The AFRO endorses Harris, Alsobrooks ahead of Election Day 2024
The AFRO is pleased to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president of the United States and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for the U.S. Senate in the 2024 general election. These two women have consistently demonstrated their dedication not only to the Black community but to all constituents, regardless of their leadership roles.
Harris announced her candidacy for the presidency on July 27. She is seeking to become commander in chief with Tim Walz, the current governor of Minnesota, as her running mate.
A Howard University alumna and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Harris has a long history of public service. She joined the California Bar Association in 1990 and began her career as a deputy district attorney in Al-
ameda County. From there, she advanced to become the first woman elected as San Francisco district attorney, then served as California’s attorney general from 2011 to 2016. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2017, she represented California until joining the Biden administration as vice president.
During her time as vice president, Harris has been an influential advocate on issues such as reproductive rights and voting rights protections. She was instrumental in passing the Emmett Till AntiLynching Act and securing $16 billion in support for historically Black colleges and universities. Her advocacy extends to Black farmers, small business owners, and initiatives to reduce Black unemployment and increase generational wealth among Black entrepreneurs. Similarly, Alsobrooks, a Mary-
land Democrat and distinguished member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is poised to make history. A win for Harris would make her the first woman president of the U.S., and a victory for Alsobrooks would mark Maryland’s first Black woman senator.
Alsobrooks faces former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, in the race to succeed retiring Sen. Ben Cardin. The AFRO endorsed Alsobrooks as the Democratic nominee in the Maryland primary and joins other prominent Maryland leaders, such as House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, in supporting her. Former President Barack Obama also recently endorsed her, highlighting her record on public safety.
The AFRO is proud to be in the number of supporters for Also-
brooks, which at one time included former Gov. Larry Hogan.
In a 2022 live stream, still available on verified Youtube and Meta (Facebook) pages for the former state official, then Gov. Larry Hogan praised Alsobrooks for her “incredible leadership,” and even though his own father held the office of Prince George’s County executive from Dec. 1978 to Dec. 19, 1982, Hogan said “I can’t remember a better county executive than Angela Alsobrooks.”
The outcome of this race could impact which party controls the U.S. Senate. Currently, Democrats hold 48 seats, and two independents caucus with them, while Republicans have 50 seats. Harris, as vice president, has the power to cast tiebreaking votes, giving Democrats a slim majority.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore,
A time to help: Red Cross weighs in on how to aid
By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com
Hurricane Helene touched down in Florida on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 storm that devastated communities across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service deemed it among the most powerful storms to hit the United States with days of torrential rainfall and powerful winds. Then came Hurricane Milton. With winds of more than 120 miles an hour, the Category 3 storm slammed into popular cities in Florida, such as Tampa and Orlando. An estimated 500,000 people lost power and roads quickly flooded.
More than 200 people died as a result of Hurricane Helene, making it the deadliest hurricane to hit the country since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Now, Florida is grappling with recovery from another catastrophic storm, Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on Oct. 9. With homes washed away, persisting power outages and impassable roadways from consecutive hurricanes, organizations are racing to deploy help to those who were in the path of first, Helene, and then, Milton.
who endorsed Alsobrooks last October, praised her efforts to build schools and attract jobs to Prince George’s County. “In our Maryland, we have lowered homicides, made historic investments in education, brought record-low unemployment to the state, and signed some of the strongest laws in America to protect reproductive freedoms. Angela Alsobrooks has been a partner every step of the way,” Moore said. Alsobrooks has supported economic development in her county and was instrumental in securing the new FBI headquarters bid last year.
For these reasons, the AFRO is proud to endorse both Kamala Harris for president and Angela Alsobrooks for the U.S. Senate. Remember to register to vote by Oct. 15 and plan to cast your ballot on Nov. 5.
The AFRO is proud to endorse Vice Kamala Harris (left) for president and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for U.S. Senate in the upcoming general election.
AP Photo/Erin Hooley
AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell A boat sunk by Hurricane Helene rests against a bridge as Hurricane Milton, another category four storm, arrives in Florida. A state of emergency was declared in the state as the hurricane created catastrophic flooding and winds.
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
Divine Nine groups in Maryland host virtual campaign rally supporting VP Harris, Angela Alsobrooks
By Ashlee Banks Special to the AFRO
The Maryland Democratic Party collaborated with members of the Divine Nine (D9) – Black sororities and fraternities – to host a virtual get-out-the-vote rally for Vice President Kamala Harris and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Democratic candidates for the U.S. presidency and Senate, respectively.
In attendance were members from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. These organizations have played a pivotal role in politics over the years and hope to help Harris, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Alsobrooks, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, get elected on Nov. 5.
Alsobrooks, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (DMd.-4) also made appearances during the virtual rally.
Alsobrooks told attendees that the relationship between D9 fraternities and sororities is “very important.”
“When we fight together, we’re going to win,” she said.
That coordinated effort would be needed in what she called “the most consequential election of our time.”
“We have the real profound obligation to ensure that we build a future that that really befits the dignity of our children and grandchildren and
AP Photo/Darron Cummings
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boulé, July 24, 2024, in Indianapolis. Members of the nine Black sororities and fraternities plan to mobilize voters to show up at the polls on Nov. 5 in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (not shown), who is running for U.S. Senate.
so many of the struggles that we have fought for…. Ensuring that our daughters and granddaughters have the right to enjoy reproductive freedom and that we are also building communities that are safe and affordable,” said the Prince George’s County executive.
“We know we have the power to make a change and we have the power that was instilled in us and passed on to us by our ancestors, the power to make the impossible possible.”
Following Alsobrooks’ remarks, Moore took center stage and told rally attendees that he is “beyond excited” about the upcoming election, adding, “It’s our time.”
He also emphasized the role of Black Greek organizations in ensuring that success.
“The road to Washington [D.C.], it runs through the D9. The road to the White House, the road to the Senate seat, it runs through the D9,” said Moore. “This is a crew that moves mountains.”
If elected, Harris would make history as the first Black female president of the United States and Alsobrooks would become the first Black woman elected as a U.S. senator from Maryland, however, Moore said it’s not about making history.
“We love it [but] that’s not the assignment,” said the governor. “The
reason we are going to make Kamala Harris the next president of the United States is because she is brilliant and she is the best. The reason we are going to make Angela Alsobrooks the next senator for the state of Maryland is because she is brilliant and because she’s the best and we care about our future and we’re going to protect it.”
Jeremiah Pope, the chairman of the African American Leadership Council, delivered remarks and urged
“We know we have the power to make a change and we have the power that was instilled in us and passed on to us by our ancestors, the power to make the impossible possible.”
fraternity and sorority members to get out and vote.
“I don’t have to say much because as D9 ambassadors, this is what we do. We always get out. We register people to vote. We always stay fired up,” said Pope. “As Michelle Obama says, ‘We always do something.’”
Lamont Riley, a D9 ambassador, said fraternities and sororities are “undeniably influential” and have
made history in the past by helping Moore get elected. And, he added, they hope to do it again with Harris and Alsobrooks.
“Remember we had a Divine Nine brother who started to run for governor of Maryland with just 1 percent name recognition. But what happened? We had the Divine Nine, our network, family, friends and neighbors who became a mobilizing force,” said Riley. “We’re going to do it again…. It’s time to activate and ensure Angela’s vision becomes a reality.”
Dasia Scott, digital director of the Maryland Democratic Party, then led a discussion on ways Divine Nine members can utilize social media to mobilize voters for Harris and Alsobrooks.
“We’ve created for you all different Divine Nine themed frames for you to utilize on your social media accounts and we made them based on the colors of different organizations,” she said.
Rev. Regina Clay, a member of the Maryland Democratic Party’s outreach team, discussed the important role that faith leaders play and why they need to use their platforms to ensure community members have a plan for Nov. 5.
“We have been educating our faith leaders, who sometimes get inhibited about talking about elections. We’ve been sharing with them that they need to have an operation voter turnout, an action plan,” said Clay. “We know that death and life are in the power of the tongue. So, we speak [voter turnout] into existence.”
Warrior, queen and mother: Honoring the life of Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant
By Catherine Pugh Special to the AFRO
Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant was celebrated in a ceremony of life fit truly for a queen, as she was often called during the two-hour homegoing service on Oct. 5. The service included a host of family, friends, politicians and onlookers who came to pay their respect to the highly-regarded community leader, wife and mother. The service was held at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, located at 1300 Druid Hill Avenue in Baltimore. Bryant’s husband, Bishop John Richard Bryant, who pastored the church for more than a decade, listened as those in attendance spoke kind and powerful words about his wife of 55 years.
Recordings of sermons, prayers and songs by Bryant echoed throughout the church during the family hour, carrying the voice of the late missionary to people in multiple overflow rooms of the church and those gathered on the sidewalks outside of Bethel. Famed violinist Dr. Melanie R. Hill, trumpeter and composer Dontae Winslow and the Bethel Community Choir provided music during the service.
A procession of A.M.E. bishops gave greetings to the family as they approached the pulpit. The line was led by Bethel A.M.E.’s senior pastor and first lady, Rev. Dr. Patrick D. Clayborn and Dr. Sheri Smith Clayborn, respectively.
Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, co-pastor of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Md., presided over the service.
“We all come on this day to Bethel A.M.E. Church and virtually around the world to give God praise and to celebrate the loving life, the legacy and the ministry of Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant. Lovingly, respectfully and affectionately she was called by many as Rev. Mother C and Queen Mother,” said Browning.
The service continued with scriptures, songs, prayer and praise. Well-wishers delivered messages through their tears reflecting on Byrant’s presence in their lives including former member of the Maryland House of Delegates and friend, Dr. Salima Marriott, sisters Elise Williams and Rev. Quintalyn Williams Phillips.
Naomi R. Bryant, one of Bryant’s grandchildren, spoke about her “Nana.”
“She was a mother and grandmother even outside her own bloodline.There are so many people around the world who have been blessed by her mentorship, love and support,” said Naomi Bryant. “When you think of Nana, we want you to picture her smiling at you; her laugh. Picture her praying for you and over you, picture her encouraging you and laying hands on you. Nana will continue to live on in our hearts and her legacy and blessings will anoint the many generations to come.”
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Family, friends and members of the faith community are still mourning the death of Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant. The mother, wife and faith leader was known internationally as a warrior for Christ with a heart for the people she served.
Together Bryant and her husband, Bishop John Richard Bryant birthed and nurtured two children through adulthood, Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, founder of Empowerment Temple in Baltimore and now pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia and Rev. Dr. Thema Simone Bryant, a licensed psychologist, minister, author, sacred artist and president of the American Psychological Association.
Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother via his social media platforms.
“The only reason why I am still alive is because of the grace of God and because of the prayers of Cecelia Bryant,” he said.
Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant spoke for both herself and her brother during the homegoing celebration. Her words brought laughter and tears.
“Behold the woman, behold the mother of multitudes,” said Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant, to those gathered. “In the natural she birthed two children, in the spirit she birthed a movement and we–her fruit– understand her assignment. She mothered generations of intercessors and midwifed global consciousness with a heart for the African diaspora.”
Bryant’s daughter said that her mother lived by the African proverb, “when you pray, move your feet.”
“She came with an assignment to set the captives free,” said Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant. “She held up a mirror for women of African descent to see and embrace the truth of our glory… ‘Ma,’ as we– Jamal and I–called her, was known for her commitment to youth and education.”
“What you don’t know…is the Cecelia Bryant Summer Enrichment College Preparatory Academy Camp that had two attendees: Jamal and Thema,” she continued. “We had to memorize and recite chapters of the Bible; go with her to hospitals and nursing homes where she served communion. Jamal read the
“We know that people are generous and want to do everything they can to help after a disaster,” said Stephanie Fox, national media lead for the American Red Cross (Red Cross). “Our priority is to provide shelter and support to those affected. Financial donations are the quickest and best way to help those who need it most.”
More than 2,000 Red Cross volunteers have assembled to provide shelter, food, water and other support to families affected by Helene. The humanitarian organization has set up shelters in the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida, where residents can get hot meals and emotional support.
Emergency response vehicles have also been deployed to deliver meals, water and supplies to those in need. As the hurricanes led to the cancellation of blood drives across the Southeast, the Red Cross is working to restock
blood products.
“Donations of clothing and household items divert resources away from our mission, whereas financial donations can be used right away to directly help those affected, such as replacing lost items like prescription medications or reading glasses,” said Fox.
Baltimore resident Deneen Penny-Rymes spoke with the AFRO about the dire situation experienced by her daughter, Dia Rymes, following Helene. Dia Rymes, a teacher, lives in Hazlehurst, Ga.
Deneen Penny-Rymes said she thinks her daughter concealed the gravity of the situation in the beginning to prevent her from worrying. Now, the severity has become clear.
“She sent me a text and said, ‘Mom, I’m going to send you my CashApp because I need help.’ She’s 48. She’s never asked me for help,” said Deneen Penny-
scripture and I would praise dance between wheelchairs. All of this prepared us to catch the baton and carry the movement forward.”
Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant said that her mother was “a gifted speaker, preacher and poet,” and recalled how her mother would prep her for oratorical contents– which she won every year, except one. The year she wasn’t selected as the top orator, Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant demanded to know why they picked the wrong student.
“The teachers told her they didn’t pick me because my piece was not age appropriate. Well, I realized this week that she and I practiced that piece over and over again–not so that I could win an elementary school competition– but so that all of these years later, I would hear her voice challenging me now to say the words again– with feeling. Those words were ‘Oh death where is your sting? Oh grave, where is your victory?...Thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Tell God thank you,” she said, as the crowd rose to their feet.
