Afro e-Edition 03-01-2024

schools and –yes–even a hospital, the Black people of Greenwood stood tall on their accomplishments. They were a proud people, carving out the best life they could in Jim Crow’s America. But in 1921, being African American and thriving– not just surviving–was an offense paid for in blood.

According to the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, “on the morning of May 30, 1921, a young Black man named Dick Rowland was riding in the

elevator in the Drexel Building at Third and Main with a White woman named Sarah Page.” What happened next is debatable.

The National Archives Museum reports that on May 31, 1921, Rowland, a shoe shiner, was arrested and locked inside of the Tulsa courthouse for an alleged assault. The same day, word of the alleged attack hit the local newspaper, inciting residents to gather “outside the courthouse to

either witness or prevent Rowland’s possible lynching.”

“During this gathering, shots rang out,” reports the National Archives Museum. “White mobs invaded the Greenwood District…mobs bombed, looted, set fire to buildings and shot at random while Black residents defended their homes and businesses.”

The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 had begun.

“We were frightened and rushed,

garnered the spotlight in leading and supporting acting roles, as well as in a host of other capacities.

“The Color Purple” was a blockbuster hit, introducing a whole new audience to the beauty of musicals. As a result, Danielle Brooks is currently nominated for her

work in

Da’Vine

in Nyad. For men on the big

scared,” Fletcher told the AFRO, “I saw people getting killed and I could smell and see housing burning.”

The June 3 edition of the AFROAmerican Newspapers included telegraphs from Tulsa reporting “every colored church, business house and home destroyed,” with a “damage estimate of $5,000,000.”

“We had churches, we had parks, stores and almost anything a family

Netflix. He is nominated for best actor in a leading role, along with Bradley Cooper, Paul Giamatti, Cillian Murphy and Jeffrey Wright.

Wright, another popular Black actor with decades of film and television titles to his name, is up for the best actor in a leading role category for his work in “American Fiction.” Wright’s career has included shows like HBO’s Westworld, the movie “Cadillac Records” and the Broadway stage productions of “Topdog / Underdog.” He gained critical acclaim for his

screen, Sterling K. Brown is a nominee, looking to take home the prize for best actor in a supporting role for his performance in “American Fiction.” Colman Domingo made headlines for taking on the role of civil rights giant Bayard Rustin, in the movie “Rustin,” which premiered on

Viola

Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, speaks at

AP Photo / Danny Moloshok

Colman Domingo (left) and Da’Vine Joy Randolph are just two of the Black nominees in the running for an Oscar in

AP Photo/Richard Shotwell Danielle Brooks receives nomination for best actress in a supporting role for her powerful work in “The Color Purple” at the 2024 Oscars.

the reboot. She is vying for the award for best supporting actress this year.

Joy Randolph, seen in “The Holdovers” is in the same category, along with America Ferrera, for her work in “Barbie.” They will all face off against Jodie Foster, who appeared

Eric Mays, passionate Flint council member, dies at 65

The Associated Press

Eric Mays, a Flint, Mich., city council member known for activism during the city’s water crisis and for disruptive behavior at public meetings, has died.

City officials made the announcement late Feb. 24, without listing a cause of death. Mays was 65.

“This is a tremendous loss for our community and a shock to all friends and family,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said in a statement. “As our community grieves during this difficult time, on behalf of Councilman Mays’ family, we ask that community members respect their privacy and allow them time and space to mourn. We continue to lift the family in prayer.”

Mays, who was first elected in 2013, was among the first elected officials to raise questions about Flint’s water quality.

The crisis began 10 years ago when the city began taking water from the

Flint River without treating it properly, resulting in lead contamination. Mays hosted a public meeting in 2015 where people were given a platform to discuss

Your

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his colleagues and became known for outbursts that attracted a robust social media following.

He was removed from council meetings several times over the years, including in 2015 when police escorted him out of a meeting after he refused to stop speaking. In 2020, he was stripped of a leadership role after he compared the council’s leader to Adolf Hitler during a public meeting and gave her a Nazi salute.

Still, Mays was popular in his north side ward and won re-election in 2021. He made an unsuccessful bid for Flint mayor in 2022.

In the city’s public statement, officials cited Mays for “bold and courageous service” and said the flag at City Hall would be lowered to halfstaff on Feb. 26 in his honor.

the city’s water quality. Hundreds attended, with many complaining about skin problems related to the water.

But Mays was also often at odds with

This article was originally published by The Associated Press.

Former president compares legal woes to Black struggles in shameless exploitation to woo African-American voters

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

In a brazen display of political manipulation, former President Donald Trump took to the stage at the Black Conservative Federation Gala in South Carolina, using racially charged rhetoric and shamelessly attempting to forge a connection between his multiple criminal indictments and the historical struggles of Black Americans.

The twice-impeached and four-times indicted former president is facing 91 felony counts, including racketeering and conspiracy to obstruct justice. A New York jury determined that he should pay nearly $90 million for sexually assaulting a journalist. A judge has ordered him to pay about a half-billion in penalties for committing massive business fraud. Yet, Trump boasted about his legal battles, suggesting that the Black community supports him because they identify with the discrimination he claims to face.

“I got indicted a second time, a third time, and a fourth time and a lot of people said that that’s why the Black people like me because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against,” Trump declared callously, drawing applause from the audience.

Attempting to equate his privileged legal battles with the systemic oppression endured by Black Americans throughout

Members of the Republican party are trying hard to woo Black voters.

history, Trump asserted, “I think that’s why the Black people are so much on my side now because they see what’s happening to me happens to them. Does that make sense?”

Throughout the evening, Trump continued his disturbing narrative, pointing to his mugshot from the Fulton County election interference case as a symbol embraced by the Black population.

“My mug shot; we’ve all seen the mug shot. And you know who embraced it more than anybody else? The Black population. It’s incredible,” he remarked, suggesting that African Americans are particularly familiar with mugshots.

In a tasteless attempt at humor, Trump made racially insensitive comments about the brightness of the lights on stage, saying, “These lights

are so bright in my eyes that I can’t see too many people out there. But I can only see the Black ones. I can’t see any White ones. You see, that’s how far I’ve come. That’s how far I’ve come.”

The remarks played into racial stereotypes, leavin some on stage uncomfortably laughing.

Trump’s calculated appearance included Black political allies, such as Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., and Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, as well as former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson.

The event has ignited widespread condemnation for its blatant attempt to exploit racial tensions and manipulate the struggles of Black Americans for political gain.

The former president’s shameless tactics at

the gala underscored a troubling trend of divisive rhetoric and opportunistic exploitation, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of political discourse and the extent to which leaders are willing to go to secure support within specific communities.

“There’s just so much controversy,” Ebony McBeth, a Columbia resident and transportation worker, told the Associated Press. “I would go for Biden just because Trump has his own agenda.”

Isaac Williams Sr., a retired cook from Columbia and a lifelong Democrat, said he disliked both parties but found Trump to “have mobster tendencies.”

“He’s only out for himself.”

This article was originally published by NNPA Newswire.

The Flint Journal via AP / Jake May

Flint City Councilman Eric Mays, of Ward 1, kneels during a December 2018 hearing at Genesee District Court in downtown Flint, Mich. Mays, a longtime Flint council member known for activism during the Michigan city’s crisis with lead-tainted water as well as disruptive behavior at council meetings, has died, city officials announced late Feb. 24.

Unsplash / Phil Scroggs

Maryland to celebrate first 6888th Battalion Day

By Aria Brent AFRO Staff Writer abrent@afro.com

Last year, March 9 was declared 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day after Gov. Wes Moore signed the statewide day of commemoration into law. The predominantly Black, all female sector of the Women Army Corp (WAC) was responsible for sorting and clearing a huge amount of backlogged mail during World War II. Their work helped restore the military postal system which allowed soldiers and civilians to effectively communicate amidst wartime. With the special occasion approaching, Gov.Moore spoke about his administration’s commitment to recognizing the service of the 6888th.

“Here in Maryland, we will protect, preserve and celebrate our rich history, and it’s my honor to recognize March 9 as 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day,” said Gov. Moore. “These women were trailblazers and their commitment to service was invaluable to our country. The Moore-Miller administration is proud to commemorate their legacy.”

The battalion has received a series of other honors including a Congressional Medal of Honor, a monument in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and a national day of recognition which is observed on Sept.16. However, this is the first year the legendary group of women will be honored throughout the state of Maryland.

Retired Col. Edna W.

Fletcher

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could use,” said Fletcher, recalling the area around Black Wall Street.

The Associated Negro Press at the time reported that the burning of Greenwood’s New Mt. Zion Baptist Church alone netted an $85,000 loss–or $1,481,098.59 in today’s time, according to the inflation calculator made available by the National Bureau of Labor Statistics.

African Americans around the country condemned the attack, and called on James Brooks Ayres Robertson, governor of Oklahoma at the time, to do something about the droves of arrests of “colored men, not Whites, giving the Whites an unfair fighting advantage.”

At least 100 people were reported killed in the days immediately after the massacre, but today, that number is believed to be closer to 300, according to the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum. More than 30 blocks of the Black community in Tulsa were razed. Roughly 800 were injured, and after the National Guard was called in, approximately 6,000 Black Tulsans were “held at the Convention Hall and the Fairgrounds, some for as long

Cummings has played a vital role in highlighting the legacy of the 6888th battalion and she explained how this honor is a representation of all Black women who have served in the military.

“We must continue to honor the 6888th because they represent the service and sacrifice of thousands of Black women who served our

as eight days.”

While the smoke faded, the memories never could–especially because the terror faced by the survivors of the massacre continued for those who fled into the Ku Klux Klan territory of Claremore, Okla., roughly 29 miles from Tulsa.

“They were afraid to go back to Tulsa so they became sharecroppers– on the road like gypsies going from this farm to this farm to that farm.

Claremore wasn’t very safe,” said Ike Howard, Fletcher’s grandson. “They were running for their lives and ended up in an area that harbored and nurtured the Ku Klan Klan. They didn’t know that and had to keep moving.”

Fletcher told the AFRO the trauma of the Tulsa Race Massacre affected her mother, Lucinda Ellis, for decades.

Fletcher said her mother “couldn’t sleep at night and she would walk the floor and scream and holler from a dream that they were burning our houses.”

Eventually, the family had to make a tough decision tied directly to the terrorism they survived so many years prior.

“Her mother had to be put into a nursing home because

nation and were unheralded,” Cummings stated. “They served the country when the country didn’t always serve them. The 6888th and other Black women from that era are a new set of role models for the thousands of Black women in the military.”

U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-M.D.-07), of Maryland, shared

similar sentiments, praising the bravery of the women in the battalion.

“Amid the peril and danger of World War II, the tenacity of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion never wavered,” Mfume shared. “These 855 Black women bravely served our nation despite knowing their return home would be to an America that still denied their basic rights and liberties.”

The resilience and tenacity of the 6888th seems to resonate with

told over and over again,” McCray stated. “Their story is ongoing and if we don’t know where we come from we won’t know where we’re going.”

It’s been nearly 80 years since the battalion of groundbreaking women discontinued their work and yet their impact is still so powerful. To this day, the 6888th is the only unit made up entirely of women of color to serve overseas. The history those women created has yet to be repeated making their legacy all the more precious.

“Women have always volunteered to serve this country and made significant impacts. We must include women’s contributions as part of military history and not as an afterthought.”

Black women both in and outside of the military. There have been so many instances of Black women’s achievements being disregarded but Cummings and many others are determined to not let this story go untold. The preservation of their history is detrimental to the preparation of our nation’s future. Sen.Cory McCray talked to the AFRO about the importance of knowing the story of the 6888th and using it to inspire the next generation of young Black women.

“It’s important that we recognize that this is a critical component of our history. The upcoming 6888th day is an example of how we preserve our history and how we make sure that their story is

she would wake up everybody in the house and say ‘Fire! They are burning down the house!’” said Howard. “She reacted to it in real time like it was happening again. Eventually, she had to put her mother into a nursing home because she was a young woman with children, had to work and had to get some sleep.”

