re building—especially in downtown and around public transit.”

Using the Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook, the advisory group will work to increase housing success in U.S. cities by creating local, federal, private and public partnerships to support local level efforts to increase hous-

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Courtesy photo

Prince George’s County police chief Malik Aziz updates the county on current crime rates and the challenges being faced.

AFRO Photo/ D. Kevin McNeir

Shown here, longtime community leaders and advocates for equality and justice, former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt (left), former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III and the Rev. Dr. F. Gail Anderson Holness, pastor of Adams Inspirational AME Church, in Ft. Washington, Md. Each of the Howard University School of Law graduates spoke during a prayer brunch honoring the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

‘Office to Anything’ program launches ahead of new federal workforce requirements

By Ashleigh Fields Special to the AFRO

D.C. leaders are focused on regaining economic stability in the District of Columbia after the COVID-19 pandemic.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser launched the “Office to Anything” program on Jan. 16 to incentivize the revitalization of the District’s empty office spaces for new commercial, hotel, entertainment, retail and other non-residential purposes. Bowser is offering a 15-year temporary property tax freeze.

“We know that having a balanced mix of uses helps make our neighborhoods–including our Downtown [area]– more dynamic,” Mayor Bowser said in a press release.

The program is expected to support the conversion of nearly 2.5 million square feet of office space, with the total tax abatements available subject to a cap of $5 million for 2027, $6 million for 2028 and

“Through “Office to Anything,” we will transform vacant and underutilized offices into new, productive uses that increase foot traffic.”

$8 million for 2029, with 4 percent growth each year after.

“Through “Office to Anything,” we will transform vacant and underutilized offices into new, productive uses that increase foot traffic, generate economic activity and tax revenue, and bring new vibrancy to DC’s commercial core,” Bowser said.

The decision was announced almost a year after the mayor launched the Downtown Action Plan to bolster businesses and visitor attractions in the city’s commercial core.

City officials have raised concerns with

Pratt

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viewed by other nations as a unique country,” she said. “We rebelled against the system and the laws of King George of England and knew that in signing the Declaration of Independence that our leaders had committed an act of treason. Miraculously, we won.

“There were more Blacks than just Crispus Attucks, who sacrificed their lives for this country in the founding of America. And Blacks have continued to willingly go to the frontline on behalf of a country that has yet to keep its word to us. More than 200,000 Black soldiers fought in the Civil War, most of them for the North. And again, Blacks helped push America to victory during two World Wars.”

Pratt said Americans are in another turbulent moment in history, but she remains optimistic.

“We’ve done it before; we can do it again. Yes, we can– yes, we will,” she said.

Pratt was joined by two other fellow graduates from Howard University School of Law: The Rev.

“Office

federal work-from-home options, citing a decrease in the city’s vibrancy.

“Most federal workers should be in the office most of the time,” Bowser said during a December testimony before Congress’s House Appropriations Committee subcommittee. “We don’t think individual agencies making one-off decisions about what the telework policy is, is the most efficient. We need an efficient policy, and we need a productive American workforce.”

Councilmembers have long argued that the decision would increase public transportation ridership therefore improving District funds.

“When (federal workers) don’t come into work, there are fewer riders on Metro, which is why Metro right now has a funding crunch,” Chairman Phil Mendelson said to the House Appropriations Committee subcommittee.

Dr. F. Gail Anderson Holness, pastor of Adams Inspirational AME Church, located in Ft. Washington, Md., and Rushern L. Baker III, former Prince George’s County executive. Both

matter what it brings.

“Elections are important, but they do not change our vision or our mission,” Lambert said.

“We will not tap dance to join those who are now

“I want today’s youth to understand that those most responsible for affirming and fighting to protect and advance the basic tenets of American democracy first conceived by the Founding Fathers were us and our ancestors – African Americans.”

shared comments on ways to overcome barriers to achieving justice prior to her keynote address. As for the ongoing mission of the Greater Washington Urban League, its longtime president and CEO George H. Lambert Jr. said he and the thousands of members committed to the League are ready for the future, no

in power. But we will, as always, look for ways to engage and work with the new administration.”

Lambert added, “Life is a tapestry – one which is currently in a disjointed state. But at our best, organizations like the Greater Washington Urban League can help transform that tapestry into a masterpiece.”

And other enterprises are suffering as well, he added. “It means these office buildings are vacant. Many of them now, the leases are being turned back.”

Employees of the D.C. government have been required to work in person for at least four days out of the week since June.

Police chief

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the criminologists and sociologists. But what I do know is we have to look back to 2020 through 2022, even the early months of 2023, when crime escalated out of control as the nation was overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Prince George’s reported 113 homicides in 2024 – a 5 percent decline from the previous year – while violent crime fell by 2 percent, according to crime data recently announced by the police department.

Even more impressive, Aziz noted that carjacking rates dropped by 33 percent –from 550 in 2023 to 340 in 2024.

Aziz said despite his best efforts, neither he, nor any of his contemporaries charged with leading police departments throughout the U.S., have been able to determine why crime rates surged at such disturbing rates during the pandemic.

But he does have some ideas.

“Remember that schools were closed, many businesses shuttered their doors, and a lot of jobs simply disappeared,” he said. “Meanwhile, youth were left without anything to do and had nowhere to go to let out steam in positive ways.”

As for analyzing and comparing trends in homicide and other crimes, the police chief said one must look at data going all the way back to 2019 to get an accurate read on whether things are getting better or worse today.

“For me, it’s like we all fell asleep and then woke up with several years missing,” he said. “As we move forward in 2025 and ramp up efforts to decrease crime, comparisons in trends can only be made by looking at the last three months of 2023 and all of 2024 as normalized years.”

Aziz points to the challenges ahead, suggests potential solutions

Among the major hurdles facing the department is the inability to recruit enough officers to handle the volume of security challenges in the county.

“Like most states, Maryland is experiencing a decline in applicants for police department positions and that has resulted in staffing crises. Prince George’s

The 47th president of the United States signed an executive order on his first day in office, Jan. 20, declaring that all federal agencies “take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work inperson at their respective duty stations on a full-time basis.”

County finds itself in a similar situation,” Aziz said. “At the same time, crime has continued to rise in many categories.”

The county is utilizing new and innovative ways to counter those challenges, the chief said.

“Here in Prince George’s, we are looking to use new forms of technology to counter the shortage in staff,” he said. “Further, we’re optimistic about the new Gun Crimes Unit, which we created last year and which we believe will continue to help reduce the homicide rate. We’re still aiming to get that number below 100 which is something we haven’t been able to achieve in the past several years.”

The police chief returned to the issue of perceptions versus actual data and used the example of carjackings for illustrative purposes.

“It’s great to be able to report that carjackings declined by 33 percent in 2024 but we still had 340 carjackings – we still have a problem,” he said. “So, it’s easy to understand why the perception is that we have a much bigger problem. We still need to drill down and focus on the individuals who are driving up the numbers.

“But it’s more than just police work. We need our partners to step up and assist us: juvenile services, judges, elected officials, members of the community. We must all work in tandem to reduce crime,” Aziz said.

Prince George’s County residents can expect to see Chief Aziz and his staff traversing the county, showing up in places that may seem strange to some but essential for both improving perceptions and impacting crime rates.

“Don’t be surprised to see us at a town hall or community meeting,” he said. “We may drop by a neighborhood watch initiative, visit a school, sit down for a chat at your favorite diner or restaurant – even the corner gas station and the mostfrequented grocery store.” Aziz added, “We want to hear what people have to say because there is no one solution to reducing crime. There’s no single answer or strategy that one can point to as a panacea for crime reduction. No, there’s no silver bullet.”

Unsplash/ Shridhar Gupta

to Anything” program is aimed at revitalizing empty office space in the District.

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tract if an entrepreneur is strapped for capacity.

“If you’re interested in competing for some of these procurement opportunities or if you’re not even sure where those procurement opportunities exist, there is an agency dedicated to helping you understand that. Largely, we have a footprint in every state in this country and every territory,” said Morrissette. “As we continue to make opportunities available to Black and Brown businesses, it’s our job to help you achieve wealth. Push us to do that. Come to us and receive our support.”

Taelor Salmon, CEO of the TJS Group, has years of experience navigating the federal procurement ecosystem as a minority business enterprise. Her company, based in D.C., is a government contracting firm that primarily provides facilities maintenance and IT security services.

However, her introduction to federal procurement began before TJS Group. Her family also owns a government contracting company, and she spent two years learning the ropes after graduating from college.

“If you have a good service or product, don’t shy away from the government,” said Salmon. “These are pretty long contracts, and they can be very substantial.”

Salmon provided several tips for MBEs looking to pursue federal contracts:

• Have a business plan and use it to craft a capability statement. These documents should make clear the area of support you can provide and the value you can bring to the government as your customer.

• Familiarize yourself with government agencies and build relationships. Attend industry days, foster connections with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and network with peers that are involved in the procurement landscape to help you position your business for bids.

