A sweeping campaign to erase Black history and dismantle equity and inclusion efforts has been undertaken by
argue the coordinated
of equal opportunity policies and historical narratives is an attempt to sanitize America’s past, suppress minority contributions and reinforce White supremacist ideologies under the guise of “restoring truth.” Shown here, Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman
and
former director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, all of whom have been impacted by the recent anti-diversity
and
Attacks to erase diversity, promote revisionist American history
By Zenitha Prince AFRO Contributing Editor
History, it’s said, is written by the victors. And since Donald Trump won the 2024 general election, he’s been on a campaign to rewrite America’s past by erasing Black history.
The latest targets: a National Parks Service webpage detailing information about the life and legacy of
Harriet Tubman, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and the library of the U.S. Naval Academy.
The truth about slavery – how America was built upon the backs of the Black enslaved; the unique and outstanding contributions of African Americans to various aspects of American life; the ongoing struggle for equity, inclusion, civil rights and justice–all have been subject to an
Oval Office-led effort to Whitewash history and pander to the delusion of White victimhood.
Trump has pursued this goal by ordering the dismantling or removal of all equity, diversity and inclusion policies and practices. His executive order against inclusion and diversity has resulted in a striking of literature from federal agencies and pressure on private sector entities to do the same by threatening to cut federal funding
and contracts.
The National Parks Service, in a recent attempt to comply with Trump’s directive, edited a webpage on Underground Railroad hero Harriet Tubman in a way that appeared to downplay Tubman’s role and sanitize the harsh realities of American slavery.
For example, according to The AP, the original opening sentence referenced the railroad’s core role in “the resistance to enslavement through
Tariffs could deepen economic burdens for low-income and marginalized communities
For low-income and marginalized communities, who already spend a higher proportion of their income on necessities, these increases could have outsized effects.
The current American president’s universal and reciprocal tariffs could have significant implications for marginalized communities.
A 10 percent global tariff on all goods imported to the United States went into effect on April 5. Reciprocal tariffs went into effect on April 9, with different countries taxed at different rates ranging from 11 to 50 percent.
Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods. While they are technically paid by companies that import products from abroad, the added costs are often passed on to consumers.
Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs are expected to increase prices for everyday items. The trade wars have already roiled financial markets and plunged businesses into uncertainty — all while economists warn of potentially weakened economic growth and heightened inequality.
Experts warn that these tariffs could escalate inequities. Low-income families in particular will feel the costs of key necessities, like food and energy, rise with fewer savings to draw on — significantly straining budgets.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, households in the lowest income quintile spend approximately 82 percent of their income on necessities, compared to about 65 percent for households in the highest quintile. This means price hikes on groceries, gas and utilities will weigh more heavily on families with limited disposable income.
U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.-8) emphasized this issue.
“The tariffs are making life less affordable for the average American,” Jeffries said in a statement.
“Not a single bill— not a single executive order— not
escape and flight.” However, an edited version called the railroad “one of the most significant expressions of the American Civil Rights Movement” and described how it “bridged the divides of race, religion, sectional differences and nationality.”
Civil rights leaders immediately decried the changes.
Bernice King, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
Harriet Tubman Credit: Smithsonian, National Museum of African American History and Culture
White House officials. Critics
rollback
(left); Authors Maya Angelou (center, top)
Isaac J. Bailey;
Kevin Young (right),
executive orders.
By Quintessa Williams Word in Black
Unsplash / Redd Francisco High school students in the Black community could
WHAT’S TRENDING ON AFRO.COM
Fired Education Department employees say reduction in force could be detrimental to classrooms
By Jade Tran and Jess Daninhirsch
Suitcases and large cardboard boxes rolled across the pavement outside the Department of Education’s offices this week as recently fired federal workers packed up their desks.
Outside, workers were greeted with claps, cheers and whistles as they emerged from the buildings, some raising their fists in defiance. Colleagues embraced, sharing quiet words or simply holding on.
Signs with various messages floated above the crowd, most thanking the workers for their public service.
What began as a smaller “clap out” outside the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), home to Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) offices, on March 26 grew into a larger demonstration two days later. Fired employees gathered at the Department of Education’s headquarters, joined by advocates rallying in solidarity.
was bittersweet. The abrupt departure offered a sense of closure, giving her the chance to say a proper goodbye to colleagues she had worked alongside for years.
“This is an assault on public education, because people know that education is the great equalizer,” she said. “It is the way that a student, a person like me, who came from nothing from Toledo, Ohio, can end up working in a place like this.”
Supporters gathered with former employees, holding signs of solidarity. One sign, adorned with Cookie Monster, read: “Thank you! Gracias! Merci! Salamat!”
Education, he may never have received computers to teach his class.
Bimber expressed his concerns that if the department is experiencing massive layoffs, programs like this that provide equipment and materials to students may no longer get off the ground.
“I know how programs from this agency, this department, have affected schools over the years, and it’s largely invisible, but it’s huge,” Bimber said. “It really is enormous what they do.”
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management lays out specific procedures for downsizing, which include ranking employees based on seniority and performance. However, Churchwell said the administration altered the way competitive areas were identified to bypass this process.
Veronica Greene, 56, a nearly retired worker, made her way down the path outside the OSSE, her belongings packed into two cardboard boxes stacked on a dolly. A security guard and another man, also carrying boxes, helped guide the load.
A car pulled up to the corner of the building, its windows down. A man and a woman
On March 11 workers in the department, which originally had 4,200 employees, were told layoffs aimed at reducing the workforce by 50 percent would soon begin. Some employees opted for early buyouts, while others took early retirements. The remaining 1,300 employees were subject to “reduction in force” notices, according to former employees Nikki Churchwell of Calvert County, Md., from the Office of Performance and Improvement; and Kaitlyn Vitez, of Alexandria, Va., from the Office of Communications and Outreach. On March 21 employees impacted by the reduction in force were placed on administrative leave.
inside waved and clapped in support. With teary eyes, Greene said, “These are my colleagues.”
“We party hard. We love each other. It’s hard to see these people leave because I don’t know if I’ll ever see them again, ” she said. “Some I might, but a lot I might not.”
Describing her experience, Greene said that she planned to retire, but this departure was not on her own terms. In just 15 to 20 minutes, the place she had considered home for decades was reduced to two boxes, after dedicating her life to student aid and loan services since 1991.
Her days were spent answering phones and sorting through mail, but it was in her office in meetings, where she said she witnessed the dedication of her colleagues.
Kelisa Wing, of Virginia, a former employee with the
Office of the Deputy Secretary at the Department of Education, was escorted to her workstation around 9 a.m. on March 28 with just 30 minutes to pack up her belongings.
As she moved through the office, she noticed Homeland Security personnel monitoring the building. By 11 a.m., the walls of her workspace, once decorated with family photos, potted plants and an image of Martin Luther King Jr. from the night before his assassination, were bare.
Everything had been carefully placed into a sleek black suitcase with a box stacked on top.
“All I ever wanted to be was an English teacher and look what God did, because of education,” she said. “Education saved my opportunities, so that’s what they want to take away.”
Still, for Wing, the moment
Tony Sarmiento, a retired worker from Silver Spring, Md., who has attended 21 demonstrations in support of federal employees since the new administration took office, stood beside Greene, snapping photos and helping her with her belongings.
He said firings like these often led to deep emotional struggles, with laid-off workers battling depression and self-blame.
“So, even with the completely irrational, cruel way these closings are happening,” he said, “there’s a phenomenon where workers are so depressed, they aren’t going to blame the right person.”
Bill Bimber, a retired science and technology high school teacher with 34 years of experience in northern Virginia schools, spent many years without computers to teach his students computer repair. If it weren’t for funding programs created by the Department of
Dressed in a Department of Education graphic tee, Jackie Murray approached her firing with grace - after 40 years in communications and outreach - with a positive outlook on her future. After being placed on administrative leave over two months ago, the popular Murray bounced around the outside of the building with a smile and laughter.
She responded to a question about her next steps, saying, “My mouth moves a lot, so it needs to get paid because it has to eat, you know.”
For her, a support system of girlfriends, music, and scripture was key during moments like this that felt shared by many federal workers across the Washington region.
“Find you a support group that has accepted this, because there are still individuals…that I know, who have not fully accepted this,” she added, offering advice to those in her situation.
This article was originally published by Capital News Service.
FCC chair launches investigation into Disney and ABC over diversity
By Stacy M. Brown
FCC chair launches investigation into Disney and ABC over diversity, inclusion and equity practices
Frances Murphy Draper
John J. Oliver Jr.) Benjamin Murphy Phillips IV - Kevin E. Peck Dana Peck
Receptionist - Wanda PearsonDirector of Operations
Andrè DraperDirector of Finance Bonnie Deanes -
Lenora Howze - lhowze@afro.com
Diane W. HockerEditorial Alexis TaylorAma Brown-Parson - Savannah Wood-
Andrè DraperFrances L. Murphy II)
Director of Operations - Andrè Draper -
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has ordered an investigation into The Walt Disney Co. and its subsidiary ABC, alleging potential violations of the agency’s equal employment opportunity (EEO) regulations stemming from the companies’ diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
In a letter to Disney CEO Robert A. Iger, Carr stated that the FCC’s enforcement bureau would examine whether Disney and ABC engaged in what he described as “invidious forms of DEI discrimination” in violation of federal regulations that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, or gender.
“While I have seen reports that Disney recently walked back some of its DEI programs, significant concerns remain,” Carr wrote. “I want to ensure that Disney ends any and all discriminatory initiatives in substance, not just name.”
Carr pointed to internal and public-facing initiatives within Disney, including mandatory inclusion standards at ABC and the company’s “Reimagine Tomorrow”
AP Photo/John Raoux
The Walt Disney Co. and its subsidiary, ABC, are the latest corporate entities to become targets of the 47th president’s administration due to fostering equity, diversity and inclusion.
campaign. He cited whistleblower accounts and media reports suggesting Disney employed race- and gender-based criteria in hiring, production, and executive compensation decisions. Among the practices under scrutiny are reported requirements that “50 percent of regular and recurring characters” be from underrepresented groups, and that “50% or more” of writers, directors, crew, and vendors also meet demographic criteria. Carr also flagged fellowships and hiring databases that he claimed were restricted to select racial or ethnic groups.
Carr, a Trump-appointed commissioner who now chairs the FCC under the president’s second administration, said President Trump’s recent executive order banning federal DEI programs prompted the agency’s broader rollback of similar initiatives. He wrote that the FCC has already moved to eliminate its internal diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and expects regulated entities to do the same.
“As I have made clear, promoting invidious forms of discrimination cannot be squared with any reasonable interpretation of federal law,”
Carr stated. “Doing so only deprives Americans of their rights to fair and equal treatment under the law.”
A Disney spokesperson said the company was reviewing the letter and looked forward to answering the commission’s questions.
The crackdown on diversity is part of a broader Trump and Project 2025 initiative that seeks to erase the history of underrepresented groups, particularly Black Americans. Trump’s second term has been marked by sweeping actions against marginalized communities as the president and his supporters work to whitewash U.S. history and drive the country back beyond the Jim Crow era.
In February, Axios reported that Disney had made some policy changes, including eliminating a website highlighting personalities and stories from underrepresented communities. The company also softened messages that appeared before showings of older films like “Dumbo” and “Peter Pan.” Instead of previous warnings that the films include “negative depictions and/or mistreatment of peoples or culture,” the updated messages now read: “This program is presented as originally created and may contain stereotypes or negative depictions.”
This article was originally printed by NNPA Newswire.
Giuseppe LoPiccolo/Capital News Service
A woman praises laid off workers after a reduction in force at the Department of Education.
Tariffs
a single administrative action has been done by Donald Trump, House Republicans or Senate Republicans to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America,” he added.
“In fact, Republicans are crashing the American economy in real time and driving us to a recession.”
The United States imports a significant share of the goods it consumes. From food and clothing to electronics and medical supplies, global supply chains are deeply embedded in everyday life. When tariffs are applied to imports, they can quickly raise costs on a wide range of consumer goods.
Indigenous and immigrant populations, are statistically more likely to have limited financial buffers.
According to the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth was $285,000 for White households, but only $61,600 for Hispanic households and $44,900 for Black households.
Democratic Whip Katherine Clarke (D-Mass.-5) expressed concerns about the lack of structure in the current trade policy rollout.
“What we have here is tariffs by chaos. We don’t even understand where the White House came up with the numbers for these tariff rates,” said the Massachusetts lawmaker. “It is not part of a
“These tariffs haven’t even hit for real and the world is off the rails… I care too deeply for the harm that is inflicted, unnecessarily upon people.”
A 2019 study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics estimated that U.S. households paid an average of $831 more per year due to tariffs introduced between 2018 and 2019.
Low-income and marginalized communities, including Black, Latino,
strategy that is laid out. So, what we have is chaos, retribution, uncertainty.”
She also warned about the potential for international retaliation.
“We are going to see, as we’ve already seen from China, retaliatory tariffs. And they go after our allies as
Attacks on diversity
King Jr., called the move “an attack on truth, an attempt to erase history that would help us improve society today, a refusal to be uncomfortable and engaged in changing harmful policies and practices.”