But sleep didn’t come easy for anyone who escaped the massacre with their lives and the clothes on their back. Howard said that to this day, Fletcher’s body doesn’t get true rest. She too struggles to

sleep, as the brutality of that massacre returns at night. After all, when the rioting reached her doorstep she was asleep, like most other elementary school students her age.

“I know she was traumatized,” said Howard, noting that his grandmother still wrestles with post traumatic stress disorder.

Still, less than three months shy of her 110 birthday, Fletcher is adamant about telling her story– no matter what it takes. On May 30, 2023 she released a book, titled “Don’t Let Them Bury My Story.” Howard, who helped write the book, accompanied her to Baltimore to worship on Feb. 25 inside of West Baltimore’s Empowerment Temple.

“This is one story of a lady who persevered through the ignorance and the atrocities of Black Wall Street, but there are plenty other stories out there to be told,” said Howard. “Her perseverance is off the charts– to survive that event, work as long as she did and still hold her head up high as a beacon for every woman and every Black American to emulate.”

While Fletcher was in Charm City, Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby was on hand to honor her

After serving in the military for several decades and then dedicating herself to honoring the work of the 6888th battalion, Cummings is proud to see them recognized on a national and local level.

“I’m honored and humbled to know that our grassroots efforts for the 6888th have led to state and national recognitions for these veterans and other Black women from World War II. This recognition secures their legacy alongside the rest of our nation’s heroes,” Cummings stated proudly. “Women have always volunteered to serve this country and made significant impacts. We must include women’s contributions as part of military history and not as an afterthought.”

with a citation from the City of Baltimore for “being the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre and a key witness and advocate in the national movement to honor those whose lives were unjustly taken.”

Rev. Dr. Robert R.A. Turner, pastor of Empowerment Temple, celebrated Fletcher as “someone who is living Black history– not someone you [have to] read about– but someone that you can actually see, touch and observe in present form, not in book form.”

“She is here and she is proud,” said Turner.

When asked what true reparations would look like for her, Fletcher said even in 2024, “there’s a lot to be done about it.”

After the massacre, African Americans who escaped faced a harsh reality. Many dreams–including those of Fletcher–were dashed. As Fletcher fled Tulsa in 1921 with her family, she left behind her childhood dreams of being a nurse.

“They had hospitals, but we couldn’t afford to go to them so they had little old ladies called ‘midwives’ and families helped each other,” said Fletcher, confirming that her own grandmother was a midwife of Cherokee and Black descent named Dora Love.

Howard said if his grandmother had been given an opportunity to go to school she could have made those

dreams come true. Instead, according to her book, Fletcher ended up serving others as a maid for years. Her family also lost the opportunity to build wealth by passing down through homeownership.

“Real estate is the key to generational wealth,” said Howard. “She could have sold that house that they had. They could have flipped that house and leveled up. You can do the math on that with yesterday’s dollars and today’s equivalent.”

Lawyers for both Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle, born Nov. 14, 1914, have fought in court for the two women, now the only survivors of the massacre after Fletcher’s brother, Hugh Van Ellis, died in 2023 at age 102.

The women say they are owed reparations for the trauma they still carry, as a result of the public nuisance that took place during the massacre. Last year their claims were dismissed.

However, on Feb. 20 the Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed to allow lawyers for the women to present their case in oral argument for 30 minutes.

A hearing will be held April 2, at 1:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma Supreme Court. There will be a live stream of the proceedings. Tune in to see lawyers defend Fletcher’s right to reparations for the massacre by going to the Oklahoma Supreme Court website, clicking on the “resources” tab and selecting the date for April 2 on the calendar.

Academy Awards

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appearance in the film version of the play “Angels in America.”

Beyond the spotlight of the acting categories, African Americans are making significant contributions to the cinematic landscape in various capacities.

Notable nominees such as Jon Batiste, whose original song “It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony” earned a nod, exemplifying the richness and diversity of Black creativity. Other African Americans nominated for Oscars behind the scene include: “Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse” for best animated feature; “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” for best documentary feature; “The ABCs of Book Banning” for best documentary short; and “The Barber of Little Rock” for best documentary short.

AFRO Photo / Stephen Hopkins

Dr. Robert R.A. Turner, pastor of Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, gives Viola Ford Fletcher her flowers, more than 100 years after she survived one of the worst race massacres in American history.

AFRO Archives

Sgt. Bernyce Q. Scott (left) and Pvt. Joyce G. Anderson of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in June 1945.

COMMENTARY

Investing in change: The urgent need for support of Black-led nonprofits

By Kayenecha Daugherty

As the executive director of a Black-led nonprofit in Baltimore, I am compelled to address a critical issue facing our community: the lack of sufficient financial support for organizations like Creative Nomads and so many others.

In a city where disparities are stark and resources often scarce, the vital work undertaken by Black-led nonprofits and other Black-led organizations is more essential than ever. Yet, despite our unwavering commitment and tireless efforts, we continue to face significant financial challenges that curb our ability to fully serve those who are most in need.

Consider this: According to recent data, Black-led nonprofits receive just a fraction of the funding allocated to their counterparts led by individuals of other racial backgrounds. Our organizations receive only 2 percent of $60 billion in foundation funding. This disparity is not only unjust but also perpetuates systemic inequities that have long tormented our communities.

As a Black executive director, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that increased financial support can have on our organization’s capacity to uplift,

empower and advocate for those we serve. Community support, particularly from affluent Black community members, is essential in addressing this disparity and ensuring the sustainability of Black-led nonprofits. By donating generously and consistently, individuals can directly contribute to initiatives that address pressing social issues. The support helps create equitable access to art through non-profits like Creative Nomads, and helps address blight through organizations such as Fight Blight Baltimore. When those who are able decide to give consistently, they can actively boost civic engagement through organizations like Black Girls Vote, support out-ofschool STEM engagement with programs like B-360 and create and sustain positive change in our neighborhoods. Moreover, monthly donations provide a steady source of income that enables nonprofits to plan and execute long-term projects effectively, without the constant fear of financial instability. It’s crucial to recognize that investing in our organizations is not just about morality, but strategy. Research has consistently shown that organizations led by those who reflect the communities they serve are more effective in

is executive director and founder of Creative Nomads, which supports art entrepreneurs, youth and families with access to resources, professional development and networking.

understanding and addressing their needs and achieving lasting impact. By supporting Blackled nonprofits, you personally are investing in the strength, resilience, and future success of our community as a whole.

To those who have the means to contribute, I urge you to join us in this crucial effort.

Your support is an investment

Digital equity is key to achieving a truly inclusive society

By Broderick Johnson

Many Black innovators have created essential technologies that led to the internet we have today. Though often overlooked, their contributions helped build this indispensable tool that touches all aspects of our lives.

In 1885 Granville Woods, known as “the Black Edison,” invented the “telegraphony,” building technology that would greatly advance the telephone. Later, Dr. Shirley Jackson’s research laid the foundation for breakthroughs in telecommunications technologies, and Alan Emtage created the first internet search engine.

Fast forward to today, whether you’re working remotely, seeking a new job, accessing health care or completing schoolwork, without the internet, it’s easy to get left behind. In a world reliant on digital technology, addressing digital equity for the Black community is essential to realizing a truly inclusive society.

For generations, Black

Americans have fought for full and equal social and economic inclusion. The late Congressman John Lewis called access to the internet “the civil rights issue of the 21st century,” because he knew connectivity is essential for economic empowerment and full participation in society.

The National Skills Coalition, in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, recently found that a staggering 92 percent of job postings already require digital skills. Jobs requiring even one digital skill can earn an average of 23 percent more than jobs requiring no digital skills — an average increase of $8,000 in annual income. In other words, digital skills are necessary for nearly every entry-level job and for achieving economic mobility.

Unsurprisingly, people of color are more likely to fall on the wrong side of these gaps. In 2021, the Urban Institute found that 84 percent of young White people between ages 16-24 have basic digital skills, but only 52 percent of young Black people do. And while having home

broadband can help someone develop those skills, a recent Pew Research study found that 32 percent of Black Americans lack a home broadband subscription — significantly more than their White peers.

The recent progress in closing the digital divide has been unprecedented — with billions of dollars being invested to tackle connectivity from every angle, from funding rural broadband infrastructure to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

In just over two years, this FCC-administered program has provided over 23 million families with up to $30 a month, or up to $75 a month on tribal lands, toward their home internet bills. As a result, collaboration across government, community organizations, and internet service providers has brought devices and digital skills to millions.

Closing the digital divide is not new to Comcast. For more than a decade, we have worked aggressively to promote digital opportunity by partnering with communities, expanding and

investing in our network, and offering multiple low-cost, high-speed internet product options. The impact has been felt across the country and has helped open doors for so many in our African-American community.

Recently, the Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training in Baltimore, one of our partner organizations, helped a veteran named Kalem connect to the internet and strengthen his digital skills. Kalem used the internet to take virtual classes at a local community college and recently received a community health work certification to pursue a career helping other veterans in need.

In Fort Wayne, Ind., Netoysha, a mother of two young children, got connected to the internet at home for the very first time. With the help of our community partner, the Fort Wayne Housing Authority, Netoysha and her family found a place to live, as well as resources to get broadband at no cost. Now Netoysha can take classes online at home, allowing her to avoid additional

Lawmakers must fully fund the WIC program

By Candace Baker

I wanted that. And most of all, I wanted to help my grandmother so that she could have it too. So I vowed to get a college education and a goodpaying job helping others.

If I wanted to achieve my dream of helping my family, I knew I’d have to do something different. I’d heard about a program that helped pregnant and postpartum moms and their babies, the Special Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children, also known as WIC.

I almost didn’t apply because when I tried to enroll in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), I ran into the same judgment and bureaucratic stumbling blocks my grandmother feared. But I knew I needed help — and so did my baby.

And let me tell you — WIC was a game-changer!

WIC not only provides nutritious foods but also nutrition education, breastfeeding support and even health care referrals for low-income mothers and small children. It helps to reduce maternal and infant mortality and improves health outcomes so children have the best chance at a healthy and productive life.

I also was able to get the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help with our food needs. And because of these programs, I was able to go back to school, get my high school diploma, enroll in college, and graduate Magna Cum Laude. I was even able to become a volunteer mentor with a federally funded program called Second Chance to help people who served prison time reenter society in a healthy, productive way.

Families like mine are

everywhere — about half of all babies born in the United States benefit from WIC. It turns out that most of us just need a little help at especially difficult times in our lives. If wages had kept pace with the rising cost of living, rent, and food, perhaps we wouldn’t need assistance programs. But wages haven’t kept pace with living costs in 50 years.

For the past 25 years, WIC has served every eligible family that applied for its critical services. But now it’s in danger — Congress hasn’t agreed to fund the program to meet the needs of all who are eligible. There’s a shortfall of $1 billion, which means that two million pregnant and postpartum women and their little ones won’t get necessary food and health assistance

Imagine all those families

childcare costs and use her resources to pay for other essentials.

The life-changing impact of digital opportunity must be made available to all Americans. Black History Month offers us a chance to pause and reflect on our experience, take deliberate action to address inequities, and chart our collective future. Based on the extraordinary partnerships and commitments I’ve seen over the past few years, I’ve never been more optimistic about our ability to get it done — together.

I’m inspired when I think about the changes an internet connection brought to Kalem’s and Netoysha’s lives. The words of Lanet Parker, a single mom in Oakland, encompass the deep impact connectivity has on all of us. Her son, Kevin Butler, found his calling as a mentor to other Black youth through the Hidden Genius Project once he was able to get a home internet connection.

“With reliable internet at home, the world opened up,” she said. So, let’s continue our work to develop partnerships

that will face food insecurity, childbirth complications, and negative impacts on their health and well being that can last a lifetime — even generations.

I now have four children. All four benefited greatly from the WIC program, just as all who are eligible deserve to do. I believe in everything WIC does — I even took a job there helping with breastfeeding support. I’m also an expert on poverty at the anti-poverty organization, RESULTS. These opportunities allow me to advocate for the programs that supported me when I was in need.

