Afro e-Edition 02-02-2024

February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024 The Afro-American A5

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FEBRUARY 3 , 2024 - FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Three Black U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed in drone attack AP Photos

Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, (left) Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, (right) are being honored by leaders at all levels of government after being killed in a drone attack near the Syrian border on Jan. 28.

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com Three Black U.S. Army Reservists were killed in a drone attack in Northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border on Jan. 28. More than 30 others were injured, according to John F. Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House.

“Today, America’s heart is heavy. Three U.S. service members were killed—and many wounded—during an unmanned aerial drone attack on our forces,” said President Biden in a statement on Jan. 28. “While we are still

gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq. These service members embodied the very best of our nation: unwavering in their bravery.

Unflinching in their duty.”

Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, and Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, Fort Moore, Ga. “These troops were conducting a vital mission in the region, aimed at helping us work with partners to counter ISIS. Even as the Defense Department gathers more information about the attack, that mission must

U.S. unemployment remains below 4 percent, wages outpace inflation for 23 consecutive months, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Maryland

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com

afro.com

For the first time in 50 years, U.S. unemployment has been below 4 percent

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“I think as we continue to see wage gains outpace inflation, more and more Americans are going to feel the benefits of the economy and feel better about their position.” and North Dakota lead the country in the lowest unemployment at 1.9 percent.

D.C., California and Nevada are experiencing the highest rates of joblessness, with D.C. and California at 5.1 percent and Nevada at 5.4 percent. White House officials

say the variation between states’ unemployment levels is less than what’s been reported in the past.

“The gap between the highest and lowest unemployment state narrowed in 2023 relative to what we typically see historically,” said Kirabo Jackson, member of the Council of Economic Advisers. “I think this is broadly consistent with a strong labor market that is generating employment for a large swath of Americans, which is enjoyed not just in a particular state or region but nationally and across regions.”

Jackson said the strength of the labor market has been reflected in wage gains for Americans. According to BLS data, hourly earnings in the private sector increased by 4.1 percent during 2023. For middle wage-workers, they rose 4.3 percent.

These gains, according to Jackson, have outpaced inflation. Personal consumption expenditures (PCE), the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, was 2.6 percent as of December 2023. This measure Continued on A3

in our thoughts,” said “Each of their stories builds on Sanders Chairman Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04) and members of the unique and longstanding the Congressional Black Caucus history of Black servicemen and in a statement. “Each of their stories builds on the unique and servicewomen in our country, longstanding history of Black and servicewomen and we will be forever grateful servicemen in our country, and we will be forever grateful for their service. for their service.”

As we await more information, and will continue,” Kirby told reporters.

Sanders and Buffet were posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant in recognition of their work and sacrifices during Operation Inherent Resolve. According to the U.S. Army Reserve, Sanders and Moffett enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2019 as Horizontal Construction Engineers.

“The Congressional Black Caucus is saddened by the news of the deadly attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. Army Reservists.

We are holding the families and loved ones of Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett and Spc. Kennedy Ladon

we urge President Biden to take the appropriate action to bring those responsible to justice.”

Biden told reporters on Jan. 30 that he has decided how to respond to the attack but did not provide further details.

“I don’t think we need a wider war in the Middle East,” said Biden, in regards to a potential expansion of war activity in the Middle East due to the attack and several other rising conflicts. “That’s not what I’m looking for.”

Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.

Community mourns death of legendary AFRO Photographer J.D. Howard

By Rev. Dorothy Boulware AFRO Special Projects Editor The community of Baltimore has lost one of the greatest photographers to ever grace our space. The AFRO was recently notified that J.D. Howard has died at age 82.

Known for his coverage of all things Baltimore, Howard was a staple at weddings, funerals, community celebrations and political

Continued on A3

AFRO Photo

Friends and family of J.D. Howard are mourning his Jan. 29 death at age 82.

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A2 The Afro-American February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024

Inequitable algorithms: Facial recognition’s alarming pattern of misidentifying Black individuals sparks calls for reform

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Recent research conducted by Scientific American online supported fears that facial recognition technology (FRT) can worsen racial inequities in policing.

The research found that law enforcement agencies that use automated facial recognition disproportionately arrest Black people.

The report’s authors stated that they believe these results from factors that include the “lack of Black faces in the algorithms’ training data sets, a belief that these programs are infallible and a tendency of officers’ own biases to magnify these issues.”

FRT was again cast in a negative light after the arrest of a 61-year-old grandfather, who is now suing Sunglass Hut’s parent company after the store’s facial recognition technology mistakenly identified him as a robber. Harvey Eugene Murphy Jr. was subsequently held in jail, where he says he was sexually assaulted, according to a lawsuit.

The robbery occurred at a Sunglass Hut store in Houston, Texas, when two gun-wielding bandits stole thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise. Houston police identified Murphy as a suspect – even though he lived in California.

They arrested Murphy when he returned to Texas to renew his driver’s license.

His lawsuit claims that, while in jail, he was sexually assaulted by three men in a bathroom, causing him to suffer lifelong injuries.

The Harris County District Attorney’s office later determined Murphy was not involved in the robbery – but the damage

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Facial recognition technology is under fire over its tendency to criminalize the faces of people of color.

was already done while he was in jail, his lawyers said in a news release.

“This is precisely the kind of situation we’ve been warning about for years; that these systems, whatever their theoretical

attractive precisely because they promise to automate and speed up ‘business as usual,’ which includes laundering existing police biases against people who are already in the system, minority groups and

“This outcome is as inevitable as it is horrifying and should be taken as a sign to restrict and reconfigure policing in general as well as FRT in particular.” reliability, are in practice so finicky and so consequential, that they cannot be fixed,” Os Keyes, an Ada Lovelace fellow, and doctoral candidate at the University of Washington, told Vice News.

“The only thing I’d push back on is Murphy’s lawyer’s claim that it could happen to anyone; these systems are

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anyone else who doesn’t fit. This outcome is as inevitable as it is horrifying and should be taken as a sign to restrict and reconfigure policing in general as well as FRT in particular.”

Scientific American researchers noted that the algorithms used by law enforcement “are typically developed by companies like Amazon, Clearview AI and

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Jim Harbaugh pushed for Michigan to hire Sherrone Moore after leaving to lead Chargers

By Larry Lage The Associated Press Michigan is giving Sherrone Moore a shot, hoping he can sustain at least some of the success coach Jim Harbaugh had toward the end of his nine-season run with college football’s winningest program.

“Jim talked effusively about Sherrone before the season, after

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Microsoft, which build their systems for different environments.” They argued that, despite massive improvements in deeplearning techniques, federal testing shows that most facial recognition algorithms perform poorly at identifying people besides White men.

In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission prohibited Rite Aid from using FRT after the company wrongly accused individuals of shoplifting. CBS News noted that, in one incident, an 11-year-old girl was stopped and searched by a Rite Aid employee based on a false match. Also last year, the Detroit Police Department was sued by a woman whom their technology misidentified as a carjacking suspect.

Eight months pregnant at the time, Porcha Woodruff was jailed after police incorrectly identified her using FRT. The FTC acknowledged that people of color are often misidentified when using FRT. “Disproportionate representation of White males in training images produces skewed algorithms because Black people are overrepresented in mugshot databases and other image repositories commonly used by law enforcement,” Scientific American researchers determined.

“Consequently, AI is more likely to mark Black faces as criminal, leading to the targeting and arresting of innocent Black people.

“We believe that the companies that make these products need to take staff and image diversity into account. However, this does not remove law enforcement’s responsibility. Police forces must critically examine their methods if we want to keep this technology from worsening racial disparities and leading to rights violations.”

“Jim talked effusively about Sherrone before the season, after the season and in our conversation on Wednesday (Jan. 24) and really gave me the insight why he was our choice.” the season and in our conversation on Wednesday (Jan. 24) and really gave me the insight why he was our choice,” athletic director Warde Manuel said Jan. 27 at Moore’s introductory news conference.

Michigan hired Moore on Jan. 26 to replace coach Harbaugh and give the 37-year-old offensive coordinator an opportunity to lead the defending national champion.

“The prize we got, but we’re hungry for more,” he said.

The move was made two days after Harbaugh bolted to lead the Los Angeles Chargers with a five-year deal that gives him another chance to chase a Super Bowl title.

Moore’s contract is for five years, with a starting annual salary of $5.5 million, guaranteed annual raises and several bonuses for accomplishments such as conference championships ($500,000), College Football Playoff appearances ($200,000) and national championships ($1 million).

Moore is a first-time head coach

— at least formally.

Michigan went 4-0, including wins over Ohio State and Penn State, while Moore was filling in for Harbaugh as he served two separate suspensions for potential NCAA rules violations during the 2023 season.

Moore becomes the first Black head coach in the history of Michigan football.

“It’s time,” said longtime Wolverines assistant coach and staffer Fred Jackson, who is Black.

This article was originally published by the Associated Press.

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, left, and coach Jim Harbaugh watch the team’s play. Michigan hired Moore to replace Harbaugh, giving the 37-year-old offensive coordinator an opportunity to lead college football’s winningest program.

February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024 The Afro-American A3

NNPA Mid-Winter Training Conference focuses on allies, the Black vote and tech

By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor The National Newspaper Publishers Association, the trade association which represents more than 240 Black publications across the nation, held their Mid-Winter Training Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Jan. 24 to Jan. 27.

Publishers, editors, writers and businessmen and women from around the country gathered under the theme of empowering the “Black Press, the Black vote and Black America.” Bobby R. Henry Sr., NNPA chairman, spoke on the significance of choosing such an embattled state to hold the association’s conference.

“Here in Florida, you understand what Florida has become to our country– it’s really an eye sore,” said Henry. “I had to wrestle that.”

Henry said that he ultimately decided to hold the conference in Florida because

of the fact that members of the Black Press are indeed “making headway and addressing issues and building coalitions that work– not just in word, but in deed also.”

On the first day of the conference, board meetings were held to address NNPA business matters and funding.

Later in the day, attendees were chauffeured to the African American Research Library and Cultural Center for a national town hall meeting, titled “Affirming the Relationship Between Blacks and Jews in America.

“The Black Press is 197 years [old]. When Russworm and Cornish first published Freedom’s Journal in 1827, some of their financing to start the first Black newspaper came from the Jewish community of New York.

We’ve been involved with the Jewish community for 197 years– particularly during the Civil Rights Movement,” Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. told the AFRO. “We planned this

AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor

National Newspaper Publishers Association Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. addresses those gathered at the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center (HDEC) during the NNPA Mid-Winter Training Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

way before Oct. 7, back in August, because we knew that Broward County has a very large Jewish population and a large Black population. When we go to a local community and have our national events, we want to have interaction with the community.”

On the second day of the gathering, publishers were able to attend sessions such as “Revenue Generating Strategies in the Publishing Digital Age” and “Harnessing the Power of the Community, the Black Press and Inclusive Corporate Leadership.” Both were topics of discussion throughout the length of the conference.

NNPA members were also very interested in learning how to best reach and inform voters in an election yearespecially with technology.

Attendees had an opportunity to interface with members of the Google News Initiative team and learn how to better understand their audience.

Day two of the conference also included time for recipients of the PGA Tours Scholarship, Jasmine Hall of Bethune Cookman University and Victoria Gisel Montanet, of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, to receive recognition. In addition, the Black Wall Street Ticker was introduced

by Dr. Charles Walker, founder and CEO of FOTM Global.

In the evening, members of the Black Press were hosted at the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center (HDEC). During their visit, they heard from two Jewish survivors of the Holocaust, and learned how genocide is possible anywhere stereotypes, hate and bigotry go unchecked.

The third day of the meeting featured important panel discussions on how to use Google analytics to further engage audiences and how to incorporate technology and expand media coverage with digital storytelling. The evening offered those in

AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor

Dr. Benjamin Chavis, NNPA president and CEO, leads a panel discussion on the “Power of the Community, the Black Press and Inclusive Corporate Leadership" with Stephanie Childs, vice president of Diageo, an alcoholic beverage company that helped sponsor the conference. attendance an opportunity to celebrate with John and Carol Zippert, NNPA Publisher Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

The Zipperts have been publishers of the Green County Democrat Newspaper in Alabama since 1985, when they put the former owners, who used the pages to promote White supremacy, out of business. Together, with the help of the local residents, the two turned a publication previously known to promote racist views into a publication that caters to the Black community–which makes up 85 percent of the county population.