The public backlash prompted the NPS to walk back the edits on April 8.
The controversy came on the heels of news that Trump had turned his sights on the Smithsonian Institution, particularly the National Museum of African American History and Culture, for what he deemed “improper ideology” in the depictions of American history.
In a March 27 executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” the president empowered Vice President J.D. Vance to review all the Smithsonian’s properties, programs and presentations to prohibit programs that “degrade shared American values” or “divide Americans based on race.”
Under the harsh glare of the White House, Kevin Young, director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016, announced his resignation April 4. Young had served as director since January 2021, succeeding Lonnie G. Bunch III
Inclusion
it declared that school equity, diversity and inclusion policies exclude qualified White and Asian college-bound students from campus.
Implied but not stated in the directive, experts say, is an assumption: that other minority high school seniors who’ve earned seats at top schools probably don’t deserve them — especially if they’re Black.
For Black students, who often have to fight uphill battles just to get accepted into America’s top universities, the assumption that admissions standards have been lowered just for the sake of diversity is not just harmful but false. That’s because the number of Black high school graduates has ticked up in recent years, along with the percentage of Black students who qualify for admission to elite institutions of higher education.
“We see time and time again that whenever forward progress is made in addressing systemic challenges, there’s a backlash,” says Dr. Alaina Harper, a college admissions expert and Executive Director at OneGoal in New York, a nonprofit organization that helps high school students of color pursue their postsecondary aspirations. “The idea that standards must be lowered for our students to succeed is highly inaccurate.”
Where’s the credit for graduation gains?
In recent years, Black students have made steady progress in high school graduation rates.
In the 2010-11 academic year, around 74 percent of Black public high school students graduated on time, but within a decade the percentage had climbed to 81 percent, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The 7-point gain is the largest improvement among any racial group over the same time frame, yet critics continue to suggest it’s due to “softened” academic standards, not hard work.
well as countries like China, where we want to use good tariff policy to make sure that they are not flooding us with cheap goods and taking American jobs,” Clarke said in a statement.
As a result of the 34 percent reciprocal tariff placed on China, the country retaliated with a 34 percent tariff of its own for all American goods imported into their country. After more back and forth, the tariffs landed at 104 percent for Chinese goods coming into the United States, with an 84 percent tariff on all items being imported into China from America.
Retaliatory tariffs by other countries could further disrupt supply chains, especially in agriculture and manufacturing, which are major employers in rural and lower-income regions. If export demand drops, job losses could follow.
Trump has argued that tariffs will help bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., but the short-term effects could include layoffs or reduced hours, especially in sectors that rely heavily on imported components.
A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that between 2018 and 2019, tariffs slowed growth in U.S. manufacturing jobs by 1.4 percentage points.
Job losses or wage stagnation would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Workers of color and immigrants are overrepresented in lower-wage sectors such
“...the erasure of history and achievement [is] not an act of strength, but a confession of fear—a silent admission that White supremacy is but a fragile mirage, sustained only through the dimming of all other lights.”
after the latter became secretary of the Smithsonian. Under Young’s leadership, the museum launched a digital “Searchable Museum” in
But experts point to schools in majority-Black cities and districts that have invested in new approaches to teaching and learning — not shortcuts.
For example, the public school system in Atlanta, where more than 70 percent of students are Black, has a graduation rate of 86.2 percent. In suburban Dallas, the DeSoto Independent School District, which is predominantly Black, the graduation rate is around 93.2 percent. The school district in Prince George’s County, Maryland, whose population is majority Black, had a graduation rate of 84.7 percent.
None of those districts lowered standards to get there, Harper says. They added support.
“It’s not that our Black students lack potential,” Harper says. “It’s that they lack access. The support and opportunities available to them are not equally distributed.”
Deeper than equity, diversity and inclusion
Improved high school graduation rates notwithstanding, Black students are still significantly underrepresented on college campuses. In 2022, just 36 percent of Black 18- to 24-year-olds were enrolled in college; since 2010, Black college enrollment has declined 23 percent, according to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute.
Harper says that many Black students never get the chance to fully pursue their goals due to a lack of resources and funding in K-12 schools to guide them.
“We’re more likely to see Black students in schools with limited access to college and career instruction, or academically rigorous coursework,” Harper says. “They also face financial barriers that make college feel out of reach.”
Data tells part of the story. According to The Education Trust, a nonprofit, predominantly Black K-12 public-school districts receive
A trade war has already roiled financial markets and plunged businesses into uncertainty. Lawmakers like U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.-8) have expressed strong concern over the U.S. tariffs, with some warning that the measures could escalate global tensions and deepen economic hardship for working families.
as logistics, service industries, and retail — many of which are highly sensitive to supply disruptions.
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas-30) addressed the human cost of these policies.
“It’s time for Congress, in a bipartisan way, to come together and reign in the Mad King,” Crockett said in a statement. “These tariffs haven’t even hit for real and the world is off the rails… I care too deeply for the harm that is inflicted, unnecessarily upon people, even on those that hate my very existence.”
the fall of 2021 and kicked off its $350 million “Living History” campaign the following year.
Bunch addressed the president’s executive order in a memo to Smithsonian staff, writing that the institution “will continue to showcase world-class exhibits, collections, and objects, rooted in expertise and accuracy.”
Historians, civil rights leaders and members of the Black community say they are not surprised that Trump is targeting institutions like NMAAHC, and some expressed their anger with his actions.
“I’m sick of this s–t,” Derrick Vines vented in frustration, “...every day something new.”
“This museum is a wonderful place. Rich in history. It should remain at all costs,” commented Sharron Malachi Watkins on the AFRO’s Facebook page. “He is trying to erase our history. He is trying to erase us. His hatred is deep rooted.”
Michael J. Hudson wondered if other Black institutions would be targeted. “Are they [going] to close down HBCUs next?”
In another milepost along Trump’s road to revisionist American history, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on April 4 presented a list of nearly 400 books removed from its library to comply with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s directive to scrub all traces of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Among the list of 381 books are Maya
While tariffs are intended to strengthen domestic industries and generate federal revenue, they also increase the cost of many goods — from groceries to consumer electronics. Because low-income and marginalized households spend a greater share of their income on such goods and have fewer financial resources to fall back on, they are more likely to experience economic strain. As trade policies continue to evolve, the economic consequences for the most vulnerable populations remain an essential part of the broader conversation.
Angelou’s famous memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” and other volumes on histories of and issues relating to the Holocaust, feminism, civil rights and racism, gender identity and other targeted topics. The Academy also reviewed its curriculum and class offerings – modifying some and slashing others.
The Pentagon’s overzealous efforts to comply with Trump’s executive order targeting diversity have stirred public indignation after the wholesale deletion of webpages dedicated to baseball legend Jackie Robinson’s military career; Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the first Black U.S. Secretary of State; Army Maj. Gen. Charles C. Rogers, a Black recipient of the Medal of Honor; the Navajo Code Talkers and Japanese Americans, among others. AFRO reader Kelly F. Lebron Schwartz offered her theory on why Trump and his cohorts were attacking Black history, Black personages and the community in general.
“The illusion of superiority can only be maintained by veiling the brilliance of others, for when true greatness emerges, it casts shadows upon those who seek to reign unchallenged,” she wrote. “Thus, the erasure of history and achievement becomes not an act of strength, but a confession of fear—a silent admission that White supremacy is but a fragile mirage, sustained only through the dimming of all other lights.”
graph illustrating the steady rise in Black high school graduation rates, with comparisons between national averages and standout majority-Black districts like Atlanta,
$2,200 less per student than majority-White districts. That funding gap plays out in fewer counselors, outdated textbooks, and less access to advanced coursework — all of which weaken college readiness.
The toll suspicion
Even when Black students beat the odds and make it to elite colleges, doubt is never far behind. The common assumption among some White professors, classmates, or school officials — that a Black student on campus got there because of preference, not performance — adds a psychological burden, especially in predominantly-White, academically competitive spaces.
“We cannot let our young people internalize the message that they don’t belong,” Harper says. “When students constantly feel like they have to prove they earned their spot, it’s exhausting, and unfair.”
Adding an extra layer of stress is what social psychologist Claude Steele calls “stereotype threat”: the fear of confirming racial stereotypes, an anxiety which can undermine academic performance. In highly-regarded, predominantly White schools already short on support for Black students, the emotional toll can become even heavier.
Reframing the conversation
As the Trump administration’s anti-diversity rhetoric escalates, Harper says, it’s time for higher-education institutes to ask more incisive questions — not about who’s getting ahead, but about who’s being left behind.
“We need scalable, evidence-based solutions that work for all students,” she says. “That means integrating postsecondary advising into the school day, simplifying financial aid, and closing affordability gaps.”
Graph courtesy of Word in Black
Bar
DeSoto ISD, and Prince George’s County.
COMMENTARY
Bias can be found in the actions of many, regardless of race or background. This week, AFRO CEO and Publisher Frances Murphy Draper, speaks to how people– even those in the Black and Brown communities– can exhibit biased behaviors.
Op-ed: Unconscious
bias doesn’t need a color line
By Frances Murphy Draper AFRO CEO and Publisher
My husband and I recently visited First Watch in Towson expecting a relaxing breakfast. Instead, we left feeling disrespected and dismissed.
When we arrived we were in line, in front of two White patrons. The Black host asked how many were in our party. “Two,” we replied. He stepped away to check on a table. When he returned, he bypassed us and seated the White couple—without hesitation.
When we asked why they were
seated first, he laughed. We weren’t amused.
On the way to a table—outside, without asking our preference—we asked to speak with the manager.
The manager, a Black woman, quickly defended the host, saying he was new, nervous and in training. She called it an honest mistake— not discrimination. I asked if she planned to comp our meal. She quickly said no. Both she and the host apologized, but their apologies didn’t feel genuine—more like something said to move past the moment.
When we expressed how the
Defending democracy: ASALH’s Magna Carta for resistance and renewal
By Karsonya Wise Whitehead
Until the past week, I had held fast to the belief that America’s version of representative democracy, which has been around since the Constitution was ratified in 1788, was stronger than one person, one party or one branch. The whole idea of checks and balances is to provide guardrails that prevent tyranny. I no longer believe that to be the case.
We are witnessing a worst-case scenario of what happens when the political levees break. It has taken less than three months to break a system that has been struggling to stand up straight for 237 years. Democracy was not perfect. It was fragile, and I believe that it is ending.
The questions we must now address are: What comes after representative democracy? What can be saved? What is being sacrificed for the good of only a few? What will be the new normal? And what do we need to do to continue to take care of ourselves, push back when we can, and stay healthy and grounded?
This is where the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) comes in and where my work as the current president begins. Founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, ASALH is the keeper of Black history, and our mission is to create and disseminate that knowledge. There is no American story without us. There is no yesterday and no tomorrow without our voices, creativity, passion and ability to love and laugh even amid terror and despair. We are built for these moments. We do not shrink away. We lean in rather than lean out. It was Ida B. Wells who wrote, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” As the president of ASALH, I take this as a personal challenge—to recognize the wrongs
and do everything I can to find and uplift the truth. This was the framing that we used for our first ASALH National Convening as I sat down with Rep. Al Green, Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, Lester Spence, Melanie L. Campbell and Tanya Clay House to develop our ASALH Magna Carta, a set of strategies that you can immediately use to practice daily intentional moments of resistance. We were joined by 956 guests who stayed engaged and stayed with us until the end. Our community discussion was led by LaMarr Darnell Shields and included tips for mental and physical health from Kevin Washington and coach Chauncey Whitehead.
When I thought about the best way to respond to everything happening, I was particularly intrigued by a conversation that I had earlier this month with Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., when he mentioned that maybe it was time for America to develop a Magna Carta.
In 1215, in response to King Edward’s tyrannical rule and arbitrary and random orders, the English barons (powerful landowners) developed a Magna Carta. This document limited the king’s power and established the rule of law, due process and protection of rights. They then forced King John to sign it. The Magna Carta, as it is most often applied, is a foundational document for democracy and human rights. For ASALH, I see our Magna Carta as a reminder that democracy belongs to us; we are the people.
Winston Churchill once said, “Danger is real; fear is a choice.” We are in danger because our democracy, which was already quite fragile, is falling, but we are not powerless. We can choose to fight and practice small daily acts of intentional resistance. Our Magna Carta outlines some of the ways that you can get started. We invite you to add to this list as we work together to save (or rebuild) democracy.
situation made us feel, she added, “I don’t see how this could be about bias—we’re all Black.” That response was especially troubling. It showed a lack of understanding about how unconscious bias works.
We weren’t looking to penalize anyone. We simply wanted acknowledgement. Instead, we were dismissed. No sincere apology. No effort to make it right. So, we took our business elsewhere.
This wasn’t just about a seating error. It was about the subtle ways people, even within our own community, internalize messages that influence how they treat others— often without realizing it. This is what’s known as unconscious bias. A related term, implicit bias, describes these ingrained attitudes more specifically—especially the automatic associations we make about race,
ASALH’S MAGNA CARTA
1. Find the organizations and institutions doing the work you agree with and defend them with everything you have and not just with your thoughts and prayers. I often say, give your tithes to your church and give your offerings to these organizations and institutions. The fight is real, and it is not cheap.
