Afro e-Edition 11-08-2024 by AFRO News

Angela Alsobrooks makes history in Maryland’s U.S. Senate race

By Ashlee Banks Special to the AFRO

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is headed to the U.S. Senate after defeating former Republican Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. On Nov. 5, Alsobrooks made history to become the first Black candidate elected to the U.S. Senate to represent Maryland. Cheers rang out

through the Hotel at the University of Maryland, where Alsobrooks held her election night watch party celebration, as the polls confirmed her victory.

Following the election results, Alsobrooks thanked God, her family and Maryland voters for

“I ran for the Senate because of all of you. For the young people and elderly of country. About the future that you one day will inherit and the country that I know we all can be.”

Blunt Rochester wins U.S. Senate race in Delaware

By Randall Chase The Associated Press

U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester won her contest for a seat in the U.S. Senate Nov. 5, setting her up

to become the first woman and first Black person to represent Delaware in the Senate.

She’ll join another Black woman, Maryland Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, who also won a U.S. Senate seat Nov. 5, marking the first time in history that the American public elected two Black women to the Senate at once. Only three other Black women have served in the chamber until now, two of them elected and one who was appointed.

“The people have spoken, and we’re bringing bright hope to the United States Senate,” Blunt Rochester said in a victory speech to supporters who greeted her with chants of “LBR! LBR!”

“I stand before you tonight extremely humbled, and with a heart filled with gratitude to God and to the people of Delaware who put their trust in me,” Rochester said. She acknowledged the trail

“blazed by

supporting her through this journey.

“We stand tonight united as one Maryland and to each and every Marylander I say: I will make your care my concern; your hope my focus; and your dreams my work in the days and years to come.”

“To the people who did not vote in this election, I want you to know that I see you too and I will never stop working to prove that public service and the work we do can and must change the lives of people for the

Vice President Kamala Harris falls short in historic White House bid, delivers concession speech at Howard U

By D. Kevin McNeir Special to the AFRO

Early on Nov. 5, Vice President Kamala Harris did what all candidates must do when they reached the end of a political campaign – she waited anxiously – remaining “cautiously optimistic,” according to her staff, as millions of votes were submitted.

Later, as polls around the country closed, thousands of supporters for Harris, including campaign volunteers, family members, friends and members of the media, assembled on the historic “yard” of Howard University. Most were poised to rejoice in Harris’ victory as an air of nervous excitement punctuated the evening air. Harris was returning to her alma mater, a historically Black institution, to watch for election results.

AP Photo

Maryland Senate-elect Angela Alsobrooks looks forward to serving Marylanders in the U.S. Senate as the first Black person to represent the state in the upper chamber of the U.S. Congress.

AP Photo/Pamela Smith Democratic Delaware Senate candidate state Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester speaks on Nov. 5 after becoming the first Black person to ever lead the state of Delaware.

AP Photo Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech in the 2024 presidential election at Howard University on the afternoon of Nov. 6. Harris faced off against former president Donald Trump in the contentious election that focused on everything from reproductive rights to the economy.

Bomb threats in swing states disrupt Election Day

By Christina A. Cassidy and Ali Swenson

The Associated Press

A series of bomb threats across multiple battleground states and baseless claims of wrongdoing by former President Donald Trump disrupted an otherwise smooth Election Day that capped a tumultuous presidential campaign.

The bomb threats in parts of Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania on Nov. 5 turned out to be hoaxes, but they forced some polling places to evacuate and extend hours, and delayed the counting of some ballots.

The threats were reported throughout the day at polling locations in three metro Atlanta counties, all with large numbers of Democratic voters, and into the evening at Pennsylvania polling places and election offices where ballots were being counted. Bomb threats also were reported in Arizona, Michigan and Wisconsin, according to state election officials.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in an evening news conference that the hoaxes posed no danger to the public — or to the election.

“Every legal, eligible vote will be counted and counted accurately, and the will of the people in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be respected,” said Shapiro, a Democrat.

Neither Shapiro nor Pennsylvania State Police gave details about who might be behind the hoaxes.

In Georgia’s Fulton County, which includes Atlanta, 32 of 177 polling places received bomb threats and five were briefly evacuated. The polling locations were able to reopen after the threats.

“That just shows you the resilience of our system and our people. We’re battle-tested,” said Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican.

The FBI said many hoax bomb threats in several states appeared to originate from Russian email domains, though federal cybersecurity officials cautioned that the culprits were not necessarily Russian.

The dramatic and troubling end to Election Day came after a highly successful early voting period, when at least half of all votes expected in the presidential election had been cast. By Nov. 5, more than 84 million Americans had already voted.

Overall, the final day of voting was characterized by the same kind of routine hiccups and frustrations seen in other elections: a polling worker forgetting to bring a key; ballot printing mistakes; ballot counting machines not working.

The vast majority of problems were “largely expected, routine and planned-for events,” said

Voters wait in line to cast their ballots outside a polling station on the Navajo Nation in Fort Defiance, Ariz., on Election Day.

Cait Conley, senior adviser to the director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Turnout on Nov. 5 was robust in many states.

In Nevada, one of two western presidential battlegrounds, long lines were reported in Reno and Las Vegas. After polls closed, there was still a three-hour wait at a polling location at the University of Nevada, Reno, according to local election officials.

Despite no evidence of widespread voting problems, Trump made unsubstantiated claims related to Philadelphia and Detroit, and raised questions about election operations in Milwaukee, the biggest cities in three states crucial for deciding the presidency.

Local officials quickly knocked down the claims Trump made on his social media platform, saying there were no indications of any problems that would affect accurately tallying the vote.

The absence of any significant problems had not stopped Trump, the Republican nominee, or the Republican National Committee, from making numerous claims of fraud or election interference during the early voting period, a possible prelude to challenges after Election Day.

In Georgia, a federal judge rejected as “frivolous” a last-minute effort by Republicans to challenge Atlanta-area election offices’ collection of mail ballots last weekend — after early voting had ended. U.S. District Judge R. Stan Baker, a Trump appointee, said the GOP argument “does not withstand even the most basic level of statutory review and reading comprehension.”

Trump on Nov. 5 suggested he wouldn’t challenge the results of the election — as long as

it’s fair.

“If it’s a fair election, I’d be the first one to acknowledge” the results, Trump said, though what meets that definition wasn’t clear.

Trump’s Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, had urged voters not to fall for Trump’s tactic of casting doubt on elections.

The former president began making unsubstantiated claims about voting, ballot counting and law enforcement as Election Day voting neared its end.

He said on his social media platform that there was “talk about massive cheating in Philadelphia” and said law enforcement was on the way. He did not provide details, and there was no immediate indication of what he was referring to. His spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment about what he meant.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner issued a statement rejecting Trump’s claims as baseless.

“There is no factual basis whatsoever within law enforcement to support this wild allegation,” Krasner said. “If Donald J. Trump has any facts to support his wild allegations, we want them now.”

Federal election security officials and Shapiro also said they had seen nothing to support Trump’s claims. Officer Miguel Torres of the Philadelphia Police Department said he was unaware of any special law enforcement mobilization or “any kind of incident” that would require it.

One of three Philadelphia election board members, Seth Bluestein, a Republican, said on social media that Trump’s comment “is yet

Car Buying in 2024 – How to Prepare

Alsobrooks

better,” said Alsobrooks.

“I ran for the Senate because of all of you. For the young people and elderly… for the future that you one day will inherit and the country that I know we all can be,” added Alsobrooks. “I know that we can be a country that yells less and listens more and fears less and trust more.”

Hundreds of Alsobrooks supporters attended the election night watch party celebration and enjoyed music, drinks and hours d’oeuvres well into the evening. Members of Congress were also in attendance including U.S. Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-8), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.-4) and John Sarbanes (D-Md.-3).

Raskin told the crowd that Alsobrooks’ victory will protect democracy.

“We are fighting for freedom. We are fighting for progress,” said Raskin. “We

Harris

Some attendees exchanged high-fives while others were engaged in anxious conversation with friends or former classmates.

As the atmosphere became quiet, a local DJ played a variety of favorite tunes to keep the energy flowing and entertain the anxious crowd. But the exuberance slowly began to fade as Harris’ opponent took an early lead that he sustained into the early morning hours of Nov. 6, when the Associated Press and media organizations across the country began to call in his 277 electoral votes. Only 270 were needed to clinch the presidency.

offer a very simple device to the public… everything you need to know about voting is everything you need to know about driving. If you want to go forward you put it in D. You want to go backwards, you put it in R.”

“We’re sending Angela Alsobrooks to the U.S. Senate to stand strong for American democracy and freedom,” added Raskin. “Frederick Douglass said ‘if there’s no struggle there’s no progress…there must be struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has and it never will.”

Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott also attended the election night festivities.

Scott, who was re-elected to his position on Election Day 2024, told the AFRO that he is excited to work with Alsobrooks in

The crowd didn’t hear words from Harris after the defeat, instead, former Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-La.), currently serving as senior advisor to the Democratic National Committee, addressed the crowd on Harris’ behalf.

Around 4 p.m. on Nov. 6, the vice president returned to the spotlight to deliver her concession speech.

“My heart is full today,” Harris said. “Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country and full of resolve. The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought

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the near future.

“We have a great relationship and partnership and we want to continue that and grow that to the next level,” said Scott. “She understands how important the senate seat is when you talk about resources for the city, when you talk about the Red Line, the ‘Highway to Nowhere,’ [the] Frederick Douglass tunnel and the Howard Street tunnel [and] the work that we’ve done to reduce violence.”

“Angela has been in a seat like mine, so she understands that at the local level we need our senators to help and show up with us and I know she’s going to do that without batting an eye,” added Scott.

Moore told the crowd that he is excited that Alsobrooks was elected by Maryland voters.

“We just voted overwhelmingly,

for, not what we voted for. But hear me when I say… the light of America’s promise will “When Harris entered the race, we felt like there was new life, as more people registered to vote and more folks came out as volunteers,” she said. “We could see light at the end of the tunnel and momentum began to build even though it was a shortened campaign. People became hopeful and believed she could win as Election Day approached.

“Now that it’s over, I am still in shock. We were prepared for this possible scenario but I am still shocked that Americans would vote for a man who is a sexual predator and a convicted felon and give him both the electoral and popular votes. We have to regroup and rally our community knowing that you can’t solve all of the problems with one election. Still, it’s disappointing to realize that racism and misogyny are still so prevalent in America,” Duckett-Randolph said.

Jerry White, 61, of the Bronx, New York, said while he was disappointed that his candidate of choice, Harris, did not win, he was even more disappointed that many people he knew chose not to vote at all.

“Despite this being one of the most critical elections in my lifetime, I still know a lot of people who told me that they didn’t vote at all. That’s troubling because everything in America either revolves around or is somehow connected to politics – at least the policies that politicians endorse which, with a majority

decision, become the rules that govern our lives. With Trump back in office, I don’t know what I’ll do next. Maybe I should learn how to pick cotton.”

Cyril Mayes, 64, who lives in a suburb of Atlanta, said he was shocked to hear comments from several Black male ministers in his state who compared Harris to “the devil” because of her views on abortion and transgender rights and advised their congregations to vote for Trump.

decisively and lovingly, to send our friend Angela Alsobrooks to the United States Senate,” said Moore. “Tonight we made ‘herstory.’ What we also did as Maryland is send a fighter to Capitol Hill.”

“She will make sure that we codify Roe,” the governor added. “We are sending someone to Congress who is going to make sure we get these illegal guns out of neighborhoods and out of our streets.”

Alsobrooks is the fifth Black woman to serve in the upper chamber of Congress. On Nov. 5, U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) became the fourth Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Prior to their victories, only three Black women served as U.S. Senators including Laphonza Butler, (D-Calif.), Vice president Kamala Harris who also represented California and Carol Moseley Braun (D-Ill.).

to run the country as president,” Carter said.

“Many Americans still have a problem with the notion of female empowerment and then with Harris also being a woman of color, I couldn’t see it happening even though I supported and voted for her.”

Carter said that “racism still exists in America, as does sexism and with Trump being on the scene since 2016, our once hidden prejudices have returned to the forefront.”

“My heart is full today. Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country and full of resolve.”

“I was privy to several barbershop chats with other brothers and I think more Black men realized that Harris was the better candidate,” Mayes said.

“But there was a lot of misinformation floating around during this election cycle. She ran a very impressive race, but the Republicans simply did a better job on selling the issues that seemed to matter to more Americans, like the economy and immigration.”

Juan Carter, 26, a D.C. native now living in Silver Spring, Md, admitted that he was not surprised that Harris was defeated.

“Look, America simply is not ready for a woman

Blunt Rochester

Black women senators,” but said her run was not about making history.