• Use sam.gov, the government’s system of award management, to register your business and find contract opportunities.

• Differentiate yourself from competitors.

This could include obtaining certifications as an MBE, service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), women-owned small business (WOSB) or HUBZone business, a designation given to firms located in historically underutilized areas. It could also include securing industryspecific safety, environmental and security certifications.

Housing success

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ing efforts. It also aims to spark a federal focus on policy initiatives to address America’s housing shortage.

“I am excited for this opportunity to see us now put into action that playbook to enhance that with our partners and say ‘how do we start building now?’” said Sheperd. “We have a desperate need. We’ve got to address it and it can’t wait until whenever. It’s got to be today. We have got to have shovels on the ground and wood in the air and places for people to live.”

Bowser shared some of her wins for the District concerning housing.

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to keep promises around affordable housing in my 10 years as D.C. mayor, ” said Bowser. “We have achieved, faster than we said, our 36,000 new homes by 2025. We hit that last year and we’re on track to meet our goal within that goal of 12,000 affordable homes.”

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the U.S. faces a deficit of 7.3 million affordable rental homes for extremely low income individuals. The Brookings Institution, a non profit organization improves policy and governance through research, the U.S. housing market short 4.9 million units in 2023.

“We follow the mantra

Salmon believes federal procurement can provide businesses with longevity and stability. Once a contract is won, she said communication is key. MBEs must understand the particulars of the needs of the government on contracts and ensure that their employees have a full

understanding of the expectations as well.

“If you fail, you fail forward. You’re taking a chance. There’s so many positives that come with it because you learn,” said Salmon. “There are lessons. You have the intel to do better when you try again the next time.”

Photo courtesy of Taelor Salmon

Taelor Salmon is the CEO of the TJS Group, a government contracting firm that supplies facilities maintenance and IT security services.

Photo courtesy of the Minority Business Development Agency Eric Morrissette is the former under secretary for minority business development. The agency’s mission is to expand the growth and competitiveness of minority business enterprises (MBEs).

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Mayor D.C.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) is the first AfricanAmerican woman elected to three mayoral terms in U.S. history. As mayor, she champions affordable housing, economic growth and statehood.

Young leaders shine at 40th annual MLK celebration and youth oratorical competition

By J. Pamela Stills Special to the AFRO

Members of the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCACDST) hosted the 40th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Celebration and Youth Oratorical competition.

The MLK program was held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle, Virginia where Rev. Dr. Alfred Jones Jr. is Pastor and Deaconess Goldie Jones is First Lady. The goal of the oratorical competition is to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s spirit of hope and his work to improve civil and human rights.

The orators spoke on the topic of “Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy: My Voice, My Choice, My Future.”

Marian NanaAcquah and Juniper Adams received the Judges Choice Honorable Mention Award for content or style that impressed the judges at the regional competition. They received a monetary award and certificate.

Winners of the best delivered speech at the regional competition were Ezana Tesfaye (middle school) and Jordyn Nesbitt (high school). They both received a monetary award.

Winners of the annual MLK oratorical competition were Ezana Tesfaye (middle school) and Rabab Raza (high school). The winners received a monetary award and the Drum Major Award, which is an additional monetary award from the Bagnerise Foundation.

Rev. Al Sharpton hosts rally

By Ama Brown AFRO Editorial Assistant

On Monday Jan. 20, the National Action Network (NAN) held a rally to recognize the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event took place at Metropolitan AME church in Washington, D.C. Due to the freezing cold, the march portion of the plan was cancelled. Instead, hundreds packed into the historic church in honor of King and in protest of the new presidential administration.

Several influential people spoke to those in attendance including Pastor Lawrence E. Aker, of Cornerstone Baptist Church New York; Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies and of course, NAN founder, the Rev. Al Sharpton. All spoke on the importance of service to the community and highlighted the vigilance needed in this time of political uncertainty.

AFRO Photos / J. Pamela Stills

Naomi Samuel gives her speech during the 2025 MLK Oratorical competition.

Marian NanaAcquah receives the Judges Choice Honorable Mention award from Donna Burton (left) and Deborah Campbell (right) during competition. Ezana Tesfaye concludes his speech.

Jesse Hasoon of Woodbridge, Va., Damon Scott of Washington D.C. and Jeremija Bradford, also of Woodbridge, welcome attendees to the MLK Oratorical competition at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle, Va. on Saturday, Jan. 18. Scott is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Donna Burton (left) and Deborah Campbell (right) present Rev. Dr. Alfred Jones Jr. with gifts of appreciation.

Shown here, London Lewis (front, center), winner of the fifth grade writing contest, as she receives a certificate of achievement from Sherilyn Gaskins (back, left), Donna Burton, Deborah Campbell, Felicia Pryor and Renee LaHuffman-Jackson.

Rabab Raza speaks during the competition, held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle, Va.

Soluchi Eze poses with her family after the MLK Oratorical competition. Shown here, Erica Blanch (left), Modesta Umeh, Kayla Blanch, Chuka Eze, Toby Eze, Soluchi Eze, Mariah Eze, Simbiat Shodeinde and Lucy Eze. Soluchi is a middle school finalist in the oratorical competition. Judge Seth OpokuYeboah and Congressman Eugene Vindman (back, right) appear in the background.

AFRO Photo/ James Fields

Briana Brooks represents the new generation of leaders. She currently serves as talent manager and staff engagement officer at E.L. Haynes Public Charter School in the District.

Robin Mendez-Newell (left) and Isabel Ortiz brave the cold to hear Rev. Al Sharpton speak.

Larry Young, host of “The Larry Young Morning Show” on WOLB, makes an appearance.

Korey Wise, one of the exonerated Central Park Five, joins the rally in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Rev. Al Sharpton delivers a riveting speech on MLK Day 2025 at the historic Metropolitan AME Church, located in Washington, D.C.

AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances ‘Toni’ Draper highlights work of Dr. Carl J. Murphy in new book, ‘Prayer and Pen’

By DaQuan Lawrence AFRO International Writer DLawrence@afro.com

Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher and CEO of the AFRO-American Newspapers, has released a new book spotlighting the invaluable contributions of past publisher, Dr. Carl J. Murphy

In her latest book, titled “Prayer and Pen: The Prayers and Legacy of Carl Murphy, Publisher of The AFROAmerican Newspapers,” Dr. Draper honors her grandfather, his rich heritage and the work of the man who led the AFRO between 1922 and 1967.

Courtesy photo

Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper is author of a new book, “Prayer and Pen: The Prayers and Legacy of Carl Murphy, Publisher of The AFRO-American Newspapers.” The book is a collection of prayers by Murphy, who led the AFRO as a publisher from 1922 to 1967.

The book includes a foreword by Draper’s cousin, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, who is also a granddaughter of Dr. Murphy. Dr. Draper worked closely with the AFRO’s sister company, Afro Charities – a nonprofit organization that maintains the AFRO’s archives and hosts programs with local partners – to produce the book.

“Prayer and Pen” highlights some of the nuances of Dr. Carl J. Murphy’s life, including his loving marriage to his wife, Vashti Turley Murphy, a co-founder of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Carl J. Murphy was an esteemed Black civil rights leader, publisher, journalist and educator who helped expand the AFRO during the 20th Century. He valiantly led the publication founded by his father, John H. Murphy, Sr., at a time where Black people were fighting for the right to vote, equal education opportunities and better jobs. Due to his efforts and undeniable influence throughout history, Morgan State University’s Fine Arts Center was named in honor of Dr. Carl J. Murphy in 2001.

The AFRO spoke with Dr. Draper about the book, prayer in the Black community and the legacy of the AFRO in the current social, political and economic climate.

The AFRO: Where did the idea for “Prayer and Pen: The Prayers and Legacy of Carl Murphy, Publisher of

‘“Prayer and Pen’ is a guiding light that should be in every home. Frances Toni Draper has produced a masterpiece including over 100 prayers written by her grandfather, the incomparable Carl Murphy. Included also are archival images and articles from the historical AFRO newspaper which his father founded. Generations later, the prayers and work of the Murphy family still deliver to our community, news and information not covered by other media outlets. Kudos to Toni!”

- Cathy Hughes

the AFRO-American Newspapers” come from? How long has the book been in the making?

Dr. Draper: I’ve been thinking—and praying— about writing this book for at least 15 years. It all started more than 30 years ago when my aunt, Elizabeth Murphy Phillips Moss, a former AFRO publisher, first compiled her dad’s prayers. Later, her sister—my mom, Frances

Murphy II, who was also a former AFRO publisher— found additional prayers and began working on a second compilation. Unfortunately, by the time she passed away in 2007, the project was only partially finished. Over the years, I often shared these prayers when asked to offer an invocation or benediction at various events and programs. And every time I did, someone

would ask, “Are these prayers available in print or online?”