Day after day, night after night, attendees of the NNPA Mid-Winter Training Conference were given opportunities to learn, grow and appreciate the hard work done by Black media professionals. The conference concluded on Jan. 27 with

AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor

The Black Wall Street Ticker is introduced by Dr. Charles Walker, founder and CEO of FOTM Global. a breakfast, coupled with a think tank session. Against the backdrop of sunny Florida, publishers were able to pick up new strategies to engage audiences and make change,

editors were given tips to improve their local newsroom and all in attendance took home a new fervor for advancing the mission of the Black Press.

Unemployment Continued from A1

is consistent with pre-pandemic levels, according to Jackson.

“What we’ve seen in the past six months are wage gains that are growing faster than inflation, such that the overall pay that people are getting is going farther,” said Jackson. “I think as we continue to see wage gains outpace inflation, more and more Americans are going to feel the benefits of the economy and feel better about their position.”

Jackson noted that the Biden-Administration has been strategic in working to reduce the cost of living, particularly through battling the pharmaceutical industry and creating the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan for affordable student loan repayment.

In October 2023, President Joe Biden declared that 10 Big Pharma companies agreed to participate in the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, which seeks to make medicine more affordable for older adults and other Medicare recipients.

In the same month, he announced that alongside the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau he would curb junk fees across industries. These fees are hidden or surprise charges associated with bank accounts, hotels and lodging, live events and more.

In a statement on Jan. 26, Biden said inflation’s return to pre-pandemic levels meant more breathing room for working

families. He also lauded the nation’s GDP growth and doubled down on his commitment to lower costs for American consumers.

“This means significant progress for American workers— with wages, wealth and employment all higher than they were four years ago,” said Biden. “As more Americans are feeling more confident about the economy, I remain laser focused on doing everything in my power to lower costs for families and fight back against extreme Republican efforts to hand out massive giveaways to wealthy and large corporations, while raising the costs of prescription drugs and cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.”

Megan Sayles is a Report For America corps member.

Howard Continued from A1

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Photo courtesy of Northwestern University

Kirabo Jackson is a member of the Council of Economic Advisers for the Biden-Harris Administration. The labor economist is the Abraham Harris Professor of Human Development and Social Policy at Northwestern University.

events. He was a force to be reckoned with; a man with a passion for news that was for and by African Americans.

Services for Howard will begin with a viewing, 4-7 p.m., Feb. 6, at March Funeral Home, 4300 Wabash Avenue; followed the next day by the wake at 11 a.m. and the funeral at 11:30 a.m.

When asked what he hopes his father will be remembered by the most, son James Howard Jr. said “his ability to connect with virtually anybody from any walk of life.”

“It could have been a politician, a reverend– a person on the street- somebody who needed a meal. He was there for everybody, not just through his photography, but how he lived his life.”

Howard is survived by his two sons, James Howard Jr. and Lester Howard; granddaughters Latavia Watson and MaKayla Howard; two brothers Theodore and Victor Howard and two sisters Kay Collins and Phillis Dogget.

A4 The Afro-American February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024

COMMENTARY

Honor Rosa Parks– not through words, but action

By Bakari Height Feb. 4 is Rosa Parks’ birthday. It is also Transit Equity Day. These days are tied together because Rosa Parks is an iconic figure among many of the civil rights era who chose the tactic of refusing to give up her seat on the bus. And transit advocates, like myself, want to make the connection to this act of resistance to highlight the rights of all people to high-quality public transportation powered by clean and renewable energy and organized labor.

For far too long, policymakers in Washington have prioritized highways and cars over public transit. This has devastating impacts not only for the climate crisis but on the budgets of local transit agencies and communities across the nation.

A new piece of legislation introduced last month by Congressman Hank Johnson from the Atlanta area would change that. The bill titled, “Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act,” will provide highquality transit to communities across the country.

The fact of the matter is the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery forever changed how our communities function, work, socialize and commute.

It also dramatically showed that public transit is essential to our communities, local economies and the lives of millions of people across the country.

Essential workers depend on and operate transit small businesses depend on transit, and historically marginalized communities depend on transit. Transit is a key component of economic recovery and a more environmentally sustainable society, and it’s a road to equity for disconnected communities—rural, urban and suburban.

The recently introduced legislation would create a new formula grant program available to all transit agencies to increase service frequency and dependability so that people don’t have to wait so long for the bus, to provide additional hours of service so that those who don’t work white-collar hours can still get to their jobs; and to add new, frequent service to underserved communities.

For decades, the federal government has supported the cost of operating aviation through air traffic control and the cost of shipping through investment in ports and the management of locks and dams in the inland waterways. These are essential services for the movement of goods and people.

Operating high-quality transit is just as essential to get people to employment and to give businesses access to talent and customers. And it is time for Washington to treat it as such.

While Congress has taken vital steps in recent years to fund transit capital projects like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the fact of the matter is that the lack of congressional

Courtesy photo

Bakari Height serves as a transit planner for the Labor Network for Sustainability.

action on operations funding, which this latest bill would provide, has led to critical funding shortfalls at numerous transit agencies and has left many in fiscal trouble.

This new legislation will help fix that.

The truth of the matter is that in communities throughout the country transit is a driver of economic growth, jobs, and opportunity for many residents.

Nationally, tens of millions of people in the U.S.—from small rural towns to major urban centers—rely on public transit to get to work every day, generating trillions of dollars in economic activity. Every dollar invested in transit offers a 5-to-1 return, and every $1 billion invested in public transit produces 50,000 jobs. Transit agencies are often among the largest employers in their cities.

We also know the climate crisis is not coming; it is here now. And it’s getting worse by the day. We’ve seen it all around us on a near daily basis.

It is impacting our economy and nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Investing in public transit is one of the top ways we can

help address the climate crisis on the scale that is needed.

In other words, an investment in transit by policymakers would be a win-win. A win economically and a win in our efforts to address the climate crisis.

And it is far past time for

Washington to ensure that public transit does not just recover from COVID-19 but expands to create more-sustainable and -prosperous communities.

We need to honor Rosa Parks not just through words, but through action. And that is what this bill will do.

Reading begins at home: How Black parents can empower their children by teaching them how to read

By Alice T. Crowe “I’ve read 3,000 books a year from age 8 to 12,” comedian Katt Williams told NFL star Shannon Sharpe in a January podcast interview on Club Shay Shay, which now has over 54 million views and broke the internet.

Williams’ statement might seem like a gross exaggeration or, to some, a bald-faced lie. Still, parents who have library cards in their wallets know the weekly drill. Trek to the library with tote bags. Return piles of books. Reup for the week. This is normal for parents who want to give their children an advantage.

The most potent tool Black parents can give their children is the gift of being an early reader.

Making a child reading-ready is a parent’s job. Yes, schools are responsible for educating

students. Still, parents should not place the burden on schools to give Black children their first exposure to reading or lessons on cultural identity. This begins at home. Reading at home gives a child discipline to sit still and concentrate, skills needed later in life. America has an unsettled track record of suppressing Black education. Parents take agency over their children’s learning when they rely on something other than the school system to be their child’s first contact with books.

Following the Stono Rebellion, a significant insurrection by enslaved Black people in South Carolina in 1739, enslaved Blacks were forbidden from learning to read. America is the only country to have antiliteracy laws driven by fear that if Blacks could read, they

would rebel against enslavement.

They could forge documents required to relocate to a free state, read abolitionist literature, self-emancipate, like Harriet Tubman and others, and have the communication skills to engage in successful insurrections. Not only were enslaved Black people not permitted to read or write by law, but teaching an enslaved Black person to read was punitive. That’s why it is even more critical that Black parents teach their children to read.

Successfully defeating enslavement did not end the efforts to suppress Black education. Jim Crow laws kept Black schools underfunded.

Although many Black schools had brilliant teachers with actively engaged parents, some school buildings were in disrepair and lacked basic facilities. For

example, the Brook School in Hillburn, N.Y., was segregated until 1943. It was a four-room ramshackle with no indoor plumbing or gym. Its teachers, Kate Savery and Cicely Gunner, were college graduates. They loved their students and had more qualifications to teach than what was required from the school district. Their father, William Savery, with money he saved to buy his freedom, donated land to establish Talladega College.

Despite its poor conditions, students at the Brook School all passed the state exams the year before it was closed 11 years before Brown v. Board of Education.

Black parents who do not trust others to teach their children have found solutions other than private schools, religious schools, or charter schools. Many are

successfully homeschooling.

According to the census data, 16.1 percent of Black households homeschool their children. In his interview with Sharpe, Williams stated that he could read at three years old. He made a goal to read an entire set of encyclopedias by the time he reached the age of seven. Williams was accepted to college before he was 12. Clearly, his exposure to books before age five has paid off well for him.

Those caught up in whether or not Katt Williams read eight to nine books a day for four years will miss the valuable lesson he gave in his viral one-of-a-kind interview with NFL star Shannon Sharpe. Through books, Williams found answers. Reading was a way to empower himself. It was a refuge to expand his worldview, develop empathy and personal growth and make social change.

Don’t doubt a child could read 3,000 books unless you’ve tried it. Instead of saying Williams is a liar or that reading eight books daily is impossible– challenge his logic with action. Get a library card, grab a tote bag, pull it up to the library and fill up on books.

Courtesy photo

Alice T. Crowe, Esq. is a lawyer, educator and entrepreneur. She has practiced law for over 25 years in New York.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund: Transforming Marshall and King’s dreams into reality

By Dr. Harry L. Williams As a national leader in equity and inclusion, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is actively transforming Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream into reality by supporting audacious students unafraid to question established practices, push boundaries and innovate.

Marshall’s and King’s dreams of a better world are being realized daily as their shared purpose and spirit fuel TMCF’s tireless work, enhancing the 90-year work of Justice Marshall, a graduate of both Lincoln and Howard University, in 2024. TMCF is building on its vision of changing the world, one leader at a time.

In addition to removing barriers to progress and providing opportunities for the

300,000 students it supports through its scholarships and tailored programming, TMCF encourages a mindset of creativity, curiosity and a willingness to challenge existing paradigms.

These qualities propelled Marshall and King as they pushed for progress during the Civil Rights struggle.

In 1958, King sent a letter to Marshall after donating $1,000 to the Legal Defense and Educational Fund of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

A pivotal excerpt from that letter conveyed King’s commitment to Marshall’s legal victories: “You continue winning the legal victories for us, and we will work passionately and unrelentingly to implement these victories locally through non-violent means. It seems to me that

this dynamic legal approach supplemented by mass nonviolent implementation is the most powerful and constructive avenue open to the Negro at this hour.”

In fighting for equity and access and challenging the Jim Crow-based system of systemic segregation, Marshall and King rallied the masses with their clarity of vision and purity of principles.

They emerged as stalwarts of the Civil Rights Movement.

As the annual King holiday approaches, it is noteworthy that Marshall’s legal work laid the groundwork for dismantling institutionalized racism.

Among the many things that Dr. King is best remembered for is his “I Have A Dream” speech during the March on Washington in 1963. Marshall’s legal efforts played a crucial role in preserving that dream, challenging segregation and

discriminatory laws. Together, they were challengers.

TMCF is committed to driving positive transformation, investing in students, and providing access to achieve their dreams of attending college, graduating and securing lucrative career opportunities. TMCF aims to create a lasting impact for high potential talent from historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs) by increasing equity in education and helping organizations develop strategies to address equity and inclusion.

Marshall’s landmark victory, Brown v. Board of Education decision 70 years ago provided the bedrock for King’s significant challenges against segregation.While progress has been made, TMCF understands the continuous need to empower ambitions through education and equity.

Throughout its history, TMCF has provided $500 million in student assistance through scholarships, programs and internships. TMCF distributes 98 percent of its awards exclusively to HBCUs and predominantly Black institutions, helping bridge the racial wealth gap and reducing debt for low-to-middle-income Black students.

In addition to championing success, TMCF keeps Marshall’s and King’s dreams alive by advancing racial equity and social justice and ensuring Black students can access high-quality education and life-changing career opportunities.