“It’s about making a difference,” she said.

Blunt Rochester defeated Republican Eric Hansen. She was considered a virtual shoo-in for the Senate against businessman Hansen, a political newcomer. Democrats hold a significant voter registration advantage over Republicans in solidblue Delaware, which last sent a Republican to Washington in 2008.

Blunt Rochester raised some $8 million for her Senate campaign, while Hansen’s campaign receipts totaled only about $1 million, including more than $800,000 in loans he made to his campaign.

Blunt Rochester will fill the seat left vacant by fellow Democrat Tom Carper, who handpicked her as his preferred successor when he announced his retirement last year.

Blunt Rochester once interned for Carper when he was in the House and

“It’s like people have been given the green light to be vocal about their dislike of others simply because they’re different,” he said.

In the wee hours of Wednesday, Nov. 6, former president Donald Trump took the podium in West Palm Beach, Fla. As his supporters in the city’s convention center chanted “USA, USA,” Trump basked in the glory with comments that reiterated the promises he has made to Americans throughout his appearances on the campaign trail.

He also noted that the Republicans had regained control of the Senate and could even secure the House when the final numbers are posted in the coming days.

“I stand before you tonight extremely humbled, and with a heart filled with gratitude to God and to the people of Delaware who put their trust in me.”

“This is the greatest political movement of all time and we will reach a new level of importance and help our country heal,” Trump said. “I will fight for every citizen and will not rest until we deliver the prosperous America you deserve. We’re going to fix everything for our country,” he said.

In exit polls collected for NBC News Decision 2024, the behavior of voters by age, sex by race and religion were illuminating, illustrating how Trump secured such a surprisingly easy victory.

Using information collected in ten different states, NBC News, in conjunction with a group of news organizations, polled voters to dig into the data of how Americans voted in the 2024 election.

The results show that 57 percent of all White voters placed a ballot for Trump, compared to 41 percent of all White voters who voted Democrat. More specifically, 60 percent of White men and 53 percent of White women selected Trump as the next leader. As for the Latino population, 55 percent of Latino men voted for Trump in addition to 38 percent of Latino women.

Black men, Black women and Black Latino women all led the charge for Harris to take the presidency. Roughly 77 percent of Black men voted for Harris, with 21 percent casting a ballot for Trump. Harris had 91 percent of Black women show support in her favor, with 7 percent voting for Trump.

also served in his cabinet when he was governor.

Blunt Rochester has served four terms at Delaware’s lone representative in the House.

According to the Congressional Record, she has sponsored 90 bills and seven resolutions during her House tenure, many aimed at improving or expanding access to health care, especially for women and minorities. The only measure sponsored by Blunt Rochester to become law is a resolution naming a Wilmington post office in honor of Mary Ann Shadd Cary, a 19th-century anti-slavery activist and publisher.

Blunt Rochester began her political career as a case worker for Carper and served in appointed positions as Delaware’s labor secretary, state personnel director and deputy secretary of Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services. She also has served as CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League.

COMMENTARY

Yes, Kamala lost- here’s what happens next

By Keith Boykin Word in Black

Buckle up, folks. We’re in for a bumpy ride.

Election Day is over, so I want to answer six big questions. What happened?

How did it happen? Why did it happen? What could we have done differently? What does this mean for the future? And what do we do next? So, here we go.

Question 1: What happened?

Donald Trump won the presidential race. Republicans won control of the U.S. Senate. At this time on Nov. 6, we don’t know the outcome in the House yet.

Question 2: How did it happen?

The early exit polls show Trump’s three strongest groups were White men (59 percent), Hispanic men (54 percent), and White women (52 percent). In Georgia, it was even worse. One exit poll said that 69 percent of White women voted for Trump. Even after he took away their reproductive rights and was found liable for sexual assault, the majority of White

Keith Boykin is a New York Times–bestselling author, television and film producer, and former CNN political commentator. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, Keith served in the White House, co-founded the National Black Justice Coalition, cohosted the BET talk show “My Two Cents,” and taught at the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University in New York. He’s a Lambda Literary Award-winning author and editor of seven books. He lives in Los Angeles.

women voters still chose patriarchy over their own liberation

On the other hand, Kamala Harris’ three strongest groups were Black women, Black men and Latino women. The final numbers will change when more data comes in, but the problem is that Harris’ base (Black women, Black men, and Latino women) are only 18 percent of the electorate. But Trump’s base (White men, White women, and Hispanic men) made up 77 percent of the electorate.

As for the Senate, Democrats held a narrow majority and faced a brutal map trying to win in red states like West Virginia, Texas, Ohio and Montana. That’s part of the reason Harris tried to stay away from controversies that might hurt the Senate candidates.

Question 3: Why did it happen?.

This is a tricky question to answer before all the data is collected, so let me just say this.

Some people are blaming inflation and the economy for Trump’s success. I don’t buy that because Black voters are more negatively affected by inflation and the economy than White voters, and we voted overwhelmingly for Kamala Harris.

In fact, I don’t think it was about issues at all. If you look at policy alone, nearly all of Harris’ proposals got majority support, but only half of Trump’s did in a recent Washington Post survey. Missouri voters approved a measure to increase the minimum wage, which Harris supports, but still voted for Trump to be president. And the majority of Florida voters cast ballots to protect abortion and legal-

The

By Dayvon Love

ize marijuana, even though they didn’t reach the 60 percent threshold for a constitutional amendment.

Those are Democratic positions. Let’s be real. Trump doesn’t represent policy. He represents cultural resentment against a changing America. That’s what people voted for.

Question 4: What could Harris have done differently?

There’s going to be a lot of debate about campaign strategy, but it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions. Republican David Urban complained that Harris should have run a more centrist campaign. I disagree. I think she bent over backward to accommodate centrists and Republicans. On the other hand, critics on the left argue that she should have run a more progressive campaign to motivate the base, and that’s complicated, too, because doing so would definitely have cost Democrats the Senate in those tough red states.

But the truth is, I don’t know if any of that matters.

As a Black woman, Harris had little more than 100 days to introduce herself to the public and mount a presidential campaign against a powerful White man who is a former president bankrolled by the richest man in the world, Elon Musk. In spite of those obstacles, she raised a billion dollars, drew huge crowds, and generated excitement in a race that was lifeless before she entered.

Trump did everything wrong in his campaign, and it didn’t matter to the majority of White voters. He got indicted four times, got

One of the last conversations Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had before he was assassinated was with the legendary actor and activist Harry Belafonte.

Belafonte, who died in April 2023, recalled that, in the conversation, King feared he may have been working to integrate his people into a burning house.

He feared that America had lost all moral foundation and was limited in its ability to produce justice for Black people. Today we are in the burning house. Unfortunately, too many of our people behave like the magnitude of Black suffering, disempowerment and oppression is normal.

The desire to retain normalcy is tone deaf to the masses of our people who are sick of being hustled by Democrats. There will be folks who blame the election of Donald Trump on the masses of our people who decided not to vote. The truth is that Trump is, in part, the creation of a class of people who have been complicit in maintaining a two party system where Black people are the captive electorate of the Democratic Party.

To all the people focused more on telling Black youth to pull their pants up, and less on getting them access to opportunity, you alienated those people who decided not to vote.

To all those who shunned and shamed sex workers, instead of working to empower them, it is

convicted of 34 felonies, lost the debate to Kamala Harris decisively according to all the polls, couldn’t articulate any more than “concepts of a plan” for health care after 10 years of running for president, flip-flopped repeatedly on abortion, refused to answer a basic question about the minimum wage, simulated a lewd sex act on stage, refused to apologize for a speaker at his rally attacking Puerto Ricans and Latinos, joked about shooting the press, picked a running mate who called him “America’s Hitler,” and was outed by his own former chief of staff for saying “Hitler did some good things.”

Nothing mattered because it was never about issues. White America has been lecturing Black people about crime, morality and patriotism for years, and then they vote for a convicted criminal, sex offender and insurrectionist to be president.

No Black person or woman with Trump’s track record and two impeachments could ever be nominated, much less elected president. That’s why it’s not about policy. It’s about race and gender and the changing America. Donald Trump is the avatar of White supremacy. And the fact that a small but significant percentage of Black and Brown people were willing to excuse or embrace his racism, sexism and xenophobia doesn’t disprove that. It just reflects how some of us have assimilated into the same White supremacist beliefs.

Question 5: What does this mean for the future?

First, he will be able to appoint a new attorney general who will fire Special Counsel Jack Smith and dismiss the criminal charges against Trump for the January 6 insurrection and stealing government documents.

Second, with a Republican Senate, Trump will be able to appoint several new Supreme Court justices, who will be young enough to give Republicans control of the Supreme Court

for the next 20-25 years. That means if you wanted reparations, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, DEI, environmental protections, or any progressive policy, that won’t happen in your lifetime, no matter who succeeds Trump in office because the courts will strike it down.

Third, Trump will be able to appoint vaccine denier RFK Jr. to head up women’s health and vaccines. He’ll cut taxes for billionaires, which is why rich people like Musk support him. And he may be able to begin his promised mass deportation of immigrants through executive authority, and impose tariffs on foreign goods that will cause inflation to spike. He also promised to abolish the Department of Education, bring back stop-and-frisk policing, and give law enforcement immunity from prosecution, so be ready for that too.

Question 6: What do we do next?

Hakeem Jeffries will now become the leader of the opposition in Congress. And there is some good news in the results. Josh Stein defeated “Black Nazi” Mark Robinson in North Carolina. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks won Senate seats in Delaware and Maryland. Those two Black women in the U.S. Senate will give us new soldiers in the fight.

But what happens next is up to us. A lot of people are hurting right now, and many more will be hurt more in the years to come if Trump implements his policies. I recommend self-care.

Do what you need to take care of yourself, and remember you are part of a broader community. We have to be there for each other in these trying times.

As I said in my final video before the election, this is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. And no matter what happens in the days to come, I am clear and certain that we are on the right side of history. Don’t give up. Live to fight another day.

“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.

likely that you alienated people who might otherwise have decided to vote.

To all the people who treat public housing residents like they don’t deserve dignity and respect– it is likely that you alienated potential voters.

It is my experience that the people who do the alienating tend to be the same networks of people who are the biggest champions of voting every election cycle. These are the folks that look down at working class Black people. These are the folks who make commitments to improve the lives of people in the community, but at the end of the day are more concerned about their own individual achievement.

What is needed in this moment is a recognition that the most important thing for Black people to do is organize on the basis of building independent Black political, economic and institutional power. We cannot continue to be satisfied with having a relationship to mainstream society where we are reliant on the benevolence of people outside of our community. There are individual Black people who are threatened by this stance because it would diminish their status as special hand-picked Black leaders in mainstream institutions.

These are the same people who have a role in alienating the masses of Black people who have decided that voting does not impact them.

The work that I will be engaged in is building the capacity for Black people to practice sovereignty by doing everything I can to meet the needs of the masses of Black people who have been ignored and marginalized by both parties.

I will be building the political muscle of our people so that we are no longer engaging the political arena from the perspective of being fearful of a scary Republican alternative, but from a position of power and strength. I was going to do this work regardless of who won the election, but I hope that Trump’s win inspires our community to understand that “American Democracy” won’t save us– independent, revolutionary, Black political power will.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo Dayvon Love is director of public policy for the Baltimore-based think tank, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle.

At the intersection of politics and

in an election year

By Ariyana Griffin AFRO Staff Writer agriffin@afro.com

And Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

Throughout the years, the locations where people can cast their votes have expanded to schools, community centers and more. And while churches have long been a place for gathering, worshiping and

be influencing their religion - in fact, their religion should be influencing their politics. We serve a God of love and peace and harmony, a God who served the poor, a God who looked after those who needed healthcare– a God who was always trying to provide for folks.”

Wright spoke with the AFRO as a steady stream of voters filed into the church behind him. Included in the number was Pria BondBrooks. On Nov. 5 the

up and keeps us breathing,” said Hundley. “We don’t put our trust in any man, woman or political system.”

Hundley also spoke about how leaders of the faith community will have to support their congregation now that election results are coming out with Trump and Republicans in favor.

Hundley said leaders should continue “preaching the word of the Lord and encouraging hearts.” He continued saying they should

with the Democrats (84 percent).”

The study also found that that number has fallen “nine points from where it was 15 years ago (93 percent).”

“I think that when people vote and they’re doing so in a church, it can remind them of the better principles and the better angels of their conscience,” said Wright. “And allows them to cast ballots that are more in line with their morals and their real beliefs versus what they hear in television news or just through media.”

