A loss for Maryland’s working class
Glenard Middleton, beloved Baltimore
‘union man,’ dies at 76
as a loving husband and father.
By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO
Glenard Middleton Sr., the longtime Baltimore union leader, died at age 76 on Nov. 7 while in hospice care.
Middleton solidified his place in the heart of Charm City with his commitment to fighting for Maryland’s working class.
He was first elected to the top position of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 67 and president of local 44, in 1987. He also served on the executive board of the American Federation of Labor and
Congress of Industrial Organizations’ (AFL-CIO)
Maritime Trades Department, in 2013, a position he held until his retirement in 2023.
“He was a leader among leaders,” said Courtney L. Jenkins, “and dedicated his life to fighting for public employees and union members.”
Middleton was a fighter who received numerous accolades. The building he purchased for the union under his leadership, at 1410
Bush Street in Baltimore, is named in his honor. The building represents the first time a Baltimore union owned its place of operation.
Middleton has a street named after him in Turner Station, “Glenard Middleton Court,” and the Sollers Point Multipurpose Center has an exhibit displaying his years of service. Last year, at the Legacy Affair, held Sept. 28, 2023 at Martin’s Valley Mansion in his honor, Middleton was
Judith Jamison dies at 81
the former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater artistic director on C2.
able to truly understand his impact when union coworkers, leaders, friends and family were able to pay tribute to him.
Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) took time to speak with the
AFRO about Middleton’s character.
“His work ethic and sense of fairness led to him becoming a forceful, effective labor leader and civil rights advocate,” he said. “Glen loved his family,
cherished his friends and didn’t suffer fools lightly. He defied the limitlessness of others’ expectations, and for that we are better for having known him.” To others, he might have
Racist text messages raise alarm in multiple states, prompting investigations
By Ayanna Alexander, Ali Swenson and Gary Fields The Associated Press
Racist text messages invoking slavery raised alarm across the country this week after they were sent to Black men, women and students, including middle schoolers, prompting inquiries by the FBI and other agencies.
The messages, sent anonymously, were reported in several states, including New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. They generally used a similar tone but varied in wording.
Some instructed the recipient to show up at an address at a particular time “with your belongings,” while others didn’t include a location. Some of them mentioned the incoming presidential administration.
It wasn’t yet clear who was behind the messages and there was no comprehensive list of where they
were sent, but high school and college students were among the recipients.
The FBI said it was in touch with the Justice Department on the messages, and the Federal Communications Commission said it was investigating the texts “alongside federal and state law enforcement.” The Ohio Attorney General’s office also said it was looking into the matter.
Tasha Dunham of Lodi, California, said her 16-yearold daughter showed her one of the messages Nov. 7 evening before her basketball practice.
The text not only used her daughter’s name, but it directed her to report to a “plantation” in North Carolina, where Dunham said they’ve never lived. When they looked up the address,
Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton; Glenard Middleton Jr. Friends and family of Glenard Middleton Sr. are mourning his Nov. 7 death at age 76. Middleton, who led AFSCME Local 44 in Baltimore as president for decades, will be remembered as a fierce advocate for the working class and
AP Photo
The AFRO sends condolences to the friends, family members and creatives impacted by the death of Judith Jamison, the internationally known dancer and legendary choreographer. See more about
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The Department of Justice and the FBI are looking into racist text messages sent to residents in states across the country from Alabama to California and New York.
Mass shooting at Tuskegee University leaves one dead, more
By Safiyah Riddle
The Associated Press
Tuskegee University student
Sid Guynn hid under a car when he heard the gunshots that ripped across his Alabama campus amid homecoming celebrations, then ran back to his dorm, frightened by what sounded to him like a machine gun.
“It was terrifying; I couldn’t find my phone or my brother,” Guynn said. His brother is not a student at the university, he said, and was visiting when the barrage of gunshots sent students diving to the ground or running for their lives.
The shooting left one man dead and injured at least 16 other people early Nov. 10, a dozen of them by gunfire, authorities said. An arrest was announced hours later. Many of the injured were students.
The man killed in the homecoming weekend shooting at Tuskegee University has been identified as 18-year-old
Agency said. Myrick faces a federal charge of possession of a machine gun, the agency said in a statement. It did not accuse him of using the gun in the shooting or provide additional details.
The agency did not say whether Myrick was a student at the historically Black university, where the shooting erupted as the school’s 100th homecoming week was winding down.
It was not immediately known if Myrick had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. He was being held in the Montgomery County jail, online booking records show.
Twelve people were wounded by gunfire, and four others sustained injuries not related to the gunshots, the state agency said. Several were being treated at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, the university said in a statement.
Their conditions were not immediately released, but Macon
“This senseless act of violence has touched each of us, whether directly or indirectly.”
La’Tavion Johnson, of Troy, Ala., who was not a student, the local coroner said Nov. 11.
Jaquez Myrick, 25, of Montgomery, was taken into custody while leaving the scene of the campus shooting and had been found with a handgun with a machine gun conversion device, the Alabama Law Enforcement
County Coroner Hal Bentley said he understands that at least one of the people injured has been in critical condition.
The FBI joined the investigation and said it was seeking tips from the public, as well as any video witnesses might have. It set up a site online for people to upload video. The
than a dozen injured
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also was involved in the investigation, a local prosecutor said.
Tuskegee University canceled classes Monday and said grief counselors will be available in the university’s chapel to help students.
Guynn, 18, said schoolwide group chats have been filled with messages of support for the injured victims, whom he said he knows personally. He came to Tuskegee this year from his home in Iowa because he wanted to learn in a tight-knit Black community, he said.
“Tuskegee, it feels like a family here,” Guynn said, adding that “everyone is connected.”
The shooting left the entire university community shaken,
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said Amare’ Hardee, a senior from Tallahassee, Fla., who is president of the student government association.
“This senseless act of violence has touched each of us, whether directly or indirectly,” he said at the school’s homecoming convocation Sunday morning. Sunday’s shooting comes just over a year after four people were injured in a shooting at a Tuskegee University student housing complex. Two visitors to the campus were shot and two students were hurt while trying to leave the scene of what campus officials described as an “unauthorized party” in September 2023, the Montgomery Advertiser reported.
About 3,000 students are enrolled at the university about
40 miles (64 kilometers) east of Alabama’s capital city of Montgomery.
The university was the first historically Black college to be designated a Registered National Landmark in 1966. It was also designated a National Historic Site in 1974, according to the school’s website.
Guynn said he hopes more security will prevent future gun violence on campus. He also said he doesn’t want the national attention to define the school and community he loves.
“For something like that to happen, it’s nothing like Tuskegee,” he said.
Associated Press writer Jeff Martin in Kennesaw, Georgia, contributed to this report.
United Way is driving equity, opportunity, and access in the workplace
Employers have probably heard it all before:
“Sorry I’m late…it won’t happen again!”
“I need to take tomorrow off…I wish I could give you more notice.”
“The report that was due today? I’ll definitely have it to you next week.”
What they might not have heard:
“I’m late because the neighbor who watches my daughter had an emergency—again. I wish I could afford someone more reliable.”
“I’m due in court tomorrow because I got an eviction notice and have tried everything to come up with the back rent. I just can’t keep up with the rent increases.”
“The report is late because my 80-year-old dad has fallen twice this week, and I’ve been stressed out trying to find a care facility I can afford for him.”
We all know life doesn’t stop when you walk into work. But for employees dealing with home and life issues, the impact on them— and your bottom line—can be significant.
In Maryland, nearly a third of working households struggle to make ends meet. They are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) workers, and they’re the lifeblood of companies and businesses across all sectors. They’re delivery drivers, laborers, staff working in the retail, hospitality, healthcare and food service industries, and even some you might not expect, like managers and directors. The rising cost of basics, like housing, food, transportation, childcare and eldercare, present challenges and stressors that affect them both on and off the job.
United Way of Central Maryland is focused on driving equity, opportunity and access for all in our region. Its economic advancement programs empower both talent and employers alike, building stronger employees
and fostering their economic stability, and creating more equitable workplaces that fuel our local economy.
United Way president and CEO Franklyn Baker says, “A job or career isn’t just a source of income; it’s the key to building a strong future, stronger communities and a healthy local economy. But too many people in Greater Baltimore struggle with our high cost of living, and we know that the day-to-day stress of trying to get by, much less get ahead, often shows up in the workplace.”
Dealing with issues like missed work hours to care for a sick child, a major car repair (or even a flat tire), or a family member in need of critical support can have a significant impact on their finances, mental health and job performance.
United Way’s WorkWays program offers a solution. It’s a comprehensive employer/ employee engagement program that creates more supportive, equitable working environments—and stronger businesses.
WorkWays’ professional resource navigation managers work one-on-one with employees and anyone in their household to assist with a host of needs, including:
• Family support, childcare, and eldercare
• Transportation assistance
• Food and housing assistance
• Car repairs/purchasing or leasing a car
• Improving credit/savings and budgeting
• Purchasing a home, appliance or furniture
• Navigating college applications and financial aid
• Mental health support
• And much more
By addressing personal and professional barriers that employees face, WorkWays helps create a more focused, motivated and engaged workforce. This leads to increased productivity and job satisfaction, which in turn reduces turnover rates and recruitment and training costs.
WorkWays is free to employees, no matter what position they hold in a workplace. And Resource Navigators offer in-person, phone, or virtual meetings so that employees can schedule times that are most convenient for them and their busy lives. All assistance is completely confidential, and all sessions are held privately.
While most companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), studies show that only about five percent of employees take advantage of them.
“WorkWays and EAPs share the goal of supporting employees with personal challenges outside of the scope of HR, but they have different approaches,” says WorkWays Resource Navigator Ariel Keene. “In addition to maximizing usage of an EAP, we focus on providing holistic support to employees and anyone living with them by connecting them
to critical resources to help them at home— and to help them bring their best selves to work.”
Partnering with WorkWays demonstrates a company’s commitment to its employees’ well-being and professional growth. This enhances the company’s reputation as a caring and responsible employer and fosters a positive organizational culture. Such a reputation can attract top talent and improve employee morale and loyalty.
“As business leaders, we can–and must–do better to show our workers that their contributions are valued,” adds Baker. “The success of our businesses and communities depends on it.”
Learn more about how WorkWays can support local employees and businesses @ https://uwcm.org/what-we-do/economicadvancement/workways/
AP Photo
The Tuskegee University community is pulling together in the wake of the Nov. 10 shooting on the campus that left one dead and more than a dozen injured.
Mississippi Senate accused of paying attorney half the salary of colleagues
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Mississippi State Senate of racial discrimination against Kristie Metcalfe, a Black attorney who worked in its Legislative Services Office (LSO) for nearly eight years. The lawsuit claims that Metcalfe was consistently underpaid compared to her White colleagues despite holding similar job responsibilities. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, the suit alleges that Metcalfe’s salary was set at about half of her peers’ pay, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in the workplace.
Metcalfe’s case highlights what the Justice Department argues is a clear example of systemic pay discrimination. According to the lawsuit, when Metcalfe was hired in 2011, her starting salary was substantially lower than any LSO attorney employed in the previous 30 years. While her White
Middleton
AP
equal compensation, the Senate continued to hire White attorneys at higher salaries. This included a later hire with similar legal experience but no previous legislative background who was brought on at a significantly higher pay rate than Metcalfe. When Metcalfe confronted Senate officials about the disparity, her request for fair pay was reportedly denied.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division called the case a critical stand against discriminatory pay practices. “The Black employee at issue in this lawsuit was paid about half the salary of her White colleagues in violation of federal law,” Clarke said, stressing that such race-based disparities would not be tolerated. “Our work to eliminate racebased pay disparities is about promoting compliance with the law and promoting equity and fairness for all workers.”
colleagues received raises a month later, Metcalfe’s salary remained unchanged, cementing a pay gap that would persist
been the union man from Baltimore, but Middleton’s most important titles were “husband” and “father.”
Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton, who has served as vice president of the Baltimore City Council since 2016, also represents Baltimore City’s 6th District. But long before she reported to City Hall, she married Glenard Middleton. The year was 1979.
“I met him when he was a prison guard, a job he worked at for 18 years,” recalled the councilwoman, in an AFRO interview.
Over the years, the two faced countless battles together while raising a family and rising through the ranks in their individual careers.
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throughout her employment. The complaint further reveals that, despite Metcalfe’s repeated requests for
“He came home one day and told me he had been fired for being late. I told him he better get a job. I don’t know what he said, but the next day he was rehired. I was told… that is when he became noticed. It was how he stood up for himself that drew the attention of his mentors. They decided he should run to represent the workers at the prison and he won. The rest is history,” she said.
Current president of the City Council Nick Mosby, spoke about Middleton’s relentless spirit.
“He was a tireless advocate for working-class rights, always speaking for the voiceless,” says Mosby.“Glen Middleton was an extraordinary soul that devoted his life to his family, his community and the city.”
Middleton may have been a hometown hero- but he was also a loving father.
“He made time for me,” Glenard Middleton Jr. told the AFRO.“He taught me how to be a man, and so his death is a reminder to me to live a life of service–like he did.”
Glenard Middleton Jr. spoke about the fond memories he had with his father.
“I was always the envy of every kid during baseball season. My dad would take me out of school so I would never miss Opening Day,” he said.
Family members say Middleton’s presence will be missed- especially at meal time.
“At the end of every day, Glen would call and ask what do you want for dinner and if he wasn’t bringing it home he’d convince me we were going to Tio Pepe’s –his favorite restaurant,” said Councilwoman Middleton.
The councilwoman said her husband was always her number one supporter when it came to her work in helping the City of Baltimore and its residents.
it was the location of a museum.
“It was very disturbing,” Dunham said. “Everybody’s just trying to figure out what does this all mean for me? So, I definitely had a lot of fear and concern.”
Her daughter initially thought it was a prank, but emotions are high following the Nov. 5 presidential election. Dunham and her family thought it could be more nefarious and reported it to local law enforcement.
“I wasn’t in slavery. My mother wasn’t in slavery. But we’re a couple of generations away. So, when you think about how brutal and awful slavery was for our people, it’s awful and concerning,” Dunham said.
About six middle school students in Montgomery County, Penn., received the messages too, said Megan Shafer, acting superintendent of the Lower Merion School District.
“The racist nature of these text messages is extremely disturbing, made even more so by the fact that children have been targeted,” she wrote in a letter to parents.
Students at some major universities, including Clemson in South Carolina and the University of Alabama, said they received the messages. The Clemson Police Department said in a statement that it had been notified of the “deplorable racially motivated text
Through the lawsuit, the Justice Department seeks back pay, compensatory damages for Metcalfe, and an injunction to prevent further discriminatory practices.
“I was always supportive of Glen’s work as a union representative,” she said. “He just loved helping people and fighting for worker’s rights. My fondest memory was our discussion around me applying for the city council seat.”
At the time, a seat was vacated by former Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake when she moved to the presidency of the City Council. Sheila Dixon stepped up to the role of mayor to serve the remaining term of Mayor O’Malley, who was sworn in as governor of Maryland in January of 2007.
“‘You know what to do. You are doing the work,’” Councilwoman Middleton recalls her husband saying. “That was 17 years ago.”