2. Create local communities of action and accountability where you can work together to demand justice and equality. Audre Lorde teaches us that “the master’s tools cannot dismantle the master’s house,” but I believe that they can be used to disrupt the natural tendency to normalize the horror and terror we are experiencing now.
3. Show up and be present in spaces where you are not expected to be, so you should plan to attend as many community political meetings as you can to speak up about what is happening in this country. You should phone bomb your Republican and Democratic representatives: flood their inboxes, write them, call them, tweet them, visit them. Do not let up because they will take your silence as a form of being complicit.
4. Create a report card to grade your representatives and circulate it among members of
Why does America keep punishing Haitians for wanting freedom?
The U.S. has a long, ugly history of targeting Haitian immigrants with unfair and harsh policies. And the truth is, it’s rooted in anti-Blackness and a fear of Black liberation. Haiti’s existence as the first free Black republic has been treated as a threat to a region built on enslaving and oppressing Black people. And America’s immigration policies have reflected that fear—punishing Haitians for simply seeking freedom and safety. From the 1980s and 1990s, when the U.S. locked up more than 30,000 Haitian asylum seekers at Guantanamo Bay, to more recent policies like Title
42 that forced them out at the U.S.-Mexico border, Haitians have always been singled out and criminalized. Meanwhile, other people fleeing similar conditions have been treated with more compassion and given a real chance to build better lives.
Now, the U.S. is taking another swipe at Haitians by gutting Temporary Protected Status (TPS)—one of the last few protections they have left. On Feb. 20, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cut Haiti’s TPS setting it to expire on Aug. 3, 2025. And it’s not just bureaucratic nonsense—this is a calculated move to criminalize and deport nearly 500,000 Haitian migrants. By August, they could be at risk of detention,
deportation, and being torn away from their families.
This is nothing new. The U.S. has been attacking Black asylum seekers for decades, and Haitians have been a primary target. When large numbers of Haitians sought asylum in the 1970s and 1980s, it triggered a racist backlash that led to harsh policies that are still used today. Those years set the stage for harmful legislation like the 1994 Crime Bill and the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA), which institutionalized the detention and deportation systems we see today.
Just recently, Trump announced plans to fill Guantanamo Bay to capacity, aiming to
detain at least 30,000 migrants there. Guantanamo is infamous for torturing and imprisoning people without due process. And it’s been used to detain Black migrants—especially Haitians—before. They’ve faced horrific abuse there, from solitary confinement to sexual violence during so-called “examinations” and being denied access to lawyers and family members.
It’s clear the U.S. has never been serious about honoring its asylum laws when it comes to Black migrants. And it’s not just a Trump problem. The Biden administration doubled down on Trump-era Title 42 policies, which led to mass deportations and a humanitarian crisis at Del Rio, Texas.
age, gender or status.
As those who lived through the Civil Rights Era, we know bias doesn’t always shout—it often whispers.
In a time when equity, inclusion and diversity efforts are under attack, workplaces must be proactive. This means offering regular training that strengthens cultural awareness, emotional intelligence and the ability to recognize and interrupt both unconscious and implicit bias. A simple acknowledgment, a genuine apology and a willingness to listen could have turned our morning around— and been a teaching moment, not a missed opportunity.
First Watch may serve fresh meals, but what we were served that day was disregard. And disregard is something I’ve never had an appetite for.
Congress. Let them know that you are watching what they are doing and will hold them accountable.
5. Write opinion editorials for your local newspaper. All national movements begin locally, so speak to your immediate circle of influence –your co-workers, neighbors, teachers, church members and family and keep them informed and challenge/encourage them to join the resistance.
6. Do not discount the power of a well-organized and planned march. People power pulls attention and a spotlight–use it to amplify your message and widen your base.
7. You must lead the leaders, so instead of waiting for your elected officials to set the agenda, you work with your team to set it for them. Make them hear you and make them work for you. Make it costly for them to pivot, appease, or bend the knee in support of the issues that are detrimental to your community and our democracy.
8. Vote with your money. Make intentional, thoughtful purchases as often as you can. Shop local, buy small, and keep the money circulating within your community. Remember that the large chain store you are boycotting has employees who are not part of the board but are working and surviving off the minimum wages they are making. Your economic choice also impacts them. Work within your communities to set up mechanisms to support those who will be severely economically impacted if the store you are boycotting closes or reduces the number of staff.
9. Real change happens when you are inside the room—so consider whether it is time to run for office. We need to put people in place with the testicular fortitude to stand up for us and fight for and with us.
10. Using every platform you have, tell the truth about who we are and what we have contributed to this country. Discredit every lie and every half-truth at every opportunity that you have. Deny them victory and legitimacy.
This Magna Carta is just a start, but movements do not start unless you first start moving. My nana once said that you have to carve out the life you want with the stone and tools that you have been given. We have our voice, our platforms and each other. Let’s work together to carve out the future that we want our children to have.
The latest attack on Haiti’s TPS is just another chapter in America’s long-standing attempt to criminalize and deport Black migrants. While other refugees—like Ukrainians—are given compassion and support, Haitians are told they’re not welcome.
This has to stop. Black migrants deserve safety, stability, and the right to live without the constant threat of deportation. The Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) is here to keep fighting for policies that allow immigrant families to build real, dignified lives—free from fear and state-sanctioned violence.
Courtesy photo
Karsonya Wise Whitehead is an associate professor and founding director of Loyola University’s Karson Institute for Race, Peace, and Social Justice. This week, she discusses democracy and steps needed to make change.
By Nana Gyamfi
Courtesy photo
Nana Gyamfi is a prominent civil and human rights attorney and the executive director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI). This week, she discusses policy regarding Haitian asylum seekers.
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meetings no more? D.C. Council reshapes transparency rules in emergency vote
By Martin Austermuhle
The 51st
business away from, well, the public.
Proponents of the emergency measure – the 10 of 12 members who voted for it, at
In early April the D.C. Council passed emergency legislation that significantly expands lawmakers’ ability to meet behind closed doors and away from the prying ears and eyes of the press and public. Ironically, an unrelated bill was introduced called the “Transparency is Accountability Act.”
least – say it’s a needed tweak to an existing law they say makes it impossible for them to have informal gatherings to discuss critical issues in a fast-moving and unpredictable political environment. But critics say it’s a self-serving push to move the public’s
The issue at play is D.C.’s Open Meetings Act, a 15-year-old law that largely requires all government bodies – boards and commissions in addition to the council and ANCs – to conduct their business in public, spare limited enumerated exceptions.
Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and his 11 colleagues unveiled the emergency bill that made sweeping changes to the act by expanding the circumstances under
Soulful country duo, The War and Treaty, make D.C. stop on national tour
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
Husband and wife Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter are taking to stages across America with their genre-crossing fusion of soul, country and rock. The duo goes by the name of “The War and Treaty,” and have been criss-crossing the country as part of their Plus One Tour.
The couple recently spoke about what fans can expect on their tour, which will stop in Carrboro, N.C. on April 12
D.C. Change-Makers plan new green initiatives
Emphasizing the effects of global warming, business and political change makers are sounding the alarm with climate-conscious solutions in hand.
Energy solution financier D.C. Green Bank plans to invest $3 million in energy-efficient improvements for a new affordable apartment unit on Congress Street in NoMa.
D.C. Green Bank, which receives funding from the
district, will install multiple upgrades, including energy-efficient windows and appliances as well as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
“This project will provide affordable, healthy, and sustainable housing opportunities for lower-income district residents,” D.C. Green Bank CEO Trisha Miller said in a statement. Financing for energy-efficient upgrades has been
Baltimore City Medical Society Foundation (BCMSF) is partnering with the Association of Black Cardiologists, and other local and national organizations to train motivated trusted community leaders and residents to provide peer education on changes in lifestyle and behaviors to improve overall health. We invite you to become a part of this innovative program to assist your neighbors.
If you are interested in becoming a community health advocate, email or call BCMSF - info@bcmsdocs.org or 410-625-0022
Conduct educational sessions with religious congregations, neighborhood and community organizations, civic organizations and school, college and university students
Participate in group activities organized by BCMSF
Earn the distinction of being a member of BCMSF’s community health advocate coalition
By Azia Ross
Photo courtesy of D.C. Green Bank
D.C. Green Bank is investing $3 million in energyefficient upgrades for a new affordable housing complex in NoMa, part of a growing wave of climateconscious initiatives aimed at curbing global warming. Shown here, a rendering of the project.
Photo courtesy of The War and Treaty
Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter make up the husband-and-wife duo of “The War and Treaty.” The two have been taking the soul and country world by storm.
Country Duo
before heading to Decatur, Ala. on April 24. The pair recently made an appearance at the Howard Theatre on April 11.
“You’re not just coming to watch music— you’re coming to feel it. You’re stepping into a space where love, pain, joy and healing are all happening on the same stage,” said The War and Treaty, in a statement to the AFRO. “This is church, this therapy, this is a family reunion and it’s an invitation to join us on this journey of love and healing. You might cry. You’ll definitely leave lighter than you came in.”
D.C. Council
Continued from A6
which a government body could meet without telling the public. More notably, though, the bill would flip the act’s burden of openness on its head: No longer would the legislature’s functions be presumed public with limited exceptions, but instead they would be presumed closed unless otherwise noted.
Mendelson said the bill grew out of lawmakers’ frustrations that the Open Meetings Act was constraining their ability to do basic work and also respond nimbly to emergencies.
On the former point, At-Large Councilmember Robert White said the act made it challenging for him to organize a field trip for members to visit public housing, because he would have to advertise it for at least 48 hours and invite the press and public to attend.
Mendelson said the act made it impossible for the council to meet behind closed doors to strategize on how to respond to challenges coming from the White House and Capitol Hill, or to get confidential briefings on large-scale economic development deals being negotiated by Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Other members said the Open Meetings Act stifled the impromptu meetings and chance conversations that can be so important to governing.
“It does strike me as strange that we don’t have the ability to have any basic conversations unless they are in public. That’s not how normal people do work. It leads to a lot of grandstanding,” said Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau.
But critics – the press included – saw the bill as a cynical effort by the council to escape public scrutiny. Possible negotiations between D.C. and the Washington Commanders over the fate of a new stadium at RFK are ongoing, and keeping those under wraps could limit opportunities for public criticism of any deal that
gaining traction across multiple U.S. cities.
Madison, Wisconsin, received a $20 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to invest in energy-efficiency upgrades in affordable housing in early January under the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. Similar strides have been made in Michigan and Pittsburgh.
“This is good news for affordable units, as upgrades like these mean savings for years for residents,” said Ward 6 council member Charles Allen in a newsletter referring to the deal.
Allen, a strong advocate for climate action, introduced two climate-based bills to the D.C. Council, which held hearings on both bills the week of April 6.
“We need to give a formal platform to young people on climate policy,” Allen said in a
Since forming in 2014, The War and Treaty have released four studio albums. The duo has received several Grammy nominations, including Best New Artists and Best American Roots Song in 2024.
Their most recent album, “Plus One,” was released in February. The record delves into the highs and lows of relationships and was featured in Esquire’s “The Best 5 Albums of 2025 (So Far).”
The music group said they want fans to leave the different venues feeling like they were a part of something holy and human.
More than 30 cities across the U.S. and Canada are included in The Plus One Tour. The act will land in Charlottesville, Va. on
would involve public funding. (In fact, it was just a year ago that the council got dinged for meeting behind closed doors to get a briefing on a deal to keep the Washington Capitals from decamping to Virginia, which ultimately involved $515 million in taxpayer funds.)
The D.C. Open Government Coalition, which advocates for transparency in government, blasted Mendelson’s proposal as “a substantial threat to the right of D.C. residents to see and hear about what their government is doing on their behalf, and to fulfill their duty as part of an informed electorate.”
(Disclosure: About a decade ago I briefly served on OGC’s board.)
At the legislative meeting on April 3, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen tried to bridge the gap between both sides. He proposed an amendment that would limit the scope of the bill to only the council (instead of every other public board and commission), and to clarify that the council could meet behind closed doors “to be briefed about economic development negotiations involving the District government or federal government relations, specifically, provided that no official action is taken.”
“I’ve been a longtime
advocate for the District’s sunshine laws and the accountability and public trust they foster, and I think we should narrow the emergency bill before us today to fix the problem we’re trying to solve – which is: our open meetings law should not be a barrier on our ability to conduct unannounced agency site visits for oversight purposes, to organize a retreat to discuss issues that are top of mind for the council, to strategize with ourselves or other branches of government on a federal response, or receive a confidential briefing on the status of important economic development projects or legal negotiations impacting the District government,” he said.
His amendment ultimately failed, garnering only four votes. But it did prompt Mendelson to propose his own successful alternative, limiting the scope of the bill to only the council. But in so doing, Mendelson pulled a sleight of hand: his amendment declared that only the council’s legislative and committee meetings would be considered public, while any other functions would be presumed closed.