Artistic tribute was given by the Akosua Visions Dance Ministry, which includes Bryant’s granddaughter, Ife Davis.
Zephia Bryant, founder and CEO of the Bryant Educational Leadership Group, acknowledged the numerous citations Bryant received, including from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Maryland State Senators Antonio Hayes, Jill Carter, bishops from around the world, ministers and many others.
The sermonic selection by Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford, Episcopal Supervisor of the A.M.E. Church’s 10th District, brought smiles to the face of Bishop Bryant.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, president of the National Council of Churches of Christ, delivered the eulogy.
“I must say that I don’t remember the day or the time in which I met Rev. C., but what I do remember is when I saw her…God spoke clearly in my heart ‘this is my prophet and she’s walking the prophet’s walk.’”
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie called on those gathered to remember the sterling qualities of Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant’s life and marvel at what God has done through her.
“Could it be that Rev. C.’s greatest achievement– besides marriage and what she called the adventures of motherhood– is that she stood and she stood as a prophetic voice?,” quipped McKenzie. “She stood at a time when women were historically ignored. She stood demanding courage and unwavering faith in the face of rejection after rejection. She stood with and by her husband in a global ministry spanning three continents from Africa, India, the Caribbean to Canada and all points in between.”
McKenzie went on to explain the uniqueness of who Bryant was to the world and to those gathered.
“She was a woman who refused to stay in her culturally assigned place. God saw her before she was seen or heard and she said she is the spirit personification of the warrior Queen Mother Nana Yaa Asantewaa. She is the warrior Queen Mother and according to the gospel of Cecelia she is the daughter of the Dust; a soul created, redeemed and anointed by Jesus.”
McKenzie encouraged others to live as Bryant did– “without fear and with Christ all the days of her life.”
Following the procession of the bishops and family, an internment at Kings Memorial Park took place in Windsor Mill, Md.
Rymes. “I burst into tears because I knew she was in trouble. She never, ever asked for any help. When she said that, I figured it was bad.”
Fortunately, the main structure of her daughter’s home stayed intact. But, all of the windows have shattered, and the screens have blown out. Her house’s addition has been demolished, and her barn is sitting under the weight of a fallen tree.
With no power or water, Dia Rymes’ and her significant other began traveling to towns, up to an hour away, to obtain necessities. But that was only possible while gas was available, and with no access to debit or credit cards, money to purchase gas ran low. Banks are shut down and many other forms of payment are offline due to power outages. Deneen Penny-Rymes recently discovered that pool water was a saving grace for her daughter in the immediate days after the storm, as it was
the only source of water to bathe and flush toilets.
As the need for relief in impacted communities continues, organizations have warned people to protect themselves from scams and disinformation. Fox cautioned that those seeking aid should avoid anyone who says they are a Red Cross volunteer and asks for money. The organization’s aid is always provided at no charge. She also provided guidance for those looking to donate.
“Beware of visits, calls or emails from people claiming to offer financial assistance, asking for your social security number, bank account or other personally sensitive information. Giving out this type of information can lead to identity theft,” said Fox.
“Research charities through Charity Navigator, Charity Watch Group, the Better Business Bureau and GuideStar before donating.”
Photo courtesy of Deneen Penny-Rymes
The barn of teacher Dia Rymes remains under a fallen tree in Hazlehurst, Ga. after Hurricane Helene devastated thousands in her state and others.
COMMENTARY
With Helene, history repeats itself for the vulnerable
By Parisa Fitz-Henley
“Katrina.” A word I’ve hesitated to say aloud because of its weight, it’s gravity. A word that’s been quietly repeating in my mind. Not a name anymore.
A symbol. People standing on rooftops, frantically waving at helicopters, begging for power for medical devices, for water, for food. Begging to be seen. It’s become synonymous with neglect of the most vulnerable people, neglect of places with poor infrastructure and few resources. Now, after Hurricane Helene, I’m seeing that kind of neglect play out in real time.
Right now I’m in rural upstate South Carolina, a half hour from western North Carolina. Our power is out, water is scarce. Fridges are quickly emptying of salvageable food. We keep checking on loved ones and strangers, sharing information, and managing fear and frustration as oxygen tanks dwindle and gas tanks empty. We are anxious for news of our North Carolina neighbors and social media is the only lifeline — when cell service or Wi-Fi permit. Texts ping urgently: “My parents are sick,” “My mom just had surgery,” “A woman is in labor,” “My son and his family are missing.”
Across the state line in western North Carolina, cell towers are down, and first responders struggle to navigate roads that have crumbled. People need help. But we don’t know what kind — or how to get to them.
The reality of living here goes beyond the storm. I’m in a “possible” sundown town according to research by Tougaloo College. Everyone
especially so. It was a time when South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said “If you’re a young African American, an immigrant, you can go anywhere in this state. You just need to be conservative, not liberal.” I’m half-Black. I wore a mask and lived in constant fear. And though my faith as a Bahá’í teaches me to see the good in others, to unite people, to rely on God, I slept with a gun by my bed. I hid when a White stranger visited my landlords. Then I had a realization: I could either safely be about what I say I am, or continue to live in fear. I took a walk in the center of town, past the Confederate monument and flag flying, and prayed.
I’ve since moved to a semirural area that’s slightly more diverse. I’m reminded of what I felt growing up in Florida and living in the Northeast and California: that our nation’s issues with race would be healed first in the South.
the Board of Advisors for Mona Foundation. This week, she discusses race in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Black in surrounding towns knows this. Multiple times when I’ve told Black folks where my parents live they responded with wide eyes and a hushed “I don’t go there.” My White mom and step-dad decided to retire here before Obama was elected. Before the Confederate flag came down at the South Carolina state capitol and before politics became so openly divisive. But now, those symbols are hard to miss. Flags fly on porches. Opinions are loud and clear. I lived here during the height of the pandemic, from 2020 and 2021. It was a terrifying time for so many, but for Black folks
The South is a place of deep wounds, visible and invisible, for all. I firmly believe no one, not the richest “master,” not the most seemingly innocent bystander, came through hundreds of years of enslavement and Jim Crow unscathed. “Seeing White,” a podcast from Scene on Radio, and “Hillbilly,” a documentary by Sally Rubin and Ashley York, tell the story of a region where Black, white, and Indigenous folks are pitted against one another to protect the wealth of a few.
The same playbook that dehumanized Black people as subhuman, unintelligent, bumbling, criminal, drugaddled, and responsible for our own oppression has been, and is, successfully used to
caricature the white working class of Appalachia and theSouth in general, branding them “hillbillies,” “rednecks,” and “white trash.” It’s the reason the land and bodies here have been poisoned by coal mining, pollution, and prescription drugs, enriching only a few.
It’s why even now there are people who have implied this region deserves what it’s getting, not realizing that, aside from it being filled with human beings, there are folks who look and vote just like them who’ve drowned in their homes.
about
That brings me back to Katrina. And Helene. There are people we are in the habit of valuing, and people we are not. There are people we think are worth headlines and urgency and aid, and people we don’t. And what these people have in common is they are mostly without wealth, mostly neglected by our government, and mostly told the “other side” hates them, that they are on their own.
As I sit here, batteries
Concerned about democracy? Your school board could hold the key
By Ethan Ashley
Education has always been a contentious issue, but as we approach the 2024 elections, it’s become ground zero for broader cultural and political clashes. Book bans targeting diverse and inclusive materials are on the rise, and restrictive gag orders are silencing classroom discussions on critical topics like race, gender and American history. With the conservative agenda of Project 2025 gaining traction, the threat to both democracy and public education has never been more urgent. In times like these, it’s easy to feel powerless—but, as citizens, we can’t afford to disengage. The fight for our country’s future begins at the local level, particularly with our school boards.
Though often overlooked, school boards are the backbone of our democratic process, influencing the education of nearly 90 percent of America’s children who attend public schools. Their decisions determine everything from which books make it into classrooms to the curriculum that teaches civics and voter education. They are the gatekeepers of academic freedom and have a crucial role in shaping young people’s understanding of democracy. School boards are responsible for dismantling the remnants of systemic racism in education and laying the foundation for future citizens who will either uphold or dismantle democratic values.
That’s why who sits on our school boards is so critical. Diverse representation on these boards ensures a variety of
perspectives, particularly when it comes to identifying inequities and implementing inclusive policies.
However, school boards in the U.S. were designed in a different era, for a different demographic. Historically led by white, male landowners, school boards have not evolved to reflect the diversity of the communities they now serve. Today, although public school students are more than 55 percent students of color, a 2022 survey by School Board Partners found that 64 percent of school board members are white, highlighting a significant gap in representation.
This May the nation celebrated the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the decision that outlawed segregation based on race in public
schools. At the time of the ruling, roughly 90 percent of students were white. Since then, public school demographics in America have continued to morph into being more racially and ethnically diverse: less than half of students are white, meaning that about 55 percent of public school students identify as minority populations, with more than a quarter being Hispanic, and nearly 15 percent being Black. These numbers don’t even account for nonEnglish native language speakers, students with disabilities, students identifying as part of the LGBTQ community, or students in varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
Across the country this fall, people will go to the polls and cast votes that will have a major impact on the future of our country. With over 21,000 seats up for
election this year, School Board Partners is among the groups working to ensure voters realize the importance of school board elections specifically.
The reality is that the tensions we’re witnessing around education will continue to compound — but we have the collective power to choose a better future by electing a more diverse candidate pool who will advocate for policies and procedures that meet the needs of students, no matter their background. By nature and design, school boards were established by the people, for the people. It’s time to bring our school boards into the present and deliver on that founding promise. The future of democracy depends on it.
This op-ed was originally published by Word in Black.
By Dayvon Love
Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS) has a revolutionary pan-African nationalist perspective that prioritizes Black sovereignty and self determination.
We operate primarily in the political and policy advocacy arena with a theory of change that requires tremendous courage, rigorous intellectual work, base-building among Black people and high integrity. These are the things that we aspire to because we believe that these are essential characteristics necessary to be effective advocates for Black people.
The suffering of the masses of Black people is fertile ground for opportunism. In this capitalist society, people are looking for jobs to survive. In many cases, jobs and careers have the impact of centering themselves around
advancing the careers of the people who are doing the jobs, and not the communities being served by the work at hand. It is easy for people to confuse these two things because– in this society– Black people have been conditioned to equate the accomplishments of individual Black people (i.e. first Black person to…. fill in the blank) with group success. What also makes this more complicated is that there are some Black people that will use their positions to help other Black people in their arena. While this is good, there are limitations. This route creates a class of Black people who benefit from being well networked amongst a handful of Black people that have access to opportunities due to their proximity to mainstream institutions. While this may bring on success
for those involved, the Black communities being served are left relatively unchanged.
One of the things that I take pride in as a co-founder of LBS is the fact that much of our work has had a wide and meaningful impact on the masses of Black people in Baltimore. We have done the work to help to establish BCIITY in west Baltimore, an organization that invests money into grassroots organizations to address youth trauma. We have worked on the establishment of the Baltimore City Children and Youth Fund, which invests resources in Black grassroots organizations around the city with $12 million a year statutorily allocated every year. LBS has also done advocacy work on bail reform, aimed at significantly reducing the amount of people in Mayland who spend time in
jail because of high priced bail premiums. We have also spent countless hours advocating for investments in community based violence prevention efforts that have empowered Black grassroots orgs to be the basis for the historic decline in violence in Baltimore in the last couple of years. These are just a few of the many things that LBS has done over the years to impact the lives of Black people. My standard for asking people to support LBS is whether we are able to deliver observable positive impact on the community. Too many Black people in my generation characterize their own personal and professional advancement as a win for the culture. They believe that their mere presence in a space of influence or power is a win for Black people. The emphasis on appear-
ance, clout and being cool with the right White people take precedence over a deep knowledge of history, rigorous expertise and a standard that requires that the community concretely benefit from your work.
If you are a person in Baltimore and you claim to work on economic justice, it might be hard to take you seriously if you are unaware about the following:
-Congressman Parren Mitchell’s work on minority set asides
-Walter P. Carter’s efforts on empowering community based organizations and Madaline Murphy’s work on the Community study and to take our people and our traditions seriously.
See more on afro.com
This isn’t about “both sides.”
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Ethan Ashley is the co-CEO and co-founder of School Board Partners, an organization that connects emerging, inspired elected community leaders serving on local school boards with the training, support and mentorship needed to successfully push for high quality school systems. This week, he discusses the importance of local school boards in an election year.
Dayvon Love is director of public policy for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, a Baltimore-based think tank aimed at improving the lives of Black people.
Courtesy photo
Navigating the ballot: Key issues facing voters in the 2024 general election
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com
As election day draws near, Black voters face a pivotal moment, as candidates at national, state and local levels take distinct approaches to addressing critical issues, like health disparities, wealth gaps, reproductive rights, voter suppression and education.
With a polarizing presidential race, tight races in Congress and contentious ballot measures, it becomes even more important for voters to identify the policies that enable them to thrive. The AFRO sat down with three leading, nonpartisan voter organizations that seek to empower the Black community to determine which issues are the most pressing. Here’s what they said.
National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
Voting rights
Voter roll purging, or removing individuals from registered voter lists, has escalated in recent years. The practice is meant to preserve the integrity of the list, clearing out people who have died or moved, but a number of states have used it to remove people due to infrequent voting in recent elections.
“Most Black people, close to 60 percent, live in the South where you have a lot of voter purging taking place,” said Melanie Campbell, president of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP). “Voting rights is a big issue for us.”
NCBCP has spearheaded a voter preparedness campaign to ensure people are registered to vote, know where their polling location is and understand the protections that exist.