I need your help to ensure that Congress does the same. We must fully fund the WIC program so that no eligible family is turned away.

This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO.

600G Baltimore, Md. 21202

and solutions to close the digital divide, create unlimited possibilities and open up the world to everyone.

Broderick Johnson is executive vice president of digital equity and executive vice president of public policy at Comcast.

Photo courtesy of Word in Black

Kayenecha Daugherty

Photo courtesy of Creative Nomads

Candace Baker is a mother, fierce advocate for antipoverty programs and expert on poverty at the anti-poverty organization, RESULTS, in Indianapolis, Ind.

Courtesy photo

If your business accepted Visa and/or Mastercard between 2004 - 2019, you’re now eligible to claim your share of a $5.5 billion Settlement. Claim your share now.

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Expungement laws are too complicated–we need a simple, accessible system

By Chris Sweeney

convoluted expungement laws can– and should– be simplified to allow for more expungement access.

Amidst a national conversation about criminal justice reform, Maryland enacted a major expansion of expungement laws with 2016’s Justice Reinvestment Act. The act provided, for the first time, general eligibility for the expungement of convictions – mostly misdemeanors, plus a few nonviolent felonies. Eligibility required long waiting periods and the absence of additional convictions within those periods. Those waiting periods were lowered with 2023’s REDEEM Act. Notably, the legislation allowed expungement only for a handpicked set of specific offenses. Many common offenses were included – e.g., theft, drug possession, trespassing – but plenty of low-level offenses were left out, sometimes with illogical results. For example, first, second and third degree burglary could be expunged if certain conditions were met, but fourth degree burglary – a misdemeanor – could never be expunged. This oversight has since been fixed, but it illustrates the pitfalls of

Chris

attorney

at Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, weighs in on expungements in the state of Maryland.

Rev. Lee Michaels, renowned radio talk show host, retires from ‘The Morning Experience’ on Heaven 600

By Gene Lambey Special to the AFRO

The Rev. Lee Michaels has retired after over 40 years as a gospel radio host for “The Morning Experience” on Baltimore’s Heaven 600 radio station.

Michaels, who officially retired on Dec. 31, 2023, told the AFRO that his time as host of Heaven 600 “The Morning Experience” was “fun and fulfilling.”

As a retired radio host, Michaels plans to continue his work as a voice for the Baltimore community. He also looks forward to continuing his ministry in the Christian faith at Manifest Wonders Christian Center. And then there are plans on writing a book about his life and

his journey. Michaels celebrated his retirement at the Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore on Feb. 18.

The AFRO had the opportunity to speak with Michaels about his journey to becoming one of Baltimore’s most renowned figures on gospel radio. Raised in the Perkins Homes public housing project in east Baltimore, which at the time was known as “the Bottom,” Michaels knows a thing or two about working his way to the top.

“Geographically, it was called ‘the Bottom’ because it was the lowest point of public housing before you got to the undeveloped area towards the waterfront,” Michaels recalled. Perkins Homes was rough and tumble

development where his mother raised him in a single parent household.

“All of the trappings that come with living in an economically depressed area and the behaviors that go along with that–all of that was what I had to face and I was able to get out,” said Michaels. He grew up listening to many radio personalities like “Fat Daddy,” Kelson “Chop Chop” Fisher, Sir Johnny O and many other early 70’s Baltimore radio hosts. However, the first radio host that took Michaels “under his wing” was Maurice “Hot Rod” Hulbert.

“These guys were bigger than life to me. They really inspired me through the years. To finally find myself sitting in that chair that I admired–that was fun,”

Continued on B2

Sen. Jill Carter aims to increase scrutiny of tax incentives for developers

By Stephen Janis and Taya Graham Special to the AFRO

For decades, Baltimore has doled out tax breaks to spur development, but the increasing use of incentives has not been matched with the requisite scrutiny of how much they cost the city and who is benefiting.

“Everytime we want to do a tax break for the average citizen it’s always a problem. But without hesitation TIFs and PILOTs are just used routinely under the guise that they’re benefiting the community. We need to know why.”

State Sen. Jill Carter (D-Baltimore) has introduced a bill that intends to right that imbalance and study a variety of tax breaks in-depth, with the purpose of determining if their tax breaks are equitable and cost effective.

“I think it’s important that people pay attention to how much money is thrown out to

Continued on B2

Ivan Bates announces indictments of five Baltimore city and County police officers in three separate cases

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates announced on Feb. 20 that a grand jury has indicted indicted five law enforcement officers with various offenses in three separate cases.

“Wearing the badge of law enforcement and protecting and serving the residents of Maryland is an honor and a privilege. The allegations outlined in these indictments show a complete disregard for upholding the integrity of the badge,” said Bates in a statement. “Creating a safer Maryland becomes all the more challenging when officers sworn to uphold the law commit criminal acts themselves.”

Case One

In

up a suspect at Johns Hopkins Hospital who had escaped police

The cuffed individual allegedly told Small he couldn’t breathe in the back seat, as all the windows were rolled up. Small responded by threatening to pepper spray him. The argument escalated and Small sprayed nine shots of pepper spray into the suspect’s face.

The suspect kicked the doors and yelled for the officers to help him, so Small pulled the individual out of the car by his shirt and threw him on the ground. While on the ground, Small grabbed the suspect’s hair and yanked his head and neck while the suspect continued to ask for help.

Though the suspect asked not to be put back into the vehicle because he could not breathe, Small forced him back into the patrol vehicle.

Continued

Photo courtesy of Rev. Lee Michaels

Rev. Lee Michaels is now officially retired from radio after more than four decades of service to gospel listeners in Baltimore and beyond.

Photo courtesy of MVLS

Sweeney, an

and workforce development manager

Rodney Orange Sr. dies at age 81

By Catherine Pugh Special to the AFRO

Rodney Orange Sr., born Aug. 23, 1942, passed away suddenly Feb. 15, 2024.

“He had health challenges,” said his wife of 63 years, Catherine Orange, “but this was not expected.”

A graduate of Douglass High School, Orange was a notable member of the class of 1960.

“Rodney was a good friend, a fearless soldier and confidant who I trusted and worked with on countless issues. He loved Baltimore and Baltimore loved him.”

“He was a star quarterback that graduated with honors,” said Catherine Orange.

Orange also served in the Marine Corps for four years and received an honorable discharge, in 1964, as a sergeant. In 1976, Rodney Orange earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Morgan State University.

“Rodney was a good friend, a fearless soldier and confidant

Carter

Continued from B1

wealthy developers with no accountability,” Carter said.

The bill would authorize a task force to gather data and recommend processes to increase transparency and accountability for how tax breaks are used. It would also seek ways to measure how effective the subsidies are and if they deliver equitable or even quantifiable outcomes.

Carter said an in-depth study of the city’s reliance on subsidies is long overdue.

“We don’t really know what the outcomes are going to be and how they are benefiting the community,” Carter said. “We just take for granted that when a tax break is awarded, it’s for an area where it’s needed, and it follows that good things are going to happen for the people. But, we don’t see the results—we can’t even begin to truly measure their impact.”

The push for more transparency comes after the release of the investigative documentary “Tax Broke.”

The film recounts how federal redlining, racial segregation and state laws designed to intentionally isolate Baltimore economically, politically and racially led to policies of publicly subsidized development.

The documentary revealed that a vast majority of tax breaks have been targeted at majority-White neighborhoods that were already wealthy.

Carter points to that history as impetus to closely examine the justifications for

tax subsidies which Baltimore has relied upon to stimulate growth.

“Everytime we want to do a tax break for the average citizen, it’s always a problem,” Carter said. “But without hesitation TIFs and PILOTs are just used routinely under the guise that they’re benefiting the community. We need to know why.”

The tax breaks in question include a variety of incentives with innocuous acronyms like TIF and PILOT. Tax Increment Finance (TIF) allows developers to invest up to 30 years of future property taxes into construction costs and infrastructure. Phase in taxes over time, commonly referred to as PILOTs, offer a discounted rate from 10 to 25 years.

Both are responsible for incentivizing the bulk of new developments in Baltimore.

But the city also must, in part, pay for tax breaks tied to an array of state programs. Among them, the Brownfields Revitalization credit offers incentives to rehabilitate environmentally degraded property and Enterprise Zone credits award tax breaks to businesses that add jobs and build in impoverished neighborhoods.

Maryland currently has a site that lists the credits awarded through state authorized programs, however, it does not break down the costs or benefits to a specific locality, nor does it measure outcomes — an area the task force legislation plans to address.

A report on the effectiveness of Maryland’s transparency laws by Good Jobs First, an organization that advocates for improving disclosure regarding tax subsidies and incentives, noted the lack of outcomebased reporting.

“Disclosure of subsidy recipients and performance metrics makes it possible for researchers and advocates to determine whether subsidized companies are doing what they promised to do in exchange for public support,” the report concluded.

The city’s reliance on tax incentives has been blamed on Baltimore’s uniquely high tax rate, which is roughly double the surrounding counties. City officials also point to Baltimore’s declining population and the desire to convert vacant office buildings into residential apartments.

But the policy has been controversial, particularly the use of TIFs.

City officials have argued TIFs are necessary to finance infrastructure costs that often accompany projects built on undeveloped land. However the value of the TIF, which determines how much money a specific project receives, is calculated by estimating future tax revenues from the property—not how much infrastructure a developer is required to build.

In 2016, shortly after the uprising in the wake of Freddie Gray’s death in police custody, the city approved an approximately $600 million TIF to Under Armor founder Kevin Plank to build a massive development on a waterfront property known as Port Covington. Activists

decried the move as tone deaf and ill-designed to address the entrenched poverty that plagued the Gilmor Homes neighborhood where Gray was arrested.

But since then, the scope of the project has been substantially scaled back and developers have struggled to lease the office space. The project has also been rebranded from Port Covington to Baltimore Peninsula.

As of 2022, the city’s treasury department estimates the city has committed roughly $580 million in future property tax revenues to finance a variety of TIFS. That includes $240 million for interest on the bonds alone.

A consultant study commissioned by the city in 2021 found that an array of property tax breaks cost the city treasury roughly $128 million in 2020. The study did not include TIFS. It also tallied subsidies like the homestead tax credit that caps the property increase for an owner-occupied property if its assessed value rises.

Baltimore City Comptroller Bill Henry pushed a bill through the city’s finance board to require additional reporting on a variety of metrics pertaining to TIFs. Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette Ramos (D-District 14) has also requested more data outcomes related to TIFS and other tax incentives through a series of investigative hearings.

Among the data, she is seeking is how much of the city’s public safety budget is consumed by TIF districts that do not pay into the general fund. She has also requested data on jobs

who I trusted and worked with on countless issues. He loved Baltimore and Baltimore loved him,” said U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07).

When Mfume went on to pursue a political career, Orange would often sit-in as the host of “Two-Way-Talk,” a program that Mfume created and hosted as program director of WEAARadio.

“Rodney was a quiet giant and not boastful. He always spoke in terms of ‘we’ and ‘us’…never ‘I,’” said former Maryland State Senator Larry Young.

Orange served as president of the NAACP’s Baltimore Branch from 1993 to 1998. He stepped down in 1998 to run in a field of seven for a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates representing the 44th district for.

“His passing,” said Mfume, “reminds us that there are not many from the old school left, who would run with the baton until it was their turn to pass it on. He did his part in the struggle, to make it easier for those who would step up today.”

Final arrangements for Rodney Orange Sr. will be held by Wiley Funeral Homes, with a funeral taking place on March 5 at City Temple Baptist Church, in Baltimore. A wake will be held at 10 a.m. at the church, located in the 300 block of Dolphin St., with a funeral service starting at 10:30 a.m.

“He’s going to be missed by us all– especially our neighbors who, whenever they wanted to know something about politics, sought him out,” said Catherine Orange. “He kept up with all of it.”

Rodney and Catherine Orange had five sons, with Dana Kenneth Orange and Rodney Jr. preceding him in death. He is survived by three other sons, Tracey, Rickey and Chris Orange.

generated and affordable housing constructed as the result of development tax incentives.