“We have to remind folks that when they vote, their politics should not be influencing their religion - in fact, their religion should be influencing their politics.”

community, in an election year, they are also a place citizens around the country arrive to cast their ballots.

Vicar David M. Wright of Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baltimore, on the corner of Moravia and Belair Road in Baltimore, spoke on the vital role of churches on Election Day.

“Churches play an important role in the electoral process in this nation because we have a lot of Christians in this country,” said Wright. “We have to remind folks that when they vote, their politics should not

Baltimore native submitted a ballot for the first time, using a church house to have her say for president and many other elected offices.

Terrance Hundley, an associate pastor in Baltimore, speaking on behalf of himself and not his congregation, told the AFRO that polling sites located at churches this election season reminded people to lean on their faith no matter the final outcome of this race.

“At the end of the day, we are Christians, we are believers. Our hope, trust and faith are in the God who keeps us every day, wakes us

“encourage the people of God to stay focused” on their faith.

“God is the author and finisher of our faith,” he said. “We are in his hands at the end of the day.”

A 2024 study published by The Pew Research Center titled, “Party identification among religious groups and religiously unaffiliated voters,” stated, that “the gap between voters who identify with an organized religion and those who do not has grown much wider in recent years.”

However, the study also found that “a large majority of Black Protestants identify

Wright, a veteran and service member in the Maryland Army National Guard, said he was happy to cast his ballot and fight for peace. He shared the biggest issue that urged him to cast his vote was “whether or not this country’s foreign policy is going to be leaning towards peace or war in the coming months, in the coming years.”

“Are we going to be projecting peace, love, mercy and grace into the world,” he quipped, “Or are we going to spend more money on bombs?”

Sylvia Ann, a 65-year-old East Baltimore native said her faith will get her through the next four years.

“Trump may be a scammer, but I trust God,” she said. “We have to pray for those in high places. We have to get out and make the change we want instead of complaining about it…keep praying and trust in God.”

Vicar David M. Wright, of Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northeast Baltimore, discusses the significance of the church when it comes to politics.

AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor

Baltimore City residents approve Inner Harbor redevelopment Voters nix plans to shrink city council

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com

Baltimoreans weighed in on a number of local ballot questions during the 2024 election on Nov. 5, and the results are in.

Two hot-button issues in Baltimore were Question F and Question H.

Residents were asked if they wanted to develop the Inner Harbor in areas that were previously reserved for park space on Question F. The new development, led by MBC Real Estate, will include new parks, including one dedicated to the free Black population that once inhabited areas around the Inner Harbor. Proponents for the measure said they wanted to see change and new developments, that includes restaurants and apartment buildings. Opponents said they were tired of unaffordable luxury apartment buildings that they say were out of reason given that the median income of Baltimore residents is $58,349.

Question H sought to slash the size of the Baltimore City Council from 14 members to eight. The measure was spearheaded by People for Elected Accountability and Civic Engagement (PEACE), an organization led by Jovani Patterson and funded by millionaire chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, David Smith. Supporters of the initiative argued that it would increase the efficiency of city government and save taxpayers money. Objectors contended that it was an effort to strip political power from African Americans in Baltimore.

For a full understanding of each measure’s

voting break-down, per the Maryland State Board of Elections, look below.

Question A: Affordable Housing Loan (Bond Issue)

For: 83.4 percent

Against: 16.6 percent

Question A permits the mayor and the Baltimore City Council to borrow up to $20 million to fund the planning, development and implementation of projects under the Affordable Housing Program. These could include city acquisitions of properties, relocating residents, housing counseling, homebuying assistance, support of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and eradicating blighted properties.

Question B: School Loan (Bond Issue)

For: 86.87 percent

Against: 13.13 percent

Question B authorizes the mayor and Baltimore City Council to borrow up to $55 million to acquire land and properties for the construction of new school buildings, athletic facilities and to make upgrades to existing infrastructure.

Question C: Community and Economic Development Loan (Bond Issue)

For: 82.45 percent

Against: 17.55 percent

Question C allows the mayor and Baltimore City Council to borrow up to $50 million to support the removal of blight, property

development, grant programs for businesses, job attraction and retention, the promotion of tourism and the advancement of arts and culture in the city.

Question D: Public Infrastructure (Bond Issue)

For: 85.68 percent

Against: 14.32 percent

Question D enables the mayor and Baltimore City Council to borrow up to $125 million for the development of public infrastructure and the construction and renovation of streets, bridges, courthouses, municipal buildings, fire stations, police stations and public parks.

Question E: Baltimore City Police Department (Charter Amendment)

For: 77.37 percent

Against: 22.63 percent

Question E established the Baltimore City Police Department as an agency under the mayor and the Baltimore City Council, helping to bring the department under local control. The mayor will continue to appoint the police commissioner subject to council approval, but city officials will now be able to create more specific policies as it relates to policing.

Question F: Inner Harbor Park (Charter Amendment)

For: 60.26 percent

Against: 39.74 percent

Question F has paved the way for the

Harborplace redevelopment, permitting the development of restaurants, commercial spaces and residential buildings and off-street parking in the Inner Harbor. The specific area includes the portion of the harbor that stretches along the Northwest and South shores, South of Pratt Street to the water’s edge, East of Light Street to the water’s edge, and North of the highway to the water’s edge. MCB Real Estate, led by David Bramble, is now one step closer to breaking ground on its $900 million revitalization of the waterfront.

Question G: Community Reinvestment and Reparation Fund (Charter Amendment)

For: 75.56 percent

Against: 24.44 percent

Question G creates an ongoing fund to support communities disproportionately affected by the criminalization of cannabis prior to its recreational legalization in 2023. The mayor and Baltimore City Council will oversee, manage and administer the fund.

Question H: Reducing the Size of the City Council (Charter Amendment)

For: 37.56 percent

Against: 62.44 percent

Questions H failed in its quest to reduce the number of Baltimore City Council members from 14 to eight. Critics of the measure believed it to be an attempt to seize political influence from Baltimore’s Black communities and other underserved populations.

Maryland enshrines reproductive rights in state constitution

By Marissa Yelenik Capital News Service

Maryland voted to approve a referendum affirming the right to reproductive freedom on Nov.5, , making what was already state law a constitutional right.

The referendum, which appeared as Question 1 on voters’ ballots, states that all people have “the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including but not limited to the ability to make and effectuate decisions to prevent, continue, or end one’s own pregnancy.”

The crowd at Angela Alsobrooks’ election night watch party erupted in cheers when news arrived that Maryland’s Question 1 passed with solid support.

“I think it’s important for it to have been codified, and I’m here for women’s rights,” said A.C. Edwards, 34, of Baltimore, who was at the party.

However, critics fear the broad language will allow lawmakers to apply unrelated concepts to the amendment, including gender affirming surgeries, and widen the access minors have to abortions without parental consent.

Existing state law requires parental notification of minors prior to an abortion, but does not require their consent. Parental notification can be subverted in cases of abuse, if the minor is believed to be mature enough to give informed consent, or if the notification would not be in their best interest.

The amendment follows a nationwide focus on reproductive rights after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Nine other states placed abortion-related constitutional amendments on their 2024 ballots.

The 2022 decision caused many voters to feel unprotected and fearful for their bodily autonomy. While state law already protected reproductive rights, voters raised concerns that laws could be repealed with changing leadership.

The Maryland General Assembly is able to repeal state law through legislative action, but constitutional amendments may only be passed following three-fifths passage in the General Assembly and a majority approval of state voters.

Max Freeman, a high school senior from Bethesda, Md., has worked with the Angela Alsobrooks campaign since March and attended the Alsobrooks watch party.

“I do think it’s important to codify [abortion rights], to enshrine it into the constitution, because it’s such an important issue for so many people,” said Freeman. “It’s really affected a lot of women these past few years . . . so we just want everybody to feel safe.”

On the way to cast their votes, both supporters and opponents told Capital News Service that Question 1 was at the forefront of their minds.

Lorie Morey, 54, of Middletown, Md., said she voted for former President Donald Trump and other Republicans on the ballot Tuesday.

However, Morey said she thinks the decision to get an abortion is up to the individual.

“I don’t think anybody should tell a person what they can and can’t do with their body,” Morey said. “I don’t think the government should

have any say. I don’t think the state should have any say.”

Kathryn Harrington, a volunteer for the Montgomery County Republican Party, said she spent several hours outside the Summit Hall Elementary School polling station in Gaithersburg, Md., educating voters on Republican candidates and their platforms.

This election cycle, she said, she has been particularly worried about Maryland’s abortion referendum.

“This ballot question is a little nefarious because it would allow a child to go get abortions without any parental involvement,” Harrington said.

She worries that this referendum will allow sex traffickers to take advantage of young people.

“I stop and think about a 16-year-old who could be a victim of sex trafficking, get pregnant, get an abortion, get pregnant, get an abortion,” Harrington said. “This amendment is pretty clear. [There is] no age, no limitation … I’m a mom with three kids and that scares me.”

The Associated Press called the race not long after polls closed on Tuesday night. Other states showed a mix of results, with the Florida amendment to legalize abortion failing while the New York and Colorado amendments to enshrine abortion rights into their constitutions succeeded.

Sofia Appolonio, Katharine Wilson and Mennatalla Ibrahim contributed to this story.

Unsplash/ Gayatri Malhotra

Maryland voters have their say in U.S. House races

By Katharine Wilson Capital News Service

Three newcomers will join the Maryland delegation in the House in January – but it remained unclear near midnight on Nov. 5 whether one would break the Democratic hold on the 6th Congressional District.

The 6th District contest between Democrat April McClain Delaney and Republican Neil Parrott was the only one of the eight House races not called by the Associated Press on election night. However, by 10 a.m. on Nov. 6, 100 percent of the votes had been counted, with Parrot narrowly clenching a victory.

The race concluded with Parrott receiving 159,823 votes to McClain Delaney’s 160,138. The candidates were running for the seat of Rep. David Trone, D-Maryland, who could not run for reelection due to his failed primary bid for U.S. Senate.

1st Congressional District

Rep. Andy Harris, R-Maryland, won his reelection bid against Democrat Blane Miller.

Harris – who represents the Eastern Shore, Harford County and parts of Baltimore County – ascended in September to the chairmanship of the House Freedom Caucus, a right-wing group of lawmakers. Harris is an original member of the group, which was founded in 2015.

The congressman has represented District 1 since 2011.

2nd Congressional District

Baltimore County Executive John “Johnny O” Olszewski, a Democrat, won his bid for Congress.

Olszewski faced radio show host Kim Klacik, the Republican, in the contest to represent Baltimore County. Olszewski was first elected as Baltimore county executive in 2018 and reelected in 2022. He previously represented the county in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2006 to 2015 and worked as a public school civics teacher.

Olszewski will replace Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Maryland, who is retiring.

Democratic state Sen. Sarah Elfreth beat Republican businessman Rob Steinberger to represent Anne Arundel and Howard County.

She was elected to the state Senate in 2019. Elfreth previously worked on economic development in university cities with the consulting firm Margrave Strategies and as the government affairs director for Baltimore’s National Aquarium.

Elfreth will replace retiring Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Maryland, who has served the district since 2007.

4th Congressional District

Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Maryland, won his second term to represent Prince George’s County in Congress.

He won his campaign against Republican businessman George McDermott.

Ivey formerly served as the states attorney for Prince George’s County from 2003 to 2011. The lawyer established the Greenbelt law firm Ivey & Levetown in 2020.

5th Congressional District

Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, won his reelection to the seat he has held since 1981. The district covers Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties and portions of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties.

Hoyer ran against Republican business owner Michelle Talkington.

Hoyer, 85, is a prominent Democrat in Congress, serving as the House majority leader from 2007 to 2011 and from 2019 to 2023.

The lawmaker stepped down from House leadership in 2023 to make way for a new generation of Democrats.

6th Congressional District

7th Congressional District

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Maryland, won reelection to represent Baltimore City and parts of Baltimore County. He was opposed by Republican Scott Collier, the founder of DundalkTV.

Mfume returned to representing the district in 2020, following the death of former Rep. Elijah Cummings. He represented the 7th District from 1987 to 1996. He left Congress to be the president of the NAACP for nine years.

“No matter how long I live, every time voters affirm my work by electing me to office I am blessed and humbled beyond words,” said Congressman Mfume, in a statement to the AFRO

8th Congressional District

Jamie Raskin,

A constitutional lawyer, Raskin became nationally prominent after his involvement with Trump’s second impeachment trial and the January 6th Select Committee.

The congressman has represented District 8 since 2018. Before his time in Congress, Raskin served for three terms in the Maryland State Senate.

3rd Congressional District

The 6th Congressional District was won by Republican Neil Parrott in a tight race against Democrat April McClain Delaney.