Glenard Middleton is survived by his wife, Councilwoman Sharon Middleton; His children, daughters Otesa Miles and Anika Middleton, and his son Glenard Middleton Jr.; Two brothers Jimm Middleton, James Queen; Several grandsons: Jazz Miles, Jace Miles, Justin Miles, Ryan Crowder, Che Evans and his grand nephew, Carter Crowder.
All funeral related services will take place at Empowerment Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 4217-4221 Primrose Avenue in Baltimore.
Viewing Services will be held on Nov. 21, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. The wake will take place, November 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Funeral Services will begin promptly at 11 a.m.
The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Glenard Middleton Scholarship Fund which are being accepted by Local 44 AFSCME.
For further information call: 410-837-7278.
and email messages” and encouraged anyone who received one to report it.
Fisk University, a historically Black university in Nashville, Tennessee, issued a statement calling the messages that targeted some of its students “deeply unsettling.” It urged calm and assured students that the texts likely were from bots or malicious actors with “no real intentions or credibility.”
Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel said Black students who are members of the organization’s Missouri State University chapter received texts citing Trump’s win and calling them out by name as being “selected to pick cotton” on Nov. 12. Chapel said police in the southeastern Missouri city of Springfield, home of the university, have been notified.
“It points to a well-organized and resourced group that has decided to target Americans on our home soil based on the color of our skin,” Chapel said in a statement.
Nick Ludlum, a senior vice president for the wireless industry trade group CTIA, said: “Wireless providers are aware of these threatening spam messages and are aggressively working to block them and the numbers that they are coming from.”
David Brody, director of the Digital Justice Initiative at The Lawyers’
Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said that they aren’t sure who is behind the messages but estimated they had been sent to more than 10 states, including most Southern states, Maryland, Oklahoma and even the District of Columbia. The district’s Metropolitan Police force said in a statement that its intelligence unit was investigating the origins of the message.
Brody said a number of civil rights laws can be applied to hate-related incidents. The leaders of several other civil rights organizations condemned the messages, including Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, who said, “Hate speech has no place in the South or our nation.”
“The threat — and the mention of slavery in 2024 — is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalized.”
Associated Press reporter Summer Ballentine contributed to this report from Jefferson City, Missouri.
Photo
A lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice claims that Kristie Metcalfe was consistently underpaid when compared to her White colleagues, despite holding similar job responsibilities as attorneys.
By Joseph Williams
according to exit polls, voted for Trump.
“I just seen a Black man say ‘I didn’t vote for Trump…. I voted against trans rights and LGBTQ people rights, high inflation and a broken economy,’” television personality TS Madison wrote on X. “Trying to hurt a small group of people as a BLACK person definitely shows me that you don’t want rights….You want privilege!”
Not so fast, said Joy-Ann Reid, host of MSNBC’s “The Reid Report.”
“Every four years, I go through this ritual,” she said Tuesday night, noting 8 in 10 brothers chose Harris, not Trump, at the ballot box. “The world just wants to say that Black men are realigning, and they’re all gonna run to Donald Trump,” even though the Latino vote shifted far more dramatically to the former president than in 2020.
“It is not Black men. They are not shifting,” she said. “You are not seeing Black men shift. Please stop.”
COMMENTARY
overseas trade agreements, hit Black men just as hard as whites,” Perry says. That, he says, makes both groups more receptive to Trump’s message. Unfairly scapegoated?
Not since Willie Horton became a household name in the 1988 presidential election have Black men been at the center of such intense political debate. Unlike Horton, who became the face of violent crime in America for Republicans, there’s no consensus on whether Black men are the avatars of Harris’s 2024 defeat.
What is clear, however, is that narrative has taken hold among many Black Harris supporters.
The exit poll numbers tell a conflicting, nuanced story.
At nearly 80 percent, Black men were Harris’s second-largest voting demographic; only Black women voted for her at a higher percentage. Meanwhile, Trump’s highest demographic — white men — clocked in at 57 percent, more than 20 percentage points lower.
In August, Harris rolled out her “Opportunity Agenda,” a blueprint aimed at helping Black men get ahead. Black men, the agenda said, “have long felt that too often their voice in our political process has gone unheard.”
But in October, at a campaign stop in Pittsburgh, former President Barack Obama said he’d heard reports of low energy for Harris in some neighborhoods that supported him in 2008. The problem, he said, “seems to be more pronounced with the brothers.”
“Part of it makes me think — and I’m speaking to men directly — part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president,” he said.
Tapping into resentment
Unlike in 2020, however, Trump didn’t roll out specific policies intended specifically for Black men. Instead, he tapped into their lingering resentment of the Democratic Party, arguing that liberals always prioritize other groups, like women and the LGBTQ community, instead of them.
they are seen and understood, even if it isn’t necessarily so. Until the Democrats can coursecorrect, Perry says, Black male defections to the GOP may continue, albeit incrementally.
That includes an X user with the handle @TonyXTwo.
Sporting a MAGA ballcap over his dreadlocks, he posted a video of himself talking about how he rebuffed an electioneer who assumed he was a Democrat; then narrated a video of himself in the ballot booth, voting Republicans all the way down the ticket.
After Kamala Harris’s stinging loss to Donald Trump in the election on Nov. 5, the social media Blackisphere chopped up why an accomplished Black woman — the sitting vice president, a former senator and prosecutor — lost. How, they wondered, could Harris have crashed out to a scandal-plagued, insurrectionist convicted felon, an old white man who was one of the least popular presidents in recent history?
To some, the villains are obvious: the roughly 20 percent of Black men who,
Andre Perry, a senior fellow at Brookings Institution, thinks the debate over whether Black men turned their backs on Harris when she most needed them is misguided because “it really does not reckon with why people vote, or the rationale for people’s votes.”
Misogynoir — resentment and anger towards Black women — may have motivated some Black men to choose Trump, Perry says. But it overlooks more complex socioeconomic issues, and the GOP’s continuing outreach to Black men.
“I think there’s sexism among men, but the truth is economic shifts, like
But Brittany Packnett, an educator, organizer and activist, argues good wasn’t good enough in an election in which the outcome could mean the difference between life or death for some Black women.
“Black men, I should be able to lovingly say to you that 78 percent was strong but it’s still a C+—and there’s room for improvement to fix your attachment to patriarchy,” she wrote on Threads.
If Harris had received a higher percentage of the Black male vote, it could have been enough to win a swing state or two — especially since Trump’s margin of victory in some states was a few hundred thousand votes or less. And it wasn’t like the Democrats couldn’t see it coming.
“Any African American or Hispanic — and you know how well I’m doing there — that votes for Kamala, you gotta have your head examined,” he said during a rally in Atlanta last month. “Because they are really screwing you.”
Perry says the GOP has spent years quietly crafting a message that bluecollar Black men, and other voters who didn’t go to college, can easily relate to. Elites, it goes, look down on you; Trump is one of you. That simple message “resonates with people without a college degree, and there’s many more Black [male] and Latino voters” in that class, Perry says. It was a mistake, he says, for Democrats to expect party loyalty, or Harris’s race, to supersede Trump convincing Black men
What a father tells his son after Election Night 2024
By John Celestand
I lied to my son. As if the election result cementing Donald Trump as our next president again wasn’t enough of a punch to the face, a conversation with my 11-year son on Nov. 6 was the gut punch that dropped me to the canvas. After returning home from school, flabbergasted as to how the country could elect a man like Trump President for a second time, my son asked me, “Do you think Donald Trump will try to make us slaves again?”
The velocity at which I attempted to answer his question was somewhere close to the speed of light. Yet before I could even get out my answer, he doubled down. “Are my friends going to be deported?”
I stumbled through my words to assure him that Trump could not make us slaves again. I also assured him that his friends would not be deported.
In my act of assurance, I lied to my son. The audacity of me to not at first even give some thought to Trump potentially enslaving Black folks. How could I feign so much certainty given what I’ve seen him do to this country since 2016, even before he became the President?
The audacity of me to assure my son,
By Dawn Montgomery
Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality television star and rapist. White women answered the call, but left us hanging at the polls.
A familiar disappointment I live in DeKalb County, Ga., and the abundance of HarrisWalz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for
Courtesy Photo John Celestand is the program director of the Knight x LMA BloomLab, a $3.2 million initiative that supports the advancement and sustainability of local Black-owned news publications. He is a former freelance sports broadcaster and writer who covered the NBA and college basketball for multiple networks. John was a member of the 2000 Los Angeles Lakers NBA Championship Team, playing alongside the late great Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. He currently resides in Silver Spring, Md, with his wife and son. This week, he speaks on how parents are struggling to unpack the 2024 presidential election results and what they mean with their children.
governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phonebanked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight. In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.
The illusion of solidarity— symbols are not enough On social media, I’m seeing
who, here in Maryland, lives in the second most diverse city in the country, that his friends need not worry. The boldness in me to confidently assure him that in a place as diverse as Montgomery County, Maryland, his friends, classmates, and teammates — all from different walks of life, religions, and countries — would undoubtedly be safe.
I lied to my son.
But I had to, didn’t I? I needed to protect the innocence of a sixth grader who plays basketball in his Kenyan friend’s driveway a few times a week. I had to guarantee him that his other friend from Ethiopia, whom he had gone to elementary school with, was going to be OK. Who was I to tell him the truth?
In fact, why couldn’t Donald Trump make us slaves again?
He once called for the termination of the Constitution and has recently threatened to eradicate the Department of Education. I never thought he’d be able to empower an angry mob to storm the capitol building, smash windows, climb walls, and look for members of Congress to maul. I never thought a convicted felon, found guilty of sexual abuse, could be elected President. I never thought a man who has verbally assaulted Women, Haitians, Africans, Detroiters, and Baltimoreans, just to name a few, could again garner so much support.
Who was I to underestimate what
White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.
I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show
their true selves?
Trump could now do?
So I lied to my son. I lied about the safety of his friends. I feigned confidence that everything would be OK. An 11-year-old deserves that lie, don’t they? Why should they walk around in terror, wondering when their friends, their friend’s parents, or their teammates may be whisked away?
My son’s middle school has a 90 percent minority enrollment. My attempt to shield him from the scars of this country is futile in the grand scheme of things. These kids are approaching adolescence, and they are having conversations at school, on the bus, walking home from school, and wherever else young minds begin to communicate about who their country really is. They have real fears.
So, I lied to my son.
Yet, I can’t help but think about whether the lie or truth makes me a more responsible father. When he finds out the truth, will he appreciate my lie, or hold it against me? Would telling him the truth better cement our relationship? Is it better for him to engage with his friends, knowing that some of these relationships could be temporary?
Maybe I should just dive in and let him know that, as Black folks in this country, we may be on an island all by ourselves. Maybe I should tell him that Black people only make up about 14 percent of the population, and Black
Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.
One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation.
Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater
The caption reads, “I’m showing you I’m done with the Democrat Party! Absolutely done! TRUMP 2024!” By contrast, @Pinko69420 used percentages to make his point: white women, not Black men, are the real scapegoats. “53 percent in 2016, 55 percent in 2020, 56 percent in 2024,” he wrote. “Because society insists on bestowing them with the Disney Princess/Damsel In Distress/ Inherently Virtuous treatment, [White women] will never receive the level of castigation Black Men and other demographics receive.”
For her part, Packnett isn’t scapegoating.
She just expects more.
“I know Black men voted like they always do. I’m saying I’ve always wanted them to do better,” she wrote on Threads.
“If your mom was always good w you bringing home a C, we got raised differently. I can hold high standards for my brothers like they hold them for me.”
This article was originally published by Word in Black.
folks alone won’t be able to effect major change when it comes to voting. We will need other groups like white men, white women, and Hispanic men to assist us in our quest for a decent, fair, and equitable America.
Maybe I should tell him that with the results of this week’s election, all signs point to Black folks not getting enough support from those groups anytime soon. White men, white Women, and Latino Men voted for Trump at 59 percent, 52 percent and 54 percent clips, respectively. Maybe I should tell him that even immigrants who come to this country eventually want to swim in the pool of anti-Black Americanness.
In the end, I made the right decision by lying to my son. I don’t think there is a need yet to expose my son to the fact that most of the country didn’t vote for Trump strictly due to policy. They voted for Trump to obstruct the browning of a changing America. It’s that simple. My son’s neighborhood friends and their parents represent a threat to Trump’s traditional and outdated ideas of what America is in its purest form.
I lied to my son because I love him. America will tell him the truth eventually because it doesn’t.
This article was originally published by Word in Black.
impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.
A call for action beyond words White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.
If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.
This op-ed was originally published by NNPA Newswire.
Courtesy photo
Courtesy Photo Dawn Montgomery is a mental health advocate, awardwinning journalist and media and marketing strategist. This week, she discusses women and how they voted in the 2024 election.
Education on the ballot: Here’s what passed
By Quintessa Williams Word in Black
Donald Trump, champion of eliminating the Department of Education and cutting K-12 funding, is returning to the White House. But the Nov. 5 presidential election wasn’t the only thing on the ballot that could impact K-12 schools and the educational futures of Black students.
State-level decisions about school choice, standardized testing, school boards and school funding were also put before voters.
School choice
School choice, a controversial policy that allows parents to use public tax dollars to send their child to charter, private, or religious schools, was on the ballot in several states. In Colorado, Amendment 80, which would have made school choice a constitutional right, is on pace to be rejected by voters. Similarly, Kentucky’s Amendment 2, which aimed to amend the state constitution to allow public funding for private education, did not pass.
However, Nebraska’s Referendum 435, aiming to repeal a law providing public funds for private school tuition, was approved and will likely help preserve resources for Black students who predominantly attend public schools.
Standardized testing
Making racially biased high-stakes standardized tests—like the SAT — optional for college admissions has long been a hot topic. And now, the
Voters
test-optional movement has a victory in Massachusetts.
Voters approved Question 2, which eliminates the requirement that students pass a standardized exam to graduate high school. This change is expected to increase graduation rates, including for Black students.
School board elections
School boards decide everything from how resources are allocated to whether inclusive and culturally relevant curricula are taught — which means many school board races nationwide have become
heated partisan contests. Florida’s Amendment 1, which would have required school board candidates to list their political party affiliation, did not pass. This will maintain nonpartisan school board elections and allow parties to focus on educational issues rather than political agendas.
School funding
Five states — California, Colorado, Missouri, New Mexico and Utah — had ballot measuresto raise or increase school funding. More money for public schools can help with a range of issues:
reducing class sizes, upgrading facilities, expanding access to early childhood education, providing mental health and essential literacy support, and paying for instructional materials and aides — all of which can help boost Black student achievement.
• California Proposition 2, which proposed to provide $10 billion in bonds for public education facility upgrades, is likely to pass.
• Colorado Proposition KK passed imposing a 6.5 percent tax on gun and ammunition sales to fund education and mental health programs.
• Missouri Amendment 5, which asked voters to authorize a casino on the Osage River, and would have directed revenue from a new gambling license to fund early childhood literacy programs, did not pass.
• New Mexico Bond Question 3 passed, which will provide $19.3 million for public and academic libraries.