My answer was always the same: “One day, they will be.” Well, that day has finally come—and I couldn’t be more excited to share them with the world! I am grateful to Katara Patton, executive editor of Our Daily Bread, for believing in the vision.

AFRO: How have the prayers of Dr. Carl J. Murphy guided you through hard times? Did his words shape your own communication style with God as a child or young adult?

Dr. Draper: My grandfather was a firm believer in the power of prayer, and he wrote prayers for all kinds of occasions. I am sure that his words shaped my own prayer life in subtle ways, but I have my own unique style.

AFRO: Why was the partnership with Afro Charities crucial in this endeavor?

Dr. Draper: I am truly grateful for the invaluable assistance of Afro Charities’ Deyane Moses, who skillfully matched AFRO articles and photos to the prayers featured in this book. Her dedication has brought these historical connections to life, adding depth and meaning to the collection.

The AFRO archives are a national treasure—a rich repository of Black history, chronicling our struggles and successes over generations. I hope this book inspires readers to explore these archives,

reflect on our shared journey, and recognize the timeless power of prayer in shaping our story.

AFRO: Why was it necessary to put out a prayer book at this time, in this political and social climate? What do you want people to take from the book?

Dr. Draper: This book has been years in the making, and let’s be honest – prayer is always in season. I want people to know that while Carl Murphy was widely known as a prolific editorial writer and a shrewd businessman, he also recognized his real superpower: prayer.

AFRO: As a former pastor, can you talk about the role of prayer in the Black community, family or church?

Dr. Draper: Prayer remains a vital tool for individual and collective resilience. For the Black community, it is a continuation of a legacy of faith that has sustained generations. For all communities, it provides comfort, connection, and clarity in an increasingly complex world. Whether its importance has grown or simply evolved depends on perspective, but its role in fostering hope and unity is timeless.

The “Prayer and Pen: The Prayers and Legacy of Carl Murphy, Publisher of The AFRO-American Newspapers,” is now available on Amazon for $19.99. Be sure to order your copy today!

Movie Review: ‘One of Them Days’ will convince you Keke Palmer is a star

By Jake Coyle

The Associated Press

Horror, not comedy, has been the go-to movie genre in recent years, but a movie like “One of Them Days,” starring Keke Palmer and, in her big-screen debut, SZA, is a good reminder of what we’ve been missing.

Creepy stuff and jump scares, we’ve been told, have proved better suited for channeling our abiding contemporary dread. But the communal joys of big-screen comedy have, and always will, suit dark days as much as light ones, if not more so. “One of Them Days,” for instance, happens to arrive while Los Angeles, where the movie is set, has been decimated by wildfires. The Southern California skies, though, are crystal clear in “One of Them Days.” In the opening moments, someone says, “It’s always cooler on the West side.”

“One of Them Days,” which had its premiere cancelled by the fires, is a welcome warm breeze for a movie landscape that has largely frozen out the comedy. There’s one overwhelming reason for this: Keke Palmer.

This is a buddy comedy, so it might seem unfair to single out one half of a duo. SZA, in her first feature, acquits herself well. But this is Palmer’s show.

Palmer plays Dreux, a Los Angeles waitress who, when her artist roommate Alyssa (SZA) gives their rent money to an untrustworthy boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), goes on a madcap, day-long odyssey to raise the money before they’re evicted. This seemingly low-stakes premise is itself a kind of throwback to a more 1990s-flavored movie. The antic spirit of F. Gary Gray’s “Friday” can be felt throughout “One of Them Days.”

The tone here, courtesy of director Lawrence Lamont, producer Issa Rae and screenwriter Syreeta Singleton, is amiably realistic. Aside from a few cartoonish flourishes, “One of Them Days” is grounded in a working-class reality where every step toward upward mobility for Dreux and Alyssa is swiftly knocked

backward.

They live in a dilapidated apartment complex in the neighborhood of Baldwin Village, nicknamed the Jungles. When they’re forced to raise $1,500 — a race complete with a ticking-clock countdown to eviction, and, as things develop, until “certain death” — Dreux is also scheduled for the biggest job interview of her life, to become a franchise manager for the restaurant chain she’s employed by.

The satire of “One of Them Days” is mostly directed at the feeble opportunities afforded to those striving to break out of a paycheck-

to-paycheck cycle. When the roommates seek a loan, their payday center advertises a comical APR of 1,900.5 percent. (The agent, who takes great pleasure in their credit scores, is memorably played by Keyla Monterroso Mejia.)

That’s just one of the characters the two encounter in their pleasantly meandering journey to raise money via everything from blood donation to Air Jordans hung on power lines. Some of the characters along the way include Katt Williams, as a conscientious homeless man who warns against predatory

lending; Vanessa Bell Calloway’s stripperturned-blood-bank-worker; a new White neighbor named Bethany (Maude Apatow); and Keshawn’s new hook-up (Janelle James), who proves the movie’s most regular villain, despite the looming presence of a fearsome gangster (Amin Joseph).

Anyone familiar with Rae’s “Insecure” will recognize some of the hallmarks of that HBO series, namely the struggles of Black women trying to get a leg up in Los Angeles while also juggling romantic interests that might come from a wide range of backgrounds. Here, that’s Dreux’s crush, Maniac (Patrick Cage), who drives a Mercedes and who she suspects is a criminal.

If all of this sounds somewhat low stakes (I failed to mention Lil Rel Howery as their prospective sneaker buyer), that’s more of a pleasing feature than a bug in “One of Them Days.” Besides, filling this movie with anything more — star cameos or broad comedy set pieces — would be a mistake. That would leave less room for the interplay between Palmer and SZA.

“One of Them Days” hinges on central buddy comedy, which Lamont seems to recognize even in his feature directorial debut. SZA’s uber-cool unsurprisingly transfers easily to the big screen; her performance is winning because it’s so unforced.

But it’s a testament to Palmer’s dynamism as a performer that “One of Them Days” would work no matter where their day takes them. There’s a freewheeling wit and evershifting subtlety to Palmer, who so enlivened Jordan Peele’s “Nope.” Only a theatrical comedy can really showcase charisma like hers. For an actress who’s hustled to get to this point, “One of Them Days” is perfect platform for Palmer, scrappy and unstoppable.

“One of Them Days,” a Sony Pictures release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language throughout, sexual material and brief drug use. Running time: 97 minutes Three stars out of four.

Anne Marie Fox/Sony Pictures via AP

Keke Palmer (left) and vocal artist Saláni “SZA” Rowe star in a new film together, titled “One of them Days.”

As L.A. burns, Asheville is still recovering from Hurricane Helene

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word In Black

With the unprecedented wildfires in Los Angeles killing dozens of people and burning thousands of homes, survivors are facing the reality of grieving and rebuilding. It’s a reality that residents of Asheville, North Carolina, know all too well.

It’s been nearly four months since Hurricane Helene ravaged the region, and residents are still recuperating from its effects.

People were without electricity and water, and many had to abandon their homes, at least temporarily. While much of that has been corrected, many residents are still without whatever comfort they had before the hurricane. Faith leaders in the community say that in spite of the passage of time, there are still great needs to be filled.

“People weren’t able to work because so many businesses were closed. Some never reopened,” says Bishop A. Kaycee Lewis, senior pastor of The Refreshing Center of Asheville. She says the biggest hit to the community was the temporary loss of the Biltmore Hotel, arguably the largest employer in that area.

Most of her members “toughed it out and stayed in Asheville,” Lewis says. But “a handful” relocated to Charlotte. “They keep in touch, but they’re not returning.”

It took about a month after the hurricane before The Refreshing Center had service with electricity again. What helped, though, is that the church is a member of Kingdom Fellowship Covenant Ministries — more than 123 churches, ministries and small businesses led by Archbishop Ralph Dennis.

“Our mission is to train, equip, empower and mobilize every Saint into their ministry,” Dennis says, “and this is a great example of just that. We’re happy to help everyone who has a need.”

Apostolic Encounter, was heartbreaking.

Elder Antonio Fallston’s description of his arrival in Asheville to help with the weekly online teaching,

“As we got closer, it looked a lot worse than we’d seen on the news. We saw that what had been beautiful places had now been destroyed. We saw trucks turned over. We saw trees down on houses and on cars. The water was so high. It was so bad it was so high. It’s likely to be two months before people can actually get around,” Fallston said.

“I don’t know how we would have made it without our member churches who immediately saw to our needs for food, water, clothing and so much more,” Lewis says.

Lewis shared her experience of hearing the Lord tell her to store water at least a year before the hurricane ravaged their town. “If I hadn’t done that, we wouldn’t have had any water until people could reach us,” she says.

“People weren’t able to work because so many businesses were closed. Some never reopened.”

Dennis says some people still need places to live, and others need jobs because some businesses have not reopened. And a small segment is still waiting for remuneration from FEMA, while others might have been turned down because their paperwork was not completed correctly.

Some congregation members also have post-traumatic stress that flares up when the weather is bad.