Rep.

D-Maryland, beat his GOP opponent, public relations strategist Cheryl Riley. His district covers Montgomery County.

Photo courtesy of congress.gov

Photo courtesy of House.gov

Photo courtesy of gojohnnyo.com

Photo courtesy of sarahelfreth.com

Photo courtesy of House.gov

AP Photo/Alyssa Howell

Photo courtesy of House.gov

The results are in: Recapping the 2024 general election in Maryland

By AFRO Staff

The 2024 Election has come to an end. Despite a hardfought, honorable run, Vice President Kamala D. Harris (D) fell short of the 270 electoral votes needed to defeat former President Donald J. Trump (R). Harris collected 224 votes, while the former president received 292 votes. In Maryland voters made their voices heard in a number of local races and consequential ballot questions. Take a look below to learn more about the outcomes.

Maryland Supreme Court

Marylanders weighed in on the fate of three judges sitting on the state’s top court, each of whom kept their place on the bench. Justice Angela M. Eaves, of Circuit 2, received 318,439 “yes” votes and 81,983 ballots with “no.” Matthew J. Fader, of Circuit 3, secured 313,669 “yes” votes and 71,724 “no” votes. Shirley M. Watts, of Circuit 6, collected 123,935 “yes” votes and a total of 15,573 ballots with a vote of “no.”

Appellate Court of Maryland

State appellate courts carry the critical charge of reviewing actions and decisions made in lower trial courts. The judicial bodies determine whether District and Circuit Court judges accurately adhere to the law and legal precedents.

Maryland has two of these intermediary courts, the Appellate Court of Maryland At Large and the Appellate Court of Maryland. In the former, Judges Anne K. Albright, Kevin F. Arthur, and Andrea M. Leahy were approved to stay in office. Albright received 1,726,865 “yes” votes and 347,204 votes of “no.” Arthur snagged 1,665,448 “yes” votes, with 376,855 people voting “no.” A total of 1,701,291 “yes” votes came in for Leahy, who also received 340,396 votes of “no.” In the latter, Judge Stephen H. Kehoe, of Circuit 1, received 133,247 “yes” votes and 33,760 “no” votes. Judge Douglas R. M. Nazarian, of Circuit 2, earned 291,776 yeses and 92,809 nos. Judge Michael W. Reed, of Circuit 6, attracted 114,545 yeses and 134,054 nos.

Baltimore City Mayor

Incumbent Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) will serve another four years as the leader of Baltimore City. Scott triumphed over Republican nominee Shannon Wright, winning 81.29 percent of the vote, or 132,847 votes. He is the first Baltimore mayor to win reelection since 2004.

Baltimore City Comptroller

Bill Henry will return as Comptroller for the City of Baltimore after being the sole candidate to run for the position. Henry received 98.80 percent of the vote or 147,042 votes, during the general election, though 1,783 voters chose to write in a name. Write-ins received 1.20 percent of the votes.

Judges in Baltimore City and Baltimore County

Though not as popular, the general election did include races for who will lead courts in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Take a look below at how ballots were submitted in those two counties. For additional information and a comprehensive list, with information on judges elected in other Maryland counties, please visit the Maryland State Board of Elections.

City Council outcomes in Baltimore

In District 1, Mark Parker was the sole candidate winning with 97.66 percent of the vote over 2.34 percent of write-ins. In this district, 10,059 voters cast their ballots for Parker, while 241 decided to write in a name.

In District 2, incumbent Danielle McCray won with 87.30 percent of the vote over Republican candidate Andy Zipay. McCray received 10,326 votes to return to her seat as councilmember while Zipay received 1,467 votes. Only 35 voters decided to do a write-in.

Ryan Dorsey will also keep his seat on the city council.

Dorsey was the sole candidate for District 3, winning with 96 percent of the vote while 4 percent of the vote went to write-ins. Dorsey received 12,180 votes total, while write-ins received 507.

Mark Conway will return to his seat as District 4 councilman, after winning in the general election as the sole candidate on the ballot with 98.99 percent of the votes. Conway received 12,355 votes, while write-ins received 126 votes, 1.01 percent.

Voters of District 5 re-elected Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer to the Baltimore City Council during the general election. Schleifer was unopposed and won with 98.31 percent of the vote, while write-ins received 1.69 percent of the votes. Schleifer saw 12,425 votes, while write-ins received 213 votes.

In District 6, voters opted to give Sharon Green Middleton another term on the council. Middleton ran unopposed, winning with 98.48 percent of the vote and only losing 1.52 percent of the vote to write-ins. Out of the 10,911 votes cast,

Middleton received 10,745 votes, while write-ins saw 166 votes. Unopposed candidate Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer took the District 5 race with 12,425 votes. A total of 213 people wrote in candidates.

The residents of District 9 spoke for John T. Bullock to the tune of 7,580 votes in his favor on Election Day. The councilman ran unopposed.

Phylicia Porter will continue to represent the communities of District 10 after receiving 6,836 votes. She ran unopposed, with 191 others writing in the name of the candidate they wanted to see take the office.

Zach Blanchard will serve as councilman for all residents in District 11. He received 11,335 votes in his district, or 97.58 percent of all votes cast. With no other names on the ballot, a total of 281 people, or 2.42 percent of voters, wrote in their own candidates.

Jermaine Jones will represent District 12 on the Baltimore City Council, after receiving 8,743, or 98.98 percent, of votes. He ran unopposed, but 90 votes came in for other write-in candidates, amounting to 1.02 percent of the total votes cast in this race.

In District 13, it was determined with 9,230 votes that Antonio “Tony” Glover would be the representative over Alexander Artis, who received 1,014 votes. In this district, there were 55 write-ins. A little more than 89 percent of voters chose to have Glover represent their district. Nearly 10 percent of voters wanted Artis, with 0.53 percent naming a candidate that was not on the ballot.

In District 14, Odette Ramos took the lead with 90.75 percent of the vote to Renaud Deaundre Brown’s 8.76 percent. A total of 11,044 people cast a vote for Ramos, while 1,066 sought to put Brown in office. A total of 60 people in this race wrote in the name of the candidate of their choice.

- Baltimore City

- Baltimore County

Baltimore City Ballot Questions

For more information on how Baltimore residents voted on the issues raised via ballot questions, please see A6.

Maryland Congressional Races

Eight congressional seats in Maryland were up for grabs this election. To discover who came out victorious, see A9.

Maryland Question 1

To learn more about voters’ decision to codify the right to reproductive freedom in Maryland’s constitution, see A8.

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

Millions of voters across the state of Maryland are examining election results from the Nov. 5 general election. In Baltimore City, Mayor Brandon M. Scott was elected to serve another term.

Baltimore voters turn out for Election Day 2024

By AFRO Staff

Voters from all points of Baltimore City lined up to cast ballots in the 2024 general election on Nov. 5. A number of important issues took center stage on the campaign trial, as the top candidates in a variety of races battled it out. From the economy to reproductive rights, voters had their say.

In honor of all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the

the

visited multiple

locations across Baltimore

5 to capture Black people freely casting their ballots

AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor

journalism

AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor

Warren and Tracey Sharp cast their ballots with grandson, Trystan Sharp, in tow.

AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor Gerry Maurice Walker, 62, says he votes every chance he can get because “our ancestors fought for these rights.”

Poll workers at The League of People with Disabilities on Cold Spring Lane do their part on Election Day 2024. Shown here, James Brown (left), Elizabeth Sykes, Detria Luck and James Scott.

Check- in for voters is steady at The League of People with Disabilities.

Even with his foot in a boot, Ernest Brown does his job as a poll worker at Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School in East Baltimore.

Long lines don’t deter voters at the polling site located at Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School in Northeast Baltimore.

Baltimore Ravens fan Robin Baylor votes at Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School.

Annette Thomas casts her vote in favor of Kamala Harris at the Public Safety Training Center site in Baltimore City.

Voters fill out their ballots at the Public Safety Training Center, located at 3500 Northern Parkway.

Dominique Sweets and Justin Wallace vote with their daughter, Saige Wallace, at the Public Safety Training Center site.

Cynthia McKnight-Taylor and Anna Griffin hand out complementary snacks and beverages to voters.

Cynthia Knight and Winston Robinson encourage others to vote against Question H on the Baltimore City ballot, a measure asking if the Baltimore City Council should be cut from 14 to 8 members.

right to vote,

AFRO

polling

City on Nov.

with a sense of pride.

AFRO Photos / James Fields, except where noted

How Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s ‘Year for Military Families’ stands to make change

By D. Kevin McNeir Special to the AFRO

As Americans observe Veterans Day, held annually on Nov. 11 to honor living military veterans, one proud veteran who also happens to be governor of Maryland, continues to raise awareness of the many issues facing veterans and their caregivers.

Last year, Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared 2024 as the Year for Military Families.

“I am a combat veteran. When I returned from Afghanistan, things were different for those like me who had served their country,” Moore, 46, told the AFRO. “Overseas, we got everything we needed, but back in the states, veterans often had to wait up to nine months before we could see a doctor. The promises made to veterans and their families were often broken.”

“Back then, I remember saying that if I ever got in a position to become a state chief executive, I would make sure we honored our word and so, we are,” he said.

Moore graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and College in 1998, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He then earned a bachelor’s at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, graduating Phi Beta Kappa.

Moore was deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 as a lieutenant with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he led soldiers in combat. Upon his return, he served as a White House Fellow, advising on issues of national security and international relations.

In 2022, Moore was elected to serve as the first Black man to lead the state of Maryland and only the third African-American governor to be officially elected into office in U.S. history. He officially took office in January

Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

AP

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore ran for office on the promise to make significant change for those in the Armed Forces. He has put a focus on servicemembers and those who support them by declaring 2024 the “Year for the Military Families.”

2023. Since that time, he has adamantly supported veterans and their families.

In August 2024, the governor stepped up his support by officially partnering with the Hidden Heroes campaign, a nationwide initiative led by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. The campaign promotes awareness about the problems faced by veterans and their caregivers. It also brings caregivers together for mutual support.

According to information released by the governor’s office, Maryland represents the 11th state to partner with the Hidden Heroes campaign – a partnership which Moore said ensures that resources which are available to Maryland veterans and families are expedited to those in need.

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, newly named the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families,

said in a 2023 report that the state is home to more than 550,000 service personnel, veterans and families.

Moore said he believes joining the Hidden Heroes campaign will also result in Maryland businesses becoming more competitive.

“It makes sense from the perspective of state growth. Veterans are some of our most cherished assets and here in Maryland, we have a lot of military related centers and venues. How we treat our vets reflects how we think about our future and our survival.”

He said that upon becoming a member of the Hidden Heroes initiative, he was advised to focus on one goal that he and his administration could achieve. But for Moore, that wasn’t enough.

“I challenged everyone to join me and be aggressive and refuse to take no for an answer,” he said.

“We were told that we couldn’t get it all done – things like securing a pathway for paid leave and dental and health care for members of the National Guard, improving support for military spouses, securing retirement pay increases and also demanding greater focus on the problem of veteran suicides.”

uplifting Maryland’s service members, military spouses and caregivers. But that’s not all he’s doing.

Signed into law in April, the Families Serve Act supports Maryland’s military families by expanding job opportunities for military spouses.

There’s also the Time to Serve Act, which ensures that state employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserves are fully supported by the State in their service.

“I want to make sure that Maryland is the best place in the country for military veterans and their families.”

“Those were our goals and I am pleased with the progress we’ve made so far,” said Moore.

Undaunted, governor says there’s more work to be done

Moore noted that joining the campaign reinforces his administration’s commitment to making Maryland the state that serves by

“As we enter the second year of the initiative, Maryland, like the rest of the nation, continues to face the challenge of improving military recruitment numbers,” Moore said. “That’s another reason why I decided to come aboard – to increase the numbers of the State National Guard and to make joining the National Guard more appealing. The best way to improve recruitment efforts is to do a better job at retention and give people the support they need and the benefits they require.”

As the year of the military family comes to a close, Moore said there is much more to be done.

“We realize that there’s more work ahead of us. We must end the scourge of veteran suicides and we’ve got to do a better job at helping veterans, military families and caregivers handle the challenges that they face each day,” he said. “I’m committed to this mission throughout the remainder of my term in office and before I move on, I want to make sure that Maryland is the best place in the country for military veterans and their families.”

D.C. area HBCUs create home base for student veterans and dependents

By Deborah Bailey AFRO Contributing Editor dbailey@afro.com

Veterans and their dependents often seek college degrees after enlistment days are over, thanks to educational benefits available to most veterans and their families upon honorable discharge from military service. Still today, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007 is affording veterans and their families the college experience in record numbers.