“Any efforts for transparency about the

Michaels

Continued from B1

said Michaels.

impacts of the TIFs is really important, “ Ramos said of Carter’s legislation. “I asked for a variety of data from the city and they have said they are willing to share it.”

He recalls his time working in the radio industry as fulfilling because of his faith. While there were bumpy periods, he said he ultimately found his “way back to a place of faith” through the experiences bestowed upon him. Over the years, he has been able to hone his skill sets from the Air Force, the Army Reserves, brief studies at Coppin State University, the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland (BIM) and on the ground experiences.

His first broadcasting job was with WCEM/WESP-FM Cambridge, Md. radio station in Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The FM genre was rock. The AM genre was big band. Both arenas featured music formats he “knew nothing about,” he said.

“I tell everybody to this day that was the best thing that could’ve happened to me,” Michaels told the AFRO. The circumstances of his new opportunity forced him to study and adapt, learning how to present the genres to listeners.

He organized a handful of disc jockeys who worked at four clubs in Baltimore.

“You must always keep in mind that your presentation in radio has to be one dimension better…and avoid sounding churchy.“

Through that group–the Disco Knights–he made contacts with music producers and learned the ins and outs of the broadcast music industry, eventually meeting key players in the upcoming rap music industry. in the early 80’s. Among the new connections was a relationship with New York City record producer who would become the famous business mogul, Russell Simmons.

Though the thrills of mainstream radio were everpresent, eventually Michaels answered a higher calling and decided to move into gospel radio. He got his start in Christian radio under Pastor Naomi DuRant at WBGR, but it was his time at Heaven 600 that has made Michaels a household name in Christian homes and cars across the area.

Today, streaming has become the new normal for the radio industry and through it Heaven 600 has forged a global outreach. Michaels said connection with organizations like the Gospel Announcer’s Guild, out of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, allowed him to understand the impact of technology.

“You must always keep in mind that your presentation in radio has to be one dimension better than the accepted practice in radio–which is information and entertainment,” said Michaels. “We understand that people come for those two things.”

Now that his time on air is done, Michaels told the AFRO he looks back with gratitude and can only hope he has been a good example to others.

“Having had this opportunity to live what I call a ‘fulfilling life,’ and a fulfilling career, I would hope that my journey and my story in some way, form or fashion [has served] as a source of encouragement and a reminder that God does still honor faithfulness–if you are true to your commitment,” said Michaels. “Live a godly life, God will reward it. I really believe that because that is what I lived.”

Gene Lambey is a resident of Washington D.C. He is writing for the community.

A construction vehicle is seen July 2019 on a lot near the Hollins House, a high rise building for seniors and persons with disabilities. The building is in an area officials from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development have deemed an “opportunity zone,” in hopes of encouraging investment and development in distressed communities. Sen. Jill Carter (D-Baltimore) is now looking to gauge if Baltimore residents are truly benefitting at the same rate as large developers who receive tax breaks to build in their neighborhoods.

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Courtesy photo

Wyliefh.com

Members of the Baltimore community are mourning the death of Rodney Orange Sr., who died Feb. 15 at age 81.

Honoring the legacy of griot ‘Grandmother Edna’ LawrenceWilliams: A celebration of storytelling and sound

By Ericka Alston Buck Special to The AFRO

In a vibrant celebration of AfricanAmerican culture and storytelling, the Waxter Center in Baltimore recently hosted an event to honor Griot Edna Lawrence-Williams for her outstanding achievement in the art of storytelling.

Affectionately known as “Grandmother Edna,” Lawrence-Williams was awarded the prestigious Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association First Place Award for Outstanding Use of Sound for her work on “The Griot” at WEAA 88.9 FM, located on the campus of Morgan State University.

The event, held at the Waxter Senior Center on Cathedral Street, was a joyous occasion filled with music, storytelling, drumming and community fellowship. The ceremony, which recognized Lawrence- Williams, was named in honor of another Black storyteller: the “Mother Griot,” also known as Mary Carter Smith.

Smith, a beloved figure in the AfricanAmerican community, was renowned for her dedication to preserving and sharing the oral traditions of African-American culture. As a griot, she served as a keeper of history, passing down stories from generation to generation and ensuring that the voices of her ancestors were heard and honored.

Lawrence-Williams said the importance of

Expungement law

Continued from B1

providing a cherry-picked list of charges rather than blanket eligibility for minor offenses.

While the REDEEM Act brought much-needed relief by lowering waiting periods to five to 10 years depending on the charge, the legislation left the limited list of eligible offenses intact, adding only one additional misdemeanor.

This is where it gets complicated.

Any conviction that is not on the list– however minor–runs the risk of permanently blocking expungement of otherwise eligible charges.

This is due to the “subsequent conviction rule” which states that a person must be free of ineligible convictions for a certain time before an eligible case can be expunged. And a number of very common, nonviolent, even victimless crimes are absent from the list. One major category of these is traffic violations.

Certain crimes under the Transportation Article, mainly those that deal with driver’s license requirements, are treated just like any

Bates

Continued from B1

Courtesy photo

The Waxter Center is honoring Edna Lawrence-Williams, widely known as “Grandmother Edna,” for her contributions to the African traditions of storytelling.

griot storytelling cannot be overstated.

“It is a tradition that dates back centuries in African cultures, where griots played a vital role in preserving the collective memory of their communities.”

She added, “Through storytelling, griots imparted wisdom, shared values and preserved

other crime for purposes of expungement. And a conviction for driving without a license can never be expunged. This means it can permanently block other charges from being expunged. To illustrate one possible illogical outcome:

A person could be convicted of felony theft three times over three consecutive years, and if enough time passes without a new conviction, all three of those cases could be expunged. But another person could be convicted of trespassing, then convicted of driving without a license three years later. Under current Maryland law, neither of those cases could ever be expunged. Other examples of common minor offenses that are not eligible, if convicted, range from the innocuous riding a bike on the sidewalk to the vague “failure to obey a reasonable lawful order.”

The simple solution would be to have a “photo negative” of our current expungement laws. Rather than singling out specific

convictions for eligibility, make all misdemeanors eligible and single out only those particularly egregious enough that they should not be eligible. A similar proposal, popular among advocates, would be to make eligible all offenses that are not entitled to a jury trial. This would operate as a catch-all for the numerous citations and local code violations that fall through the cracks under our current framework. Another option would be to expand automatic expungement, eliminating the need for additional litigation in order to have a record cleared.

In the United States, Black people are more likely than White people to be stopped by police. Black people are also more likely to be arrested and charged after a police stop. Of the myriad harmful effects this racial injustice inflicts on our society, an increase in convictions for low-level offenses is one issue that could be stemmed by expanded expungement access. Though this would

The indictment alleged that Small did not call for medical help for the individual or give him aid. Small transported the suspect to Woodlawn Police Precinct in Baltimore County, Md.

Small’s indictment originally included one count of first-degree assault, but the state dismissed it before the announcement.

“We believe we have the evidence to proceed on the remaining charges,” said Bates. Roos and Graham-Moore were indicted on misconduct in office for not intervening and assisting the arrested individual.

“Creating a safer Maryland becomes all the more challenging when officers sworn to uphold the law commit criminal acts themselves.”

BCoPD has since released Small’s body camera footage from this incident.

Case Two

In case two, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officer Alexia Davis was indicted for a vehicle collision in June 2023 on Sinclair Road in Baltimore. She was indicted on misconduct in office, reckless driving, negligent driving, failure to control speed to avoid collision and driving an emergency vehicle without regard for safety.

Case Three

In case three, BPD Detective June Hall was indicted on theft between $100 and $1500, theft scheme between $100 and $1500, false entries in public records and misconduct in office.

The indictment alleges that in several instances, Hall falsely reported hours on her timesheet between March and May 2023 that she did not work while using BPD vehicles for personal matters.

“My administration will remain steadfast in its commitment to apply the law equally regardless of the offender, with the ultimate goal of achieving justice for victims and holding individuals accountable,” said Bates.

Tashi McQueen is a Report For America Corps member.

cultural heritage, creating a sense of continuity and connection across generations.”

At the celebration, attendees were treated to an array of storytelling performances, drumming and a light lunch of assorted sandwiches, fruits and cheese. Representatives from organizations such as the National

Association of Black Storytellers and the Black Storytellers of Western Maryland were present, highlighting the widespread impact of griot storytelling across the country.

In her remarks at the event, LawrenceWilliams emphasized the importance of

“Through storytelling, griots imparted wisdom, shared values and preserved cultural heritage, creating a sense of continuity and connection across generations.”

the griot tradition in sustaining thriving communities. “Without a griot, a storyteller, our communities will not thrive,” she said, echoing the sentiments of generations of griots who have passed down their knowledge and wisdom through the art of storytelling.

As the griot tradition continues to evolve and adapt in the modern world, LawrenceWilliams said “events like these serve as vital reminders of its enduring significance.”

not address the root causes of racism in our criminal legal system, expungement is an immediate solution to employment and housing barriers that affect so many people.

Maryland has been

trending in the right direction on this issue, with expungement being a hot topic each legislative session. It is time to reflect on the progress we’ve made, address the gaps in our system that still exist, and create a more just

expungement process.

Chris Sweeney is an attorney and workforce development manager at Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. He can be reached at csweeney@mvlslaw.org

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (MDOT MTA) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS (Aviso de Audiencias Públicas)

MTA gives notice of five public hearings on proposed service changes affecting 34 Commuter Bus routes. The proposal includes discontinuing eight Commuter Bus routes and service reductions to 26 routes. The service changes would become effective on Monday, July 01, 2024.

Complete details of the proposed service changes are available for public review in the Transit Store and the lobby of the William Donald Schaefer Building at 6 St. Paul Street in Baltimore and online at mta.maryland.gov/commuter-bus2024.

Individuals and organizations are invited to provide testimony for the official record. Public hearings will be conducted in person, and virtually. Testimony can be provided via video or phone during virtual hearings.

Monday,

Schedule of Public Hearings

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

PM – 8:00 PM George Howard Building

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Virtual Participation: Broadcast Live Online and via Telephone

• Testimony will be provided via audio only.

• To access a virtual hearing online visit mta.maryland.gov/commuter-bus202 and click the link to the hearing session.

Advance registration is encouraged to provide comments, though not required. Please register, by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing at which you wish to speak, at mta.maryland.gov/commuter-bus2024 or call 410-767-3999.

Access via telephone at 301-715-8592 and enter the meeting ID for the hearing session. Advance registration to provide testimony via telephone is not available.

Written testimony may be submitted via email to HearingComments@mta.maryland.gov with “Written Testimony” as the subject heading. Testimony may also be mailed to MTA, Office of Customer Relations, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. MTA will accept written testimony for the official public hearing record through Monday, April 29, 2024

Locations are accessible for people with disabilities. Sign Language interpretation will be provided. Please contact the department listed below to arrange for: special assistance or additional accommodation to participate in this public hearing; printed material in an alternate format or translated; and an interpreter. All requests must be received one week in advance.

Los sitios tienen acceso para personas con discapacidades. Por favor comuníquese con el departamento listado a continuación para concertar arreglos para: ayuda especial o adaptaciones adicionales; material impreso en un formato alternativo o traducido; personas sordas y personas que solicitan

Black History heroes honored at 11th Annual Black History Month Celebration

By AFRO Staff

Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland hosted the 11th Annual Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 22, with a total of 10 honorees. The event was hosted in collaboration with the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association, and served as a salute to 2024’s Black History heroes.

AFRO Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper received an award for her dedication to making change through Black press and served as a speaker for the event. Other honorees included Everett L. Sesker, a sheriff with the Office of the Sheriff Anne Arundel County; Charlestine R. Fairley, Ph.D, chief executive officer with the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency; Zed Smith, director of asset management for The Cordish Companies; Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA); Sean Stinnett a liaison and compliance supervisor with the Maryland Department of General Services; Rodney William Pitts III, posthumously recognized for making the ultimate sacrifice as a firefighter and emergency medical technician with the Baltimore City Fire Department; Wesley Stith, vice president of Clark Construction Group; Kishia L. Powell, general manager and CEO of WSSC Water and Chrissy M. Thornton, CEO of Associated Black Charities.