Economic security
The economy has been a hot-button issue this election season. Campbell said Black women in particular are experiencing a great deal of concern over their finances.
“We did a poll earlier in the year, and the number one issue for Black women had to do with economic security— issues around paychecks not making it all the way through the month and matching bills,” said Campbell. “There’s a high level of anxiety for Black women across generations.”
Campbell also pointed out that the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged communities in the Southeast, would mean even more implications for the U.S. economy.
Black Girls Vote
Economic security Leaders of Black Girls Vote (BGV) also touched on the economic plight of Black women. Founder Nykidra Robinson pointed out that they are the fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurs in the U.S., but they need to be able to preserve the wealth they are creating.
“We have a lot of Black women who are heads of households or the breadwinner, but it’s tough,” said Robinson. “Even though we’re going to school and getting educated, we have student loan
debt payments that come with our salaries, which can be limited.”
She also highlighted the steep cost of housing today. Home ownership has traditionally been identified as a way to create generational wealth. But, if home prices are out of reach, this avenue may be closed to Black families.
“The cost of housing is now astronomical, and Black women want to purchase homes,” said Robinson. “For those who are able, we want to make sure that they can stay in their homes and not just buy them.”
Health equity
BGV advisory board member Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, a public health sociologist, raised health care affordability, quality and access as a major issue up and down ballots this year.
“Health disparities exist along lines of race but also along income and geography. We need to vote for candidates who prioritize health equity and ensure that those policies are designed to reduce disparities by addressing social drivers,” said Ramjohn. “Most of what contributes to your health happens outside of your doctor’s office.”
The Black community faces disparities in maternal health, cancer rates, mental health treatment, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Social determinants of health, or the conditions in which a person lives, works and ages, significantly impact these disparities, according to Ramjohn.
She warned that the next president will inherit multiple public health epidemics, including those related to Black maternal health, gun violence,
“Black women are three times more likely to suffer from maternal morbidity and maternal mortality when compared to their White counterparts,” said Ramjohn “We also know that firearm violence, which is now a leading cause of death among children, is concentrated in marginalized, racial and ethnic communities.”
Addressing reproductive justice is also a major issue under health care. While many associate the term with abortion access, it encompasses much more than that.
“When we hear about reproductive justice, there’s so much talk about abortion, but we’re not talking about in vitro fertiliza-
tion (IVF) treatments or surrogacy,” said Robinson. “We’re not talking about the mothers who desire to have a child and may not be able to conceive or have complications when trying to have a child.”
Black Voters Matter Fund
Economic security
Co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund LaTosha Brown explained that Black communities consider the health of the economy at an individual level rather than global.
“We’re not thinking about the health of the economy based on how the GDP is doing or the unemployment rate being lower,” said Brown. “We’re looking at costs and the health and wellness of our communities.”
As Black families, who were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, continue to recover from the pandemic, she said they have become increasingly sensitive to the rising costs of goods.
Like BGV, Brown called attention to pricey housing costs, which have made it difficult and sometimes impossible for African Americans to attain homeownership.
“The cost of homes has exploded and risen to the point where it’s been cost-preventative for people coming out of college and new families to get a new home,” said Brown. “We need people with strong housing policies so we can build wealth.”
Student loan forgiveness
Though millions of Americans have outstanding student loan debt, there is a stark gap in the amount owed by Black borrowers and their counterparts. According to the Education Data Initiative, African-American college graduates owe an average of $25,000 more in student loan debt than White college graduates.
Brown highlighted legal attacks, largely led by Red states, on President Joe Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, which is designed to make payments more affordable, expand forgiveness and eliminate interest.
“They’re willing to give corporate welfare to bail banks out and millions of dollars to wealthy business owners in Paycheck Protection Program loans, but then there’s been attacks on student loan forgiveness,” said Brown. “That impacts us economically.”
Photo courtesy of
Photo courtesy of Black Girls Vote Destiny-Simone Ramjohn is an advisory board member for Black Girls Vote. She is a health equity evangelist and public health sociologist.
courtesy
Brown
AFRO spotlight on excellence: Meet Natalie Wilson, co-founder of the Black and Missing Foundation
By Aria Brent AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
The disappearance of 24-year-old Tamika Huston opened the eyes of people across the nation. The young woman first went missing in 2004, with meager news coverage for the South Carolina native’s case.
In September, Huston’s disappearance and death was used to highlight how little publicity is given to cases of missing Black women in an ABC 20/20 special, “The Girl Who Looked Like Me.” But in 2008, it served as the inspiration for the founding of the Black and Missing Foundation (BAMFI), a Maryland-based organization focused on bringing awareness to missing Black people nationwide.
BAMFI co-founder and CEO Natalie Wilson spoke with the AFRO about the organization’s origins, the epidemic of missing Black Americans, the importance of publicity and other means to combat this ongoing issue.
AFRO: How and when did the Black and Missing Foundation get started?
NW: The Black and Missing Foundation started in May of 2008 and the inspiration behind it is a young lady by the name of Tamika Huston who went missing from my sister-in-law’s hometown of Spartanburg, S.C. We read about how Tamika’s aunt, Rebkah Howard, really struggled to get national media coverage around her beautiful niece who was missing. And the striking part for us is that Rebkah was a publicist and she had access to the media, and they weren’t telling her niece’s story. Some weeks after Tamika went missing, Lori Hacking disappeared and she dominated the news cycle. A year later, Natalie Holloway dominated the news cycle, and we were disheartened to learn that Rebkah reached out to those same reporters, same networks, same programs and she was met with silence. Following this we decided to do some research and my sister-in-law and I found that at that time, 30 percent of all persons missing were of color–primarily Black males. And we said, let’s do something about it, let’s use our expertise–mine is in media relations, Dericca’s is in law enforcement, and those are the two critical professions needed to find and bring our missing home. Fast forward 16 years later, what keeps us going and what’s motivating us is that so many families are struggling and they’re desperately searching for their missing loved ones. They’re being turned
away by the very institutions, media and law enforcement that are sworn to help them. We want to even the playing field and we want our missing to be household names too, because it’s so critical to help find and bring them home.
AFRO: What is the mission of the organization?
NW: The mission of the organization is threefold. One is to bring awareness to missing people of color across the country. Two, is to educate our community on personal safety. And three, again, to bring awareness to this issue because it’s a human rights issue at this point.
“Awareness is key. If our community isn’t aware that this issue is prevalent, then no one is really talking about it and that’s what we’re doing. We are out in the community.”
AFRO: Have any of the people that you have reported or posted on your website been found?
NW: Absolutely. We have been instrumental in finding more than 500 people–whether they were found deceased or alive. Of course, we still have a lot more work to do because 40 percent of the missing population are people of color and we believe that the numbers are much higher. We know that there’s a sense of distrust between law enforcement and the minority community. A population could be not reporting these disappearances–especially within the Hispanic community, they are not reporting for fear of deportation. In the FBI stats, they classify Hispanics as being White, however, at least 24 percent of Hispanics classify or associate themselves as Black.
AFRO: You noted that 40 percent of missing people are Black. Do you know the numerical statistics for that ?
NW: The latest statistics show 40 percent of the
population and that’s around 163,000 people of color under the age of 18. Let me break it down a bit. So in 2023, 224,706 persons of color were reported missing. Of that group, 162,755 or were under the age of 18.
AFRO: If 40 percent of the missing population is Black people– of those missing Black people is the majority women? Is it children? Is it men?
NW: We’re seeing the numbers and it’s kind of neck and neck. It’s pretty even, but it’s still an issue because what we’re also finding is that our children tend to remain missing four times longer. They’re not getting the media coverage that’s needed. And what we’re also finding is that law enforcement–at least for the cases that we see–[in] nine out of the 10 cases they tend to classify these missing children as runaways. If you’re classified as a runaway, you do not receive the Amber Alert. You definitely do not get any type of media coverage at all.
AFRO: On an annual basis, what is the largest contributing factor to the number of missing Black people?
NW: Well, there are a whole host of issues–[but] as I mentioned, sex trafficking. There was a study done by the Urban Institute where they interviewed pimps and pedophiles, and their response to trafficking young girls and young Black women is that one, they know that no one would look for them, and two, if someone did look
for them and they were caught, the penalty will not be as harsh. How disheartening is that?
Sex trafficking, mental health issues– we are seeing an aging population that now have dementia or Alzheimer’s, and they are wandering away. We need to be mindful of that too and domestic violence, but we also have to be mindful of our children that are being preyed upon in foster care. Those that are homeless are overlooked and no one is really keeping track of our children that are in foster care or that are homeless. They’re being preyed upon by predators and these pimps.
AFRO: What is being done to tackle this issue both within your organization and on a national and federal level ?
NW: Awareness is key. If our community isn’t aware that this issue is prevalent, then no one is really talking about it and that’s what we’re doing. We are out in the community. We have partnerships with local and national media platforms to sound the alarm that people of color are disappearing at an alarming rate and we need the community to be aware. And they’re disappearing for a number of reasons. Whether it’s sex trafficking or mental health. This is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Black women are disappearing at an alarming rate because of domestic violence. We need to look at the picture holistically and try to peel back the layers as to why this is happening and try to stem the issue.
We recently issued a law enforcement guide to provide policies and procedures that law enforcement officials should follow when it comes to missing persons cases. The classification of “runaway”– many law enforcement agencies don’t even have that in their policies and procedures. So then why are [they] classifying children as runaways when [they] issue the flier? We’re working with legislators to either implement or create laws to protect those that are most vulnerable. It’s the media, it’s law enforcement and the community that plays a great role in solving this issue. What we’re finding is that people tend to turn a blind eye to this issue because they’re not personally affected or they may not know the missing person. What we do is we vet every case and ensure that there’s a missing person report on file so that we won’t be liable for spreading false information. We have to do a better job of utilizing our faith based organizations and schools and medical facilities to really be on the lookout for cases of missing persons or abuse.
Your vote matters. It can make a di erence in the fight for things you care about. Like protecting Social Security and getting support for millions of family caregivers.
In the upcoming election, voters 50 and over can put these issues front and center. We’re the largest—and most influential—voting bloc in the country. We have the power to make candidates focus on what is important to us and on the challenges we are facing.
AARP Maryland is standing with you by providing the reliable election information you need to make your voice heard in November. Find out how to register, details on mail-in voting and polling places, plus all the key voting deadlines for Maryland at aarp.org/MDvotes
Photo courtesy of Natalie Wilson
Natalie Wilson is co-founder of the Black and Missing Foundation, a local organization dedicated to bringing awareness to the growing number of missing Black people.
WASHINGTON-AREA
Washington teachers’ union reaches tentative five-year contract agreement
By D. Kevin McNeir Special to the AFRO
With safety concerns and pay raises on the bargaining table, the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and the District of Columbia Public Schools reached a tentative fiveyear contract agreement on Sept. 30. When preliminary contract negotiations began last September, some teachers criticized Dr. Lewis Ferebee, chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, for not attending the initial meetings with WTU officials. However, Ferebee did make his presence known in subsequent meetings.
During a televised statement, he pointed out that the previous contract, which was reached during the pandemic, was different from the new contract in that it is forward facing rather than retroactive. He added that his team simply did not have adequate outcomes in the last contract negotiation.
While it took just over a year for both sides to reach an agreement, the Union’s last contract took over three years, and the one preceding that required close to five years in negotiations.
Jazzmyne Townsend takes ‘D.C. Teacher of the Year’ title
By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com
Stanton Elementary School language arts instructional coach
Jazzmyne Townsend has been named the 2025 D.C. Teacher of the Year.
The ceremony took place at the Ward 8 school on Oct. 3.
The recognition enables Townsend to represent the District on the Council of Chief State School Officers where she will be able to advocate for the needs of her students and those across Washington, D.C. on a national level.
“This teacher is a role model
“I share this recognition with my students who have motivated me with their curiosity and who have inspired me with their resilience.”
for other teachers and a role model for students,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser, during the announcement.
“This educator believes every student
deserves a teacher who is passionate about their growth and development, a teacher who goes above and beyond to make sure every student in their classroom has everything they need to learn to be successful.”
Townsend began teaching at Stanton Elementary last year as a special education teacher. She previously served as a pre-K, kindergarten and first grade teacher at Randle Highlands Elementary School. She also served as a preschool and pre-K teacher at Friendship Public Charter School’s Chamberlain Campus.
Over her tenure, Townsend started a mentoring program for young
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Ex- Virginia cop who killed shoplifting suspect acquitted of manslaughter, guilty on firearm charge
A jury on Oct. 4, acquitted a former police officer in Virginia of involuntary manslaughter after he fatally shot a shoplifting suspect outside a busy shopping mall.
“I
wasn’t reaching for nothing. I’m shot and
I’m bleeding.”
But the jury did convict the former police sergeant, Wesley Shifflett, of reckless handling of a firearm in connection with the shooting.
Prosecutors argued that Shifflett, then a sergeant with Fairfax County Police, acted recklessly when he shot and killed an unarmed man, Timothy McCree Johnson, after a short foot chase outside Tysons Corner Center in February 2023. Shifflett testified in his own defense and claimed self defense. He said he
First anniversary of Israel-Hamas war brings protestors to National Mall and University of Maryland
By D. Kevin McNeir Special to the AFRO
On Oct. 7, the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel which left 1,200 dead and another 250 taken hostage, protesters in support of either Palestinians or Israelis converged at sites around the world,
including on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park. With each passing day, and with Israel retaliating with an unprecedented number of deaths, the conflict in the Middle East and along the Gaza Strip continues while demands for a cease fire from America’s White House and other international leaders go unheeded.