• Utah Amendment A, which asked voters to maintain the constitutional requirement that income tax revenue support public education, was voided after a judge ruled that certain prerequisites were not met for the amendment to be on the ballot.
• Utah Amendment B was passed to increase the annual distribution limit from the State School Fund for public education from 4 percent to 5 percent.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore designated as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center
By Ariyana Griffin AFRO Staff Writer agriffin@afro.com
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is now officially the fifth Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to have its campus designated as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The university joins Howard University, Southern University and A&M College, Prairie View A&M and South Carolina State University in becoming a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Patent and Trademark Resource Center is conveniently located in the Frederick Douglass Library. It is open and ready to serve as a valuable resource for the community as well as the student body.
“We are the only patent and trademark resource center on the entire Delmarva Peninsula,” said Dr. Pamela Allison, the endowed chair of entrepreneurship and innovation. “Prior to us opening, you would have to go across The Chesapeake Bay Bridge- about a two-hour drive from here- to another patent and trademark center.”
UMES has offered various trademark and patent boot camps through its Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The sessions cover various topics, from the basics of trademark and patents to practical advice on navigating the application process. The sessions provide students and community members with a comprehensive
understanding of entrepreneurship and business maintenance.
The bootcamps are hosted by the United States Patent and Trademark Organization’s experts and feature application reviewers who can let people know what makes a successful application and what doesn’t.
“The patent and trademark resource center will help them to search to see if there are other products out there already like theirs to save them some time and a lot of money - it is expensive to pursue a patent or a trademark,” said Dr. Allison, “If you have a great idea, you need to protect that intellectual property.”
idea has already been trademarked and patented, making the center accessible to all.
Sharon Brooks, the acting director of library services at UMES, shared that the center is essential because it can “take away some of the hesitations and fear from people who would want to become an entrepreneur.”
“If you have a great idea, you need to protect that intellectual property.”
Frederick Douglass Library librarians have been trained to assist in utilizing the center as a research resource. They can guide people through checking if an
“As long as they know that someone is here to help them, I think they would make more progress rather than just thinking, ‘I can’t do this, where do I go?’” said Brooks. “Being here at the university I think would give people more confidence because they know they have a place to go.”
Brooks shared that she is excited to collaborate with the community and students to help develop more programming and help bring some of their ideas to fruition.
Unsplash / Note Thanun
across the nation decided on measures impacting K-12 school choice, funding, testing, and school boards.
Photo courtesy of The University of Maryland Eastern Shore
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is now the fifth HBCU to be designated as a Trademark Resource Center. The center will serve as a resource for community members as well as the student body, faculty and staff.
Divine Nine members reflect on supporting Kamala Harris’ presidential bid
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
As results rolled in for the 2024 presidential election, members of historically Black fraternities and sororities, or the “Divine Nine,” reflected on their support for Vice President Kamala Harris (D) during her brief yet prominent campaign.
“I believe that we really were able to motivate and galvanize the Black community,” said Demetriece Thomas, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. “It was about the mission for our country, for our race–in addition to ensuring all Americans have access to equal rights.”
Thomas said she made sure to participate in “not just the presidential” election, but the “local as well, because every [level] of the branches of government impacts us.”
Divine Nine members worked alongside the Maryland Democratic Party on Oct. 3 to support Harris and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D). Even though Harris did not win her bid for president, Alsobrooks beat out her opponent, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), for Maryland’s U.S. Senate seat.
Thomas, 44, spoke on how the Divine Nine came together to help get people educated, registered and out to the polls.
“The international presidents from the Divine Nine came together, strategized and put out a
mission for all of us,” said Thomas. “From there, we came together and went out into the communities.”
Thomas, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter, shared how she assisted in voter registration efforts in Baltimore.
“I was able to help coordinate voter registration for our high school students,” said Thomas. “You can register as early as 16 years old, and we wanted to make sure our newly turned 18-year-olds in our high school systems were registered.”
Mallory Gayle, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA), emphasized that the 2024 election is not
the first time members of her sorority have been involved in politics.
“We’ve always been on the front lines of politics and making sure that we are a part of women’s suffrage and civil rights,” said Gayle, 32.
In 1939, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became a lifelong member of the NAACP, joining their mission to advocate for justice.
Crystal Westmoreland, a member of the Rho Xi Omega Chapter of the AKA, discussed how being an AKA prepared Harris to run for president.
“It taught her structure and confidence,” said Westmoreland, 40. “The sorority prepared her because we are sisters of all mankind. We help everybody.”
LGBTQIA+ community sounds off about 2024 election results
By Aria Brent AFRO Staff abrent@afro.com
LGBTQIA+ voters emerged as a vital and active demographic in the 2024 general election, shaping discourse around civil rights, health care, education and safety.
According to an NBC News Exit Poll, “Harris led President-elect Trump 86 percent to 12 percent among LGBT voters. That’s a 15 point change from 2020, when Trump won 27 percent of the LGBT vote against Biden.”
With a variety of offensive comments and a history of implementing discriminatory policies, including banning trans-people from serving in the U.S. military, Trump’s stance on LGBTQIA+ issues has members of the community on edge.
“It is rare that we as American people get the chance to directly engage in political processes in a way that is as obvious as voting. Personally, other forms of civic engagement, such as keeping up legislation, lobbying, community organizing and mutual aid feel far more meaningful to me,” said Aimaloghi Eromosele of Brooklyn,N.Y. “I did not want to see blatant fascism progress in the White House, via Donald Trump, so voting against him was the only thing to do.”
Eromosele, like many others recognized her vote was of the most impactful ways she could truly voice her feelings about Trump running for president- despite the outcome of the election. Other members of the community noted that voting wasn’t an option– but a requirement.
“It was imperative that I vote during this election because our lives are at stake, the way we are at the mercy of the government and could have our rights stripped away is unacceptable,” said Marshawn Grady of Richmond,Va.
As election results were announced in the early hours of Nov. 6, members of the LGBTQIA+ community experienced a mix of emotions.
“I’m highly disappointed in these results. I was hoping Kamala was going to be elected, but in the back of my mind I knew it wasn’t going to happen,” said Justin Brent of Columbus, Ohio.
Justin Brent, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, is concerned about the policies that will be implemented during Trump’s second term as president.
Although Aimalighi Eromosele wishes there were more direct ways to be involved with political processes, she appreciates the ability to vocalize her political feelings by voting in elections whenever they happen.
“Trump has been so clear in his feelings towards the queer and the Black community, I’m sure none of his policies or actions will be in our favor.”
According to the platform publicly posted to Donald Trump’s official website, he plans to “cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content” to children in K-12 classrooms.
He also has said he wants to “keep men out of women’s sports.”
In the wake of Trump’s win, many queer people of color seem to be in mourning.
“Living through Trump’s previous presidency and living through many of my rights being revoked for years was hard. Not only did I lose my right to marry my partner at the time, I was also losing my right to make decisions over my body,” said Ashley Bryan of Brooklyn, N.Y.
“There were many more rights taken away from my loved ones. Those times
Marshawn Gradyis proud that he prioritized voting in this year’s general election, regardless of the outcome.
Ashley Bryan recalls her rights as a queer person being revoked during Trumps first administration and she fears it will happen again as he comes back into power.
were extremely scary to live through.”
Several national LGBTQIA+ organizations such as the Trevor Project and LGBTQ+ CenterLink released statements on social media addressing the election results and assuring the LGBTQIA+ community that they have support and resources during this time. They also took the time to highlight some of the positives of this year’s election.
LGBTQ+ CenterLink released a statement from CEO, Denise Spivak.
“While the outcome may be disappointing, we see undeniable proof of hope for the future. The first ever openly transgender member of Congress will be sworn in, as will the first ever LGBTQ+ member of Congress from the south,” said Spivak, in the statement. “Marriage equality amendments prevailed with overwhelming support in California and Colorado. And across the country, voters continued to pass ballot referendums protecting access to abortion.”
AFRO Photo/Alexis Taylor
Crystal Westmoreland (center) shares how Kamala Harris’ experience as an AKA helped prepare her for a presidential run. Alongside Westmoreland are fellow watch party attendees Shaunte Woodfolk (left) and Lanasia West (far right).
AFRO Photo/Alexis Taylor
Mallory Gayle, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, shows pride in her sorority at a Nov. 5 election watch party.
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Baltimore City Councilwoman
Mary Pat Clarke dies at age 83
By Catherine Pugh Special to the AFRO
The death of Mary Pat Clarke has sparked a deep sense of gratitude from elected officials and residents alike. The former president of the Baltimore City Council died at age 83.
Former Maryland governor and Baltimore City Council member Martin O’Malley, who served with Mary Pat Clarke, expressed his condolences along with current Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and former Mayor of Baltimore City, Kurt Schmoke. Clarke suffered a brief illness and was surrounded by family at her passing, on Nov. 10.
“Anywhere you go in this city, there is someone with a story about how Mary Pat helped them,” said Mayor Brandon Scott. “She was one of the first people to welcome me to City Hall when I arrived and poured into me consistently, while showing me
A century of impact: Greater Baltimore Urban League celebrates 100 years of service
By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO
On Saturday, Nov. 9, Baltimore’s elite gathered at the Convention Center Hilton Hotel to celebrate a momentous occasion: the 100th anniversary of the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL).
The evening, themed “A Century of Impact, A Future of Promise,” marked a century of GBUL’s relentless dedication to advancing the social, economic and political equity of Baltimore’s Black community. The gala brought together community leaders, public officials and supporters.
The night began with a lively cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m., offering guests a chance to connect before the awards program. Guests, including prominent Baltimore figures and dignitaries, were welcomed by the evening’s charismatic hosts, Frank Ski and Kai Reed.
Ricky Smith, chairman of the GBUL Board of Directors, opened the program
how to serve from the ground up.” Clarke was first elected to a four-year term as a city councilmember in 1975 with Clarence ‘Du’ Burns and Nathan Irby, Jr. to the second district. At the time, the city was divided into six districts, with three members each. Clarke would serve with them for another four-year term from 1979-1983.
In 1987, she became the first woman elected president of the Baltimore City Council, a role she held until 1995. Clarke returned to the city council in 2003 as a member, representing District 14, currently held by her mentee Odette Ramos. Clarke served the 14th District until her retirement from the council in 2020.
“Mary Pat and I met as young city council members in 1979. She spent her entire life helping people and getting things done, but it was her big heart, infectious laugh and good nature that made for the rare eloquence of her example. I will miss her,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07).
Lawrence Bell, a former Baltimore City Council member and president, remembers meeting Clarke as a teenager. He says her example should be followed by others.
“I believe that Mary Pat–who could talk to the working
New council to tackle Charm City’s vacancy crisis
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
The new Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Council (BVRC) held its inaugural meeting in Broadway East on Nov. 7.
“A house represents the soul of the community, and a vacant house represents a missed opportunity,” said Jake Day, secretary of Housing and Community Development at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). “It represents dollars not spent in the economy [and] tax revenue not finding its way back to city budgets or to state budgets. It represents people not there to participate in the community, to advocate for themselves, to cry out for their needs and aspirations.”
with a heartfelt greeting, highlighting GBUL’s enduring mission and the organization’s vision for its next century. He acknowledged that while significant strides have been made, barriers to economic, social and political advancement for African Americans remain.
“As we launch a new century – ‘A Future of Promise,’ we are guided by our new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, entitled ‘Legacy Reimagined.’ Through this plan, GBUL will harness the foundation that comes with 100 years of service to our community.”
Since its founding in 1924, the Greater Baltimore Urban League has been an essential force for change. It was originally chartered as the Baltimore Urban League by Rev. Peter Ainslie and community leaders who sought to improve job opportunities and living conditions for Baltimore’s Black residents. Today, GBUL continues to fulfill that mission with programs like its Workforce Development initiative, the Raymond V. Hay-
sbert Center for Entrepreneurship and youth-focused programs. The organization offers everything from job readiness workshops to college preparation and support for business development.
The awards ceremony honored individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and embodied the values of GBUL. Among the honorees were P. David Bramble of MCB Real Estate; Sylvia and Eddie Brown of Brown Capital Management and GBUL Chief Development Officer, Jennifer Wicks, who took home the Rising Star Award.
A particularly moving moment was the presentation of the Beverly and Howard Henderson Impactful Couple Award to Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore, whose public service has inspired countless residents across the city and state.
The Whitney M. Young Jr. Award was presented to former Morgan State
Continued on B3
Timothy Cartwell, DPW worker, crushed to death while on the job
By Ariyana Griffin AFRO Staff Writer agriffin@afro.com
A Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) solid waste worker, Timothy Cartwell, died on the morning of Friday, Nov. 8, after sustaining fatal injuries while collecting trash in West Baltimore.
Cartwell, who was assigned to the Reedbird Sanitation Yard, was working in an alleyway when he became pinned between the truck and a wooden light pole. He was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he later passed away due to his severe injuries.
“We are devastated by the loss of one of our DPW family, Timothy Cartwell. I’ve spoken with members of his family and extended the heartbreak that the entire City of Baltimore shares with them,” said Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) via a statement on the social media platform, X. Cartwell’s death comes
mere months after another DWP worker, Ronald Silver II, died from heat exhaustion on Aug. 2. This incident led to Baltimore City officials announcing that they would be working with a D.C.based law firm to conduct an independent investigation on the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding their safety policies and practices.
The Department of Public Works said in a statement that they are “fully committed to supporting all employees affected by this tragedy. Counseling services and support are available to staff through the City’s Employee Assistance Program.”
Day, as chairman, led the meeting alongside Alice Kennedy, housing commissioner for the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, who serves as the vice chair.
“We’re here today to chart a new course for the City of Baltimore to reimagine the way that vacancy can be addressed,” said Day. “It will require tough conversations and important decisions.” Day highlighted the reason members of the council came together.
“Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed an executive order on Oct. 1, establishing the Reinvest Baltimore initiative and
“A house represents the soul of the community, and a vacant house represents a missed opportunity.”
this council,” said Day. “We have city leaders from the office of Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) and the Baltimore City Council. We have representatives of the philanthropic and public sectors and private sectors, including the business community.”
The main functions of the executive order include renaming DHCD’s Project C.O.R.E. (Creating Opportunities for Revitalization and Equity) to the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative and creating BVRC.
“Project C.O.R.E. has been successful in transforming communities that were plagued with blight and va-
Photo Meta (Facebook)/ Mary Pat Clarke Friends, family and former constituents of Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke are mourning her Nov. 10 death.
Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen
Shelonda Stokes (left), president of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, celebrates GBUL’s 100th anniversary and the announcement of its next CEO Tykia Warden (second from left) along with Hana Pugh Scott, operations manager for BMore Empowered, and Chrissy Thornton (right), president and CEO of Associated Black Charities.
Photo courtesy of Meta (Facebook) / Timothy Cartwell
Friends and family of Timothy Cartwell, a solid waste employee, are mourning his death after a fatal accident on the job.
Baltimore metropolitan area traffic remains affected by the Key Bridge collapse
By April Quevedo Capital News Service
When the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, officials warned the loss of the stretch of roadway would wreak havoc on the region.