The three historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area (DMV) have rolled out the welcome mat to hundreds of veterans and dependents this fall, with specialized outreach to and services for those honorably discharged individuals and their families.

Only one in three veterans holds a bachelor’s degree, a ratio lower than the national average for persons 25 and older, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Moreover, Black and female military spouses are three times more likely to be unemployed in comparison to their civilian counterparts.

Bowie State University, University of the District of Columbia and Howard University have each developed specialized programs and services for veterans and their families. Each campus offers the support of trained veterans’ affairs and counseling staff with the skills to help student veterans and their dependents journey from active military service to success in the classroom and in civilian life.

“Most of our student veterans are a little older than the traditional college student,” said Andre Clayton, director of Bowie State University’s Veteran Resource Center.

Clayton said the 350 veterans, dependents and active-duty students who utilize services through the Veterans Resource Center are primarily from Maryland, but he gets

many calls from students across the nation interested in using benefits for veterans to attend classes at the suburban Maryland school.

“We are seeing students from as far away as Georgia, Texas and California,” Clayton continued.

Veterans receiving educational benefits can use them at any campus in the U.S. for classes and activities allowable by the Veterans Administration (VA) said Clayton.

“We are considered a Yellow Ribbon institution,” Clayton continued, citing one of the reasons students are attracted to Bowie State

“We have the opportunity to support our military connected students and make these years ones they will never forget.”

University. Yellow Ribbon colleges and universities partner with the VA to keep college costs affordable for post-9/11 G.I. bill students.

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) offers its 100 close-knit veteran dependents and

families an experience on a culturally diverse urban campus right in the heart of the District. UDC is also the only urban land grant university in the United States, offering students a unique experience.

“Students are surprised that we offer academic programs in popular fields for veterans like engineering, homeland security and urban sustainability,” said Sequoyah Adebayo, director of veteran’s affairs for the University of the District of Columbia.

Adebayo is the daughter of two veterans and knows first-hand the importance of attending a campus with a family-like atmosphere, affordability, support and legacy. UDC, like Bowie State and Howard University, offers both counseling and academic support services to all student veterans and their dependents.

Adebayo just completed her dissertation on student veterans and said that in her current role, she observed that her younger female veterans and veteran dependents sometimes avoid being known as veterans on campus. Her male students proudly identify and even

wear fatigues on campus, but “female student veterans at times find themselves struggling to identify as veterans. The younger women veterans especially tend to shy away,” she said.

Howard University has the largest formal veterans resource center and a host of services and supports for the campus’ 500-plus “military connected” students, according to Adon Paris, the school’s director of student services.

“Seventy-five percent of our military-connected students are military dependents. Their parents served and are passing benefits to their children. When their parents come through the door of our center, they are wowed. We have the premier veterans center in the United States,” Paris said confidently.

Howard’s Veterans Resource Center’s five full-time staff members work with students from the beginning of the process of securing benefits from the VA through the admissions process.

Once students are on campus, they have access to VA work study, special military-connected scholarship opportunities and internships, mental health professionals, study space, television, a pool table, snacks and a place that is their own.

Howard University also supports a Student Veterans of America chapter on campus to get students involved in campus life with terrain they are familiar with.

A welcoming university experience is especially pivotal for student veterans and military dependents because it provides a break from the transient life that defines military service.

“These students are so used to being in transit that for many, this is the first time they will remain in the same place for four years,” Paris said. “We have the opportunity to support our military connected students and make these years ones they will never forget.”

Courtesy photo

Black service members like Assata Ward, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard, are returning to college after enlistment with the help of Post 9/11 educational benefits.

Meta (Facebook)/ Bison Battalion

Current members of the Bison Battalion Army ROTC program, shown here, are encouraged to take advantage of the resources at Howard’s Veterans Resource Center for themselves and their family members.

Courtesy photo

Sequoyah Adebayo is director of veteran’s affairs for the University of the District of Columbia. She is also the daughter of former service members. She advises all veterans in college and their dependents to take full advantage of the range of benefits available.

Slipping through the cracks: Supporting the veterans that are left behind

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

Though the Department of Veterans Affairs was created to support veterans by supplying various health, education and disability benefits, not all veterans have received what they’re owed.

An analysis by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that “from 2010 through 2020 Non-Hispanic Black veterans had the lowest approval ratings among all racial and ethnic groups—61 percent versus 75 percent for White veterans.”

Not only are approval ratings low, but Black veterans also face the reality of being overlooked by some of their caregivers at the VA.

“I do believe that for the most part, if veterans get connected to the services they need at the VA, they can properly return to society and get the help they need. However, as someone who used to work at the VA, some people do fall through the cracks,” said Jamaal Simmons, a Baltimore-based veterans therapist. “I’ve seen some great people at the VA and I’ve seen some unpleasant people at the VA, just like in any hospital. It depends on who you get.”

were Black.

“For

the most part, if veterans get connected to the services they need at the VA, they can properly return to society and get the help they need. However, as someone who used to work at the VA, some people do fall through the cracks.”

VA is making sure they meet Black veterans where they are.

“By conducting outreach in settings where people experiencing homelessness commonly live, the VA is able to effectively identify and connect Black veterans experiencing homelessness to resources,” said Hayes. “To date, Black veterans represented 37.8 percent of the veterans served in VA homeless programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. Additionally, of the 38,873 homeless veterans who have been permanently housed as part of VA’s FY 2024 Homelessness Goals through July 31, 39.6 percent were Black.”

An Army National Guard and Army veteran recently spoke with the AFRO about what the VA could do to help ensure that no veterans are left behind.

Studies show that Black veterans are disproportionately affected by homelessness compared to their White counterparts.

The VA has acknowledged this reality in recent years.

Despite Black veterans only making up 12.6 percent – 2.3 million – of U.S. veterans, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found that on one night in January 2023, 31.3 percent of veterans experiencing homelessness

“Our mission at the VA is to provide Veterans with the health care and benefits that they’ve earned. But we know that we have not always kept that promise as a nation — especially for Black Veterans,” said Terrence Hayes, a VA press secretary.

“Black veterans have served, sacrificed and endured untold hardships around the world so that we can enjoy our freedom today. We are fully committed to doing everything we can to serve them in the future.”

Hayes detailed how the VA is making steps forward to ensure Black veterans are not left behind at the VA any longer.

Your support means a brighter future for a veteran to get back on their feet and avoid a criminal record that could limit housing and employment options. Learn more: The Veterans Treatment Court salutes Central Maryland veterans' service and supports them as they overcome obstacles to success in civilian life.

The Veterans Treatment Court is supported by a grant from the Maryland Judiciary’s Office of Problem-Solving Courts and many generous donors.

“Moving forward, we will continue to work to identify any differences in VA health care and benefits, understand them, and eliminate them,” said Hayes. “We will stop at nothing to earn the trust of Black veterans, day by day, and we’re going to do that by getting them the health care and benefits that they deserve.”

According to Hayes, when it comes to addressing Black veteran homelessness the

“The VA needs to make sure they’re supporting veterans by calling, emailing and following up with them. Asking ‘are there any added resources we can give you that you need and we can support you in?’” said Azaher Elamin, 27. “As a veteran, you want to make sure you have access to every benefit that is available to you. Having a representative who talks with you regularly and helps advocate for you would be the biggest support.”

Advancing care in our communities.

Together, we are a force for good. That’s why we invest in partnerships that advance equity in local Black communities by improving access to educational opportunities, healthcare and mental health support.

Unsplash/ Benjamin Faust

Experts say the transition from soldier to civilian can be tough, but having a plan in place increases the chances of success.

From the Middle East to the C-suite: Meet Eronica Dew, Air Force veteran and CEO of BES Solutions

By Ariyana Griffin AFRO Staff Writer agriffin@afro.com

Eronica Dew’s introduction to the military was through curiosity.

Her husband, Brett Dew, a retired Air Force senior master sergeant, enlisted in 1991. After watching him for two years and listening to military acronyms she did not understand, she decided she wanted to be in the know. She joined the Air Force in 1993 and cites it as the confidence boost she needed and “the best thing that ever happened.”

“I didn’t gain my confidence until I enlisted and joined the military. From basic training to technical school - it completely changed my entire life,” said Dew, now a veteran. “I began to believe in myself. I realized at that point I was highly intelligent - I just had not applied myself. The military gave me a sense of prideit gave me a sense of direction.”

The Louisville, Kentucky native shared that after high school, she did not have a plan for what was next for her life. She struggled with giving school her all, as her early years in the classroom were marred by the chaotic process of integration, which called for her to be bussed to a school in a different community than her own.

“Integration affected me in such a negative way. The teachers in these schools that were far away from my neighborhood didn’t treat the Black children ‘warm and fuzzy,’” she said. However, the military gave her the structure she needed to succeed.

Dew served for 10 years in the United States Air Force before officially becoming a veteran. Her separation from the military was bitter sweet, but her unwavering love, commitment and dedication to her family ensured leaving was the right decision.

“The only reason why I separated is because we went to war, and we both were dual military. At the time I had five children, I had to make a decision,” said Dew. “It was either for him

Eronica

her 10 years of service in the United States Air Force. Shown here, Dew, serving in the Middle East.

or me to get out. I ended up getting out of the military after 10 years, which was really devastating to me. I did not wanna give up my career, but we had to make sure that our family had some stability.”

Dew shared that the military introduced her to amazing programs and resources to help her meet her goals, such as earning a college education debt-free, becoming a homeowner and having accessible medical care.

This shift ultimately led her to her new calling, contracting and proposal management.

“My first contract out of the government was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where I managed a $26 million dollar contract for logistics and communications for Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital.” This deal was

just the beginning, from here she continued to grow and elevate her career.

She began to work with various other companies and firms as a proposal manager landing million and billion dollar deals before

“I didn’t gain my confidence until I enlisted and joined the military. From basic training to technical school - it completely changed my entire life.”

taking the entrepreneurship route and focusing on consulting. After COVID-19 came and business started to slow down she took the business she founded in 2018 more seriously. BES Solutions Inc., a government

contracting company that focuses on supporting the federal government. Program management, IT, HR logistics among other services are provided by her company.

She enjoys working for herself because it allows her to give back to the community and partner with other organizations to do so as well. Each year, her business participates in various community events such as Toys for Tots and back-to-school drives. Dew also serves as a board member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Prince George’s County and enjoys providing resources and mentorship to members of underrepresented communities.

When it comes to being a business owner, Dew stresses the importance of collaboration and partnerships as a way to develop as a business and person. She enjoys her business due to autonomy in her schedule, which allows her to balance her life responsibilities, such as family and work.

To learn more about BES Solutions and Eronica Dew, visit bessolutionsinc.com.

Army vets merge comic book culture with Ancient African history

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com

Military veterans and life partners

Manuel and Geiszel Godoy are the visionaries behind Black Sands Entertainment, an independent publishing house for comic books and graphic novels. The duo created the company to not only provide opportunities to Black creators, artists and writers but to tell stories that empower African-American youth.

As they read stories of Black heroism and achievement, they also learn about their ancestors’ history.

“We make content about ancient African civilizations, so that our kids can know about the great civilizations they came from,” said Manuel Godoy. “No more slave stories.”

Despite beloved characters, like Black Panther, Blue Marvel and Cyborg, Black portrayals remain underrepresented in comic books and graphic novels. They’ve historically been relegated to sidekicks, painted as villains, depicted in a way that pushes stereotypes or presented as people in need of saving by other White characters.

Manuel Godoy said this standard was set a long time ago but persists in the industry. He wanted Black Sands Entertainment to be different.

“They won’t let go of this European standard where Africans have to be seen as less than and as people who need to be fixed,” said Manuel Godoy. “I wasn’t going to bring up anything negative about us in any way, shape or form.”

Before becoming a full-time creator, Manuel Godoy initially planned to spend his life serving his country. He joined the U.S. Army right after high school and served for six years—four active and two in the reserves.

His desire to join the Armed Forces sprung from his grandfather,

who served for much of his life before retiring. Godoy intended to do the same, but a bad knee forced him to reconsider. He felt prepared to transition to civilian life, empowered by the education he received while serving. Godoy was a radar technician in the military and figured he would be able to secure an in-demand job.

the U.S Army as a human resources specialist for nearly three years. Afterwards, she spent several years in the fashion industry, but finding a permanent job in the field proved to be difficult.

writer at the time, not as far as story but as far as grammar and technical skill. It’s surprising we got as far as we did.”

For a couple of years, he worked in telecommunications engineering. Godoy later spent stints studying video game development, creative writing and economics. All the while, he maintained a keen interest in anime, role-playing games and comics.

