Afro eEdition 12-30-2023

A6 The Afro-American October14, 2023 - October 20, 2023 Volume 132 No. 22 THE BLACKwww.afro.com MEDIA AUTHORITY • AFRO.COM

$2.00 $1.00

DECEMBER 30, 2023 - JANUARY 5, 2024

CNN’s Abby Phillip speaks to Bowie State graduates on facing, overcoming adversity Photos by Ryan Pelham, Bowie State University

Myles Frost, a Bowie State University (BSU) 2023 winter graduate and 2022 Tony Award-winning artist, performs at the start of BSU’s commencement exercises shortly before Abby Phillip delivers the keynote address.

By Deborah Bailey AFRO Contributing Editor

afro.com

Cable network anchor and Bowie High School graduate Abby Phillip reminded Bowie State University winter graduates Dec. 23 of the power of failure in life.

Phillip, anchor of “CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip,” a Harvard graduate and a member of Bowie’s 2006 class, told the 405 graduates that the road to success is filled with redirection, difficulties and unavoidable pain. But even with life’s many obstacles, she assured the graduates, what is meant for you will come.

“There has been nothing that was meant for me that I did not receive or [that]

02

7

47105 21847

2

was given to someone else,” Phillip declared.

Phillip cautioned students that “successful people have a high tolerance for adversity, for discomfort, for unhappiness, even,” as she recounted experiences in college and her career that were filled with rejection and experiences where she did not fit in.

“I wish that someone had told me that bad things are going to happen to you. But the real question is, what do you do when that happens,” Phillip said.

Phillip shared with graduates of the Maryland HBCU and their parents that it took her years to

“There would not be a Black middle class without HBCUs.” figure out that rejections are part of life, even when they are based on “unfairness.”

AFRO exclusive: Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott welcomes baby boy with fiancée Hana Pugh

By Catherine Pugh Special to the AFRO Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott welcomed the birth of his son, Charm Jamie Scott, with fiancée Hana Pugh on

“Tonight, we were blessed by the healthy and safe arrival of our son, Charm.”

Dec. 26. The bundle of joy arrived at 7:31 p.m., just one day after Christmas.

“Tonight, we were blessed by the healthy Continued on A3

Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor

Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott is officially a father after welcoming the birth of his son, Charm Jamie Scott, with fiancée Hana Pugh. The baby made his debut at 7:31 p.m. on Dec. 26.

“There can be trauma associated with rejection, being left out, especially when you think there is unfairness at play,” Phillip said.

“We have to start training our minds and our hearts to see the messages in rejection knowing that we can triumph over it. Sometimes we have to hear a loud and resounding ‘no’ in order to fight for yourself.”

The university’s winter graduation included a surprising 2023 fine arts graduate: Myles Frost, who won a Tony in 2022 for his

portrayal of music icon Michael Jackson in “MJ the Musical.” Frost entered the stage shouting out ”We graduating baby” to his classmates before belting out a rendition of “Enjoy Yourself,” originally performed by the Jackson 5 in 1976.

Frost ended his graduation appearance with a touching tribute to his 90-year-old grandmother, Hattie Strayhorn, who he said “is still walking and talking with style and grace.” Frost gave his Continued on A3

Alabama prisoners sue state over labor system, alleging treatment akin to a ‘modern-day form of slavery’

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com Past and present inmates from Alabama have lodged a lawsuit against the state, alleging that its prison labor practices are a “modernday form of slavery” and that it operates a racially discriminatory parole system.

The class action suit, filed on Dec. 12, asserts that Alabama has resurrected “convict leasing” a postCivil War system used

by Southern states that leased predominantly Black prisoners to railway companies and large plantations. As states’ financially benefited from this system, prisoners received no wages and encountered inhumane and dangerous working conditions.

In the state’s current system, plaintiffs claimed

that companies, including McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Paramount Services and Cast Products, are today’s leasers. They have also become targets of the lawsuit.

“It is no accident that Plaintiffs Council, Moore, Walker, Cole, McDole, Campbell, Ptomey, Pritchett, English and Cartwright— like individuals who were enslaved and forced to work Alabama’s cotton fields, and those forced to participate in the sharecropping and convict leasing schemes that followed the end of the Civil War— are Black,” reads the complaint.

“Alabama incarcerates a grossly disproportionate number of Black men and women in its prisons, and the state has long used its prisons to perpetuate the racial subjugation that existed before the Civil War.” The plaintiffs comprise 10 formerly or presently

Copyright © 2023 by the Afro-American Company

incarcerated men and women who worked while serving time in Alabama’s prisons, two labor unions and public nonprofit The Woods Foundation. The defendants include Governor Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm and members of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, as well as several companies that have contracted with Continued on A3

Scan to subscribe to the e-edition

A2 The Afro-American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington

By Zeke Miller The Associated Press President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, the White House said Dec. 22, in his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system.

The categorical pardon builds on a similar round issued just before the 2022 midterm elections that pardoned thousands convicted of simple possession on federal lands. The latest action broadens the criminal offenses covered by the pardon.

Biden is also granting clemency to 11 people serving what the White House called “disproportionately long” sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.

Biden, in a statement, said his actions would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality.”

“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” Biden said. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”

No one was freed from prison under last year’s action, but the pardons were meant to help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job. Similarly, no federal prisoners are eligible for release as a result of the Dec. 22 pardon.

But the order expands the grounds on which pardons are issued. In the last round, people were pardoned for simple possession under only one criminal statute. In this round, pardons also apply to several other criminal statutes, including attempted simple possession.

Biden’s order applies only to marijuana, which has been decriminalized or legalized in many states for some or all uses, but remains a controlled substance under federal law. U.S. regulators are studying reclassifying the drug from the category of drugs deemed to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse,”

“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”

AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia. The White House says his action Dec. 22 is his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system. known as “Schedule I,” to the less tightly regulated “Schedule III.” The pardon also does not apply to those in the U.S. unlawfully at the time of their offense.

Biden’s proclamation effectively pardons the covered people, but they will need to submit applications to the Justice Department’s pardon attorney office to receive certificates of pardon that can be used for housing and employment purposes.

Biden on Dec. 22 reiterated his call on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to erase marijuana convictions.

“Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either,” Biden said.

This article was originally published by the Associated Press.

Rev. Dr. J. Jerome Newton makes history as first Black mayor of Mount Olive, N.C.

By Comatha B. Johnson Special to the AFRO

Your History • Your Community • Your News

The Afro-American Newspapers

Baltimore Office • Corporate Headquarters 233 E. Redwood Street 6th Floor, Suite 600G Baltimore, Maryland 21202 410-554-8200 • Fax: 410-554-8213 afro.com Founded by John Henry Murphy Sr., August 13, 1892 Chairman of the Board/Publisher - Frances Murphy Draper (Publisher Emeritus - John J. Oliver Jr.) President - Benjamin Murphy Phillips IV VP of Marketing and Technology - Kevin E. Peck Director Digital Solutions - Dana Peck Receptionist - Wanda Pearson - 410-554-8200, ext. 246 Director of Operations

Andrè Draper - 410-554-8200

Director of Finance

Bonnie Deanes - 410-554-8242

Executive Director/Director of Advertising

Lenora Howze - 410-554-8271 - lhowze@afro.com

Director of Community & Public Relations Diane W. Hocker - 410-554-8243

Editorial

Managing Editor - Alexis Taylor - 410-554-8257 Special Projects Editor - Dorothy Boulware - 410-554-8231 Contributing Editor - Deborah Bailey - 202-332-0080, ext. 1119 Assistant Editor - Ashleigh Fields - 410-554-8200

Archivist - Savannah Wood- 410-554-8277 Baltimore Circulation/Distribution Manager Andrè Draper - 410-554-8200 Production Department - 410-554-8200

Washington Office 1140 3rd Street, N.E., 2nd Floor Washington, D.C. 20002-6723 202-332-0080 • Fax: 410-554-8213

(Washington Publisher Emerita - Frances L. Murphy II) Director of Operations - Andrè Draper - 410-554-8200 Customer Service, Home Delivery and Subscriptions: 410-554-8200

On Dec. 13, 2023, the Rev. Dr. J. Jerome Newton made history as the first African American to be sworn in as mayor of the town of Mount Olive, N.C., since it was incorporated in 1870.

Newton, a Mount Olive native and a retired Marine Corps officer, took the oath of office in the Southern Bank Auditorium on the University of Mount Olive campus. District Court Judge Erika James officiated Newton’s swearing in at 1:30 p.m.

Dr. Newton served honorably for 20-plus years in numerous places abroad—Japan, Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Italy and Republic of Panama, to name a few. Upon his retirement, he taught school at grade levels K-12 in Maryland for eight years and served three years as a small business specialist in the Office of the Deputy Secretary of Education in Washington, D.C. An ordained minister, Newton is the founding pastor of Rock Of Faith Christian Church, now relocated to Mount Olive, North Carolina, from Clinton Maryland. He has served as an adjunct professor of religion at the University of Mount Olive.

He is a lifetime member of Carver Alumni and Friends Association and currently serves as national president.

Newton is also a published author.

Newton was educated at Southern Wayne High School in Dudley, N.C. before going on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree at Winston Salem State University in Winston Salem, N.C. He has also completed advanced military training in education, amphibious warfare, advanced officer communication courses and

Courtesy photo

\Mount Olive District Court Judge Ericka James swears in Dr. J. Jerome Newton as the first Black mayor of Mount Olive, N.C. with his daughter, Tynisha Wilcox, by his side. command and staff college training.

Newton holds a Master of Divinity from Howard University and

“I am extremely humbled yet profoundly grateful for the confidence that the town of Mount Olive has placed in me.” a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va. “I am extremely humbled yet profoundly grateful for the confidence that the town of Mount

Olive has placed in me,” said Newton in his message to the citizens and guests attending his swearing in.

“Mount Olive has become a melting pot of eastern North Carolina… rich with different backgrounds and cultures like African Americans, Caucasians, Haitians, Hispanics, Asians and more.”

“We are all part of this community and we must recognize and embrace all,” he continued.

Newton encouraged residents to embrace his goal of ensuring “One Community, One Town, One Mount Olive.”

“Let this be our coming of age as we partner, build, and cultivate our town together to make it better,” he concluded. “We can do this if we all work together. It’s not about Newton. It’s about us.”

December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024 The Afro-American A3

Their lives were torn apart by war in Africa - this family hopes a new U.S. program will help them reunite

By Jamie Stengle The Associated Press Worried about his mother’s health, Jacob Mabil tried for months to persuade her to let him start the process that would take her from a sprawling refugee camp where she had spent almost a decade after fleeing violence in South Sudan.

He wanted her to come live with him and his young family in the U.S. But before she would agree, she asked for a promise: that he would one day also bring the granddaughters she had raised since they were babies.

Mabil, now 44, said he would do everything he could. But it turned out that he was allowed to petition only for immediate family members. Though his mom joined him in suburban Fort Worth, Texas, in 2020, his nieces remained in Africa.

“That always killed me,” said Mabil, whose own childhood was ripped apart by civil war in Sudan.

As the U.S. government

transforms the way refugees are being resettled, Mabil and his family now have hope that they will be reunited with two of his nieces, who soon turn 18 and 19. The Biden administration opened the application process this month that lets Americans who have formed groups to privately sponsor refugees

“It will allow families who are in desperate need to reunite to do so.” request the specific person they want to bring to the U.S. When he was just eight, Mabil was forced to run for his life as soldiers came into his village in what is now South Sudan, setting it on fire as they killed people.

He became part of the group of children known as the

Nine-year old conductor, Carter Roberson, leads Baltimore Symphony Orchestra during 2023 Holiday Spectacular

By AFRO Staff Carter Roberson made his debut as a guest conductor with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 23. The nine- year-old led the group of talented musicians in a selection of “Sleigh Ride” as part of the organization’s Holiday Spectacular.

“I felt swell,” said Roberson. “I felt really good up there because I was excited. I wasn’t nervous.”

The young scholar spoke on why classical music is a category of sound he has come to enjoy.

“I like classical music because it’s soothing– it’s calming,” he said. “ It helps

Courtesy photo

Carter Roberson says his love of classical music is inspired by his mother, Tiffany Roberson, and his great-aunt Lenora Howze.

you relax.”

Roberson was exposed to classical music by his mother in the womb, but other family members have helped his inclination to the genre grow over the years as well.

“My great-aunt Lenora Howze started me on classical music when I was starting first grade because I couldn’t sleep at night.”

Aside from Roberson, other guests for the evening included Byron Stripling, who lent his talent as a conductor, trumpeter and vocalist during the event. The show included numbers such as “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “White Christmas” and “Joy to the World.”

Roberson’s mother, Tiffany Roberson, spoke of her son’s knack for music.

“I encourage Carter to be involved because he has an ear for music,” she told the AFRO. “He can recognize a sample in a song and give you the original version with the artist’s name. He is a natural when it comes to music.”

The proud mom said she was moved, watching her son lead the world-class musicians.

“It was the most breathtaking experience. It was like watching the smaller version of me shining like a star. It felt surreal and I couldn’t have been happier for him.”

The AFRO will be on the lookout for all of the great things to come from Carter Roberson in 2024 and beyond.

Identification Statement

THE AFRO AMERICAN – (USPS 040-800) is published weekly by The Afro American Company, 233 E. Redwood Street, 6th Fl., Ste. 600G, Baltimore, MD 21202.

Subscription Rate: 1 Year - $100.00 Print & Digital ($40 Digital Only) (Price includes tax). Checks for subscriptions should be made payable to: The Afro American Company, 233 E. Redwood Street, 6th Fl., Ste. 600G, Baltimore, MD 21202.

Periodicals postage paid at Baltimore, MD and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: THE AFRO AMERICAN, 233 E. Redwood Street, 6th Fl., Ste. 600G, Baltimore, MD 21202.

“lost boys,” who spent years on their own and walked hundreds of miles to flee violence.

Mabil, who didn’t even know his mother was alive until shortly after he arrived in the U.S. in his early 20s, said he wants his sister’s daughters to have the same opportunities that he has had.

Traditionally, resettlement agencies have placed refugees in communities, but the push to add private sponsorship as well has come as President Joe Biden works to restore a program that was decimated under former President Donald Trump. The launch at the start of 2023 of the State Department’s Welcome Corps program, which allows everyday Americans the chance to form their own groups to privately sponsor refugees, came after a similar endeavor that let U.S. citizens sponsor Afghans or Ukrainians.

“In many ways it is, I think, one of the most important things that the U.S. resettlement program has ever done,” said Sasha Chanoff, founder and CEO of RefugePoint, a Boston-based nonprofit that helps refugees.

“It will allow families who are in desperate need to reunite to do so.”

With the U.S. hoping to bring in 125,000 refugees this fiscal year, the use of private sponsors expands the capacity of the existing system, said Welcome Corps spokeswoman Monna Kashfi said. She added that

AP Photo/LM Otero

Jacob Mabil pauses during an interview at his home about his two nieces. Mabil is one of Sudan’s “Lost Boys,” and is trying to get his two nieces from African refugee camps to the U.S. to live with him and his family. the opportunity to apply to sponsor a specific refugee has been greatly anticipated.

“We have heard all throughout the year from people who wanted to know ... when they could submit an application to sponsor someone that they know,” she said.

Mabil, his wife and his mother have already joined two family friends to form their own sponsor group to start the process to bring over his two nieces, who were placed in a boarding school when their grandmother left Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya for the U.S. One is set to graduate soon and the other has returned to the camp after

graduating.