What could this mean in practice? The council’s monthly breakfast preceding every legislative session – where lawmakers often engage in
statement. “Young people will live with the damage done to the environment the longest. They’ve got skin in the game, but too often we aren’t asking them to speak up in a meaningful way.”
Allen’s Solar Shade Expansion Amendment Act of 2025 would assess 20 sites across the district for solar panel installations. The proposed bill would implement solar canopies – devices that hold up solar panels – in parks and public spaces to increase shade.
The other bill would start a youth climate council, allowing students from middle school to college to offer their opinions on legislation and work with the district’s Commission on Climate Change and Resiliency.
“That’s so cool,” said Howard University TV and film major Lou Taylor. “I definitely think finding other sources of power, like solar power, is going to be really important and get us away from all the
natural resources that we’re burning through.”
Although these initiatives received support, some worry they are not enough to improve the impacts of global warming.
Senior international affairs student Micaiah Simmons said she feels hopeless against climate change, because of the ecological harm done by large companies and artificial intelligence (AI).
“It’s so much that we could do, but there’s so many corporations, for example ChatGPT, and their contributions to global warming,” Simmons said. “And, in that sense, there’s not much we can do.”
AI contributes to environmental harm through its
spirited and unguarded debate on all sorts of issues – is now presumed closed, and open to the press only if Mendelson deems it so. As is the monthly breakfast between Bowser and the council. Even public hearings on bills and roundtable discussions can be closed to the public without any notice or justification.
Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George pointed out during the council’s debate, the weight of the law matters more than someone’s promise to be merciful.
“Even with the best intentions, the text of any law is what matters above all else. And so we must make sure the text of this bill does not allow for council activities to be closed when they should be open,” she said.
The rest of the council seemed content with remaining the merciful guardians of the public’s access to its business; only Lewis George and Allen voted against the bill. But Mendelson promised to move quickly on a permanent version of the bill, saying he would schedule public hearings at the end of April or in early May.
Those, we expect, will be open to the public – unless the evil Mendelson decides otherwise.
energy-intensive data centers.
These centers consume vast amounts of raw materials, including “rare earth elements” needed for microchips. Their constant use along with the mining of these materials is detrimental to the state of the environment.
As programs, like ChatGPT, are further ingrained into modern society, Simmons said moving away from AI is “seemingly impossible.” She hopes companies look at renewable energy sources for future use.
“If you have the resources available, you should invest in clean energy.”
This article was originally published by the Howard News Service.
April 26 before returning back to the south for an April 27 show in North Charleston, N.C. and a May 2 show in Atlanta.
The tour will conclude on June 21 in Cleveland, Ohio.
“We want them to walk out with full hearts and a new sense of hope because when the lights go down, the real light should be shining on them,” said The War and Treaty in the statement. “That’s what ‘Plus One’ is all about.”
Budgeting some extra time
April 4 was supposed to have been a big day in D.C. politics, with Mayor Muriel Bowser having scheduled the unveiling of her proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year –thus setting off the two-month council scramble to review and make changes to the government’s spending plans.
But the day came and went, with no budget to be had.
The delay comes in part due to the ongoing uncertainties over D.C.’s current budget, which as you might recall is facing a congressionally imposed cut of more than $1.1 billion that the House of Representatives has yet to resolve.
Bowser aides say that they’re awaiting congressional action because that will determine whether they’d have to submit a revised version of the current 2025 budget to account for the cuts imposed by Congress. Lawmakers, though, say the two issues are separate; they argue that Bowser could unveil her 2026 budget now and manage any changes to the 2025 budget if they become necessary.
Still, they concede there is overall uncertainty with the city’s budgets – largely the product of what’s happening on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. “There’s a lot
of angst because no one is sure what’s going to happen,” said Mendelson earlier this week.
D.C. is already looking at a tight budget for the years to come; a recent revenue estimate by D.C. CFO Glen Lee shaved more than $1 billion in planned revenue off of the city’s books. On top of that, in March two ratings agencies –Moody’s and Fitch – put the city’s credit rating on watch because of the potential cuts that Congress has yet to fix. Should the agencies formally downgrade D.C.’s status, it would make it more costly for the city to borrow money – which would produce yet another budget hit.
Speaking at a public safety event on March 27, Bowser sounded a note of frustration over the fate of the city’s current budget in Congress – and how it could affect crime rates in the city. “If our budget doesn’t pass and we have to look more closely at overtime spending for public safety officials, that will have an impact on crime. These are distractions that are completely avoidable and we need to have our budget issue resolved at the Congress and we need it done as soon as possible,” she said. This article was originally published by the 51st.
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser (right), greets members of the D.C. City Council. Shown here Ward 6 council member Charles Allen (left), Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, and At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds (center).
BALTIMORE-AREA
Armstead B.C. Jones, director of Baltimore City Elections, dies
By AFRO Staff
Funeral arrangements have now been announced for longtime Baltimore City Board of Elections Director Armstead Bernard Crawley Jones Sr. A viewing took place on April 11 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Saint Paul Baptist Church of Baltimore City, located at 3101
The Alameda. A celebration of life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on April 12, immediately
after the family hour, which will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the same location.
Jones became the elections director in August 2007. In a press release from the Maryland State Board of Elections, dated April 3, Jones announced his retirement and spoke on his time in the role.
“Serving as Director of the Board of Elections in Baltimore for 18 years was
Gov. Moore holds first bill signing of 2025 with focuses on workforce growth
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) held his first bill signing of 2025 on April 8, hours after the close of the 90-day general assembly session. Over 800 bills were passed this legislative session.
“The legislation that we will sign today is centered on strengthening Maryland’s workforce,” said Moore.
“HB (House Bill) 723, will help fast track license approval for healthcare workers who have been licensed in other states and fired from their jobs in the federal government. In Maryland, we believe their service does matter, and this legislation will help ensure essential
“This was one of, if not the hardest, sessions that we have faced.”
workers can continue their work to be able to make our state better.”
Moore also highlighted the Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act.
“This legislation will strengthen the apprenticeship pipeline in the state of Maryland,” said Moore. “While we are proud of the fact that Maryland has some of the best four year institutions of higher education in the entire country, we will end this myth that every single one of our students need to attend one in order to be economically successful.”
It creates a financial incentive for employers that work in industries like cyber to adopt an apprenticeship model. It also erected the Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship to help employers navigate the startup phase of the apprenticeship platform and programs.
Another key piece of legislation from this bill signing includes a HB 502, which would create a new Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy, and order the Maryland Department of Disabilities to implement a
Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission holds final hearing
By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
AFRO High Tea returns to Baltimore
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com
The AFRO-American Newspapers will host its annual High Tea on Friday, April 26, at Martin’s West, celebrating community organizations that have shaped Baltimore for generations. Doors open at noon, with the program beginning at 1 p.m.—an hour earlier than in previous years due to rising attendance.
Since its launch in 2017, the Women’s Tea has grown from 200 attendees to nearly 1,000, evolving into a cherished tradition in the Baltimore community.
“We started this event to celebrate the women who kept the AFRO going—who often don’t get the recognition they deserve,” said Diane Hocker, the AFRO’s director of community relations. “It’s become something that people truly look forward to every spring.”
• This year’s tea will honor 10 historic organizations:
• Alpha Wives of Baltimore
• Baltimore Kappa Silhouettes DuBois Circle
• Girl Friends Inc.
• Greater Baltimore Section, National Council of Negro Women
• Jack and Jill of America Inc., Baltimore City Chapter Links Inc., Baltimore City Chapter Philomathians United Way of Central Maryland
• Women’s Civic and Cooperative League These organizations have served the community for 75 years or more. Dozens of other groups will also receive honorable mentions in recognition of their ongoing impact. The event is part of the AFRO’s broader commitment to uplifting institutions that reflect resilience, leadership and service. The presenting sponsor is United Way of Central Maryland, which is marking its 100th anniversary. Other event supporters include Associated Black Charities, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) and Wylie Funeral Home. United Way representatives will share brief remarks
Joan Wharton retires after 39 years
By Marnita Coleman Special to the AFRO
A two-day celebration was held in Baltimore, Md., March 21-22 to recognize the Rev. Dr. Joan Louise Wharton, a global trailblazer, concluding her 39-year pastorate in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Though she began her ministry in 1981, she officially retired as pastor on April 4.
The festivities began with a worship service at Bethel AME Church, featuring Wharton’s spiritual father, Bishop John Richard Bryant, along with Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and guest psalmist the Rev. Dr. Patrick Clayborn, the host pastor.
The celebration continued the following day with a sisterhood luncheon at the New Shiloh Baptist Church Family Life Center, with a performance by renowned saxophonist Brian Lanair and musical vignettes from the off-Broadway drama “Justice on Trial.”
“I’m retiring from pastoring in the AME because it is mandated that at a certain age you have to retire,” Wharton said. Calling it a “rewiring,” she explained, “I’m recharging, refocusing, and continuing ministry in a new way.”
Rev. Wharton’s pastoral journey led her through five Maryland churches, each a chapter in her legacy of faith and leadership. She began at Bazil AME in Cockeysville, then guided congregations at Bethel AME in Church Hill, Mt. Zion AME in Glen Arm, Evergreen AME in Baltimore, and finally, Hemingway Temple AME in Cherry Hill. At every stop, she nurtured souls, strengthened communities, and inspired countless lives through her unwavering dedication to ministry.
Courtesy photo
Rev. Wharton (center) says farewell with her grandchildren Lalia Wharton (left), Austin Wharton, Asia Wharton, Simone Wharton standing beside her.
Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland Governor
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) (center), alongside Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Md.-46) (left) and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Md.-10) (right) sign key legislation on April 8. SB 223 and HB158 authorize the integration of the Maryland Department of Aging’s services with the Telecommunications Access of Maryland to promote awareness about accessible telecommunications equipment.
year.
opportunity to
AFRO Photo/Megan Sayles Nicholas Creary (left), commissioner for the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission (MLTRC); Michelle Coles, commissioner for the MLTRC; Charlton T. Howard III, ; Jonathan Smith, chief of the civil rights division for the Maryland Office of the Attorney General; James Wyda, federal public defender for the district of Maryland; and David Fakunle, chair of the MLTRC; sit on a panel for restoring public trust and police accountability. The panel took place at the MLTRC’s final hearing on
at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture.
Courtesy photo
Family and friends of Armstead B.C. Jones are still mourning his April 5 death at age 71. Jones led the Baltimore City Board of Elections as director for 18 years.
“Watching how they lived their faith was inspiring, and leading them was truly fulfilling,” she said.
Wharton left a lasting impact on every congregation. During a special tribute at her retirement, a member from Bazil AME Church honored her as a vision bearer, change agent, and teacher of life lessons, shaping character, leading with faith and grace, and pushing the church into uncharted waters while keeping them rooted in Christ.
A heartfelt moment came when Lauren McCaskill Hines and her daughter, Tiffany, took the podium. Hines, a participant in the Bethel AME Church Teen Parenting Enrichment Program (TPEP) founded by Wharton in 1985, shared how the program connected her with other teen moms at a time when she was ousted from all she knew, easing her sense of isolation. Encouraged by TPEP to continue her education, she went on to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. And, Tiffany, the daughter from her teen pregnancy, defended her doctoral dissertation on March 27.
Wharton’s advocacy began at an early age. “Growing up in McCulloh Homes gave me a world view of life,” the minister said. “It afforded me an opportunity to do ministry as a little girl. I was a young advocate for women and didn’t even know it. I was known for helping people solve problems, like Deborah in the Bible who ministered under a palm tree. Everyone around my neighborhood would come to me with complications, struggles and adversities. I remember organizing a club at the age of 13.”
Rev. Debora Grant Scotland said of her friend and fellow clergy: “Rev. Wharton’s impact on ministry and
those around her is defined by her unwavering care and concern for others, which surpasses any expectation, especially in the face of the challenges she encountered as a woman in leadership and ministry.”
She laughs, “For some time, early in our friendship, I thought Joan had a hearing problem, only to later realize that she simply wasn’t distracted by anything that wasn’t part of her mission at that moment.”
The Rev. Johnny R. Calhoun, presiding elder of the Baltimore Annual Conference, Baltimore District, spoke candidly: “Dr. Wharton’s leadership and perseverance have expanded opportunities for women in ministry within the AME Church, including the election of female bishops and more ordained women.”
He admits it’s a “male-dominated clergy,” but, “inspired by pioneers like Jarena Lee, Dr. Wharton championed perseverance and equality as president of Second Episcopal District Women in Ministry. Her impact has made women’s
voices and leadership indispensable to the church’s growth and mission.”
Rev. Wharton serves as the chair of the Board of Examiners of the Baltimore Conference of the Second Episcopal District of the AME Church. She also serves as the first female secretary of the Baltimore Conference of the Second Episcopal District of the AME Church. She serves as the co-chair of the Cherry Hill Community Coalition and the first female president of the Cherry Hill Ministerial Alliance.