“They are still experiencing a PTS effect when there’s even the hint of a strong storm or rain, so I hold sessions so they can talk about it and express their fears and their recovery,” Lewis says.

This article was originally published by Word In Black.

Video of church shaming unwed pregnant woman sparks heated backlash

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware

Word In Black

It started with a Jan. 5 live stream of a church service on Facebook. In it, a young woman, fighting back tears, stands in front of her church congregation, publicly confesses she is pregnant and unmarried, and then apologizes for it. The church applauds her short revelation, and then her pastor proclaims that neither the church nor her own mother can host a baby shower or any celebration of new life — and better not attend one, either.

The resulting outrage on social media is raising questions about Black church traditions, shame and grace.

“What this pastor did was not biblical. It was disrespectful and shameful over that pulpit,” one commenter wrote on the church’s Facebook page.

“That pastor is dead wrong. This is not Bible. This is control and manipulation,” wrote another. “Sir you need to repent!”

But the Rev. Terry Jackson, pastor of True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ in Hampton, Virginia, has the support of the young woman’s mother.

“You all are interrupting my peace and causing more damage than good. You are showing up disrupting my church, my beliefs, and disrespecting my pastor,” wrote the mother, Dee Myles, on Facebook in response to critical posts.

Myles wrote that she stands by what she’s been taught and is raising her daughter to do the same.

“We were not forced or manipulated to stand before the congregation,” she wrote. “My daughter willingly approached the congregation and was welcomed and embraced with open arms.”

A deeply disturbing scene

Rev. Terrence Rogers Sr., senior pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in West Baltimore, was so incensed that he wrote a letter to the pastor in question, emphasizing his own pain while observing the video.

“Watching her stand teary-eyed, as she apologized for being pregnant was heartbreaking,” he wrote. “When you declared her child would not be celebrated and instructed her parents and the congregation to deny her

a baby shower, I was deeply disturbed.”

Jackson noted the African proverb that it takes a whole village to raise a child.

“After all, what did the baby do to be denied community support before even taking their first breath?” he wrote.

He ended his response by pointing out that if the pastor was going to put the young woman in front of the congregation, “it should have been to offer encouragement because if the gospel is anything, it is this: love, redemption and hope for all. It is this: when we sin, and all of us will, we have an advocate with the Father. His name is Jesus Christ.”

A practice rooted in history — and sexism

This kind of public apology for pregnancy outside marriage traces back decades, particularly in predominantly Black churches. Some congregations were known to christen newborns in side rooms instead of the sanctuary, as if the child were somehow tainted because of the way it was conceived. For mothers who refused to make such a public confession, the option was to remove themselves from active church membership with the understanding that any future return

would require that confession.

The missing piece is that often, the father was never required to take part or even acknowledge his role. According to many on social media, this results in a double standard that punishes only women.

“This accountability has NEVER been placed upon males in this fashion and even then would not be right or necessary,” wrote

“That pastor is dead wrong. This is not Bible. This is control and manipulation.”

one Instagram user. “She owes man nothing. Any transgression of hers against her own body is between her and the Lord himself,” and public shaming “is not founded in love or biblical principle.”

“So many girls/ladies/women have been hurt by the church and the men who claim to be men of God,” Dr. Sonya Campbell commented on Facebook. Another Facebook user, Tory Parrish, called the scene

heartbreaking and could not believe people still did such a thing. Lovetta E. Thompson recalled having seen such a thing and remembering people being made a spectacle in church. Thompson also questioned where the father was.

Other folks on social media wondered if protesting the church would be wrong, suggested giving a baby shower if the pregnant young lady could be found, and asked for her CashApp handle.

Several people were also clear that this was not the kind of action Jesus would have championed, evidenced by the woman in the gospels who was caught in adultery but stood alone to face the penalty. Jesus clearly dismissed the crowd as he suggested the first to throw a stone should be without sin.

Others asked people to stop sharing the video as the young lady was continually being abused by the exposure, as is her unborn child.

As Facebook user Danielle Jones Batts wrote, “Now this girl’s shameful moment has gone viral…. Think about the unborn child that will see this in the years to come.”

This article was originally published by Word In Black.

Photo courtesy of Word In Black

Bishop A. Kaycee Lewis, senior pastor of The Refreshing Center of Asheville, N.C., says her congregation is still struggling in the aftermath of last year’s Hurricane Helene.

Courtesy of Word In Black

More than a dozen states receive $1 million grants to address mental health and substance abuse

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has awarded $1 million in planning grants to 14 states as part of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program. Funded through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, the program aims to address the ongoing mental health and substance use crises nationwide.

The states receiving grants include Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and West Virginia. By 2026, up to 10 of these states will be selected to receive enhanced Medicaid reimbursements to sustain and expand behavioral health services.

“Everyone in this country who seeks help for mental health or substance use issues should be able to receive it, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay for services,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication to transforming our behavioral health care system, we are working to build a better continuum of care and expanding access to mental health and substance use care for all

Americans.”

Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows the scope of the mental health crisis varies across the country. In Colorado, 36% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in 2023, while in West Virginia, over 20% of adults experienced frequent mental distress in 2021. Montana, one of the grant recipients, has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, with 29.8 deaths per 100,000 people in 2020.

The CCBHC model requires clinics to provide 24/7 crisis care, timely outpatient treatment, and a full range of services to meet community needs. These clinics must serve anyone seeking care, regardless of ability to pay, age, or residence. Since its inception in 2017, the program has grown from 67 clinics in eight states to over 500 clinics operating in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

“The planning phase for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics will help states develop sustainable funding to expand access to care for their communities,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use.

Substance use disorders also remain a critical issue. Louisiana reported a drug overdose death rate of 52.6 per 100,000 people in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Alaska, alcohol use disorder

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is improving resources to help with mental health and substance abuse to the tune of $1 million dollars. A total of 14 states will receive planning grants.

remains a significant concern, with the state ranking among the highest for alcohol-induced deaths.

The CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program provides funding for a comprehensive range of services to ensure that care is

accessible and coordinated. The first state planning grants were awarded in March 2023, and 10 states joined the program in June 2024. Officials said these grants ensure clinics can offer sustainable, culturally appropriate, evidence-based mental

Why women need to find their dopamine

By ReShonda Tate Word In Black

In the hustle and grind of everyday life, Black women often find themselves carrying the weight of the world. We are caregivers, professionals, advocates and community builders—all at once. Yet, too often, we are told to “keep pushing,” even when the weight feels unbearable. What if, instead of just

pushing, we focused on finding joy? What if we prioritized our dopamine—that powerful brain chemical that fuels happiness, motivation and well-being?

Finding your dopamine is more than a metaphor. It’s a call to action for Black women to reclaim their health and wellness through intentional joy and self-care. Here’s why it matters and how it can transform our lives.

What does it mean to find your dopamine?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in how we feel pleasure and reward. It’s activated by small victories, meaningful connections, and activities that bring us joy. For Black women, finding dopamine means identifying what lights us up and making space for those things in our lives, unapologetically.

• Small wins matter: Whether it’s completing a task at work, learning a new skill, or spending time with loved ones, celebrating small wins boosts dopamine levels and reinforces a sense of accomplishment.

• Passion projects: Dopamine thrives when we’re engaged in activities that align with our passions. Hobbies, creative outlets and even simple acts like journaling or gardening can help spark it.

• Rest and recovery: Rest isn’t laziness; it’s revolutionary. Rest resets our minds and bodies, allowing dopamine to flow naturally. In a world that glorifies overworking, taking time to rest is a radical act of self-love.

Why black women need it more than ever

Black women face unique stressors, from systemic racism to health disparities.

According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress impacts Black women’s physical and mental health at disproportionate rates. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and anxiety are just a few of the consequences. By focusing on dopamine, we can actively counter the toll of these stressors. Prioritizing joy, pleasure and self-care isn’t just a luxury— it’s a necessity.

How to find your dopamine

Finding your dopamine doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts with small, intentional steps:

• Set boundaries: Protect your time and energy. Say no to what drains you and yes to what fuels you.

• Move your body: Physical activity— whether it’s yoga, dancing, or walking— boosts dopamine and reduces stress.

• Connect with community: Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Joy is contagious.

• Celebrate yourself: Take time to reflect on your achievements, big or small. Gratitude and self-recognition increase

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001536 THOMAS L. ATWATER AKA THOMAS LEONARD ATWATER Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

health and substance use treatment services.

Help is available for those in crisis. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. To locate treatment facilities, visit FindTreatment.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357).

dopamine.

• Seek professional support: Therapy and wellness coaches can help identify areas where you can incorporate more joy and reduce stress.

The ripple effect of finding joy

When Black women prioritize their dopamine, the benefits ripple outward. We show up stronger for our families, communities, and careers. We break cycles of burnout and set examples for the next generation to follow. Most importantly, we affirm that our happiness is just as important as the many roles we fill.

This article was originally published by Word in Black.