On the National Mall, a three-hour event, “Remembering Oct. 7: Standing with Israel,” which paid tribute to both those who were killed and the estimated 100 hostages believed to still be alive and held captive by Hamas, exceeded the initial estimate of organizers, who said they expected to have around 5,000 people attend in solidarity with the Jewish community. During the event, organizers said they believe close to 200,000 people attended. However, as is the policy of law enforcement officials, the number could not be confirmed.
The focus of the event was to honor both the victims and the heroes of the Oct. 7 attack and included speeches, prayers and performances with speakers calling for the release of the hostages and condemning acts of antiSemitism which have escalated since the attack. Several members of Congress and Jewish actress Debra Messing were among the speakers. The rally ended peacefully. But while many in attendance said they hope that a peaceful
Photo courtesy of Mayor Muriel Bowser on X
Mayor Muriel Bowser (left), celebrates D.C. Teacher of the Year Jazzmyne Townsend, a language arts instructional coach at Stanton Elementary School, alonside Interim State Superintendent Antoinette S. Mitchell and D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee. Townsend has been an educator for nearly 15 years.
By Matthew Barakat and Olivia Diaz The Associated Press
AP Photo/Pamela Smith
Protestors march on Oct. 7, the one year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas War.
Maryland unions seek influence in election beyond membership numbers
By Katharine Wilson Capital News Service
When Darlene ButlerJones, a 66 year-old shop steward for Giant, walks into a store, people listen.
Butler-Jones is part of a group of grocery store workers assigned by her union – United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 400 – to explain the organization’s political endorsements to her fellow employees.
As she walks through the store, talking to employees at cash registers and counters, Butler-Jones hears their concerns about fair scheduling, retirement and dignity in the workplace.
“People want change,” Butler-Jones said.
As Democrats and Republicans argue over which party truly represents working people and who will secure their vote, Maryland union leaders say it’s not about party, it’s about policy.
Capital News Service spoke to six Marylandbased union presidents and political leaders to better understand how union endorsements work and the impact of unions on politics in Maryland.
What the unions, and their members, want Maryland union leaders
Townsend
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said they are focused on improving the lives of their members, which most said comes down to their ability to organize.
Donna S. Edwards is the president of the Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO, a federation of more than 50 unions. To get union backing, Edwards said, politicians need to support the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, commonly known as the PRO-Act, and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, a bill to guarantee the right to organize for public sector employees.
The PRO-Act, a bill promoted by the labor movement, aims to protect the right to join and form a union by prohibiting common employer intimidation tactics and requiring employees represented by collective bargaining units to pay their fair share of representation fees.
This Congress, 263 Democrats, three Republicans and two independents sponsored the PRO-Act. The bill has not been put up for a vote in either chamber. The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act has seen no action.
To get an endorsement from Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO, candidates
Black girls called My Sister’s Keeper. She’s also dedicated herself to improving literacy. A self-published children’s book author, Townsend has helped students publish their own works.
Bowser surprised her with the honor during a school assembly for National Book Month, which started on Oct. 1. Townsend shed tears while walking up to receive the award, which included a $7,500 check.
“I am honored, and I am humbled to receive this recognition,” said Townsend during her acceptance. “I don’t do this by myself. I share this recognition with the leaders who have poured into me as an educator and who have built environments where I can be reflective of my practice.”
She also acknowledged her students.
“I share this recognition with my students who have motivated me with their curiosity and who have inspired me with their resilience,” said Townsend. “I am a
Protestors
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agreement can be reached, they fear that the conflict will emerge into an all-out war.
Over the weekend, a pro-Palestinian protest was held in D.C., which also occurred without incident, and was another visible effort led by those who want to see a ceasefire in Gaza.
Later in the evening, a peaceful proPalestinian vigil was held on the campus of the mall at the University of Maryland in College Park while a separate vigil in support of Israel was held nearby.
After the pro-Palestinian vigil was initially announced, Jewish groups and political leaders voiced their outrage which led college officials to cancel the event and deny a permit that had first been approved for students to organize an interfaith event on Oct. 7. However, after UMD Students for Justice in Palestine filed suit, a federal
Donna S. Edwards, president of the Maryland State and
pro-union placard on the first night of
in August.
must first fill out surveys detailing their stances on nearly every issue in some way related to labor. Then top candidates are interviewed by union members and leaders before a final selection is made.
The top three factors union officials making the AFL-CIO endorsements consider are the candidate’s views on issues, viability and voting record, according to Kayla Mock, the political and legislative director for the local food and commercial workers union, which falls under the state’s AFL-CIO. Unions are focused
better teacher because of my students.”
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) led the selection process for the Teacher of the Year award. It is given to an educator who advances the growth of all students, demonstrates leadership outside of the classroom and promotes the teaching profession. Townsend is also up for the National Teacher of the Year award.
Interim State Superintendent Antoinette S. Mitchell offered her congratulations to Townsend and explained that the teacher is known for her unique ability to make traditional lessons fun and engaging.
“For math class once, she had her students create a multiplication table as big as they are,” said Mitchell during the announcement. “For literacy, she actually partnered with a laundromat to create a service learning project called ‘Loads for Literacy.’ Any teacher that can connect literacy and laundry deserves this award.”
court last week ruled that college administration had violated the students’ First Amendment rights by canceling the vigil.
The organizers described the Oct. 7 event as a demonstration in recognition of the tens of thousands of civilians who have died since the initial attack one year ago, further saying that the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza has been nothing short of “ethnic cleansing and genocide.”
During the event at UMD, which kicked off in the morning with teach-ins, members of the community participated in conversations, poetry readings and art displays. The vigil continued into the evening hours with interfaith prayers and an Islamic funeral prayer.
Security was evident and in full force but, like other events in the region, the event concluded without any reported acts of violence.
on fundamental issues important to working people, like healthcare, child care, and the right to organize, Mock said. These issues, many union leaders say, typically favor Democratic candidates.
In the 2024 election, the Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO only endorsed Democratic candidates for Congress.
“I tell my members this all the time, please bring me a pro-labor Republican. I would love to talk to them. I would love to endorse them,” Mock said.
While many major unions in Maryland endorsed Democrats for local and federal office, as they have continuously done for decades, this isn’t true among all unions and union endorsements aren’t always followed by rankand-file members.
Maryland-based Teamsters Joint Councils 55 and 62 endorsed the presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, breaking from the national union’s decision to not endorse a candidate. However, in a Teamsters member poll from July 24 to Sept. 15, 49.4 percent of Maryland members wanted the national union to endorse Trump, compared to 46.5 percent for Harris.
In the 2020 election, around 60 percent of union households voted for President Joe Biden, Axios reported.
Jason Ascher, the Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association’s political director, said he has some union members who will vote for former President Donald Trump regardless of what Ascher and other union leaders recommend.
This trend, particularly among the building trades, Ascher said, followed the 1994 implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement — a pact among the United States, Mexico and Canada — that the Economic Policy Institute, a non-profit think tank affiliated with the labor movement, says led to the loss of thousands of union jobs.
The trade agreement, combined with social issues promoted by Democrats, pro-gun attitudes and the populism of Trump, created
Americans. Around 88 percent of people under 30 supported unions in an August 2023 poll by the Democratic polling and research firm GBAO, conducted on behalf of the AFL-CIO.
Mock said she has seen first-hand a rise in young people embracing unions.
Her chapter of UFCW – which includes 35,000 workers across six states and the District of Columbia – held two successful union membership votes for cannabis dispensary workers within one week in Montgomery County, Maryland.
hard-line Republican voters within the union base, Ascher said. Now he and others are working at the local level to draw more of their union members back into voting for endorsed Democrats.
“It’s a fight every day,” Ascher said. “We have to convince our members, at least in the trades, that the Democrats are the ones helping us right now.”
Ryan Whittington, the president of the Ocean City Career Firefighters Paramedics Association, leads one of a dozen firstresponder unions endorsing the Senate candidacy of former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican. When his union’s board of directors decides to get involved in a state or local election, Whittington said, they open up a poll to every member of the union to select their preferred candidate. In the 2024 Maryland Senate race, Whittington said only two members of his union, which has more than 70 people, did not want the union to endorse Hogan.
“Within our local we have individuals who are Democrats, we have individuals who are Republicans,” Whittington said. “For us, it’s about looking at a candidate who is going to listen to the needs of our firefighters, our public safety officials, and make sure that they have our backs.”
Who looks at union endorsements
While union members made up just 10.7 percent of the Maryland working population in 2023, union leaders say their impact stretches beyond their membership.
“We are members of the same communities that we’re working in and living in. We’re the next door neighbors,” said Paul Lemle, the president of the Maryland State Education Association. “It’s natural that people trust us.”
Union popularity has seen record highs nationwide in recent years. In an August Gallup poll, 70 percent of Americans said they approved of labor unions.
Part of this increase can be attributed to younger
Mock, who was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, said this attention from younger voters could be behind the Democratic strategy to boost the union vote.
“We’re kind of the cool kids club,” Mock said. “Democrats, very smartly, are going ‘oh yeah, we actually do need labor.’”
In the 2022 statewide election, Maryland State Education Association members voted at a 24 percentage point rate higher than the rest of the state, according to the director of the union’s political and legislative affairs, Samantha Zwerling. In every election, she said, politicians endorsed by the education association have more than an 80 percent chance of success.
“Unions are inherently part of the democratic fabric of our society... That’s what’s meant by freedom of assembly and freedom of speech… they encourage participation and democracy,” Lemle, the union president, said.
What unions want the public to know
“Unions are not these big bosses. Look at me. I’m the union,” Edwards, the Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO president said.
The talkative, charismatic union leader was sitting in an emptying event space during the Democratic National Convention in August, showing her union friends in the Maryland delegation a photo of her holding a “Union Yes!” sign during the convention the night before.
Edwards, a social-worker by trade, grew up in a union home. She first joined a union while working for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services in the 1970s.
Her union leadership was able to get a pay raise for her unit of social workers — kicking off her passion for labor activism.
The union “is the only institution, in my view, that holds the line on a democracy in this country,” Edwards said. “It allows for workers and their families to be involved in the political process, but it also gives you the financial security… to be able to be a contributing part of your community.”
Photo courtesy of Katharine Wilson
D.C. AFL-CIO, holds up a
the 2024 Democratic National Convention
Washington teachers’ union
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In a press release from WTU, President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons said that she’s pleased with the contract, and that further details will be made public within the next few weeks after union members have reviewed the tentative agreement.
“The highlights of the contract include fair and good pay raises but maybe more importantly, educators will be able to work under better conditions that should go a long way to improving recruitment and retention problems that have plagued the District,” she said, adding that her team pushed hard and obtained “decent and fair raises over the course of the five-year contract, despite the District’s contention that it was working in a tight financial environment.”
“The highlights of the contract include fair and good pay raises but maybe more importantly, educators will be able to work under better conditions that should go a long way to improving recruitment and retention problems that have plagued the District.”
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten agreed, describing the tentative agreement as a “real accomplishment.”
Ex-Virginia cop
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saw Johnson, 37, reaching into his waistband after falling down during the chase, and he was worried that Johnson might be drawing a weapon.
“At that moment, that was the most scared I had been in my life because I thought at any moment he would pull out a gun and just start shooting me,” he said during his testimony at trial, later adding: “I didn’t have the luxury to wait and see a gun because I knew in an instant I could be dead.”
During cross-examination and in closing arguments, prosecutors criticized Shifflett’s decisions leading up to the shooting, including his choice to chase Johnson into the wooded area at night before waiting for backup or turning on a flashlight.
Prosecutor Jenna Sands argued that Shifflett’s decision to fire two shots, on the run, in a crowded area, constituted reckless discharge of a firearm.
Shifflett said he acknowledged that a wooded area in the dark escalates the danger involved in a foot chase. But he said, “We are placed in a lot of dangerous situations. There’s a responsibility to uphold law and order.”
The dimly lit bodycam video of the video, which was shown to jurors, is inconclusive as to whether Johnson reached into his waistband.
It does clearly depict
Shifflett yelling “get on the ground” before firing two shots at Johnson. After the shots were fired, Shifflett immediately yelled “stop reaching” and told other officers that he saw Johnson reaching in his waistband.
During cross-examination, Sands asked Shifflett about shooting Johnson before commanding that the victim “stop reaching.”
“My motor functions were operating more quickly than I could verbalize,” Shifflett said.
The video also shows Johnson’s dying words, saying “I wasn’t reaching for nothing. ... I’m shot and I’m bleeding.”
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis fired Shifflett shortly after the shooting for violating the department’s use-of-force policies. But when Davis publicly released the bodycam video of the shooting, he acknowledged the video’s ambiguity.
“More often than not, the police body camera footage speaks for itself,” Davis said at the time.
“This time, it does not.”
Prosecutors struggled at points to present their case against Shifflett. Initially, a grand jury declined to indict him. At that point, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, who won office on a campaign platform that included holding police officers accountable for misconduct, convened a special grand jury that op-
erated under rules that gave Descano more oversight over the process.
The special grand jury returned indictments on charges including involuntary manslaughter and reckless handling of a firearm.
Descano, who convened a second grand jury to indict Shifflett after the first refused, said he hopes the conviction “gives the Johnson family some closure to know that they are not alone in seeing that Mr. Shifflett
did not act in accordance with the law that evening.”
Still, Descano lamented what he said is a “criminal code provides a level of deference to police officers that is not provided to other individuals.”
The trial faced multiple delays after it began last month. The lead prosecutor suffered a severe medical issue and was replaced by another attorney, causing a delay of several
days. During closing arguments, prosecutors played for the jury a snippet of Shifflett’s bodycam video that had not been entered as evidence at trial, briefly raising concerns about a mistrial before defense lawyers opted against requesting one.