Rev. Wharton is the founder and director of the Season Women Ministries, a non-profit mentoring program for middle school girls, and the executive director of One Church, One Child of Maryland, an adoption referral program. She’s also a member of Delta Sigma Theta and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
The religious leader has written several books, meditations and publications on prayer and fasting, including: “40 Day Daniel Fast Prayer Journal,” “TGIF-Thank God I’m Fasting: A 40 Day
an honor and a responsibility I never took lightly,” Jones said in the statement. “I’m deeply grateful to the people of this city for trusting me to protect their voice and help shape a more accessible, transparent, and fair democratic process.”
Jones expected to leave the position on May 1. Sadly, he died at age 71 before he could enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
The April 5 death triggered an outpouring of condolences and support for Jones’ loved ones.
“I have Director Armstead Jones’ family in my prayers. He has been a part of the election process for over 30 years,” said former Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon. “His ability to work through so many different systems as it relates to election processes [was] commendable and transformative for the City of Baltimore.”
Former Baltimore City Mayor Jack Young also spoke with the AFRO about Jones’ transition.
“What a great man,” said Young. “Armstead Jones led the board with
Gov. Moore
new cause that supports employment and job training for Marylanders with disabilities.
“This bill extends a hand to a community that has been left behind for far too long when it comes to employment–Marylanders with disabilities,” said Moore. “One in two Marylanders with disabilities face financial hardships. Marylanders with disabilities make up just 5 percent of the workforce.”
According to Moore, 62 percent of
integrity. He was a personal friend and confidant.”
Young said he believed the work Jones did as director of the Baltimore City Board of Elections, “will speak for him.”
“I thank his family for sharing him with us,” he said.
Comptroller Joan Pratt, said that “Director Armstead Jones was representative of what a public servant should be.”
“He was honest and fair,” she said.
“During his years of service, he was always reliable and never had an unkind word. Armstead Jones served Baltimore City well and made us all proud. My blessings are with his family,” said Pratt.
Journey of Prayers” and “Seasonal Women: A Collection of Meditations and Reflections for Women of All Seasons.” Her writings, meditations and prayers have also been published in the “Women of Color Study Bible” and “Sister to Sister: Devotions For and From African American Women.” She has also written articles for the National Council of Churches.
Dr. Wharton has traveled extensively at home and abroad, evangelizing in areas such as Ghana, Israel, Guyana, Bermuda and the Dominican Republic.
She has a bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore County; master’s of divinity from Howard University; and a doctorate in ministry from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Reflecting on the influence of her mother in ministry, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Wharton said, “She always complimented my mothering style–raising two sons as a single mother and balancing ministry. She promoted me and gave me the opportunity to grow, expand and develop. She would have been proud.”
Wharton’s son Darnyle K. Wharton, chimed in with the most profound lesson he caught from his world-renowned mother, “Be consistent and authentic in everything you do. People will know who you are and what you are about through your words and your actions.”
Simeon Wharton, her other son, hopes his mother’s work is most remembered for “the countless people she ministered to, helped and guided.”
“Her ministry was 44 years of giving of herself and helping people inside the church walls and the community,” Simeon Wharton added. “That will continue on with or without her being an actual pastor.”
AFRO Tea
Continued from A8
during the program, which will be emceed by WBAL anchor Janine Donaldson.
Guests will be treated to an afternoon of elegance, entertainment and fellowship. The program features live music, a spoken word performance, a fashion show, photo booths and boutique vendors. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in stylish hats and attire to match the festive atmosphere.
City and state leaders are expected to attend, including Mayor Brandon Scott, Comptroller Bill Henry, Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises, and Congressman Kweisi Mfume. Their presence highlights the event’s growing significance as both a social and civic gathering.
“They don’t want a lot of programming—they want to reconnect, take pictures, fellowship, eat, shop, and show off their fashion. You have to give them what they want,” Hocker added. The annual tea was first envisioned during planning for the AFRO’s 125th anniversary, as a way to ensure women’s contributions to the paper and the wider community were acknowledged. Since then, it has become one of the publication’s signature events, with each year highlighting a different theme of empowerment, recognition, and celebration.
Organizers are optimistic that this year’s gathering will be one of the most memorable yet. As spring blooms, the Women’s Tea offers a chance to reflect on legacy, honor trailblazers, and inspire continued service within the community.
Testimonies
Continued from A8
For decades Jones was a source of reliable information for AFRO reporters, looking to get accurate details about upcoming elections, voter registration requirements and election results. He never hesitated to give an interview or answer questions related to voting in Baltimore City.
“Armstead Jones was an old school friend and real soldier who loved his job and cherished his City,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07). “With God’s grace and power now, rest in peace AJ.”
Ms. Catherine Pugh contributed to this article.
“During his years of service, he was always reliable and never had an unkind word. Armstead Jones served Baltimore City well and made us all proud.”
Black Marylanders with disabilities have dealt with unemployment.
Senate President Bill Ferguson (DMd.-46) reflected on the 2025 legislative session.
“This was one of, if not the hardest, sessions that we have faced,” said Ferguson. “The level of uncertainty and instability that we saw from the federal level…was a cloud over top of every single decision that we were forced to make.”
House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Md.-10), echoed this sentiment with her 28 years of service in the Maryland
General Assembly. She also emphasized the importance of the legislation put forth by state legislators this session.
“Together, we fought to protect our federal workers and contractors to protect affordable health care and abortion access and to protect working families and their futures,” said Jones. “Today, we are signing a series of bills to protect and fortify our state government, because at the end of the day, our state legislature is one of the last lines of defense.”
provide the Maryland state legislature with input on how to make amends, how to repair and how to atone for the legacy of the murder of at least 38 Black men in this state between 1854 and 1933,” said David Fakunle, chair of the MLTRC and representative of the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum. “We want to acknowledge them. We want to recognize not just those who lost their lives unnecessarily in the state of Maryland through racial terror lynching, but the over 4,400 people who were lynched across the United States of America. Many will never get an opportunity to be honored as they’re being honored in this space right now.”
The MLTRC was established in 2019 and is first the statewide commission dedicated to investigating and addressing racial terror lynchings. Throughout its two-day hearing, several panels with backgrounds in law enforcement, criminal justice reform, media, mental health and racial justice provided their testimony.
Building public trust through police accountability
Historically, racial terror lynchings functioned as a form of state-sponsored violence in which government institutions and law enforcement were complicit in the brutal killings of African Americans. Their legacy has impacted how Black communities view the justice system today, particularly when it comes to public trust in police.
According to a 2024 study from Gallup, an analytics and advisory firm, just half of Americans have a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in police. For people of color, this number falls to 44 percent.
Jonathan Smith, chief of the civil rights division for the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, called for more public participation in shaping the way law enforcement operates.
“Police departments have little oversight. The most critical decisions about policing tactics, policies and priorities remain beyond democratic control. A chief of police makes the critical decision on how a police department does its work,” said Smith. “Given the profound impact of policing on communities, the inability of persons who are subject to policing to influence key policies and practices leads to harms and mistrusts of our system.”
He suggested shifting some responsibilities from police to other trained professionals, like mental health specialists and social workers.
“We must respond to the question of, ‘When do we need a person with a gun, arrest powers and authority to use force, and when is there another solution that creates public safety without the harmful consequences of our criminal legal system?” said Smith. “We must democratize policing.”
AFRO Photo/ Patricia McDougall Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott dons a peach suit to the 2024 AFRO High Tea. Shown here, Scott with fashion designer Jodi Davis.
Courtesy photo
The Rev. Dr. Joan Louise Wharton is now officially in retirement. She stepped down from the helm of Hemingway Temple AME in Baltimore’s Cherry Hill neighborhood on April 4 after 39 years of pastoral leadership.
Maryland protestors say ‘Hands Off’ social security, education, federal jobs and more
By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor
Hundreds gathered in front of Baltimore City Hall on April 5 to shame the 47th president of the United States and members of his administration for actions taken since Inauguration Day 2025. From coast to coast and in cities abroad, everyday Americans joined community leaders, legislators, immigrants and all those targeted by recent executive orders signed in the White House to say “Hands Off.”
“We’re angry today because we see what’s on the horizon– more of the same foolishness from Donald Trump and Elon Musk,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07).
Speaking directly to the president, Mfume said “Donald Trump, you’ve heard it from me so many times– you might as well hear it again– leave our medicaid and medicare alone! Leave social security alone! Leave food programs for children alone! Leave the Department of Education alone!”
“We’ve got too many Congressional Republicans who have not grown a spine yet,” Mfume told the crowd.
“This is a constitutional fight to save the document that has protected us all these many years. It is a legal fight…we’ve had 125 court challenges. We’ve won 53 and we’re waiting to win some more.”
On Jan. 20 the president slashed initiatives that supported equity, diversity and inclusion; pardoned convicted criminals from the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol Building; withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization and more. He also established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), put billionaire Elon Musk in charge and began dismissing thousands of federal workers in the name of cutting “fraud, waste and abuse.”
In February he fired Chairwoman of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Gwynne Wilcox. NLRB members do the crucial work of “acts to prevent and remedy unfair labor practices committed by private sector employers and unions,” according to material released by the agency. The president also fired Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his top military advisor.
In March, after months of defunding, the current administration dealt a final crippling blow to the United States Agency for International Development. Cuts were made to the agency that left aid workers stranded in foreign lands, some in the midst of violent conflict. The Department of Education also came under fire.
There has been talk of annexing Greenland and Canada, a public spat with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a scandal involving attack plans texted in error to a journalist just hours before being carried out.
Now, consumers are bracing for a price increase on everything from cars to groceries and more.
In an April 2 announcement, White House officials detailed plans for “a 10 percent tariff on all countries,” with more slated to take effect on April 9. On April 4 markets responded to the news.
The Standard and Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) fell from 5,670.97 on April 2 to 5,074.08 on April 4, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 2,000 points.
The tariffs went into effect on April 5 at 12:01 a.m., just hours before the protests began.
When asked why she came out, Kenya Campbell, president of the Maryland branch of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT-Maryland), said “We don’t have time to stay home.”
A March 20 executive order mandated that officials begin to “facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities.” In January, DOE had 4,133 workers. That number will be 2,183 workers by the time the reduction in force plan is complete. The order says it expects a DOE dismantling, all “while ensuring the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.”
Campbell told the AFRO the executive order would significantly impact schools on the local level that need the trickle down of funding to support students in reaching their educational goals.
“The least I could do, as the
On Feb. 9, Congressional Democrats released a warning about a “new policy to cap indirect costs for National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants at 15 percent.” The legislators warned that the move, made by the new president and his administration, “would cut billions of dollars in funding for life-saving research to develop cures and treatments for diseases.”
leader of my organization, is to let our members know we have their back,” she said. “For my educators as well as paraprofessionals and state workers- we want to make sure we provide resources for folks and give them hope.”
Baltimore native Brian Cox said he came because it seems like America is regressing into a time where racial hatred was normal.
“I was born in 1963,” he said. “I didn’t think I would have to do this at 62, but here I am.”
Cox said he vividly remembers the first time he was called “the n-word.” The sting of the incident has stuck with him through the decades.
“I was five,” he said. “Even at that age, you get a sense of who is and who is not valued. Around that age I remember I told my mom ‘I wish I was White,” because I didn’t see Black people on television or any of that.”
“You feel the devaluation,” said Cox. “My sister just had two young children. I don’t want them to have to go through that and it seems like we’re sliding back to it.”
Corena Bridges, a 72-year-old retiree who was “born, and raised and educated in Maryland, knows a thing or two about protests.
“People have to get in the street and stay in the street,” she said. “I marched against the Vietnam War when I was just coming out of high school.”
“You fight for so many rights and then those rights are rolled back and you have to fight all over again. Civil rights, women’s rights…I’m not afraid for myself, but I’m afraid for my grand nieces and nephews,” Bridges said. “They won’t have the same rights that I had- that my generation fought for. I’m worried the next generation is going to lose those rights.”
While Black people could be seen in the crowd, and multiple African- Americans speakers took to the microphone, representation was thin.
At least one legislator wondered aloud if anyone had advertised the event with the Black Press.
Since the new presidential administration came into power, some Black people have taken to social media to say they are sitting out public demonstrations because now is the time for White allies with supporters of the current administration in their family and friend groups to take the lead.
Cox said he understands the people who have said they are done protesting and marching for the next four years.
“As much as I do get it, if you don’t do something— can you legitimately complain? You can’t sit back and do nothing,” he said. “It starts with you.”
All photos AFRO Photos / Alexis Taylor
Corena Bridges, 72, does not agree with what the current presidential administration is doing in the first 100 days of the four year term. She says “people have to get in the street and stay in the street” if they want to see change.
Claudia Zanes, 45, stands with others just moments before delivering a powerful song for the crowd.
Brian Cox, 62, remembers the first time he felt the sting of racism. Now, he says he’s speaking out to keep that pain from the younger generations.
Maryln Ebanks, 72, looks on as the April 5 “Hands Off” protest takes place in Baltimore.
Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) delivers a moving speech to those gathered in Baltimore, publicly denouncing the recent federal budget cuts and mass layoffs.
Kenya Campbell, president of the American Federation of Teachers in Maryland, is concerned about how teachers and education professionals will be impacted by by the dismantling of the Department of Education.