The loss of the Key Bridge effectively disconnected the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), a 51-mile loop, in the southeast, rendering key travel routes and communities in the eastern part of Baltimoreinaccessible to drivers without extensive additional travel.
The bridge served as a vital access point for traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore. Trucks carrying hazardous materials that used the bridge to cross the harbor are now forced to go around the beltway in the opposite direction (a 35 mile detour) due to cargo restrictions through Baltimore City traffic tunnels.
Now, alternative routes are bearing the brunt of a logistical burden.
Vacancy crisis
Continued from B1
cancy,” said Del. Stephanie Smith (D-Md.-45), who also serves on the council. “We just wanted to make sure that Project C.O.R.E. could work at a bigger level and be more fully supported by philanthropic and other governmental funding infusion.”
According to an annual DHCD report, “from January 2016 through June 2023, MSA (Maryland Stadium Authority), the City of Baltimore, and DHCD removed a total of 5,387 units of blight through demolition, deconstruction or stabilization.”
According to the executive order, the renamed initiative’s roles include creating jobs, developing green spaces and
“The tunnel crossings are what’s getting slammed,” said Ed Stylc, a transportation planner at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), a nonprofit that works with the region’s elected executives to plan and develop programs that help improve quality of life and economic vitality.
To better understand the impacts of the bridge collapse, Capital News Service undertook an analysis of traffic accident and congestion data. The analysis includes a review of crash report data maintained by the Maryland State Police (MSP) and traffic congestion reports released by the BMC in the wake of the bridge collapse.
Congestion up
Over 34,000 vehicles traveled on the Key Bridge daily prior to its collapse – 10 percent of those vehicles being commercial trucks. The bridge collapse meant that traffic needed to be diverted. The Maryland Department
paving the way for affordable housing. The new council will also oversee efforts to implement Reinvest Baltimore and report to the governor about such progress.
During the meeting, the council acknowledged the history of redlining and how it has created a persisting 16,000 vacant property issue in Baltimore City – up until recent years.
“As of this morning, there are 13,056 vacant homes,” said Kennedy on Nov. 7. “We update this dashboard three times a day because we are issuing and eliminating new vacant building notices every day.”
The executive order also
acknowledges that lower-income Black Baltimoreans and other people of color in Baltimore are disproportionately impacted by concentrated vacant properties throughout the city.
According to a regional report by Peter M. Dolkart and Adam Scavette, “neighborhoods with the largest share of abandoned properties are majority-Black and impoverished, such as SandtownWinchester/Harlem Park (31 percent), Southwest Baltimore (29 percent) and Greenmount East (27 percent).”
Dolkart and Scavette work for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Dolkart serves as the Community Development regional manager for the Maryland and West Virginia locations and Scavette is a regional economist at the Bal-
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of Transportation (MDOT) suggested alternate routes including I-95, I-895 and the remaining portion of I-695. Unsurprisingly, that has increased congestion along those routes.
The BMC found that Baltimore area traffic congestion along certain corridors of major highways has increased by at least 25 percent since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March. And it’s the Baltimore area tunnels that are truly shouldering the load.
The Baltimore Harbor tunnel and Fort McHenry tunnel have absorbed most of the bridge’s traffic. With traffic now being diverted to the remaining harbor crossings, northbound travel times through both tunnels are up an average of almost 200 percent and 100 percent respectively, according to BMC congestion data reports.
“That kind of leads to the conversation about how important the bridge was,” said Todd Lang, director of transportation planning at BMC, “Even though it was one of the har-
timore branch.
“We are doing this work specifically to redress racist housing policies in the City of Baltimore,” said Kennedy. “We are not just showing up to invest in our neighborhoods and invest in our communities. We’re here to heal the neighborhoods in the City of Baltimore.”
Smith assured Black Baltimoreans living in blighted areas that investments through Reinvest Baltimore will reach them.
“These funds can only be used in Baltimore. They can’t be used in some other part of the state, and I think people should be comforted by that,” said Smith, in regards to the increased $50 million a year the state will commit to Reinvest Baltimore in Fiscal Year 2026 and so on. “This is money for Baltimore to be used in Baltimore that is already working in Baltimore. It’s not a new idea. It’s just a continuation and a scaling up.”
Day said the council’s primary goals include recommending “coordination strategies to reduce obstacles, measure progress and thus hold ourselves accountable to that progress, to provide guidance and to maximize communitybased priorities and investments.”
“VacantStat is going to happen in the coming months,” said Day. “We’re going to have a preview of that in an upcoming meeting.”
bor crossings that had less traffic, closing the bridge just meant additional pressures on the tunnels.”
Traffic crashes In addition to traffic diversion from the Key Bridge, traffic crashes contribute to delays along already overpopulated highways.
According to a Capital News Service analysis of crash report data maintained by the Maryland State Police (MSP), I-695 typically accounts for over half of all traffic accidents between the three interstates. With a portion of the beltway out of commission until at least Fall 2028, accidents on I-695 have increased slightly – about 3 percent.
MSP recorded 2,004 reports along suggested alternate routes in the Baltimore metro area since March 26 compared to 1,901 reports in the same time frame a year prior – a 5 percent increase.
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VacantStat, a comprehensive state and local-level data dashboard to monitor progress on Reinvest Baltimore, will also be released soon through the council.
Long-term goals for the council include reducing vacant building notices by 5,000 in five years and by 13,998 in 15 years.
“Throughout the year, we will be scheduling events that will include public participation,” said Day, emphasizing that they are still working out what that will look like in the coming months based on feedback. “Public engagement is important to us, and we will enable it.”
Mary Pat Clarke
Continued from B1
class, as well as upper class people–should be the role model for Democratic politicians of the future,” said Bell.
Jack Young, former mayor, member and president of the Baltimore City Council, recalls working for Clarke before seeking office.
“I worked for her as a constituent service aide while she was council president. I learned so much about how to deliver excellent service to our constituents,” said Young, “ I remember when the council president vacancy came up. I went straight to her out of respect to see if she wanted it and she told me she wasn’t interested, encouraged me to go for it and pledged her support. I was a better elected official because of her tutoring. I will never forget her for what she has done for me,” said Young.
Former Mayor Sheila Dixon also spoke on Clarke’s legacy.
“I was elected to the City Council the year Mary Pat Clarke was elected president of the city council. She was a mentor and I learned so much from her work ethic. When I became Mayor and she came back on the city council, she was a great partner to my administration.”
The council’s next meeting will go from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Dec. 12. Their meetings will go from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first Tuesdays of each month in 2025. Smith said the plan the council is developing “is not only going to make neighborhoods safer and look better, it’s also going to increase the wealth opportunity for people who already live there.” Those who “have seen their biggest investment, their home, devalued over decades” due to excessive blight and vacancy.
stitution of public service, and her loss will be felt in every corner of our city. Her legacy of advocacy, compassion and unwavering dedication to her community will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.”
President-elect of the Baltimore City Council Zeke Cohen also weighed in on how Clarke personally made a difference in his life.
“Anywhere you go in this city, there is someone with a story about how Mary Pat helped them.”
Dixon described Clarke as “a strong, energetic, spirit filled woman who loved the people of Baltimore.”
Nick Mosby, current president of the Baltimore City Council, said Clarke “was a true in-
“Mary Pat was a mentor and leader for the City Council. We worked together closely on several policies impacting kids. A week before she passed away I asked her to come speak at a retreat I’m hosting for the new city council. She was thrilled! It is heartbreaking to know that some of my colleagues will not benefit from her wisdom. But her legacy will live on through the many young leaders that she uplifted. I feel tremendously lucky to have called her my friend,” he said. During her tenure in office Clarke received many honors for her service. On Aug. 2, Mayor Brandon Scott announced the renaming of the newly upgraded Lake Montebello playground to “Council President Mary Pat Clarke Playground.” Clarke was married to J. Joseph Clarke in 1963. He preceded her in death on Feb. 10, 2024. He was 83 years old. She is survived by children: Jennifer Clarke Hubbard, Erin Clarke Gorden, John J. Clarke Jr., Susan Clarke Chandrasekhar and a host of other relatives and friends.
AFRO Photo / James Fields
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore creates the Reinvest Baltimore initiative and the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Council with an executive order on Oct. 1. Moore and other city and state officials will work with the council to tackle the city’s issues with abandoned properties and blight.
Urban League
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University President Dr. Earl S. Richardson; Baltimore Banner Managing Editor Andrea K. McDaniels; President of the Greater Maryland division of Bank of America, Janet Currie, and W. Drew Hawkins,founder of Edyoucore Sports and Entertainment. The awardees were recognized for their dedication to advancing equality and justice in the Baltimore region. Dr. Edwin Green Jr. received the President’s Award.
Perhaps the night’s most anticipated announcement was the unveiling of Tykia Warden as the new CEO of GBUL. Chairman Ricky Smith introduced her with excitement and pride, highlighting her extensive experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. Warden, who previously served as vice president of Institutional Relations at the NAACP, brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership. Her background in securing funding and expanding partnerships promises a bright future for GBUL as it continues its mission to support Baltimore’s Black community.
After the formal program, the excitement crescendoed with a live performance by Tony! Toni! Toné! Their soulful R&B hits filled the ballroom, as guests enjoyed the classic sounds that have been part of the cultural heartbeat for decades. As the final notes of the performance rang out, the ballroom transformed into an energetic after-party led by DJ 5star. From 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests danced the night away, celebrating not only GBUL’s past accomplishments but also the promise of its future impact.
With a beautifully prepared menu featuring slow-cooked beef short rib, rockfish, a pear salad, and a dessert of rich carrot and chocolate mousse cakes, the evening was a feast for both the palate and the spirit. The gala embodied GBUL’s mission of empowerment, resilience and community.
For 100 years, the organization has fought to dismantle systemic barriers, and with the unveiling of its new strategic plan, “Legacy Reimagined,” it is poised to tackle the next century with the same tenacity and vision.
As guests departed in the early morning hours, there was a palpable sense of pride and hope.
The Greater Baltimore Urban League’s Centennial Gala was not only a celebration of history but also a powerful reminder that with community support, dedication, and visionary leadership, a brighter, more equitable future is within reach.
of these
Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen Coby Smith, president of the Greater Baltimore Leadership Association (GBLA), speaks on behalf of the young professionals affiliated with Greater Baltimore Urban League, where he sits on the board of directors.
Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen Ricky D. Smith is chair, executive director and CEO of Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport. Smith is a member of the GBUL Board of Directors.
Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen
Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, introduces honoree Dr. Earl S. Richardson, former president of Morgan State University.
Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen
The Greater Baltimore Urban League is officially 100 years old.
Harriet Tubman elevated to brigadier general in Maryland National Guard
By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor
Relatives, elected officials and special guests from around the state came together Nov. 11 to officially elevate Harriet Tubman to the rank of brigadier general in the Maryland National Guard.
The ceremony, held on Veterans Day at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, included powerful remarks from Maryland Gov.
Wes Moore and Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, Maryland’s 31st adjutant general.
General Tubman is known for being a fierce leader of the Underground Railroad, a network of abolitionists, freedmen and women and former slaves that assisted those in bondage as they fled to northern states of the country, and later, Canada.
Born a slave in Dorchester County, Md., Tubman came into the world as “Araminta Ross” in 1822. After
decades of chattel slavery, she ran away to freedom in 1849. Though she had escaped with her life, it wasn’t enough– especially when her parents and siblings remained in chains.
According to information released by the Department of Natural Resources, between 1850 and 1860 General Tubman ventured back into slave territory on more than a dozen separate occasions to lead friends, family and strangers to freedom.
In 1862 John Andrew, who served the state of Massachusetts as governor at the time, selected Tubman to serve the Union Army’s Department of the South. Her title was union spy and she quickly distinguished herself. In 1863, General Tubman supplied the Union Army with information to conduct a raid on Confederate forces near Beaufort, S.C. In the raid, more than 750 humans were freed from their chains and– similar to her record on the Underground Railroad– not a single Union soldier was lost. For her work, she received $100. Tubman died on March 10, 1913 and received semi-military honors along with her internment at Fort Hill Cemetery in New York.
Baltimore honors local service members with 2024 Veterans Day parade
By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor
Residents lined the streets of Baltimore
Nov. 9 for the Veterans Day parade, an annual celebration of the service members who call Charm City “home.” Hundreds came out to say thank you to the veterans who have helped sustain the U.S. Army; U.S. Air Force; U.S. Marine Corps; U.S. Navy; the Coast Guard and yes, even the youngest branch of the military, the U.S. Space Force.
The parade kicked off at the Washington Monument, located in the heart of the Mt. Vernon- Belvedere area, and concluded at the War Memorial Plaza, across from City Hall. All along the way the sound of marching bands could be heard, as dancers pranced down St. Paul street and other participants passed out miniature American flags.
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott could be seen making his way down the parade route, shaking hands and speaking with residents on the sidewalk. Veterans young and old looked on with pride as the parade line passed by. Other elected officials, such as Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07), took part in the wreath laying at the Washington Monument.
All photos courtesy of Flikr/ Maryland Office of the Governor, except where noted
Rep. Adrienne Jones (D-Md.- District 10), speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, addresses the crowd.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks with pride at the commissioning ceremony of the woman now known as General Harriet Tubman in the Maryland National Guard.
Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, Maryland’s 31st adjutant general, speaks on the work done with state legislators to properly rank Harriet Tubman in the Maryland National Guard.
AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor Peggy Ross, a descendant of Harriet Tubman’s brother, keeps the memory of her aunt alive.
Tina Wyatt, great-great-great-grandniece of General Harriet Tubman, is moved to tears as the commissioning ceremony comes to a close.
Shown here, General Harriet Tubman’s star, awarded posthumously for her service to the country during the Civil War.
Tonet Cuffee, a great-great-greatgrandniece of General Harriet Tubman, looks on as Gov. Wes Moore speaks on the contributions of her aunt.
Veterans of Baltimore City are honored on Nov. 9 at the 2024 Veterans Day parade.
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott prepares to lay a wreath in front of the The Black Soldier Memorial Statue, with Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette Ramos (D-Baltimore City-14) at his side. The piece was created in 1972 by legendary artist James E. Lewis.
The Marching Flock, formed by a combination of students from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Western High School, participate in the 2024 Veterans Day parade.
Members of the Baltimore City Fire Department pay homage to the service members within their ranks.
Congressman Kweisi Mfume (DMd.-07) speaks to the crowd before laying a wreath at the Washington Monument in Baltimore.
AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor Robert Richardson, 89, a veteran of the Air Force, takes a moment to reflect on his 10 years of service.
AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor Russell J. Yarborough Jr. says the service providers at the Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET) saved his life when he was battling alcohol addiction after leaving the U.S. Army.
Photos courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen, except where noted
Faith leaders offer support after contentious political races
By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word In Black
Having spent the months and weeks before Election Day encouraging their congregants to vote, news that former president Donald Trump had defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to retake the White House was a staggering blow to many Black houses of worship.
On Nov. 6, ministers reflected on the lessons they taught leading up to Nov. 5, and what they can say to heartbroken, angry or frustrated parishioners in the election’s aftermath. The emotions surrounding Harris’ defeat, they say, are a lot like losing a loved one, and they are grieving along with their members.