Shifflett will be sentenced in February on the reckless discharge of a firearm charge. The crime is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Washington Classified
ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001144 RICHARD T. LUCAS Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs RANDALL K. LUCAS, whose address is 11203 PETWORTH LN GLENN DALE MD 20769, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RICHARD T. LUCAS who died on SEPTEMBER 10, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before APRIL 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 APRIL 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: OCTOBER 04, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
RANDALL K. LUCAS Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 10/04, 10/11, 10/18/24
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2024FEP000109 FEBRUARY 20, 2017 Date of Death ALICE G RAY Name of Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
RENEE THOMPSON whose address is 309 ROLLING VALLEY DRIVE, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22405 was appointecd representative of the estate of ALICE G RAY deceased, by the ORPHAN’S Court for PRINCE GEORGE’S County, State of MARYLAND, on SEPTEMBER 12, 2024. Service of process may be made upon EUGENE LATSON III, 7730 HANOVER PKWY APT #304 GREENBELT MD 20770 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following
3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: OCTOBER 11, 2024 Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American RENEE THOMPSON
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM1154 GWENDOLYN AMY GRAHAM Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs CONSTANCE ELAINE YOUNG, whose address is 3001 BLADENSBURG RD APT 619 NE WASHINGTON, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GWENDOLYN AMY GRAHAM who died on JANUARY 05, 2010 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 APRIL 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 APRIL 11, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent
Photo courtesy of Meta (Facebook) / Washington Teachers Union Members of Washington Teachers Union stand together to fight for better wages.
AP Photo/Matthew Barakat
Timothy McCree Johnson’s mother Melissa Johnson (left), and her attorney Carl Crews, right, outside Fairfax County Police headquarters in March.
Inaugural Teen Unity Walk takes place in nation’s capital
By Ariyana Griffin AFRO Staff Writer agriffin@afro.com
Crittenton Services of Greater Washington (CSGW) held its first Teen Unity Walk on Sept. 22 in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
For more than 135 years, CSGW has
been dedicated to providing teen girls with the resources and tools they need to be successful academically and in their everyday lives. Their programming equips Black and Brown girls in the greater Washington area with mentorship for middle and high school aged teens.
More than 200 teen girls from Maryland and D.C. participated in the inaugural Teen Unity Walk to raise awareness around everyday issues that teen girls face, but are often overlooked such as societal pressures, bullying, positive self image, etc.
According to their website, “99 percent or more of our girls graduate from high school; 99 percent advance to the next grade level; and at least 80 percent attend higher education or vocational training programs.” The organization has over 1000 girls across its current programming.
LaTara Harris, the CEO of CSGW , expressed the importance of the event and what it would mean to the girls.
“We knew that girls were struggling, especially since COVID,” Harris told the AFRO. “Girls have told us that we want to be safe, seen and protected - we wanted to bring together the community and other groups to let them know we are here for you. We want to be a part of your lives and we want to help you survive and thrive,” said Harris.
She shared with the AFRO that they teach the girls a very important life skill: the ability to advocate for themselves.
“The positive youth development element of what we’re teaching them to be advocates for themselves and to stand up for themselves is just such a critical piece. Knowing all of the challenges that we face in general as women - we know it’s exacerbated once they are entering certain spaces,” Harris stated.
Plenty of supporters of the organization and teen girls were in attendance, as well as resource booths. The event was hosted by NBC4 Washington News Anchor Shawn Yancy. Attendees were able to hear from D.C. Secretary of State Kimberly Bassett and Meedie Bardonille, the founder and president of Black Nurse Collaborative, before starting their walk.
“I just wanted to help advocate for young girls, especially going through a lot,” 16-year-old Naomi Asfaw told the AFRO
“There’s a lot of things going on right now, especially because of social media - insecurities and hate. Young girls really don’t know where to go to get resources or how to deal with issues,” Asfaw explained.
She shared that the walk would be an excellent opportunity for her to learn more and be a helping hand to friends and family members.
“I wanted to come out here and support young women and advocate for them and be able to even learn more for myself so that I can share advice with my friends or community,” said Asfaw.
Photo courtesy of D2D CREATIVE + D2D FOCUS
Ninth grade Crittenton Girls Marshai Langston (left), and Destiny Thomas march along the path to the Washington Monument.
Photo courtesy of D2D CREATIVE + D2D FOCUS LaTara Harris (left), CEO of Crittenton Services, celebrates the Unity Walk with other organizers, including Kymber Lovett-Menkiti, a board chair of Crittenton Services; Kimberly Bassett, secretary of State of Washington, D.C.; Meedie Bardonille, founder and president of Black Nurse Collaborative and Celeste James, a board member of Crittenton Services of Greater Washington.
Photo courtesy of D2D CREATIVE + D2D FOCUS
Crittenton Service seniors Micah Settles (left), and Kira Wendt celebrate the opportunity to stand with other young ladies in an effort to support each other.
Courtesy Photo
Standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial, seventh grade Crittenton Girls Sophia Nogales (left) and Katherine Ávalos pause for a moment to take in the scene of the first march for teen girls.
AFRO Photo/ Ariyana Griffin
Above: Participants of the Crittenton Services of Greater Washington Teen Unity Walk in D.C. come together.
AFRO Photo/ Ariyana Griffin
LaTara Harris (center), CEO of Crittenton Services of Greater Washington, prepares to kick off the Teen Girls Unity Walk.
AFRO Photo/ Ariyana Griffin
The girls, staff and supporters set out on their walk, raising their voices–and signs– together.
AFRO Photo/ Ariyana Griffin
Above: Naomi Asfaw prepares for the walk. Right: Participants craft their own signs with messages to hold during the walk.
AFRO Photo/ Ariyana Griffin
Young entrepreneurs shine at Baltimore Children’s Business Fair
By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com
Youth aged six to 15 assembled at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on Oct. 7 to showcase their businesses in a one-day market for the community. The budding entrepreneurs featured everything from self-care kits, to skincare products, to accessory lines.
This marks the eighth time the South Baltimore museum has hosted the event with The Baltimore Children’s Business Fair, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing young business owners in and around the Charm City area.
“Today, kids are here hiring themselves and taking their future in their own hands. They each came up with a business idea with parent support, and they were able to create something to sell,” said Janear Garrus, director of the Baltimore Children’s Fair. “The goal is that it’s not something they buy and resell but something they make, develop and sell. The idea is that they do well enough to make a profit.”
Garrus herself has school-aged children.
Entrepreneurship has played a central role in her family for some time. In addition to the business fair, her organization holds camps, workshops and educational programs for youth seeking to become their own bosses.
The nonprofit director said it was important for young people to understand that entrepreneurship can enable them to create opportunities for themselves.
adorned with positive messages, feature items, including fidget toys, bookmarks, pens, notebooks, lotion and herbal tea bags.
“I’ve struggled with mental health, and I wanted to share something that has helped me throughout my journey of mental health—something that has calmed me down and has made me feel better,” said Franki.
“Today, kids are here hiring themselves and taking their future in their own hands.”
“It gives them the ability to know that they don’t have to wait for someone to tell them they can do something or that this is all they can have. They can create their own opportunities,” said Garrus. “The biggest thing is making sure they know that they don’t need someone to open a door for them, they can create the door.”
Franki Osherow, 10, presented her comfort kits at the fair. The reusable bags,
This was the fifth grader’s second time participating in the business fair. As her business grows, she plans to donate a portion of her profits to organizations focused on mental health awareness. She shared her excitement for her fellow entrepreneurs.
“I’ve seen some amazing kids do businesses so far, and I’m just excited that I get to be here,” said Franki.
Bryan Trueblood has followed in his parents footsteps by becoming an entrepreneur. He said he took over his father’s moisturizer business last year.
“It helps with dry skin and eczema,” said Bryan. “You can use it on your hair. It has shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil and peppermint essential oil.”
Brother and sister Ellis and Blaise Walker
showcased their ventures at the same booth. Blaise described her business, Hair Meadow Bows, as a line of bows that turn people’s hair into meadows. She makes the vibrant flower bows by hand and customizes each design.
“When I was younger, I used to stick bobby pins under artificial flowers and tuck them into my hair,” said Blaise. “I decided to go off of that.”
Ellis’ business, Gemstone Adventures, teaches kids about geology with gemstone dig kits. The 9-year-old developed an interest in minerals and gemstones after a trip to the Grand Canyon a few years ago.
“I wanted to make something where people can learn a lot about rocks and geology,” said Ellis. “Now, I sell these nice kits with beautiful gemstones packed inside.”
Faith and business: Three women speak on the inspiration behind their companies
By Rev. Dorothy S.
Word in Black
More and more, entrepreneurs are stepping into the business world, driven not just by a passion for their products and services but also by a deep sense of faith. These “faith-filled” business owners see their work as a means to serve their communities, live out their beliefs and build a legacy for their families.
This is especially true for women of color. According to the Minority Christian Women Entrepreneurs Network, they account for 47 percent of all women-owned businesses — around 5.8 million in total — employing over 2.2 million people and generating $386.6 billion in revenue.
What courage it must take to step out and start a business, the success of which you are solely responsible for. And of course, that’s where faith steps in. Word In Black talked to three women entrepreneurs whose faith is not just a part of their identity — it’s the driving force behind their decision to take a risk and start a business. And each business is more than a livelihood; it’s a platform to serve, inspire and make a lasting impact on their communities.
Brittany Veney, founder of B. Real Creative Studio
One such entrepreneur is Brittany Veney, founder of B. Real Creative Studio, a branding and website design agency based in Baltimore that serves clients nationwide. For more than five years, Veney has helped individuals and organizations craft purpose-driven brands through strategic design and marketing.
“We specialize in creating unique brand identities, user-friendly websites, and engaging marketing materials that resonate with audiences. Our mission is to transform ideas into strategic, actionable plans that elevate brands and foster genuine engagement,” Veney explains.
For Veney, faith is both a foundation and a compass, sustaining her, “by providing strength and resilience in the face of
obstacles.” She says her faith encourages her “to trust the process and remain committed to my vision. I find solace in prayer and community support, which helps me navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. My faith also inspires me to give back to others, reinforcing my sense of purpose.”
Veney is set to launch “The Health Suite” this October, a new initiative within B. Real Creative Studio aimed at health-focused brands.
“I was driven by my extensive background in the healthcare field where I’ve spent over a decade working behind the scenes, so I possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that health-focused brands face,” Veney says.
She hopes to empower health professionals to effectively communicate their mission and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Shannon Davis, owner of Shay’s Cakes
Another faith-driven entrepreneur, Shannon Davis of Shay’s Cakes in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, remembers the moment she felt
called to start her business.
“I actually started after hearing a message from my pastor entitled ‘What’s in Your House?’” Davis recalls, relating it to a biblical story of a widow who multiplies her last bit of oil through faith.
“I often think about that message and the push from family and friends to continue baking,” she says.
Davis bakes signature Bundt cakes. From micro-minis to 10-inch confections, she offers a range of flavors like carrot, chocolate, lemon, sweet potato, red velvet, 7Up and pound cake. Although her business is local, she ships nationwide through online orders and is currently working on expanding her media presence to grow her brand further.
Kim Dukes, owner of K. Monique Salon and Vintage Boutique
The average lifespan of a small business is only 8.5 years, according to Nav, a financial platform for entrepreneurs, but some faithbased entrepreneurs defy the odds.
Kim Dukes, owner of K. Monique Salon and Vintage Boutique in Baltimore’s Mt.
Vernon area, has run her salon for over 33 years. As a cosmetologist, she’s offered varied hair services, with a specialty of short cuts. But there’s more.
”I also sell handpicked clothing and my own unique and stylish pieces,” she says. “My husband and I have an urban clothing line that’s featured in the boutique as well.”
Dukes says she always knew she wanted to own a business, but didn’t know how to make it happen.
”I worked in several salons and learned the business. When it was my turn, I put feet to my faith and stepped out and did it.”
It was her faith that assured her she wouldn’t fail — and she didn’t.
”It literally was not an option. I believed I could and I did. And I still am. I’m always going to seek God and I believe that he’s a rewarder of those who seek him diligently.”
Beyond the salon, Dukes is a creative force — a singer and first-time author of a book called “Unmuted.”
“I’m a woman of faith and a creative,” Dukes declares. “With those two mixed together, I’m unstoppable.”
AFRO Photo/Megan Sayles
Brother and sister Ellis, left, and Blaise Walker are both burgeoning entrepreneurs. Ellis teaches his peers about geology with gemstone dig kits, while Blaise helps youth accessorize with flower bows.
AFRO Photo/Megan Sayles Franki Osherow runs Franki’s Comfort Kits. The positive packages feature items, like bookmarks, fidget toys, lotions and herbal tea bags.
AFRO Photo/Megan Sayles
Bryan Trueblood sells natural moisturizers with True Body. The lotion is infused with shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil and hemp oil.
AFRO Photo/Megan Sayles
Janear Garrus is the director of the Baltimore Children’s Fair, which celebrated its eighth anniversary on Oct. 7. The one-day market enables children to create, develop and market their own products and services.
Boulware
Courtesy photo
Brittany Veney says her faith encourages her “to trust the process and remain committed to my vision.”
Courtesy photo
Shannon Davis started her business after hearing a message from her pastor.
Courtesy photo
Kim Dukes says unwavering faith is key in the success of her business, which has been open 33 years.
Black Girls Love Math: Challenging gender and racial stereotypes
By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com
After two decades in the education system as a math teacher, principal and administrator, Atiyah Harmon noticed a problem: young Black girls in middle school were increasingly disinterested in mathematics. Their lack of interest wasn’t due to challenges in grasping the subject but because it wasn’t perceived as “cool.”