ADRIANNE L ATWATER whose address is 5609 RAMBLEWOOD AVE, CLINTON, MD 20735 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THOMAS L. ATWATER AKA THOMAS LEONARD ATWATER who died on OCTOBER 10, 2022 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 24, 2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presenTed to

Unsplash/ Emily Underworld

Nappy.co/ Alyssa Sied

Experts say Black women can boost their dopamine levels by engaging in physical activities, keeping strong boundaries and celebrating themselves.

Effective immediately, The Afro

in the form of checks, credit card or

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2024FEP138 MAY 19, 2005 Date of Death WILMA C. TONEY Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NICOLE V. TONEY AND GERALD H. TONEY, III whose address is 8 WYNDEMERE RD., BLOOMFIELD, CT 06002, 1460 STONEHAVEN ESTATES DR. WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33411 was appointecd representative of the estate of WILMA C. TONEY deceased, by the DISTRICT OF WEST HARTFORD PROBATE Court for HARTFORD County, State of CONNECTICUT, on JULY 15, 2005. Service of process may be made upon REGISTERED AGENTS, INC. 1717 N STREET, NW, SUITE 1, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 1712 KEARNEY STREET, NE, WASHINGTON, DC 20036. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills for the District of Columbia, Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: JANUARY 10, 2025 Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American NICOLE V. TONEY GERALD H. TONEY III Personal Reperesenative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 01/10, 01/17, 01/24/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001504 AUDREY W. THOMAS Name of Decedent LAW OFFICES OF AARON E. PRICE, SR., ESQ. 7826 EASTERN AVE., NW, #209 WASHINGTON., DC 20012 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs KECIA HILL, whose address is 6101 RICHMANOR TERR., UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of AUDREY W. THOMAS who died on JANUARY 02, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are

17, 2025. 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 JULY 17, 2025, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: JANUARY 17, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

KECIA HILL Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 01/17, 01/24, 01/31/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001488 CLINTON RICKS Name of Decedent LAW OFFICES OF AARON E. PRICE, SR., ESQ. 7826 EASTERN AVE., NW, #209 WASHINGTON., DC 20012 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs KECIA HILL, whose address is 6101 RICHMANOR TERR., UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CLINTON RICKS who died on APRIL 08, 2022

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM1382 GRETA AVIS CROSSLEY Name of Decedent

NATALIE S. WALKER, ESQUIRE 1101 CONNECTICUT AVE., NW, SUITE 402 WASHINGTON, DC 20036 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

MARCIA C. POWELL, whose address is 135 COLONNADE AVE., SW, ATLANTA, GA 30331 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GRETA AVIS CROSSLEY who died on SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 17, 2025. 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 JULY 17, 2025, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:

JANUARY 17, 2025

Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

MARCIA C. POWELL

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 01/17, 01/24, 01/31/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2024FEP000142 MAY 11, 1990 Date of Death JOE DEAN DAVIDSON Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

BRYAN T. DAVIDSON AND DANIEL DAVIDSON whose address are 10811 GOLF COURSE TERRACE, MITCHELLVILLE MD 20721 was appointed representative of the estate of JOE DEAN DAVIDSON deceased, by the ORPHAN’S Court for PRINCE GEORGES County, State of MARYLAND, on DECEMBER 11, 2024. Service of process may be made upon 831 INGRAHAM STREET NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20011 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 827 51ST STREET, SE WASHINGTON DC 20019. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills for the District of Columbia, Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: JANUARY 17, 2025 Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American

BRYAN T. DAVIDSON DANIEL DAVIDSON Personal Reperesenative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 01/17, 01/24, 01/31/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001497

KENDRICK JON-ALARIC GARY Name of Decedent

VICKEY A. WRIGHT-SMITH 1629 K STREET, NW #300 WASHINGTON, DC 20006 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

MARCIA KENNER GRIFFIN, whose address is 112 CIVIL COURT SUFFOLK, VA 23434 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KENDRICK JON-ALARIC GARY who died on AUGUST 31, 2023 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 17, 2025. 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 JULY 17, 2025, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: JANUARY 17, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

MARCIA KENNER GRIFFIN Personal Representative TRUE

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001500

MILBERT A. CROSSLAND, SR. AKA MILBERT CROSSLAND Name of Decedent

VICKEY A. WRIGHT-SMITH 1629 K STREET, NW #300 WASHINGTON, DC 20006 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

MILBERT A. CROSSLAND, II, whose address is 1147 46TH STREET SE WASHINGTON, DC 20019 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MILBERT A. CROSSLAND, SR. AKA MILBERT CROSSLAND who died on OCTOBER 13, 2023 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 17, 2025. 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 JULY 17, 2025, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: JANUARY 17, 2025

Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

MILBERT A. CROSSLAND. II Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 01/17, 01/24, 01/31/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000007 ANNE E. LEWIS Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

ANITA L. BUTLER whose address is 6615 GRAFTON ST, DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD 20747 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANNE E. LEWIS who died on SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 24, 2025. 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 JULY 24, 2025, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: JANUARY 24, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

ANITA L. BUTLER Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 01/24, 01/31, 02/07/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001548 CLYDE RISPUS Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

SARDAE RISPUS whose address is 1500 SOUTHVIEW DR APT 313 OXON HILL, MD 20745 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CLYDE RISPUS who died on NOVEMBER 24, 2017 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 24, 2025. 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 JULY 24, 2025, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: JANUARY 24, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SARDAE RISPUS Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 01/24, 01/31, 02/07/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE

: Judge: Shana

INC. : Show Cause Hearing: January 24, 2025 SARAH02, INC. : Case Number: 2022 CA 1612 R(RP) v. AHMED ELBERRY : ORDER

This matter was before the Court for a status hearing on December 13, 2024. Counsel appeared on behalf of the Estate of Nabil Elberry (“Estate”); no one appeared on behalf of Sarah02, Inc. (“Sarah02”), and counsel for the Estate represented that counsel for Sarah02 is recently deceased. On October 3, 2024, the Court entered default against Sarah02. See Order (Oct. 3, 2024).

Thereafter, on October 28, 2024, the Estate filed an unopposed Motion for Order Vesting Title. No opposition to that motion was filed, and on November 19, 2024, the Court granted the motion and issued an order vesting title to the real property at issue in the name of the Estate. See Order (Nov. 19, 2024). All of these events, however, occurred after the September 26, 2024 death of Clifton Mount, counsel for Sarah02.1 Thus, in order to ensure that Sarah02 has proper notice of these proceedings and an opportunity to address the events that have occurred after the death of its counsel, and given that Sarah02 has not obtained new counsel as required by Superior Court Civil Rule 101(a), the Court orders Sarah02 to appear for a hearing to show cause why the 1 See https://www.goinghomecares.com/obituaries/Clifton-Merritt-Mount?obId=33294147 (last visited Dec. 13, 2024).

2 Court’s November 19, 2024 Order should not be deemed a valid final order and enforceable against Sarah02. Accordingly, it is this 15th day of December 2024 hereby:

ORDERED that on or before December 30, 2024, Sarah02, Inc. shall retain new counsel to enter an appearance on its behalf in these matters; and it is further

ORDERED that the Estate of Nabil Elberry shall serve a copy of this Order on Sarah02, Inc. in any manner pursuant to Superior Court Civil Rule 5 that is likely to provide actual notice of these proceedings to Sarah02, Inc., including but not limited to (1) at its business address as reflected in the records of the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection; (2) upon any attorney known to the Estate of Nabil Elberry to currently represent Sarah02, Inc.; and (3) at any address known by the Estate of Nabil Elberry to be currently associated with Sarah02, Inc.; and it is further

ORDERED that the parties shall appear for a Show Cause Hearing on January 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. for Sarah02, Inc. to show cause why the November 19, 2024 Order should not be deemed a final order and enforceable against it. The parties may appear in person for the hearing in Courtroom 130 but may also attend the hearing remotely. The instructions for participating remotely are appended to this Order.

SO ORDERED.

Judge Shana Frost Matini

Superior Court of the District of Columbia

Copies electronically served upon counsel of record and via U.S. mail to: Sarah02, Inc. 1200 Florida Avenue NE Washington DC 20002

At this time, all Trials (jury and non-jury), Pretrial Conferences, and con-

Housing Authority of Baltimore

(“HABC”), is requesting proposals from interested and qualified Microsoft Gold Partner or Silver Enterprise Resource Planning firms to provide custom software modifications and technical assistance to HABC’s current Microsoft Dynamics GP Financial system, which includes Payroll Labor Distribution, ADP Payroll Portal Time Sheets, Management Reporter, ReQLogic, Smart Connect, and Stored Procedures and Triggers associated with GP financial module. The Microsoft Gold Partner or Silver Enterprise Resource Planning will also be requested to provide services to 1) integrate additional Microsoft modules already purchased or to be purchased by HABC into the customized Microsoft Dynamics GP Financial system and 2) provide services to design and develop new software that is compatible with Microsoft Dynamics GP

PROPOSALS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, February 14, 2025.