It was painful for faith leaders and worshipers alike to watch the reports and to hear pronouncements of Trump’s victory, especially for pastors who’d worked hard to inspire and
“We’re going to come together to lift up prayers, offer support and create a safe space for those who need to sit with their feelings.”
encourage their flock to vote. Even worse: the complex knot of emotions of parents, teachers and counselors who had to explain the loss to their children — and to hopeful first-time voters.
Yet Harris’ loss was frustrating for the ministers and pastors who’ve emphasized the necessity, and sacred duty, of voting to their parishioners. Black faith leaders repeatedly delivered that lesson before Nov. 5 often punctuated with a history lesson — “Grandparents died so you could vote” — only to experience
a devastating loss in a high-stakes election.
Trump’s win was deflating for faith leaders who encouraged first-time voters who ranged in age from 18 to 75. It was difficult for the ministers who worked to change the minds of those who feel they should be in the world but not of the world; for those who encouraged the skeptics who didn’t believe their vote mattered — and, given the outcome, might never vote again.
Some pastors had already planned activities to help their members get through what many predicted would certainly be days of painstaking ballot-counting, further slowed by legal challenges and possible recounts. But few expected Harris would be on the losing end of a resounding defeat, and that development meant plans had to change.
In Alexandria, Va., Alfred Street Baptist Church offered a virtual gathering, “Prayer and Support for Post-Election Wellbeing,” from noon to 1:30 p.m. Just a few minutes after the event, the livestream had already garnered
more than 362 likes and 5,600 views.
“We’re going to come together to lift up prayers, offer support and create a safe space for those who need to sit with their feelings,” said Rev. LaTasha L. Morgan, counseling ministry leader. She reminded the audience that God was in control, the outcome was not a surprise to Him, and they have been in difficult circumstances before.
“The first thing that came to mind when the first member called this morning was Psalm 46: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,’” said Rev. Derrick A. Aldridge, pastor of Second Chance Church in Flint, Mich. “I’m encouraged by that entire Psalm, so I will suggest they read it and that we stay focused on the fact that no matter what happens, we still have to live in this world together in peace and harmony.”
Bishop Ralph L. Dennis, head of pastors at Kingdom of Fellowship Ministries in Columbia, Md., said Harris’ loss to Trump leaves parishioners “exactly where I believed we would
be” and that they should look to the heavens for comfort.
“Our hope and future must never be in an earthly system and the flesh of men,” said Dennis.
“Israel, God’s chosen people, went into captivity by the will of God for her perpetual disobedience, and yet the same God speaks to Jeremiah, and in Chapter 29, tells the people how to prepare and what to do.”
Baltimore pastor Kevin Slayton said it’s important to remember that all politics are local, and that Marylanders still have things to celebrate from the election.
“With that said, there is great cause for rejoicing in our community,” said Slayton, pastor of Northwood Appold United Methodist Church. “We elected [Baltimore Mayor] Brandon Scott, a leader with a proven love and passion for this city. Equally ready and capable is the [Baltimore city council] president-elect, Zeke Cohen. There is no question that he is committed to the cause of justice.”
Meanwhile, “we can all shout at the outcome of electing the first African American woman from the state of Maryland to serve in the U.S. Senate,” Slayton said. “There is always something to give thanks for.”
Rev. Dante K. Miles, pastor of Koinonia Baptist Church, said he’d talked with his congregation leading into election night and they fasted and prayed through the evening.
Their prayers, he added, were “not for a particular candidate or party but that God’s will would be done.”
In conversations with some parishioners, “I could feel their grief and tried comforting them,” Miles said. But “in the same way people are angry when they lose a loved one, nobody at that initial moment wants to hear about God,” he said.
Miles said they’ve been going over the Articles of Faith, “but I’m going to focus on what we believe about civil government and tie the election to it and then tomorrow for our group prayer time. If someone brings it up, we will definitely lift up the winners, the losers and the country as a whole.
Sunday always comes: Pastors search for post-election sermons
By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word in Black
Most pastors agree that certain funerals can test them most in preaching. It isn’t easy to provide a message of comfort, wisdom and hope when the deceased is a child, or a victim of police brutality or a domestic-violence murder victim, or a young person in so much pain they took their own lives.
But what does one say after a devastating presidential election?
For months, Black America had cautiously hoped that Vice President Kamala Harris would make history as the first Black woman president of this country. Former President Donald Trump destroyed that hope, leaving many in the community in mourning, perhaps wondering why God allowed it to happen.
“We are holding weighty matters today,” Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, president and publisher of the AME Sunday School Union, said as he convened a gathering of AME bishops and clergy to consider which anecdotes, parables or scripture to deliver from the pulpit the Sunday after the general election.
“Each of us brings our own emotions, and concerns,” he says. “I invite you to center [yourself] and take a deep breath. Hold it for just a moment and let it go.”
Each of the speakers first revealed the angst they’d endured overnight as reality set in and the victory was handed to Presidentelect Donald Trump. Many of the themes on which they landed involved Biblical themes of faith in times of uncertainty and anxiety.
Bishop Francine Brookins, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, said parishio-
ners are facing multiple anxieties: “Young people receiving threatening texts. Seniors fearing loss of social security. People who voted for Donald Trump, [and] people who will be most heavily victimized by those choices.”
Yet the church was made for this particular season, she says, referencing Jesus’ proclamation in Luke 4, where he listed the people and the conditions for which he’d been called and anointed. It’s “the real Jesus” she will preach about this Sunday, “not the one they’ve chosen to elect.”
“Even when we see through the glass dimly, because we can’t fully comprehend what God is doing presently; it’s the time to remember what God has already done.”
Brookins suggested pastors should first take careful account of the people to whom they’ll be preaching, their immediate and local context. It’s also worth reminding them that courts provided protection during the Civil Rights Movement and also blocked right-wing attempts to ban abortion in every state and halted the immediate deportation of undocumented immigrants.
“It’s important to be consciously
aware that our neighbors have chosen a convicted rapist to lead this country, a known thief, liar, and murderer, considering the millions who died during COVID,” she said.
“As we preach the real gospel, the reaction of the darkness to the light is to always hurl it off of a mountain.”
Retired Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson Jr. noted that an election surfaced in Luke 23:13-19, when the people chose Barabbas when given the option of freeing Jesus instead.
That lesson could be the foundation of an effective message to congregants.
“The title of choice would be, ‘All for Barabbas, Stand up and Holler,’” he said. “With multiple chances given to change their minds, they stuck with Barabbas.”
Bishop Silvester Beaman, president of the A.M.E. Council of Bishops and presiding prelate of the 12th Episcopal district, landed on the topic of “The Other Side of Jericho,” embracing the tradition of
answering the children’s questions about the faith.
“Every time we show up in the sanctuary it is a time of remembering, a time to reflect on who God is and how God has been in our lives,” he said. “Even when we see through the glass dimly, because we can’t fully comprehend what God is doing presently; it’s the time to remember what God has already done.”
Retired Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, president of the National Council of Churches, said it’s jarring to see the majority celebrate a moment when so many feel despair. But the journey, she said, “is not defined by a single moment or a single outcome.”
She says she’s drawn to Jeremiah 29:3-12, where people reckon with a future they’d not anticipated.
“They hadn’t expected to be in exile for an extended time,” McKenzie says. “But Jeremiah doesn’t end in despair, but with a future and a hope. Hope is our faithful anchor. A future filled with possibilities. Though the Israelites endured…they were assured their activity would not conclude God’s plan for them.” She encouraged radical acceptance of present realities.
“Acknowledge, ‘I am afraid. I’m not sure,’” McKenzie says. “Acknowledge anger, but sin not. God is saying this is not the time to slink quietly into the night. God says you need to be active in your faith and active in life. God says I want you to build. I want you to settle down. I want you to eat what you produce.”
She went on: “Seek the peace of the place where you live. Pray for your country. This is not a moment. It’s a season. I will preach [that] God still has a plan for you, not to harm, but to prosper you and give you a future and a hope.”
Unsplash / Samuel Martins
Pastors and faith leaders across the country are using the power of prayer to comfort members of the community who are distraught after hearing the results of the 2024 general election.
Unsplash
After a contentious election, officials in the Black church are spending time in search of a message that promotes peace, strength and comfort for their communities.
Judith Jamison, legendary artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, dies at 81
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
Renowned dancer and choreographer
Judith Jamison, who led the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for over two decades, passed away on Nov. 9 in New York at 81.
Jamison’s death occurred at New YorkPresbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center after a brief illness, according to Christopher Zunner, managing director of public relations at the dance company.
“We remember and are grateful for her artistry, humanity, and incredible light, which inspired us all,” Zunner stated.
Born on May 10, 1943, in Philadelphia, Jamison discovered her love for dance early on, beginning lessons at age six at the Judimar School of Dance in her hometown. Encouraged initially to study the piano and violin, Jamison gravitated toward ballet, later training under African American dance pioneer Katherine Dunham. She attended Germantown High School and briefly enrolled at Fisk University before dedicating herself to dance and kinesiology studies at the Philadelphia Dance Academy.
Jamison joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965, quickly becoming a celebrated figure in modern dance when few Black women held prominence in the field. Her defining moment came in 1971 with the premiere of Cry, a 17-minute solo created by Alvin Ailey as a tribute “to all Black women everywhere—especially our mothers.” This piece became a hallmark of the Ailey troupe and earned Jamison international acclaim. Alvin Ailey later wrote of Jamison’s performance, “With Cry, she became herself.
Once she found this contact, this release, she poured her being into everybody who came to see her perform.”
In addition to her iconic work with Ailey’s company, Jamison performed with global ballet companies, including the San Francisco Ballet, Swedish Royal Ballet, and Vienna State Ballet, and even graced the Broadway stage in Sophisticated Ladies alongside Gregory Hines. She began her choreography work in the 1980s, premiering her first ballet, Divining,
with the Ailey company in 1984 and launching her dance group, The Jamison Project Dance Company, in 1988.
Following Ailey’s death in 1989, Jamison took over as the artistic director of his company, steering it through a period of profound growth and establishing its first permanent home, the Joan Weill Center for Dance. She also founded a partnership with Fordham University, creating a joint Bachelor of Fine Arts program to support a multicultural
HEALTH INSURANCE
dance curriculum.
Throughout her career, Jamison received numerous honors, including the National Medal of Arts and a Kennedy Center Honor,
“We remember and are grateful for her artistry, humanity, and incredible light, which inspired us all.”
recognizing her contribution to the arts and her role in broadening the visibility of Black dancers and choreographers. Her legacy is preserved in her autobiography, Dancing Spirit, and her choreography, which remains foundational to the company’s repertoire.
Even after stepping down as artistic director in 2011, Jamison continued to inspire and guide the Ailey troupe as artistic director Emerita.
Reflecting on her role as Ailey’s successor, Jamison once said, “I felt prepared to carry [the company] forward. Alvin and I were like parts of the same tree. He, the roots and the trunk, and we were the branches. I was his muse. We were all his muses.”
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Friends, family and members of the arts community are mourning the loss of Judith Jamison, choreographer and artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
The 7/7/7 rule: A fresh take on keeping your relationship fun and full of life
By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO
I stumbled upon a relationship hack scrolling through social media and loved it, I think it’s a gem. It’s called the 7/7/7 rule, and if you haven’t heard of it yet, I promise you’ll want to try it out. The idea is simple: you go on a date every 7 days, take a day trip or weekend getaway every 7 weeks, and plan a full vacation every 7 months. Now, I know life gets busy, and relationships can slip into routines – but that’s exactly why this 7/7/7 rule is gold. Let’s dive in!
Date every seven days: The weekly check-in that keeps things fresh
I get it, sometimes it’s hard to carve out time every week, especially when you have kids, work and all the other responsibilities that pile up. But trust me, this commitment to a weekly date is worth it. Think of it as a regular pulse check on your relationship. You’re setting aside time just for each other – no work, no phones, no distractions. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, either! A date every seven days could mean:
• Cooking a meal together and setting up a candlelit dinner at home. Sometimes, the simplest things create the best memories.
• Trying a new restaurant or cuisine in the city, we’ve got quite a few. It’s a fun way to explore flavors together and get out of your comfort zones.
• Going for a nighttime stroll at the park or around Montebello, the Harbor or Harbor East talking about everything and nothing. A change in scenery does wonders!
• Having a cozy movie night with popcorn and your favorite snacks. Rewatch a favorite movie or check out a new release together or when’s the last time you actually went to the theater?
These little dates are a beautiful reminder of why you fell in love in the first place. They keep you both on the same page and allow you to connect on a deeper level, even when life tries to pull you in a million different directions.
Go on a trip every seven weeks: A change of scenery is everything
Now, every seven weeks, it’s time to pack a small bag and go on a little adventure. It doesn’t have to be anything over-thetop; even a quick drive somewhere new can add that spark back into your relationship. These trips are about breaking out of the day-to-day grind and rediscovering each other outside of your
usual setting.
Some ideas for your seven-week mini-trip could be:
• A cozy cabin stay for a quiet weekend in nature. There’s something about being surrounded by trees and fresh air that’s so relaxing.
• A visit to a nearby city you’ve never really explored. Hit up some museums, try new restaurants, and maybe even stay at a cute little hotel or Airbnb.
• Beach day or mountain hike. Pack a picnic, bring your favorite playlist and enjoy the scenery while making memories together.
• Drive somewhere just for breakfast or brunch and make a morning of it. Sometimes, getting out early and having a new experience can feel like a mini-vacation in itself. These trips remind you both that there’s so much more to life than your usual routine. When you see your partner trying something new or just being out of their element, it’s like getting to know them all over again. And that feeling? It’s priceless.
A vacation every seven months: Leveling up the romance
Now, every seven months, it’s time for the big one. This is the trip you both get excited about and look forward to – a real vacation. This could be as simple or as grand as you’d like; it’s about creating memories that’ll last a lifetime. When you’re away from the everyday, surrounded by new sights, sounds and people, it gives you both a chance to fully relax and be in each other’s presence. Plus, there’s something so romantic about exploring a new place together.
Some vacation ideas:
• Go somewhere tropical and spend days by the beach or pool, just soaking up the sun.
• Head to a romantic city like New Orleans, Chicago or even somewhere international if you can swing it. Spend your time sightseeing, enjoying the nightlife, and finding cute little coffee shops to people-watch.
• Adventure trips like hiking, snorkeling or even skiing (if that’s your thing). The thrill of trying something new can be bonding like no other!
• Stay at a luxurious spa resort and really pamper yourselves. Take this time to unwind, rejuvenate and spoil each other. This is your time to recharge not just as individuals, but as a couple. It gives you something to look forward to and helps you both keep that spark alive. Whether you’ve been together for a few months or several years, getting away together will remind you why you make a great team and help you come back home even more connected.
Why it’s important to keep the energy alive
Listen, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been together a few months or a few decades – keeping things exciting and fresh is essential. Relationships are like plants: they need attention, time and a little TLC to grow. By committing to this 7/7/7 rule, you’re saying to each other, “We matter, and I’m choosing us, time and time again.” That’s a powerful message to send to your partner.