Saladin Allah, 50, shows his six-year-old daughter, Anusha Quanaah, what democracy looks like.
C elebrating
NATIONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH
The dos and don’ts of credit repair with
‘Ms. B Credit Queen’
By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
A native of Baltimore, Ronda Brunson is known as the “credit queen.” She’s built a career on helping people settle their debts and restore their credit.
For Brunson, credit repair is not just about getting your credit score back on track, it’s about changing behaviors and understanding how credit works. She delves into the emotional factors that impact a person’s financial decisions.
“You have to repair yourself first. When it comes to credit, a lot of what I do is relational. I’m trying to get people to understand how they got here,” said Brunson. “As a person who went through severe depression in 2015, I made crazy spending decisions that I didn’t have to. But, I was operating from a place of hurt.”
Oftentimes, Brunson’s clients tell her they don’t have any money. But, after analyzing their bank statements, their spending tells a different story. She believes that some people turn to charging their cards as a coping mechanism.
“Whenever you don’t feel like you’re not in control of your life in any way and your emotional cups are not being filled, you turn to money,” said Brunson. “Sometimes, it’s not that people don’t have money. It’s that we’re in such a sunken place that we’re using our resources to try to gain fulfillment, and it doesn’t work.” Brunson lent her expertise to discuss what to do and what not to do when it comes to your credit.
AFRO: What factors have the biggest impact on your credit score?
Ronda Brunson: Your credit report is constantly telling a story that you are unable to convey to a bank. The banks use that story to determine how they do business with you, and they are all related. You can’t expect a person to give you money when you owe their sister. They’re watching how you treat their family members to determine how they do business with you. Credit scores have never automatically equated approval. Scores only start conversations. Approvals come from financial history and your ability to repay in this market.
Beyond being the credit queen, especially when it comes to trying to get people approved for loans or credit, I am a financial storyteller. My job is to get your story to match what banks need to see to trust you.
AFRO:What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to restore their credit?
RB: Disputing. People don’t know that when you dispute information that’s factual, you have now introduced an integrity issue into your credit file. The banks now feel like maybe you aren’t a truth-teller. When they feel like you lack integrity, they drop your scores again. If something listed on your report doesn’t belong there, there’s a way to go about getting it off. But, there are a lot of banks that will not lend to you as long as you have a dispute marker on your credit report. Also, 90 percent of credit repair companies are red flags. If they’re leading with money or not giving you the option of making a monthly payment that works toward a specific goal, they’re probably predatory. If the company is not talking to them about debt settlement,
“Sometimes, it’s not that people don’t have money. It’s that we’re in such a sunken place that we’re using our resources to try to gain fulfillment, and it doesn’t work.”
repaying accounts, creating new narratives and proving that they’re a different person, that’s a red flag.
they want to buy a house in six months. I tell them they missed their last three credit card payments of $25, and they say it was because they forgot. Remember your credit report is telling a story that you don’t get to convey. When it goes to the underwriter, you can’t say you forgot. It’s simply going to look like you didn’t have $25.
Every account you have should be on auto-pay for your protection— at least for the minimum payment. If you choose to spend more in a month, that’s great. But, at least if you use auto-pay, the story isn’t that you don’t have the money.
AFRO: Is there an ideal target for credit utilization?
RB: In our community, we believe the rule is that we need to keep 30 percent on our credit cards at all times. But, the rule of credit is to not spend more than 30 percent of your credit limit. The goal is to keep your balance as close to zero as you can at all times.
AFRO: How important is it to make credit payments on time?
RB: Let’s say a customer comes to me, and they say
AFRO: Are there any credit tools you would recommend to people?
RB: Everyone on the planet should have a
credit-monitoring service. Not necessarily something they offer through credit card apps, but something real, like Experian or PrivacyGuard. The reason to have them is because if someone is using your credit, you won’t know. As you do all this great work to improve your score, you make yourself more susceptible to identity theft.
With these monitoring services, understand that they have a job to do as far as money. PrivacyGuard doesn’t solicit, but Experian does. You’ll get emails from them about signing up for different products that will allegedly boost your credit score. Remember that on the back-end, everything you click and agree to, they will get paid for.
AFRO: For someone struggling with their credit right now, what are three things you would advise them to do?
RB: Face it. Feel it. Fix it. Face that everything is not as great as you want it to be. Feel all the feelings that you have because most of the time people have very emotional responses to credit. Then, move to the fix stage, and if you need help with that, call me.
Photo courtesy of the National Credit Union Administration
of their financial situation.
Photo courtesy of the National Credit Union Administration Finance industry professionals advise credit card utilization to be under 30 percent of a credit card limit.
Photo courtesy of Ronda Brunson
Ronda Brunson is a licensed credit counselor known as the “credit queen.” She provided tips for credit tracking and repair.
Not all debt is created equal: Understanding the difference between good and bad debt
By Megan Sayles
Staff Writer
Debt is often treated as a bad word though taking out loans and swiping credit cards is commonplace and unavoidable for most households across the country.
However, not all debt is “bad” debt. At times, taking on debt may be a necessary stepping stone in achieving a financial goal. The key is borrowing responsibly.
“While payday loans and debt with extremely high interest can be detrimental, anything that you borrow and don’t pay back can become bad debt. Good debt usually has lower interest rates, is manageable to repay and contributes to financial growth in some way,” said Channing Jones, financial wellbeing coach. “Bad debt generally does not generate wealth, loses values quickly, comes with very high interest rates and fees and some may not want to hear this, but it’s generally used to finance wants and not needs.”
Jones has more than two decades of experience in
to your home, which appreciates over time. In addition, mortgage interest is tax deductible in most cases, offering tax advantages and lowering your overall tax burden,” said Jones. “Credit card debt would fall into the bad debt category. Rates on these products are typically higher, have account fees and are sometimes variable in that the interest rate can increase over time.”
When deciding whether to borrow, Jones said people should be looking for long-term value rather than short-term satisfaction.
banking and entrepreneurship. She currently works at Operation HOPE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering financial literacy education and pathways to economic empowerment.
While good debt is often tied to an appreciating asset, bad debt is typically not backed by an asset, according to Jones.
“For instance, a mortgage loan or a home equity loan is good debt as they are tied
She outlined several questions a person should ask themselves before taking on debt:
1. Is this debt going to help me build wealth, increase my earning potential and/or improve my financial situation over time?
2. Can I comfortably repay this debt?
3. Will I be able to make payments without going
By Sheryl Rowling
Beyond the emotional strain of a “gray divorce,” managing your finances is critical. The first step is hiring an experienced divorce attorney. Although it might be tempting to avoid legal fees, going without professional guidance could cost you more in the long run. Additionally, understanding the key financial and tax issues that come with gray divorce is essential.
1) How to budget after divorce
The cash flow you had while you were married supported one household. After a divorce, that available income stream will need to fund two households. At best, you can expect your income to be cut in half. Granted, you only have to cover your own personal expenses, but some expenses, like housing, insurance, and medical expenses, could exceed 50 percent of your
married costs.
Start with calculating a spending budget. To begin, itemize your fixed costs: things like rent, car payments, insurance, groceries and utilities. Your variable expenses, such as travel, restaurants and gifts, can be adjusted based on your available income.
As your post divorce lifestyle becomes more certain, you can revise that budget.
Photo courtesy of Channing Jones Channing Jones is a financial wellbeing coach for Operation HOPE, a nonprofit organization that provides financial literacy education to help people achieve economic empowerment.
SURVEY:
NATIONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH
High school students are unprepared to manage personal finances
New EVERFI report highlights a critical need for investment in financial literacy to influence teenagers’ attitudes and behaviors towards money and debt management
EVERFI, the leader in powering digital financial education in K-12 public schools across the United States and Puerto Rico, released a March 31 survey highlighting the lack of preparedness among high school juniors and seniors for personal finance management. The new report demonstrates that high school students are ill-equipped to understand or manage student loans for college and lack mastery of fundamental financial skills like budgeting and maintaining credit.
The survey data, collected from July 2024-February 2025, demonstrates an alarming trend: as high-schoolers first begin to access financial tools, their preparedness to manage personal finances remains low.
Key findings include:
• The majority of high school juniors and seniors have at least one financial product already, such as a savings account (47 percent), checking account (51 percent), or credit card (21 percent). At the same time, six in 10 young people don’t feel capable of managing their credit.
• While many upperclassmen have access to, or are interested in, peer-to-peer payment apps, only half feel confident in their ability to use them safely and recognize online scams.
• While most students plan to pursue higher education after graduation, 53 percent of students don’t believe they can put together a plan for how to pay off student loans post-college.
Young people today are increasingly interested in investing, yet 69 percent feel the topic is intimidating, and only 12 percent feel confident in their ability to explain how the stock market works.
• While only four in 10 upperclassmen talk to their parents about money management at home, further research shows that these conversations tend to happen more often when students are taking a financial education course in school.
“The importance of timely and effective financial education for students on the cusp of adulthood cannot be overstated. Post-high school, these young people face unique challenges, and we must equip them with the knowledge and skills for healthy financial choices.”
“The importance of timely and effective financial education for students on the cusp of adulthood cannot be overstated. Post-high school, these young people face unique challenges, and we must equip them with the knowledge and skills for healthy financial choices,” said Ray Martinez, CEO of EVERFI. “A growing number
of states now require personal finance education as a graduation requirement. With the responsibility falling on states, school districts, and individual
schools to provide this education, the private sector has an opportunity to become a stable and supportive funding source. Banks and credit unions also stand to benefit greatly from a more financially literate next-generation consumer in terms of building trust, relevance, brand awareness, and the adoption of that institution’s financial products.”
Educating students about financial topics – which are many and varied – should not be left to just one course at one point during their high school career. To effectively educate students on various financial topics and boost their confidence, research has found that multiple financial literacy courses are necessary and valuable.
The MassMutual Foundation, in collaboration with EVERFI, conducted a first-of-its-kind
multi-year longitudinal study on the effects of multiple financial education interventions on students’ financial capability. The study found that taking multiple courses generated a long-lasting impact
on students’ confidence in their financial skills. Even if students stopped taking any courses, the improvements driven by the previous courses they had taken remained significant. Further, financial behavior change could be observed six months after program completion upon the emergence of behavioral opportunities to act, with an even larger improvement observed for students from lower-income families. The completion of multiple courses effectively prevented the decline in communication with their parents on financial topics, which was observed in the students who took only one course.
With investing of interest to so many in Generation Z, EVERFI also conducted a research study on the efficacy of investing education with support from Edward Jones. The study, using EVERFI’s Marketplaces: Investing Basics™ course, found that financial education not only improves knowledge but also enhances attitudes and builds confidence, leading to action. Further, the study found that the educational course had a positive impact on students’ intentions to make financial investments by building confidence in basic investing skills. The increase in confidence led to a higher intention of making future investments.
“Positive behavioral change is the goal of financial education, but self-efficacy is the key bottleneck,” said Martinez. “To achieve this change, students need scenarios and opportunities for risk-free, consequence-free interactions, which significantly boosts their confidence and readiness to make informed financial decisions. We also believe that young people should be recognized and rewarded for showing individual responsibility by taking a financial literacy course or experience through a scholarship, wealth building account, or career learning opportunity.”
As April is Financial Literacy Month, EVERFI recognizes the month as an opportune time for financial institutions to evaluate how they’re supporting young people and their hopes, fears, and goals surrounding money management. Learn more about sponsoring financial literacy education in schools by visiting everfi.com/sponsorship. This article was originally published by EVERFI.
Unsplash / Anastase Maragos
According to a new EVERFI survey, most high school students are ill-equipped to understand or manage finances, including debt, credit, savings and more.
Photo courtesy of EVERFI
Results from the EVERFI survey show that high school juniors and seniors believe the 11th and 12th grade years in the classroom are “the right time” to learn about handling money.
Photo courtesy of EVERFI
Photo courtesy of
Lamar Laing’s journey
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
For Black Americans, managing money can be anything but simple. Due to a range of systemic inequalities through the decades in the U.S., including redlining and low income compared to their White counterparts, a number of Black Americans struggle with debt and poor credit.
According to the U.S. Census 2018 Survey of Income and Program Participation, 27.9 percent of Black households faced medical debt, while 17.2 percent of White households.
“The hardest part wasn’t even the debt,” said Lamar Laing, CEO and founder of Copiafy.“It was how I felt like I didn’t have any power, and I didn’t know how to fix it.”
Through Copiafy, an online financial management tool, people can manage their financial goals and track their bills and credit report disputes all in one space.
“For us, Black Americans, getting out of a bad credit situation isn’t just about getting a lower interest rate. It’s about access to capital, access to homes [and] access to freedom,” said Laing.
“Fixing your credit is an act
of self-determination.”
It can be challenging to overcome bad debt and poor credit, but Laing is an example of how it can be done.
“I got into bad credit and debt pretty early in my adult life,” said Laing. “It wasn’t just one big mistake. It was more like a series of decisions I made without really understanding how credit works and the importance of thinking about my financial situation in the long term.”
“I started structuring my payments differently,” said Laing. “I made extra payments that went towards my principal balance and that changed everything.”