Honorees and supporters of the 11th Annual Black History Month Celebration:

Front row: Kishia L. Powell (left), Jenner Jones, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, Charlestine R. Fairley and Monica Gant. Back row: Wayne R. Frazier Sr. (left), Tamara Stinnett, Everett L. Sesker, Wesley Stith, Chrissy M. Thornton, Zed Smith and Ryan Eller.

A total of ten honorees were recognized as 2024 Black History Heroes on Feb. 22 at Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland.

Dr. Michael Gill and Dr. Marlyn Aklin

Calvin Ball, executive for Howard County, speaks to the crowd.

Ryan Eller, executive vice president and general manager for Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland.

Wayne R. Frazier Sr. is president of the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association, which helped host the event.

AFRO Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper serves as keynote speaker.

Ramsey L. Harris, senior vice president and Greater Maryland market manager for community development banking and the Corporate Responsibility Group at PNC, addresses those in attendance for the 11th Annual Black History Month Celebration in Anne Arundel County.

Bill Grimmette enjoys the ceremony.

Wayne R. Frazier Sr. (left), with Honoree Charlestine R. Fairley, Ph.D, who serves as chief executive officer for the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, and Zed Smith.

Savannah Wood, executive director of Afro Charities makes an appearance.

Single in the city: Embracing softness and feminine energy in relationships

By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO

Though my intimate personal relationships need their private space, I want to share some details about my new relationship, while respecting our boundaries and as I sit down to write this week’s edition of “Single in the City.” I can’t help but feel a rush of vulnerability. This one’s hitting close to home, and I’m diving deep into uncharted territory here.

Let’s rewind a bit.

You all know me—I’ve always been that independent, strong Black woman who’s been through her fair share of ups and downs. I’ve built up armor and an “I can do it myself” mentality, because let’s face it: life hasn’t always been picture perfect. Childhood trauma, addiction, hopelessness, failed relationships– you name it—I’ve been through it all.

But something’s different now. Enter my current relationship. And let me tell you, it’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

“...Have you heard of the ‘soft life?’ It’s all about embracing a slower pace, prioritizing self-care and fostering deeper connections with others.”

I entered this relationship in a different, healthier place. I was committed to protecting my peace at all costs and met someone with the same commitment to themselves. He’s younger– yes– and age is absolutely more than a number, right?

He’s got this refreshing wisdom that can’t quite be explained–other than that life has taught him some very valuable lessons. What’s more surprising is how much he’s adding to my life. He’s challenging me in ways I never thought possible, pushing me to be a better person every single day. And you know what? It’s working.

I’ve always been one to prioritize self-care, but suddenly I find myself making more doctor’s appointments, being more intentional about my diet and exercise, waking up early, meditating more, setting my intentions and actually sticking to a skincare routine. Who

would’ve thought? He’s enhanced all of these things. My prayer for a partner was that it be someone who could add to the happiness and joy that I already had for myself. He has.

But here’s the thing that’s really throwing me for a loop—I’m allowing myself to be softer. More open. It’s like he’s cracked open this part of me that I’ve kept hidden away for so long. My prayers, my intentions—include him now. And my approach to communication with him, It’s completely changed. I’m creating a safe space for him to lead, to be seen, to be valued in his role in our relationship.

It’s a journey, though, let me tell you. I’ve spent years dating around, never really doing the work to figure out what I truly want and need in a relationship. Boundaries? Forget about it. But now? Now I’m actively engaged in therapy, unpacking my patterns and behaviors, and getting back on track when I fall off.

And let’s be real here—falling off happens more often

than I’d like to admit. Fear, self-sabotage, those nagging thoughts of not being enough—they creep in when you least expect them. But I’m learning to exhale, to let go of those toxic thoughts and embrace this new chapter with open arms.

So, what exactly is feminine energy, you might ask? It’s not about looking a certain way or conforming to societal norms—it’s about embracing qualities like nurturing, compassion, and vulnerability. It’s about being in touch with our emotions and allowing ourselves to be receptive and open in our relationships.

And speaking of trends, have you heard of the ‘soft life?’ It’s all about embracing a slower pace, prioritizing self-care and fostering deeper connections with others. Men are drawn to softer women because they exude warmth, kindness and authenticity. They appreciate the nurturing and supportive energy that softer women bring into their lives.

So, how can we cultivate more feminine energy in our relationships and create a safe space for our partners? Here are five specific tips:

1. Active Listening: Practice active listening by giving your partner your full attention when they speak. Validate their feelings and opinions and refrain from interrupting or judging.

2. Empathy: Put yourself in your partner’s shoes and try to understand their perspective. Show empathy and compassion towards their struggles and challenges.

3. Encouragement: Offer words of encouragement and support to your partner. Celebrate their successes and provide reassurance during difficult times.

4. Affection: Express your love and affection through physical touch, words of affirmation and acts of kindness. Make an effort to show appreciation for your partner on a regular basis.

5. Trust: Build a foundation of trust in your relationship by being honest, reliable and transparent. Trust your partner to lead and make decisions, and be willing to share your vulnerabilities with them.

So, here’s to embracing our feminine energy, to creating safe spaces for our partners, and to loving fearlessly.

Until next time, here’s to being Single in the City!

The truth will set you free: Healing the spirit

By Nijiama Smalls Black Girl’s Guide To Healing Emotional Wounds

There are things that we experience in this journey that appear to be larger than ourselves and more than we can handle. It is during these times that we need to tap into a powerful force–God, Our Creator–to help us to move past the pain, heal the wound and to understand our worth.

Oftentimes, particularly when it pertains to childhood trauma, the pain pierces through our soul and goes directly to our spirit. A wounded spirit can cause us to experience low self-worth and to damage our relationships.

Spiritual healing- the scriptures below have gotten me through the worst of times and the darkest of hours. They have also helped me to build self-esteem that was once badly torn down. I want to encourage you to read these Bible verses, meditate on them, digest them and get them into your spirit. You can also use these as devotions. Watch these words transform the way you see your pain and the way you move.

Healing from abandonment

“... for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you…”

–Hebrews 13:5

Healing from rejection

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

–Romans 8:28 (This is my FAV!)

Finding our worth and value

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?”

–Matt 6:26

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

–Psalm 139:13-16

week,

Battling

“Finally,

–Phil 4:8

“Therefore

–

How we should treat each other

“Be kind to

–Ephesians 4:32

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

–Rom 12:10

This

Nijiama Smalls, speaks on Bible scriptures to bring about spiritual, emotional and mental healing.

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AFRO Columnist Ericka Alston Buck shares her thoughts on feminine expression within a romantic relationship.

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‘Fourth wave’ of opioid epidemic propelled by fentanyl and meth

By Colleen DeGuzman KFF Health News

The United States is kneedeep in what some experts call the opioid epidemic’s “fourth wave,” which is not only placing drug users at greater risk but is also complicating efforts to address the nation’s drug problem.

These waves, according to a report out today from Millennium Health, began with the crisis in prescription opioid use, followed by a significant jump in heroin use, then an increase in the use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

The latest wave involves using multiple substances at the same time, combining fentanyl mainly with either

testing services to monitor the use of prescription medications and illicit drugs.

The report, which takes a deep dive into the nation’s drug trends and breaks usage patterns down by region, is based on 4.1 million urine samples collected from January 2013 to December 2023 from people receiving some kind of drug addiction care.

“Whenever a drug network is destabilizing and the product changes, it puts the people who use the drugs at the greatest risk. That same bag or pill that they have been buying for the last several months now is coming from a different place, a different supplier and is possibly a different potency.”

methamphetamine or cocaine, the report found. “And I’ve yet to see a peak,” said one of the co-authors, Eric Dawson, vice president of clinical affairs at Millennium Health, a specialty laboratory that provides drug

The latest wave involves using multiple substances at the same time, combining fentanyl mainly with either methamphetamine or cocaine, the report found. “And I’ve yet to see a peak,” said one of the co-authors, Eric Dawson, vice president of clinical affairs at Millennium Health, a specialty laboratory that provides drug testing services to monitor the use of prescription medications and illicit drugs.

The report, which takes a deep dive into the nation’s drug trends and breaks usage patterns

down by region, is based on 4.1 million urine samples collected from January 2013 to December 2023 from people receiving some kind of drug addiction care. Its findings offer staggering statistics and insights. Its major finding: how common polysubstance use has become.

According to the report, an overwhelming majority of fentanyl-positive urine samples — nearly 93 percent — contained additional substances.

“And that is huge,” said Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health.

The most concerning, she and other addiction experts said, is the dramatic increase in the combination of meth and fentanyl use.

Methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug, often in powder form that poses several serious cardiovascular and psychiatric

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

The war continued for Black soldiers when they returned home from WWII, and this war still rages today. “This is Our War” not only preserves our history but lives on as a testament to the ongoing pursuit of justice.

an FDA-approved medication for stimulant overdose. Both heroin and prescribed opioid use alongside fentanyl have dipped. Heroin detected in fentanyl-positive tests dropped by 75 percent since peaking in 2016. Prescription opioids were found at historic low rates in fentanyl-positive tests in 2023, down 89 percent since 2013.

risks, was found in 60 percent of fentanyl-positive tests last year. That is an 875 percent increase since 2015.

“I never, ever would have thought this,” Volkow said.

Among the report’s other key findings:

• The nationwide spike in methamphetamine use alongside fentanyl marks a change in drug use patterns. Polydrug use trends complicate overdose treatments. For instance, though naloxone, an opioidoverdose reversal medication, is widely available, there isn’t

Commentary

By Dr. Kwame Akoto

Diabetes is a disease that disproportionately affects the African-American community. Black adults are nearly twice as likely as White adults to develop type 2 diabetes. And those affected are 2.5 times more likely to develop associated long-term complications than white people.

But it’s not all bad news! Being proactive about our health and making good decisions every day empowers us to feel better and live longer, healthier lives. This is especially true for those with a family history of diabetes. For Diabetes Alert Day, recognized on the fourth Tuesday in March each year, I want to remind our community that it’s never too late to know your personal risk factors and take control of your health.

Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

In the United States one in three adults has prediabetes, and eight out of every 10 are unaware they are living with the condition. Prediabetes is a condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels just below the diabetes threshold. Left untreated, about 70 percent of people with prediabetes will eventually develop full-blown diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes happens when your body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels that can harm the heart, eyes, and kidneys. Risk factors for diabetes include:

• Being overweight Being 45 or older Having a family history of diabetes

• Leading a sedentary lifestyle Smoking

But Jarratt Pytell, an addiction medicine specialist and assistant professor at the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine, warned these declines shouldn’t be interpreted as a silver lining.

A lower level of heroin use “just says that fentanyl is everywhere,” Pytell said, “and that we have officially been pushed by our drug supply to the most dangerous opioids that we have available right now.”

“Whenever a drug network is destabilizing and the product changes, it puts the people who use the drugs at the greatest risk,” he said. “That same bag or pill that they have been buying for the last several months now is coming from a different place, a different supplier and is possibly a different potency.”

In the illicit drug industry,

suppliers are the controllers.

It may not be that people are seeking out methamphetamine and fentanyl but rather that they’re what drug suppliers have found to be the easiest and most lucrative product to sell.

“I think drug cartels are kind of realizing that it’s a lot easier to have a 500-square-foot lab than it is to have 500 acres of whatever it takes to grow cocaine,” Pytell said.

Dawson said the report’s drug use data, unlike that of some other studies, is based on sample analysis with a quick turnaround — a day or two.

Sometimes, researchers face a months-long wait to receive death reports from coroners. Under those circumstances, you are often “staring at today but relying on data sources that are a year or more in the past,” said Dawson.

Self-reported surveys of drug users, another method often used to track drug use, also have long lag times and “often miss people who are active for substance use disorders,” said Jonathan Caulkins, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. Urine tests “are based on a biology standard” and are good at detecting when someone has been using two or more drugs, he said.