Chanoff said that unaccompanied girls are often “in extraordinary danger” at the camp and regularly kidnapped and sold into marriage.

Mabil’s wife, Akuot Leek, 33, is also from South Sudan and spent her childhood traveling from place to place with her family to try to escape violence. She wants the young women to have the same freedom that she had to choose what to do with their lives.

Leek and Mabil began dating after meeting at a wedding in the U.S. and both are college graduates who now work in finance.

Mabil was one of about 20,000 youths who joined an odyssey that took them first to Ethiopia, where they spent about three years before a war there forced them to flee again. The survivors eventually made it to Kakuma, where Mabil spent almost a decade before coming to the U.S. “They had survived bullets and bombs and wild animal attacks and things that you and I can’t imagine to get to Kakuma camp,” said Chanoff, who met Mabil at the camp.

Leek and Mabil say that once his nieces are settled in Texas, they may work to bring over other family members.

Mabil’s mother, Adeng Ajang, said living with her son and daughter-in-law and four grandchildren in their comfortable home has made her very happy. Now, the only stress she has in her life is worrying about her granddaughters.

“It was difficult to leave them,” said Ajang as her daughter-in-law translated from the Dinka language. “It was hard.”

Ajang said talks to her granddaughters on the phone often. “Sometimes we talk and then we will start to cry,” she said.

For Mabil, he’s excited and nervous to start the process. “This is my last chance,” he said.

This article was originally published by the Associated Press.

Alabama prisoners Continued from A1

the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC).

The lawsuit asserts that the state of Alabama violated anti-human trafficking laws, the First and Fourteenth Amendments and the Alabama Constitution for what the plaintiffs have named “a labor trafficking scheme,” according to the complaint. The system allegedly brings $450 million to the state annually.

The complaint details that ADOC coerces inmates to participate in its workrelease program, wherein they are subjected to long and demanding work hours, unsafe working conditions and little to no wages. It claims that prisoners’ refusals to work have resulted in punishments, including solitary confinement, physical

Prisoners stand in line for lunch at Elmore Correctional Facility in Elmore County, Ala. The state and its prison system have become defendants in a lawsuit alleging that their work-release program is a “labor trafficking scheme” comparable to modern-day slavery.

Scott

Bowie State

Continued from A1 and safe arrival of our son, Charm,” Mayor Scott told the AFRO. “Both Mom and Dad are doing great.”

Baby Charm was born inside of University of Maryland, St. Joseph Medical Center, and weighed in at six pounds and seven ounces.

Scott says he is very excited for the next chapter that lies ahead with his bride-to-be. Prior to the birth of their son, the couple announced their engagement on Christmas Day. “Thank you to everyone who has sent well wishes,” said Scott. “We are looking forward to 2024– a new adventure as a dad– and more work ahead to keep fighting for the City, this little one and [what] we all deserve.”

harm and food deprivation.

The complaint also alleged that Black parole candidates are denied at a rate of 2 to 1 compared to White parolees due to bias-driven decisions.

This is not the first time Alabama’s faced legal action over its prison system. In 2020, the Department of Justice sued the state and ADOC for failing to provide safe and sanitary conditions

in its prisons.

ADOC told the AFRO it cannot comment about ongoing litigation.

Megan Sayles is a Report For America Corps member.

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Continued from A1

grandmother flowers when she walked to the stage, assisted by his mother, Charmaine Strayhorn.

Bowie State University President Aminta Breaux said Frost demonstrated “good character to pursue his hopes and dreams (on Broadway) while getting his education and being awarded his degree today.”

The themes of family and resilience were woven throughout the Bowie State ceremony, which also highlighted five doctoral level graduates in computer science and educational leadership, as the institution is focused on moving toward a Carnegie Research Level II institution.

Antuan Terrell Jemerson Sr., a newly minted graduate

in business administration, personified the theme of resilience. The Upper Marlboro, Md. business marketing major started his degree program in the 1990s and returned to BSU in 2021 after his son suggested he come back to the college classroom.

“My kids are here; my son inspired me to come back to school. Today feels great, it’s exhilarating, I’m proud.

Overall it feels amazing,” Jemerson said.

Following the ceremony, Phillip expressed joy at addressing an audience “at home” in Bowie. In many ways, she said, she’d never left.

She also summed up the importance of the day and the occasion of an HBCU graduation ceremony.

“There would not be a Black middle class without HBCUs and this is so important,” she said. “HBCUs carry on the legacy of many in this country.”

A4 The Afro-American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

COMMENTARY

Union momentum is strong heading into 2024

By Lee Saunders

When working people stand together, raise their voice and show their power, they win.

That’s the lesson of 2023, a year in which workers boldly asserted their rights and refused to accept less than their fair share of the value they create.

Through October, nearly 500,000 workers had taken the courageous step of going on strike this year, three times the number that did during the first 10 months of 2022. And almost 900,000 union workers have won pay hikes of at least 10 percent over the last year.

AFSCME affiliates across the country have been a part of this wave of strike activity.

From workers in Yamhill County, Ore., to employees in the Morgan County, Ohio, school district, AFSCME members withheld their labor until their employer afforded them the respect they deserve.

This is happening across the economy – from health care to hospitality.

Writers, actors and other workers in the entertainment industry hung together for months until they finally got a better deal from their employers. Sometimes, just the threat of a strike forces management to soften and

cede to workers’ demands.

That’s what happened in the standoff between the city of San Jose, Calif. and the Municipal Employees’ Federation–AFSCME Local 101 this summer. Similarly, the Teamsters were prepared to walk off the job at UPS but ultimately didn’t have to, using the leverage of a 97 percent strike authorization vote to land a historic contract.

Perhaps the year’s highest-profile worker action came from the United Auto Workers. In an unprecedented gambit, the union went on strike against all of the “Big Three” automakers – Ford, General Motors and Stellantis – at the same time. UAW now has contracts with all three companies that include lifechanging raises of up to 160 percent, as well as greater retirement security and union protections for those working on electric vehicles.

When workers are able to organize, bargain collectively and go on strike when necessary, the benefits are felt especially in communities of color. Unionization has been an economic lifeline for generations of Black people, in the public as well as the private sector. My father was a bus driver in the city of Cleveland, and while we

Courtesy photo

Lee Saunders is president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

sure weren’t rich when I was growing up, his union wages and benefits meant that we could have a decent life.

Unions are a force for racial equity. While there are still major pay and wealth gaps between Black and White workers, they would be much larger if not for unions.

And in 2022, median earnings for Black union members were more than 20 percent higher than for Black workers who don’t belong to a union.

No wonder African Americans are more likely to be union members and more likely to support unions than the population at large. So, as we look at strategies for growing the labor movement, organizing Black workers must be a top priority.

Workers of all races are feeling empowered and emboldened, claiming their seat at the table and inspired to take collective action.

And strong public support is the wind at our back.

Recent polling demonstrates that unions enjoy sky-high approval ratings, particularly

among young people.

Growing numbers of people want unions to be stronger and believe they are good for the economy.

As we close out 2023 and look ahead to a new year, the challenge for those of us in the labor movement is to build on this momentum. We

must continue standing up to the boss and organizing new workers. We must continue bargaining good contracts and electing pro-worker allies. We must continue, every day, to talk about and demonstrate the power of the union difference.

Holiday blues: The separation of incarcerated family members and their children

By Ebony Underwood

After 33 years of separation from incarceration, I still remain in awe that I am able to spend the holiday season with my dad outside of prison walls. I am extremely grateful for my father’s freedom. However, it would be misleading for me not to share that I am also still emotionally jolted by the holidays and decades of separation I experienced away from my father. The holidays represented a dark time in my life. It was a reminder of when my father was arrested and later sentenced to life in prison.

Although I attempted to tuck away the pain, it somehow always seemed to resurface.

My father was arrested between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There were no gifts that Christmas, just the weight of uncertainty and pain. The trauma of my father’s arrest upended my mom and her attention was focused on our economic fate.

Without instructions or tools for how to emotionally cope with this physical separation, my once anticipated hope for the holiday season evolved into a reminder of devastating pain.

The reality of this form of separation exists for millions of children and families across the U.S. Inhumane policies accelerated the rate of incarceration over the last 50 years. The result generations of children and parents left to cope with the profound consequences of separation each holiday season.

Post pandemic many families remain separated.

For the last three years, millions of children were unable to physically hug, kiss or visit in-person their incarcerated mom or dad during the holiday season.

Nothing can replace this bond, but with the surge of technology, predatory telecom vendors continue to create conditions that monetize love and put families in financial

debt with costly video calls and phone calls, as the sole option for children to connect with their incarcerated parents.

The pain of separation due to incarceration is traumatizing for so many.

Rickeyra has no memory of her father outside of prison walls. She was three months old when her 21-year old father, Ricky Jivens, was sentenced to life in federal prison. Nonetheless, Ricky has never wavered in remaining connected to his daughter throughout his 31 years of incarceration.

From her earliest memories, Rickyera remembers phone calls, letters, quizzes and questionnaires from her Dad to keep actively engaged.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Ricky’s facility has revamped visiting policies making it nearly impossible to have a humane in-person visit, with a plastic barrier and phone that separates incarcerated individuals from their loved

ones. After decades of separation, Rickeyra yearns to spend Christmas with her father outside of prison.

DeRonte was an infant when his father, Ronald Craig, was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Now 25, DeRonte is a college graduate and successful entrepreneur. Remaining connected to his only child despite prison walls, Ronald always motivated and helped to cultivate his son’s growth as an entrepreneur. DeRonte’s one wish this holiday season is for his father’s freedom.

When her father, Omar Torres Montalvo, was incarcerated 25 years ago, six-year-old Sylvia became introverted. She was deeply traumatized by the housing instability caused to her family. Today, Sylvia says it is her father from prison who has helped to lift her spirits. Omar’s continued encouragement, love and guidance to his daughter has given Sylvia the strength to move beyond her shyness.

She’s turned her pain into power and is determined to celebrate the holiday season with her father outside of prison.

Rickeyra, DeRonte and Sylvia are WE GOT US NOW Actionist.

Understanding first-hand the traumatizing impacts of parental separation throughout a child’s life, these young people seek to advance the well-being of this subpopulation of children through narrative, policy and system change. As subject matter experts, they educate stakeholders, inspire allies and empower other daughters and sons to let them know they are not alone. Each of their experiences gives a glimpse into the resilient, enduring, continuous hope and love they carry from childhood.

I survived the weight and expansiveness of this type of love. I believe by prioritizing the health and well-being of children impacted by a parent’s incarceration while

simultaneously uplifting a vision for shared safety can result in best practices for visiting procedures, sentencing policies and telecom services that shifts the collateral damage of parental separation for children.

As I celebrate the holiday season, I recognize the blessing of my father’s freedom, acknowledge that I am still healing and am inspired by what’s possible for the future of children with incarcerated parents.

Courtesy photo

Ebony Underwood is founder and CEO of WE GOT US NOW and a 2021 Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow.

Prostate cancer in the Black community

By Ronald Blocker Sr.

Cancer devastates far too many Marylanders, but it doesn’t affect us all equally. Statistics from Johns Hopkins Medicine have shown that African Americans die of the disease at a disproportionate rate. If we have the opportunity to address this problem– shouldn’t we do so?

There are new technologies that have shown great promise in large-scale clinical trials. Blood tests that can detect dozens of different types of cancer from a simple draw of a patient’s blood. By diagnosing the disease early, physicians will have greater opportunity to save lives.

Once these are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it is critical that they can be made accessible, especially for those with the greatest propensity for being afflicted with cancer. I want to thank our own Sen. Ben Cardin, who has been a strong advocate in Congress for the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Act. I call on each of Maryland’s representatives in Congress to help Sen. Cardin advocate for and pass this bill, which would clear harmful red tape and bureaucratic delays and enable Medicare to cover these new cancer screenings for older Americans.

We look forward to the successful passage of this much needed bill.

Courtesy photo Ronald Blocker Sr. is a prostate cancer survivor.

The opinions on this page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO. Send letters to The Afro-American ∙ 233 E. Redwood Street, Suite 600G Baltimore, MD 21202 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com

December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024 The Afro-American A5

Gymnastics star Simone Biles named AP Female Athlete of the Year a third time after dazzling return

By Will Graves AP National Writer There were jitters, of course.

Considering all that happened, how could there not be?

When Simone Biles walked onto the floor at a suburban Chicago arena in late July for her first gymnastics competition in two years, she knew plenty of people were wondering how it was going to go.

“I thought that too, don’t worry,” Biles said with a laugh.

By the end of one rotation, the most decorated gymnast of all time realized she was back in her safe space. By the end of August, she was a national champion. Again. By October, she was a world champion.

Again.

And by December, she was The Associated Press’ Female Athlete of the Year.

Yes, again.

Her triumphant return that included her record eighth U.S. national championship and a sixth world all-around gold made Biles the sixth woman to claim the AP honor for a third time. The 26-yearold seven-time Olympic medalist was followed by Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati of the World Cup champion Spanish soccer team in voting by a panel of sports media professionals.

And to think, she wasn’t really sure what awaited her on that summer night in front of a packed arena that supported her at every turn, a response she says she didn’t anticipate.

Hard to blame her.

The last time Biles had saluted the judges, she was earning a bronze medal on the balance beam at the end of the 2020 Tokyo

Olympics, the end of a tumultuous two weeks where her decision to pull out of multiple finals due to “ the twisties “ (think mid-air vertigo) dragged the sometimes uncomfortable conversation about athletes and their mental health into the white-hot spotlight only the Games provide.

Though she drew near-universal acclaim for her courage to put her safety first, a quick check of her mentions on social media showed not everyone agreed.

She took a two-year hiatus in the aftermath, going into what she called a “protective shell.” She dove deeper into therapy while eyeing a return on her terms.

Still, that didn’t stop self-doubt from creeping in. Only this time, instead of letting the anxiety gnaw at her confidence, she accepted its presence, took a deep breath, and put on the kind of show that is hers and hers alone.

“I did a lot better than I thought I would do,” Biles said.

Same as it ever was.

Biles previously won the AP honor in 2016 and 2019, times in her life she now barely recognizes.

She was still a teenager

AP Photo / Geert vanden Wijngaert

Biles was named the AP Female Athlete of the Year for a third time after winning national and world all-around titles in her return to gymnastics following a two-year break after the Tokyo Olympics. made it a point to make sure that the sport she’s redefined no longer defines her.

Biles married Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens in the spring. Her time is split between getting to Packers games when her schedule allows, working with her corporate partners and poring over the details of the house she and her husband are building.

started again.’”

Biles isn’t kidding when says she’s trying to take more of a “one day at a time” approach, not easy for someone who admits she has a habit of “best case/worst case-ing” every little thing. She didn’t really get serious about returning until late spring when coach Cecile Landi suggested over margaritas that maybe it was time to give the world a peek at what Biles had been working on.

Her response was somewhere along the lines of “sure, OK” even though there was a part of her that felt she might not ever be ready.

“I didn’t know what I was expecting,” said Biles, who credited the people she has surrounded herself with for believing in her when she was still grappling with her belief in herself. “People were like, ‘No, we’ve seen you in training, this is what was supposed to happen.’”

And what was supposed to

“I did a lot better than I thought I would do.” following her star-making performance at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Still living at home with her parents. Her world still revolved around the spaceship of a gym her family built in the Houston suburbs.

Thinking about it, she can’t help but shake her head a little bit. Biles remembers thinking she only had time to practice and — if she was lucky — get her nails done.

It’s not that way anymore. She’s

Part of her evolution is organic.