“It wasn’t that they didn’t have the skills, it was just that it wasn’t cool to be a math person anymore,” said Harmon. “I was very frustrated about this because I saw the lack of growth in the field.”
Harmon decided she wanted to stop this cycle. In 2020, she created Black Girls Love Math (BGLM), an organization based in Philadelphia that seeks to eradicate racial and gender inequality in mathematics. It partners with schools to provide curriculum, exposes girls to women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers and holds competitions that challenge girls to solve social justice issues impacting their communities with math knowledge.
According to a report from the American Association of University Women, many girls lose confidence in math by the time they reach the third grade. Teachers, who primarily are women, also tend to have math anxiety that they pass onto girls and grade girls harder than boys for the same work.
affirm students’ identities and skills.
Special education teacher Kezia Ellis enrolled her nine-year-old daughter, Chelsea, in the organization’s programming last January. She learned about the organization from a friend. After attending an open house, Chelsea asked Ellis if she would sign her up.
“I just noticed from the pictures they showed us, there was a lot of smiling,” said Chelsea. “I could tell they had a lot of fun, and there was joy in their faces. I knew that this would be something I would enjoy.”
Chelsea has never really enjoyed math, but she has always had a natural talent for it.
Recently, she took the New York state math test and earned a near perfect score.
“Educators are the major component of what can make or break a kid’s education,” said Harmon. “How educators feel about math and the way girls can succeed is something that you have to challenge at times.”
Most recently, BGLM began providing culturally-responsive teacher development to ensure educators can
Chelsea praised her BGLM instructors, saying they are funny and kind. She said her friends in the program have become her “math sisters.” One of her favorite parts about BGLM has been reading the organization’s affirmational creed at the start and end of each session.
She offered a piece of advice to other girls who are interested in joining BGLM.
“Be yourself. Be the real you. You don’t have to act a different way in front of them,” said Chelsea.
“When you’re around them, it’s like they’re family to you— but like a math family.”
Ellis thinks BGLM has played a significant role in Chelsea’s confidence in math— something the educator believes is crucial.
“A lot of our young people approach math with such anxiety because they’ve experienced a challenge with math and created the narrative that they’re not good at it. We need math in our everyday lives. It’s all around us,” said Ellis. “I’m all about breaking the stereotype that only men are good at math and other races are more proficient in math than Black people.”
Photo courtesy of Kezia Ellis
Kezia Ellis’ nine-year-old daughter, Chelsea (left), is a participant in Black Girls Love Math. Since enrolling in the organization’s programming, the fourth-grader has experienced a significant confidence boost when it comes to math.
Photo courtesy of Atiyah Harmon
Atiyah Harmon is the founder of Black Girls Love Math. The organization is on a mission to eliminate racial and gender bias in mathematics.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001110
GENEVA CLINKSCALES Name of Decedent MARY PALOGER, ESQ 1629 K ST NW SUITE 300 WASHINGTON DC 20004
Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
SHELLAH CLINKSCALES , whose address is 4272 E CAPITOL ST., NE APT 302, WASHINGTON, DC 20019 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GENEVA CLINKSCALES, who died on AUGUST 25, 2016 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 MARCH 27, 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 MARCH 27, 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: SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
SHELLAH CLINKSCALES
Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 9/27,10/04, 10/11/24
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM1118
JOSEPH M. WALKER AKA
JOSEPH MICHAEL WALKER Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
ALTHEA WALKER DAVIS, whose address is 1425 MONTAGUE ST., N.W. WASHINGTON, DC 20011 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JO-
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM1113 VIRGINIA BENJAMIN MARRERO Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
JOSE R. CUESTA , whose address is 3814 BOTELER RD MT AIRY 21771 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of VIRGINIA BENJAMIN MARRERO, who died on DECEMBER 13, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding.
Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before MARCH 27, 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 MARCH 27, 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: SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
JOSE R. CUESTA Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 9/27, 10/04, 10/11/24
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM000478 WILL KIDD JR.
Name of Decedent
Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
RENEE HENRY CRYER, whose address is 4323 WESTOVER PLACE NW WASHINGTON, DC 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the
G. HENRY
of
LUMBIA ROAD NW, WASHINGTON DC 20001 AND 4725 8TH STREET NE, WASHINGTON DC 20017 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of CHARMAYNE BROWNE , who died on MARCH 25, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision.
20001, on or before MARCH 27, 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 MARCH 27, 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: SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
WILLIAH LAVITA GILLUS SHIRLEY BROWNE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 9/27, 10/04, 10/11/24
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM1049 CHERYL WOOD JOHN Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to
SEPH M. WALKER AKA JOSEPH MICHAEL WALKER, who died on JULY 1, 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 MARCH 27, 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 MARCH 27, 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: SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
ALTHEA WALKER DAVIS Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 9/27, 10/04, 10/11/24
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001100
TIMOTHY LAMBERT Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
VIVIAN BRIDGES AND PATRICIA LAMBERT, whose addresses are 1122 48TH ST NE, WASHINGTON, DC 20019 AND 136 KENILWORTH AVE NE #3D, WASHINGTON, DC 20019 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of TIMOTHY LAMBERT , who died on JUNE 4, 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 MARCH 27, 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 MARCH 27, 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: SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
VIVIAN BRIDGES
PATRICIA LAMBERT Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 9/27,10/04, 10/11/24
NADINE KIDD , whose address is 602 EMERSON ST NE WASHINGTON D.C 20017 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILL KIDD JR, who died on JANUARY 17, 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 MARCH 27, 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 MARCH 27, 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: SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
NADINE KIDD Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 9/27,10/04, 10/11/24
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001125 CARLYN F. CRAIG Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
SUSAN F. CRAIG AND CLARENCE F. CRAIG, whose addresses are 2119 PARKSIDE DRIVE, MITCHELLVILLE, MD 20721 AND 1619 WEBSTER STREET, NE WASH, DC 20017, were appointed Personal Repre-
sentative of the estate of CARLYN F. CRAIG who died on APRIL 18, 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 APRIL 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 APRIL 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: OCTOBER 04, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
SUSAN F. CRAIG CLARENCE F. CRAIG Personal Representative TRUE
to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs PATRICIA ELAINE BARKER, whose address is 415 N. KENMORE ST. ARLINGTON, VA 22201-1725, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GLADIES S. BARKER who died on DECEMBER 03, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before APRIL 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 APRIL 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: OCTOBER 04, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
PATRICIA ELAINE BARKER Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 10/04, 10/11, 10/18/24
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001135 KEVIN YOUNG Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
DONICA YOUNG, whose address is 8734 RITCHBORO ROAD, DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD 20747 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KEVIN YOUNG who died on NOVEMBER 14, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before APRIL 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 APRIL 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: OCTOBER 04, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
DONICA YOUNG Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 10/04, 10/11, 10/18/24
2024 Baltimore City Charter Amendments
NOTICE
The following Resolutions of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore proposing amendments to the Charter of Baltimore City will be submitted to the voters of Baltimore for their approval or disapproval at the General Election to be held in the City of Baltimore on Tuesday, the 5th day of November, 2024. (CAPITALS indicate matter added to existing law.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law. Underlining indicates matter added to the bill by amendment. Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from existing law by amendment.)
of all municipal officers appointed by the Mayor shall expire at the end of four years or at the end of the Mayor’s term of office, whichever first occurs, with the exception of the terms of the City Administrator, the Police commissioner, and some members of the Board of School Commissioners, the Civil Service Commission, the Planning Commission, the Board
edge, east of Light Street to the water’s edge, and north of Key Highway to the water’s edge, from the World Trade Center around the shoreline of the Inner Harbor and including Rash Field to permit multifamily residential development and off-street parking within the dedicated boundaries of Inner
City Council not later than the first day of February of the first municipal election year following the approval of the Charter amendment. AGAINST CHARTER AMENDMENT
LEGAL NOTICES
CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC NOTICE
In an effort to educate the community about the upcoming project, a community meeting will be held. This project includes The W Patapsco Ave Rehabilitation Project aims to rehabilitate and modernize the existing roadway. Key elements include replacing concrete joints and slabs, enhancing facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians, and adding landscaping.
(TR 19307) West Patapsco Avenue Rehabilitation PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday, November 7, 2024 6:00p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center Room A 201 Reedbird Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21225
If you have any questions, comments or need special accommodations, please contact Sandra Matier, Office of Engagement by email Sandra.Matier@baltimorecity.gov subject line W. Patapsco or by leaving a voicemail at 443-271-7224
Accommodation requests should be received by Wednesday, October 30th, 2024
to the water’s edge, east of Light Street to the water’s edge and north of Key Highway to the water’s edge, from the World Trade Center around the shoreline of the Inner Harbor to and including Rash Field, except that, [in order] to provide multi-Family
To Access the virtual WebEx meeting: buff.ly/3ZF3H3Q or call: 408-4189388 passcode: 2348 529 8309
Receive regular updates via Facebook, “X” formerly known as Twitter at @BmoreCityDOT.
Corren Johnson, DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
City of Baltimore Department of Finance Bureau of Procurement
Sealed proposals addressed to the Board of Estimates of Baltimore will be Received until, but not later than 11:00 am local time on the following dates for the stated requirements. November 6, 2024 * CREATING and EXPANDING TREE PITS RFQ-000450 * BRASS FITTINGS RFQ-000646 November 20, 2024 * JANITORIAL and CLEANING SERVICES RFQ-000649 ENTIRE SOLICITATION CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWNLOADED BY VISITING THE WEBSITE: https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/supplier/baltimorecity/SupplierSite
Brandon C. Scott, Mayor
Baltimore Classified
CERTIFICATION OF PUBLICATION
CITY OF BALTIMORE
OFFICE OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS PUBLIC NOTICE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - PROJECT NO. 1401
RAINFALL AND FLOW MONITORING SERVICES FOR THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
The City of Baltimore Office of Engineering and Construction (OEC), Department of Public Works, Bureau of Water and Wastewater has been authorized to request the Office of Boards and Commissions (OBC) to advertise Project 1401 for the selected services of qualified engineering firms to provide flow and rainfall monitoring services throughout the City’s sanitary sewer system as required by the modified consent decree (MCD). The City intends to contract the services of one firm to conduct flow and rainfall monitoring simultaneously in various sewer sheds within the City. The flow and rainfall monitoring network shall be designed, installed, operated, and maintained to provide representative, accurate, and precise data of sufficient quality to use hydraulic model calibration and for verification of the effectiveness of ongoing construction projects.
It is the expectation of the City that interested firms providing these services must demonstrate and document the following:
1.Experience in flow monitoring programs involving 50 or more simultaneous meter locations for extended periods (6 months minimum).
2.Experience in the evaluation of field conditions and selection of sites suitable for flow monitoring.
3.Experience in the installation and operation of area-velocity flow metering equipment utilizing wireless remote communication and data collection.
4.Demonstrate resources to provide on-call flow monitoring services and to provide quick response to requests from the city.
5.Experience in real-time flow monitoring, alarming, and event notification.
6.Experience in the installation and operation of rainfall measurement equipment.
7.Experience in flow monitoring large-diameter and odd-shape pipes.
8.Experience in measuring flow in force mains and pressure sewers.
9.Experience in preparing flow data analysis reports to include overflow calculations and inflow and infiltration summaries.
10.Overall team approach with Minority/Women Business Enterprises.
Services will include:
1.Performing site investigations before equipment installations.
2.Develop electronic site reports including GIS coordinates and digital images.
3. Installing flow monitoring equipment in sewer pipes ranging in size from 8-inch to 12-foot in diameter. Some installations may be in odd-shaped sewer pipes and overflow structures.
4.Measuring flow in pump station force mains and pressure sewers.
5.Operating, maintaining, and remotely collecting data using wireless communication from as many as 50 flow and rainfall monitoring equipment simultaneously.
6.Processing and submitting monthly reports of flow and rainfall data from all active flow and rainfall monitoring equipment simultaneously
7.As a part of the consent decree, the consultant must demonstrate experience in Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) event notification, requiring prompt notification and reporting of SSO events.at monitored locations to the City within 12 hours of the start of the SSO event; and review, process, calculate, and report discharge volumes for monitored engineered and non-engineered SSO structures within 11:00 AM of the fourth calendar day of the start of the SSO event.
The service would be for a period of 5 years at a fee of $ 5,000,000.00 with an option to extend for a 2-year extension. DPW encourages all contracting firms that have the experience and capacity to work on this scope to submit their proposals. All firms must demonstrate and document their capacity and resources to deliver the required services on time. Should you have any questions regarding the scope of the project, please contact Mr. Jemil Yesuf at (410) 545-1809 or by e-mail at jemil.yesuf@baltimorecity.gov.
Projects must comply with the 2006 edition of “The Specifications for Materials, Highway, Bridges, Utilities, and Incidental Structures”. City personnel will utilize the City of Baltimore Guidelines for the Performance Evaluation of Design Consultants and Construction Contractors for this contract/project.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND
Annapolis, Maryland
ANNOUNCEMENT
REQUEST FOR BIDS
On or after September 30, 2024, Plans and Specifications may be obtained from the Anne Arundel County Web Page at the following address: https://www.aacounty.org/departments/central- services/purchasing/P.O.R.T./bids/index.html . Bids will be received until time/date shown below, please submit your bid electronically via the PORT. Bids received after the date and time set will be rejected.
Due by 1:30 p.m. Local Time, Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Project: H566801 – McKendree Road Over Lyons Creek
Solicitation No.: CAP25000096
Contact: Debra Russell – 410-222-1340
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES REVISED NOTICE
RFP NUMBER: B-2015-24
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”) is requesting proposals from interested and qualified property management companies to operate and manage Townes at the Terraces and Albemarle, and other certain HABC-owned low-income and affordable housing properties (the “Properties”) in the Baltimore area as identified by HABC.