These are the many ways that TMCF honors the legacies of Marshall and King while persistently advancing the fight for equity, access, and inclusion.

Courtesy photo Dr. Harry L. Williams serves as president and CEO of Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the nation’s foremost organization exclusively representing the Black college community.

Leading TMCF, Dr. Williams oversees its 53 member schools, comprising America’s publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs), collectively educating 80 percent of students attending HBCUs.

The opinions on this page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO. Send letters to The Afro-American ∙ 233 E. Redwood Street, Suite 600G Baltimore, MD 21202 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com

February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024 The Afro-American A5

Ravens fall short against Chiefs, end season just shy of the Super Bowl

By Cordell Woodland Special to the AFRO The Baltimore Ravens were the best team in the NFL all season, but that meant nothing when they fell 17-10 to the Kansas Chiefs in the 2023 AFC Championship game.

“I’m proud of the season that they had,” John Harbaugh, Ravens head coach, told the media after the game.

His team played with pride for much of the season and galvanized a city behind an explosive brand of football. The Ravens (134) entered the Jan.28 game with talent spread across the field and belief in themselves that translated into victories.

This time, however, they fell short against a team familiar with uprooting other team’s perfectly developed plans. The Chiefs found a way – again – to play hard-nosed, unforgiving football right when they needed to take down over an opponent. The result was close to a perfect game and a return to the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five seasons.

The Chiefs (11-6) will face the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday, February 11 at 6:30 p.m. on CBS. This is a rematch of Super Bowl LIV. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers that year, 31-20.

It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. Not in a game where Baltimore’s star quarterback needed to prove himself in the playoffs. Not in a game when he showed glimpses of his brilliance – completing a 13-yard pass to himself in the first half – but could not lead his team to victory.

“It’s crazy,” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said. “We had some opportunities out there. We’ve just got to take advantage of them. We can’t turn the ball over, fumble, throw an interception, or stuff like that.”­ The Chiefs’ quarterback has become an expert in tough situations and once again – backed by a tremendous defense – showed the country his pedigree.

In the first quarter, both teams left their mark by scoring a touchdown. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes found tight end Travis Kelce on a nice out-and-up route against Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton for a 19yard touchdown. Later that quarter, Jackson made his highlight play when he escaped out of a sack and found Zay Flowers in the endzone for a 30-yard touchdown.

Early in the game, both Jackson and Mahomes were making jaw-dropping plays.

The Chiefs would go on to pick up another touchdown on their second drive of the game thanks to a two-yard touchdown run by Isiah Pacheco. The Chiefs converted on four third downs on that drive.

The Chiefs scored on a field goal just before halftime to carry a 17-7 lead into halftime. The Ravens struggled offensively after that initial Flowers touchdown as their next three drives of the half resulted in a strip sack fumble followed by back-to-back punts.

The Ravens had only fallen behind by multiple scores once this season and that was in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A game where the Ravens played minimal starters and the starters that did play didn’t play a lot.

Meanwhile, Kelce collected nine catches

AP Photo / Alex Brandon

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) is hit by Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) during the second half of an AFC Championship NFL football game, Jan. 28, in Baltimore. for 96 yards and a touchdown in the first half but in the second half, he was held to two catches for 20 yards. Hamilton said that the second half was a testament to how the guys were fighting.

“We came out in the second half and shut them out, and it’s just a testament to everybody on this defense locking in,” Hamilton said.

The fourth quarter had its share of fireworks but the Ravens were on the downside of most of it. Flowers, who made a great 54-yard catch on the back end of the third quarter, decided to taunt cornerback L’Jarius Sneed at the end of the play resulting in a 15-yard penalty.

The Ravens found their way back inside the red zone a few plays later. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Jackson found Flowers wide-open with a great chance to score. Flowers got near the goal line and dove out while reaching the ball across the plane.

Sneed made a great play by knocking the ball out of Flowers hands in midair and the Chiefs recovered the fumble in the end-zone for a touchback.

That was a huge turning point in the game as it would’ve cut the Chiefs’ lead to three.

Instead, the Ravens were left with nothing but another self-inflicted wound. After the game, Flowers was asked if he thought he had gotten the ball over the plane before the fumble. “Yes, I thought I did, honestly, but I’ll learn from my mistakes,” he said.

Despite the costly turnover, the Ravens’ defense forced the Chiefs into a punt, giving their offense another shot. The offense would find a way to move the ball 74 yards up the

Commentary

It’s not time for Ravens fans to leave Baltimore led by Lamar Jackson, who only a few months ago signed a long-term contract to play quarterback For those of you for Baltimore’s NFL considering abandoning team. That alone should the Baltimore Ravens, engender hope among the please be reminded that faithful – a healthy Jackson fair weather fans are not is a commodity, who has allowed to celebrate future a regular season record of championships.

58-19.

To be clear, I am not Like many pundits a Ravens fan. However, I have, take shots at Jackson believe if you’re dumping Courtesy photo for his poor playoff record the Ravens (13-4) after (2-4), if you must. Facts Edward G. Robinson III their 17-10 loss to the are facts. But remember weighs in on the recent Kansas City Chiefs in the what you said when Ravens’ loss and what it AFC Championship game loyal Baltimore fans are means to be a true fan. last week, then you’ve celebrating a return to the lost all rights to ride the AFC Championship game wave next season– or whenever they win next year and perhaps a spot in the team’s another Super Bowl. first Super Bowl game since 2012. Just The Ravens will return next season, remember!

By Edward G. Robinson III AFRO Contributing Editor, Sports

field before Jackson threw a backbreaking interception by trying to get the ball to Isaiah Likely in triple coverage.

“I just tried to let him turn around and make a play,” Jackson said. “I thought it was going to be a pass interference, but it is what it is. The safety made a great play and made an interception.”

The Ravens forced yet another punt but

could only muster a field goal out of it. The Chiefs got the ball back and picked up two first downs to end the game and go on to their fourth Super Bowl in five years.

“It’s kind of how life goes,” Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said, adding that the “toughest part is it ended” without the team having an opportunity to “play in the game that we all dream of as kids.”

A6 The Afro-American February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024

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February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024 The Afro-American

AFRO inside look: Ujamma School, America’s oldest independent, Africancentered institution

Maryland man fatally struck by pickup truck in Southeast, D.C.

By Chrisleen Herard Special to the AFRO

By Sabreen Dawud Special to the AFRO Standing three stories tall on Eighth St. in Washington, D.C. lives the Ujamaa School, the oldest independent Africancentered school in the U.S. Founded on May 4, 1968, the Ujamaa School shelters a curriculum that is rich in African culture and history. Students at all levels are taught literature,

Photo courtesy of Instagram /

The ladies of the Arlington Links Chapter are continuing their focus on heart health in 2024, in hopes of educating Black women on one of the leading causes of death for the demographic: heart disease.

Arlington Links Chapter hosts 16th Red Dress heart health awareness event

“We’ve had graduate students as early as 14-years-old go

By Ashleigh Fields into college.”

AFRO Assistant Editor mathematics, sciences, African and U.S. history, African languages and much more. Students enrolled are as young as two-years-old, as the institution has prided itself on excelling the academic abilities of the forthcoming generation.

“By the time that they are three and a half to

Continued on B3

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“Heart disease is afields@afro.com the leading cause of death for women Symone Sanders, Michelle Miller, Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths and in the United States many more have been handpicked to join a broader public health effort and this risk is even facilitated by 15 local Links chapters.

The national service organization higher for African for Black women partners with the American Heart Association’s RAISE American women.”

AWARENESS campaign annually to encourage people to wear red and donate at WearRedDay.org, benefiting women’s health initiatives.

On National Go Red Day, Feb. 2, Links from D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) hosted a virtual

“Red Dress” event in hopes of raising awareness about heart conditions.

“As part of our heart and human services facet, The Links, [have] a deep commitment to promoting heart health, especially given the alarming statistics around heart disease, particularly among women and people of color,” said Suzanne Walker, Arlington, Va. Links chapter president. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and this risk is even higher for African American Continued on B2

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal incident of a man who was struck by a pickup truck in Southeast, D.C. on Jan. 27.

At around 1:40 a.m., a man was walking westbound in the direction of a parked pickup truck in the 600 block of L Street. Suddenly, as the man was reaching for the driver’s side door, the truck accelerated and fatally struck him.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where he ultimately died from his injuries. He was later identified by police as 37-year-old Desmond Gray Sr., from Temple Hills, MD. The driver of the pickup truck fled the scene, however, later notified authorities of the incident.

As detectives from the MPD’s Major Crash Investigations Unit continue to look into Gray’s death, a preliminary investigation found that the driver and the victim knew each other.

Anyone who has knowledge of this incident is encouraged to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

Paris Fashion Week showcases Howard University with Wales Bonner collection

By Essence Wiley Special to the AFRO Wales Bonner, the menswear brand, showed its latest menswear collection on Jan. 17 at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The Fall/Winter Collection entitled “Dream Study” was fully inspired by founder Grace Wales Bonner’s visit across the Atlantic Ocean to Howard University’s Moorland Spingarn Research Center (MSRC) in Washington, D.C. The collection fuses athletic wear and welltailored business casual as an ode to 90s fashion at The Mecca.

Her interest in Howard University began after getting connected with Dr. Michael Ralph, the chair of the Afro-American Studies Department at Howard University. Already in the U.S. to work on her

Museum of Modern Art collection, Bonner caught lunch with Ralph and Dr. Benjamin Talton, the director of the MSRC which houses the largest, most comprehensive collection of global Black archives, books and

fashion powerhouse since starting Wales Bonner in 2014. Bonner regularly uses her mixed race background in Southeast London to inform her collections. Exploring the Black male experience through design has helped

Talton, who is also a historian, professor and author when he’s not busy overseeing MSRC, was happy to host Bonner at the center located in Howard’s Founders Library, the pinnacle of the 157-yearold institution’s campus.

“It’s really refreshing to see a fashion brand like Wales Bonner to feature just an HBCU, period.” documents.

“Grace, Dr. Ralph and I met for lunch at where else than Sankofa Cafe?

She had never been to an HBCU before let alone Howard University and so I really just gave her the background of Howard’s history. She really didn’t know much about it,” said Talton.

Grace Wales Bonner has established herself as a

her garner the 2016 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, the CFDA’s Global Men’s Designer of the Year award in 2021, four collaborations with Adidas and most recently Timberland as seen in the FW24 show. Though wellversed in Black history and fashion design, combing through that of American Black fashion was a new endeavor for Bonner.

“I gave her kind of a quick orientation of campus and then she sat in my office and we sat out some old Hilltops for her.

We set out Hilltops from the 1950s, 60s and 70s and I was explaining to her how its changed over time because of social media,” he said paying homage to the paper founded by Zora Neale Hurston in 1924 making it the nation’s

oldest Black collegiate newspaper.

“She just spent about four hours in my office just going through The Hilltop, looking at it, taking pictures, looking at the sartorial choices of students, the fashion, kind of the graphics also on like ads and even The Hilltop itself,” Talton shared.

After the show, Bonner told Vogue the 1990’s at Howard were especially intriguing. “Every year they have a homecoming, with performances of different hip-hop artists

2

coming to celebrate. It was kind of both exploring the history of the place, but also this kind of musical intersection that’s always been something important to me. I was thinking about conscious and cosmic hip-hop. How it kind of takes on the mantle of intellectual thinking, and kind of takes it further,” she explained.

The hip-hop influences were evident throughout the show, as “HOWARD” crewnecks paired with Continued on B3

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Past Seven Days 2024 Total Data as of Jan.31

B2 The Afro American February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024

Republicans push back against cannabis odor law, but repeal seems unlikely

By Angelique Gingras Capital News Service Republicans are pushing to repeal a controversial Maryland law that prohibits police from pulling over and searching drivers simply because they smell of marijuana, but Democratic leaders say they aren’t interested in dramatic changes to the state’s cannabis legislation this year.

Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) says Democrats are only considering what they refer to as “improvements” to Maryland’s cannabis law, following its legalization for adult use last year.

“I think we’re going to have a cannabis bill this year that sort of does some – I don’t want to call it ‘clean-up’ – but adjustments to the system that we passed last year,” Ferguson said. “I don’t think you’ll see major changes to the program, but implementation adjustments.”