Part of it is intentional. For too long, she let herself get too caught up in the outcome of every turn, every flip, every twist, every practice in a discipline where perfection is literally unattainable.

“Whenever I was 19, it was the end of the world if I had bad days,” she said. “Now I’m like, ‘It’s OK, it’s just gymnastics and I’ll come back tomorrow and we’ll get it

happen quickly became what has almost always happened since Biles began taking the norms of her sport and bending them to her will.

It wasn’t just that she won but how she did it. Her intricate and gravity-defying tumbling has become more precise. A full decade into her elite career, her routines for all four events are still packed with remarkable difficulty.

Nowhere is that difficulty more apparent than on vault, where she became the first woman to perform a Yurchenko doublepike in international competition.

The move — a breathtaking combination of power and more than a little guts — is now the fifth element to carry her name in the sport’s code of points.

She doesn’t have to do it to win.

She does it anyway, because, as she put it a few years ago, she can.

Barring injury or the unforeseen, a third trip to the Olympics awaits next summer. She knows this.

She’d just prefer not to talk about it. She only begrudgingly uses the words “Paris” or “Olympics” in interviews, a very conscious choice.

It’s telling of where Biles is in her life that she recently shared an Instagram story in which followers were asked to post their best moment of 2023. The picture she chose wasn’t taken from a routine or a medal podium but she and Owens dancing at their wedding reception, the picture of a life finding its balance.

“At the end of the day I did worlds and all that stuff, but I did get married, I got to support him,” she said. “It’s just like, it’s kind of nice that gymnastics isn’t the main revolving piece.”

This article was originally published by the Associated Press.

LSU Tigers take down Coppin Eagles as Angel Reese returns home to sold-out crowd

By Marion Lake Special to the AFRO Angel Reese, the Randallstown, Md., native and St. Frances graduate, came home and handled business as she and the Louisiana State University Tigers defeated the Coppin State University Eagles 80-48 on Dec. 20.

Almost two years ago, Reese was playing for the University of Maryland Terrapins when she last played against the Eagles and earned a double-double in their win.

This time, in front of a sold-out crowd of 4,100 – the line to enter wrapped around the Physical Education Complex buildings on Coppin’s campus – Reese was happy to be playing in front of not only the LSU fans that traveled to the game, but the home crowd as well.

“A lot of people came out tonight,” Reese said. “I know they were supporting Coppin, but being able to come to a historically Black college… coming back here, doing a lot for this community and them (members of the community) being able to see opportunity—where there can be a lot of little girls knowing they can have this opportunity— was something

that was important to me.”

Reese said that coming into Coppin was “completely different” this time around compared to how it was when she played at Maryland.

“My sophomore year I remember the first time I came here there weren’t that many fans here,” she said.

“But coming in tonight just seeing my impact and being able to see how so much has changed…. I’m just happy [with] the place that I’m in and the people I’ve been able to touch.”

Reese showed out, finishing the game with 26 points, six rebounds and five steals (tying her careerhigh in steals) in the team’s cruising victory. It was the team’s 12-straight win since their season-opening loss to Colorado.

Head coach Kim Mulkey understood the importance of this game and what it would mean to Reese when it was put on the team’s schedule this season.

“This is Angel Reese’s hometown area,” Mulkey said. “ We try to go back to the hometown areas of our players, but it doesn’t always work out. Other than recruiting, scheduling is the second hardest thing to do in college athletics. We were

AFRO Photo / James Fields

Forward Angel Reese made a triumphant return to her home state when she and the Louisiana State University Tigers defeated the Coppin State University Eagles on Dec. 20 in Baltimore.

just grateful we could work it out.”

The Tigers came out victorious in the end and the Eagles couldn’t keep up with the No. 7 ranked team, but it was still a moral victory for Coppin.

Eagles head coach Jermaine Woods gave credit to coach Mulkey for signing off on the scheduling to play against a historically Black college and praised his team for continuing to fight back throughout the game.

“Obviously you want to win,” Woods said. “But I was proud of the fight. I think all of you left out of here and said that our young women never [gave up] and that’s the goal.”

And the Eagles didn’t give up, especially earlier on in the second quarter where they were down by 10 before going on a 10-4 run to gain a little momentum.

Eagles leading scorer and guard Tiffany Hammond and forward Laila Lawrence, who finished with 32 points and five steals, combined, felt the physicality of the game when going up against bigger opponents like Reese.

“You had to stand your ground and just be physical throughout the whole night,” Lawrence said. “You gotta hit

her first every time or she’s gonna hit you.”

Hammond seconded Lawrence’s comment about the tenacity required to play against Reese and the Tigers.

“We had to be physical on both ends of the court,” she said. “Fighting for positions, trying to rebound with girls that’s over 6-foot-5, it was a physical game the whole time.”

Coach Woods said that they had a lot of fun for the “first time in a long time” after playing an opponent like LSU and just wanted to “enjoy the moment” as the Eagles prepare for another tough game against Duke Dec. 28.

As for Reese and the Tigers, they will travel back home and get some rest before they play against Jacksonville Dec. 30, seeking to win their 13th straight game.

Reese left with a little advice for college students before preparing to head back to Louisiana.

“Take some time to yourself,” Reese said. “Mental health is the most important thing and being able to put yourself first.”

Marion Lake is an AFRO intern from Morgan State University.

A6 The Afro-American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

Byron Allen makes a $3.5 billion bid to acquire BET Media Group, cementing legacy in Black media ownership Terence Hill, welcomes new members Janice Arouh, Mark DeVitre, Eric Gould, Sydnie Karras, Chris Malone and Andy Temple.

Allen expressed his enthusiasm for the board’s expansion, stating, “For the past 30 years, I’ve been working with a small board of three directors, but now that Allen Media Group is much bigger as we’ve become highly acquisitive, I am excited to announce the addition of these six new board members. I am extremely proud of this board because it is diverse, and the people who make it up are simply the best because they know our business and the media space innately, which allows us to move quickly and efficiently in this rapidly changing landscape.”

By Ebony J.J. Curry New Pittsburgh Courier Making a bold move that underscores the importance of Black ownership in media, Byron Allen, the founder, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group, has placed a substantial $3.5 billion bid to acquire BET Media Group. This marks Allen’s second attempt to secure the media properties that have been pivotal in shaping Black culture and entertainment.

The significance of BET in the Black community BET Media Group, a cornerstone in Black entertainment, encompasses the BET network channel, VH1, BET Studios and the streaming service BET+. For years, BET has been at the forefront of providing a platform for Black voices, showcasing talent and delivering content that resonates deeply with the Black community. Its significance goes beyond entertainment; it’s a beacon of representation and cultural pride.

Allen’s vision for Black-led media Allen’s commitment to Black ownership in media isn’t new.

His media conglomerate, Allen Media Group, already includes several media companies, notably theGrio. His bid for BET is a testament to his belief in the power and necessity of Black leadership in media spaces. This move is not just a business transaction; it’s a statement about the value and impact of Black-owned media on society.

Reports on the acquisition bid The news of Allen’s bid was first brought to light by Bloomberg and has since been covered by other major publications like Variety and Deadline. According to these reports, Allen’s renewed bid came upon learning that Paramount was close to sealing a deal to sell BET to a management-led investor group for just under $2 billion, significantly lower than Allen’s previous $2.7 billion offer earlier this year.

AP Photo/Richard Shotwell

Byron Allen arrives at the Baby2Baby Gala on Nov. 11, 2023, at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, Calif. Allen, owner of the Allen Media Group, has reportedly put in a $3.5 billion bid for the BET Media Group.

Paramount’s ongoing discussions and strategic moves Paramount is currently engaged in discussions with Warner Bros. Discovery about a potential merger that could create a massive $39 billion conglomerate in news, sports and entertainment. This merger could significantly reshape the industry landscape. Earlier this year, Paramount had explored selling a majority stake in BET but eventually halted the process.

Expansion of Allen Media Group’s board of directors In parallel with these developments, Allen Media Group has expanded its board of directors from three to nine members.

Allen, alongside Carolyn Folks and Chief Operating Officer

Allen’s email to paramount: A stand for fair value In a striking email to Paramount’s board and senior executives, as reported by Variety, Allen expressed his concerns about the potential sale. He described a below-market deal to management as an “egregious breach of fiduciary duty by the Paramount Global management team and board of directors if BET is sold for anything less than the highest price.” This statement reflects Allen’s commitment to ensuring BET’s value is recognized and respected.

Taraji P. Henson’s candid revelation sparks industry support for equal pay

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire In a recent SiriusXM interview with Gayle King, iconic actress Taraji P. Henson bravely addressed

38

BEYA

FEBRUARY 15-17, 2024 The Baltimore Convention Center and the BEYA DTXTM Platform

Register Now at www.beya.org Attend your way In-Person or Online

CONFERENCE CO-HOSTS

TECHNOLOGY CO-HOST

Conclusion: A new era for BET? Contrary to Byron Allen’s bid for BET Media Group, renowned filmmaker and billionaire Tyler Perry has shared his own experiences and challenges in trying to acquire the Black Entertainment Television (BET) channel from Paramount Global. His perspective, as reported by The Atlanta JournalConstitution (AJC) at Bloomberg’s Equality Summit, paints a different picture.

Perry expressed disappointment and a sense of disrespect in the acquisition process, stating, “I was disappointed about it for a number of reasons. The way it happened was disrespectful in a lot of ways.”

This sentiment contrasts sharply with Allen’s more assertive approach towards acquiring BET. Perry’s stance reflects the complexities and sensitivities involved in significant media transactions, particularly those involving prominent Blackowned entities.

See more on afro.com This article was originally published by the New Pittsburgh Courier.

STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE! FREE Career Fair Friday and Saturday with top employers

the pervasive issue of pay inequality in Hollywood, triggering an outpouring of solidarity from her peers. The 53-year-old star, celebrated for her roles in “Empire,” “Hidden Figures” and “The Color Purple,” opened up about the substantial pay gap that Black women face in the entertainment industry.

“I’m only human and it seems every time I do something and I break another glass ceiling, when it’s time to renegotiate I’m at the bottom again like I never did what I just did. And I’m just tired,” Henson explained in an emotional Sirius XM interview. “It wears on you.”

“When it’s time for us to go to bat, they don’t have any money,” she added of her contract negotiations. “They play in your face. And I’m just supposed to smile and grin and bear and just keep going.”

Support for Henson flooded social media, with Gabrielle Union, 51, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to affirm, “Not a [expletive] lie told. Not. A. [Expletive].

Lie.” Union emphasized the collective commitment of industry veterans to usher in the change necessary for future generations, acknowledging the toll it takes on one’s mental health, soul and career.

Black British actor John Boyega, known for his standout roles in “Star Wars,” “The Woman King” and “They Cloned Tyrone,” praised Henson for her bravery.

“Brave of her to speak about this openly,” he commented on Instagram.

“Problems at the top are hard to comprehend when it isn’t you.”

Keke Palmer, known for her role in “Nope,” also joined the conversation on Instagram, delving into the intricacies of Hollywood paychecks. Palmer drew parallels between the entertainment industry and other businesses, shedding light on the collaborative efforts behind every successful actor. She discussed the financial complexities of managing a team, including

AP Photo/Evan Agostini

Actress Taraji P. Henson, celebrated for her roles in “Empire” and “The Color Purple,” opened up about the substantial pay gap that Black women face in the entertainment industry. agents, publicists and assistants, echoing the sentiment that “more money means more problems,” a reality in any industry.

Palmer further touched upon the commonality of juggling multiple jobs in the entertainment sector, often out of necessity rather than choice.

She highlighted the financial challenges faced by those pursuing success in America, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship while acknowledging its inherent expenses.

Henson’s revelations struck a chord as she detailed the financial strain actors endure, especially when negotiating contracts and managing the substantial expenses of their support teams.

“I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do, getting paid a fraction of the cost,” Henson replied. “I’m tired of hearing my sisters saying the same thing over and over. I hear people go, ‘You work a lot.’

I have to. The math ain’t mathing.”

She pointed out that behind every successful actor is a team of people supporting them. “Big bills come with what we do. We don’t do this alone,” she said. “The fact that we’re up here, there’s a whole entire team behind us. They have to get paid.”

The actress conveyed frustration at consistently finding herself negotiating as though she had not already broken barriers in her career.

Henson candidly shared the industry’s tendency to lack financial support when it comes time for equitable compensation negotiations.

Despite these challenges, Henson emphasized the importance of diversifying income streams. Beyond acting, she has launched side projects, such as her TPH haircare line, to fortify her financial standing and safeguard her well-being in an industry that, as she put it, “if you let it, it’ll steal your soul.”

WASHINGTON-AREA

December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024 The Afro-American

B1

Black leaders sound off about National Museum of African American History and Culture’s first official Kwanzaa exhibit

Wizards, Capitals would move to Virginia in tentative deal, Mystics would stay in D.C.

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA)has reached a tentative agreement with the parent company of the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals to move those teams from the District of Columbia to what he called a new “visionary sports and entertainment venue” in northern Virginia.

The proposal, which would need the state legislature’s approval, calls for the creation of a $2 billion development south of Washington in Alexandria, just miles from the existing arena, Youngkin said in an interview with The Associated Press ahead of

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will display its first official Kwanzaa exhibit until Jan. 1, 2024. A kinara, mkeka mat and a playlist debuted at the museum on Dec. 26.

The week-long PanAfrican holiday was originally founded in 1966

by Maulana Ron Karenga to honor seven principles of African history and heritage.

“Kwanzaa is a Black nationalist tradition. It’s a holiday created for Black people by Black people,” said Baba Kelechi Egwim, a member of the D.C. Kwanzaa Planning Committee.

Egwim said the holiday is significant because it is based on customs of Black people and serves as a time to “recognize our greatness.”

In addition to the exhibit featured in Heritage Hall, the museum will host a screening of “Kwanzaa and Watch Night: Visions of Freedom” on Dec. 30 for guests in person. The movie will showcase both Kwanzaa and Watch Night, a practice that started on Dec. 31, 1862, when African Americans gathered, many in secret, to ring in the new year and await news that the Emancipation Proclamation would take effect on Jan. 1, 1863.

“The African American Continued on B2

By Sarah Rankin and Matthew Barakat Associated Press

Photo courtesy of Southwestern Athletic Conference

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Head Football Coach Willie Simmons holds the 2023 Celebration Bowl trophy inside of the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. FAMU successfully defeated the Howard University Bison with a final score of 30-26 on Dec.16.

FAMU takes 2023 Celebration Bowl title Southwestern Athletic Conference emerges victorious

By Mekhi Abbott Special to the AFRO mabbott@afro.com The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Rattlers defeated the Howard Bison in the Cricket Football Celebration Bowl on Dec. 16.

Delivering a final score of 30-26, the Rattlers left Atlanta with their first ever Celebration Bowl victory.

The Bowl, also known as the “Black National Championship,” started off with a bang when Howard University graduate student Ian Wheeler returned the opening kickoff 63 yards, not being tackled until he reached FAMU’s 27yard line. Four plays later, the Bison sprinted out to an early 7-0 lead against the Rattlers.

“I honestly didn’t expect [FAMU] to kick me the ball because their kicker has a good leg. But once I saw it in the air, I knew I had to show out. It’s always awesome being able to put our team in position to score to start off the game,” said Wheeler.

After linebacker and fellow graduate

student Christian White strip sacked FAMU quarterback Jeremy Moussa causing him to fumble the ball, the Bison were able to recover the ball once again in FAMU territory. The MidEastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Champions took advantage of the turnover and executed a six play, 37-yard touchdown drive to go up 14-0.