PROPOSALS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, November 1, 2024
A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., which will be scheduled as a virtual meeting.
Responders shall also comply with all applicable requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. Section 1701u.
The entire RFP can be viewed and downloaded by visiting https://habc.bonfirehub.com/projects on or after Monday, October 7, 2024 Questions regarding the RFP should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated below and must include the reference: HABC RFP Number B-2015-24.
Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Procurement Department
Attention: John Airey, Senior Vice President of Procurement Tel: (410) 396-3261 John.airey@habc.org
BOARD OF LIQUOR LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR BALTIMORE CITY NOTICE – OCTOBER 2024
Petitions have been filed by the following applicants for licenses to sell alcoholic beverages at the premises set opposite their respective names. The real property for these applications will be posted on or about October 14, 2024. Written protests concerning any application will be accepted until and including the time of the hearing. Public hearings may be scheduled on or after October 24, 2024 at 10:30 AM in City Hall; 100 N. Holliday Street, Room 215, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Please visit llb.baltimorecity.gov under the link for & Hearing Schedules & for confirmation of the date, time, and place for all matters being heard by the Board.
1. CLASS “A” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE Applicant: 4332 Erdman Business, LLC T/a Trade Name Pending - Avinash Kaur and
21230 (City Council District: 11th;
Legislative District: 46th) Applicant: Ghutra Liquors, Inc. T/a Kitty’s Lounge - Harpreet
Petition: Transfer of ownership Premises: 3208 Greenmount Avenue 21218 (City Council District: 14th; State Legislative District: 43A)
Applicant: Koco’s Pub, Inc. T/a Koco’s Pub - Marcella L. Knight
Petition: Transfer of ownership
Premises: 4301 Harford Road 21214
(City Council District: 3rd; State Legislative District: 45th)
Applicant: 800 Kenwood Tavern, LLC T/a Kenwood Tavern - Pauline A. Guiragoss Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of outdoor table service, requesting off-premises catering and delivery of alcoholic beverages
Premises: 800 S. Kenwood Avenue 21224 (City Council District: 1st; State Legislative District: 46th) Applicant: Charm City Swing, LLC T/a Trade Name Pending - Michael Seguin Petition: Transfer of location of a Class “BD7” BWL license presently located at 861 Washington Boulevard to 14 W. North Avenue
Premises: 14 W. North Avenue 21201 (City Council District: 12th; State Legislative District: 40th)
Applicant: La Roca, LLC T/a La Roca - Juan Antonio Ortiz and James Ortiz
Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of live entertainment, requesting delivery of alcoholic beverages(Amended)
Premises: 3210-14 Pulaski Highway 21224 (City Council District: 13th; State Legislative District: 46th)
BALTIMORE-AREA
The Moore Report
Multiple Catholic church set to permanently close in December
By Ralph E. Moore Jr. Special to the AFRO
There are 16 predominantly Black Catholic churches in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, but by Christmas Day 2024, there will only be seven.
Nine congregations will be removed from their then shuttered church homes and folded into other churches.
Under a plan announced earlier this year in May, the number of parishes in Baltimore, sadly, will be reduced from 61 to 23. And unfortunately, the plan entitled obscurely, “Seek the City to Come,” will affect Black Catholic parishes at a greater rate than White or Hispanic parishes. Proportionately speaking, more Black Catholics will be evicted from their church home than any other racial group in the city. Churches are being merged into other churches because the archdiocese thinks the number of Sunday attendees is too low and the costs of maintaining church buildings are becoming increasingly unaffordable. There is no talk of faith in their calculations–only finance. No talk of the historic racism practiced in Catholic churches for centuries included segregated seating, ushers ignoring Blacks in predominantly White churches and seminaries and convents refusing to admit Blacks.
African Americans remained faithful to God in the past while waiting for Whites to receive communion first before anyone Black could partake of the Blessed Sacrament– a form of White supremacy even at the highest of Christian religious ceremonies.
Again, Black Catholic churches and schools have routinely been shut down within the Catholic Church in the United States. We have remained faithful through enslavement, segregation, mass incarceration and mass poverty.
Morgan State University celebrates 157th homecoming
AFRO Photos/Stephen Hopkins
Alumni, current students, faculty, staff and members of the Morgan State University community come together on Oct. 5 for the annual homecoming game on the historically Black institution’s Northeast Baltimore campus. The Morgan State Bears beat out the Lincoln University Lions, wrapping up the game with a 41-0 win for their homecoming game.
The event attracts thousands from near and far each year, including elected officials, residents from the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area and families like Kemar Scarlett (top, left), Alaina Scarlett, Kamaya Scarlett and Analicia Archibald. Each year, players like Morgan State wide receiver Marquez Phillips (top, right) (#4), shown here kneeling in prayer after a touchdown, leave it all on the field, as the Magnificent Marching Machine (bottom, left) gives riveting halftime performances for those who gathered. The day also serves as a time for members of the Divine Nine, like Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity members Charles Johnson (bottom, right), Anthony Austin and James Johnson to connect.
By Mekhi Abbott Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com
Generations of Morgan State University students and alumni flooded the historically Black college’s Northeast Baltimore campus on Oct. 5 to celebrate its homecoming. Highlights of the week included a homecoming concert on Oct. 3, a pep rally on Oct. 4 and the parade and football game on Oct. 5.
“We
porting our teams.”
Dr. David Wilson, president of Morgan State, in an Oct. 6 letter sent to the Morgan State community, praised those who made the celebration a time to remember.
“Homecoming 2024 invited our entire community to fully embrace Morgan’s
“Of course, the Bears’ victorious football game was the centerpiece of Homecoming. We estimate that more than 25,000 people were on Morgan’s campus…with several thousand tailgating in designated areas,” he continued.
hear a lot about the big schools, but when you
see just how much Morgan has been doing as a top research institution for Maryland, it’s amazing for me to see this.”
“My favorite part of homecoming for me is seeing the advancement,” said Tara Carter, a two-time graduate of Morgan State University. “We hear a lot about the big schools, but when you see just how much Morgan has been doing as a top research institution for Maryland, it’s amazing for me to see this.”
“I am big on spending time with friends,” said Carter. “We didn’t even make it to the football game, but I still bought tickets to make sure we are sup-
rich and enduring legacy, and I am proud to say we did just that,” said Wilson.
“Generations of Morganites converged on our campus, embracing the rites, rituals and traditions that unify us as one family.”
“Thanks to our comprehensive security plan and advanced preparation, including a strengthened presence of uniformed officers and security personnel, we were able to effectively manage the challenges posed by the very large crowds.”
Homecoming week for the Morgan State Bears kicked off with a performance by BET Award-nominated artist Sexxy Red on Oct. 3. The following night, Morgan State held a pep rally to highlight all of the varsity teams on campus.
“Morgan has a rich history,” said Kendra Woolridge, a director for the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and owner of a multi awardwinning vegan nail polish company,
Greater Baltimore Medical Center receives grant to continue fight against human trafficking
By Aria Brent AFRO Staff Writer
The Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) recently received a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Family Services to expand anti-human trafficking efforts. The funding will enhance GBMC’s existing programming focused on identifying, supporting and rehabilitating victims of human trafficking.
One of GBMC’s dedicated team members who work directly in the company’s safe domestic violence and child protection program spoke with the AFRO about the work they do, their plans for expansion and what the Baltimore com-
munity can do to help combat human trafficking.
“We do lots of training throughout the community. We trained almost 10,000 people last year alone. We’re really involved in community outreach,” said Ashley McAree, the trafficking liaison at GBMC. “All of our trainings are provided completely free of charge and we’re focused on building that awareness so we can try to prevent trafficking before it even occurs.”
“When a trafficking victim enters the hospital, we want to make sure they’re not falling through the cracks,” she continued. “We want to make sure that they’re receiving the appropriate care every single time.”
McAree went on to
Baltimore family continues search for Darryl Wiggins
By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com
Baltimore resident Darryl Wiggins has not been seen or heard from since Sept. 2, 2022. The 33-year-old, who rented a home on the 600 block of Wyanoke Ave., disappeared after having a disagreement with his landlord. On the morning of his disappearance, a court ruled that Wiggins had a right to be at a property in the 600 block of Wynaoke because his rent at the time was paid. Members of the Wiggins’ family say the landlord and their relative were in court because the landlord had removed Darryl Wiggins’ belongings from the home and took off his door.
After receiving a favorable judgment, Wiggins returned to the home to take measurements for a new door. After sending them to a friend, who
“I feel it’s not the police but the entire system failing my son.”
planned to help him replace the door, he vanished. His mother, Diana Baines, wants answers. “I sometimes feel that Darryl has been forgotten about. There haven’t been any updates in a very long time, and I don’t hear from the Baltimore Police Department unless I reach out to them,” said Baines. “I’m not saying they aren’t doing their job; I have to trust they’re doing their best. I just feel, given the circumstances, we should be further along than we are.”
Diana Baines described
discuss the resources they provide victims and how important it is that these survivors receive total care when recovering from this kind of experience.
“We were able to build our program up to meet the needs of the survivors in our community,” she said.
Photo courtesy of Diana Baines Baltimore resident Darryl Wiggins is still missing. He vanished on Sept. 2, 2022, after a dispute with his landlord in Northeast Baltimore.
Unsplash/ Hermes Rivera Greater Baltimore Health Center is working to combat human trafficking with a new grant from the U.S. Department of Health of Family Services.
Homecoming
Continued from D1
Janet and Jo. “We have the first HBCU collegiate lacrosse team in the nation. It’s stories like that that need to be amplified.”
On the gridiron, the Morgan State Bears (3-3) dominated the Lincoln University Lions, from Pennsylvania, 41-0. Wide receiver Andre Crawley led the way with 134 total yards, six catches and two total touchdowns. He scored one touchdown receiving as well as passing for a 21-yard touchdown. Running back Myles Miree also contributed with two touchdowns himself, both on the ground.
“Homecoming has been great for me. It’s my first homecoming. I am a freshman and I’ve been to the pep rally. I also went to the skate and laser tag night that was on Oct. 3,” said Renee Salter, who is studying psychology.
In efforts to ensure the safety of all attendees, Morgan State
Human trafficking
Continued from
“Whether that be the medical forensic exams we offer, or birth control, HIV protection or prophylaxis, sexually transmitted infection prophylaxis. Additional resources include emergency shelter, referrals for mental health services, referrals for other services that we are not able to offer. We offer pretty comprehensive services within the hospital.”
Human trafficking remains a pressing issue in Maryland and across the nation, with victims often hidden in plain sight. The grant will enable GBMC to expand its outreach efforts, provide their patients with more resources and better understand the needs of survivors.
McAree noted that GBMC is focused on finding and providing more proactive care to people who come from high risk backgrounds. Explaining that children in foster care, from minority backgrounds and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to fall victim to human trafficking.
“There’s a ton of risk factors for human trafficking. Some of the main risks are young age, underserved populations, which would include racial disparities, those in foster care systems, those that live in poverty and people with mental health issues or substance abuse issues. There’s lots of different risk factors,” McAree said.
Korin Arkin, of the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH), echoed similar sentiments to McAree. Arkin noted that people who oftentimes fall victims to systemic issues are the same people to be affected by human trafficking.
“Things that make people vulnerable to exploitation are things like systemic racism, economic inequality. Anything that would make somebody vulnerable to any type of oppression or violence or harm is also going to make them vulnerable to human trafficking,” said Arkin. “While human trafficking is something that can happen to anyone, it most often is affecting communi-
administration and leadership made significant security enhancements for the 2024 homecoming activities, including over 3,100 camera views for surveillance purposes, AI-supported weapon detection and plate-reading technology. On Oct. 5, the “official Homecoming day,” all campus buildings and dorms closed at 3 p.m. and the campus officially closed at 7 p.m.
While the security measures were bolstered, dirt bikers descended on the area after the game concluded, further complicating traffic when they caused an accident. And Baltimore Police Department officers responded to a shooting that took place around midnight, after all official homecoming activities were finished.
Wilson acknowledged the incidents in his letter, stating that “illegal dirt bike riders—unaffiliated with Morgan—engaged in reckless behavior along Hillen Road and E. Cold Spring Lane, leading to a serious traffic accident.”
The university president said that the “off-campus shooting” was “unrelated to Morgan.”
32 percent of all reports of human sex trafficking are of children under the age of 18,” she said.
ties where people are already vulnerable and already at high risk. Vulnerabilities like youth who are in the foster care system and not every person of color, not every kid in the foster care system is trafficked, but they are at higher risk for exploitation because they have a need that’s not being met by the systems in our country or by the people around them.”
Arkin explained that human trafficking is a highly underreported and prosecuted crime meaning that the hotline is only able to account for the amount of human trafficking crimes that are reported but that never truly includes all of the instances of human trafficking that are happening
Despite not being able to account for every victim of sex trafficking, McAree was able to provide us with some statistics to help conceptualize how many people in Maryland this issue is touching
“In Maryland, females make up about 80 percent of the reports of human sex trafficking, and in Maryland,
“While these events are deeply disappointing, I want to be clear: they have no connection to our university other than their proximity,” he wrote. “Rest assured, I have been in contact with Mayor Scott, and members of my team have been in constant communication with the Baltimore Police Department.”
“Today, I am pleased to report that there were NO violent incidents on campus throughout the week. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Chief Lance Hatcher, the MSUPD, and all the security personnel, for their exceptional work in executing the Homecoming Security Plan and ensuring campus safety.”