In 2023, the Maryland General Assembly passed the new “odor” law hoping to prevent unwarranted search and seizure against people of color, according to members of Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus, who were proponents of the bill. With Democrats controlling both chambers of the General Assembly, their opposition to repeal makes it unlikely.

But critics of the law – Republicans in particular – say the law is making it harder for police to do their jobs.

“The irony is, if we see someone chugging a beer, police can pull them over,” said Sen. William Folden, R-Frederick, a police officer who serves in the legislature.

He says the law potentially takes away probable cause for police when “there is a crime occurring, just because

“I think we’re going to have a cannabis bill this year that sort of does some – I don’t want to call it ‘clean-up’ – but adjustments to the system that we passed last year.”

Capital News Service / Angelique Gingras

Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) addresses the Senate chamber in the 2023 legislative session. you’re saying, well, you’re not allowed to use your nose anymore.”

After voters approved a ballot referendum legalizing cannabis for adult use, the General Assembly passed legislation in 2023 setting up licensing and taxation as well as other rules.

Those laws were meant to address “the harms of the past when it comes to criminalization of cannabis,” Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, D-Montgomery, chairperson of the Black Caucus and sponsor of the odor law, told Capital News Service.

Maryland’s odor law isn’t uncommon. In fact, several states that have legalized cannabis have said its smell doesn’t warrant a police search of a vehicle, or they’re considering such a provision.

“The public clearly wanted marijuana legalized, fine,”

said Sen. Jack Bailey, R-Calvert and St. Mary’s. “But we shouldn’t do away with the requirements.”

But top Democrats said they are only considering small alterations, including adjustments to the duties and make-up of the Maryland Cannabis Administration and related authorities.

“It was hugely complicated– lots of moving pieces for the cannabis bill last year,” Ferguson said. “And as we’ve been implementing, there’s little things that have to be worked through.”

Wilkins says the goal of Democrats and the Black Caucus is “working closely with the administration to make sure that our intentions of the bill are carried out.”

This article was originally published by Capital News Service.

Arlington Links Continued from B1

women.”

Red Dress leverages sponsorships from Links Chapters and corporate partners to support local nonprofits aligned with their mission. Last year the group raised $30,000 in donations which was distributed to organizations like Bright Beginnings, Bowie State University’s Department of Nursing and ACTION in Community Through Service (ACTS). “​​Since transitioning to a virtual format in 2021, the Red Dress Event has been successful in attracting a diverse audience.

Initially focused on individuals from D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia, it now includes participants of color from across the United States and around the world,” said Michelle Bailey, Links Red Dress event chairwoman. “The event’s global reach extends to Canada, the Philippines,

the UK, the Caribbean, Africa and more. This diverse audience reflects the universal relevance of heart health and the global appeal of the event’s content and activities.”

The event featured commentary from expert panelists to include Pamela Garmon Johnson of the American Heart Association, cardiologist Dr. Reginald Robinson and public health expert Kimberly Jeffries. To encourage participation, the Links provided incentives valued at over $15,000, generously donated by Links members, small businesses and brands. The prizes included a trip to Cabo San Lucas, VIP tickets to the Sherri Show and Wizards tickets.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States,

and this risk is even higher for African American women. By raising awareness, the Links are not only educating their community about the critical importance of heart health but also empowering them to take proactive steps in their heart health journey,” said Bailey. “This aligns

with their broader mission of service and advocacy, particularly in the areas of health and wellness.”

Those who missed the event are able to view the live discussion on Arlington, Va. Links Facebook page and BlackDoctor. org, their streaming partner.

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February American February 3, 3, 2024 2024 -- February February 9, 9, 2024 2024 The The Afro Afro-American

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Fashion Week Continued from B1

track pants; oversized fitting varsity jackets layered over a baseball jersey and matching tailored pants and Timbs and a newsboy hat and bright red Adidas sweatshirt look atop suede straight-leg cargo pants came down the runway while Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, rapped the show soundtrack.

Talton was flattered but not surprised that the highly-sought after designer came to Howard specifically.

“Things have always been happening at Howard.

Our longest serving member of the Board of Trustees is Frederick Douglass. We have always been at the center of everything going on in the Black world. So it’s an honor to have people like her come but it’s not a surprise,” he explained.

For Howard’s fashion students, the ability to see

Courtesy Photo

Haile Mariam Kassa is taking the fashion world by storm after modeling during Paris Fashion Week in a collection with a special nod to Howard University.

Ujamma School Continued from B1

four years old they are reading and writing, adding and subtracting,” shares Dr. El Senzengakulu Zulu, founder and director of Ujamaa School.

“All our classes have African names. The reason why they name the classes instead of ‘first,’ ‘second,’ or ‘third grade’ [is because] our children move very fast the way we teach them. We’ve had graduate students as early as 14-years-old go into college, 15 to 16 years is the norm.”

While scholars are introduced to some of the same core academic subjects as other schools, Ujamaa School emphasizes the significance of African people and culture in their curriculum. Ujamaa School educators such as Mama Akina emphasize the importance of centering African culture in education.

“It’s really important to have a rapport with the students. I try to make sure that I connect with them on a level beyond just giving them information. Understanding who they are. Making sure they understand who they are also as African people [and] as youth in the community,” Akina explained.

“Helping them to understand that they represent more than themselves in the world.

They represent their families, their communities, the school—African people as a whole,” she added.

While the work of the school remains historically significant, being the first of its kind has come with adversity. As a Black-owned institution that is not associated with the District of Columbia Public School system, Zulu recognizes the pushback Ujamaa School faces.

“The developers want this building bad,” he said. Zulu also expressed concerns surrounding more invasive attempts to disrupt Ujamaa School’s operation.

“We’ve had break ins at our school. We found listening devices—three listening devices. We’ve disassembled them. The first one I found, I put it on the desk and I said ‘What is this?’ I looked at what it was and I said ‘I can’t take it home with me. I’m going to leave it right here.’ When I got back the next day, it was gone. They came and got it,” Zulu said.

Though he notes the hardships that Ujamaa School has faced, the impact of their African-centered program is exemplified within the students. Abena Bonsu, a 12-yearold student currently in the college-level class known as the Khalfani class, described her experience as academic fun.

“I have been enjoying it a lot. It’s mostly about doing school work, but it also has fun activities too. I am also doing drumming classes and dancing classes,” she said.

“I feel like it’s been an honor since I’ve been here and I don’t really wanna leave yet.”

For more information on the Ujamaa School, visit their website ujamaaschooldc. com. If interested in helping to fund their institution, you can donate to their Cashapp at $ujamaaschool.

Courtesy Photo

Students at the Ujamaa School are excelling rapidly under Black leadership and an African- centered curriculum.

Courtesy Photo

Lebo Malope advances HBCU awareness in the modern fashion world during Wales Bonner “Dream Study” show. their HBCU represented in Paris Fashion Week was ins“It’s really refreshing to see a fashion brand like Wales Bonner to feature just an HBCU, period,”

said David Edward-Brown, a sophomore fashion design major at Howard.

“I really appreciated the pieces that had the Howard name on it but it was still

tasteful. It was definitely something that we could sell in the bookstore if there was an opportunity for that.”

An aspiring costume designer, EdwardBrown recognizes the importance of intentionally highlighting institutions like Howard.

“Howard having the name that it has among HBCUs and being the fashion school that it is, I think it was the perfect way to implement HBCUs in fashion. Not that I don’t think that another HBCU could’ve been put in the show but I do think that having Howard, the school that everybody knows as the fashion HBCU, was a smart decision.”

Dr. Talton agrees. “She did something different because it’s current. It’s even forward-looking but it was a nod toward the past, toward legacy. I think it was very Howard in that way because we’re not just who we were. We respect who we were. We stand on its shoulders but we’re also seriously, aggressively moving forward towards a better future so I love the creativity of it, love the look.”

Other highlights of the show included Solange sitting front row in a full Wales Bonner look and a new, very Wales Bonneresque take on Superstar Adidas sneakers.

Menswear week is over but Couture Week in Paris is fully underway.

B4 The Afro-American February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024

Krewe of Pyros Mardi Gras Ball brings New Orleans Culture to Washington, D.C.

Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrates with the Krewe of Pyros Mardi Gras Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

J.C. Walker, founder and captain of Krewe of Pyros (KOP), and Lytaria Cuba Walker, executive director, enjoy the organization’s annual charity gathering.

All photos by Patricia McDougall

By Patricia McDougall

n Jan. 27th the Krewe of Pyros (KOP) O held its 8th Annual Mardi Gras Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Thousands participated in the celebration, which is one of the largest events held in Washington, D.C. The Krewe of Pyros Foundation represents Louisiana Culture. They bring the event to D.C. to give scholarships to students, help in the community where it is needed and more.

Several celebrity artists took to the stage to include singers, Carl Thomas, Raheem DeVaughn, Be’la Dona Band, the legendary DJ Mannie Fresh and New Orleans own DJ Polo 504. Celebrity artist Al B. Sure made a special guest appearance. Mayor Muriel Bowser attended, along with other celebrities.

Angie M. Gates, president and CEO of Events D.C., received the 2024 Illumination Award. It was a star studded event and Washington D.C. welcomed the New Orleans culture.

Shawn Townsend (left) poses for a photo with wife, Symone Sanders- Townsend, and Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley of clothing line, The Blairisms.

Tori Raymond (left) and Mickalyn Valentine will serve as King and Queen Symphony.

Celebrity artist Carl Thomas performs for ball attendees.

Angie M. Gates, president and CEO of Events D.C., receives the 2024 Illumination Award for her work in and for D.C.

Fox 5 anchor Wisdom Martin serves as master of ceremony for KOP’s 8th Annual Mardi Gras Ball.

Recipient of the President’s Award, Keisha McGee, receives her award standing alongside Cleve Davis, Krewe Pyros president, and J.C. Walker, founder and captain of the Krewe of Pyros (KOP).

Dr. Shandra Williams (left), Charter Member Latoya Bullard-Franklin, LTC Amanda Vaughn and Jacquelyn Laster enjoy the Krewe Pyros Mardi Gras Ball.

To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com

February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024 The Afro-American

C1

Single in the city: Navigating love after hurt, harm and trauma deep into those conversations, find out what makes him tick, and let him see the real you. Slow and steady wins the race, babe.

By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO

Hey beautiful! Vulnerability is tough. We’ve navigated some tough times in our pursuit of love, we’ve kissed a few frogs and some of us have never had a prince- and by the looks of things, he may be coming a lot later than sooner.

Have you hesitated jumping back in because of trauma, pain or abuse experienced in your last relationship? I know that dating can feel like stepping into a lion’s den, especially when you’ve been through some rough patches. This week, I’ll talk to you just like I have to speak to myself, when the negative self-talk tells me that “all men are the same” and “there isn’t a good one out there for me.” Trust me– I get it.

I’m guilty of taking a brisk walk through memory lane and pondering on the ones that didn’t work and why. Still, I say to myself...”You deserve all the love in the world!” and I’m here to spill some tea on how to navigate the dating game after dealing with past trauma or heartbreak.

6. Spill the beans when you’re ready: Opening up about past hurts can be scary, but trust me, real love can handle the truth. When you feel the time is right, let him in on your journey. A good man will appreciate

“A good man will appreciate your honesty and be there to support you. You’re not damaged goods; you’re a survivor with a story worth telling.”

1. Heal like it’s your job: First things first, boo – let’s talk about healing. You can’t build a solid relationship on a shaky foundation, right? Take all the time you need to patch up those wounds. Whether it’s talking to a therapist, journaling, or just treating yourself to some self-love, make healing a top priority. You gotta be whole before you can share your awesome self with someone else.

2. Trust your gut: When it comes to trusting again, I know it’s easier said than done. Your gut is your bestie in this situation.

If something feels off, it probably is. Trust that intuition, girl! If he’s not vibing on the same energy, keep it moving.

You’re a queen, and you deserve someone who values and respects you.

3. Set boundaries, sis: I can’t stress this enough – set those boundaries, and don’t be afraid to enforce them. Your time and emotions are precious, and you gotta protect them like Beyoncé protects her crown. Let that potential boo know what’s cool and what’s not. A real one will respect your boundaries like it’s the law.