The Bison went into halftime with a 16-10 lead after FAMU’s kicker Cameron Gillis kicked a field goal with 11 seconds left in the second quarter.

A relatively quiet third quarter saw both teams score zero points, but the fourth quarter was full of action. FAMU flipped the momentum, scoring on their first possession to start off the final quarter after Moussa threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Dean. With that score, they were able to take their first lead of the game, 17-16. In their very next possession, Moussa and Dean connected on another deep ball, this time for 53 yards. The Rattlers led the Bison 24-16.

After kicking a field goal to break FAMU’s 17-0 scoring run, Bison

defensive back Carson Hinton jumped a screen pass thrown by FAMU’s Moussa and returned it 27 yards for a defensive touchdown. The Bison retook the lead 26-24.

However, the Rattlers didn’t take long to respond. The 2023 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Offensive Player of the Year’s deep ball was connected on Dec. 16 and Moussa was able to throw another pass for a touchdown, this time to wide receiver Jah’Marae Sheread for 38 yards to put the Rattlers in the lead 30-26.

The Bison had two more offensive possessions in the fourth quarter to try and respond, but both drives resulted in interceptions thrown by senior quarterback Quinton Williams. After starting the game off with a pedestrian first half performance that resulted in an interception thrown, a fumble and a safety, FAMU quarterback Moussa made the big throws when it mattered the most in the second half. He finished with 289 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and a fumble.

Continued on B2

“The Commonwealth will now be home to two professional sports teams, a new corporate headquarters and over 30,000 new jobs.” an announcement Dec. 13 at the site. It would include an arena for what would be the state’s first major professional sports teams, as well as a new Wizards practice facility, a separate performing arts center, a media studio, new

Continued on B3

University of the District of Columbia joins Anacostia High School in uplifting STEM partnerships

By Zsana Hoskins Special to the AFRO The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and Anacostia High School co-hosted STEMs-Giving, a celebration of the new innovative programs launched at the high school as a part of UDC’s Developing America’s Workforce Nucleus

(DAWN) initiative. The event took place on Dec. 14 at Anacostia High School from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and featured several guest speakers.

The initiatives celebrated at the event include a new hydroponics lab and community gardens—which will be placed in the high school, and the recent publication of the book “Through My Anacostia Eyes,” which was written by 12 Anacostia High students. The 72-page book features poems, essays and photos as students detail their experiences living in

“The high school students gain knowledge of cutting-edge technology like hydroponics and knowledge of environmental or climate change-career fields which are not typically emphasized in economically challenged neighborhoods.”

Courtesy Photo

Anacostia High School (pictured) and UDC are partnering to expose students to employment opportunities through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiatives.

DC and their work with the environment.

“As a master of ceremonies, I draw my energy from the audiences. The love and support I felt from the Anacostia faculty and staff and our partners put me on cloud nine. I certainly appreciated the presence of the students and the

parents, but they do not know me like the faculty and staff.

The highlight was giving the award to our biggest funder and support, Pepco,” said Patrick Gusman, deputy chief of staff and executive director of strategic partnerships for UDC. Other speakers at the event included Anacostia High Principal Kenneth Walker, UDC President Maurice Edington and Caroline Brewer, editor of “Through My Anacostia Eyes.”

“Through My Anacostia Eyes” was produced in six weeks by a dozen Anacostia High students who participated in a summer internship program sponsored by the UDCDepartment of Interior (DOI) Justice40 Initiative, which was established by the President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14008 on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.

D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said he is thrilled about the book and the UDC-DOI partnership.

“This anthology really captured the perspective of DCPS

Continued on B2

6

269

Past Seven Days 2023 Total Data as of Dec. 27

B2 The Afro American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

Celebration Bowl Continued from B1

Williams finished with 106 passing yards, 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. FAMU’s Dean was named the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl’s Offensive Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Despite 56 points being scored, the 2023 Celebration Bowl proved to be a defensive matchup. FAMU’s “Dark Cloud” defense held Howard to only 187 total offensive yards, which is a record for the least amount of yards put up by an offense in Celebration Bowl history. Nine of the 26 points that Howard put up were scored by the defense via the pick-six by Hinton and a 2-point safety caused by Howard defensive lineman Darrian Brokenburr. The offensive touchdowns scored by the Bison were set up by special teams and a fumble caused by the defense. FAMU’s senior linebacker Isaiah Major took home Defensive MVP honors after securing what proved to be the game-sealing interception for the Rattlers. Major was also named the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year at the conclusion of the regular season.

Tiffany-Dawn Sykes, FAMU’s vice president and athletic director is the first female athletic director to win a Celebration Bowl. Sykes forged a strong relationship with star linebacker Major.

“My vision for FAMU Athletics is for every student-athlete to graduate with a

degree in one hand and a championship ring in the other. THIS is what it’s all about!

Congratulations Isaiah Major!” Sykes wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, in response to Major thanking FAMU for his overall collegiate experience in being able to get a degree, earn a SWAC Championship and be named a 2023 Black College Football National Champion.

“My vision for FAMU Athletics is for every studentathlete to graduate with a degree in one hand and a championship ring in the other. This is what it’s all about!”

The season proves to be a historic one for both programs. This was both FAMU and Howard’s first time going to Mercedes Benz Stadium to play in the Celebration Bowl. FAMU clinched its first ever SWAC football championship just a couple weeks ago after defeating the Prairie View A&M Black Panthers, 35-14. FAMU finished their season 11-1, going an undefeated 8-0 against SWAC opponents. The Rattlers started off their season by knocking off Jackson State, who were the

Kwanzaa exhibit Continued from B1

Museum is such an important part of our city and our country and I think the ability for us to learn of other customs is an important attribute for our community,” said Michael Shankle, local representative for Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C where the museum resides. “I think Kwanzaa has been underrecognized by other communities in the past and I’m glad the museum is making efforts to help residents learn about the celebration.”

Despite the NMAAHC’s historical effort to highlight the holiday, many local residents still feel it’s not being appropriately recognized. The “Kwanzaa Now Campaign” has been

could ensure a Smithsonian exhibit aligned with “the community of folks who created Kwanzaa– as opposed to the universalized version of Kwanzaa.”

“Kwanzaa is not a time to compromise ourselves, it’s a time to empower ourselves, a time to reflect and time to embrace the spirit of PanAfricanism,” said Egwim. “A celebration among the whole Black population is bigger than anything a corporation or the Smithsonian may have a concept of. Since its creation, it has returned to its origin and become full circle.”

The AFRO reached out to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for a comment but did not receive an immediate

“People from all around the world come and visit the museum and they should see all aspects of our culture.” advocating for a more in depth and educational approach.

“We searched for Kwanzaa in the museum in Oct. 2018 and discovered the word ‘Kwanzaa’ was mentioned only once in the museum history collection; the reference was not about the holiday practice, but about its founder,” read a statement on their website.

“We later discovered no Kwanzaa events of any kind had been held by the museum…we found one children’s Kwanzaa book in the gift shop, a Kwanzaa pin in their digital database and a small pre-Kwanzaa children program was held Dec. 7, 2019.”

Multiple members of the D.C. Kwanzaa Planning Committee joined the campaign to help advocate for more awareness about the holiday.

Egwim, who is also a member of the Kwanzaa Now Campaign, said he believes the Smithsonian could have done more outreach and consultation to ensure the museum featured a Kwanzaa exhibit in line with community requests.

“We weren’t able to get them to agree to us playing more of a hands-on role,” said Egwim, who believes the inclusion of organizations that annually celebrate Kwanzaa

then reigning 2-time SWAC Champions. After losing their second game of the season to instate opponent University of South Florida, FAMU would run the table and not lose a single game for the rest of the season.

FAMU is only in its third season as a SWAC school after leaving the MEAC in 2020. Prior to that, FAMU had a 15-year run as a MEAC program and was a part of the

response ahead of the time of print.

“People from all around the world come and visit the museum and they should see all aspects of our culture,” said D.C. Kwanzaa Planning Committee founding member Baba Imamu Kuumbabaucum.

Alternatively, the D.C. Kwanzaa Planning Committee organized in 1977, hosts community events yearly surrounding the holiday and has for the past four decades virtually and in-person. Each night, the committee will present free events that focus on the seven principles of Kwanzaa:

Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). The group says that these tenets should not just be practiced for the week but 365 days of the year.

“The essence of Kwanzaa is the true appreciation of ourselves as Black people, collectively coming together to reflect on and enjoy the infinite beauty of being in the same family, organization and community,” said Baba Rasafik Weusi. “We share the same values, interests, aspirations and engage in committing to the same struggle.”

Every year, the D.C. Kwanzaa Planning Committee joins forces to create an overarching theme for the week.

“This year’s theme is “Stronger Together” and at our Dec. 26 celebration will be discussing the importance of that concept of being stronger in unity and uniformity,” said Kuumbabaucum. “The principle of the day is unity and the family community and the nation and the race and we will be discussing ways and means of how we can maintain family and community in these dire times that we are living in.”

He believes that Kwanzaa deserves to be recognized on a global scale. A detailed list of their events can be found at KwanzaaDC.org.

The D.C. Kwanzaa Planning Committee is committed to promoting the holiday for years to come with hopes of a future partnership with the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Egwim said the goal of his organization is to help

Photo courtesy of Edoghogho Ugiagbe

Local residents are sounding off about the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s first official Kwanzaa exhibit.

conference for over 35 years in total. This year, FAMU became the first school in NCAA history to win a conference title in the SWAC, MEAC and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in football. Each of the three respective conference’s member schools are composed entirely of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU).

FAMU continues to add to their legacy as one of best football programs in all of HBCU football history. FAMU is the only HBCU people “get it right” when it comes to Kwanzaa. While he said he is “always willing to be a part of that process,” his coalition can only do so much if their ideas and help are not

program to ever win a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National title. FAMU also boasts four college football Hall of Famers and over 60 players who have played in the National Football League, including current starting middle linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, Markquese Bell from the class of 2021.

Despite the 4-point loss, the Bison still had a season to remember. They finished their season with at least a .500 record (6-6, 4-1 MEAC) for the first time since 2017. They also won the MEAC outright and qualified for their first bowl game in thirty years. Some of their season highlights include a 30-point blowout victory against the then 7th-ranked (FCS) team in the nation North Carolina Central Eagles and a very close 23-20 loss against the Northwestern Wildcats. The Wildcats are a Power 5 program that have a record of 7-5 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten, one of the most challenging and competitive conferences in all of college football.

Some notable names amongst the crowd at the Celebration Bowl included Vice President and Howard alumna Kamala Harris, former NFL MVP Cam Newton and his younger brother, former Bison quarterback Caylin Newton. Actor Lance Gross from Howard University’s class of 2024 was also in attendance.

accepted when offered.

“It’s the only holiday that I’m aware of that exists for Black by Black people to celebrate Blackness,” said Egwim. “This is us

celebrating us for seven days, more specifically us celebrating the best of us– not us celebrating individuals– but principles that represent the best of our people.”

STEM

Continued from B1 students but also the Anacostia experience with lots of outdoor exploration, incorporating topics around science and math and literacy as well,” Chancellor Ferebee said.

The STEMs-Giving event also served as recognition for the year long successes the DAWN initiative produced.

The UDC DAWN initiative was created to address the challenges of underrepresentation of Black and brown professionals in the STEM industry by providing resources to public schools to create a wider talent pool for STEM employers. The initiative has received support from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Pepco Holdings, Apple, Giant, the U.S. Department of Energy and Environment in addition to several other entities in the private sector.

Gusman believes the impact of the support of such entities has played a huge role in DAWN’s success this year.

“DAWN provides interesting, cutting-edge project-based learning experiences, the ability to deploy the knowledge in oncampus and external events, and access to internships,” said Gusman. “The financial contribution was indispensable. However, their [sponsors] commitment and, in some cases, friendship was a driving force in advancing the initiative.”

This year, DAWN doubled the number of students participating in the DOI Environmental Justice summer internship, added a literary component with the publication of “Through My Anacostia Eyes,” added a year-round internship to its programming, expanded its partnership with Pepco and the Urban Federal Partnership and supported the hosting of the District of Energy and Environment’s (DOEE’s) Rooting DC at Anacostia High School.

For Gusman, the benefits students reap from initiatives like DAWN are deeper than a broader knowledge of STEM. “The high school students gain knowledge of cutting-edge technology like

Courtesy Photo

Caroline Brewer totes “Through My Anacostia Eyes,” an anthology co-authored by 12 Anacostia students. The book was released on Nov. 8 in partnership with the University of the District of Columbia. hydroponics and knowledge of environmental or climate change career fields which are not typically emphasized in economically challenged neighborhoods. The students also receive direct contact with future employers and opportunities to gain and interact with peer mentors from UDC,” Gusman exclaimed. “Future students also may have the opportunity to earn a two-year associate degree while in high school.

UDC students also have direct access to future employers and gain experience in mentorship and other leadership tactics.”

This STEM partnership is just as beneficial for the sponsors as it has been for the students. For Julie Lawson, a program analyst with the DOEE, the STEMs-Giving event was an opportunity for her to hear how appreciative students are of the work being done.

“Students want people to know what they are getting to do and they appreciate all the adults leaning in on their education. Several came up to me the night of the event to give me hugs and thank me for all I do for them,” said Lawson. “But it’s not just me—we have a lot of DOEE staff and partners who support this work. Our goal is to support D.C. youth and residents in getting good jobs that help us meet our needs for a sustainable and resilient future.”

The DOEE has been a partner alongside UDC with Anacostia High since 2018.

Through this partnership, Lawson said DOEE has provided programs to give students an understanding of the Anacostia River and its natural resources, renewable energy and environmental justice. Programs include summer jobs through the Green Zone Environmental Program, fishing and boat trips to the Aquatic Education Resources Center in Anacostia Park, building an electric vehicle to race in the Electric Vehicle Grand Prix and much more.

Opportunities like these help the students not only help students to learn more about the STEM field but actually see themselves in it.

Chancellor Ferebee believes this kind of representation is crucial.

“The notion around exploring various careers and specifically spotlighting careers where we may not see the level of diversity we like, especially in organizations and companies around the district area…This is an opportunity for students to get that exposure and for them to think about their own personal life skills, and how that may relate to career opportunities,” said Chancellor Ferebee.

To learn more about the DAWN initiative and the partnership between UDC and Anacostia High School, visit www.udc.edu/dawn.

December American December 30, 30, 2023 2023 -- January January 5, 5, 2024 2024 The The Afro Afro-American

B3 B1

Ebony Payne enters Ward 7 Council race

By Gene Lambey Special to the AFRO Ebony Payne is the current Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) for 7D05, she is a native Washingtonian and has lived in the Kingman Park neighborhood with her family for over twenty years. She represents the Kingman Park neighborhood from 19th Street Northeast to the River Terrace.

Payne’s goals as she is running for Ward 7 seat include handling transportation issues, maintaining RFK Stadium’s community usage and working with the local farmers in producing fresh foods.

“The food desert and food access issues in Ward 7 are one of the most common questions I get, especially for anyone living east of the river. I see potential in harnessing our local farmers,” said Ebony Payne.

Payne praises local Black-owned farmers in the Upper Marlboro region of Maryland and Payne reaches out to them. Payne states that the Black farmers in Maryland have, “more of a stake in wanting to actually help people in Ward 7 get access to fresh foods.”

Payne told the AFRO that one of her main goals is to keep Open Air operating at the RFK Stadium parking lot in her pursuit for the Ward 7 Council seat. She is concerned that whatever happens to the RFK Stadium, the farmer’s market will be affected.