A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., which will be scheduled as a virtual meeting.

The entire RFP can be viewed and downloaded by visiting https://habc. bonfirehub.com/projects on or after Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Questions regarding the RFP should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated below and must include the reference: HABC RFP Number B-2026-25.

Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Procurement Department 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 414 Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Attention: John Airey, Senior Vice President of Procurement Tel: 410-396-3261

john.airey@habc.org

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND Annapolis, Maryland

ANNOUNCEMENT REQUEST FOR BIDS

On

American Newspapers

LANETTA

BOARD OF LIQUOR LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR BALTIMORE CITY

NOTICE – JANUARY 2025

Petitions have been filed by the following applicants for licenses to sell alcoholic beverages at the premises set opposite their respective names. The real property for these applications will be posted on or about January 20, 2025. Written protests concerning any application will be accepted until and including the time of the hearing. Public hearings may be scheduled on or after January 30, 2025 at 10:30 AM in City Hall; 100 N. Holliday Street, Room 215, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Please visit llb.baltimorecity.gov under the link for & “Hearing Schedules” & for confirmation of the date, time, and place for all matters being heard by the Board.

1. CLASS “A” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE

Applicant: KB And Sam, Inc. T/a Robinson’s Food & Variety MarketKibrom H. Lebeskal and Samuel T. Tesfazion Petition: Transfer of ownership requesting delivery of alcoholic beverages Premises: 3601 Park Heights Avenue 21215 (City Council District: 6th; State Legislative District: 40th)

2. CLASS “B” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE

Applicant: Metro Gallery Holding Corporation T/a Metro Gallery - Michael Louis Shecter, Patrick Scot Martin, and Eric Mach Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of live entertainment Premises: 1700

BALTIMORE-AREA

Mack Lewis Gym inspiring a community through grit and transformation

By Cory V. McCray

The Mack Lewis Gym stands as a pillar of history and grit in East Baltimore, a symbol of strength and transformation. Stepping into one of the oldest Black boxing gyms on the East Coast, you are surrounded by stories of triumph and perseverance. At its heart is a large boxing ring, a stage for countless matches that have shaped young lives and fostered hope. Across the walls hang newspaper articles honoring prizefighters who once trained here—including legends like Vincent Pettway, Hasim Rahman and Larry Middleton. These articles are powerful reminders of the gym’s storied history and profound impact.

The gym’s journey began in 1951, when Mack Lewis first opened its doors on Broadway and Eager Street. His vision was simple but

Cory McCray is a proud son of Baltimore and a graduate of Fairmount Harford Institute. As a Maryland state senator representing the 45th District, he brings a working-class perspective to Annapolis, championing policies that uplift and empower his community.

Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland pushes 2025 agenda

Top priorities laid out for economic equity, education funding and more

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

As the 2025 Maryland General Assembly went into its second week, Chairwoman Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-District 20) led the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (LBCM) in unveiling its legislative priorities. The proposed bills cover a variety of topics including wealth building and improving public safety.

During the press conference, Wilkins addressed the governor’s newly proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

“We did see that in the budget introduced yesterday that there was a funding change that would halt the funding for community schools,” said Wilkins on Jan. 16 in Annapolis, Md. “That really would impact the 585 community schools that are estimated to be up and running in 2025, mostly in the districts and communities represented by LBCM members. We look forward to working together to reverse that cut, to make sure that the students who are most in need are getting that funding.”

Though there’s tension when it comes to the blueprint, Wilkins assured attendees that the “governor continues to be our close partner.”

Education

The caucus’ top legislative priorities for education include protecting the integrity of the blueprint, reducing chronic absenteeism and strengthening restorative practices–an approach to teaching that encourages behaviour that is supportive and respectful, and focuses on resolving conflict, repairing harm and healing relationships;

“Maryland has the opportunity to strengthen restorative practices, which helps address the [disproportionate] disciplining [of] our Black children and close achievement gaps,” said Del. Bernice Mireku-North (D-District 14).

“In addition, no matter how critical our measures are that we’re seeking to pass to support our students, none of it works if our students are not in the classroom. Our prioritization is seeking to reduce chronic absenteeism across the state.”

Mireku-North also acknowledged

LBCM’s desire to diversify the teacher workforce.

“The teaching workforce in Maryland has persistently been White as our students are getting more diverse,” she said. “Over the last 10 years, just about 30 percent of our Maryland teachers have been teachers of color. The Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact will seek to address that problem by reducing the barriers to teacher employment, by allowing licensed teachers participating in the states involved in this compact to be qualified to be licensed to teach in Maryland.

“Our inclusion in the compact will further increase diversity among our teachers without losing our autonomy to impose state-specific requirements for our teachers,” she continued.

Wealth

Several of LBCM’s priorities include wealth-building opportunities that could especially benefit Black Marylanders. Those opportunities include creating a commission to study reparation proposals for African Americans in Maryland, sup-

B’More Clubhouse provides empowerment, companionship for the mentally ill

By John Rydell Special to the AFRO

It’s

That’s

“I

Beyond

unaffordable rental market

By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com

Many communities in Baltimore are severely burdened by housing costs and still, local housing organizations say, costs like rents continue to climb.

“We have seen rents in the region increase by over 20 percent over the last five years,” said Adria Crutchfield, executive director for the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership (BRHP). “The standard measure used for affordability is that housing costs no more than 30 percent of income, but average incomes in the city are below what would be required for most rents to be considered affordable for the average person.”

When a person spends 30 percent or more of their monthly income on rent, they are considered burdened by housing costs. When they spend 50 percent or more, they are considered severelyburdened.

Across Baltimore, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the median income for households in 2023 was $59,623, or $4,938 per month, while the median monthly rent payment is about $1,600, according to Zillow. This represents 32

“You really can’t sustain housing over the long term on rents that are affordable to people with the lowest income levels.”

where you can definitely be comfortable in what you want to do under the leadership of a good staff,” she says.

B’More Clubhouse offers no clinical therapies or formal treatment programs. Its members are referred by licensed mental health care professionals or primary care physicians.

“I think we fill a lot of gaps in the behavioral health care system,” Jason Woody, executive director of B’More Clubhouse, says. “People can go and receive medical services, but if they don’t have anything else to do in their lives, it’s going to be hard for them to recover. The clubhouse gives them a daily purpose, having a place to go, a place where you’re needed, feel accomplished, build

friendships and opportunities. If people want to get a job or return to school or improve their housing, it’s also a place where they can come and get support.”

On a typical day, between 35 and 40 members volunteer their time, while enjoying a free breakfast and lunch.

Carter spends up to eight

percent of a household’s income. But, in many predominantly Black neighborhoods, incomes are lower due to longstanding disinvestment, educational disparities and historic redlining and more systemic factors. For example, in neighborhoods like Greater Rosemont and Oliver/Johnston Square, where more than 90 percent of the community is African American, the median incomes are $35,167 and $37,710 respectively. This means Greater Rosemont residents spend nearly 55 percent on rent, while those in Oliver/ Johnston Square spend 51 percent on rent. BRHP administers the city’s Housing Mobility Program, a voucher program that

Courtesy Photo

AFRO Photo/Tashi McQueen

Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland Chairwoman Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-District 20) leads members in the unveiling of their top initiatives on Jan. 16.

Courtesy photo

This old fire house on N. Calvert Street in Mount Vernon, Baltimore, is the home of B’More Clubhouse, a community nonprofit that empowers those living with mental illness.

Gov. Wes Moore reveals economic growth agenda for 2025

By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com

With Maryland on the brink of a nearly $3 billion budget crisis, Gov. Wes Moore shared a preview of his investments and policy proposals to spur economic growth in the state. The announcement came on Jan. 14, a day before he is set to release his full proposed budget.

to have this time, in this moment with the talent that we have on the field, for Maryland to be a state that is simply going to manage decline.”

According to Moore, Maryland’s economy has been stagnant for more than a decade. Before he became governor, he said, over a seven-year period the state’s budget had grown by 70 percent while gross domestic product (GDP) grew just 3 percent.

“If you’re not investing, you’re simply managing decline.”

The commitments include more than $750 million in funding for economic and workforce development, with $128.5 million earmarked for targeted investments that build on Maryland’s dominant industries, make the state’s business ecosystem more accessible and grow talent in the state. The targeted investments are expected to generate $515.6 million in economic activity and support more than 2,500 jobs, which would account for $210.2 million in labor income.

“If you’re not investing, you’re simply managing decline,” said Moore. “I refuse

2025 agenda

Continued from D1

Moore explained that Maryland is currently battling two storms: One is the budget deficit, which he deemed the greatest fiscal crisis the state has encountered in two decades. The second is the incoming presidential administration, which has intentions to shrink the federal workforce that many Marylanders rely on for employment.

Making it easier for individuals to start and grow businesses in the state and investing in key industries, like life sciences, aerospace, defense and biotech, are part of Moore’s solution to these storms.