Courtesy photo

Single in the city columnist Ericka Alston Buck shares her tips for post break up actions to prepare for a new opportunity for real love.

4. Dive into the right dating pond: Girl, not every pond is filled with good fish. Be picky about where you cast your net. Choose dating apps that have good reputations for genuine connections. You want a man, not a boy playing games. Go for the platforms where people are looking for something real, not just a quick fling. When in search of something of substance, use technology wisely and don’t be afraid to change platforms! I’m currently dating someone from BLK, an app where Black people go to meet!

5. Take it sloooow: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a solid relationship. Take your time getting to know someone. Dive

your honesty and be there to support you. You’re not damaged goods; you’re a survivor with a story worth telling.

But take your time on this one Sis! This is not information that we’re providing on a first date! Relationships are not sprints, they are marathons, slow and steady wins the race when it comes to full disclosure or telling all of our secrets.

Make sure he’s been around long enough to be trusted and perhaps wait also after, perhaps when he’s shared some of his trauma with you. If he trusts you enough with his stuff, you may be able to trust him with yours.

Also, Stop leading with your trauma! We are not what we’ve been through, we are the amazing, unstoppable, undefeated, Goddesses that we are because we’ve overcome and survived it all.

7. Embrace the vulnerability: Being vulnerable is like showing your cards in poker – it’s a risk, but sometimes you gotta bet big to win big. Open up, let him see the real you, flaws and all. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. It’s what makes you, you.

Embrace it, and watch the magic happen.

Remember, sis, you’re a diamond in a world full of rocks. You deserve a love that’s as deep and rich as your melanin. Take these tips, run with them, and don’t settle for anything less than the real deal. You got this, and I’m right here cheering you on! Til’ next time, still single in the city!

Commentary

Tips for love and finance in 2024

By Teri Williams The new year brings new beginnings, which is a great time to focus on love and finances. Whether it’s self-love, romantic love or the love of our children, love has an impact on our money. Better to be intentional about the mixture of the two, rather than put our head in the sand and pretend as though they are completely separate. In fact, if our love and finances are not aligned, it could be disastrous! In 2024, here are some tips on how to have a more successful year: Self-love and finances There are many psychological studies about the importance of loving yourself. Self-love is needed to achieve true happiness. With all the divisiveness happening in 2024, self-love is even more important. However, self-love and particularly self-care can also impact your wallet. Some questions to ask yourself: 1.

2.

1.

What financial resources are you bringing to your relationship? The high cost of housing can require multiple sources of income and even multiple job earners. It’s possible that we will see a reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve in 2024, which could make home loans more affordable. However, housing costs – whether rent or mortgage – are still high! It has become increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to find a partner to fill a hole in your finances, help pay your financial obligations or help achieve a higher financial status if you’re not bringing resources to the table. To achieve a more simpatico

Let’s face it, having children costs money-- lots of money!!

There’s housing, food, clothing and then there’s college tuition and/or helping our children achieve financial independence.

While being a parent is joyful, it can also be financially stressful. Here’s some questions to ask yourself in 2024:

2.

Romantic love and finances

Courtesy photo

Teri Williams, president of OneUnited Bank, speaks on ways to show your love and save money at the same time.

relationship, get your personal financial house in order.

What’s the financial status or requirement of your potential or current partner? Sometimes love is blinding, and we forget to ask some basic questions, like what’s your employment status? What’s your credit score? How much debt do you have? How much savings? It’s important to have a clear understanding of the whole person, particularly their money, as you navigate romantic relationships. Money can no longer be a taboo subject.

Parental love and finances

1.

Do you pay yourself first? Whether you have a job or are self-employed, do you put aside money in an emergency savings account, retirement account or even a vacation savings account before you spend money on your wants or even other people’s needs? Self-love requires you to put yourself first before you can help others.

Are you an emotional spender? As you go through the ups and downs of life, do you soothe your emotions by shopping? Although many of us are familiar with “retail therapy” because we’re depressed, we can also “manic shop” when we experience success. Getting a new job or contract, experiencing a new romantic relationship or celebrating the holidays, including Valentine’s Day, can send us into overdrive. Being able to control these moments of emotional spending can help us stay within our budget.

Whether you are seeking a relationship or currently in one, romance cannot exist without finance! The number one issue that impacts romantic relationships is money. Many of us were raised on the fairy tale that we will meet our soul mate and live happily ever after. Well, the high cost of living today – whether it’s housing or transportation – can impact our happily ever after. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

2.

What insurance do you need to protect your loved ones?

We all expect to live a long and happy life. However, life can throw us a curveball when we least expect it.

We can experience health issues or unexpected financial issues, such as litigation, that can impact our livelihood.

There are insurance policies that can protect us against life events including health insurance, life insurance and even umbrella insurance in case we’re sued. Make sure you have the right insurance coverage to meet the needs of your loved ones.

Are you modeling good financial behavior? Our children are more likely to do what we do rather than what we say. How we spend, save and share our money provides the best role model for them. In the old days, children would see their parents writing checks to pay bills at the kitchen table. They also taught home economics in school. In 2024, most of our financial activity happens online, which is less visible, and schools no longer teach financial literacy. So today, look around your house to assess the financial messages you’re sending to your children. As a simple approach, consider adding a financial goal as a note on the refrigerator. Remember, your children are watching.

We all wish for love, happiness and prosperity in 2024. To achieve it, we need to embrace the relationship between love and finances. To be in love is a powerful thing. To be in love and simpatico with our finances is even more powerful. Happy new year!

C2 The Afro-American February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024

Moms ignite movement for Black kids in private schools

from the government to a school. Federal data shows 15 states and the District of Columbia have adopted school voucher programs.

Educational savings accounts are a newer phenomenon, where taxpayer funds go directly to parents, who can use them to pay for tuition to private schools, homeschooling supplies, curriculum materials, educational therapy services, and more. In Arizona, for example, the universal ESA program puts $7,000 per student into a family’s bank account.

“In the short term, mostly it’s just going to be a funding giveaway to families that were already sending their kids to private schools,” Douglas Harris, an economist at Tulane University who studies education policy, told Vox.

By Aziah Siid Word In Black In the spring of 2018, Los Angeles two mothers, Kawanna Brown and Lisa Johnson, sparked a transformative movement. Frustrated by the racial isolation their children faced in private schools, they dreamed of a community where Black private school kids could connect and families could support each other.

Johnson, having experienced being one of the few Black students in her Atlanta independent school, was dismayed to find little progress decades for her own children.

“As a parent of two children, who are also in an independent school here in California, they were living the same experience that I lived as a student, many decades ago,” Johnson tells Word In Black. “It is this experience of isolation. It is an experience of being the only one or one of a few. It’s an experience of a lot of ‘othering.’”

Determined to break this cycle, Johnson and Brown organized a casual park playdate, inviting Black families from various schools across L.A. What started off as a simple electronic invite to Black and Brown families as a way to connect, turned into a movement.

“We booked this park that had a capacity of only 50 people. I asked four other friends of mine who are in other private schools if I put their name on an Evite, and we sent this thing around, and it went around to 75 people,” Johnson says. “By the time the event rolled around, the RSVP was at 500.”

The overwhelming response marked the birth of Private School Village.

This grassroots effort, formalized as a nonprofit in September 2018, goes beyond mere social gatherings. PSV aims to transform the private school experience for Black families into one of inclusivity and empowerment.

Recognizing the unique challenges Black students face, including heightened anxiety, depression, and feelings of alienation, PSV works towards creating a supportive and racially literate community.

PSV’s mission is broad and profound: to foster parental engagement, advocate for equitable policies, and build a network where Black students see themselves reflected and supported. The organization underscores the necessity of a communal approach to counter the

Unsplash/Rosalind Chang

The nonprofit Private School Village seeks to provide support to their Black private school students in order to combate isolationism. often-isolating private school environment for Black families, emphasizing the power of unity in shaping a more inclusive future.

Private school truths “What I’ve found in the past five years is people make a lot of assumptions about private school families and kids,” Johnson says.

Like most establishments in the United States, private schools — often called independent schools — were not initially designed for Black students. In the South, private schools were “established, expanded and supported to preserve the Southern tradition of racial segregation despite federal courts’ dismantling of “separate but equal,” according to the Southern Education Foundation.

White students left public schools in droves to both traditional and newly formed private schools, and from 1950 to 1965, private school enrollment grew at unprecedented rates all over the nation.

As recent as 2018, an elite school in New York City, Little Red Schoolhouse, came under fire after students were segregated by race as a means of self-exploration and self-affirmation.

Federal data shows that in Fall 2019, the most recent year available, about 49.2 million kindergarten through grade 12 (K–12) students were enrolled in public schools. Significantly fewer students — 4.7 million — were enrolled in private schools, with Black students representing 6 percent of the enrollment.

According to the National Association of Independent Schools, during the 2019-2020 school year, the median private school tuition was $26,866, and the average financial aid award was $11,500.

Part of the ongoing discussion between private and public school supporters are controversial school vouchers and educational savings account programs that allow families to use public taxpayer money to send their kids to private schools.

With vouchers, this money goes directly

“...we spend so much time in school. These are the most important developmental years of your life, when your identity development is most impressionable.”

Changing the system The realization Johnson came to was that instead of trying to change the entire system, she’d work with what she and the parents around them could control, which was the quality of education, getting students proper mental health resources and increasing parent engagement.

“I was raising my children saying, well, you’re there for the education, and I keep you rooted and grounded in the Black community outside of school,” Johnson says. “But what I realized as a parent, which was different from my parents, was that we spend so much time in school. These are the most important developmental years of your life, when your identity development is most impressionable.”

Johnson says the first step in shifting the private school experience for Black kids is getting parents together to figure out what their students and environments need. One way Johnson is doing so at her organization is “primarily focusing on racial socialization, increasing racial socialization, racial literacy, representation and research.”

“I think the American education system is hugely flawed, and in my dream world, we would start over from scratch tomorrow,” Johnson says. “So to me, there’s really no one fit or solution. I believe that the strongest indicators for a child’s success have nothing to do with whether or not they’re in public charter or private. It is parent engagement.”

This article was originally published by Word In Black.

Confronting silence: Black excellence in American classical music

By Lexi Holloway Black Orchestral Network Word In Black A piece of parchment secured with a wax seal is cracked open, revealing a set of pure gut violin strings. The violin familiarly creaks as it is removed from its case, responding to the gentle touch of its musician. The bow meets the string, and a jolly jig fills the silence. Solomon Northup, a 19th-century freedman and violinist, performs the tune.

His proficiency as a Black violinist in that era seems

surprising.

Steve McQueen’s 2013 film “Twelve Years a Slave” illustrates how Black creative genius was overshadowed and suppressed by White supremacy — it is beaten, denigrated and denied by the historical record.

Black creativity and classical music have long been positioned as being at odds since the founding of the American classical music system. Due to damaging antiBlack frameworks informed by the widely established racial order of the time, Black

Americans were not thought to have the cognitive capability of appreciating or playing such an esteemed art form. This exclusion was institutionalized through the founding of the American Musicological Society, in which the establishment of musicology led to its exclusive elitism.

This has affected the development of the classical music canon and performance practices, portraying it as predominantly White, elite and unattainable.

Despite this, Black musicians — from 18th-

We are proud to present a reprint of the AFRO book “This is Our War,” from seven AFRO war correspondents!

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Photo courtesy of Titilayo Ayangade

Shown here, current members of Black Orchestral Network Steering Committee, from back to front, left to right: David Norville (back, left); Emilio Carlo; Shea Scruggs; Joseph Matthews III and Alex Laing. Front Row: Titus Underwood (left), Lexi Ligon Holloway, Jennifer Arnold and Weston Sprott. century composer Chevalier de Saint-Georges to current prominent solo, chamber, commercial and orchestral artists — have been making significant contributions to classical music for centuries.

In the face of limited recognition, Black classical musicians have continually impacted the culture and history of classical music.

Florence Price, for instance, utilized an American plantation song called the juba in her Symphony in C, commissioned by the Works Progress Administration in 1938 — the same year that renowned folklorist Zora Neale Hurston worked there.

William Grant Still’s “Afro-American Symphony” (1930), the first symphony by an African American to be performed by an established orchestra, captured the

beauty of a specifically Black American sonic world, a world considered by many of the time to be of low social and cultural status.