“I’m going to start harnessing all of the connections I’ve made with my local farmers to solve the food desert crisis in Ward 7,” said Payne.

Payne stated that Open Air is the only farmer’s market in Ward 7 that impacts those who are on SNAP or for the elderly community. This farmer’s market is over forty years old and was first started by former mayor Marion Barry in 1983. Overall, in Payne’s plans, she would like to have at least two or more farmer’s markets or a food hall within Ward 7.

In her previous career, she maintained a massage therapy practice for ten years after graduating from the Potomac Massage Training Institute. Over the last ten years, she grew to have a passion for herbology and vegetation.

In her political career and where her passion lies, she is committed to her work in public service and she is actively working to not only improve the lives of the Kingman Park community but Ward 7 as a whole.

Panye and her mother constructed a group called the RFK Future Taskforce, an organization that oversees the RFK campus.

Members of the RFK Future Taskforce include residents of Kingman Park, Rosedale, River Terrace, Hill East and Capitol Hill. Payne stated that this group has over thirty members overlooking RFK’s campus.

“I’m on the board of the Friends of Kingman Park and we’ve been organizing the community and just spreading the word about everything that is at stake. I organized our meeting with the mayor that we had in October.

She came at my invitation,”said Ebony Payne.

Payne and the Friends of Kingman Park created a survey in August on the future of the dilapidating RFK Stadium and presented this survey to Mayor Muriel Bowser a few days before the RFK Community Meeting on Oct. 18. The survey was recorded having over two thousand responses.

“We got a lot of community feedback and we found that 70 percent of the community surrounding the stadium do not want to see another stadium return. There were about thirty percent that were open to the idea.

That matches my door knocking experience because I asked everybody how they feel about it.”

Payne stated to the AFRO that she felt that she “had the support of everybody in the community.”

Payne believes that even the thirty percent of people that were in support of a new stadium being built would support her.

“I think people just trust me to put the community first, during negotiations and decision-making. I am part of the community.

I live here. I am directly affected by what happens at RFK.” Payne mentioned about the smaller communities that would be affected by the decisions surrounding the RFK Stadium campus. She talked with the AFRO about The Fields, which consists of three separate fields for soccer, baseball and football games as well as a playground. Payne stated to the AFRO that The Fields are temporary and may not be staying on the RFK Stadium campus.

Payne mentions that The Fields have been a popular place for the youth since it was built back in 2019. According to Payne, over one thousand kids have been coming to The Fields since it was first built. A budget of thirty million dollars funded by Events DC was put into the construction of The Fields facilities. Payne was discouraged to learn there is not a definitive answer on The Fields.

Payne spoke to the AFRO about the group of young skaters who were present at the RFK Community Meeting on Oct. 18. The Maloof Skate Park, which is located directly in front of the entrance to the RFK Stadium and across from the D.C. Armory, this is a place that Payne has taken notice of and she prioritizes it.

“Out of everything that came out of that meeting with the mayor, it was those boys showing up to talk about how their skate park is helping them stay out of trouble and helping with youth violence [and] gun

Ebony Payne is looking to address food insecurity, traffic enforcement and crime reduction as a hopeful Councilmember for Ward 7.

Photo courtesy of Ebony Payne

violence. That is what I see the RFK campus as being used for. We really can’t afford to lose The Fields, the farmer’s market or the skate park.”

The AFRO asked Payne how she handled complaints and requests from the Kingman Park community.

Payne has shared complaints that the Department of Public Works (DPW) and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) have not been servicing Ward 7 well. As she is running for Ward 7 council seat, she is hoping to address this issue.

“My biggest challenge has been DDOT,” said Payne.

“A lot of the changes that they’ve made in the community [have] had a lot of unintended consequences that they’ve been unhelpful in resolving.”

Constituents main concerns range from aggressive driving to speeding cars in the alleys and on streets. Payne would like to add more speed bumps in the neighborhoods to prevent speeding and aggressive driving.

“We don’t get enough of the solutions that we ask for and need. That has been a real problem.”

The AFRO asked Payne how she would overcome this challenge as she is running for Ward 7 seat.

“Specifically with the transportation challenge, to me it’s learning the specific transportation challenges in each community throughout Ward 7. There’s also just other transportation issues all throughout the ward.

My goal is to find out what all of those are.

“We don’t get enough of the solutions that we ask for and need.

That has been a real problem.”

Once I become [a] city councilwoman, I can fix those problems for folks,”said Payne.

Payne highlights crime within Ward 7 and stated to the AFRO that this is an issue that needs to be examined. She mentions carjacking incidents throughout the Ward.

She recalls a time when incidents like these did not occur in this neighborhood which is why crime is one of her focuses for her campaign.

“There has definitely been a spike of crime, violent crime, [and] carjackings. I would like to see us hire and retain high-quality police,” said Ebony Payne.

Payne stated that she would like to see more Black women in the police force and urges more police officers to engage with the community. Payne believes that the police should connect with the communities within Ward 7 to build a trust system.

Payne made sure to praise the 5th District Police commander, Sylvan Alteri. She claims that his approach to the community has been responsive and informative.

Payne also shared that she is in favor of Mayor Bowser’s legislation on the Addressing Crime Trends Now Act (ACT Now) and submitted a written testimony to uphold the legislation.

The ACT Now legislation highlights drugfree zones, penalizing organized crime theft and banning black ski masks. Payne claims that there are still “challenges” with this new legislation but that she hopes it will address youth crime and truancy.

“The chronic truancy rate is a really big problem and it has a big connection to our spike in crime. We are really experiencing the after effects of the pandemic. For adults, we have certain coping mechanisms where we can deal with stress. In a more healthy way, we’ve learned how to do that, but for kids they’ve missed three years of not just school but also socializing with their friends,” said Payne.

Payne believes that many of the students that have been affected by the learning gap have negative outcomes. She continues further stating how social media also plays a role in the students’ behavior, exposing dangerous content to them they may not be able to comprehend.

“Looking at chronic truancy and figuring out how to get those kids back into schools is going to be a real key piece to how we solve crime in DC,” said Ebony Payne.

Payne suggests that the parents need support in order to help their children. She alludes to having social workers work with these children to get them the help they need in order to get back to school.

In the race for the D.C. Council Ward 7 seat, Ebony Payne is one of five candidates.

Veda Rasheed, Ebbon Allen, Eboni-Rose Thompson, Kelvin Brown and Wendell Felder have also entered the race. Felder and Payne currently serve together on the ANC commission of which Feler is chair. Vincent Gray, the current Councilmember for Ward 7 will not be run for reelection.

Wizards, Capitals, Mystics Continued from B1

hotels, a convention center, housing and shopping.

“The Commonwealth will now be home to two professional sports teams, a new corporate headquarters, and over 30,000 new jobs,” Youngkin said in a statement.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment CEO Ted Leonsis appeared with Youngkin and city officials at the Dec. 13 announcement. He endorsed the proposal, thanked Youngkin and said he had “goosebumps” at the thought of the project coming together “if all goes as planned.”

Monumental also owns the WNBA’s Mystics, and Leonsis said his expectation was that Capital One Arena, where the Wizards and Capitals currently play, could host women’s sports and other events like concerts.

“Our intention is to expand here and keep Capital One Arena in D.C. a great place,” Leonsis, an entrepreneur and former AOL executive, said.

The new development would be located in the Potomac Yard section of Alexandria, along the Potomac River and near Virginia Tech’s ambitious Innovation Campus, an under-construction graduate school.

To help finance the project, Youngkin will ask the Virginia General Assembly in the 2024 session to approve the creation of a Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority, a public entity with the ability to issue bonds. While no

upfront state taxpayer dollars would go toward the project, the terms of the agreement would divert new tax revenues from the project to pay down the bonds.

“We have reached a very clear understanding, really subject to finalizing the General Assembly’s work,” Youngkin said in the interview, noting that a key bipartisan legislative committee endorsed the incentive structure earlier this week.

Still, on Tuesday night ahead of the announcement, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled a counterproposal she said had unanimous support from the D.C. Council. The legislation would direct a half billion dollars to modernize Capital One Arena.

At a news conference Dec. 13, Bowser said she holds out hope the teams will stay in the District, noting that the complex financing arrangement to bring the teams to Virginia needs legislative approval.

Fundamentally, though, she said Leonsis must decide if he wants an urban site or a suburban site. Fans, she said, prefer the city. “ National Landing Wizards doesn’t quite have the same ring,” she said, poking fun at the “National Landing” moniker that Virginia economic development officials have used to market Potomac Yard and the surrounding region.

Bowser said the city took the threat of losing the teams seriously. It was only able to put the $500 million

incentive package together recently, though, after learning that it could refinance existing debt.

The Wizards had a home game Dec. 13 night against New Orleans.

Emmanuel Ogundipe, a 24-yearold fan who lives in Burtonsville, Maryland, acknowledged that the move would be met with varying feelings among the team’s supporters.

He noted that, like the current arena, the new complex would be accessible via subway.

“I think that at the end of the day, it’s only (a few) more Metro stops away,” Ogundipe said. “Eventually, I think if the team shows it’s committed to the new identity and the new location, and that the new stadium is really showing signs of life, then people will get on board with it.”

When the Capitals and Wizards moved from suburban Maryland to D.C.’s Chinatown district in 1997 in what was then known as MCI Center, officials credited the arena with sparking a revival in downtown Washington. In recent years, critics who have faulted city officials for what they call lax crime policies have said the neighborhood around the arena has suffered disproportionately.

The administration expects the proposed 9-million-square-foot Virginia entertainment district to generate a combined $12 billion in economic impact for Virginia and Alexandria in the coming decades and create around 30,000 new jobs,

Youngkin’s office said in a statement.

Subject to legislative approval and sign-off from the Alexandria City Council, it would break ground in 2025 and open in late 2028.

The development would be a major blow for D.C. and a massive win for Youngkin, a former private equity executive and college basketball player who said he had a pre-existing friendship with Leonsis from the business world. To get it over the finish line, he will have to work with Democratic majorities in both General Assembly chambers after his party fell short of its stated expectations in November’s elections.

Democrats, including incoming House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, were on hand for the Dec. 13 news conference, along with U.S. Sen. Mark Warner. Other key legislative leaders were not there.

Scott Surovell, who will serve as Senate Democratic leader come January, said in an interview that the project seemed like it could be a good opportunity, but he stopped short of fully endorsing it. Legislators will have questions about transit, taxpayer risk and compensation for the workers who will build the project, he said.

The broad outlines of the proposal call for Monumental to invest $403 million in the $2 billion development. Alexandria will put in $106 million toward the construction of the performing arts venue and

the development of underground parking.

The rest of the approximately $1.5 billion would be supported through the authority-issued bonds.

Those bonds would be repaid over time through rent paid by the team, parking fees, naming rights and new tax revenues generated by the development.

“There is no upfront investment or inclusion of any taxes already being collected by the Commonwealth to repay the bonds and there will be no tax increases for local residents,” Youngkin’s office said.

Potomac Yard, just south of Reagan National Airport, is currently occupied by strip malls and other retail. The site is adjacent to the redevelopment sparked by Amazon’s construction of a new headquarters nearby in neighboring Arlington.

Moira Salcedo, who lives in the area, attended the Dec. 13 event to protest, saying she and her neighbors were blindsided.

“I hate subsidizing billionaires.

And I’ve lived here for the last 10 years, and I know there’s no infrastructure for this,” she said.

In the 1990s, the site received serious consideration as a location for an NFL stadium, but negotiations between the team and Virginia fell through.

This article was originally published by the Associated Press.

B4 The Afro-American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

H Street Toy Drive welcomes Black Santa

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com The D.C. Creative Institute recently hosted

the Black Santa of H Street Toy Drive, bringing holiday cheer to families across the District. Gifts were distributed on Dec. 23, as participants enjoyed free

food and live performances.

DJ Demp, DJ Kid Marvel and Yusha Assad kept the music going, as food and fun were had by all. A variety of gifts were on hand for local

Greg Etienne is the owner of Botl’d, a LGBTQ+, Black-owned business. The company, which produces artisanal, handcrafted, small-batch cocktails, served as a vendor during the holiday event.

children and spirits were high throughout the course of the four hour celebration, which took place at Baby Wale in the 1100 block of 9th St. NW.

Tonya Wilson offers natural skincare products to those in attendance for the toy drive.

Local artist, Yusha Assad helps with the set up of donated toys, ranging from basketballs to baby dolls for young boys and girls.

Photos courtesy of Yusha Assad

Holiday dinner uplifts local families

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com Council member Sydney J. Harrison (D-Prince George’s County-District 9) hosted a special holiday dinner on Dec. 15 at the

Tree of Life Ministries Church. The event was organized in partnership with Our Sons Rise, a local nonprofit organization. In addition to free food, those in attendance were invited to play family games, collect wrapped gifts and enjoy the presence of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Photos courtesy of Council member Sydney J. Harrison’s Office

Gifts pour in from across the county for the toy drive, proving the dedication of local community members.

Kids from across Prince George’s County play musical chairs while waiting for gifts.

Participants gather to bless and enjoy a buffet of food.

Malik Aziz, chief of Police for Prince George’s County, welcomes attendees.

Tree of Life Ministries pastor, James Robinson (left) in his Santa costume, with Council member Sydney J. Harrison and Rev. Marcia Johnson, posing as Mrs. Claus.

To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com

December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024 The Afro-American

C1

From the field to the gym: Moments to remember in 2023 Lake Marion Special to the AFRO

As 2023 comes to a close, the AFRO takes a look at the Black athletes who gave it their all on the basketball court, the football field, in the gym, on the track and beyond.

AP Photo/Matthew Hinton

4) Angel Reese leads LSU championship victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes on April 2 Angel Reese helped the Louisiana State University Tigers women’s basketball team win the NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship over the Iowa Hawkeyes 102-85 in April 2023.

The victory made head coach Kim Mulkey the first women’s coach to win national titles at two different schools—Baylor and LSU.

AP Photo/Morry Gash

8) Simone Biles wins her 21st gold medal at the Worlds Gymnastics Championships on Oct. 6 After a two-year hiatus, Simone Biles continued her success, winning her 21st world title with gold in the Worlds Gymnastics Championships. The world class athlete married Jonathan Owens on April 22, 2023.

AP Photo

1) Georgia Bulldogs defeats Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs 65-7 in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Football championship (NCAAF) game on Jan. 9 The Georgia State Bulldogs crushed the TCU Horned Frogs by 58-points in the NCAAF championship game.

The final score in the matchup marked the biggest blowout in NCAAF history. Shown above, No. 52 for the Georgia Bullsdogs, Christian Miller.

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

5) No. 8 seeded Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler make NBA Finals; Heat falls to No.1 seeded Denver Nuggets 4-1 on June 12

AP Photo/Eric Gay

Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat lost to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals, giving the Nuggets their first NBA Finals championship in franchise history.

The Heat became the second team in NBA history to make the finals as a No. 8 seed this year, with the first being the New York Knicks back during the 1999 NBA playoffs.

WNBA Champs AP Photo/Matt Marton

2) LeBron James becomes NBA’s all-time scoring leader on Feb. 7

9) Las Vegas Aces win back-to-back WNBA championships on Oct. 18

LeBron James became all-time scoring leader for the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2023, breaking the record of the former all-time scoring leader, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The record was held by Abdul-Jabbar for 39 years with 38,387 points until James broke it with 38,390 points and counting. Abdul-Jabbar played 1,560 games while James played (at the time) 1,410 when he broke the record.

A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces defeated the New York Liberty 3-1 to win back-to-back WNBA championships.