Plus, we all know life isn’t easy. Some weeks can feel like you’re just pushing through. But knowing you have something to look forward to – whether it’s a weekly date, a weekend trip, or a full-on vacation – makes it all a little brighter. It brings you closer and reminds you both of the joy, love and fun you share. So, what do you think? Are you ready to try the 7/7/7 rule and bring a little more love, excitement, and adventure back into your relationship? I am!
How racist algorithms could be disrupting the dating pool
By Apryl Williams Word In Black
When I first set up my Tinder profile a couple of years ago, I expected to find a match instantly. The pool of endless potential daters, literally at the touch of a button, suggested that friendship, romance and possibly love, were ever so near.
Yet, the more I swiped, the more this hopeful feeling diminished. My matches seemed more interested in talking about my race than in developing connections. I soon found out that this is part of the emotional burden shared by millions of other Black women, like me, in the online dating world.
As a researcher working at the intersection of technology, race and society, my own online dating experience as a Black woman piqued my curiosity about the software powering these systems. Who or what decides what matches are presented to us? And are we presented with the same options as everyone else at the love buffet?
As I dug deeper into the experiences of multiple Black women and other people of color, I hit a brick wall of harsh reality: Online dating technology is fraught with racial bias, and in fact, capitalizes on sexual racism.
Evidence from a patent filed by Match Group, the conglomerate which owns more than 40 dating platforms including Tinder, OkCupid, Match.com and others shows there is nothing random about the faces that appear on our screens. It’s all decided with algorithms and data.
In my recently published book, “Not My Type,” I write about how the dating platforms we use to find romance and companionship repeatedly fail women of color, and Black women in particular. Dating apps use scoring metrics and sorting algorithms underpinned by centuries of racial segregation, a failure to help vulnerable users report sexual racism; and more.
Despite playing a critical role in how millions of people across the world choose their partners, dating platforms receive little to no scrutiny on how they go about making matches.
Tale as old as time, beauty and racist tech
A decade ago, OkCupid published survey
Millions across the country use dating apps- but finding a match could prove to be a challenge for African Americans, as artificial intelligence can create a match list that re -
results about their users’ racial preferences on who they were likely to swipe right on and proceed to date. Think of this survey’s results as a version of hot-or-not.
According to that survey, Black women were not hot — receiving the least engagement of all users of different races on the platform.
Contrary to the assumed promises of a tech utopia era that would rise above “seeing color,” dating app technology not only reinforces racist beauty standards but also builds a business model on racist foundations, like many other American corporations. While racism is part of our society, online technologies often
increase the reach of societal inequity and automated systems help proliferate the damage.
For example, when you upload your photos to a dating platform, your profile is filtered through several algorithms before it is shown to other users. These algorithms may evaluate your attractiveness in relation to other users. Based on perceived commonalities with the most popular users, algorithms likely decide who your profile illuminates.
The thing is, the most popular users are often evaluated as highly attractive within a mainstream European aesthetic — high cheekbones, narrow nose, straight hair, lighter skin and ideal facial symmetry. This means that
daters who do not look like White Instagram models will most likely be evaluated as less attractive.
Dating websites’ algorithms that use facial recognition software might inadvertently look for the phenotypical expression of certain desired genes in a face because the programmers who design the algorithms do so with a limited understanding of normative desirability. If the scoring algorithm is an assessment of beauty, in which beauty is a racialized aesthetic, then only those within that frame will receive the highest score.
Those furthest from the standard are likely given the lowest attractiveness scores, which also influence which matches they are presented with. By this logic, I hope to demonstrate how a certain standard of beauty is evaluated, reinforced and maintained through dating platforms whether they intend to or not.
Newer technologies have the potential to worsen these racial dynamics. For example, the AI chatbots being integrated into these platforms are rife with racial bias: A study published in March by Cornell University found that OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini AI described users of African American Vernacular English as “lazy” or “stupid.” There is no shortage of AI models that completely fail the race test. For example, AI image generators depict people with lighter skin tones as CEOs, lawyers and other highpaying jobs, while those with darker skin tones were shown in lower-paying jobs like janitors, fast-food workers and housekeepers.
Despite these technological expansions of racism, it’s important to remember that humans still have agency in these systems; the algorithms that match us also consider user feedback. Each right or left swipe teaches the algorithm your preferences on who you think is hot or not. We have the agency to disrupt normative, mainstream patterns of beauty pushed forward by AI. By breaking away from stereotypical labels of who we might like, we challenge mainstream perceptions of what’s presented to us as attractive. Your swipes help shape the matches recommended to you. I eventually found true love through Tinder, and I believe even more of us could, if the power of digital connection were to go hand in hand with racial justice.
Courtesy photo
Ericka Alston Buck shares relationship rules and tools to live by for both rookie and veteran couples.
Unsplash/ Flure Bunny
flects and reinforces Eurocentric beauty standards.
How to protect your mental health after a stressful election year
By Jennifer Porter Gore Word In Black
Just days after daring to hope that Kamala Harris could defeat Donald Trump for the presidency, Black America is still mourning an emotionally devastating outcome.
“I never thought an election could make me this sad, but I’ve been literally feeling like I’m living soulless and out of body since the results...” a user with the X handle@ JAPANESEBLACK wrote in a post on Nov. 8.
Fellow X user @joedeenikia was down in the dumps with him: “The amount of anxiety this election has caused me is actually insane …just for the end results to be this … yeah, I’m drained,” she wrote.
Since she replaced President Joe Biden in July, mental health experts say, the Black community has had to
“I never thought an election could make me this sad, but I’ve been literally feeling like I’m living soulless and out of body since the results.”
deal with unhealthy, complex levels of stress and anxiety.
Cautious but growing optimism among Black people over Harris’ unprecedented run competed against what was at stake for the nation
Unsplash/ Inside Weather
As Americans nationwide consider the 2024 election results, taking precautions to guard mental health is imperative.
in the 2024 election, concern that racism would hurt her at the ballot box, and worry about what a second Trump term would mean for them if she failed.
Now that Trump is headed back to the White House, the emotions are more complex. There is sadness over Harris’s crushing defeat, frustration and anger about racism in the race, and more anxiety over how Trump will wield nearly-unchecked power.
Stress test
“I’ve had a wide range of people who I’ve spoken to today and a lot of them can’t believe that Donald Trump actually won,” says Kiki Ramsey, a positive psychologist and
executive coach in Atlanta.
“One of my clients specifically said she’ll go to her grave believing that Kamala didn’t win because of racism and misogyny,” she says. “These were her exact words.”
Ramsey and others say Black people should pay attention to their mental health, prioritize self-care and take positive steps to cope with the 2024 election results.
“Someone I know was saying they had a spot to get a massage,” says Dr. Damon Tweedy, a psychiatrist and professor at Duke University. “If that’s really going to help your well-being then do it. Don’t just neglect all those things because of what happened.”
The country was stressed about the election long before Election Day.
In October, an American Psychological Association survey found that 77 percent of respondents reported that their concerns over the nation’s future was “a significant source of stress in their lives,” and the most common. The 2024 election came in third, at around 70 percent.
Meanwhile, a 2018 APA report notes that higher stress among minority and low-income populations “can lead to health disparities and affect life expectancy.” That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared racism “a serious public health threat.”
Polls show Harris’s groundbreaking campaign had energized Black voters. Hopes in the Black community grew along with the size of her rallies and polls showing she had pulled even with Trump just days before the vote.
Ramsey said even her 7-year-old daughter, who doesn’t normally pay attention to politics, paid attention to Harris: “She [was] definitely interested, as a black girl, seeing a black woman” run for president, That hope may have made Harris’s defeat that much harder to deal with.
Tweedy, associate professor of psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine, noted that his students and others he’d spoken with after the election were disappointed because they hoped Harris would win. That’s a significant shift from what he encountered as a Duke medical school student 25 years ago.
Back then, “I saw medical students, and these are my classmates, who would have been very much pleased with what happened on
Tuesday,” says Tweedy.
‘You still have to balance’
Although Harris’s loss was a bitter pill to swallow, Ramsey noticed clients, colleagues and friends being more gracious to one another.
“You may not agree with me, but at the end of the day, I think that if we’re all human beings, we understand that there’s a time and place for everything, and everybody has to process this, this in their own way,” she says.
Ramsey and Tweedy are urging people to practice evidence-based approaches to keep the negative effects of stress at bay. These include avoiding hard-to-manage stressors, seeking support from friends or family members, ignoring temptations to binge on junk food, or becoming a couch potato. A nutritious diet can help one’s health and maintain the energy needed to exercise and manage stress.
Keeping up with the news is important, but so is the headspace and time to heal from disappointment. If you’re still feeling blue, angry or dismayed for two weeks or longer, both Ramsey and Tweedy say it’s time to seek professional help.
“You still have to balance,” Tweedy says. “Is doomscrolling on Twitter or Instagram really helping my mental well-being? Is there anything I’m doing that’s going to actually help me take action to actually make something better?”
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, are thinking about suicide, or worried about someone else who needs emotional support, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Help is available 24/7. TTY users can dial 711 then 988 to get help.
Don’t wait for a holiday surge, now is a good time to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines
By Lauran Neergaard
The Associated Press
If you missed the early fall push for flu and COVID-19 vaccines, it’s not too late.
Health officials say it’s important to get vaccinated ahead of the holidays, when respiratory bugs tend to spread with travel and indoor celebrations.
Those viruses haven’t caused much trouble so far this fall. But COVID-19 tends to jump in the winter months, a rise that usually starts around Thanksgiving and peaks in January.
And that coincides with flu season, which tends to start in November or December and peak in January or February.
It takes the body about two weeks to build up immunity after either shot — meaning vaccination is needed before these viruses start spreading. A lot of older adults also need protection against another risky winter virus, RSV.
Yes, you can get your flu and COVID-19 shots at the same time. Don’t call them boosters — they’re not just another dose of last year’s protection. The coronavirus and influenza are escape artists that constantly mutate to evade your body’s immune defenses, so both vaccines are reformulated annually to target newer strains.
While they’re not perfect, vaccinations offer strong protection against a bad case of flu or COVID-19 — or dying from it.
“It may not prevent every infection but those infections are going to be less severe,” said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “I would rather have my grandmother or my greatgrandmother have a sniffle than have to go to the emergency room on Thanksgiving.”
Last year, just 45 percent of adults got a flu vaccination and even fewer, 23 percent, got a COVID-19 shot.
“Our best defense to protect ourselves, our loved ones and all those around us is a simple shot,” Dr. Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association, said in a recent statement.
While it may have faded from the head-
lines, the coronavirus still killed more Americans than flu last year.
“Maybe we believe that it’s not going to be me but let’s not take a chance,” said Dr. Michael Knight of George Washington University. “Why not get a vaccine that’s going to help you reduce that risk?”
Who needs a fall COVID-19 or flu vaccination?
The CDC urges both an updated COVID-19 shot and yearly flu vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older. If you recently had COVID-19, you can wait two or three months but still should get an updated vaccination because of the expected winter surge.
Both viruses can be especially dangerous to certain groups including older people and those with weak immune systems and lung or heart disease. Young children also are more vulnerable. The CDC counted 199 child deaths from flu last year.
Pregnancy also increases the chances of serious COVID-19 or flu – and vaccination guards mom plus ensures the newborn has some protection, too.
In addition, the CDC is recommending that people 65 and older get a second COVID-19 shot six months after their fall dose to boost their year-round protection, since the coronavirus isn’t just a winter threat. People with weakened immune systems are eligible for extra doses, too.
What’s new about the COVID-19 shots?
Last fall’s shots targeted a coronavirus strain that’s no longer spreading while this year’s shots are tailored to a new section of the coronavirus family tree. The Pfizer and Moderna shots are formulated against a virus subtype called KP.2 while the Novavax vaccine targets its parent strain, JN.1. Daskalakis said all should offer good cross protection to other subtypes now spreading.
The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines can be used by adults and children as young as 6 months. The Novavax shot is a more traditional protein vaccine combined with an
immune booster, and open to anyone 12 and older.
Which flu vaccine to choose?
High-dose shots and one with a special immune booster are designed for people 65 and older, but if they can’t find one easily they can choose a regular all-ages flu shot.
For the shot-averse, the nasal spray FluMist is available for ages 2 to 49 at pharmacies and clinics — although next year it’s set to be available for use at home.
All flu vaccinations this year will guard against two Type A flu strains and one Type B strain. Another once-common form of Type B flu quit spreading a few years ago and was removed from the vaccine.
What about that other virus, RSV? RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a coldlike nuisance for most people but it, too, packs hospitals every winter and can be deadly for children under 5, the elderly and people with certain high-risk health problems.
The CDC recommends an RSV vaccination for everyone 75 and older, and for people 60 to 74 who are at increased risk. This is a onetime shot, not a yearly vaccination – but only
24 percent of seniors got it last year. It’s also recommended late in pregnancy to protect babies born during the fall and winter.
And while “your arm may hurt and you may feel crummy for a day,” it’s also fine to get the RSV, flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, Daskalakis said.
What will it cost?
The vaccines are supposed to be free under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans if people use an in-network provider.
About 1.5 million uninsured adults got free COVID-19 vaccinations through a federal program last year but that has ended. Instead, the CDC is providing $62 million to health departments to help improve access. Call your local health department to ask about options. Check the government website, vaccines. gov, for availability at local pharmacies.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
AP Photo/ Mary Conlon
COVID-19 vaccines that fight new strains of the virus are available to the public.
How to budget when you live paycheck to paycheck
By Laura Onyeneho Houston Defender
Living paycheck to paycheck is a financial situation where an individual or family’s income barely covers essential living expenses such as housing, utilities, groceries and transportation. If one paycheck were to be missed, it would lead to significant financial strain and difficulty in meeting basic needs. This precarious financial situation leaves little room for saving or investing, making individuals vulnerable to unexpected emergencies or income loss.
According to a survey conducted by Payroll.org, a staggering 78 percent of Americans find themselves living paycheck to paycheck, marking a 6 percent increase from the previous year. This means more than three-quarters of the population struggles to save or invest after covering their monthly expenses.
Chawn Payton, a Northwestern Mutual financial advisor, says that living paycheck to paycheck often means “spending the money before it even hits the bank account” and being unable to “level up financially.” This can make it difficult to save for the future or enjoy life in the present.
How did we get here?
The root causes can be attributed to increased spending, which is outpacing income growth. High inflation and rising interest rates are contributing factors. According to the Federal Reserve’s report, 40 percent of adults experienced a rise in their family’s monthly spending compared to the previous year. In Houston, individuals need to
earn $75,088 annually (or $36.10 hourly) to live comfortably and avoid living paycheck to paycheck.
Payton adds that much of the difficulty arises from deeper issues, such as one’s relationship with money. “If you come from a household where you saw your parents live paycheck to paycheck, you may emulate those behaviors,” Payton says. “To
address the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck, individuals must adopt proactive measures to improve their financial well-being.”