African American opera singers Marian Anderson and Leontyne Price graced stages across the world in the 20th century, eschewing American Jim Crow segregation for captivated European audiences. Despite the achievements of these groundbreaking figures, we still find ourselves in troubled waters.

It is no secret that classical music gatekeepers have historically marginalized Black artistry. A well-known example is that of Nina Simone, the legendary pianist and vocalist who said she was denied acceptance to the Curtis Institute of Music in 1951 solely due to the color

of her skin. In 1974, the esteemed timpanist Elayne Jones entered into a mired legal battle regarding the antiBlack racism and misogynoir regarding her tenure denial at the San Francisco Symphony.

These stories are all too common and still happen today.

See more on afro.com The Black Orchestral Network (BON) passionately strives to foster inclusivity and equity within the orchestral field, connecting Black classical artists and nurturing a vibrant, culturally affirming network. This commitment not only enhances their sense of belonging but also contributes to the evolution of orchestral music and the music industry at large.

This article was originally published by Word in Black.

February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024 The Afro-American

C3

Commentary

Gauff moves up in rankings, despite Australian Open loss

By Edward G. Robinson III AFRO Contributing Editor, Sports

Remember her name: Coco Gauff. You will hear it repeated. The young American tennis phenom is on the cusp of becoming a household name.

For the past twenty years we’ve marveled at the brilliant talents of Serena Williams, the legend from Los Angeles with a masterful tennis game that made her a household name.

Around the world they call her: Serena. First name status. That was enough – particularly after she began to collect Grand Slam trophies– for the public to identify one of the game’s all-time greats.

We knew her sister, too,

by Venus.

Now, it appears to be happening again.

We are hearing the cheers and thunderous applause for Gauff. Soon it’ll be simply: Coco.

The 19 year-old from Daytona Beach, Fla., reached the semifinals of this year’s Australian Open last week and has climbed to No. 3 on the Women’s Tennis Association Tour rankings list.

She’s won seven career tournaments since joining the tour in 2019, including the 2023 U.S. Open, where she emerged as a crowd favorite and a serious opponent for the likes of No. 1-ranked Iga Swiatek and No. 2-ranked Aryna Sabalenka.

During the U.S. Open, playing before the boisterous crowds at

Arthur Ashe Stadium, she motored through the draw and clipped Sabalenka in the finals. Last week, she met the Belarus-born star again in the semifinals of the Australian Open. This time Gauff went down 7-6, 6-4 in the sweltering heat.

Still, her moxie throughout the event signaled her arrival as a bonafide star. Of course, she’s already earned the endorsement deals and attention of the media. She’s won prize money – $12 million to date. Celebrated a major championship victory as a teenager – placing her in the company of Serena.

But it was the confidence of Gauff’s play in Australia, the assured way she spoke to the media, the poised way she walked in and out of the stadium – even in defeat. Her dynamic play and defiant manner said, “Grand Slam champions must come through me.”

Those are signs that she plans to stay around, pursue Grand Slams, chase top rankings and build the legacy of a champion.

“I am having fun,” she said during a postgame press conference. “I want to enjoy it as long as possible.”

Gauff’s interaction with the media provided a glimpse of her maturity.

She is handling the biggest stages with intellect and grace, while every match seems to provide a

teachable moment.

“I watched these matches growing up, watching Serena,” she said of her loss. “When you’re in it, it feels like the end of the world. But then we look at history and they didn’t let one match define their careers.”

Gauff will look back on this semifinals defeat and appreciate what she learned moving forward, the details that come with analyzing your mistakes.

But she won’t dwell on them.

“Tomorrow, I don’t know, I’m going to try and go to the movies,” she said. “Be proud of myself.”

She certainly has a strong supporting cast, including her parents, who

are often visible in the stands. She has younger siblings who are also successful athletes. Her team keeps her grounded.

On the court, she’s learned to work the point, pushing her groundstrokes deep and running her opponent side to side.

She pounded the ball at the Australian Open and in six matches won a tournament-leading 33 breakpoints. Always quick and crafty, she’s now thinking her way to victory.

Gauff recalled a conversation with her younger brother, Codey, a rising baseball prospect.

She said he often places opponents on unnecessary pedestals. She added that her father was the

opposite, where he was sometimes dismissive of opponents.

“I think there is a fine line of showing respect to your opponents but also believing that you can do it,” she said. “I think I have the balance of knowing that, ‘Yeah, she’s great,’ but also knowing that I can beat her.”

Gauff defeated fellow American Alycia Parks 6-0, 6-2 in the third round. Others, of course, are nipping at her heels.

Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, returned to the game during this fortnight. She left the tour in 2021 and has an uphill task to return to top form. She appeared driven by the same competitive desire that

propelled her to the No.1 ranking in 2018 and thrust her into the limelight.

But, for now, it’s Gauff’s time. She turns 20 in March, her teenage years left behind.

It’s time for the next chapter.

“I just have to remind myself of the journey, and not so much of the moment,” she said. “I am really proud of myself. I did want to win a slam as a teenager and I did that. … Hopefully I can go only upwards from here.”

Gauff said she listens to Jaden Smith’s “Icon,” before matches to calm her nerves. She’s on her way to becoming iconic.

You can already hear the crowd calling her name: Coco.

AP Photo/Louise Delmotte

American tennis player Coco Gauff takes a moment during her semifinal game at the Australian Open championships.

Wilberforce University creates soccer and volleyball teams for women

By Ariyana Griffin Special to the AFRO

Wilberforce University, the first private historically Black college or university (HBCU) in Ohio, has added two new women’s sports teams to its athletics department for the 2024-2025 season Wilberforce will add women’s soccer and volleyball to its athletic department.

The university’s athletic director, John Hill, has announced Jasmine Coleman as head coach of the women’s volleyball team and Meagan Moran as coach for the women’s soccer team.

The institution recently announced its recent inclusion to the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

“This is a very special time here at Wilberforce University,” Hill said.

“We are building, we are growing. This is part of

“This is a very special time here at Wilberforce University.

We are building, we are growing.” a plan to build into our recruiting initiatives.

This also gives us an opportunity for the campus community, faculty and staff to support our student athletes. Not only in the classroom but to include an entirely different

Photo courtesy of Wilberforce University

In efforts to further engage students and attract new prospects, Wilberforce University has created volleyball and soccer teams for women.

presence.”

Moran played Division I soccer for Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, Ohio), where she was a member of the Mid America Conference (MAC) All Freshman Team. The Beavercreek (Ohio) High School graduate holds a National “D” license from the US Soccer Federation.

She is currently a coach for Club Ohio Dayton and looks forward to coaching Wilberforce’s women’s soccer team and bringing top level recruits to the

institution.

“I’ve found that in the last 12 years of coaching that sometimes, and I played in college, sometimes it can be just about winning and just a job for coaches,” Moran said in an interview.. “For me, I feel like it’s about so much more than that.”

“I obviously am competitive and I wanna win,” she continued.

“And we’re gonna do everything we can to get there. But, I also want everyone that plays for me to know that I care

about them personally and that I want them to grow.”

She said students interested in joining the team have approached her and others have shown excitement for the start of the new programs.

Coleman attended Rust College, an HBCU in Mississippi, and during her senior year as a basketball player she was selected to the All GCAC 2nd Team and All GCAC Defensive Team as a guard. After graduating she became an assistant

coach for Rust College’s women’s basketball and volleyball teams.

“I’m expecting great things, a winning season– sometimes it might not come– but it’s always great to have high standards and to not settle yourself for the low. I’m excited and I expect the girls to come in and be excited as well,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to developing girls who are willing to improve within themselves as well.”

Coleman has already held an interest meeting for the volleyball team and is looking forward to developing the program.

“Adding the women’s teams here makes it more broad for others to see that we are improving,” said Coleman. “It makes others put more into the institution and to give to the institution so we can improve and build.”

C4 The Afro-American February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024

For More Information Please call the number above LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001500 ALEASE C FIELDS Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs CYD CHERISE FIELDS AND LEON FEILDS JR , whose addresses are 435 PEABODY ST NW WDC 20011; 4308 4TH STREET, NW WASHINGTON DC 2011 were appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ALEASE C FIELDS who died on OCTOBER 25, 2023 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 19, 2024. 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 19, 2024 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 19, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001475 ELLEN M. BROWN Name of Decedent FRAZER WALTON, JR. 1913 D STREET, N.E. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20002 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs JUDITH E. BROWN , whose address is 742 HILLTOP TERRACE, S.E., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20019 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELLEN M. BROWN who died on JUNE 19, 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 19, 2024. 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 19, 2024 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 19, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM1548 MARY FRANCES ROBINSON AKA M. F. ROBINSON AKA MARY ROBINSON Name of Decedent HORACE LEE BRADSHAW JR. 1644 6TH ST NW WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs SHIRLEY ROBINSON , whose address is 2007 HAYDEN RD, HYATTSVILLE MD, 20782 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY FRANCES ROBINSON AKA M. F. ROBINSON AKA MARY ROBINSON who died on OCTOBER 23, 2023 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 19, 2024. 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 19, 2024 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 19, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

CYD CHERISE FIELDS LEON FIELDS JR. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/19, 1/26, 2/2/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001533 BEVERLY J. SHORTS Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs SABRINA SHORTS , whose address is 71 BRYANT ST. NW WASH, DC 20001 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BEVERLY J. SHORTS who died on NOVEMBER 14, 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 19, 2024. 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 19, 2024 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 19, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers SABRINA SHORTS Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/19, 1/26, 2/2/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001553 DORIS VANCILLIA ROBINSON Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs LARRY C. MONROE AND MAURICE MONROE , whose addresses are 16901 DERRY COURT, UPPER MARLBORO MD, 20772; 12330 CRAIN HIGHWAY, BRANDYWINE, MD. 20613 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DORIS VANCILLIA ROBINSON who died on MAY 18, 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 19, 2024. 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 19, 2024 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 19, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers LARRY C. MONROE MAURICE MONROE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/19, 1/26, 2/2/24

JUDITH E. BROWN Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/19, 1/26, 2/2/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001561 EDWARD ANGELO GRAY Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs DAVID H. JOHNSON , whose address is 11807 EARNSHAW COURT, BRANDYWINE, MD 20613 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EDWARD ANGELO GRAY who died on JANUARY 1, 2020 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 19, 2024. 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 19, 2024 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 19, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers DAVID H. JOHNSON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/19, 1/26, 2/2/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001558 LEROY GARFIELD CLARK Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs JETTIE M BROWN , whose address is 2811 WINTERBOURNE DRIVE UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20774 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LEROY GARFIELD CLARK who died on SEPTEMBER 10, 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 19, 2024. 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 19, 2024 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 19, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers JETTIE M BROWN Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/19, 1/26, 2/2/24

SHIRLEY ROBINSON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/19, 1/26, 2/2/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001510 YVONNE G. DEWS Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs DARRELL WARD DEWS , whose address is 2960 VADEN DRIVE, UNIT 317, FAIRFAX, VA 22031 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of YVONNE G. DEWS who died on AUGUST 29, 2022 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 19, 2024. 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 19, 2024 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 19, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers DARRELL WARD DEWS Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/19, 1/26, 2/2/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2024FEP000002 JUNE 25, 2023 Date of Death CAROLYN M SWEET Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS LUIS MORALES, whose address is 11943 AUTUMNWOOD LN FORT WASHINGTON, CA 20744 was appointecd representative of the estate of CAROLYN M SWEET, deceased, by the ORPHAN’S Court for PRINCE GEORGES County, State of MARYLAND, on SEPTEMBER 13, 2023. Service of process may be made upon DARIUS HARTSFIELD 4800 NANNIE HELEN BURROUGHS AVE #301 NE WASHINGTON, DC 20019 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: 1141 5TH ST NW WASHINGTON, DC 20001 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 26, 2024 Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM000014 DANIEL FITZGERALD HAUS-CLARK Name of Decedent ROBERT L. PILLOTE, JR. TYRELL, MASON & PILLOTE, P.C. 6116 EXECUTIVE BOULEVARD SUITE 500 N BETHESDA, MD 20852 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs KAREN M. HAUS, whose address is 4622 43RD PLACE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DANIEL FITZGERALD HAUS-CLARK, who died on OCTOBER 21, 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 26, 2024. 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 26, 2024 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 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers KAREN M. HAUS Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM00002 JOYCE F. LELAND Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs BARBARA HENRY, whose address is 4051 RANCH ROAD, UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772 , was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOYCE F. LELAND, who died on NOVEMBER 22, 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 26, 2024. 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 26, 2024 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 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

BARBARA HENRY Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM1546 JAMES W. TIBBS Name of Decedent PAULETTE LUNDY ESQ. 8825 STANFORD BLVD, SUITE 140 COLUMBIA, MD 21045 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs CARRIE KYLE, whose address is 15612 PLAID DRIVE, LAUREL, MD 20707, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES W. TIBBS, who died on MAY 14, 2022 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 26, 2024. 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 26, 2024 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 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers CARRIE KYLE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

LUIS MORALES Personal Reperesenative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

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Sealed proposals addressed to the Board of Estimates of Baltimore will be Received until, but not later than 11:00 am local time on the following dates for the stated requirements.