The Aces are the first WNBA team to become repeat champions since the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

AP Photo/Petr David Josek

6) Sha’Carri Richardson wins 100-meter title at Worlds Championships on Aug. 21 Track star Sha’Carri Richardson took home her first major world championship title, outrunning Jamaican sprinters Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in August.

AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

10) Deion Sanders serves first season as head coach at University of Colorado on Nov. 25

3) Chiefs defeat Eagles in Super Bowl LVIII; first battle between two Black quarterbacks in the Super Bowl takes place on Feb. 12 The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in a 38-35 thriller to win their third Super Bowl in franchise history.

Patrick Mahomes (right), of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Jalen Hurts, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, dueled in the first Super Bowl to feature two Black starting quarterbacks. Ultimately, Mahomes came out on top, winning his second Super Bowl in five seasons as a starter.

AP Photo/Fernando Llano

7) Coco Gauff wins her first Grand Slam title on Sept. 9

The 19-year-old prodigy, Coco Gauff, defeated the second seeded Aryna Sabalenka in three sets, winning her first ever Grand Slam title in September.

Deion “Prime Time” Sanders closed out his first season as head coach at University of Colorado with a 4-8 record.

Sanders switched his coaching position at Jackson State University to coach at University of Colorado in late 2022.

Lake Marion is an AFRO intern from Morgan State University.

C2 The Afro-American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

AFRO year in review: A look at the highs and lows of 2023

By Ariyana Griffin Special to the AFRO

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

The year 2023 was a year for the books, from celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop to the premier of Rihanna’s second baby bump at the NFL’s 2023 Superbowl Halftime show. Full of highs and lows, take a look at the wrap-up to see some highlights from the past 12 months of Black community, culture and entertainment.

1. David Balogun, 9, graduates from Reach Cyber Charter School in Pennsylvania

Photo courtesy of Chepp.org

David Balogun became one of the youngest people in the country to complete highschool and receive his high school diploma in Pennsylvania in January. The young scholar looks forward to becoming an astrophysicist.

Balogun is currently enrolled in Bucks County Community College.

4. Renaissance paints the country silver

Beyoncé released her seventh solo studio album in July 2022 and the Renaissance World Tour started May 2023.

The production marked her ninth tour to date. It was her highest grossing tour to date, if you missed it don’t worry she also released a film on Dec. 1, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, a film documentary. As of Dec. 24, the film brought in $39.9 million worldwide.

5. Tupac receives Hollywood walk of fame star Tupac Shakur, award winning rapper, actor, activist and poet, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on June AP Photo/Eric Risberg 7. His sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur accepted the star on his behalf. He also had a street in his stomping grounds of Oakland named after him. Shown here, Mopreme Shakur (left) and Sekyiwa Shakur.

was blocking the way. An employee on the tourist boat caught a ride to the pier to ask the owners once again to make space for the tourists to disembark. What began as a conversation turned into a massive brawl that sparked debate across the country.

10. Israel-Hamas War The year 2023 was fraught with violent conflicts. The war between Russia and Ukraine continued, while a sneak attack on Oct. 7 led to the ongoing Israel- Hamas war. Millions around the world are calling for a cease-fire in the conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives in mere months.

11.

Morgan State revives wrestling

AP Photo / Adel Hannah

AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin Photo courtesy of Bowie State University

AFRO Photo/ James Fields

team

2. American Sign Language takes the main stage

Morgan State University broke their 25-year hiatus and became the only HBCU with a wrestling team. Kenny Monday, an Olympic gold and silver medalist, is the head coach of the team.

Their first match in more than two decades came on Nov. 4.

In February, Justina Miles, an ASL interpreter and student at Bowie State University, became the first Black deaf woman to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” with Emmy Award Winner Sheryl Lee Ralph during the pregame of Super Bowl LVII. She also translated for Rihanna’s legendary halftime performance, which debuted the singer’s second baby bump.

3. Fisk Gymnastics team

12. Youngest Grammy nominee 6. Affirmative Action - Black women under attack In the month of July the Supreme Court took a step back and removed affirmative action, meaning colleges and universities are unable to use race as a factor for acceptances. This has created a ripple effect on the reversion of diversity, equity and inclusion in other spaces.

Fisk University became the first HBCU with a gymnastic team and the first to compete at the NCAA level in March.

AP Photo/Chase Stevens

Thank You! $2,000

Mechanic Foundation

$595

Baltimore Chapter Kappa Silhouettes

Karen Fletcher, President

$500

$30

$20

$125

Rita A. Cooper

Rod Armstrong

Toy Drives

$100

Eva Tillman Elizabeth Koopma Benjamin Stanley Eileen & Philip Toohey Randolph & Brenda The Philomathians

c/o Dr. Patricia Welch, President

Baltimore Chapter Kappa Silhouettes

Karen Fletcher, President

Steppin’ Out Bunch

Mildred L. Harper, President

Bikes

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Pi Omega Chapter Eric “Moby” Brown, Basileus

$ 4,250

As of 12/27/23

AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin

Howard University became the first and only HBCU to launch an ice skating program for students to help increase diversity in the sport. Although the team is not associated with Howard’s athletic department, they are set to start competing in early 2024, their first competition is against University of Delaware in February 2024.

14. Coco Gauff is bringing in the big bucks

James Massey

Frederica Vaughn

AP Photo / Jordan Strauss

13. Howard University puts on ice skates

$25

$300

Total:

Mary Cook Elaine M. Kirstaetter Patricia Roberts Alonzo W. Thornton, Sr. Donald Malcolm Smith

This year, the 50th anniversary of hip-hop was celebrated around the world. Legends from DJ Kool Herc, the man credited with creating the genre, to creative genius Missy Elliot (shown right) were AP Photo/ Chris Pizzello recognized and given their flowers. What began in 1973 at a back–to–school fundraiser has morphed into a powerful tool, used to shed light on the harsh realities of life and bring about monumental change.

Wendell & Esperance Sutton

Denise A. Norman

Herbert L. Jenkins Martha Schuler

$50

7. The genre of hiphop turned 50 years old in August 2023

Victoria Monét’s daughter, Hazel Monét, became the youngest Grammy nominee in history at the age of two in November. She is credited for vocals on the song “Hollywood” with Victoria Monét featuring Earth Wind and Fire.

AP Photo/Ricfeld

8. The hard reset - Morris Brown College Morris Brown welcomed their largest class in over 20 years in August. This comes after the institution regained their accreditation in 2022.

9. Montgomery Brawl A large brawl on a Montgomery riverdock caught media attention due to the nature of the event and the state of race relations in the country. On August 5, workers AP Photo / Kim Chandle at Riverfront Park tried for nearly an hour to dock their tourist boat and unload passengers– there was just one problem: a small, private boat

The 19-year-old U.S. Open Champion was named the highest paid female athlete by Sportico. This year she brought home the title by grossing $23 million. She has endorsements from UPS, Bose, Ray Ban and more.

She is also signed to New AP Photo / Frank Franklin II Balance, a deal she has had since she was 14-years-old.

15. The Color Purple breaks records The Color Purple, a musical adaptation of the Broadway production, broke records for its Christmas Day opening. The star-studded cast raked in $18 million, garnering the second largest movie opening on Christmas since 2009.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Pictures via. AP

December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024 The Afro-American

A time to honor: A look at notable Black entertainers and leaders who died in 2023

By Aria Brent AFRO Staff Writer abrent@afro.com

William “Bill” Lee

Many legendary members of the Black community were called home over the past 12 months of 2023. Although the year is nearly over, we continue to honor and remember the people who paved the way for those to come in the future. From legendary athletes and elected officials, to iconic musicians, their legacies will continue to shape the culture for years to come. Here’s a list of some notable Black figures that passed away in 2023.

David “Trugoy the Dove” David “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur was a member of rap group De La Soul. Rising to stardom in the late 80’s, the trio was known for their funk and soul inspired sound along with their conscious lyricism. Later in life the rapper would deal with congestive heart failure and had to wear a LifeVest defibrillator machine in order to fight the symptoms of his illness. On Feb.12 he passed away for unknown reasons at the age of 54.

C3

Photo courtesy of AP news

William “Bill” Lee is pictured with his son, filmmaker Spike Lee.

William “Bill” James Edward Lee III was a jazz bassist and composer, in addition to being the father of American film director and producer Spike Lee. Throughout his career he worked with artists such as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and Harry Belafonte. He scored many songs and soundtracks for several of Spike Lee’s joints including “She Gotta Have It,” “Mo’ Better Blues,” “School Daze” and “Do the Right Thing.” Bill Lee died on May 24, at his home in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, N.Y. at the age of 94.

Tina Turner

Photo courtesy of AP news

David “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur performs with De La Soul group mate Vincent Mason(left) in 2017.

Known as the “Queen of Rock N’ Roll,” Tina Turner was a powerhouse of a singer and songwriter. The musical icon passed away on May 24 after facing a series of illnesses throughout her life, including kidney failure, intestinal cancer and a stroke.

She passed away at the age of 83 in Küsnacht, Zürich, Switzerland.

Photo courtesy of AP news

Sheila Oliver

AFRO File Photos

Harry Belafonte Known for his work as an actor, singer and activist, Harry Belafonte is a legend in more ways than one. He is credited with popularizing Calypso music amongst international audiences in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The three time Grammy award winner was famous for his hits like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora).” A close confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, throughout Belafonte’s life he continued to critique and speak out against policies that he viewed as unjust. Belafonte won many awards and honors throughout his life including an Emmy, a Tony, an Oscar, several Grammys, a Kennedy Center Honor and a National Medal of Arts. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. The legend passed away from congestive heart failure at the age of 96 on April 25.

Larry “Gator” Rivers

William “DJ Casper” Perry Jr. was a Chicago based DJ best known for his hit-song the “Cha-Cha Slide.” The world famous line dance was originally released in 1998 as a workout song for his nephew, who worked as a personal trainer.

In January of 2016, Perry was diagnosed with kidney cancer and neuroendocrine cancer. He started chemotherapy that same month. In 2019 he announced Photo courtesy of AP news that he had beat his cancers, however they were his cause of death earlier this year. Perry passed away on Aug.7 at the age of 58.

Ron Cephas Jones

Photo courtesy of AP news

William “Bill” Perkins

Photo courtesy of Facebook

William “DJ Casper” Perry

William “Bill” Perkins was an American politician who served the state of New York in a series of positions throughout the years. Before officially joining the world of politics he was one of the first civic leaders to question the evidence that was being used against the Central Park Five in 1989. He first started off serving as the deputy majority leader on the New York City Council from 1998 to 2005.

Perkins then went on to serve in the New York Senate from 2007 to 2017 where he represented the 30th district of New York. Following his time as a senator he then returned to the New York City Council where he served from 2017 to 2021.

Perkins passed away on May 16 at the age of 74. His cause of death wasn’t disclosed but he previously dealt with colon cancer and had developed dementia prior to passing away.

James “Jim” Brown James “Jim” Brown was an American football player and activist. Brown played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. He is considered one of the greatest football players of all time and was invited to play in the Pro Bowl every Photo courtesy of AP news year he played in the NFL. He was recognized as the AP Most Valuable Player three times and won an NFL championship with the Browns in 1964. Brown was one of the few athletes to speak out against racism in the 1950s as the civil rights movement was growing. He was one of the most popular Black athletes to participate in civil rights activism, and he called on other Black athletes to engage in similar initiatives off the field. In 1966, he founded the Negro Industrial Economic Union, which later became the Black Economic Union (BEU) to help promote economic opportunities for minority owned businesses. On May 18, he died at the age of 87 from natural causes.

Photo courtesy of AP news/ Ron Cephas Jones

Larry “Gator” Rivers played as a dribbler for the Harlem Globetrotters and then served as a coach for the team from 1973 to 1986. Prior to his professional career, Rivers became a small college all-American at Moberly Junior College and then went on to play as a guard at Missouri Western State University, then known as Missouri Western State College. In March of 1973, Rivers impressed the Harlem Globetrotters during a tryout in Topeka, Kan. Rivers later returned to his college town of St.Joseph, Mo., and in 1990 he founded Gatorball Academy, where he taught basketball skills and rules to children between the ages of nine and 14.

Rivers went on to join the world of politics where he served as Commissioner of Chatham County District 2.

The basketball star passed away from cancer on April 29 at the age of 73.

Sheila Oliver was an American politician and the first Black woman to be elected to a statewide office position in New Jersey. She served as second lieutenant governor and she was the first Black woman to ever do so in the state of New Jersey. Oliver previously worked in education serving on the East Orange School District board of education where she ultimately became president of the district. She represented the 34th legislative district in the New Jersey General Photo courtesy of AP news Assembly from 2004 to 2018. She then went on to serve as speaker of the body from 2010 to 2014. A woman of many firsts, she was also the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. The trailblazing politician passed away on Aug.1 at the age of 71.

Rudolph Isley

Ron Cephas Jones was an American actor best known for his role as “William Hill” in NBC’s drama “This is Us.” In addition to this he had several roles in other television series such as Netflix’s “The Get Down” and “Luke Cage.” Jones had a multitude of awards including a Screen Actor’s Guild Award, and two PrimeTime Emmys. He passed away at the age of 66 from a “long-standing pulmonary issue” on Aug.19.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Rudolph Isley was a member of the legendary soul group “The Isley Brothers”. He and his three brothers Ronald, Vernon and Kelly initially founded the group in 1954. Over the years, the band underwent a series of changes, but always found their way back to the music. Isley recorded multiple projects with the band including the projects “Smooth Sailin’” and “Spend the Night,” before he left both the group and the music industry as an entirety in 1989. Following his departure from music, he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a minister. On Oct.11 he passed away from a heart attack at the age of 84.

Richard Roundtree

Rudolph Isley was a founding member of legendary R&B group The Isley Brothers. Here he is pictured next to his brothers Ronald and Kelly Isley.

Richard Roundtree was an actor most known for his portrayal of the character “John Shaft” in a series of blaxploitation films titled “Shaft.” In addition to starring in that role he also acted in television series such as Roots .Following his success as an screen actor in the 70’s, he later performed in several stage plays throughout the 90’s and continued to work as an actor throughout his life. In 1993, Roundtree was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. On Oct.24 he died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 81.

See more on afro.com

C4 The Afro-American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

Payment Policy for legal notice advertisements.