Budgeting basics
One key strategy is creating a comprehensive budget that accurately reflects income and expenses. Payton suggests starting with a spending plan rather than
a budget, as the term “budget” can often feel restrictive. “Go back through two or three months of your bank statements—normal months, not months where you had major travel or expenses—and print them out,” he advises. From there, categorize your spending into “needs” and “wants” to identify areas for reduction.
By analyzing these spending habits, you can make small but significant adjustments. “You may have 12 subscriptions you forgot about, or you’re spending unnecessarily on luxuries like monthly cosmetic boxes or extra streaming services,” Payton explains. “Reducing discretionary spending can create breathing room in your finances.”
Building an emergency fund is crucial for financial resilience. Setting aside a portion of each paycheck into a dedicated savings account can provide a financial safety net during unexpected hardship, such as medical emergencies or job loss.
Payton suggests automating savings to help people stay consistent: “When saving is automatic, you don’t think about it, and the money grows without extra effort.”
Another effective strategy is seeking additional income through side gigs or part-time work. Payton acknowledges that “not all avenues for extra income are for everybody,” but encourages individuals to explore the growing options available, whether that’s a side hustle or career advancement. “The internet has exposed many different ways to bring in extra income, and you just have to figure out which one is right for you,” he adds.
To help people manage discretionary spending, Payton recommends a more hands-on approach using the cash envelope method. “You allocate literal cash for discretionary expenses, and when the envelope is empty, that’s it,” he says. “Using cash rather than credit or debit cards forces you to think twice before making unnecessary purchases.”
Imagine heading to Best Buy to buy a $1,500 TV on Black Friday. “If you swipe your card, it’s easy to ignore the impact, but if you’re laying down $1,500 in $20 bills, you feel that sting,” Payton says.
Financial guidance from experts can be invaluable. Many organizations offer free or low-cost financial literacy programs, and connecting with a financial advisor like Payton can provide personalized strategies to help you break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. As Payton advises, it starts with “acknowledging your financial habits and being mentally ready to make a change.”
Professor Tonya M. Evans speaks on cryptocurrency, wealth and the high stakes of Trump’s Agenda 47 and Project 2025
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
In a recent appearance on Let It Be Known News, Professor Tonya M. Evans—an expert in fintech law at Penn State Dickinson Law and a prominent figure in digital asset strategy—discussed the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, particularly its impact on Black America.
As an advisor on fintech policy through her company Advantage Evans, LLC, and a board member of Digital Currency Group, Evans is deeply invested in guiding Black investors through the complex world of cryptocurrency.
Evans’ insights align with the ongoing discussions surrounding her recent Forbes article, “Can the Crypto Industry Survive Trump’s Agenda 47 and Project 2025?” She highlighted the friction between the government’s regulatory initiatives, prioritizing national sovereignty and the decentralized ideals at the heart of digital currencies like Bitcoin.
In the face of increasing hype and misinformation, Evans encouraged Black investors to pursue a clear understanding of cryptocurrency, noting that education is key.
“There are several trusted resources available to help investors learn more about crypto risks and rewards,” she advised. She added that thorough research and skepticism toward “get rich quick”
schemes are vital for protection against scams.
The potential of cryptocurrency to bridge the racial wealth gap remains a key topic among Black investors. With low entry barriers, crypto promises accessibility, yet without serious consumer protections, it remains fraught with risk. Evans emphasized the need for Black investors to adopt strategies for minimizing losses amid volatility, advising the establishment of backup plans to protect investments. For Black families, staying informed about new regulations is essential, as crypto’s largely unregulated market can make it challenging to avoid financial pitfalls.
“Cryptocurrency was marketed as a tool for financial freedom for Black Americans—a way to bypass banks, build wealth, and close the racial wealth gap,” Evans noted. However, after the 2022 market crash, that promise faded for many. While Bitcoin remains a significant player, a lack of solid consumer safeguards leaves Black investors vulnerable to yet another risk cycle.
Political dynamics further complicate this landscape. With the influence of crypto-backed super PACs in the 2024 election, millions have been funneled to maintain light regulations. Evans observed that crypto’s sway in Washington benefits those who can bear financial risk, underscoring the uneven playing field
In the face of increasing hype and misinformation, Tonya M. Evans encourages Black investors to pursue a clear understanding of cryptocurrency, noting that education is key.
that often excludes marginalized communities.
As Donald Trump prepares to reenter the presidency, his pivot from denouncing cryptocurrency as a “scam” to launching his own platform, World Liberty Financial (WLFI), raises questions about ethics and transparency in the rapidly expanding digital asset market. Critics argue that Trump’s venture into crypto could be less about financial innovation
and more about political and personal gain, especially as he positions WLFI as a groundbreaking platform despite the involvement of controversial figures.
Evans, whose mission is to empower Black communities to build wealth in the digital economy, emphasized the importance of consumer education and vigilance, advising Black investors to approach crypto with a balance of optimism and caution. With a GOP-led administration and a conservative Supreme Court, the regulatory landscape may shift, and Black investors must stay informed to safeguard their financial futures.
Through her weekly podcast, Tech Intersect, Evans continues to provide the Black community with practical knowledge on blockchain and digital assets, bridging the gap between technological innovation and financial empowerment.
As the crypto industry shapes pro-crypto policies that impact marginalized communities, Evans said she’s committed to ensuring that Black families are prepared to navigate this evolving landscape, building generational wealth with knowledge and care.
“Crypto offers immense possibilities for building wealth, but without clear protections, it also carries real risks,” Evans concluded. “Our power lies in knowledge—by understanding the landscape, we can make informed choices that truly serve us, now and in the future.”
Unsplash/ Giorgio Trovato
Living paycheck to paycheck is a harsh reality of life for millions of Americans, leaving little room to grow or change circumstances.
Photo courtesy of Tonya M. Evans
Photo courtesy of Chawn Payton
Chawn Payton is a financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual.
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 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
Register of Wills
Clerk of the Probate Division 11/08, 11/15/24
CHERRYL
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
JOCELYN D. MOORE , whose address is 1146 27TH AVENUE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95822 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAMPBELL CARRINGTON JOHNSON, III, who died on AUGUST 12, 2024 without
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
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, 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
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 REGISTER OF WILLS 11/08, 11/15, 11/22/24
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 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
GERALDINE ARMSTRONG MARSHALL TIMOTHY RAY ARMSTRONG 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. 2024ADM001259
KATHER MAE WHITE AKA
KATHER M. WHITE Name of Decedent DEE GREER 1350 LEEGATE ROAD, NW WASHINGTON, DC 20012 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
ERNEST 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
IRIS
Name
CECILLIA R. JONES, ESQ. 5335 WISCONSIN AVE.,
WASHINGTON,
20015 Notice
Notice
Creditors
SIDBERRY , whose address is 12745 COUNTRY LANE, WALDORF, MD 20601 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CORNELIA A. MOSELEY AKA CORNELIA ANN MOSELEY AKA CORNEIA ANN BALL who died on MAY 11, 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 15, 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 15, 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 15, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers IRIS DENORA SIDBERRY Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 11/15, 11/22,11/29/24
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2024FEP000120 JULY 7, 2024 Date of Death JEANETTE ANNIE MAE LANIER Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS ANNETTE LOUISE LANIER whose address is 9249 CARDINAL FOREST LANE UNIT 101, LORTON VA 22079 was appointecd representative of the estate of JEANETTE ANNIE MAE LANIER deceased, by the CIRCUIT Court for FAIRFAX County, State of VIRGINIA , on OCTOBER 03, 2024. Service of process may be made upon LUCY C. TAYLOR 867 OGLETHORPE STREET N.E., WASHINGTON DC 20011 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 5618 EASTERN AVENUE, N.E, WASHINGTON DC 20011. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills for the District of Columbia, Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.
Date of first publication: NOVEMBER 15, 2024
Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: The Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American
ANNETTE LOUISE LANIER Personal Reperesenative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 11/15, 11/22, 11/29/24 Washington Classified Continued
W. 29 th Street 21211 (City Council District: 14th; State Legislative District: 43A)
Applicant: Triple B Broadway, LLC T/a Trade Name Pending - Bimal Malla and Uttam B. Kunwar
Petition: New restaurant license requesting outdoor table service and delivery of alcoholic beverages Premises: 801 S. Broadway 21231 (City Council District: 1st; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: HM Management Latrobe, LLC T/a Trade Name PendingPamela R. Hanner
Petition: Transfer of ownership (Amended) Premises: 909 N. Charles Street 21201
(City Council District: 12th; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: Macon Opco, LLC T/a Trade Name Pending - Mangafoula Minadakis and Antonios Demetrios Minadakis
Petition: Transfer of ownership (Amended)
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM001278
MARTHA E. CROSSLAND Name of Decedent VICKEY A. WRIGHT-SMITH 1629 K STREET, NW #300 WASHINGTON, DC 20006 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
MILBERT A. CROSSLAND,II , whose address is 1147 46TH STREET, SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20019 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARTHA E. CROSSLAND who died on APRIL 30, 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 15, 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 15, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do
WASHINGTON-AREA
A complicated history: The Bray School’s role in educating free and enslaved children in Virginia
By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com
More than two centuries ago, a school in Williamsburg, Va. permitted both freed and enslaved Black children to receive an education. Established by the Associates of Dr. Bray, an Anglican charity started by English clergyman Thomas Bray, the Bray School served as many as 400 students from 1760 to 1774.
Black youth, aged three to 10, were taught a pro-slavery curriculum, encouraged to accept their “place” in society. The institution, which is the oldest surviving building that formally educated free and enslaved African-American children, was first identified by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and William & Mary in 2020.
“The associates wanted evidence that the children were being transformed by their religious education— which included Anglican prayers and catechism— becoming Christians who accepted enslavement as their appointed station in life,” said Maureen Elgersman Lee, director of the William and Mary Bray School Lab. “Serving obediently in one’s capacity as a ‘slave’ and living a life of Christian morality were constructed as their highest and best service to their maker.”
Over the course of its
Shortage of funding affecting senior care resources in Ward 1
By Rachel Bunch Howard University News Service
The Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center on Georgia Avenue, is struggling to expand their health, fitness and transportation programs due to underfunding from the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) — despite their members advocating for more.
The Fonteneau and Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Centers in D.C. are managed by Mary’s Center, a federally qualified health center based in D.C. and Maryland, providing medical, dental and mental health services along with social services and educational programs.
Multiple senior centers in the U.S. are managed by community-based organizations. The DACL awards grants to the organization to use to manage the centers.
“We’re absolutely 100 percent underfunded. We received our
budget mark for this year and it was yet again a flat budget–everything cost more,” said Michelle Singleton,
“We’re
absolutely 100 percent underfunded. We received our budget mark for this year and it was yet again a flat budget–everything cost more.”
director of the center.
Singleton said the center was given around $400,000 from the DACL which they use for salaries
and program operations but to meet their daily needs, she estimates a 25 percent increase in budgetary allocation would be needed to cover more day-to-day needs including transportation funds and building maintenance.
“We had transportation that was available from door-to-door [before the pandemic],” she said. “We’ve been provided with some funding –minimal funding that wouldn’t necessarily support day-to-day or door-to-door transportation and so we’ve had to opt to use it for social recreation. We use that to provide transportation to and from social recreational activities.”
During the 2023-2024 Fiscal Budget Hearing — Charon Wood Hines, DACL Director — reported that Mayor Bowser allocated a $1 million investment in the Connector Card program. The Connector Card gives seniors, over the age of
Expert
from Howard University’s Center for Sickle Cell discusses the importance of genetic counseling
By Aria Brent AFRO Staff Writer abrent@afro.com
People are often encouraged to “know their status,” however this healthy habit can be applied to more than just safe-sex practices. Although they are not the only community who suffers with sickle cell disease (SCD), African Americans are affected at a disproportionately higher rate than their White, Asian or Latino counterparts.
According to the Center for Disease Control “sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the United States; more than 90 percent are Black or African American, and an estimated 3 percent – 9 percent are Hispanic or Latino.”
With such a high risk of being impacted by the genetic disease, it’s important that members of the Black community know their own and their partners status regarding the chances of being a carrier of the SCD trait. Barbara Harrison, director of community outreach at the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease spoke about what genetic counseling is and the importance of it and knowing your status.
“Genetic counseling is the process of helping families or individuals understand the genetics of a
Alsobrooks’ U.S. Senate win leaves PG County executive seat open to hopeful candidates
By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
It’s been just over one week since Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks defeated former governor Larry Hogan on Nov. 5, catapulting her into the U.S Congress as the first Black U.S. senator in Maryland’s history. Already, candidates are lining up, expressing interest in taking over the seat that will become vacant when Alsobrooks heads off to “The Hill” in January as Maryland’s U.S. Senator.
Alsobrooks has not announced when she will resign from her
current position. She was first elected in 2018 after defeating former U.S. representative Donna Edwards in the Democratic primary election and then reelected in 2022, running unopposed in the general election. However, with Prince George’s County serving as one of Maryland’s most politically powerful counties, several candidates are already vying for the County’s top position.
Prince George’s County council member and current chair, Jolene Ivey, defeated Republican Michael Riker on the night of Nov. 5 in a special election to fill former
HU News Service / Rachel Bunch
The Bernice Fonteneau Center’s chair aerobics class is just one of many services offered to residents looking to improve their health. The class, along with all the support provided by the center is at risk due to funding challenges.
Courtesy photo
The name of Calvin Hawkins is being floated for the Prince George’s County executive seat that will be vacated when Angela Alsobrooks, the current exec leaves the role to become a U.S. Senator.
Photo courtesy of Prince George County Council Prince George›s County Council Chair Jolene Ivey currently represents District 5 in Prince George’s County. She is eyeing the Prince George’s County executive seat, even though her 2024 bid to take the at-large council seat vacated by Mel Franklin was successful on Nov. 5.
First hypothermia alert of the year arrives as cold season begins
By D. Kevin McNeir Special to the AFRO
Hypothermia Season –that time of the year when Washington, DC routinely experiences cold temperatures and hazardous weather events –has begun, running from Nov. 1 through March 31, 2025.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, recognizing the many challenges to health and safety that people will face during Hypothermia Season, has urged residents to stay vigilant and support their neighbor as temperatures begin to plummet.
“We look out for each other in Washington, DC, and when it’s cold outside, we ask everyone to be extra vigilant,” Mayor Bowser said in a statement. “As the days and nights get colder, let’s work together to keep our community safe and healthy.”
However, as the weather turns cold, many residents have the same question: What can I do to help neighbors experiencing homelessness?
The Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) for DC Government (www.ota. dc.gov) provides several recommendations and suggests
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that residents save the Shelter Hotline number (202-3997093) in case it is needed in the future. By contacting the Shelter Hotline, individuals can request transportation to a shelter for a resident experiencing homelessness but must also provide a location as well as a description of the person for whom transportation is being requested.
“The District provides outreach and assistance, welfare checks, warming items and transportation to shelter 24 hours a day, seven days a week and whenever a Hypothermia Alert is called, DC expands its shelter capacity to ensure that there is a warm bed available for everyone in need,” OTA explains on its website.
Residents can sign up to receive notifications about when a Hypothermia Alert or Cold Weather Emergency have been issued at alertdc.dc.gov
Residents should also familiarize themselves with the distinctions between the two kinds of notifications which, again, can be found on the OTA website and are summarized below.