February 21, 2024 *WEARABLE EMERGENCY ALERT DEVISE & SERVICE RFQ-000506 *MEDIUM AND HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS RFQ-000431 *PEER SUPPORT MOBILE APPLICATION RFQ-000482 March 6, 2024 *FINANCIAL RISK and CLAIM MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM RFQ-000492 ENTIRE SOLICITATION CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWNLOADED BY VISITING THE WEBSITE: https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/supplier/baltimorecity/ SupplierSite

The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) seeks responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) from service providers working with Baltimore City youth. The selected organizations will offer occupational skills training for out-of-school youth and career pathways and work readiness training for in-school youth.

The RFP was released on January 31, 2024, and can be viewed on the MOED website at moed.baltimorecity.gov. A bidders’ conference will be held virtually on February 28, 2024. All correspondence including requests to register for the bidders’ conference or to receive the RFP directly should be directed to moedrfp@baltimorecity.gov.

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001537 JOANNE BRENDA WALLACE Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs JAMAL DONAY CAMPBELL, whose address is 18020 LAKEFORD DRIVE, CULPEPER, VA 22701, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOANNE BRENDA WALLACE, who died on SEPTEMBER 23, 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 26, 2024. 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 26, 2024 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 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM1521 MICHAEL OLIVER JENKINS SR. Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs MICHAEL OLIVER JENKINS JR., whose address is 3016 N ST. WASHINGTON D.C. 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MICHAEL OLIVER JENKINS SR., who died on OCTOBER 18, 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 26, 2024. 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 26, 2024 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 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM000030 REGINA D. OWENS Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs MATTHEW OWENS, whose address is 1913 TRENTON PL SE WASHINGTON DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of REGINA D. OWENS, who died on MARCH 27, 2023 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 AUGUST 2, 2024. 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 AUGUST 2, 2024 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: FEBRUARY 2, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

JAMAL DONAY CAMPBELL Personal Representative

MICHAEL OLIVER JENKINS JR. Personal Representative

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001517 MARY H. JOHNSON Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs LINDA D. JOHNSON AND MARIA D. JOHNSON, whose addresses are 6720 BOXWOOD DRIVE, MORNINGSIDE, MD 20746; 5081 JUST ST., NE WASHINGTON, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of MARY H. JOHNSON, who died on MAY 25, 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 26, 2024. 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 26, 2024 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 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM000006 KENNETH CHILES Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs JASON BEST, whose address is 5210 HAYES STREET, NE, WASHINGTON, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KENNETH CHILES, who died on NOVEMBER 12, 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 26, 2024. 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 26, 2024 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 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001517 MARY H. JOHNSON Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs LINDA D. JOHNSON AND MARIA D. JOHNSON, whose addresses are 6720 BOXWOOD DRIVE, MORNINGSIDE, MD 20746; 5081 JUST ST., NE WASHINGTON, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of MARY H. JOHNSON, who died on MAY 25, 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 26, 2024. 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 26, 2024 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 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

JASON BEST Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

LINDA D. JOHNSON MARIA D. JOHNSON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM1536 THELMA A. LANE Name of Decedent WILLIAM A. BLAND ESQUIRE 80 M STREET, SE #330 WASHINGTON DC 20003 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs CHERYL D. MILLER, whose address is 2300 GOODHOPE ROAD SE, WASHINGTON DC 20003 APT. 216, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THELMA A. LANE, who died on MAY 12, 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 26, 2024. 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 26, 2024 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 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

MATTHEW OWENS Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 2/02, 2/09, 2/16/24

You Can Help Keep Pets and People Together Pets are family. They are our cuddlers and co-workers, lovebugs and constant companions.

And they make life so much better.

When we face unexpected challenges in life, so do our pets. That’s why we’re inviting you to join the mission to support people who love their pets—and the pets who love their people.

You can donate a bag of kibble, share a social post of a lost cat, or welcome a foster pet into your home. Every bit of kindness counts. #BeAHelper

CHERYL D. MILLER Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

PetsAndPeopleTogether.org

•Your History •Your •Your Community •Your News

LINDA D. JOHNSON MARIA D. JOHNSON Personal Representative

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C6 The Afro-American February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024

A

s Black history month kicks off, the AFRO American Newspapers would like to highlight its nonprofit sister company, AFRO Charities, which is tasked with keeping the company’s prized collection. The AFRO Archives serve as the largest collection of first and second hand artifacts of Black life in America. This week, take a glimpse at happenings during the month of February over the years.

Could Joe Louis BEAT Jack Dempsey?: HERE IT IS AGAIN--AN AGE-OLD QUERY WITH SOME GOOD ANSWERS Gadabouting U.S.A. with Lula Mackay Lacy, Sam Afro-American (1893-); Feb 3, 1945; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Black Newspaper Collection Feb. 3, 1945 pg. 5

Afro-American (1893-); Feb 5, 1972; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Black Newspaper Collection pg. 14

Feb. 5, 1972

Week's biggest non-surprise

Afro-American (1893-); Feb 4, 1984; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Black Newspaper Collection pg. 4

Feb. 4, 1984

Feb. 7, 1925

Feb. 21, 1970

Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.

Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.

cut

Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.

Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.

February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024 The Afro-American

BALTIMORE-AREA

Leaders address vulnerability of Black women in the workplace at community session

CIAA tournament returns to Baltimore Maryland Comptroller’s

Office relocates to Baltimore’s Central Business District

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com

Comptroller Brooke Lierman kicked off tax season on Jan. 23 at the ribbon-cutting of her new Baltimore office at 7 Saint Paul Street. The new Office of the Comptroller is the first Maryland agency to move from the State Center Complex to downtown Baltimore.

The space will accommodate 300 team members across six floors

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com

Associated Black Charities (ABC), in partnership with Pastor Franklin Lance, hosted a Community Convo on “The Vulnerability of Black Women in Professional Spaces” at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church on Jan. 23. The guided dialogue offered Black women a safe space to share their personal challenges in the workplace and invited them to share strategies

“When you’re in corporate America, you can’t gravitate to people that look like you because only 1 percent of us sit in the C-suite.” for the empowerment and support of Black women in professional settings.

The subject matter was prompted by an influx of communications that ABC received, expressing concern over Claudine Gay’s recent resignation from Harvard University. Gay was the first person of color and second woman to become president at the Ivy League and announced her step down after criticism for her response to the Hamas Continued on D2

D1

AFRO Photo / James Fields

Athletes from around the country will gather in Baltimore once again for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (CIAA) annual tournament Feb. 26 to March 3. Shown here, Al Hutchinson, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore, speaking on the upcoming event during a recent press conference.

By Ariyana Griffin Special to the AFRO

It’s tournament time.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference, announced Jan. 25 that its annual tournament will run Feb. 26 to March 3 at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore.

Last year, CIAA and city officials announced that the tournament will call Baltimore home until 2026.

This comes after the tournament was based in Charlotte, N.C., for several years. The weeklong event invites thousands of fans and supporters to indulge in Division II basketball and enjoy Charm City.

“This is an incredibly special year for the CIAA as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of NCAA Division II and the 30th Anniversary of our alliance with Food Lion,” CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams said in a press release statement. “The CIAA Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournament is a culmination of the hard work of our member institutions and our student-athletes, as well as a celebration of HBCU culture and community.

Through our relationships with partners like ESPN, Food Lion, Under Armour and others, we can continue to provide opportunities and access for the next generation.”

Baltimore City and CIAA officials continue to stress the success of the tournament in attracting visitors and the

impact they have on tourism for the city.

The tournament generated a total economic impact of $29.6 million, according to a statement released by tournament officials announcing the event. The tournament, the statement said, supported 1,504 part-time and full-time jobs and generated $2.5 million in state and local taxes.

In 2023, the five-day tournament drew 38,450 fans during its 22 basketball games, exceeding 2022’s attendance by 5.6 percent, the press statement said.

“The CIAA is a week-long celebration of Black excellence and culture that brings together student-athletes, coaches, sports fans, celebrities and the business community,” said Al Hutchinson, President and CEO of Visit Baltimore.

“We are excited to celebrate the tournament’s fourth year in Baltimore and hope to see both out-of-town fans and our local community experience the championship games and all the community events happening during the week.”

As in the past, the basketball games are supplemented by events such as a step show, a high school education day, a fan fest and a career fair.

ESPN+ will broadcast all 26 games this season, with the championship game airing on ESPNU. For more information about the events and the tournament, visit CIAATournament.org.

“The CIAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament is a culmination of the hard work of our member institutions and our student-athletes, as well as a celebration of HBCU culture and community.”

“As the first state agency to make the move from State Center to the Central Business District, I hope and believe that we’re really paving the way for other departments and private entities to follow, contributing to the economic and cultural resurgence of downtown Baltimore.” and was designed with accessibility at top of mind.

The office’s location is steps away from Charles Center Station and walkable to several bus lines.

“Leaving the outdated Continued on D2

Baltimore man confesses to multiple murders during live stream on social media

By Chrisleen Herard Special to the AFRO

A Baltimore man was found dead in his home on Jan. 20 following a hostage crisis, a police standoff and a video that captured chilling confessions to several murders.

Baltimore authorities responded to a domestic call during the early morning of Jan. 20. Around 7:40 a.m., officers were sent to the 4800 block of Grenville Square, where they were able to get into communication with a 31-year-old Antonio Hart. When they realized there was a barricade situation, members of the Baltimore County Tactical and Hostage Negotiation Team were summoned to the scene.

According to Baltimore police, Hart refused to cooperate and informed them that he was equipped with a firearm.

Throughout the live, Hart was speaking belligerently to police, threatening to shoot if they attempted to enter the home and demanding to speak with a hostage negotiator to confess his alleged crimes.

An injured woman can be heard in the background groaning.

“I’m turning blue. I’m not gonna live, Antonio,”she can be heard saying, as Hart asks her to tell his story if she survives.

Although details of the incident have yet to be officially released, the woman and suspect were allegedly in a relationship at some point. While authorities waited outside the suspect’s home, Hart was on TikTok live, documenting his final moments before he was found deceased.

Hart confessed on social media to multiple murders, including one that was committed in a “Hellraiser” mask on a Halloween night years before. Another man, named Sterlin Matthews, is currently serving a life sentence for the Halloween murder.

Due to the alleged nature of the woman’s attack, it is believed that Hart stabbed himself with the intention of taking his own life, as viewers can see a small open wound on his chest in the footage. The woman is reported to have suffered from several stab wounds, before being taken to a hospital in critical condition, according to family members on social media.

After the adult, female victim and three children were released, Hart went on to make his chilling

confession, in which he admitted to allegedly committing multiple murders that date back to 2010.

“I’m dying today. I can’t take it no more. I watched everyone die around me,” Hart said. “Sterlin Matthews is doing a life sentence right now in Cumberland for somebody I killed on Halloween with a “Hellraiser” mask.”

“I had that Glock 17 and that .25 caliber that night that killed Dequan,” Hart continued. “I did that [expletive], 2010, Halloween. Lil Sterlin ain’t do that.”

Continued on D3

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2024 Total Data as of January 31

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The Afro-American February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024

Associated Black Charities Continued from D1

attack on Israel.