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001389 NANCY ELIZABETH BASKERVILLE Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs SAMANTHA HERRON, whose address is 714 HAMILTON STREET NE WASHINGTON DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NANCY ELIZABETH BASKERVILLE, who died on JANUARY 3, 2022 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 JUNE 15, 2024. 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 JUNE 15, 2024 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: DECEMBER 15, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001392 DELORES REDDING AKA DELORES MAY REDDING Name of Decedent ROBERT L. PILLOTE, JR TYRRELL, MASON & PILLOTE, P.C. 6116 EXECUTIVE BOULEVARD, SUITE 500 N. BETHESDA MD 20852 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs FAYLENE DANE, whose address is 3123 51 ST PLACE, N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DELORES REDDING AKA DELORES MAY REDDING, who died on SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 15, 2024. 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 JUNE 15, 2024 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: DECEMBER 15, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001395 NORMAJEAN FREELAND-HOLLADAY AKA NORMAJEAN ELAINE THOMASINE FREELAND-HOLLADAY Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs DARRIA L. BOYD WISE, whose address is 9322 BREAMORE COURT, LAUREL MARYLAND 20723, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NORMAJEAN FREELAND-HOLLADAY AKA NORMAJEAN ELAINE THOMASINE FREELAND-HOLLADAY , who died on AUGUST 8, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 22, 2024. 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 JUNE 22, 2024 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: DECEMBER 22, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SAMANTHA HERRON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/15, 12/22, 12/29/23

FAYLENE DANE Personal Representative SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2021ADM680 GAIL MARIE WILSON Name of Decedent MARILYN CAIN GORDON ESQ. 7603 GEORGIA AVENUE, NW STE 304 WASHINGTON, DC 20012 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs MARILYN CAIN GORDON, whose address is 7603 GEORGIA AVENUE, NW STE 304 WASHINGTON DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GAIL MARIE WILSON , who died on SEPTEMBER 26, 2020 without a Will and will serve withoutCourt 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 JUNE 15, 2024. 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 JUNE 15, 2024 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: DECEMBER 15, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers MARILYN CAIN GORDON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/15, 12/22, 12/29/23

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2022ADM001481 RAMSEY N. BUTLER Name of Decedent E. NICKEY PATTERSON, ESQ. 100 M STREET SE, SUITE 600 WASHINGTON, DC 20003 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs DOROTHY LEE BUTLER AND VANESSA CANNADY, whose addresses are 13111 TAMARACK ROAD SILVER SPRING MD 20904, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RAMSEY N. BUTLER , who died on FEBRUARY 7, 1998 without a Will and will serve with 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 JUNE 15, 2024. 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 JUNE 15, 2024 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: DECEMBER 15, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers DOROTHY LEE BUTLER VANESSA CANNADY Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/15, 12/22, 12/29/23

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/15, 12/22, 12/29/23

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001431 JEAN MARION TRUHEART AKA JEAN MARION BURKE Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs DESTINIE TRUNA BUDD, whose address is 2012 MARYLAND AVENUE NE APT 102, WASHINGTON DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JEAN MARION TRUEHEART AKA JEAN MARION BURKE, who died on NOVEMBER 10, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding.

Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 15, 2024. 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 JUNE 15, 2024 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: DECEMBER 15, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers DESTINIE TRUNA BUDD Personal Representative

DARRIA L. BOYD WISE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/22, 12/29, 1/5/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2023FEP000123 DECEMBER 27, 2022 Date of Death JASON CHRISTOPHER MONTGOMERY Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS PAMELA D. MONTGOMERY, whose address is 181 SELDOVIA DRIVE, INDIAN HEAD MD 20640 was appointecd representative of the estate of JASON CHRISTOPHER MONTGOMERY deceased, by the REGISTER OF WILLS Court for ST. MARY’S County, State of MARYLAND, on JANUARY 25, 2023. Service of process may be made upon JEFFREY D. KATZ 1776 K STREET NW SUITE 200, WASHINGTON DC 20006 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 356 BURBANK ST. SE WASHINGTON DC 20019. 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: DECEMBER 22, 2023 Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American PAMELA D. MONTGOMERY Personal Reperesenative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/22, 12/29, 1/5/24

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/15, 12/22, 12/29/23

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2023FEP000125 JANUARY 2, 2023 Date of Death EVA MAE INGRAM JONES Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS MARC ELIOT INGRAM, whose address is 11201 DAPPLED GREY WAY UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772 was appointecd representative of the estate of EVA MAE INGRAM JONES deceased, by the ORPHAN’S Court for PRINCE GEORGES County, State of MARYLAND, on AUGUST 22, 2023. Service of process may be made upon ERICA F. GLOGER 1330 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE, NW APT 310 WASHINGTON DC 20036 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: 1601 HOLBROOK STREET NE WASHINGTON DC 20002. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills for the District of Columbia, Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 22, 2023 Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American MARC ELIOT INGRAM Personal Reperesenative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/22, 12/29, 1/5/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001401 PHILLIP A. GREGORY Name of Decedent THOMAS H. QUEEN, ESQ. 7961 EASTERN AVENUE, SUITE 304 SILVER SPRING, MD 20910 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs TERITA R. GREGORY whose address is 1212 HILLBRIDGE DRIVE, HAINES CITY, FL 33844, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PHILLIP A. GREGORY , who died on JUNE 30, 2008 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 JUNE 22, 2024. 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 JUNE 22, 2024 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: DECEMBER 22, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers TERITA R. GREGORY Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/22, 12/29, 1/5/24

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001420 LILLER SPENCER FLEMING Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs JAMES EDWIN SPENCER 3, whose address is 2006 38TH ST SE WASHINGTON DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LILLER SPENCER FLEMING, who died on OCTOBER 31, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 29, 2024. 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 JUNE 29, 2024 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: DECEMBER 29, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

afro.com

LEGAL NOTICES

•Your History •Your Community •Your News

Effective immediately, The Afro AmericanNewspapers will require prepayment for publication of all legal notices. Payment will be accepted in the form of checks, credit card or money order. Any returned checks will be subject to a $25.00 processing fee and may result in the suspension of any future advertising at our discretion.

JAMES EDWIN SPENCER 3 Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/29, 1/5, 1/12/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001427 RYAN ALLEN MORGAN Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs RALPH ALLEN MORGAN, whose address is 3948 FIRST STREET S.W. WASHINGTON, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RYAN ALLEN MORGAN, who died on SEPTEMBER 10, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 29, 2024. 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 JUNE 29, 2024 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: DECEMBER 29, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers RALPH ALLEN MORGAN Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/29, 1/5, 1/12/24

Scan for info on AFRO events

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0009-2024 JANITORIAL SERVICES The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires a qualified contractor to janitorial services for six (6) DCHA Service Locations.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Wednesday, December 20, 2023, on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”.

SITE VISITS ARE SCHEDULED for Thursday, January 4, 2024, beginning at DCHA Police Headquarters located at 2011 Walt Lincoln Way, NE Washington, DC 20002.

SEALED BID RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Friday, January 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Email LaShawn Mizzell-McLeod, Contract Specialist at LMMCLEOD@ dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024 The Afro-American C5

Payment Policy for legal notice advertisements.

Effective immediately, The Afro American Newspapers will require prepayment for publication of all legal notices Payment will be accepted in the form of checks, credit card or money order. Any returned checks will be subject to a $25.00 processing fee and may result in the suspension of any future advertising at our discretion.

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NOTICE OF LETTING

CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NOTICE OF LETTING

CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NOTICE OF LETTING

Sealed Bids or Proposal for the TR-24008, ADA CURB RAMP AND SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION URGENT NEED EAST (JOC) will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until JANUARY 24, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. Board of Estimates employees will be stationed at the Security Unit Counter just inside the Holliday Street entrance to City Hall from 10:45 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.nevery Wednesday to receive Bids. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. The bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon.

As of DECEMBER 22,2023, the Contract Documents may be examined, without charge by contacting Brenda Simmons at brenda.simmons@baltimorecity.gov or (443) 865-4423 to arrange for a copy of the bid book labeled “NOT FOR BIDDING PURPOSES” to be emailed to you. Anyone who desires to purchase a bid book to be used for bidding purposes must do so in person and by contacting Brenda Simmons at the email address or phone number above. The non-refundable cost is SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($75.00) to be paid at the Department of Transportation 417 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 made payable to the Director of Finance. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package.

All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors’ Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact the Committee at 4 S. Frederick Street, 4 th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Categories required for bidding on this project are D02620 CURBS, GUTTERS, SIDEWALKS). Cost Qualification Range for this project will be from $5,000,000.00 to $6,000,000.00.

A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted via Microsoft Teams on JANUARY 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. hosted by the Department of Transportation. All Bidders must email your contact information to include your name, company name, phone number and email address to receive an invite to the Microsoft Team (video conference meeting. Principle Items of work for this project are: 5” Concrete Sidewalk – 50,000 SF; SURVEY, EVALUATION, SKETCHES, AND STAKEOUT FOR CURB RAMPS – 300 EA; CONCRETE CURB, VARIABLE WIDTH AND WEIGHT - 4,500 LF; CONCRETE COMBINATION CURB AND GUTTER, VARIABLE WIDTH AND HEIGHT - 3,000 LF; and PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT FOR SLOT BACKFILL, MODIFIED MIX NO. 6 - 7,500 LF. TheMBE Goal is 26%; The WBE Goal is 10%. APPROVED: Celeste Amato, Clerk, Board of Estimates

Sealed Bids or Proposal for the TR-24009, ADA CURB RAMP AND SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION URGENT NEED WEST (JOC) will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until FEBRUARY 21, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. Board of Estimates employees will be stationed at the Security Unit Counter just inside the Holliday Street entrance to City Hall from 10:45 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. every Wednesday to receive Bids. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. The bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon.

As of DECEMBER 22,2023, the Contract Documents may be examined, without charge by contacting Brenda Simmons at brenda.simmons@baltimorecity.gov or (443) 865-4423 to arrange for a copy of the bid book labeled “NOT FOR BIDDING PURPOSES” to be emailed to you. Anyone who desires to purchase a bid book to be used for bidding purposes must do so in person and by contacting Brenda Simmons at the email address or phone number above. The non-refundable cost is SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($75.00) to be paid at the Department of Transportation 417 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 made payable to the Director of Finance. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors’ Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact then Committee at 4 S. Frederick Street, 4 th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Categories required for bidding on this project are D02620 CURBS, GUTTERS, SIDEWALKS). Cost Qualification Range for this project will be from $5,000,000.00 to $6,000,000.00.

A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted via Microsoft Teams on JANUARY 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. hosted by the Department of Transportation. All Bidders must email your contact information to include your name, company name, phone number and email address to receive an invite to the Microsoft Team (video conference meeting. Principle Items of work for this project are: 5” Concrete Sidewalk – 50,000 SF; SURVEY, EVALUATION, SKETCHES, AND STAKEOUT FOR CURB RAMPS – 300 EA; CONCRETE CURB, VARIABLE WIDTH AND WEIGHT - 4,500 LF; CONCRETE COMBINATION CURB AND GUTTER, VARIABLE WIDTH AND HEIGHT - 3,000 LF; and PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT FOR SLOT BACKFILL, MODIFIED MIX NO. 6 - 7,500 LF. The MBE Goal is 26%; The WBE Goal is 10%.

APPROVED: Celeste Amato, Clerk, Board of Estimates

Sealed Bids or Proposal for the F.A.P. NO. AC-TAP000B (742) E, S.H.A. NO. AX352B54, CITY OF BALTIMORE CONTRACT NO. TR-18302, SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL, will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until MARCH 6, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. Board of Estimates employees will be stationed at the Security Unit Counter just inside the Holliday Street entrance to City Hall from 10:45 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. every Wednesday to receive Bids. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. The bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon.

As of DECEMBER 22, 2023, the Contract Documents may be examined, without charge by contacting Brenda Simmons at brenda.simmons@baltimorecity.gov or (443) 865-4423 to arrange for a copy of the bid book labeled “NOT FOR BIDDING PURPOSES” to be emailed to you. Anyone who desires to purchase a bid book to be used for bidding purposes must do so in person and by contacting Brenda Simmons at the email address or phone number above. The non- refundable cost is SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($75.00) at the Department of Transportation 417 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 made payable to the Director of Finance. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package.

All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors’ Qualification Committee.

Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact the Committee at 4 S. Frederick Street, 4 th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Categories required for bidding on this project are A02601 PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE, D02620CURBS, GUTTERS, and SIDEWALKS). Cost Qualification Range for this project will be from $500,000.00_ to $1,500,000.00. A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted via Microsoft Teams on JANUARY 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. hosted by the Department of Transportation. By no later than JANUARY 17, 2024, all Bidders must email your contact information to include your name, company name, phone number and email address to john. malinowski@baltimorecity.gov to receive an invite to the Microsoft Team (video conference meeting. Principle Items of work for this project are: 24 INCH WHITE PERMANENT PREFORMED PAVEMENT MARKINGS – 5,810 LF; 5 INCH CONCRETE SIDEWALK - 17,183 SF; and SPECIAL TYPE A COMBINATION CURB AND GUTTER 6 IN. HEIGHT X 12 IN GUTTER – 1,959 LF. The DBE Goal is 15%.

APPROVED: Celeste Amato, Clerk, Board of Estimates

NOTICE—SPECIAL AD – DECEMBER 14, 2022

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND

Petitions have been filed by the following applicants for licenses to sell alcoholic beverages at the premises set opposite their respective names.

The real property for these applications will be posted on or about December 18, 2023. Written protests concerning any application will be accepted until and including the time of the hearing. Public hearings may be scheduled on or after December 28, 2023 at 10:30 AM in City Hall; 100 N. Holliday Street, Room 215, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Please visit llb. baltimorecity.gov under the link for "Hearing Schedules" for confirmation of the date, time, and place for all matters being heard by the Board.

1. CLASS “D” BEER & LIGHT WINE LICENSE Applicant: EDP Seafood, Inc. T/a Faidley’s - William F. Define, Nancy Lee Devine, and Laura B. Mozina Petition: Amended – Transfer of ownership and location of a Class “D” BW license presently located within Lexington Market to 112 N. Eutaw Street, Stall 21, requesting outdoor table service and off-premises catering Premises: 112 N. Eutaw Street, Stall 21 21201

Annapolis, Maryland ANNOUNCEMENT REQUEST FOR BIDS On or after December 18, 2023, Plans and Specifications may be obtained from the Anne Arundel County Web Page at the following address: https://www.aacounty.org/departments/central-services/purchasing/P.O.R.T./bids/index.html . Bids will be received until time/date shown below, please submit your bid electronically via the PORT. Bids received after the date and time set will be rejected.

Due by 1:30 p.m. Local Time, Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Project: P584501 – Jug Bay Environmental Education Center Sonication No.: CAP24000180 Contact: Emma Pfefferkorn – 443-805-1737

Please Support Local Journalism

Scan to Subscribe Help us amplify the experiences of our community.

Subscribe today

$40/year Digital only $100/year Print & Digital

Visit afro.com click SUBSCRIBE or call 410-554-8200

Reach out to a friend about their mental health.

Find more ways to help at SeizeTheAwkward.org

C6 The Afro-American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

The importance of positive storytelling: Celebrating Baltimore youth

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com

This year, the plight of youth was a big topic of conversation across the country.

Typically, when I hear about Baltimore youth in the news, they are associated with crime and violence. While I know there is cause for concern, I think some people make a habit of focusing on what’s bad about Baltimore’s young people rather than recognizing what’s good about them. For me, it’s critical for the city and onlookers to be informed about the good Baltimore youth are doing for the city.

This year gave me an opportunity to highlight the positive things taking place when it comes to Black youth.

One story landed me at New Song School Academy in West Baltimore. There, I was able to meet with Aniya Ponton, Samahj Chestnut, Ryeona Watson and Logan Reynolds. I witnessed a prime example of the city’s young people aspiring to make Baltimore better. The eighthgraders had just won big at the Philanthropy Tank Finals, earning a $13,000 check for a business pitch that seeks to mitigate food desert conditions. With their concept, Bmore Fresh, the four friends are planning to use a bus to deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to Baltimoreans living in food deserts. During our interview, Samahj offered words of wisdom to other Baltimore youth: you can do whatever you put your mind to if you believe you can.

Moving into 2024, I look forward to producing more stories about the success and business acumen of youths on a local, national and international level.

Megan Sayles is a Report for America corps member.

AFRO politics: A year in review

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com I’m thankful for the many stories I covered this year, from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s historic inauguration to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 52nd Annual Legislative Conference. An interview I did that touched me was when I spoke to two ex-squeegee boys who had received help through the Mayor’s Office of African American Male Engagement. Through their interview, I was glad to help open up the narrative of squeegee workers so that readers may see that some squeegee boys are just trying to survive.