Just before making the leap to be a full-time creator, Manuel Godoy was working for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a secretary.

“We make content about ancient African civilizations, so that our kids can know about the great civilizations they came from.”

Two weeks before he would have received permanent status, he was let go.

Geiszel Godoy also served in

“When they did that, I was like I’m done with this whole ‘regular’ work phase,” said Manuel Godoy. “I’m going to see if I can make a career out of just being a creative. I was a terrible

In 2016, they started Black Sands Entertainment. Manuel Godoy began developing his first book series “Kids 2 Kings,” a story about a young boy whose life mission is to rule Kemet, an ancient name for Egypt that means “Black land.” In 2017, it hit the market but under a different name, “Black Sands, the Seven Kingdoms.”

Between Black Friday and the end of 2017, they made nearly $80,000 in sales. Their profits continued to climb along with their output. Gieszel Godoy penned Mori’s Family Adventures the following year, which follows a family on an adventure to South Africa.

“Black positive representation is important for black children and families to see so the community can be inspired, uplifted and proud of their Black heritage,” said Geiszel Godoy.

“It lets children see themselves represented in a positive light and lets children want to become strong Black leaders and successful individuals for the next generation.”

The couple also began to build a following on social media and on Patreon, a crowdfunding platform that enables creators to earn additional income by offering rewards and extra perks to subscribers. In 2019, they released a “Black sands” DVD, using voice actors from the Black community. The next year, the Godoys decided to open an investment round to help them fund the creation of multiple projects at once.

By 2022, they were earning $1.1 million in sales. Their growth and unique mission landed them on “Shark Tank.” Though the couple reached a deal with businessman Mark Cuban and comedian and actor Kevin Hart, they did not move forward with it.

“Either way, we had a great showing out. I proved to the world that my company was legit, not just because of the books we make but also because of our business sense,” said Manuel Godoy. “We had published close to 40 titles at that time. We had tons of creators under us with publishing deals.”

Today, the husband and wife duo are preparing to create an anime of “Black Sands, the Seven Kingdoms.” They are hiring Black actors, like Debra Wilson and Eddie Griffin, to voice the characters. The Godoys currently have an investment round open that has raised $1.1 million so far, and contributions are still being accepted.

They hope that their content inspires readers and watchers to dig deeper into the history of Africa and its civilizations.

“I want them to actually look up the characters, locations and time periods,” said Godoy. “Do the research and get more immersed in cultures that you helped to found.”

Photo courtesy of Eronica Dew

Dew is proud of

Photo courtesy of Eronica Dew

Eronica Dew credits the military with building her confidence and implementing structure in her life.

Photo courtesy of Manuel Godoy

Manuel and Geiszel Godoy are the Army veterans behind Black Sands Entertainment, a publishing company.

An AFRO inside look: Service members speak on life in the military and the Divine Nine

By Aria Brent AFRO Staff Writer abrent@afro.com

Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) have played a significant role in shaping the lives and careers of Black service members. With a focus on leadership, community service and academic excellence, many find that time in their respective organizations only heightens their ability to lead in the military.

BGLOs, or the “Divine Nine,” as they are often called, include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity.

The organizations were founded during the early 20th century to promote camaraderie, education and professional advancement for Black people in an era of intense segregation. And while some issues addressed by the BGLOs have changed, the responsibility to advocate and serve still seem to be the driving force that fuels these organizations– even in their service to the Armed Forces.

degree. Following his graduation in 2023 from the historically Black institution, he joined the U.S. Army, where he currently serves as a second lieutenant.

His military service goes hand in hand with the community service he completes as an Omega man.

“Doing community service events with my organization puts a smile on my face and it warms my heart,” Barner said.

Other veterans who spoke with the AFRO noted that serving in their respective organizations and the U.S. military provided them with a sense of fulfillment and pride.

“Service is a big part of who I am and I saw that the Zetas were doing that. I wanted to be a part of what they were doing,” said Angelina Vega, a Coast Guard veteran and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

“Service has always been a part of my life. I was always taught that it’s something that you do. You help your country. It’s your duty.”

“I had several mentors that were a part of the military and they were also members of Omega Psi Phi,”said Benjamin Barner, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. “They talked to me about the benefits that came with ROTC and helping out the community. The same people that encouraged me to join the military are the same people that encouraged me to pledge.”

Barner served in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Jackson State University from 2019 to 2023 while earning his undergraduate

“Service has always been a part of my life. A lot of my family served in the Air Force. I was always taught that it’s something that you do. You help your country–it’s your duty.”

From the March on Washington to the 1995 Million Man March and this year’s presidential election– members of BGLOs are constantly leading and serving the Black community and our nation in more ways than one.

These organizations and their members have constantly stood at the forefront of social justice, while many also stood on the frontlines of our nation’s Armed Forces.

While many joined the Divine Nine before their time in the Armed Forces, others were inspired to join a BGLO after their military service came to a close.

“Being in the military definitely provided me the opportunity to meet so many people and to gain so much knowledge,” said Jovanda Curry, a U.S. Army veteran and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. “The network I gained with

the military definitely carried over to me wanting to join a sorority when I got out of the military in 2004. I don’t come from a big family and I’ve always wanted a network of positive people to be able to collaborate with.”

The leadership of BGLO members has always extended beyond the battlefield. Figures like Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, broke barriers as the first Black woman to become a general in the U.S. Army and the first Black chief of the Army Nurse Corps. Similarly, well-known Omega Psi Phi Fraternity member and Marine Corps General, Frank E. Petersen Jr. became the first Black aviator and

general in Marine Corps history.

Still today, fraternity and sorority members across the globe uphold the legacy of Divine Nine members who served in the Armed Forces of yesterday.

“Serving in both the military and Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) has shaped me into a stronger leader and instilled a profound sense of purpose and community,” said Naomi Harris, a human resource officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. “The military taught me discipline and resilience, which I bring to AKA and every aspect of my life. In turn, AKA has deepened my commitment to service, sisterliness and personal growth–enriching my ability to impact others positively.”

Photo Courtesy of Naomi Harris

Naomi Harris, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, often uses her military skills to be a better leader within her organization.

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Barner

Benjamin Barner is a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He enjoys serving his community and the nation through his work with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the military.

Photo Courtesy of Jovanda Curry Jovanda Curry is a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Meet Paris Love, the U.S. Army vet decluttering minds and lives

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com

Unlike most children, former U.S. Army Sergeant Paris Love never needed a parent to tell her to clean her room or tidy the house. The Chicago native always had a knack for being neat and staying organized. This carried into college, while she attended Norfolk State University. Her friends referred to her as the “mom” of the group. She would make sure their rooms were clean and their beds were made for dorm inspections and nag them about staying on top of their classes.

Love’s orderly habits made the structure and discipline of the military especially alluring. At 21, she enlisted in the army, completing eight years of service.

“Everything was very structured and neat. You roll your underwear and your T-shirts– I enjoyed that,” said Paris.

Her need for order followed her even after leaving the military in 1997. While visiting a psychiatrist for her son, the doctor noticed Love reorganizing his bookcase. After speaking with her, the psychiatrist told her she was experiencing obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Initially, Love felt like the diagnosis meant there was something wrong with her. But, after doing more research, she became more comfortable with it. She

that they got paid to do this,” said Love. “I turned my OCD, my need to have things in order and in place, into a business.”

In 2003, she opened Paris Love Productivity Institute. A productivity and accountability coach, she helps people combat mental, emotional and physical clutter. Her clients

discovered the National Association of Productivity and Organizing, and realized that she could leverage her skill for decluttering to start a business.

“I thought, ‘wait a minute–there are other people like me. I’m not weird.’ Then, the light bulb went off

moving services.

“I can see the impact on their faces because I can see past the clutter. I always ask people, ‘how do you eat an elephant?’ It’s one bite at a time, you chunk it down.” said Love. “I come in, and I don’t judge. We just get to work.”

At the beginning of 2024, Love

“I turned my OCD, my need to have things in order and in place, into a business.”

include financial, government, real estate and education professionals, small business owners and stayat-home parents. For corporate clients, Paris’ services increase staff engagement and productivity by 30 percent on average.

The veteran uses what she calls the “P.A.R.I.S method,” purge, assign, retain, invest and simplify. She helps clients get rid of items that do not serve them, assign a home to all items, keep items they need and love, invest in themselves and ask for help and refine their lives.

She also offers time management courses for overextended professionals, productivity bootcamps and organizing and

started a nonprofit, Declutter Across America, to serve women veterans with her services. Every member of her board is a former member of the military, a woman and mental health professional. Right now, she’s working to attract grant money and sponsorships to fund the organization.

At times, Love said she feels like veterans are a lost population, living in silence. She encouraged people to seek out the stories of veterans and to provide support where they can.

“We need help because we are living in silence, and we don’t have to live in silence,” said Love. “Listen to us. Everyone’s story is different.”

BGE celebrates all those who have given so much to serve and defend our country, and we’re proud to welcome many of these men and women as part of the BGE family. At BGE, we embrace a culture of respect, equity, and incusivity. We work together with our employees and our customers to build on what’s important to everyone. bge.com/Diversity

Photo courtesy of Paris Love

Paris Love is owner of Paris Love Productivity Institute, which supports professionals and families in decluttering their lives–mentally or physically. Love is a former sergeant for the U.S. Army and started the nonprofit to provide services to other veterans.

Inclusive Hospice Care: Gilchrist’s Commitment to Equal End-of-Life Care Access

Equitable access to hospice care remains a critical issue, particularly in minority communities where disparities persist. Black Americans, for instance, continue to be underrepresented in hospice and palliative care services despite ongoing efforts to bridge the gap. Gilchrist, a trusted provider of end-of-life care for more than 30 years, is committed to addressing this inequity head-on.

“We’re reimagining how healthcare providers connect with communities of color. We approach these communities with humility, asking how we can best meet their unique needs,” said Wayman Scott, Gilchrist’s Associate Director of DEI and Community Relations.

Veterans also face disparities in hospice care, especially African American veterans, who make up 12.4% of the veteran population, a number that’s expected to rise to 15% by 2048. Although African American veterans are a growing demographic, they often encounter significant barriers in accessing end-of-life care.

To address these challenges, Gilchrist engages directly with communities through focus groups and listening sessions, allowing residents to share their experiences and voice the obstacles they face in seeking care.

“Gilchrist is committed to reducing these barriers, which stem from systemic and historical injustices within the

healthcare system,” Scott emphasized.

At the heart of Gilchrist’s commitment to serving Black communities in Baltimore lies the William L. and Victorine Q. Adams Gilchrist Center Baltimore. Named after two African American pillars of the local community, this state-of-the-art facility at Stadium Place on East 33rd Street serves as a beacon of hope for residents of Baltimore City and their families.

Additionally, Gilchrist’s commitment to veterans is reflected in its involvement with the “We Honor Veterans” initiative. Programs such as Salute to Service Ceremonies, the Veterans History Project, Operation Gratitude, and the Vet-to-Vet Taskforce celebrate and support veterans in meaningful ways. A key event is the annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration on March 30, 2025, a heartfelt tribute open to all veterans and their families at no cost, honoring their service and sacrifice.

Through these partnerships and deep community engagement, Gilchrist remains steadfast in its mission to expand access to compassionate, dignified end-of-life care for all, regardless of race or background. As the number of African American veterans continues to rise, initiatives like these will be vital in ensuring equitable care for everyone.

For more information, visit GilchristCares.org.

How Paden Sickles transitioned from soldier to CEO

By Ariyana Griffin AFRO Staff Writer agriffin@afro.com

Louisville, Ky. native Paden Sickles officially became a veteran in February of this year, honorably concluding 11 years of service. And while she has hung up her boots for good- she still has her fellow soldiers in mind.

After years of dedicated service, Sickles realized there was a painful issue within the military community - the lack of comfortable socks to help protect her feet after a long day of hard training. This problem and her resilience led to Sickles founding her apparel company, SickFit, in 2021.

SickFit offers a range of streetwear apparel, but its focus is on specialized socks that provide comfort and support for service members, athletes, fashion lovers and anyone who is left in pain after standing on their feet all day.

The brand has recently partnered with Olympic track and field athlete Jorinde van Klinken and Paralympic track and field athlete Brittni Mason.

Sickles’ dedication to service and giving back is a

Paden Sickles uses the pain of the past to inspire her purpose today. After 11 years in the United States Army for 11 years, she officially became a veteran and took on the issue of poor-quality socks by founding SickFit, an apparel company with a mission to give back to the community.

cornerstone of her brand’s mission. The company recently launched its innovative SickFit World Tour, a unique initiative that partners with corporate organizations and local community members to give back “one sock at a time.”