Laing said the experience taught him how little people can know about borrowing and how expensive that lack of knowledge can be.
He recognized that his decision to improve his financial literacy helped him overcome bad debt and poor credit.
“Fixing your
is an act of self-determination.”
How he went about buying his first car was one of his earliest mistakes.
“I was so excited to get approved, but I didn’t fully understand what I was signing up for at the time,” said Laing. “For a while, I was making my monthly payments thinking I was doing everything right but barely making a dent in the loan. I learned that my payments were covering interest and barely bringing down the principal balance.”
Noticing this growing issue, Laing further educated himself on how to better manage loans.
“The key is knowing how your money is being applied,” said Laing.
He acknowledged that many Black people feel stuck in a system not designed for them to win or succeed, but pressed that Black Americans can equip themselves for success through financial education.
“I started researching different credit laws and statutes, looking into my rights as a consumer and figuring out how to advocate for myself,” said Laing. “Eventually, I was able to rebuild
Debt
Continued
from B2
into financial stress?
4. What’s the interest rate, and is it manageable, or will it make the debt much more expensive?
5. What’s the return on investment?
6. Will this debt lead to better opportunities or financial growth?
and that’s exactly what led me to build Copiafy. I didn’t want other people to have to go through all of that on their own.”
He said Copiafy aims to help people get in control of their financial health by understanding their credit, tracking their progress, creating financial goals and understanding what it takes to achieve them.
Laing also emphasized that Black Americans should create their own tools and platforms to ensure that resources are accessible and relevant for the Black community.
“We can’t just plug into the systems that were not made for us,” said Laing. “We have to create our own. That’s how we reclaim power.”
“Good debt usually has lower interest rates, is manageable to repay and contributes to financial growth in some way.”
7. How will it affect my credit? Will it help build good credit, or could it harm my score?
Debts, like a mortgage or student loans, can be considered as strategic debt, according to Jones. As homeownership is a primary avenue for building generational wealth, a mortgage can serve as a tool in achieving that. Each mortgage payment also contributes to home equity, which can be leveraged to afford other major expenses, like starting a business, according to Jones.
She explained that student loans can act as investment in education, preparing people for better job opportunities and higher income.
Though any debt that is poorly managed can turn into bad debt, there are a few forms Jones warned against.
“I recommend staying away from costly alternatives, like payday loans or cash advance locations. You will end up paying very high interest on your own money when in reality you may just need assistance with a budget,” said Jones. “Other examples of bad debt can include high-interest credit cards or auto loans, rent-toown agreements, co-signing for a loan that’s not yours and ultimately anything that you cannot afford to repay comfortably.”
If someone does become burdened with bad debt, Jones advised that they seek support.
“I recommend people to connect with a free financial coach or advisor like me to help them review their finances and come up with a plan and budget to get from underneath that bad debt,” said Jones. “Bad debt doesn’t need to be dealt with alone.”
Photo courtesy of Laing Media Lamar Laing is a Black entrepreneur and fintech innovator who founded Copiafy, an online platform for managing personal finances.
C elebrating
NATIONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH
Average credit card debt increased 3.5 percent to $6,730 in 2024
By Chris Horymski
Despite record-high annual percentage rates (APRs) for consumers, credit card debt grew at a slower rate in 2024 than it did in 2023. The total amount of consumer credit card debt in the U.S. grew 8.6 percent to reach $1.16 trillion as of the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, according to Experian data.
Among those consumers who carry a balance—revolvers, in industry jargon—the average balance grew 3.5 percent to reach $6,730 as of Q3 2024. That increase from 2023 marks the slowest annual growth since the start of the pandemic.
This pullback in credit card debt growth reflects that more consumers are reining in their spending, with some simply refusing to take on more debt. The current social media trend du jour, broadly termed low-buy or no-buy, has consumers eliminating or greatly reducing nonessential spending. Rising credit card balances may be a big reason why.
Credit card issuers are making their own changes as well, says Rakesh Patel, executive vice president for the Experian Consumer Services Marketplace.
“With the economic climate, along with rising delinquency and chargeoff rates, lenders are taking more of a conservative position on acquiring new customers,” Patel says. “To manage risk and impending economic change, they are also looking at alternative data points such as income, cash flow and employment to help make better underwriting decisions.”
As part of Experian’s regular review of consumer debt and credit trends in the U.S., we’re taking a look at some top-line numbers around the credit card market that powers the U.S. economy in 2025 and beyond.
Total credit card debt increases by 8.6 percent to $1.16 trillion in 2024
The total balance of U.S. consumer credit card debt grew by $92 billion to end Q3 2024 at more than $1.16 trillion. This 8.6 percent increase outran the overall rate of inflation, which slowly fell from 3.7 percent to 2.4 percent over the same period. Still, it is a far cry from the credit card debt growth witnessed from 2022 to 2023, which clocked in at 17.3 percent.
Anyone carrying a balance from one month to the next knows one culprit to blame for higher balances: high APRs. The average credit card APR was 23.37 percent as of Q3 2024, the highest it’s ever been, according to Federal Reserve data.
2024 credit card accounts grow over 2023
At the same time, more Americans are still carrying more plastic, metal and virtual cards than last year. U.S. consumers have roughly 18 million more credit card accounts than in 2023. However, that expansion in 2024, while significant, was less than half the number of new cards added to consumers’
Gray Divorce
wallets in 2023.
“With lenders taking a more conservative approach to new customer acquisition, it may be harder for consumers without a credit history to get approved for their first credit card,” Patel says. “Many lenders prefer to see some credit history to assess risk.”
Average credit card balance increased by 3.5 percent to $6,730
The average credit card balance among consumers was $6,730 as of Q3 2024, up by $229 from the previous year’s average of $6,501. That increase in revolving credit was more or less in line with inflation, which ranged from 2.4 percent to 3.7 percent (at an annual rate) between September 2023 and September 2024.
Average credit card balance growth varies by state from 2 percent to 6.4 percent
There was no great deviation among the states in their average credit card balance growth in 2024.
California, Hawaii and, quite curiously, Vermont, were the three states where credit card balances increased the most in 2024: Residents in each state grew their credit card balances by more than 5 percent. Meanwhile, credit card spending in the Appalachian states of Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia (as well as non-Appalachian North Dakota) slowed to less than 2 percent in 2024.
Average balances are higher in states that sport higher annual incomes (Connecticut, New Jersey and Washington, D.C., have average balances exceeding $7,500 in 2024), and/or have higher consumer costs in general (like Alaska and Hawaii).
Average credit card utilization level at 29 percent
The average credit card utilization ratio among consumer credit cards remained at 29 percent in 2024, a relatively good indication that consumers, overall, aren’t overextended (although we identify some outliers below).
Generally speaking, a lower utilization has a more positive impact on one’s credit score than a higher utilization. When it comes to a good credit utilization ratio, having one below 30 percent helps avoid more serious damage to your FICO® Score, but staying under 10 percent is best for scores. You’ll still need to check other
boxes as well: On-time payments are the most important score factor, but the types of credit you use, the length of your credit history and new applications for credit all influence one’s FICO® Score as well.
Lower credit utilization ratios tagged to higher credit scores
Looking at utilization by state, it’s evident lower credit utilization ratios are generally correlated with higher FICO® Scores, absent other factors. Most states with credit card utilization ratios of less than 30 percent have credit scores of 720 or higher. Meanwhile, states where credit utilization average is above 30 percent sport lower average FICO® Scores (and likely higher average APRs).
Average credit card balance grew fastest for millennials
For the second consecutive year, millennial credit card balances grew faster than any other generation, according to Experian data. The 6.3 percent jump to $6,932 among millennials last year built on a double-digit percentage leap in 2023. This is also the second year in a row the millennial generation’s average card balance was higher than the overall U.S. average. Based on historical debt trends, millennials’ average balances will likely remain above the overall national average for years to come. What changed? There are three
identifiable contributors to the recent acceleration of millennial credit card debt balances:
• Rising APRs: While the average APR of 23 percent isn’t kind to credit card borrowers of any age, it puts a bigger squeeze on consumers with larger balances and further accelerates growth. Even worse: Millennials are likely receiving higher APRs than older generations, who have better average credit scores.
Higher rates of inflation: Even if their wages are keeping up with higher prices, many consumers carrying balances from month to month may still be paying off purchases made in 2022.
• Life itself: Consumers tend to spend more as working adults than generations outside of ages 25 to 54, considered the primary working demographic by the Labor Department. And as many millennials are painfully aware, home purchase costs remain out of reach for many in their generation. Tighter budgets may force consumers of any generation to lean on credit card spending to make up for sharp increases in the costs of housing, driving or insurance, among other higher costs that can’t be deferred.
Gen X has highest average balances
Once again, as in 2022 and 2023,
2) Selling the house and downsizing after divorce
After a late-life divorce, you might be thinking that you’d like to keep the family home. This could be a double-edged sword. Keeping all the equity in the house means you’ll get less of the other assets. Also, the cost of maintaining a large home along with assuming a mortgage could squeeze your budget. Do you really want to be house-poor to keep a residence that might be too big for you?
3) Social Security divorce benefits
If you were married at least 10 years, your Social Security benefit will be the greater of
your own benefit or half your ex-spouse’s benefit. Certainly, if this makes a difference for you, consider the timing of your gray divorce. For example, if you’ve been married for nine and a half years, you might want to delay the final decree for six months. Additionally, if you are approaching age 62 (or older), you have a choice of taking benefits early for less of an ongoing monthly benefit or delaying to increase your monthly benefit. Your personal financial situation and life expectancy will be the primary decision-making factors.
4) Working after divorce
If you will be short on cash flow, returning to (or continuing) work might be a good solution. Depending on your shortfall, it might
not be necessary to hold down a high-level full-time job.
Many semiretired people supplement their income with substitute teaching, house- and dog-sitting, and other part-time work. Whether you continue your regular job or pursue something less demanding, there’s a big advantage to bringing in income: You might be able to delay drawing from your investments.
5) Long-term-care insurance after divorce
When you are on your own, long-term-care coverage is important. This insurance will be less expensive and easier to obtain when you are younger (under age 60) and healthy. If you’re not able to afford premiums, consider
Generation X has the highest average balance among the generations, with one nearing $10,000. That balance is thousands of dollars above the average balances of millennials and baby boomers, who have the next-highest averages. And although Gen X didn’t see the highest increase on a percentage basis in 2024, their average balance grew by $434—more than even millennials’ $411 increase.
In addition, while lenders appear to be accommodating the additional demand for credit for other generations, Generation X, appears to be in a squeeze. Although their average balances grew by 4.8 percent in 2024, collectively they’ve only received 4.9 percent in additional credit—perhaps an indication that they’ve hit a ceiling.
Gen X carries monthly balances Additional evidence that Generation X has a bigger lift than other generations: They aren’t as likely to be consistently paying their entire credit card balance each month, compared with other age ranges, according to an Experian survey conducted in 2024.
How generations handle credit utilization
Finally, consider each generation’s demand for additional credit in the broader context of how much of their credit each one is using. On average, Gen Z, millennials and Gen X use more than 30 percent of their credit, while baby boomers and the Silent Generation use less than 30 percent. Reading across the groups, the strong relationship between average credit utilization and average FICO® Score becomes quite apparent.
How happy meals may foreshadow credit card spending in 2025
Given the above, and despite the relatively uniform and modest increases in credit card balances in 2024, there’s no guarantee the same will occur in 2025. Changing consumer habits could very well result in a turning tide.
opting for a longer waiting period of 180 or 360 days. Paying for long-term care for six months to a year can be more easily handled than having to cover care for many years.
Watch
There are two other options for covering long-term-care costs. One, you may be able to exchange a life insurance policy for a longterm-care policy. Second, consider moving into a “continuing care” retirement community. You can choose independent living, which is similar to having your own apartment. As you age and require more care, you can move to assisted living, healthcare or memory-care facilities within the community. This article was provided to The Associated Press by Morningstar.
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
SOLICITATION NO.: 59-2025 Comprehensive Risk Assessment for the District of Columbia Housing Authority
The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Office of Financial Management (OFM) requires licensed, qualified professionals to provide Comprehensive Risk Assessment for the District of Columbia Housing Authority.
SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available Tuesday, April 1, 2025, and can be found on Housing Agency Marketplace at:
The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Office of Capitol Programs (OCP) qualified professionals to conduct physical needs assessment consulting/environmental assessment consulting services for DCHA.
SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Tuesday, April 1, 2025, and can be found on Housing Authority Market Place at: https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com
To access files respondents are required to Register on the Housing Agency Market Place platform.
Respondents will then need to log in and locate this RFP for all related documents. It is the respondent’s responsibility to check the Housing Agency Market Place site regularly to stay current on the documents that are available as this is the primary communication sit for this RFP
PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Wednesday, April 30, 2025 by 12:00 p.m.
Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 55-2025 DOB Raze Permits Letters, Plumbing Disconnect, Abatement Work and Razing The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Capital Construction and Design (CCD) requires licensed, qualified professionals to be able to solicitate and coordinate with 3rd party
SOLICITATION
LEGAL NOTICES
CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION NOTICE OF LETTING
Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for WATER CONTRACT NO. 1282-Water Main Replacement and Rehabilitation at Franklin Square Neighborhood & Vicinity will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M on May 7, 2025. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates and can be watched live on CharmTV’s cable channel 25/1085HD; charmtvbaltimore. com/watch-live or listen in at (443) 984-1696 (ACCESS CODE: 0842939) from City Hall at Noon. The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at Contract Administration 4 South Frederick Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 on the 3 rd floor (410) 396-4041 as of April 4, 2025 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of 100.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact OBC at 4 S Frederick St., 4 th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is B02551-Water Mains. Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $15,000,000.01 to $20,000,000.00.
A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted via Microsoft Teams Meeting. Vendor can call 1 667- 228-6519, Phone Conference ID: 562-401-128# on April 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM.
To purchase a bid book, please make an electronic request at: https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/dpw-construction-projects-notice-letting and dpwbidopportunities@baltimorecity.gov.
For further inquiries about purchasing bid documents, please contact the assigned Contract Administrator Amber.Coles-Johnson@ baltimorecity.gov Contractor questions shall be submitted via email to Amber.Coles-Johnson@baltimorecity.gov by April 16, 2025 at 4:30 PM. Questions submitted after the deadline may not be responded to and Contractors will be required to submit their bids based on the available information.
Principal items of work for this contract include, but are not limited to: Abandonment and/or removal of existing water mains and installation of various sized new ductile iron pipes, valves, fittings and appurtenances, pipe restraints, replacement/installation of fire hydrants, small (residential) meter settings and meter vaults, renew and replacement of existing water services, temporary bypass piping, erosion and sediment control measures, maintenance of traffic measures, sidewalk restoration, curb and gutter, and roadway paving, as required.
The MBE goal is 11%
APPROVED: Clerk, Board Estimates Khalil Zaied
The WBE goal is 5%
APPROVED: Director Department of Public Works
IFB NUMBER: B-2037-25
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”) will issue a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) for interested and qualified demolition contractors to submit qualification statements in order to qualify to participate in the bidding phase for several HABC demolition projects.
This solicitation follows the multi-step sealed bidding process, which is described in the HUD Procurement Handbook No: 7460.8 Rev 2, Issued: March 2, 2007 as a two-phase process in which bidders submit technical proposals, to be reviewed by HABC and a second phase in which those bidders whose technical proposals have been found to be acceptable during the first phase will be invited to summit sealed bids on projects for HABC consideration.
PROPOSALS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 9 th , 2025.
A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., which will be scheduled as a virtual meeting. The entire RFQ can be viewed and downloaded by visiting https://habc. bonfirehub.com/projects on or after Monday, April 21, 2025
Questions regarding the RFQ should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated below and must include the reference: HABC RFQ Number B-2037-25.
Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Procurement Department 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 414 Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Attention: John Airey, Senior Vice President of Procurement Tel: 410-396-3261 john.airey@habc.org
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY INVITATION FOR BIDS CLASS 1 & 2 VANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SUVS IFB NUMBER: B-2038-25
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”) will issue an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) for interested vendors to supply Class 1 & 2 Vans, Pickup Trucks and SUVs.
BIDS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, April 25, 2025.
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., which will be scheduled as a virtual meeting.
The entire IFB can be viewed and downloaded by visiting https://habc. bonfirehub.com/projects on or after Monday, April 21, 2025.
Questions regarding the IFB should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated below and must include the reference: HABC IFB Number B-2038-25.
Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Procurement Department Attention: Mary Kate Gagliardi, Senior Buyer Tel: (410) 396-3105 mary.gagliardi@habc.org
The District Management Committee of Visit Baltimore will meet on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at a
meeting hosted by Visit Baltimore to conduct a public hearing on the Baltimore Tourism Improvement District (BTID) FY2026 Financial Plan. The public hearing is a requirement of
§70 of the Baltimore City Charter, and Article 14, §20 of the Baltimore City Code. At the public virtual hearing, the District Management Committee will review the BTID FY2026 Financial Plan for approval. The BTID FY2026 Financial Plan includes the proposed budget and BTID special assessments to be levied on any “Hotel” as defined in City Code Article 28, §21-1(c). The FY2026 Financial Plan will also outline proposed services to be provided by the BTID. If approved, the FY2026 Financial Plan will be submitted to Baltimore City Board of Estimates for final approval. The public hearing will allow for public comment on the FY2026 Financial Plan.
For more information and registration link contact: Mia Blom, Visit Baltimore’s Sr. Director of Government & Community Affairs at 410-659-8373 or mblom@baltimore.org
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY INVITATION FOR BIDS CLASS 3, 4 & 5 TRUCKS
IFB NUMBER: B-2039-25
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”) will issue an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) for interested vendors to supply Class 3, 4 & 5 Trucks.
BIDS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, April 25, 2025.
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., which will be scheduled as a virtual meeting.
The entire IFB can be viewed and downloaded by visiting https://habc.bonfirehub.com/projects on or after Monday, April 21, 2025. Questions regarding the IFB should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated below and must include the reference: HABC IFB Number B-2039-25.
Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Procurement Department Attention: Mary Kate Gagliardi, Senior Buyer Tel: (410) 396-3105 mary.gagliardi@habc.org
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION
ADMINISTRATION NO.
2025ADM000296
THELMA HAUSER
Name of Decedent
CHARLES CANTY, ESQ. 1125 CONNECTICUT AVE, N.W., #1000 WASHINGTON, DC 20036
ATTORNEY
Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
EBONIE BAZEMORE whose address is 1018 ANDERSON PL, S.E., WASHINGTON, DC 20032 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THELMA HAUSER who died on JULY 12, 2024, without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before OCTOBER 11, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before OCTOBER 11, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:
APRIL 11, 2025
Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
EBONIE BAZEMORE Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 4/11, 4/18, 4/25/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000268
BRIAN T. ANDERSON Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
BRIANA T. MCMILLIAN whose address is 860 WHITTIER PL NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20012 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BRIAN T. ANDERSON who died on AUGUST 8, 2024, without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before OCTOBER 11, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before OCTOBER 11, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: APRIL 11, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
BRIANA T. MCMILLIAN Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 4/11, 4/18, 4/25/25
Washington Classifieds
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION
ADMINISTRATION NO.
2025ADM000250
MILDRED JONES BROWN
Name of Decedent
DELALI ABLA DAGADU 1717 K STREET NW, STE 900 WASHINGTON, DC 20006
ATTORNEY
Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
ELAINE BENITA JONES whose address is 4547 EADS STREET NE, WASHINGTON DC, 20019 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MILDRED JONES BROWN who died on DECEMBER 14, 2024, without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before OCTOBER 11, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before OCTOBER 11, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:
APRIL 11, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
ELAINE BENITA JONES Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 4/11, 4/18, 4/25/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000223
DOROTHY MAE BROWN Name of Decedent
ERICA F. GLOGER, GRIFFIN & GRIFFIN LLP 1320 19TH STREET, NW #800 WASHINGTON, DC 20036 ATTORNEY Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
GILBERT E. BROWN whose address is 9517 SILVER FOX TURN, CLINTON, MD 20735 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DOROTHY MAE BROWN who died on NOVEMBER 04, 2024, without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before OCTOBER 04, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before OCTOBER 04, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:
APRIL 04, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
GILBERT E. BROWN Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 4/04, 4/11, 4/18/25
be available Tuesday, April 1, 2025 and can be found on Housing Agency Marketplace at:
PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.
Email Abdul Karim Farooqi, Procurement Specialist at afarooqi@dchousing.org for additional information.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000283
ELIZABETH KEYS Name of Decedent
ELIZABETH HUGHES, ESQ. 1825 K STREET, NW, SUITE 950 WASHINGTON, DC 20006 ATTORNEY
Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
DAVID SEIDMAN whose address is 2259 12TH PLACE, N.W., WASHINGTON, DC 20006 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELIZABETH KEYS who died on JANUARY 29, 2025, with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before OCTOBER 11, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before OCTOBER 11, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:
APRIL 11, 2025
Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
DAVID SEIDMAN
Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 4/11, 4/18, 4/25/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000192 JAMES ROBERTSON Name of Decedent NATALIE S. WALKER, ESQ. 1101 CONNECTICUT, AVENUE, NW, SUITE 402 WASHINGTON, DC 20036 ATTORNEY Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs ROSA MARIE ROBERTSON whose address is 619 DARRINGTON STREET, SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20032 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES ROBERTSON who died on APRIL 18, 2020, without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before OCTOBER 04, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before OCTOBER 04, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:
APRIL 04, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
ROSA MARIE ROBERTSON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY
The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Office of Financial Management (OFM) requires licensed, qualified professionals to provide Fee Accounting – Balance Sheet Account Reconciliation services.
SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available Monday, March 31, 2025, and can be found on Housing Agency Marketplace at:
PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Monday, April 28, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.
Email Abdul Karim Farooqi, Procurement Specialist at afarooqi@dchousing.org for additional information.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION
ADMINISTRATION NO.
2025ADM000273
CHARLES WILLIAM WASHINGTON III
Name of Decedent
HORACE LEE BRADSHAW JR 1644 6TH STREET, NW WASHINGTON, DC 20001
ATTORNEY
Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
CAMELIA ROCHELLE GUNN & RICHARD
WASHINGTON whose addresses are 3307 HIGH STREET, EASTOVER NC, 28312 & 1905 BRAHORN LN. FORT WORTH TX, 76131 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of CHARLES WILLIAM WASHINGTON III who died on NOVEMBER 08, 2024, without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before OCTOBER 11, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before OCTOBER 11, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:
APRIL 11, 2025
Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
CAMELIA ROCHELLE GUNN RICHARD WASHINGTON Personal Representatives
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 4/11, 4/18, 4/25/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2025FEP000032
JULY 6, 2024 Date of Death KARLA ALBERTA LEWIS Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS ARIS LEWIS-CARROLL whose address is 1307 DOUGLASS AVE, HIGHLAND BEACH, MD 21403 was appointecd representative of the estate of KARLA ALBERTA LEWIS deceased, by the ORPHANS Court for ANNE ARUNDEL County, State of MARYLAND, on AUGUST 26, 2024. Service of process may be made upon JOHN M. CLIFFORD, ESQUIRE, 815 BLACK LIVES MATTER PLAZA, NW, #44082, WASHINGTON, DC 20006 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 110 U ST, NE, WASHINGTON, DC 20002. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills for the District of Columbia, Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: APRIL 11, 2025 Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PROBATE DIVISION
ADMINISTRATION NO.
2025ADM000169
FLORENCE C SIMS
Name of Decedent
MARY PALOGER, ESQ.
EAST COAST LEGAL GROUP
1629 K ST., NW SUITE 300 WASHINGTON, DC 20006
ATTORNEY
Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
SHARON S LACY whose address is 6702 5TH ST., NW WASHINGTON, DC, 20012 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FLORENCE C SIMS who died on FEBRUARY 02, 2022, without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before SEPTEMBER 21, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication:
MARCH 21, 2025
Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter
AFRO American Newspapers
SHARON S LACY Personal Representatives
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 3/21, 3/28, 4/04/25
Washington Classifieds
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PROBATE DIVISION
ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000217
VALERIE ANN LYLES Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
JEAN WARD whose address is 1600 HARDWICK CT # 404 HANOVER, MD 21076 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PRESTON DUNSTON who died on DECEMBER 03, 2024, with-
and will
supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before OCTOBER 4, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before OCTOBER 4, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.
Date of first publication: APRIL 4, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
BOBBIE JEAN WARD
Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 4/4, 4/11, 4/18/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000168 EUGENE LAWSON Name of Decedent
MITCHELL I. ALKON ESQUIRE 6110 EXECUTIVE BLVD STE 300 ROCKVILLE, MD 20852 ATTORNEY Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
MARIA LAWSON whose address is 3171 18TH STREET NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20010 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EUGENE LAWSON who died on DECEMBER 13, 2019, without a Will and will serve without Court supervision.
All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed
With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before SEPTEMBER 21, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.
Date of first publication: MARCH 21, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
MARIA LAWSON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 3/21, 3/28, 4/04/25
NO.
2025ADM000216
DOROTHY JEAN HOLLOWAY BROWN Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment,
VANCE DANNY LYLES whose address is 2633 NICHOLSON ST # 302 HYATTSVILLE, MD 20782 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of VALERIE ANN LYLES who died on FEBRUARY 13, 2025, without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before OCTOBER 4, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before OCTOBER 4, 2025 or be
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001359 ELIZABETH WHITLOW Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
TINA FORD whose address is 304 SCHAFFER DR. FREDERICK, MD 21702 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELIZABETH WHITLOW who died on NOVEMBER 17, 2021, without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before SEPTEMBER 28, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before SEPTEMBER 28, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: MARCH 28, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
TINA FORD Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000238 BARBARA C. DRAKE Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs BRENDA ROBINSON whose address is 12102 MACKELL LANE, BOWIE, MD 20715 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BARBARA C. DRAKE who died on DECEMBER 16, 2024, without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before OCTOBER 11, 2025, Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills
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