Overall, the experience was an overwhelmingly positive event– one for the history books. For some Morgan State graduates, the weekend represented their first time back in Baltimore for a homecoming in several years.
Silver Spring, Md. native, Shantá Reid, now a paralegal in Washington, D.C., was proud to make her 2024 return to her alma mater.
“This is my first homecoming since 2019,” she said.
Trafficking Hotline, nearly 40 percent were Black women and girls— the highest of any racial group.”
According to a 2021 report from the Polaris Project, 21 percent of sex trafficking and sex labor victims were Black. Additionally, a 2024 report from Rights 4 Girls regarding child sex trafficking and Black girls noted “Of the more than 10,000 cases reported to the National Human
Continued from D1
McAree explained that the community at large can get involved in this fight against human trafficking by educating themselves and making themselves aware as to what they signs of human trafficking look like.
“The number one thing is awareness and knowing
Wiggins as a generous person who is a stranger to no one. He is an avid Baltimore Ravens fan and often had game day superstitions.
Before he disappeared, Wiggins was regularly involved in the lives of his family members. Baines, who raised her son mostly as a single mother, said Wiggins viewed himself as the “man of the house.” He also stepped in to be a father figure for his nieces and nephews, attending school and extracurricular activities.
Wiggins was just starting to get a moving business off the ground when he went missing.
“Darryl is very family-oriented,” said Baines. “He loved when our family would get together whether it be for the holidays or just someone’s birthday. He lived for his family.”
The Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) provided Wiggins’ missing person’s report, but said it could not comment on ongoing investigations. In the report, police noted that Wiggins did not experience any mental illnesses or health problems. They also confirmed that he typically speaks with Baines every day.
Her last conversation with her son came at 10:27 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2022. The day after
what sex trafficking is and what it is not. Because that’s a huge problem right now. A lot of community members think sex trafficking is this glorified and kind of glamorized thing that you see on the movies and on TV,” she said.
“Because of this you’re going to miss actual victims and miss those red flags. The most important thing is to be aware of what it is and what it looks like.”
Wiggins went missing, Baines said a friend came over to drop off his paycheck. After knocking on the door and receiving no answer, he asked Wiggins’ landlord whether he’d seen him.
According to Baines, the landlord said he hadn’t seen him and didn’t know who the friend was talking about.
Wiggins’ family and friends have been devastated by his disappearance, his mother said. And the lack of leads in his case has her feeling exasperated.
“I feel it’s not the police but the entire system failing my son,” said Baines. “Every turn I have made to try and get attention to his disappearance has made it nowhere. I feel like we have no rights.”
She urged the public to come forward and contact BPD with any information regarding Wiggins’ whereabouts.
The smallest of things can make the biggest difference in the investigation. I think a lot of times people don’t think they know something and they do, or people know something but they’re afraid to come forward. I just want everybody to know the feeling is different when it affects your family.”
Continued from D1
And so, church authorities counting on our strong faith in God announced the closing of nine of the 16 Black Catholic churches, surprising members, disappointing and angering most Black Catholics in the oldest Catholic archdiocese in the nation.
The church hierarchy, represented by Urban Vicar Bruse Lewandowski and Archbishop William J. Lori, are treating Black Catholics and others as if pieces on their hierarchical chess board, moving parishioners around while disrupting routine Sunday travel and congregations’ familiar membership and inhouse practices.
We are overwhelmingly elderly congregants in the Black churches and most expected to be funeralized from their church home. So, that expectation will itself die.
The Black Catholic churches that will remain in place are St. Bernadine; St. Ambrose; New All Saints; St. Veronica and St. Francis
Xavier. Merged into St. Bernadine will be: St. Edward, St. Gregory, St. Peter Claver and St. Pius V. New All Saints Church will absorb St. Cecilia and Immaculate Conception (the church in Baltimore City, not the church of the same name in Towson). Also, Blessed Sacrament Church will be merged into St. Matthew Church along with several others. Finally, St. Francis Xavier Church will absorb the congregations and incomes of St. Ann and St. Wenceslaus churches, while their buildings will be closed.
The nine Black Catholic churches will be shut down in the middle of the Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday season. The official date is Dec. 1, 2024. It will make the statement from the archdiocese to Black and other churches: “Merry Christmas, you’re closed!”
Sounds very heartless, because it is!.
When Baltimore had a ma-
jority White population, most Catholic churches in the city were White. But as white folks moved out of the city to the suburbs following the 1954 Brown decision, which ruled against racial segregation in schools and elsewhere by extension, inner-city church congregations became mostly Black. Even more Whites moved out of the city following the assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968. Black Catholics (the remnant) remained in Catholic Churches sustaining them for decades.
Certainly, Black folks moved to the suburbs, too.
But most to this day have returned to their home church traveling distances of three, four, five and six miles to get back to the church in the neighborhood where they grew up and where some attended the church’s local Catholic school.
The Archdiocesan bishops with their “Seek the City to Come” decrees have done nothing but wreak havoc within the diocese. Some pastors have already been removed. Vacant church buildings will be added to neighborhoods already struggling with vacant houses. And congregations of strangers in the past forced together by the bishops have often not been able to get along.
The day St. Ann Church closes is the day I leave Catholicism for good. Dec. 1, 2024 I will say goodbye to 72 years of being Catholic since I was three months old. Others will leave too, I am told.
Courtesy photo
Ralph E. Moore Jr., a lifelong Catholic, speaks on the upcoming closure of nine Black Catholic churches in Baltimore.
Herb Brown celebrates 100th birthday
By Catherine Pugh Special to the AFRO
Herb Brown turned 100 years of age on Sept. 22 with all of the pomp and circumstance due to a centenarian of his caliber. The Baltimore business giant has been an active member of the Ashburton community for 62 years.
Brown didn’t celebrate this milestone birthday alone.
At noon on Saturday, Sept. 21, more than 125 of his friends and family gathered at the Baltimore Inner Harbor for a cruise on the water. The event was organized by his family and friends, who were excited to honor Brown.
“I have had the pleasure and honor of seeing Herb for the last 60 of his 100 years,” said Dan Henson. “It’s easy to think of your own mortality when you look at Herb and see his youthfulness.”
Henson said over the years, he has taken note of Brown’s ability to age with grace and style.
“Three secrets to his longevity that I have noticed: One, he stopped drinking alcoholic beverages 50 years ago and replaced it with water–every Black bartender in Baltimore knows that. Two, he takes a nap every day and three, he gets dressed and does something daily that stimulates him physically and intellectually. I’m not saying these are the secrets to getting to 100, but they work for Herb and for me so far,” said Henson.
Among the many guests were Maryland Chief Judge Robert Bell, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07), State Sen. Jill Carter (D-Md.-41), State Del. Samuel “Sandy” Rosenberg (DMd.-41), Theo Rodgers, co-founder and CEO of A&R Development, and Att. Kenneth L. Thompson.
“It is rare,” said Bell, “to be able to celebrate the 100th birthday of someone with such immense importance to the development of our community and to be able to share it with so many of his mentees– including myself. This was really special.”
Carter echoed similar sentiments. “We don’t often get to share a centennial celebration with our living heroes. It was an honor to see him smiling and to show him that his commitment and contributions are appreciated.”
When asked how it felt to reach the age of 100, Brown had a simple reply:
“I don’t know, I have never been 100,” he said with a laugh, adding that “it is amazing.”
“I have been looking forward to turning 100 and have been working towards it and–fortunately– no missteps,” Brown continued. “We had so much fun celebrating, I am looking forward to a repeat.”
Brown was born in Winnsboro, S.C. He is the youngest of three sons born to Lawrence and Willie Mae Brown. “He was about six months old when his family moved to Baltimore,” says his granddaughter, Erika Bessick, who stays close to her grandfather to spend time with him every day.
Brown graduated from Douglass High School and from there went into the Army. After two years, he was discharged honorably as a sergeant.
“They had two lines, one if you wanted to stay in the army and another if you wanted to leave,” says Bessick. “Grandfather chose the line to leave. He became a salesman,” she tells the AFRO
And Brown was quite a salesman.
He spent a number of years in
sales, selling everything from mini blinds and floor coverings to beer. According to Bessick, Brown spent 12 years selling Ballantine Beer until the company was acquired and his position was eliminated.
“Herb was a businessman, but more than that, he is a tremendous human being. It was great seeing one of the legends of the early days of Black entrepreneurship,” said Attorney Ken Thompson.
In 1968, Brown founded the Mondawmin Travel Agency. He was one of only two Black businesses at the time to be located in the West Baltimore mall. The only other Black owned business at the time was the Pauline Brooks women’s dress shop, which had moved to Mondawmin from North Avenue in 1967.
Brown became among the power brokers in Baltimore and a close friend of the Late Willie Adams. Brown took a special interest in Northwest Baltimore politics and was among the founders of the Vanguard Organization, which helped elect a number of Black politicians going back to Sen. Verda Welcome and Sen. Clarence Blount.
Chuck Thompson, who turned 100 years old earlier this year, also made his way to the cruise along with Angela Gibson. Thompson served as president of Vanguard while Brown was its long-time treasure.
“His role as a political power broker helped to build Black
power in Northwest Baltimore and shape policies that elevated our community for generations,” said Carter.
Theo Rodgers also weighed in on how Brown’s hard work has impacted the city.
“Herb Brown has always been involved behind the scenes in activities that improved Baltimore’s Black community in business and politics. His positive attitude has been a motivation for me for over 50 years,” he said.
Eventually, Brown moved his office into his Ashburton home, where he continued to host the Vanguard Organization after selling his travel agency.
Today Brown spends most of his time with his family.
“He loves having his grandchildren around, he likes the noise, and he enjoys watching them. On special occasions like my sister’s baby shower, he’ll put on his suede jacket and strut. He’s steadier on his feet then most people, even me,” said Bessick.
Lenny Clay remembers Brown as a mentor to many young Black business people. “He is someone we looked up to–such a snappy dresser,” said Clay, who’s been cutting hair in Baltimore for over 60 years.
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Photo courtesy of Catherine Pugh
Herb Brown celebrates his 100th birthday with family and friends.
New Shiloh Baptist Church celebrates 122 years Service highlights work of Sen. Ben Cardin and Rev. Jerome Stephens
By Patricia McDougall
New Shiloh Baptist Church celebrated its 122nd anniversary on Oct. 6. In its 122 years, the church has only had four pastors. For the last 28 years, New Shiloh has been under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Harold A. Carter Jr. The church continues to remain centered on biblical education teaching, prayer, witnessing and saving souls for Christ. Still today, New Shiloh is a refuge of resources and service to the Baltimore community.
Pastor Carter and his wife, Rev. Monique Carter, share in the ministry,
and he currently serves as president of the Hamptons Ministers Conference. The anniversary attracted elected officials such as Gov. Wes Moore, as Sen. Ben Cardin and his retiring Special Assistant of Faith-based and Community Affairs, Rev. Jerome Stephens, were honored during the service. Gov. Moore delivered an inspiring message that resonated deeply with all in attendance. Cardin served as a delegate in the Maryland State House from 1967-1986, and was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in Congress from 1987 to 2007. He began serving in the United States Senate in 2007. Cardin spoke to an enthusiastic congregation ahead of his upcoming retirement from the office.
Stephens will soon culminate over two decades of service to Maryland and has proven to be a pivotal bridge between communities of faith and the federal government.
Stephens’ message on Oct. 6 was one of resiliency and perseverance from The Book of Psalms Chapter 27, verses one through seven.
Celebration of life honors Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant
By AFRO Staff
Friends, family and revered members of the faith community gathered for the celebration of life for Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant on Oct. 5. The service took place at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 1300 Druid Hill Avenue in Baltimore.
Those gathered came from near and far to celebrate Dr. Bryant’s life and legacy.
Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning served as mistress of ceremonies during the service. Rev. Dr. Thema Simone Bryant, Dr. Bryant’s daughter, spoke on the values instilled by her mother, such as caring for those in need, being prepared to reach for greatness and how to stand up for yourself.
All speakers had only the best memories and stories to share about the missionary, wife, mother and giant of the faith community.
AFRO Photo / Patricia McDougall
Maryland Governor Wes Moore brings greetings to the historic New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore.
New Shiloh Baptist Church Pastor Harold A. Carter, Jr. (left) and Congressman Ben Cardin share their sentiments with those in
Members of the Baltimore Chapter of Continental Societies Michele McCoy Jones (left), Senior Vice President Lynn Lawings, President Joyce Cummings and Phyllis Brown enjoy the anniversary service.
Rev. Jerome Stephens serves as special guest preacher on Oct. 6 in honor of the 122nd anniversary of New Shiloh Baptist Church.
Shown here, the Agape Ushers of New Shiloh, Laurie McNair (left), Larry Glover, Alvin Curtis, Sharon Wright and Mallory Crawford.
Candice Stephens (left), Paula Stephens, Brittany Stephens and Debbie Washington
Braxton C. Street, an elected member of the Democratic Central Committee for District 40) (left), Wanda Draper and Dr. Robert Draper stand outside the sanctuary, located at 2100 N. Monroe St.
Photos courtesy of The Christain Recorder via Bethel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant lays in rest at Bethel AME Church in Baltimore on Oct. 5.
Hundreds gather for the homegoing ceremony of Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant inside of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, pastor of Georgia’s New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, listens as those in attendance speak on how his mother impacted their lives and the community.
Rev. Dr. Thema Simone Bryant, president of the American Psychological Association, prepares to deliver remarks about her mother.
Retired Bishop John Richard Bryant, husband of the late Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant for more than five decades.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie delivers the eulogy to a packed audience. Attendees from near and far took every seat inside of the church and overflow rooms.