The first stop of the SickFit World Tour took place at the Military Influencer Conference in Atlanta from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. During the convention, in its first year, SickFit and its partners announced that over 250 pairs of socks would be donated to the victims of Hurricane Helene. This week, the AFRO

Courtesy photo

wanna become a hero one day.”

spoke with Sickles about veteran-owned businesses and entrepreneurship after time in the U.S. military.

AFRO: Growing up, was the military a part of your upbringing? If not, how were you introduced to the idea of serving for our country?

SICKLES: Growing up, I was not exposed to a lot of the military within my immediate family - I’m actually the first one who went to the military.

We would travel through airports, I would see soldiers in uniform and think, “Wow, they’re like heroes, and I

I wanted to emulate that - my parents told me, “You have to go to college, but you can definitely join the Army or the branch you want.”

AFRO: Would you say joining the military had an impact on your journey?

SICKLES: It shaped me and moved me to who I am today, it had a huge influence in the aspects of my life. From leadership traits, to creating routines and having structure all around are some traits that I took away from the military. Seeing the amount of diversity, culture and interacting with different partners shaped me in all aspects of my life.

AFRO: What is the importance of having a support system and people to lean on while serving in the Armed Forces?

SICKLES: My family is the most amazing thing that I’ve ever experienced - I have a super supportive family. My mother and my father support everything that I do and my two brothers and my sister continually support me.

Even when I was in the military overseas, I looked forward to those 6 a.m. calls. Now that I’ve transitioned, every Sunday I eat breakfast with them– even though we’re not all in the same state.

That’s our routinecontinually having those routines and being intentional about surrounding yourself

with people that keep you grounded and stay positive. Taking it one step further within the military space, the entrepreneurship space, can be very lonely. Relying upon my veteran community has been the most amazing

thing ever because they want to see you win and support you, and you do the same. You continue to show up for each other - I don’t know what I would do without my communities: my family, the veteran community and my friends. See more on afro.com

To learn more about Paden Sickles and the work she is doing within her brand SickFit, visit Sickfitofficial.com.

PNC Ranked as one of America’s Best Employers For Veterans

PNC Bank supports all those who serve and their families with community programs, products and financial insights. As a result, PNC is currently ranked on Forbes list of “America’s Best Employers For Veterans”.

Each year, approximately 200,000 service members leave the military and transition into civilian life. For companies seeking top talent, this pool of job candidates represents some of the most motivated, skilled and highly trained individuals in the country. Hiring veterans, with their diverse experiences and expertise, not only adds value to an organization’s workforce, but also qualifies employers for tax credits, so recruiting veterans “becomes pretty important to the bottom line of employers as well,” says Eric Asmussen, a U.S. Air Force veteran and National Veterans Employment manager with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment & Training Service.

For the fourth consecutive year, Forbes ranked America’s Best Employers For Veterans to recognize companies that are creating workplaces where former and current members of the military can thrive. PNC is proud to be on that list.

In partnership with market research firm Statista, Forbes surveyed 8,500 veterans (those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Reserves or the National Guard) working for companies with more than 1,000 employees. Survey participants were asked if they would recommend their company or organization to friends and family, and to rate their employer on criteria such as salary, career advancement opportunities, onboarding policies that help veterans transition into work life, health benefits and representation of veterans in upper management. Respondents were also asked to evaluate other companies within their respective industries.

Courtesy photo

Paden Sickles is now CEO of her own company, SickFit, a role she took on after discharging from the U.S. Army in February 2024.

On the outside: Adjusting to civilian life after serving in the military

By Shaela Foster Special to the AFRO

Roughly 200,000 service members transition from military life to civilian life each year, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Serving in the military can be demanding, but transitioning to civilian life comes with its own challenges.

According to the VA, common challenges include preparation to enter the workforce, creating community, adjusting to providing oneself with basic necessities and adjusting to a different pace of life and work.

Service members choose to begin the civilian life transition for various reasons like injury, medical issues and honorable or dishonorable discharge, according to John D. Sawyer, Director at the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO).

At GAO, Sawyer works for the education, workforce and income security team while overseeing work involving civilian transitions.

Sawyer said that military service provides structure, from the time a servicemember wakes up to the time they retire to bed. This can pose a problem once members of the Armed Forces transition into the regular world.

“You have to sort of be in charge of your own fate or your choices that you make and sometimes assistance is needed in those areas,” said Sawyer. “Start the planning process now to see where you would like to land once that transition date occurs.”

According to Military One Source, an official Defense Department website, it states the Defense Department “recommends retirees begin the transition process at least two years prior to retirement.”

Major Damon N. Knauss, Active Duty Army Officer and Professor of Military Science at Morgan State and Coppin State University Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, agrees with the notion of

preparing beforehand.

He states someone should take the time to understand what they’re trying to do next, setting themselves up for success through programs and internships at the end of their career.

A program he points to is the Soldier for Life program, where according to the U.S. Army Soldier for Life website, “retirement is a process, not an event.”

It states Army service members can plan and prepare for retirement 24 to 36 months before their retirement date.

On their website, they provide guidance on finding employment, applying for education programs, health and wellness advice and a toolkit for an Army retirement.

When planning early, Sawyer states you’re able to start “populating knowledge” that is

“There is a significant preparation that is needed to transition. Not all of those who are transitioning are really prepared to handle that.”

needed in the decision making process helping to inform further decisions to be prepared for the transition.

In addition to preparation, Knauss advises service members to utilize their network to help find employment. He states he’s a firm believer in “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know and who knows you” adding that family members are part of someone’s network.

“I think a lot of angst comes from people that are applying constantly for online jobs and not hearing back,” he said.

Knauss understands the job search will be difficult but adds that alongside tapping into their network early, understanding their individual skills, military members should begin creating flexibility for themselves before their transition date.

He states service members should try to pay off as much of their bills as possible while simultaneously saving money that could withstand a few months during the job search.

All of these things add to the main point of preparation.

Sawyer adds that if family members are available, to rely on them and the ones that aren’t blood related especially if they are trustworthy and have the service members best interest at heart.

“There is a significant preparation that is needed to transition,” he said. “Not all of those who are transitioning are really prepared to handle that.”

THE HARBOR BANK OF MARYLAND

Family members and friends don’t have to be someone’s first point of contact, Knauss states members should be upfront and honest with their leadership as they can help create flexibility and provide guidance.

“What you need to do is develop a plan with them, get it in writing, get both sides to agree and then honor your end of the bargain and the other side will honor theirs,” he said.

Ensuring the plan is in writing helps prevent any gray areas, he states, and signifies that both sides fully understand and are committed to the plan during the transition process.

Alongside preparation and utilizing family members’ support, Sawyer emphasizes being aware of the various programs that are offered. He highlights the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program, Department of Veterans Affairs’ Transition Assistance Program otherwise known as TAP and the Department of Labor’s Transition Assistance Program.

All these resources are set up to assist service members through the process of adjusting to civilian life and tools needed to succeed in civilian employment.

“People are successful in the military because they show up at the right time, right place, in the right uniform with the right attitude,” Knauss said. “It’s no different in the civilian world. If you do those things, you’re going to be set up for success anywhere you go.”

Unsplash/Nathan Dumlao

Despite Veterans Affairs’ mission to support veterans, disparities persist, with Black veterans facing notably lower benefit approval ratings than their White counterparts.

With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before MAY 08, 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 MAY 08, 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: NOVEMBER 08, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

JOCELYN D. MOORE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 11/08, 11/15, 11/22/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001239 DORIS INEZ AGER Name of Decedent

WILLIAM A. BLAND, ESQUIRE 80 M STREET, SE #330 WASHINGTON, DC 20003

Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

ROBERT LEE AGER, whose address is 3520 11TH STREET NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20010 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DORIS INEZ AGER, who died on FEBRUARY 07, 2016 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 MAY 08, 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 MAY 08, 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: NOVEMBER 08, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

ROBERT LEE AGER

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 11/08, 11/15, 11/22/24

personal representitive Date of first publication: NOVEMBER 01, 2024 Names of newspapers: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

JAMES PATRICK MCELWAINE 7307 HANOVER PARKWAY, SUITE A GREENBELT, MD 20770 Signature of Petitioner/Attorney Register of Wills Clerk of the Probate Division 11/01, 11/08/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM1269 BARBARA L. JACKSON Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs MALIK A. JACKSON, whose address is 4601 BELLE DOOR

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001256

DUANE CROONS

Name of Decedent

Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

DUANE PAGE , whose address is 3404 PARKWAY

TERR DRIVE SUITLAND MARYLAND #4 20746 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DUANE CROONS, who died on JULY 21, 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 MAY 08, 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 MAY 08, 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: NOVEMBER 08, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

DUANE PAGE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 11/08, 11/15, 11/22/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM1037 GAYLE ANNETTE SUTTON Name of Decedent CAROL S. BLUMENTHAL BLUMENTHAL, CORDONE & ERKLAUER PLLC 7325 GEORGIA AVE WASHINGTON, DC 20012 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs CHARLES SUTTON, whose address is 6 BRITTANY A, DELRAY BEACH, FL 33446 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GAYLE ANNETTE SUTTON, who died on MAY 24, 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,

dersigned, on or before MAY 08, 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: NOVEMBER 08, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers CHARLES SUTTON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 11/08, 11/15, 11/22/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001277

GARRICK VINCENT THOMAS SR. Name of Decedent

TYECHIA L. WHITE, ESQ. 300 NEW JERSEY AVE, NW SUITE 300 WASHINGTON, DC 20001 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

NAKIA THOMAS AND GARRICK VINCENT THOMAS, JR. , whose addresses are 521 HANK AARON DRIVE SW, #431-A, ATLANTA GA, 30312; 30665 STUDENT SERVICES CENTER LN. PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853 were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of GARRICK VINCENT THOMAS, SR., who died on MARCH 06, 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 MAY 08, 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 MAY 08, 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: NOVEMBER 08, 2024

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

NAKIA THOMAS GARRICK VINCENT THOMAS JR. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION 2024ADM001325

Estate of HELEN E. BRINSON AKA HELEN

ELIZABETH BRINSON

Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD

PROBATE (For estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995)

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by WILLIE RAY HALL for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

* admit to probate the will dated MAY 12, 2009 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: NOVEMBER 08, 2024

Names of newspapers: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

LISA SMITH SANDERS ESQ. 14452 OLD MILL ROAD, SUITE 101 UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772

Signature of Petitioner/Attorney

Clerk of the Probate Division 11/08, 11/15/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001268

JOSEPHINE F. ARMSTRONG Name of Decedent

MICHELLE BELL, ESQ. 1455 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., NW SUITE 400 WASHINGTON, DC 20004

Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

GERALDINE ARMSTRONG MARSHALL AND TIMOTHY RAY ARMSTRONG, whose addresses are 7308 MALDEN LANE, DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD 20747; 288 BOB G. HUGHES BLVD, HARVEST, AL 35749 were appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOSEPHINE F. ARMSTRONG, who died on SEPTEMBER 01, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance

T. WHITE, whose address is 11366 EVANS TRAIL; #203; BELTSVILLE, MARYLAND 20705 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KATHER MAE WHITE AKA KATHER M. WHITE, who died on AUGUST 12, 2023 without a Will and will

Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before MAY 08, 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 MAY 08, 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: NOVEMBER 08, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

ERNEST T. WHITE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 11/08, 11/15, 11/22/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM1206

LYNGRID SMITH RAWLINGS Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

CHERRYL R SMITH , whose address is 5500 FRIENDSHIP BLVD APT 1517 CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LYNGRID SMITH RAWLINGS who died on SEPTEMBER 09, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before MAY 08, 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 MAY 08, 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: NOVEMBER 08, 2024

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

CHERRYL R SMITH Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 11/08, 11/15, 11/22/24

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 06-2025 SECRET SHOPPER SERVICES

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Office of The Executive Director (OED) requires licensed, qualified professionals to provide secret shopper services for this solicitation.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Wednesday, October 23, 2024, and can be found on Bonfire at: https://dchousing.bonfirehub.com/portal

Respondents will then need to log in and locate this RFP for all related documents. It is the Proposers responsibility to check the Bonfire site regularly to stay current on the documents that are available as this is the primary communication site for this RFP.

To access files Vendors are required to Register on the Bonfire platform. See the registration link below.

https://vendor.bonfirehub.com/

DCHA will provide either a live or pre-recorded demonstration for any vendors unfamiliar with the platform.

PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Monday, November 25, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.