This article was originally published by Word in Black.

could affect how your body uses insulin. Work with your healthcare provider to determine the best strategy to help you quit smoking. Limiting alcohol, which tends to be high in sugar and calories, is also a good choice.

If you’re already living with prediabetes, it’s crucial to understand that you can effectively manage, and in some instances, even reverse the condition through a wellstructured healthy lifestyle program. In fact, participants in Kaiser Permanente’s Diabetes Prevention Program achieved an average weight loss of 12.6 pounds per person.

Patient’s success story

family history of diabetes, should discuss getting screened for diabetes with their healthcare provider. A simple blood test will uncover your glucose levels and assess your risk, and regular checkups will ensure early identification of prediabetes, allowing for timely interventions.

Losing 5-7 percent of your total body weight, especially if you’re overweight, can reduce your diabetes risk by 58 percent. Exercising 20 minutes a day and eating a balanced diet, including fiber-rich foods, whole grains, lean protein sources and vegetables, as well as getting enough sleep, can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Smokers have a 30 to 40 percent higher chance of getting diabetes than non-smokers due to cigarette chemicals that raise inflammation levels and disrupt cellular function, which

One of my patients, Lloyd Bailey of Baltimore, who has a family history of diabetes, credits Kaiser Permanente’s holistic approach to healthcare, encompassing screenings, wellness practices and mental health support, with helping him reverse his prediabetes and stay on top of his health.

“Dr. Akoto’s coaching, direction and the support he provides has literally changed the trajectory of my life,” Bailey shared. “I am a better person, a healthier person, because of working with my doctor. He’s not just providing medicine. He’s providing care. And the care he continues to provide me is just unmatched.” Bailey adds, “Your health is your choice. I see my doctor three to four times per year, but I’m with myself all the time. I am responsible for the choices I make for myself. My health is my choice.” With his doctor’s support, Bailey has avoided developing diabetes through healthy lifestyle choices like exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and meditating to reduce stress.

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Dr. Kwame Akoto is an internal medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente in Halethorpe, Md.

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From the AFRO Archives

An AFRO salute to the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 113 years strong

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com

On Jan. 5, 1911 Black history was made.

Ten leaders came together as founders of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity to form a brotherhood aiming to unite men of culture in the belly of Ku Klux Klan territory.

The men, Elder Watson Diggs; Byron Kenneth Armstrong; Guy Levis Grant; Marcus Peter Blakemore; Ezra Dee Alexander; John Milton Lee; Henry Tourner Asher; Edward Giles Irvin; George Wesley Edmonds and Paul Waymond Caine collectively formed a society on the campus of Indiana University known as Alpha Omega, then Kappa Alpha Nu eventually becoming, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

At the time, the state of Indiana was steeped in

racism and a breeding ground for hatred, as a result White students often participated in cross burnings, lynchings and vigilante mobs. The percentage of Blacks at the institution totaled less than 1 percent and those enrolled were prevented from living in dormitories, playing in contact sports and were far removed from the school’s social life, according to the fraternity’s website.

Kappa Alpha Psi served as a shield from racism, injustice and intolerance while uniting the school’s Black population to achieve success educationally and socially. Early in the organization’s formative years, its members were among the first Greek lettered organizations to print a monthly newsletter which is still distributed to date.

A few of their historic members include Ralph Abernathy, Arthur Ashe, Bob Johnson, Marvin Sapp and Ben Jealous. Kappa Alpha Psi is still thriving 113 years after its founding with brothers who uphold their motto of “achievement in every field of human endeavor.”

The AFRO archives contain articles on Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity that show the men of the organization making change in the community, in their respective states and on a national and international level. From feeding those in need to fighting for civil rights, the men of Kappa Alpha Psi showed up and did what was needed to make progress on every front. On April 20 AFRO High Tea will honor members of the Divine Nine and their accomplishments in Baltimore at Martin’s West. This week, the AFRO sends a salute to the impeccable brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

500 Members Attend Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity's Largest Grand Conclave in Detroit Afro-American (1893-); Jan 8, 1949; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Black Newspaper Collection pg.

The

and programming process. These materials are available for review online at www.mwcog.org/tpbcomment and more information about this effort is available at www.visualize2050.org.

The financial plan of Visualize 2050 and the TIP includes a subset of transportation projects in the region that use federal funding or any projects of regional significance that may impact the attainment of air quality standards with respect to the air quality requirements under the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Regionally significant projects that may impact air quality mainly relate to roadway or transit capacity such as roadway widenings, extensions, or lane reductions, new high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) or express toll lanes, and transit capacity expansion. Minor roadway/bicycle/pedestrian/transit improvements are not included in the air quality analysis and are not part of this comment period. These projects will be implemented using revenue sources that are already committed, available, or reasonably expected to be available in the future.

Comments may be submitted by any of the following means:

Online: www.mwcog.org/TPBcomment

Write: Christina Henderson, Chair National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments 777 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20002

Email: TPBComment@mwcog.org subject line: March 2024 Public

Comment on Visualize 2050

Telephone: (202) 962-3774 to leave a 3-minute voice mail

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El Consejo de Gobiernos del Área Metropolitana de Washington (COG) opera sus programas sin tener en cuenta la raza, el color, y el origen nacional y cumple con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y los estatutos y reglamentos relacionados que prohíben la discriminación en todos los programas y actividades. Para más información, presentar una queja relacionada con el Título VI, u obtener información en otro idioma, visite www.mwcog.org/nondiscrimination o llame al (202) 962-3300.

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Lawmakers propose task force to probe long-term inequities facing Black women

By Torrence Banks Capital News Service

The persistence of economic, educational and legal disparities in the lives of Black women and girls would be the target of a federal task force recently proposed by a group of House members.

“Simply acknowledging our country’s history of targeted discrimination, harassment and violence against Black women and girls will not correct years of systemic racism and sexism,” Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Illinois, said in a statement after the legislation creating the task force was introduced earlier this month.

“We must leverage the full weight of the federal government to seek justice for Black women and girls who deserve an equal opportunity for a full, happy, healthy life,” Kelly said.

Kelly is co-chair of the Caucus on Black Women and Girls, along with Reps. Yvette Clarke of New York and Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey, who also sponsored the measure. Reps. Jennifer McClellan, D-Virginia, Valerie Foushee, D-North Carolina, and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania, also have signed on to the bill, called the “Protect Black Women and Girls Act.”

The bill would establish a task force to examine several aspects of the lives of Black women and girls, including education, healthcare, economic development, housing and civil rights. The task force would look at the effectiveness of programs and policies at the state, federal and local levels and make recommendations for changes.

Kelly said that the bill would help governments be more proactive in ensuring that Black women receive equal opportunities.

The task force would be led by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice. Both would then share information with the United States Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR).

The civil rights commission also would

Lawmakers are proposing the “Protect

them.

conduct a study and collect data about the social justice, economic and health effects of discrimination and inequities on Black women and girls. The bill was originally introduced in 2021 with 15 co-sponsors. However, Congress took no action on it.

Maryland Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, a Democrat, said the legislation would allow the state’s government to look at the results from the research and craft more equitable policies.

“We know that signs point to black women

being disproportionately impacted by many things whether it’s maternal health - and in Maryland, Black women are four times as likely to die as a result of childbirth,” said Wilkins, who also serves as the chair of the state’s Legislative Black Caucus.

In 2021, the maternal mortality rate of non-Hispanic Black women was 69.9 births per 100,000 live births, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That was more than two times the rate for non-Hispanic White women.

“We are the caregivers for our community, we’re the matriarchs of our home, but also of the Black community,” said Kelli Richardson Lawson, founder of the mental health nonprofit organization The SonRise Project, based in Bethesda, Maryland. “So we’ve always had to take care of everybody else before we take care of ourselves.”

Lawson said that the passage of the legislation is crucial because of the socioeconomic challenges that Black women have faced.

Education’s Office of Civil Rights found that, “Black girls were nearly two times more likely to receive one or more in-school suspensions, one or more out-of-school suspensions, and expulsions than White girls.”

In addition, Black school-aged girls are four times more likely to be arrested in school than White girls, according to research discussed on Kelly’s web page.

“We must leverage the full weight of the federal government to seek justice for Black women and girls who deserve an equal opportunity for a full, happy, healthy life.”

Thirty-nine percent of White women earn a bachelor’s or associate degree by the age of 29, compared to 21 percent of Black women, according to the American Association of University Women.

“Based on what I’ve seen, this bill would help mitigate some of the issues that we see involving Black women and girls in a variety of areas,” said Lawson, whose non-profit serves as a safe space for Black parents to discuss issues involving teen mental health.

Black girls also face disadvantages in education. A 2020-2021 school discipline report from the U.S. Department of

John Berkley, coordinator for the National Pan-Hellenic Council in Maryland, Virginia and several other states, said that Maryland has many organizations working to help Black women.

Knowing that Congress is backing them up with legislation would be a huge boost, he said.

“Now they could say that it’s not only a community effort but also a national policy that we now have some teeth behind,” Berkley said. “And maybe with that, that will bring more awareness to what’s going on with Black females in our various raised communities.”

Berkley said that he plans to travel with his fraternity to Annapolis in a couple of weeks to talk to his legislators to see what they’re doing to help Congress move the bill along.

Lawson said the task force could lead to the creation of more programs and organizations like hers, where Black women are free to focus on themselves and have vulnerable conversations.

“Changing the narrative, so that we can take off that cape, we can take a deep breath and exhale and we can start to focus on ourselves,” Lawson said.

This article was originally published by Capital News Service.

Nappy.co/Adedoyin The

Nappy.co/Childern In Nature Network

Black Women and Girls Act” to gauge issues affecting the demographic and policies meant to help

WASHINGTON-AREA

National Links Trust celebrates Black golfers with ‘Uneven Fairways’ documentary screening

By Amber D. Dodd Special to the AFRO adodd@afro.com

To celebrate Black History Month, The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization created to protect and promote municipal golf courses, showed the documentary “Uneven Fairways” on Feb. 20. The screening took place at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill.

“The legends of Black golf have forged for inclusion at the highest levels of golf competition for all people,” said Damian Cosby, executive director of NLT.

Released in 2009, Uneven Fairways is narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson, an avid

“No one can tell our story better than we can and that’s why ‘Uneven Fairways’ is such a groundbreaking documentary.”

golfer whose activism and work in Black communities stretches back to being a student at Morehouse College in the 1960s.

The film highlights the pantheon of Blacks–from Pete Brown, the first Black golfer to win a PGA Tour event at the 1965 Waco Open, to Jim Thorpe, a 75-year-old golfer and Morgan State University graduate with 21 professional wins–who reflect the vanguard of Black golfers who were barred from the professional ranks but persisted in the sport until the PGA’s racial barriers ceased in 1961.

Peggy White, the daughter of Ted Rhodes appeared in the documentary, too; Rhodes was widely considered to

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JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways program celebrates five years

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com

C-suite executives, students and leaders from around the country gathered at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on Feb. 22 to celebrate the fifth anniversary of JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways program. The initiative was created in 2019, sparking corporate efforts to address racial economic injustices.

“For far too long Black communities have faced profound challenges and inequality due to systemic racial barriers. At JPMorgan Chase, we recognize our responsibility as one of the world’s largest banks to address these disparities and are harnessing our expertise in business, policy, data and philanthropy to empower Black communities around the world,” Byna Elliott, head of Advancing Black Pathways shared.

The Feb. 22 event was widely attended by prominent Black leaders such as former Atlanta Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms (D), former Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (D) and current Mayor Brandon Scott (D). Both cities have predominantly Black populations and received various investments from the bank in hopes of spearheading more racial equity.

“We aren’t just in the business of moving money around but uplifting people and their dreams and hopes,” mentioned Thelma Ferguson, Vice Chair for JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking. “When we first started this program in 2019 it was our goal to strengthen the economic foundation of the Black community and since then something great has materialized.”

“At JPMorgan Chase, we recognize our responsibility as one of the world’s largest banks to address these disparities and are harnessing our expertise in business, policy, data and philanthropy to empower Black communities around the world.”