“To be clear: this is not

porting Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) Procurement Reform Act of 2025 and Maryland’s small business development fund expansion.

“The forthcoming legislation will create a commission addressing an issue that is both historic and urgent,” said Del. Aletheia McCaskill (D-District 44B). “For far too long, our communities endured the profound consequences of unacknowledged, systematic economic exploitation and physical mistreatment. This treatment – rooted in the legacy of slavery, segregation and discriminatory prac-

Mack Lewis Gym

Continued from D1

profound: to create a safe haven for young people in East Baltimore, offering them discipline, purpose and a path forward through the sport of boxing. That vision remains alive today, carried forward by Gregory Wilkes and Coach Warren Boardley, whose passion and dedication keep the gym thriving. As a proud graduate of Fairmount Harford Institute, I know firsthand how important spaces like Mack Lewis Gym are for young people. Many of my peers found refuge there, drawn by the organized, regulated and sanctioned boxing matches and the sense of purpose the gym provided. It wasn’t just a gym; it was a community hub where dreams were nurtured and futures reimagined.

I first met Wilkes and Boardley in 2019. Their vision for revitalizing the gym was rooted in honoring its history while building its future. In January 2022, I hosted a fundraiser at the gym— an event designed to provide resources to the organization for using their facility and to raise awareness among those unfamiliar with the gym’s history and importance. During that event, my friend Ray Jackson visited the gym for the first time. Moved by what he saw, Ray made a generous monetary donation and leveraged his network capital, demonstrating the power of

AFRO Photo / Megan Sayles

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore releases his economic agenda for the 2025 legislative session. The agenda includes $128.5 million in targeted investments that complement Maryland’s key industries, strengthen the state’s business landscape and increase the state’s workforce.

just about ways that we are going to put money in and invest money,” said Moore. “It’s about prioritizing the leverageable assets that need to be supported because not only are they the globe’s best, they are tethered to us.”

The largest investment on

tices – has left lasting scars that have yet to be adequately addressed.”

“We have not undertaken any major statewide attempts to acknowledge or make amends for these historic injustices,” she continued.

“The commission will carefully examine and evaluate a range of reparation proposals that will not only consider financial restoration restitution but will also explore strategies to support and uplift vulnerable communities.”

Del. N. Scott Phillips (D-District 10) discussed legislation that will further the caucus’

believing in a shared vision. His act of generosity motivated me to think critically about how we could build capacity for the organization. Later that year, we facilitated a $200,000 capital bond initiative to upgrade the gym. Partnering with Jenny Hope at HEBCAC (Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition) as a fiscal sponsor, we implemented critical renovations: new lighting, restroom upgrades, flooring replacement, ceiling tile repairs, and the creation of a computer lab for students. These enhancements revitalized the gym, ensuring it could continue to serve as a safe and inspiring space for the community.

Beyond its physical transformation, the gym remains a cornerstone of East Baltimore. It serves as a hub for organized boxing, academic enrichment and vital community services. During the pandemic, the gym partnered with the Maryland Food Bank to distribute groceries weekly, providing a lifeline for hundreds of families. It also hosts holiday giveaways, health screenings and free legal guidance while empowering young scholars with tools for success through its computer lab. The gym prioritizes academics over athletics, a strategy that’s paying off.

One young boxer who started training at six recently gradu-

ated with honors and is set to attend college in London.

In 2023, the gym faced a new challenge when the new owner of the Church Square Shopping Center increased the rent. While the rise was significant compared to the reduced rate provided by the previous owner, it reflected the true value of the space. We facilitated negotiations and secured funding to cover the rent for the next 10 years, allowing the gym to focus on its mission without the burden of unsustainable overhead costs.

The Mack Lewis Gym embodies the grit and determination of East Baltimore. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities, leaders, and institutions work together to preserve and uplift spaces that matter most. The legacy of Mr. Mack Lewis, who dedicated his life to creating opportunities for young people, lives on in every match held in the ring and every life changed within its walls.

This gym is more than a building; it’s a story of grit, transformation, and the power of collective action. I invite everyone to support spaces like the Mack Lewis Foundation Boxing Gym and Community Center, which continue to prove that with vision, collaboration and commitment, progress is not only possible but inevitable.

ultra-secure communication systems and precise sensors. This unleashes possibilities to streamline industries, including healthcare, energy and cybersecurity.

The initiative, which is valued at $1 billion, is a partnership between the state of Maryland, University of Maryland and IonQ, a quantum computing company in College Park, Md.

“The technology that we are talking about here is actually unimaginable computing power. It would take 300 trillion years in the future to be able to do what a single [quantum] processor can do, and that’s just the beginning,” said Peter Chapman, CEO of IonQ. “The kinds of things we expect to do are to power pharma, optimization problems and AI. We’re also expanding into quantum networking to build the quantum internet of the future.”

the agenda is $27.5 million to transform Maryland into the “Capital of Quantum.” Quantum technology is considered the way of the future because it utilizes the unique power of tiny particles, like photons and electrons, to create extremely powerful computers,

Other investments in Moore’s agenda include: $25 million to attract economic development and business relocation and expansion across the state; $15 million to redevelop Tradepoint Atlantic; $10 million to support grants for infrastructure projects in technology; $10 million to fund transit-oriented development; $5 million to build a pipeline for the cybersecurity

continual commitment to ensuring Blackowned businesses have the opportunities they need to succeed.

“For Black-owned businesses, we know access to capital is a barrier to entry and a barrier to growth,” said Phillips. “In 1978, Maryland created the Maryland Small Business Development Finance Authority. Its purpose is to provide financing and economic support to small businesses that may not qualify for traditional loans or financing. The agency primarily focuses on helping businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to establish, sustain and grow their businesses.”

Phillips explained that proposed legislation will provide greater flexibility in the small business development fund and increase its ability to provide loan guarantees to commercial banks to lend to disadvantaged entrepreneurs.

“This will reduce the funds risk and increase the participation of commercial banks lending to small businesses in Maryland,” said Phillips. “This will increase opportunities for Black-owned businesses to secure funding for growth.”

Public safety and justice reform

The caucus will continue to focus on public safety and justice reform through many pieces of legislation, including a traffic stops bill, Eric‘s ID law and several expungement expansion bills.

“The first one is entitled ‘Safer Traffic Stops for All,’” said Del. Debra Davis (DDistrict 28), chair of the LBCM criminal justice subcommittee. “When passed, this bill would limit non-safety related traffic stops in Maryland. Violations like expired registrations, expired inspections, expired emissions or something hanging from your mirror…they are not an effective way to reduce road safety or fight crime.”

She also highlighted Eric’s ID Law, which would notify law enforcement during traffic stops that the driver may react differently to verbal instructions due to a non-visible disability, like autism.

Del. Malcolm Ruff (D-District 41) spoke on the package of expungement bills that will be introduced during the 2025 session.

“We know we live in a state that incarcerates the most 18-25-year-old Black men in the country, above Alabama and Mississippi. That is a narrative that cannot exist in a blue state, a progressive state and the state with the largest Black caucus in the country, ” said Malcolm Ruff.

“The automatic expungement bill, which is championed by Del. David Moon (DDistrict 20), seeks to automatically expunge

workforce; and $6 million to support smart manufacturing for small and mid-sized businesses.

In addition to these investments, Moore announced four legislative proposals. The DECADE Act would rework and rebrand the state’s business development programs. The Housing for Jobs Act would increase the supply of homes to address affordability. The RAISE Act would foster new pathways to high-paying jobs through registered apprenticeships. The Procurement Reform Act would modernize the state’s contracting processes to improve competition, accountability and access for small businesses.

Moore also noted that he does not plan to raise sales or property taxes to address the budget shortfall. Instead, 82 percent of Marylanders will receive a tax cut or have no change to their taxes. He’s also planning for a corporate tax cut, though he did not provide details.

“Anyone who simply thinks that you can tax your way to prosperity does not know what they’re talking about,” said Moore. “Anyone who thinks you can just cut your way to prosperity does not know what they’re talking about either. The answer is, as a state, we need to grow.”

eligible convictions and there are numerous types of convictions that are eligible. If they are eligible by law, they will be automatically expunged by that bill.”

“The good cause expungement bill…allows anyone to petition the courts for expungement,” said Ruff.

Housing

Legislative initiatives on housing include banning the box on housing applications, good cause evictions and fair housing testing. All three bills are being re-introduced this session.

“The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland will continue to combat housing discrimination and unfair housing practices,” said Del. Kym Taylor (D-District 23).

Taylor said she was “particularly excited about our new bill that seeks to address appraisal bias.”

“The first is legislation that seeks to mimic the Veterans Administration’s Tidewater initiative, which provides a reconsideration of value process for VA home loans,” she said. “Another recommendation is to have newly built home sales input in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) or another publicly available portal, to ensure these new home sales can serve as comps.”