Email Abdul Karim Farooqi, Procurement Specialist (OAS) at afarooqi@ dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

CERTIFICATION OF PUBLICATION

AND COMMISSIONS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - PROJECT NO. 1391

BALTIMORE CITY STORMWATER MASTERPLAN

The City of Baltimore Office of Engineering and Construction (OEC) has been authorized to request the Office of Boards and Commissions (OBC) to advertise Project 1391 for the selected services for the City of Baltimore from qualified Professional Engineering firms. It is the expectation of the City’s that interested firms providing these services must demonstrate and document the following services for the City Of Baltimore.

Scope of Work

The proposed project will develop a masterplan for stormwater utility in Baltimore City over the next 20-year period. The project scope will include data gathering, compilation and evaluation of existing stormwater data, review of available condition assessment data, development of ratings system for prioritization for R&R, including capacity and remaining useful life, limited hydraulic modelling, determination of appropriate level of service, gap analysis, etc. The proposed project will help the City to have a cohesive approach to the Stormwater Utility needs in the medium to long term.

The firms interested in providing these services must demonstrate and document the following:

1.Expertise in developing Masterplans for utilities similar in size to Baltimore City, and shall have a minimum of: Five (5) year experience in developing masterplan for utilities Two (2) unique masterplan development projects executed for public utilities for similar scope, which included a separate storm sewer system.

2.Details of the firm’s prior relevant projects that demonstrate above mentioned experience, which shall also include contact names and phone numbers to facilitate reference checks.

3.Experience in identifying gaps in current processes and data systems which are critical informing potential policies, program enhancements, and capital improvement projects related to the Stormwater System.

4.Experience in analyzing asset inventory and condition assessment data from various sources related to the Stormwater System.

5.Experience in evaluating and integrating output from various hydraulic, hydrologic, and ecological models.

6.Knowledge of current and potential regulations influencing the City’s Stormwater System related to both water quality and quantity.

7.Experience in conducting stakeholder engagement events to develop Level of Services and Logic Workflows for the Stormwater System that can incorporate equity, climate change projections, development trends, ecological conditions, current City plans and priorities, and other socio-economic-environmental factors.

8.Experience in identifying and prioritizing areas of concerns and developing a decision-making and prioritization framework for enhanced operations and CIP projects, which includes alternative project analysis; full life-cycle cost analysis; and recommendations for DPW’s integrated planning framework.

9.Experience in evaluating current and projected staffing, equipment, training, and technology needs to implement the Masterplan.

10.Experience in evaluating the current fiscal condition of the stormwater enterprise fund and assisting in development of financial models to identify revenue requirements and financing opportunities to implement the Masterplan in consideration of rate payer affordability.

11.Experience in developing and managing an overall contract team with both Minority and Women Business Enterprises.

The City intends to select the services of one (1) firm for a period of two (2)years, with an option for extension at City’s discretion, for a fee not to exceed $1,500,000.00 for each selected firm. The Office of Engineering and Construction reserves the right to have a second interview with eligible consulting firms. Notwithstanding the two (2) year duration of the

1696 (ACCESS CODE: 0842939) from City Hall at Noon. The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at Contract Administration 4 South Frederick Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 on the 3 rd floor (410) 396-4041 as of November 8th, 2024, and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of 100.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact OBC at 4 S Frederick St., 4 th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is B02551 Water Mains.

Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $10,000,000.01 to $15,000,000.00.

A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Vendor can either call +1 667- 228-6519 PASSCODE: 674-460830# on November 13 th , 2024 at 1:00PM. Contractor questions shall be submitted via email to doreen.diamond@baltimorecity.gov by November 20 th , 2024 at 4:30PM. Questions submitted after the deadline may not be responded to and Contractors will be required to submit their bids based on the available information.

To purchase bid documents, for this project please contact the assigned Contract Administrator doreen.diamond@baltimorecity.gov and dpwbidopportunities@baltimorecity.gov

Principal items of work for this contract include, but are not limited to: Rehabilitation of existing 30-inch water main with a new 24-inch HDPE pipe using sliplining. Abandonment and/or removal of existing water mains and installation of various sized new ductile iron pipes, valves, fittings, and appurtenances, replacements/installation of fire hydrants, corrosion control (if applicable) small (residential) meter setting and meter vaults, renewal and replacement of existing water services, sidewalk restoration, curb and gutter, and roadway paving, as required.

The BBE/ MBE goal is 12% The WBE/DBE goal is 7%

APPROVED: APPROVED:

Clerk Board of Estimates Khalil Zaied City Hall Director Department of Public Works

CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

PUBLIC NOTICE

ESTABLISHMENT OF GRADES

The Chief of the Transportation and Construction Engineering Division, designee of the Director of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, will be in his office, Room 732 Charles L. Benton Jr. Building, 417 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 on November 13, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 noon for the purpose of hearing and considering protest and to explain matters in connection with re-establishing the grade of the following public streets and alleys as shown in the plans for Developer’s Agreement 1259-B

This includes:

• Imla Street extended from Station 0+00 to Station 3+09.65. • Proposed Street A constructed from Station 0+00 to Station 8+47.21.

• Proposed Street B constructed from Station 0+00 to Station 2+87.47.

Bimal Devkota P.E., Chief Transportation Engineering and Construction Division

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.

December 4, 2024

* POLYMERIC FLOCCULANT RFQ-000480 December 11, 2024

* FIRE HYDRANTS and REPLACEMENT PARTS RFQ-000346

December 18, 2024

* HAZARD REDUCTION RELOCATION SERVICES RFQ-000642 ENTIRE SOLICITATION CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWNLOADED BY VISITING THE WEBSITE: https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/supplier/baltimorecity/SupplierSite

#Faithworks An AFRO spotlight on excellence: Meet the veterans walking by faith

By Marnita Coleman

Special to the AFRO

In tribute to the extraordinary African-American veterans who served in the United States military, this week, the AFRO honors eight servicemembers across the United States Coast Guard, United States Marine Corps, United States Army, United States Army Reserves and United States Air Force for their collective 136 years of active duty.

Our veterans proudly shared their names, ages, hometowns,

Gean Alston, 62

Flint, Mich.

Chief Master Sergeant

United States Air Force

30 years of service

ranks and years of service, each with a testament about their journey. All gave glory to God and His protective hand, which they say guided them through trials and triumphs of their time in their respective service branches.

These brave men and women stood on the frontlines, leaving behind families and comforts to face the dangers of warzones, driven by an unwavering commitment to protect their nation and uphold its values.

Each person interviewed offered a unique story of faith and devotion—a faith that continues to strengthen them in moments

Q1: I was performing duty in Iraq as the enlisted leader for a security forces unit and while on a combat patrol, the vehicle I was in started to slide down an embankment. I remember thinking, Lord, it’s “in your hands. The vehicle somehow stopped midway down the embankment. Nearby, team members were able to connect a military winch (a very thick rope used for towing) and pulled the vehicle up and onto the road. All team members that were in the vehicle were able to climb up out of the top of the vehicle (through the gunner’s position) to safety. I would later write a song titled, “In His Hands,” with lyrics referring to this incident… “He’s your rope in sinking sand.”

Q2: I have always exercised faith in my military service. As military members, we never know what is around the corner or what situation we will find ourselves in. Training and preparation are very important, but can only take you so far.

I’ve learned through my service that– for me– faith has to be the foundation. I’ve had many “near misses,” only to later realize that with God…they were “intentional misses.” From covering my family during my deployments to keeping me safe while in harm’s way; surviving over 100 mortar attacks; leading combat patrol missions and walking away from vehicle accidents without a scratch. Faith is a powerful thing!

Edna Saheeb, 39

Greenville, N.C.

Technical Sergeant

United States Air Force

17 years of service

Porsche Grayson, 34

Orlando Fla.

Staff Sergeant

United States Army Reserves,

15 years of service

Q1: My commitment was deepened when I was going through basic training, walking out my faith in godly behavior because others were watching me. I knew keeping my trust in God would help me make it through.

Q2: My faith helped me through service by staying focused and knowing that God is my Protector and keeping my trust in Him– especially when it looked grim.

Q1: On Dec. 25, 2010, while serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, I experienced a moment that forever deepened my faith. It was my first deployment, and being away from family and Christmas traditions made the season feel especially difficult. My roommates and I decided to celebrate despite being under increasingly intense and frequent attacks. We sat together, singing our favorite gospel songs telling each other the Bible verses our grandmothers and mothers used before leaving–even as the sounds of explosions grew closer.

In that moment, all the training I’d received faded. All we could do was pray. When the attack finally subsided, we realized that the only building left untouched on the row was the one we were in. From that day on, I knew without a doubt that God was real and that His protection surrounded us.

Q2: Throughout my service, my faith has been my foundation and source of strength. It’s given me courage in challenging times and a sense of purpose and calm in situations where fear and uncertainty would otherwise take hold. My faith has been an anchor, keeping me grounded through every day– either good or bad.

Aarica Carrington, 30

Q1: When I got out of the military and had to start my civilian life, I had to reassimilate, grow outside of my previous ranks, titles, identities, affinity groups and personalities. I had to develop to survive and find myself again outside of the uniform. When military life is over, you leave alone, and you primarily start over again, rebuilding yourself. During this transition like any transition in life, there will be heavy dark days–loneliness, frustration, confusion and a lack of purpose. I wasn’t weaponized correctly to face these challenges on my own without the necessary tools to do so. I went back to my home church, Empowerment Temple, surrendered myself and

of adversity and bind them closer to their purpose. Their words, raw and powerful, offer a glimpse into the courage, dedication and love it takes to sacrifice for others.

Participants gave answers to two questions:

Question 1 (Q1): Can you describe the moment that deepened your faith and commitment?

Question 2 (Q2): How has faith helped you through your time of service?

Let their stories touch your heart—each word a powerful reminder of resilience and sacrifice.

decided I needed structure to rebuild my relationship with God.

Q2: In bootcamp and officer candidate school, I went to church to keep my spirits high. The intense environment of shedding your old self through new routines, physical and emotional strain can cause your spirit to bend and break sometimes during the forming and storming phases.

I stayed true to my faith in God during my service, but I showed it in different ways. Being at sea and standing watch did not give you much time to commit and focus on your faith with the business of the mission. You find ways where your faith is tested, or you see the need to cover, bless and care for someone else. You feel the urge to use your faith in God to make them feel empowered, inspired, comforted and safe. I did this in my leadership style for my younger enlisted, who were away from home and in very impressionable age groups. The challenges they faced affected them a lot harder than others who faced adversity many times before. That is where faith helped me in the service, it gave me the words to say to support my crew, shipmates and military family. My faith made sure that no matter what I faced–personally with leadership, with senior commands, or in a mission– my spirit never shattered; and when it was broken, I knew how to mend it back together again.

Samuel Perry, 53

Savannah, Ga.

Major

United States Army

37 years of service

Civ Jones, 43

Q1: Combat deployment to Afghanistan was ultra enlightening. I woke up one morning to an “unexploded” 155mm North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) artillery shell on my roof. It deepened my faith in God!

Q2: It is only through God’s grace and His mercy that we can achieve anything in life. I have spent 37 years in a military career, and I am here to tell the story. I am humbled and thankful. All the glory to Him!

Born in Germany, raised in Aberdeen, Md.

Staff Sergeant

United States Army Reserves

21 years of service

Oscar L. Cason, 48 Auburn, Ala.

Sergeant (E-5)

United States Marine Corps

Five years of service

Q1:Recently, I felt God calling me to a three-day fast. Weeks leading up, I kept hearing the words “Holy Ghost fire,” in my spirit. God was arresting me and calling me to come back. I surrendered and focused on his Word through listening to scriptures, reading the Bible and praying.

Q2: My faith is what fuels my determination and belief in myself. Throughout my military career, I’ve experienced God’s grace in countless ways. I can hardly believe how far I’ve come. It’s truly by His grace that I’m still here, serving with purpose!

Q1:I was participating in a Marine Corps Special Forces indoctrination (Reconnaissance Marines aka Recon Indoc), where I wanted to quit during a five-mile beach run with a 60-pound backpack. I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to keep pressing and finish, regardless of the amount of discomfort I experienced in my body.

Q2: During my service, we used the motto “mind over matter.” The Holy Spirit showed me truth in the statement and revealed a deeper understanding of my faith and how it operates the same way. Everything I believe God for is “spirit over the physical.” My favorite scripture which supports this type of lifestyle is Matthew 5:41. “He who compels you to go with him one mile, go with him two.”

Q1: This is short but sweet! A moment that deepened my commitment to my faith was when I started to lead with gratitude. My entire life changed for the better.

Q2: My faith helped me through service by keeping me grounded and focused on the mission, knowing that the service was just a stepping stone to my beautiful life journey!

Diamond Jones, 25 Lynchburg, Va. Corporal United States Army Four years of service