To date, JPMorgan Chase has pledged $30 billion in investments by 2025 to support their endeavors to break down systemic barriers for minority communities. A total of $30 million will be dedicated to supporting the success of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country. Local scholars at various HBCUs were in attendance to include Elliott’s son and Morgan State University students in addition to collegiate chapters of Black Girls Vote. The organization invited the Howard University Gospel Choir to perform a rendition of the Black National Anthem and the gospel song Hold On (Change Is Comin’) paying homage to Black History Month with this historic celebration held in the Robert Frederick Smith Family Pavilion.

Currently, JPMorgan Chase reigns as the first and only financial institution to partner with all 9 members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Meet Villareal Johnson, the D.C. Council candidate looking to amplify community voices in Ward 7

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

Villareal “VJ” Johnson plans to keep community voices at the forefront if elected D.C. councilmember of Ward 7. Johnson is a D.C. native who found his way to community service and hasn’t stopped since.

Johnson has been engaging in Ward 7 for about 20 years.

“I have been steady with pushing the agenda for improving the lives of Ward 7 residents,” said Johnson. “I am carrying the work forward.”

“I have been steady with pushing the agenda for improving the lives of Ward 7 residents. I am carrying the work forward.”

Throughout the years, he has served as an advisory neighborhood commissioner (ANC), a non-partisan body made up of locally elected representatives spread across each ward and worked with the D.C. Council among many other positions throughout the city and ward.

Johnson said he knows what has been done and what needs to be done.

JPMorgan Chase recently announced a new virtual call center in Baltimore that would create additional jobs. The company also expanded its Atlanta office in Buckhead by 40,000 square feet, committing to hiring 500 employees by the end of 2025.

“All of the Divine 9 collectively believe in upward financial mobility being the real answer to how we move our collegiate members into opportunities to create a lifestyle that they dream of and desire. Advancing Black Pathways

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Danita Johnson: The catalyst behind D.C. United’s renaissance

By Helen Bezuneh Special to the AFRO @hbezuneh@afro.com

At the helm of D.C. United’s future stands Danita Johnson, the pragmatic and strategically insightful president of business operations. With a rich background in sports, Johnson is reshaping the soccer club and championing diversity and inclusion in the world of major league soccer.

Johnson holds the distinction of being the third woman and the first Black person in major league soccer history to lead a team’s business operations, making her one of the highestranking female executives in MLS history.

“I take a lot of pride in that,” Johnson told the AFRO. “In the beginning of this journey, I wasn’t like, ‘This is what I’m seeking out.’ I think it ended up in the capacity in which it did where the opportunities put me in very unique positions.

“To be the first in this role is one that I take a lot of responsibility in and I want to make sure I show up as my best and do my best in all the work that I’m doing,” she continued. “In addition to that, it’s about being able to bring my true self to work every single day and knowing that I have the ability to authentically show up as myself in my work and in

the workplace, and create a community of inclusiveness for everybody.”

With 15 years of experience in the sports industry under

If elected, Johnson plans to keep community voices at the center of his work by implementing regular town halls and community forums and using digital platforms for greater accessibility and opportunities for feedback.

Johnson said he knows the community voice and knows

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her belt at the time, Johnson came to D.C. United in December 2020 after working for eight professional sports organizations in Tulsa, Okla.; Bakersfield, Calif.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Los Angeles and D.C. Prior to joining D.C. United, she spent six years with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she first served as the vice president of ticket sales and service, then senior vice president of business operations and, finally, president and chief

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Danita Johnson, D.C. United’s president of business operations, is looking forward to making change within the major league soccer industry in 2024 and beyond.

Photo courtesy of D.C. United

JPMorgan Chase’s Managing Director and Head of Regional Philanthropy for North America Alicia Wilson speaks on the five years of success seen with the company’s Advancing Black Pathways program.

AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor

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The Afro

National Links Trust

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be the greatest Black golf player before Tiger Woods’ emergence.

Rhodes did not get a chance to compete on the PGA Tour.

“I don’t think my father was aware of the trailblazer he was,” White said. “He had a dream that he would be the finest golfer in the world, but I don’t think he realized he accomplished that goal.”

Throughout the film, golfers detail how the PGA’s color barrier was upheld by a longstanding clause in the PGA. From 1929 to 1961, Article III Section I of the PGA’s handbook stated that

“Male professional golfers of the Caucasian race, over the age of eighteen (18) years, residing in North or South America, who can qualify under the terms and condition hereinafter specified, shall be eligible for membership.”

While the documentary tells the story of the individual experience of being Black in golf, Uneven Fairways also highlights the founding of the United Golf Association, commonly known as the Chitlin Circuit, which provided Black golfers opportunities to compete.

“Black people, being very resourceful, wanted to play and so in 1925, a group of Black businessman met in a YMCA in Washington D.C. and basically said ‘Well, PGA won’t let us play on their tour, so we’ll start our own tour,’” said Pete McDaniel, author of Uneven Lines: The Heroic Story of African-Americans in Golf.

Later that year, the first National Negro Open was contested.

The Chitlin Circuit served as an incubator for many of golf’s first popular Black players and served as fertile ground for future golf giants.

Speaking to the documentary’s name, golfers talked about the conditions of golf courses that UGA players conducted golf tournaments on, citing shoddy landscapes and uneven grounds, usually played on municipal golf courses.

“One of the reasons why I love municipal golf is that it

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“Basically, you do it in small groups–community by community,” said Johnson. “We have chat and chews–couch conversations in neighbors’ homes where 10 -15 people show up– and we talk about the issues.”

He also plans to create community advisory boards and include youth organizations and schools in discussions about Ward 7’s future.

Johnson’s platform also includes public safety, education, economic development, housing and health.

“People know I’m invested,” said Johnson.

A few community members agree with this sentiment.

“I have known Mr. Villareal Johnson for at least 20 years. We worked together on a number of civic projects in the ward,” said Carrie Thornhill of the Hillcrest community in Ward 7. “ He’s very smart, engaging [and] dedicated to the interests of this Ward.”

Charlie Sifford, the first man to play on the PGA tour in 1961.

brings people together,” Cosby said. “It’s the easy way to get a young Black kid who’s probably never seen as much green grass on a golf course to keep them out there. That’s what I love about [municipal golf], it connects people to the game and brings people to the game.”

Inclusivity was no question for the UGA. Black women were automatically members of the association. Renee Powell, the second Black woman to participate in the LPGA tour, who spoke about her admission into UGA as a teenager golfer was mentioned in the documentary.

“All the young Black golfers, that’s where they played,” Albert Green, a UGA/ PGA player explained. “Lee Alder, Charlie Sifford, Calvin Peete, Teddy Rhodes, that’s where those guys got their start.”

Ron Terry called the Chitlin Circuit a family-affair, “It was a tour where you got to know everybody,” he said. “It was more like a fraternity than anything.”

Many mentioned how players supported one another on efforts on and off the course.

“We all traveled together anyway, so we helped each other…if you were hungry, we’re going to feed you, we weren’t going to let go around hungry,” Leonard James explained.

Members often paid for and

works, and I think that sets him apart from some of the other candidates,” said Thornhill.

Edmund Fleet of the Hillcrest community of Ward 7 said Johnson helped revive his engagement with the community’s civic activities.

“I’ve been neglectful the last couple of years being involved with the Hillcrest Community Civic Association and he re-engaged me,” said Fleet. “The thing that resonated with me was the college scholarship program that he has helped bolster in terms of giving out more financial dollars to our young people that live within Hillcrest to give them an opportunity to go to college.”

JP Morgan Chase

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gives them the technical skills, the career capacity and shows them mirror images of who they can become,” said Dr. Stacie NC Grant, international president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

“This is a powerful program and I love the leadership from the top down, from the C-Suite to ranking followers. Everybody has an opportunity to win and you can’t be what you don’t see. Tonight, we saw an example; celebrating a company that is invested in the success of Black and Brown people.”

provided their own resources which they were happy to share with others.

“They were going to eat because I always carried electric pots with me, and a frying pan,” James Black joked back.

Although an alternative league was created, it was still very clear that the color line imposed barriers that didn’t impact White athletes.

“It was a joy to be around but it was separate, totally separate and not equal,” said John Merchant, a former USGA executive committee member.

Though golfers made their own efforts to break the color barrier of the golf world, the documentary shed light on how Joe Louis, the former heavyweight champion broke the color barrier in the PGAsanctioned tournament in 1952 San Diego Open. Louis spoke against the PGA as they would become the final major American sports corporation to integrate Black athletes.

Louis’ son, Joe Louis Barrow Jr., spoke on behalf of his father’s racial contributions in both boxing and golf. “If you ask any of those older golfers, the reasons they’re playing golf today, or throughout their career is because of Joe Louis,” Barrow said.

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Other National PanHellenic Council presidents were in attendance and openly shared the benefits of working in collaboration with the cutting edge program. Last year, the company launched the Black Future Leaders program in South America to help individuals develop professional skills and is currently providing two-year English course technology training to over 150 students in Brazil free of charge.

“We are a proud partner of JPMorgan Chase through their Advancing Black

Pathways Program. It’s exciting to celebrate five years and exhilarating to work with them on a day to day basis to serve our community,” expressed Elsie Cooke-Holmes, president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. “This is a great milestone, we definitely have a lot to build upon but we are excited to continue partnering with them as they embark on the next five years of this great program.”

These ventures started just two years after the company reached a $53 million settlement with the Justice Department due to violations of the Fair Housing Act between 2006 and 2009. During those years, the bank’s wholesale lending brokers charged minority borrowers more than White borrowers of similar financial means.

“If we turned someone down inappropriately that’s terrible, if you’re saying we did it because they’re Black I don’t know if that’s accurate but anyone who has something to say about that should send us their

stuff and if they deserve a loan they should get a loan,”

JPMorgan Chase’s CEO Jamie Dimon told the AFRO

On stage at the Feb. 22 event, Dimon vowed to evolve efforts towards equity on a national and global front for minority communities throughout the world.

“There are issues like this for the Black community in Brazil, for minorities in India and we try to help them all,” Dimon mentioned to the audience after announcing that he sold $150 million worth of the bank’s stock for the first time since 2005 later that evening.

The sale comes at the helm of a larger plan to trade 1 million of the 8.6 million shares owned by Dimon and his family as revealed in an SEC filing. However, JPMorgan has assured that the sale is not related to leadership succession.

Dimon concluded by sharing, “Anything that works we’re going to double down on and if it doesn’t work we will change it; I’m not afraid of that either.”

Members of the Howard University Gospel choir perform at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture.

Continued from D1

“He made the community more aware of it and has got more people to donate to it, thereby increasing the amount of scholarship dollars we’ve been giving away,” continued Fleet.

The D.C. primary is June 4, and the general election is Nov. 5. Johnson is competing against Ebbon Allen, EboniRose Thompson, Kelvin Brown, Ebony Payne and Wendell Felder. The incumbent, Vincent Gray (D-D.C.-Ward 7), will not run for re-election leaving a noticeable opening for those interested in serving at the council level.

Tashi McQueen is a Report For America Corps member.

“Villareal is very knowledgeable on how this city and the community Villareal “VJ”

Photo courtesy of Footprint Fotos / Villareal Johnson

Johnson is one of seven candidates running

the

operating officer. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Sparks earned WNBA team business awards for Ticket Sales Performance of the Year, Marketing Performance of the Year and Franchise of the Year. During her time with the Sparks, she launched the #WeAreWomen campaign, achieving a historic attendance of 19,000 at the Staples Center for a WNBA game.

has developed a partnership with Howard University to host an annual football game at D.C. United’s Audi Field, spearheaded an unprecedented growth in

“To be the first in this role is one that I take a lot of responsibility in and I want to make sure I show up as my best and do my best in all the work that I’m doing. ”

ticket, concession and apparel sales and new attendance records at the team’s games, secured the club’s privilege to host the 2023 Major League Soccer All-Star game and successfully negotiated a deal with NBC Sports Washington and TeleXitos to broadcast D.C. United’s matches in both Spanish and English. Johnson has notably revitalized the D.C. United Foundation, an initiative that aims to provide underprivileged youth in the DMV with the resources and opportunities to thrive via the avenue of sport. The foundation has spearheaded a range of impactful programs. These include an annual toy drive benefiting DC SCORES poet athletes, a substantial $10,000 donation to the

local gun prevention nonprofit Peace For D.C., and the heartwarming initiative “Christmas on the Inside,” a project dedicated to providing holiday gifts to children and families who have a member currently incarcerated.