Health

Health bills prioritized by the caucus in 2025 include legislation that would expand the Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s authority, create a health equity data dashboard and safeguard federal and state healthcare protections.

“The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland is pleased to support the legislative effort to expand the authority of Maryland’s first-ever in the nation Prescription Drug Affordability Board,” said Del. Jennifer White Holland (DDistrict 10).

Holland said the board is currently “poised to take action to make prescription drugs more affordable for state and local governments,” but they hope it will be expanded to “ensure that all Marylanders are able to see relief from the rising and skyrocketing costs of medications, which we know is even more significantly felt among Black Marylanders.”

Holland said they “will be focused on addressing cardiovascular health this year” and “will also be keenly focused, as we have in previous years, around eliminating health disparities.”

In part, that can be done through the proposed health equity dashboard.

“We desire to improve how we track, how we report and how we disseminate our data as it relates to health equity, to ensure that we better inform our public health intervention programs and policies,” she said.

B'More Clubhouse

Continued from D1

hours a day at the clubhouse and also handles responsibilities such as collecting computer data on the number of meals served and giving tours to visitors and prospective members.

Others use the phones to reach out to fellow members who they have not seen lately to check on their well-being.

Wayne Holloway is one of those members. Holloway said he recently fell on hard times after his mother passed away and he was briefly incarcerated. He wound up living in a group home.

“I was really almost to the point where I couldn’t do nothing because of my age. I’m 62 years old, and there ain’t nothing for me. I tried to find hope, but it went away,” he says.

However, Holloway says his outlook has improved during the past three years since he has been coming to the clubhouse, and serving as its custodian.

“I’ve learned a lot of things here, and I keep things clean,” says Holloway, adding he hopes to one day find a job as a custodian near his home.

“Wayne is one of the most consistent members of the clubhouse,” Woody says. “He’s here five days a week and works all day long. He keeps the place clean and takes pride in the work that he does.”

Rental market

Continued from D1

currently delivers rental assistance and counseling services to 4,300 low-income families. The organization receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“Rental assistance, primarily funded by HUD, helps many deserving families afford a roof over their heads,” said Crutchfield. “But, this is not just an income issue, it’s also a supply issue.”

According to Dan Emmanuel, research manager at the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), the supply is even more sparse for affordable rentals, which families with low and extremely low incomes rely on.

“In Maryland, there are only 32 affordable and available units for every 100 extremely low income households,” said Emmanuel.

Data from the NLIHC finds that of the 127,515 rent-

B’More Clubhouse recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. The community-based mental health model exists in more than 350 programs in 33 countries. Woody says membership is voluntary, free and lifelong because “recovery is often not linear.” He adds the clubhouse offers programming to help members find employment, improve their housing and access

er households in Baltimore, 47,850 are extremely low income, earning at or below the area median income or the federal poverty line. Seventynine percent of them are costburdened, while 65 percent are severely cost-burdened.

The researcher believes some of the factors that have contributed to shortage include high construction costs, restrictive zoning laws and lengthy, unpredictable approval processes for new developments. He noted that there has been a relative softening in the rental market recently but costs still remain out of reach for many.

Even without barriers, he said the market would still be unable to produce rentals that are affordable to households who earn the least. It simply costs too much to build and maintain new housing at a rate that is commensurate with people’s incomes. Em-

manuel said this means there is a need for public assistance.

“You really can’t sustain housing over the long term on rents that are affordable to people with the lowest income levels. The market just doesn’t produce an adequate supply of units, and it’s essentially out of the question to produce new units that are affordable to these households because the debt service would be too high,” said Emmanuel. “You need a subsidy to do that.”

His organization will be working to expand rental assistance and the Housing Trust Fund and grow and preserve public housing to help address the high rents burdening families in Baltimore and across the nation.

“We definitely have very clear solutions for dealing with the problem,” said Emmanuel. “We just lack the political will.”

severely cost-burdened by housing costs.

medical and psychiatric services. Clubhouse members range in age from their 20s to 60s.

Woody admits, however, sustainable funding to keep the nonprofit operating remains an uphill battle.

“Everything’s getting more expensive, so we have to raise more money every year, and it gets more challenging because there are only so many foundations in the area and most of them don’t fund you forever,” he says.

The director says the clubhouse received a $500,000 grant from the Baltimore government as part of the federal American Rescue Plan, also called the COVID-19 stimulus package. The clubhouse also received a $50,000 grant from the State of Maryland and some local grants to fund construction of a much needed elevator,so members can easily access the second floor. He says staff are also trying to secure more money from Medicaid.

Woody says the clubhouse model is extremely cost-effective. He cites a study with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, which showed clubhouse members have 33 percent lower healthcare costs than non-members also living with mental illness.

Michelle Felder, who has been a regular at the clubhouse for nearly five years, chairs the young adult committee. The group meets each month to provide support for one another.

“I’m here to challenge my leadership skills. It’s a chance for me to teach others on how to be a leader,” she says.

In its 15-year history in Baltimore, B’More Clubhouse has produced countless success stories, according to Woody. He recalls a young man recovering from substance abuse, who honed his computer skills and was eventually hired fulltime as a peer support specialist, counseling others with similar addictions.

As for Carter, she enjoys living in a Baltimore assisted living facility.

“It’s ideal for me; it’s comfortable for me at my age,” she says, adding her day is well balanced by spending time helping others at B’More Clubhouse.

“All of us come from different environments or with different disabilities,” she says, “but here, they just try to enjoy the rest of their day, so they come out to the clubhouse to do that.”

Unsplash/ Ali Rizwan Saghar

Baltimore’s rental market is out of reach for many low-income and extremely lowincome households. At least 79 percent of extremely low-income renters are

Courtesy photo

Every day, members prepare lunch for the group.

Courtesy photo

Wayne Holloway says his outlook has improved during the past three years since he has been coming to the clubhouse and serving as its custodian.

Courtesy photo

Michelle Felder has been a regular at the clubhouse for nearly five years and leads the young adult committee.

Courtesy photo

Flame Carter enjoys cooking hot lunches five days a week for the staff and members at B’more Clubhouse.

Reginald F. Lewis Museum celebrates legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with full day of free, special programming

By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor

Baltimore’s Reginald F.

Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture

(RFLM) opened their doors to the general public for a full day of programming on Jan. 20 to honor the life and legacy of the late civil and human rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Led by RFLM President Terri Lee Freeman, the museum is now in its 20th year. The museum offered arts and crafts with Mama Sallah Jenkins, mental health counseling sessions and a screening of the film, “Walter P. Carter: Champion for Change.” Movement was also a big part of the day, with yoga sessions and a drum circle taking place in the afternoon.

Local chapters of national organizations like the National Council of Negro Women, Mocha Moms and 100 Black Men came together to offer a resource fair on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day). Visitors poured into the museum, located at 830 E Pratt St. Aside from the resources and special programming offered, visitors young and old also received an opportunity to check out some of the RFLM exhibits, including “iWITNESS: Media and The Movement,” which includes information on how members of the Black Press created change through photography, radio and printed news. Those in attendance were able to see how publications like the AFRO made an impact by covering the happenings of everyday Black life, while also recording how important moments in American history impacted African-American communities across the nation.

Reginald F. Lewis Museum President Terri Lee Freeman works hard year round to ensure robust programming for every visitor that walks through the museum’s doors. On MLK Day 2025, she opened exhibits free of charge and created special programming focused on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Wayne Jacas (left), vice president of programs for the Baltimore City Chapter of 100 Black Men of Maryland participates in the resource fair offered to residents at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum on MLK Day 2025. He is joined by Spencer Evans (center), a new member of the organization and Edgar Freeman, advisor for the collegiate chapter of the organization at Morgan State University.

Deanna Neal, of the Greater Baltimore section of Mocha Moms, offers resources to moms in need of a support system. She is joined by a special helper, her son, Mason Neal.

Haki Ammi, a Maryland Black Caucus Foundation parliamentarian who works to create change every day, makes a point to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the third Monday of January each year.

Joann Chase, a Baltimore native, takes part in the arts and crafts offered to visitors.

Mama Sallah Jenkins offers creative activities for those in attendance.

Youth and Program Coordinator for the Greater Baltimore Urban League, Dasia Townes, represents the new generation of activists and change makers on the community level.

Akin Abioye takes time to enjoy programming at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum with his children, Sanu (front, left) and Cuba.

Marlon Brenton, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., speaks on the importance of honoring his frat brother, the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Awanya Anglin-Brodie (left), president of the Baltimore Section of the National Council of Negro Women, serves the public on MLK Day 2025 along with members Tambra Chisolm, Dia DrakeSprague and Carole West.

Ronnie Brown (left) celebrates the federal holiday with his daughters, Denver and Savannah Brown (center), their friend Amelia Finch and her dad, David Finch. The men were an outstanding representation of what it means to help the next generation learn about Black history while also appreciating their roots. Shown here,

group inside of the

Lewis Museum.