“The District will issue a Hypothermia Alert when the
60, $100 a month to use transportation services across the city.
The center provides D.C. residents over the age of 60 with workout, nutrition and art and crafts classes – and has been doing so since 2011. Members also get full access to the facility’s gym during open hours.
Maple Poteat, 84, a 12-year member of the center said she lives alone and is long retired. The center gives her something to do and has taught her safety practices to follow at home.
“Most of the time I come for exercise. We do a lot of things. It’s nice. We go to the movies. We go to restaurants to eat. We go to the park to walk. It’s very active [and it] helped me walk better,” she said. “We had a falling prevention class where I learned ways to get up because I live by myself. It’s wonderful.”
Poteat found the center by calling ‘311,’ a toll free number that residents can call to request city services and get information about available resources.
Local fitness instructor, Runelle Gilliem said it is important to encourage seniors to stay active and for health programs to be provided.
“A lot of people …see retirement as a time to stop doing everything. When you retire you’re supposed to focus on yourself. A lot of them don’t know that, so you have to encourage them, ” Gilliem said.
The D.C. government offers several initiatives surrounding senior health.
In 2018, Mayor Muriel Bowser adopted Age-Friendly DC, an initiative to provide easier healthcare access and more safe spaces for seniors to be active. The framework for the initiative was developed by the World Health Organization Global Network for Age-Friendly cities and communities.
“Age-Friendly DC is a plan that we can use to measure success,” said Brianne Nadeau, councilmember for Ward 1. Members of the Fonteneau center said they are making it a goal to speak with
Hypothermia season begins annually in November and
several months, into March of the next year.
National Weather Service (NWS) published forecast indicates that the following threshold criteria are met (including wind chill): Daytime: actual or forecasted temperature is 32°F or below. Overnight: when the temperature is forecasted to be either 40°F or below and the predicted chance of precipitation is 50 percent or greater, or 32°F or below.
The District will issue a Cold Weather Emergency when the temperature falls or is forecasted to fall to 15°F or below, or 20°F and one or more of the following
council members like Nadeau about issues that are important to them.
Singleton said their members testified in front of At-Large Member of the Council of D.C. Anita Bonds, who oversees the budget for the DACL. Councilmember Nadeau also attends workout classes at the center.
“We’ll bend her ear about some of the things that we’d like to see happen. She’ll come and she’s done exercise classes with the seniors and try to connect with them just to make herself available to them,” she said.
Nadeau said it is important that she is able to speak with the seniors in an informal setting.
“I like to go to actually interact with seniors. I enjoy participating in the programs with them and being available to them if they have anything that they need in the city. It’s just a good opportunity to be with them in a more informal setting,” Nadeau said.
In the 2024-2025 DACL Fiscal Year Budget Oversight Hearing, Hines said even though this budget season is particularly difficult, she is thanking seniors for sticking beside them.
“There’s always an argument to be made that the senior wellness centers could use more funds on an ongoing basis rather than one time grants and enhancements,” Nadeau said. “It’s an ongoing challenge and this year was a particularly tight budget year because a lot of the federal funds we received from covid and post-covid went away.”
For now, Singleton said the center is using money they get from donations and other grants they apply for to fill in the gaps the budget doesn’t support and promote.
Poteat said she plans to continue coming back because the community center gives her and fellow members a chance to learn about eating better and socialize with new people.
“It helps [us] eat better, be healthy [and] love one another,” she said.
conditions exists: steady precipitation for 60 consecutive minutes; snow accumulation of 3 inches or more; other meteorological conditions or threats as determined by HSEMA.
Medical experts suggest that residents take every possible step to protect themselves from hypothermia with recommendations that include remain inside if possible; cover up and limit exposed skin when you go outside; check on neighbors and learn the signs
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entire operation, the Bray School had one teacher, Ann Wager, a White woman. She was responsible for the students seven days a week, which included taking them to religious services and observations at Bruton Parish in Williamsburg.
During the school day, students were taught reading and spelling. This would have equipped them to advance to writing, but it’s unclear whether writing was practiced within or outside of the classroom. If the latter, it may have been done in secret. Girls were specifically taught domestic skills, like sewing and knitting, to be of value to their households.
Though the central mission of the Associates of Dr. Bray was to convert people, who they viewed as heathens, to Christianity, Elgersman Lee said students could have used their education to resist their philosophies.
“Despite the intentions of the Bray Associates, local trustees and even the teacher, herself, once exposed to the highly curated religious doctrine and the practical skills the Bray School sought to impart, the children’s own curiosity, intelligence, mindset and community would help shape them for their own purposes,” said Elgersman Lee. “I am increasingly convinced that students wore the mask of being docile, receptive students while internally they became increasingly critical of the world around them and their prescribed place in it.”
On Nov. 1, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and William & Mary held a formal dedication ceremony for the building, which has now been restored. Soon, the institution will
of hypothermia, especially in young children and the elderly. Finally, while those who believe they may be experiencing health challenges related to hypothermia should, of course, seek immediate medical attention, there are several telltale signs.
According to the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org), symptoms of hypothermia include shivering; slurred speech or mumbling; slow, shallow breathing; weak pulse; clumsiness or lack of coordination; drowsiness or very low energy; confusion or memory loss; and loss of consciousness.
Throughout Hypothermia Season, the District maintains overflow sites to ensure that warm and safe places are available for those experiencing homelessness. Visit cold.dc.gov for a list of shelters. Contact the Human Rescue Alliance (202-723-5730) for animal emergencies including those left outside in extreme temperatures. For more cold weather information or tips to better prepare for frigid temperatures and winter conditions, visit ready. dc.gov/winterwx
be fully open to the public in Spring 2025.
Descendants of Bray School students were given the opportunity to read the names of their ancestors during the commemoration. One, Janice Canday, shared Elgersman Lee’s sentiment.
“Even though the school wasn’t intentional in educating us, it was inspirational in helping our ancestors know that education was one of the keys to freedom and something they could use to find a new trajectory for themselves as people,” said Canaday. “It establishes the fact that we were an educated people, and we continue to be an educated people.”
Canaday, who is also the African-American community engagement manager for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, has traced two relatives to the Bray School: Elisha and Mary Jones. Despite the discovery, she continues to seek answers about how her predecessors used their education. Much of her research is through
inventories and wills, as enslaved people were considered property.
“That’s the thing about being African American,” said Canaday. “Documents are few and far between. In order to find out a lot about them, we have to find out about the people around them.”
When the Bray School opens in the spring as a living history museum, one of its primary focuses will be telling the stories of the hundreds of students who learned in the building. Matthew Webster, executive director of architectural preservation and research at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, classified the Bray School as a tangible link to the past.
Though it carries a contentious history, it’s one that he believes needs to be amplified.
“I am a believer that it’s really difficult to figure out how we got to where we are today if we don’t understand our past,” said Webster. “It’s even more difficult to chart a path forward.”
Unsplash/ Levi Meir Clancy
lasts for
Photo by Brendan Sostak, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The 18th century Bray School educated as many as 400 free and enslaved Black students from 1760 to 1774, teaching them a pro-slavery curriculum.
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council member Mel Franklin’s at-large seat. Still, she has said to local news media that she is interested in throwing her name into the race.
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy name is also being floated as a potential candidate, along with at-large council member Calvin Hawkins, who previously served as the chair of the council.
Marylanders should not count out former Prince George’s County executive Rushern Baker, who served as the 7th county executive from 2010 to 2018. Baker has not confirmed whether he will officially throw his hat into the ring but he did say, in comments to an ABC 7 News reporter several days ago, that he is open to the role. “There
are things that I worked on that I’d love to have the opportunity to work on again,” Baker said.
When Alsobrooks steps down will determine whether the County’s new county executive will be decided through a pair of special elections or a county council appointment. Residents can anticipate a hefty price tag for special elections.
Ivey, who represents District 5 on the council, recently said that given her experience and knowledge about the needs and concerns of Prince George’s County residents, she’s the best qualified person to take over the reins for Alsobrooks.
Ivey, the wife of Rep. Glenn Ivey (D), also told reporters that she would utilize her familiarity with federal aid programs
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condition. And the impact of that is there can be genetic testing that’s available for a particular condition,” she said. “It may be doing genetic testing to find out the risk for a condition to occur. It may be to try to identify what a particular condition is that’s affecting a person.”
For SCD, genetic counselors help atrisk couples understand their risk factors and the implications of passing on the sickle cell gene. They also offer guidance on family planning options and education on managing the disease if a child is born with it.Harrison continued and shared the services the medical center offers.
“We offer genetic counseling which can lead to genetic testing that’s available for a variety of things. There’s also gene therapy, which is pretty advanced and can be as serious as someone going for a bone or neurotransplant,” said Harrison. “We do not offer that here at Howard, but we talk
to funnel more federal dollars toward Prince George’s.
Meanwhile, Prince George’s Chief Administrative Officer
to patients who might benefit from it and then we point them in the right direction if it’s something that they want to pursue.”
The lack of widespread awareness about genetic counseling options can lead to a higher prevalence of SCD in the Black community. Many people–even those aware of the disease, are not aware of their own carrier status, or they lack the resources to access genetic counseling.
“One thing about sickle cell trait or being a carrier for sickle cell is that it often comes with no symptoms. Being a carrier is something that a person can have and then pass down to the next generation,” she explained “And it’s really not until a person who has sickle cell trait meets another person with sickle cell trait, and then there’s that one in four chance they could have a child with sickle cell disease that maybe people know about it in their family.”
Harrison noted that finding out you have the sickle cell trait, once it appears in your child is too late. Parents are encouraged to know their status before they procreate. Veteran genetic counselors urge people to prioritize knowledge of their status just as they do an annual flu-shot.
“I think it’s always about awareness. Awareness and understanding can address a lot of those issues. It’s all about providing that education, getting our social network groups to prioritize it just like we talk about diabetes and cancer,” Harrison said. “We should be talking about sickle cell disease. We have to use avenues available to get medical information out about other things–there’s no reason we can’t do that for sickle cell as well.”
The Prince George’s County municipal code requires a pair of special elections to be held for an empty county executive’s seat if the seat is vacated within the first two years of the person’s term –that would be Dec. 5 for Alsobrooks – and calls for a special primary election to be held between 45 and 100 days after that.
Tara Jackson, who assumed that position in 2020, would, according to the municipal code, run the county government.
However, if Alsobrooks resigns after Dec. 5, the county council will have the authority to choose a new county executive from among themselves. Whoever is county chair at the time would become
county executive, if the body is unable to reach a majority vote after two weeks
As things appear this week, it could come down to an in-house battle between Ivey and Hawkins, if Alsobrooks resigns after Dec. 5. As for Braveboy, now in her second term as state’s attorney, the only way she could become county executive would be through a special election.
Photo courtesy of pgcsao.gov
Aisha Braveboy could throw her name in the race to become the next executive of Prince George’s County.
AP Photo/Brian Witte
Rushern Baker is not shy about the fact that he would like to return to the Prince George’s County executive role.
Unsplash/ Digitale DE Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease that can’t be prevented, however being aware of one’s status as a sickle cell trait carrier is a great way of knowing how the disease could affect future generations.
Upcoming events in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area
By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com
As Thanksgiving approaches, there are a number of free events in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area for residents to enjoy.
Washington, D.C.
DC Hires Vets
The D.C. Department of Human Resources (DCHR), in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Veteran Affairs (MOVA) and the D.C. National Guard, welcomes District veterans to its annual career fair. The event features on-the-spot job offers from local government agencies, private sector companies and nonprofit organizations across a number of industries.
Date: Nov. 19
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: D.C. Armory
2001 East Capitol St. SE Washington, DC 20003
/ Sydney Rae November is a time to honor veterans and their families. This month, a Nov. 19 hiring fair will be held for men and women who have served and are now seeking employment with other government agencies and civilian companies.
Wellness and Community Resource Fair
Forge Wellness DC welcomes Washingtonians to its Wellness and Community Resource Fair in Ward 8. A number of local small businesses and nonprofits will be at the fair, offering tips for holistic health habits and preserving your mental well-being.
Date: Nov. 23
Time: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: The Michelle Obama Southeast Center of Bread for the City
1700 Marion Barry Ave. SE Washington, DC 20020
fairs for veterans.
Funding Fearlessly: Supporting Women and BIPOC Entrepreneurs
Access to capital is one of the most significant challenges for entrepreneurs, especially for women- and people of color-owned businesses, this panel will examine investment strategies to support women and entrepreneurs of color. The Women Impact Investing Network (WIIN) is organizing the event with panelists, including Co-chief Counsel of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Dariely Rodriguez and Rhia Ventures CEO Erika Seth Davies.
Date: Nov. 19
Time: 5:45 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library 901 G Street NW Washington, DC 20001
Blk Ass Friday
Blk Ass Flea Mkt, created by Brianne Mobley, is back with its Blk Ass Friday event for the first time since 2022. The market gives patrons the opportunity to shop from 50 Black-owned businesses as the holiday season approaches. It will include on-site gift wrapping and Kwansa ornament-cutting workshops.
Date: Nov. 29
Time: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Coppin State University College of Business Building
Vets To Drones
Baltimore Forensics and Vets to Drones, a program that prepares former servicemen to join the commercial drone sector, invite veterans and public safety personnel to network with industry exports about professional opportunities. They will also have the chance to fly drones at different stations within Camden Yards.
Date: Nov. 23
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Oriole Park at Camden Yards 333 West Camden Street Baltimore, MD 21201
The Legacy of Wellness: Navigating Mental Health in Communities of Color
This discussion, organized by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, will address unique mental health challenges that communities of colors encounter. Attendees will hear from panels on generational trauma and practical approaches to self-care. The conversation is in partnership with Health in Her HUE, an online platform that matches Black women and women of color with culturally-sensitive health care providers and data-driven health content.
Date: Nov. 20
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: 3201 Tioga Parkway Suite W Baltimore, MD 21215
EnterpRISE Manufacturing Startup Pitch Competition
Open Works is set to host its 8th annual pitch competition for local manufacturing startups. The contest will award a $10,000 prize for first place, $5,000 prize for second place and $1,000 prize for third place. Seven runner-ups will collect a $250 stipend. All participants in the pitch competition will receive a free six-month membership at Open works and access to five business webinars and two safety classes.
Date: Nov. 21
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Open Works 1400 Greenmount Ave. Baltimore, MD 21202
DHS Veteran Career Fair Marine Corps Base Quantico
This career fair, hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is open to all transitioning active duty and former service members. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore employment opportunities in law enforcement, immigration, travel security, prevention and response, cybersecurity analysis and mission support.
Date: Nov. 22
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: The Clubs at Quantico and Crossroads Event Center
Northern Virginia Small Business Networking
Budding and established entrepreneurs are invited to attend this Northern Virginia networking event. The day is a time to share resources, form partnerships and learn ways to grow and scale their businesses.
Date: Nov. 20
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: 133 Maple Avenue E Vienna, VA 22180
Unsplash
Unsplash/ Maddi Bazzocco
November has a host of free events for residents in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, from wellness panels to career