“Shanell Mosely, who leads our foundation, joined our club about eight to 10 months after I started, and we tasked her with building our foundation and our traditional community efforts,” said Johnson. “For us, part of our core values are determined, committed, united. That liases to our community values and how we show up in the community. We think pursuit of equality for folks, the opportunity to teach about health and wellness, those are things that we want to continue to educate in the community through our community platforms.

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AP Photo/Harold P. Matosian

how to extract it. Even before he began running for a D.C. Council seat, he was meeting residents where they were to make change.

to represent Ward 7 in

D.C. Council.

Danita Johnson

Photo courtesy of JPMorgan Chase

Woodlawn Cemetery Conference brings light to preservation efforts

By

Sabreen Dawud Special to the AFRO

The Woodlawn Cemetery Perpetual Care Association Board of Directors partnered with the Woodlawn Collaborative Project to host the virtual Woodlawn Cemetery Conference on Feb. 18.

A burial land established on May 13, 1895 in Washington, D.C., Woodlawn Cemetery is 22.5 acres of AfricanAmerican history, located on Benning Road SE. The land consists of 36,000 burials, with almost all of them being of Black descent.

The Woodlawn Descendants Conference is aimed at uniting descendants of people who were laid to rest at the Woodlawn Cemetery. Organizers encouraged living family members to share the legacies of their loved ones. Attendees were also given opportunities to ask questions about the cemetery grounds and learn more about Woodlawn Cemetery’s history.

Lawrence Davin, a liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services in Ward 7, shared the historical relevance of the cemetery during his

introduction at the conference. “I would pass it everyday not knowing who was laid to rest on those sacred grounds. People that I learned about in college: John Mercer

“These are the folks that our children and our community should be familiar with... so we have a better idea of who we are and where we come from.”

Langston, who helped stand up Howard Law School, or Blanche Bruce, our first Black Senator to serve a full term,” Davin shared.

“These are the folks that our children and our community should be familiar with. These are the folks that our children should learn about and our community should learn about so we have a better idea of who we are and where we come from.”

The conference was anchored by Nicole Jordan, president of the Washington, D.C. Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, shared that the Woodlawn Collaborative Project involves 17 chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

The event consisted of words from several speakers, such as Lawrence Davin, Omar Eaton-Martínez, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s senior vice president for Historic Sites, and primary speaker Lisa Fager, executive director for the Black Georgetown Foundation.

Raven L. Hill, president of the Xi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, moderated the event’s question-and-answer segment.

Fager presented a slideshow detailing the historical significance of Washington D.C.’s four historically Black

The Woodlawn Cemetery is one of four historic Black burial grounds for Washington D.C., and has more than 36,000 people interred.

cemeteries. She highlighted Woodlawn Cemetery as the largest historically Black cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Fager noted that Woodlawn Cemetery was established after death records were implemented, allowing for records to be made on who resides in the cemetery.

Many of these records are currently stored in the Howard University Moorland-Spingarn Research Center. Some of the notable figures with burials at Woodlawn Cemetery that

Fager highlighted include: Clement G. Morgan, one of the NAACP’s founders, and the nephew and grandson of Martha Washington, William Custis Costin.

The event concluded with closing words from Jordan who emphasized the passion behind the cemetery’s historical grounds.

“As you can see, there is passion that is here from those volunteers who are people working on this issue because of the commitment to the

community, the commitment to our history, and this is something we should do. So when you walk away from here thinking about what can I do, it is volunteering, it’s to get the word out,” Jordan said. “The awareness that this issue is happening throughout the country and that we need to make sure that we are preserving the spaces where our history lies.”

For more information on Woodlawn Cemetery, visit their website woodlawndc.org.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund welcomes HBCU administrators to Capitol Hill for policy discussions

By

Aria Brent AFRO Staff Writer abrent@afro.com

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is gearing up for the eighth Presidents and Chancellor’s HBCU Fly-In on Capitol Hill from March 6-8. This three day event is focused on bringing together HBCU administrators, members of congress and policy makers to discuss the issues that are directly affecting the nation’s 107 HBCUs.

Since its conception in 2017 this annual event has been attended by presidents, vice presidents and agency secretaries. TMCF has 55 public HBCUs in their network of partnering schools, however for this event they’ll be inviting unaffiliated HBCUs as well to ensure that all of these historical institutions benefit from this event. In addition to the many HBCU administrators and political figures that are invited to this event, a series of our nation’s top business executives are invited to help create more opportunities for HBCUs.

“From the standpoint of engaging with top CEOs in the United States, this is an opportunity for potential partnerships. It’s an opportunity to build capacity at our institutions, and put them in a position to educate and train our students so that they’re prepared to take on the jobs of tomorrow,” stated David Sheppard, chief business and legal officer for TMCF.

Sheppared went on to further explain some of the events that have been happening within the last four years that have brought an increase in attention for HBCUs and how that has created a space for more policy to be created for

the betterment of them. Things such as the election of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has provided a space for HBCUs to be represented and recognized like never before. While all eyes are on HBCUs, TMCF has been using this newfound exposure to highlight issues such as a lack of sourcing institutional infrastructure. For those who have attended

“I don’t believe that every young person should go to an HBCU but I believe that every young person should visit an HBCU before they make a choice. They should put our institutions up against any other institution.”

an HBCU, it’s no secret that many of these institutions–especially public ones, are severely underfunded, underresourced and undermined.

Sheppard explained that this issue has even affected landgrant institutions, despite the

required federal laws that have been put in place for their protection.

“Our institutions have largely been under-resourced.

In fact, the public institutions have never been supported by their state’s in the way that the flagship institutions–which are predominantly White institutions have been,” explained Sheppard. “It is a particular issue of significance as it relates to our land grant institutions.There is a set of HBCUs that are land grant institutions and they have never been treated similarly by their states despite the requirements of federal law.”

There’s a total of 21 land grant HBCUs including Virginia State University (VSU).

Founded in 1882, VSU is the fourth oldest institution within the Virginia commonwealth and despite their lengthy existence they’ve never been funded in the same way public predominantly White institutions throughout the state have been. VSU President Makola Abdullah spoke with the AFRO about why events like the TMCF fly-in are necessary and how we can further promote our HBCUs.

“It is an opportunity for us as presidents to advocate for our respective institutions as a whole at the federal level. It’s a way for us to really make an impact for HBCUs in Washington,” Abdullah explained.

Abdullah truly believes in HBCUs and what they have to offer. Noting that he thinks of them as some of the best institutions in the country, the head trojan in charge explained how he thinks the Black community can support and promote HBCUs even without attending them.

“In order for our HBCUs to be around, we all have to support them no matter where we went to school. I don’t believe that every young person should go to an HBCU but I believe that every young person should visit an HBCU before

they make a choice. They should put our institutions up against any other institution,” stated Abdullah. “Every Black person should donate to an HBCU because if our institutions go away, then we don’t have a choice to choose

HBCUs. Right now we have the freedom to not choose an HBCU. That freedom should always be there, whether people choose to go or not.”

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MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (MDOT MTA) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS (Aviso de Audiencias Públicas)

MTA gives notice of five public hearings on proposed service changes affecting 34 Commuter Bus routes. The proposal includes discontinuing eight Commuter Bus routes and service reductions to 26 routes. The service changes would become effective on Monday, July 01, 2024.

Complete details of the proposed service changes are available for public review in the Transit Store and the lobby of the William Donald Schaefer Building at 6 St. Paul Street in Baltimore and online at mta.maryland.gov/commuter-bus2024.

Individuals and organizations are invited to provide testimony for the official record. Public hearings will be conducted in person, and virtually. Testimony can be provided via video or phone during virtual hearings.

Tuesday,

Wednesday,

Virtual Participation: Broadcast Live Online and via Telephone

• Testimony will be provided via audio only.

• To access a virtual hearing online visit mta.maryland.gov/commuter-bus202 and click the link to the hearing session.

Advance registration is encouraged to provide comments, though not required. Please register, by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing at which you wish to speak, at mta.maryland.gov/commuter-bus2024 or call 410-767-3999.

Access via telephone at 301-715-8592 and enter the meeting ID for the hearing session. Advance registration to provide testimony via telephone is not available.

Written testimony may be submitted via email to HearingComments@mta.maryland.gov with “Written Testimony” as the subject heading. Testimony may also be mailed to MTA, Office of Customer Relations, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. MTA will accept written testimony for the official public hearing record through Monday, April 29, 2024 Locations are accessible for people with disabilities. Sign Language interpretation will be provided. Please contact the department listed below to arrange for: special assistance or additional accommodation to participate in this public hearing; printed material in an alternate format or translated; and an interpreter. All requests must be received one week in advance.

Los sitios tienen acceso para personas con discapacidades. Por favor comuníquese con el departamento listado a continuación para concertar arreglos para: ayuda especial o adaptaciones adicionales; material impreso en un formato alternativo o traducido; personas sordas y personas que solicitan un(a) intérprete.

Todas

The TMCF Presidents and Chancellors HBCU Fly-in will happen March 6 to March 8 on Capitol Hill.

Photo courtesy of TMCF.org

Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

Brothers Hakeem and Hasan Jeffries advocate for ‘righteous intensity’ at ASALH luncheon

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) recently held their Annual Black History Month Festival Luncheon, on Feb. 24 at the Westin in downtown Washington D.C.

The organization was founded by Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D., who is credited with the creation of the month, which recognizes Black leaders in history and their contributions.

Black History Month is an outgrowth of Negro History Week, which Woodson began Feb. 7, 1926. Each year ASALH

assigns a theme to the now monthlong celebration, with the 2024 focus being “African Americans and the Arts.”

Democratic House Leader, Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.-8) and his brother Hasan Jeffries, a history professor at the Ohio State University, participated in a panel discussion with Tiffany

AFRO Photos / AJ Johnson

Cross to highlight the influences of Black art on Black life with a special focus on the political sector.

Special guests included Non-voting Del. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-D.C.), Sharon Pratt, former D.C. mayor, and Feven Solomon, senior advisor for public engagement at the White House.

Moderator Tiffany Cross leads a panel discussion on the importance of voting in the 2024 presidential election with keynote panelists Hasan Jeffries and Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Leader for United States House of Representatives.

The Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.-8) participates in a panel discussion at the ASALH Annual Black History Festival Luncheon.

Dr. Hasan Jeffries, a history professor at the Ohio State University, shares his opinion on the political climate in America.

ASALH President, W. Marvin Dulaney, Ph.D., welcomes the audience to the 98th Black History Festival Luncheon.

Senior Advisor for Public Engagement for the White House Feven Solomon, presents a proclamation on behalf of the president.

Alan Williams, senior advisor for the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, bring greetings from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.

ASALH Executive Council Members, Dr. Gladys Gary Vaughn (left) and Dr. Sharita Jacobs Thompson, serve as co-chairs of the Luncheon Committee.

ASALH Executive Director Sylvia Y. Cyrus (left), Director of Stamp Services for the United States Postal Service, Lisa Bobb-Semple, and ASALH President, W. Marvin Dulaney, Ph.D., unveil the new Black Heritage Stamp of Constance Baker Motley.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, 31st Third District Representative Shawn R. Lacey (left), and First Vice District Representative, Craig Spraggins present a check to ASALH.

The first female mayor of Washington, D.C. Sharon Pratt (left) and current youth mayor of Washington, D.C., Lourdes Robinson.

Denise Rolark, publisher of the Washington Informer, serves as mistress of ceremonies for the 98th ASALH Black History Festival Luncheon.