The backlash devolved into accusations of antisemitism from Gay and allegations of plagiarism in her doctoral dissertation.

“As we sit back and watch these things– nationally– happen to other Black people, we feel them very deeply and personally.

They help us take a long look at the stability of where we are professionally and how protected or not protected we are as Black women,” said Chrissy Thorntonm, president and CEO of ABC. “We need collaboration around how we can start to change this ongoing circumstance where we feel marginalized.”

Thornton requested anonymity for the women who shared during the session.

One attendee said in order to move toward healing Black women in leadership positions must be intentional about supporting their junior colleagues in accessing opportunities. She referenced an article written by behavioral scientist Carey Yazeed titled, “Why Black Women Hurt Each Other in the Workplace.”

“The one that has access is the chosen one. The chosen one wants to secure her spot so, therefore, does not allow access to other women of color. It’s not always others, sometimes we can bring the hurt and we can stop each other from excelling forward.”

Attendees also examined

why Black women may find it challenging to advocate for a peer who they’ve seen experience unfair treatment. Thornton asked why it’s difficult to hold people accountable when they’ve harmed someone in the workplace. The group’s responses included fear, discomfort and dissociation.

“We think, she’s over there, and I’m over here, and what does what happened to her have to do with me?” said one attendee. “Until we feel the reverberations and impact of what happens to us as Black women, wherever we are, we’re just going to consider it as another thing that’s going to pass on by in the river of life.”

One woman who said she worked in corporate America for two decades advised her peers to ensure they interact with

their White colleagues— something she wished she did more during her early career.

“When you’re in corporate America, you can’t gravitate to people that look like you because only 1 percent of us sit in the C-suite,” she said.

Haki Ammi, president of the Teaching Art Institute, attended the event to hear about the challenges facing Black women in their workplaces.

“As a Black man it is important for us to listen and hear these challenges,” said Ammi. “We have wives, mothers, nieces and daughters who experience microaggressions, passiveaggressiveness and sometimes hostility in these career spaces.”

Megan Sayles is a Report For America corps member.

Photo courtesy of Facebook / Associated Black Charities

Associated Black Charities CEO and President Chrissy Thornton speaks to those gathered at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church on Jan. 23.

Photo courtesy of the Comptroller’s Office of Maryland

Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman is now working out of Baltimore’s Central Business District, making her the first leader of a state agency to move her operations from the State Center Complex. Shown here, from left to right: Shelonda Stokes, president of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore; Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller; Comptroller Brooke Lierman; Atif T. Chaudhry, secretary of the Maryland Department of General Services; and Faith Leach, chief administrative officer for the city of Baltimore.

Maryland Comptroller’s Office Continued from D1 facilities at State Center and moving into this newly renovated space in downtown Baltimore really demonstrates our commitment and our entire agency and state government’s commitment to creating a work environment that our great team members deserve, an improved experience for all Marylanders and a resilient and prosperous Baltimore anchored by a thriving downtown core,” said Lierman.

The move comes after a 2021 announcement from former Governor Larry Hogan, which allocated funds to relocate more than 3,000 state workers to Baltimore’s Central Business District.

Lierman said the new office will bolster efforts to modernize her agency, a promise she made to Marylanders during her campaign. She also announced the upcoming launch of Maryland Tax Connect, a secure online portal that will enable residents to pay their taxes, file tax returns and register businesses on mobile and desktop devices.

The portal will open to business tax filers on Feb. 6

with the goal of opening to all Maryland taxpayers by early 2026.

“As the first state agency to make the move from State Center to the Central Business District, I hope and believe that we’re really paving the way for other departments and private entities to follow, contributing to the economic and cultural resurgence of downtown Baltimore,” said Leirman.

For now, Marylanders can make requests for Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) certification and license hold release letters. Eligible taxpayers can receive free tax preparation services at the new location. However, until phase two renovations are complete in spring 2024, they must go to the State Center Complex for individual collections and audits, business collections and audits, hearings and appeals and unclaimed property.

Lierman said the relocation was a team effort and thanked government officials, including Lieutenant Gov. Aruna Miller, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Atif T. Chaudhry, secretary of the

Maryland Department of General Services; and Faith Leach, chief administrative officer for the city of Baltimore.

During the event, Miller doubled down on her shared vision with Governor Wes Moore of reimagining state government in a way that benefits all Maryland residents. She said this transformation begins in Baltimore.

Miller touted the city’s recent recognition as one of the fastest-growing economies in the country and federal tech hub designation, which she said will spark economic opportunity in Baltimore.

“The heartbeat of these opportunities resonate right here in the Central Business District, emphasizing the need for our state government—particularly, the Comptroller’s Officer, which plays such a key role in determining the economic footprint in our state— to be strategically placed in this epicenter,” said Miller.

Tax season officially begins on Jan. 29.

Individuals have until April 15 to file their tax returns.

Megan Sayles is a Report For America corps member.

February3, 3,2024 2024--February February9, 9,2024 2024 The The Afro-American Afro-American February

D3 D1

Mayor Brandon M. Scott signs formerly stalled housing legislation, bolsters city’s goal for equitable housing

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer Tmcqueen@afro.com

Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott officially signed the formerly stalled CB 23-0195, “Inclusionary Housing for Baltimore City” and the CB 230369, “High-Performance Inclusionary Tax Credit” into law on Jan. 22. Both laws will ensure there are more affordable homes available in Baltimore as soon as next year.

The city’s former inclusionary housing bill expired in June 2022, leaving Baltimore City with no active inclusionary housing laws for a year and a half.

According to Ramos, the original 15-year legislation is regarded as a failure since only 34 low-income units were created throughout Baltimore City.

“What we did not want to do with this bill was develop another policy

that was great on name, that was great on paper, but did not actually meet the needs of our residents,” said Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby at the official bill signing. “We knew this time around we could get it done, but more importantly get it done the right way.”

The bills were authored and led mainly

by Councilwoman Odette Ramos (D-District 14) and the Inclusionary Housing Coalition (IHC) of Baltimore, a group of local organizations advocating for equitable and affordable housing.

In 1911, the Baltimore City Council passed housing segregation legislation that was intended to keep Black people from living in majority White neighborhoods, according to Urban Institute, a D.C.based think tank.

“We did it, finally! It took not just 15 years, it also took almost three

Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen

Mayor Brandon M. Scott signs the long-awaited CB 23-0195, “Inclusionary Housing for Baltimore City” and the CB 23-0369, “High-Performance Inclusionary Tax Credit” bills into law on Jan. 22 with Councilman Zeke Cohen (D-District 1) (left), Councilwoman Odette Ramos (D-District 14) and other leaders at his side. The bills aim to ensure more affordable housing for Baltimore residents.

years here in a process to make this work,” said Ramos at Baltimore City Hall. “This bill is one of the first steps in totally annihilating the impact of the racist housing policy that started here.”

According to the latest U.S. Census data, about

Baltimore man Continued from D1

On Oct. 25, 2012, almost two years after Dequan Burks’ death, Matthews, 19 at the time, was sentenced to 115 years for 11 counts of first-degree assault, three counts of use of a handgun in the commission of a violent crime and second-degree murder.

A witness claimed they spotted Matthews following Burks’ group of

“Sterlin Matthews is doing a life sentence right now in Cumberland for somebody I killed on Halloween with a ‘Hellraiser’ mask.” friends when they crossed a footbridge over the Baltimore-Washington Parkway before shots were fired. Authorities close to the investigation believed the incident may have been initiated due to a feud between the Cherry Hill and Baltimore Highland neighborhoods.

Matthews was initially offered a deal to serve 15 years, however he declined. His first trial ended in a hung jury, but the second trial, where it was revealed that Matthews allegedly attempted to intimidate witnesses, ended with

Photo courtesy of Instagram/murder_ink_bmore

Antonio Hart, 31, confesses to multiple murders dating back to 2010 before allegedly taking his own life on Jan. 20.

his conviction. The jury spent less than an hour deliberating his case.

“The purpose of incarceration should not only be punishment and public safety, but it should also be rehabilitation,” William R. Buie III, Matthews’ attorney, said following the case. “This is a young man who made a very severe mistake in his life. However, he’s so young, there’s a possibility his life could be redeemed.”

However, after Hart’s confession, it has now come into question whether or not Matthews is serving a life sentence for a violent crime that he

didn’t commit. Hart also admitted to four other alleged murders in 2011.

Members of the Burks family have declined to comment on Hart’s confession while they seek legal aid from the district attorney and want to refrain from speaking on the case too soon.

The AFRO also reached out to Matthews’ defense attorney but has received no response.

An autopsy report for Harts’ death is currently pending and the police are said to be investigating the incident along with his claims.

20 percent of Baltimore residents live in poverty.

The Baltimore City Point-In-Time Count Report stated that 1,551 people were experiencing homelessness in Baltimore on one night in January 2023. About 73 percent of them were Black Americans, 65 percent of them were men and 17 percent of them were youth (up to 24 years old).

Ramos said the inclusionary housing law was created to establish

affordable homes in Baltimore and the tax law was created to pay for it.

“With a history of intentional neglect in so many of our neighborhoods, our focus on housing issues is absolutely critical,” said Scott. “We will continue working to overcome the decades of disinvestment that we have endured.”

Through the legislation, affordable rental units must remain at an affordable price for at least 30 years from

the initial occupancy, and the owner must notify the Department of Housing and Community Development one year before its expiration date.

The inclusionary housing bill also requires any residential project with 20 or more dwelling units to set aside at least five percent of the units for low-income households.

“1199SEIU was one of the organizations that worked on the original legislation. We’ve been following this legislation for the last 10 plus years,” said Ricarra Jones, the political director at 1199SEIU United Health Care Workers East, a group that’s a member of the IHC. “We were really glad when Councilwoman Ramos decided to sponsor a new bill so that we could create some legislation that will produce actual units because in the past that hadn’t happened.”

Both bills will go into effect approximately six months after Scott’s signing.

Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.

D4 The Afro-American February 3, 2024 - February 9, 2024

Andre and Frances ‘Toni’ Draper celebrate 50 years of matrimony

A scripture is delivered by son, Kevin Eric “MPeckable” Peck, who traveled from Atlanta to take part in the ceremony.

Established Jan. 25, 1974, the marriage of Andre and Frances “Toni” Draper is still going strong.

E

lected officials, friends and family of AFRO Director of Operations Andre Draper and AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper gathered inside of Baltimore’s Freedom Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church on Jan. 27 to help the couple celebrate 50 years of marriage. Adorned in elegant white and gold African attire, Toni Draper once again pledged her loyalty to Andre Draper, who appeared for the vow renewal in a timeless, classic brown and tan suit. Rev. W. Darin Moore led the two as they stood at the altar once again to profess their love and devotion to each other and take communion.

AFRO staff joined the pair, along with the likes of U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) and Baltimore City Public Schools CEO, Sonja B. Santelises, Ed.D., as they thanked their heavenly father for a union that has spanned five decades.

The Drapers first began dating around Labor Day 1973. A short time later, on Jan. 25, 1974, they committed their lives to each other.

“When you know– you know,” said Dr. Draper.

Those in attendance for the vow renewal ceremony and reception, were able to learn from the Drapers as they imparted marriage tips for 50 years of matrimony. Suggestions included learning how to control the tongueeven in anger, and “never going to bed angry or ugly” because “yes, attractive nightwear is still necessary five, 10, 20” years later.

Daughter Andrea Draper Evans, of Dallas, speaks before delivering a prayer.

Photos by James Fields

Phylis and Shelton Tim

Bishop Vashti McKenzie, leader of the National Council of Churches, attends the vow renewal as a close cousin, friend and soror of AFRO Publisher Frances “Toni” Draper.

Ayden and Austin Abdul-Zahir attend the ceremony as guests from Virginia.

Soloist Ashia Bello renders the crowd speechless with her ministry of music.

Dr. R. J. Chandler Sr. (left) , pastor of Freedom Temple A.M.E Zion Church, and Bishop W. Darin Moore prepare Dr. Frances and Andre Draper for communion.

Attendees of the vow renewal ceremony and reception celebrate with a sweet treat, courtesy of AFRO Billing Specialist Chakya Brown.

Family and friends welcome the couple to their receptions with well-deserved fan fare.

To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor @afro.com