“Where we come from, there isn’t any hope. It’s all about the murders and drugs,” said Damonte Howard, a 20-year-old ex-squeegee worker. “People don’t really know what we go through.”

Another significant moment was covering the post-Brooklyn Day mass shooting Baltimore City Council hearing. Krystal Gonzalez, mother of 18-year-old Aaliyah Gonzalez – a victim of the shooting, conveyed so rawly what she experienced on July 2 when her daughter died and how she desires peace for Baltimore. Witnessing officials and legislators holding back tears while listening to her testimony was powerful.

Tashi McQueen is a Report for America corps member.

A time to reflect: A look back with the AFRO Editorial team

By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor ataylor@afro.com Merriam-Webster defines the word “review” as a verb, meaning “to examine or study again,” “to go over or examine critically or deliberately.” If there ever was a time to reflect, the year 2023 gave many reasons to look back.

I end my first year as managing editor of the AFRO American Newspapers the same way I started it— with immense gratitude. Not a week went by in 2023 that I didn’t feel the pressure of leading not just any newsroom— but a Black newsroom that has sustained 131 years. Though the pressure has been great over the past 12 months, it has always been directly proportionate to the respect and reverence I have for this publication.

In January, recording the inauguration of Gov. Wes Moore, the first Black man to lead the state of Maryland, at times seemed daunting. In spring, I questioned how we would do CIAA coverage—bigger and better. In summer, the AFRO had to speak on the impact of Supreme Court decisions on the Black community. In fall, a flurry of annual conferences, galas and community events engulfed my calendar in one fell swoop. Still, each month— each season— I found myself relying on my strongest resource: those who came before me.

I didn’t have to worry about how the AFRO would cover the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. There were editors, writers and photographers who laid a blueprint for me to build upon in 1963. And what wasn’t in the archives— was usually just a phone call or text away. I learned how to ask for help this year. And I learned how to rely on a team and a community made up of fierce Black men and women, unafraid to hold you accountable as they nurture and cut a path through the gnarly forest that is news media.

As I look back, I am thankful to each and every person who called, emailed or texted about an issue or upcoming event. I am grateful to everyone who helped me grow in this role thus far, to include AFRO Publisher Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO Executive Director Lenora Howze, AFRO Production Manager Denise Dorsey, AFRO Finance Director Bonnie Deanes, my “ghost editor” and of course, the Rev. Dorothy Boulware, who took a chance on an AFRO intern from Morgan State University more than a decade ago. During the toughest moments of this year I have heard their voices and the voices of those who have gone before me; imploring me to never grow weary as we answer the sacred calling of Black Press, recording Black culture and all aspects of Black life.

From the stars we lost to the challenges overcome, 2023 was a year to grow from the lessons received and move forward with determination and grace. Many thanks to the AFRO editorial team and all of our freelancers who helped push this paper forward one week at a time.

I can only hope to have the opportunity to do even more in 2024.

Single in the City: Lessons on self-discovery and boundaries

By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO As we bid farewell to another year in the everevolving landscape of love and relationships, it’s time to reflect on the journey we’ve collectively embarked on in the city of singledom.

“Single in the City” has been more than just a column; it has been a compass, guiding readers through the complexities of modern dating, offering a mirror to self-discovery and a roadmap to understanding personal needs and desires.

In the past year, we’ve delved into countless dating experiences, from the exhilarating highs of newfound connections to the poignant lows of heartbreak. Every tale shared has been a piece of a larger puzzle, contributing to the mosaic of selfawareness and consciousness that each reader has crafted for themselves.

The resounding theme has been the fortification of boundaries. Readers have learned that boundaries are not barriers but rather beacons that illuminate the path to authentic connections. In embracing boundaries, we’ve discovered the power to say no, to prioritize self-worth, and to demand the respect we deserve.

Through the tales of triumphs and tribulations, one resounding message emerged: Do not settle.

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, it’s crucial to remember that the person destined for you is out there, navigating their own journey and might just stumble upon you in the uncharted territories of 2024. Your worth is not determined by your relationship status; rather, it’s defined by the standards you set for yourself.

Let the approaching year be a commitment to not allowing relationship status to dictate identity. Be the author of your narrative, unburdened by societal pressures or the ticking of an arbitrary relationship clock. Embrace the beauty of being single, for in it lies the freedom to explore, to grow, and to become the best version of yourself.

And so, as the calendar turns its pages, I proudly declare, “I am still single in the city— and that’s okay with me.” Why? Because I’d rather be single and in a position of strength than in a relationship that is not mutually beneficial or, worse, has me plotting a great escape from the clutches of a loveless union.

In the spirit of being single and proud, let us toast to the art of navigating singlehood like a seasoned urbanite. To those who fearlessly choose autonomy over settling, who dance to the rhythm of their own hearts, and who understand that a relationship should enhance, not define, our existence.

As we step into the blank pages of the new year, let us carry the lessons learned from “Single in the City.” May 2024 be a year of self-love, unabashed authenticity, and the unwavering pursuit of what sets our souls on fire. To all the single souls out there, relish in your journey, embrace your individuality, and remember – the best chapters of your love story are yet to be written.

Happy New Year, and here’s to the thrilling adventures that await in the city of singledom

A highlight from 2023 Aria Brent AFRO Staff Writer abrent@afro.com This year I got the opportunity to speak with a lot of amazing people from all different walks of life. One interview I did that really touched me was with Sharnita Harris, Ph.D, the director of psychology services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Toledo,Ohio.

Hearing her speak so passionately about how to help neurodivergent children as a whole— but those who are in minority and underserved communities,especially—was really meaningful to me. It impacted me so much that I cried after the interview.

History in the making: End of year reflections for 2023

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assitant Editor afields@afro.com

During the course of my eight months in the capacity of AFRO assistant editor, my community has grown and my perspective has broadened.

I have met so many enlightened individuals who are shaping the course of our reality and the potential for our future. At the AFRO, we have the honor of creating the first draft of history through different narratives. A few of my favorites from this year include the #FreeBlackMamas Movement, an effort created for women by women to help liberate local mothers who are incarcerated and the story of Arthur Martin, a resilient intelligence war veteran. Aside from those touching interviews, I had the privilege of hearing the Emmett and Mamie Till Mobley national monuments announced by President Biden inperson.

Each of these stories helped shape my career and gave me a better understanding of the Black history that goes untold.

I am excited to move forward into the new year with an attitude of acceptance and eagerness for the joys that are ahead. We look forward to providing more “good news” at the AFRO. Invite us to be a part of your journey. We are always searching for news tips. Feel free to reach out to me via email at afields@afro.com.

December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024 The Afro-American

BALTIMORE-AREA

D1

Year in review: Wes Moore wraps up inaugural year Saying goodbye Brooke to 2023: the good as first Black governor of Maryland Lierman’s and the bad The Moore Report

first year as comptroller of Maryland

By Ralph E. Moore Jr. Let’s see, we went from one war in Europe (Russia invading Ukraine) to another major war in the Middle East (Israel and Hamas) – twice the horror. Pope Francis and Reverend William Barber have been very clear moral leaders in opposition to these outbreaks of violence.

On Christmas Day, Pope Francis harshly criticized the weapons industry and its “instruments of death” that feed the wars. He recently turned 87 years old and he made a call for peace in the world and in particular between Israel and the Palestinians.

Speaking from St. Peter’s Basilica to a throng of roughly 6,000 folks, Francis said he grieved the “abominable attack” of Hamas against southern Israel on Oct. 7 and called for the release of hostages. He pleaded for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the “appalling harvest of innocent civilians” as he called for “humanitarian aid to reach those in need.” The Pope has declared that war has never solved anything. And he is so right.

Reverend William Barber joined forces with religious leaders of various faiths in a vigil at the White House last month on Nov. 20, 2023.

“We must join forces with Jews and Christians and Muslims around the world who are calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, and the safe return of all hostages and civilian prisoners — and to stop the killing,” said Barber, acting with the voice of moral authority for which he is known.

Wars are ugly, cruel, unfair

AFRO File Photo

This week, Ralph Moore reviews the highs and lows of the year 2023.

Continued on D2

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

Photo courtesy of the Maryland Office of Governor

Gov. Wes Moore (D) has been making change since his inauguration on Jan. 18, making history as the first Black governor of Maryland. As Moore’s first year comes to a close, the AFRO reflects on his campaign promises, what he was able to accomplish and what he has yet to do.

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com Gov. Wes Moore (D) began his first term in office on Jan. 18, becoming the first Black governor of Maryland and only the third Black governor elected in U.S. history. Moore found much support during his campaign, which persisted throughout his first year in office.

Moore has spent his first year making good on campaign promises and funding many initiatives throughout the state.

“In year two, we will keep saying ‘yes’ to many of the priorities that we focused on in year one. ‘Yes’ means continuing the all-out assault and bipartisan assault that this state needs to make on child poverty. In 12 months together, we have lifted over 34,000 Maryland children up the next rung on the economic ladder,” said Moore at the live-streamed 2023 Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference. “‘Yes,’ means elevating our state’s assets. For example, because of the investments that we have collectively made together, Baltimore is now a federal tech hub and a federal workforce hub, which will bring tens of millions of dollars into the city for infrastructure.”

Moore has also funded affordable internet access and authored and signed 10 bills through the 2023 Maryland General Assembly session, which includes a service year option for high school graduates.

In February, Moore set in motion a review of the state’s minority business enterprise (MBE) goals. He signed an executive order giving the 70 agencies affiliated with MBE 60 days to disclose their progress in meeting Maryland’s MBE procurement goal of 29 percent—a target that has not been hit in over a decade.

The Moore administration revealed that the report was the first survey of MBE outreach plans, their strategies for engaging the MBE directly and indirectly and a more in-depth request for information that has been done before in Maryland for MBE goals.

After examining each agency’s plan, the Moore administration

will be able to determine which agencies are currently reaching MBE goals and then use their tactics on a larger scale with other state agencies.

Moore also invested $122 million into police departments throughout Maryland to help with reducing crime. His plans include funds to bolster the correctional system and enforce parole and probation tactics by “following the data.” Though these investments were implemented, a detailed plan has not been released, nor has Moore outlined a specific youth crime reform plan, which is a top concern for Marylanders.

Towards the end of the year, he also had to deal with an impending statewide deficit.

Moore highlighted that in the last 20 state budgets, 17 needed cuts to stay balanced.

“Since at least 2017, the Department of Legislative Services has forecasted a structural budget deficit,” he said.

Moore recognized that aid due to the COVID-19 pandemic and record highs in the stock market helped bring in tax revenue that kept the government afloat, but said that extra money in the short term is not the solution to the chronic deficit issue that the state faces.

“This year is going to be difficult but I can tell you right now, we’re not flinching,” said Moore. “I know we enter this season of discipline. It will all be for the benefit of unlocking remarkable potential and future generations.”

January After being sworn into office on Jan. 18, Moore held a grand People’s Ball at the Baltimore Convention Center, bringing together more than 10,000 supporters. This move showed his wellarticulated support for Baltimore, promising he would stand up for the city more than his predecessor, Larry Hogan (R).

On Jan. 30, President Joe Biden and Moore announced funding to replace the Baltimore-Potomac Tunnel through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. On Jan. 31, Moore announced a $3.9 million

Continued on D2

As Brooke Lierman’s first year as comptroller ends, she reflects on her accomplishments and goals. The comptroller is the elected chief financial officer and general accountant for the state.

In 2023, the Comptroller’s Office of Maryland processed more than $2.7 million in tax returns and sent out $1.8 million in refunds valued at more than $2.25 billion.

Lierman said the office of the Comptroller of Maryland was able to pass several bills that echoed her goals for the office.

“The themes of our legislation last year, and frankly this year again, were public engagement, transparency and modernization,” said Lierman.

“We passed several bills, including HB 707/SB 660, to create the office of (the) taxpayer advocate.”

“Unlike our neighboring states and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Maryland has no taxpayer advocate office.

The legislation would broaden the scope of the existing ombudsman’s office, which is small, to help taxpayers resolve complex and sensitive problems,” continued Lierman.

“We will be ready to hit the ground running as soon as we have the full staff in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 25) budget starting on July 1, 2024.

There were five other bills the agency was able to get passed and signed into law. The legislation will start planning for a new modern statewide accounting system and help the agency dispose of long-time abandoned property held by the Unclaimed Property division.

Another facet of Lierman’s priorities is improving opportunities for Maryland’s Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) by following up with businesses that have low MBE participation, asking for answers, better goals, and results.

“I believe I’m an independent advocate looking out for the best value for taxpayer dollars. That means looking at our MBE percentage, at the sustainability of how we’re spending our dollars, at

Continued on D2

Baltimore advocates, residents declare youth crime a ‘state of emergency’

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com Baltimore activist Marvin “Doc” Cheatham held a “state of emergency” press conference in the SandtownWinchester neighborhood on Dec. 19. The gathering called on Black men of the community to commit to working on Baltimore’s youth crime issue.

“We’ve got to reach out to these kids,” said Cheatham.

“Between now and the next three months, we’re calling on at least 100 Black men.

We, as Black men, have a responsibility to reach out to these kids because [a number] of these carjackings are being done by [Black people].”

Calling Black men to action is part of his three-tier plan to stop youth crime.

Cheatham’s plan includes longer hours for Baltimore City

recreation centers and looking for city and state legislators to revise and pass laws in 2024 that will provide juvenile justice reform.

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) told the AFRO that its hours align with national practices.

“National best practices show that the key hours to operate youth programming is after-school hours. In accordance, BCRP operates its recreation centers MondayFriday 1-9 p.m., and regional centers Monday-Friday 9 a.m.9 p.m. and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays,” said Kevin Nash, a spokesperson for BCRP. Some community members and mayoral candidates came out to show their solidarity for the issue and speak on what can be done to reduce the youth crime issue in Baltimore.

“We’ve got to get back into communities. When I was growing up, the communities

were involved with the children,” said Wendell Freeman, a Baltimore City mayoral candidate. “We are

“Every person needs to get involved and get handson with our young people before it gets too late.” in a state of emergency, but it starts with every single man and woman in the community getting involved. It doesn’t start with the mayor, and it doesn’t stop with the mayor. Every person needs to get involved and get hands-on with our

AFRO Photo/Alexis Taylor

Marvin “Doc” Cheatham is imploring Black men to take on mentees from the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Speaking at a Dec. 19 press conference, Cheatham called the effort a communal initiative to stop the growing issue of youth crime in Baltimore.

young people before it gets too late.”

At the gathering, Cheatham acknowledged the youth crime issue as a mental health crisis and renamed the movement to a “Mental Health State of Emergency Youth Crisis” to reflect that.

Cheatham said he has already requested federal government funding for several schools throughout Baltimore, including the Matthew A. Henson Elementary School, to

3

Past 7 Days

improve youth mental health.

Cheatham said he is seeking more support from community members and legislators.

“This is a new issue for many of us, starting with me and the Matthew Henson Community Development Corporation,” said Cheatham.

“Professional help, intervention and expertise are what we need, desire and are requesting.”

Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.

258

2023 Total Data as of December 27

D2

The Afro-American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

The Moore Report

Wes Moore

and awful in every way. This is not an attack on veterans, they serve honorably, they sacrifice their time away from family and friends and they risk their lives oftentimes doing their duty.

They deserve our honor and respect.

In better news this year, the dreadful Rudy Guiliani (once called “America’s mayor” by some) was smacked with a $148 million judgment by a court on Dec. 20, 2023. On Nov. 8, I wrote in the Moore Report about the two poll workers from Georgia, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea ArShaye “Shaye” Moss, whom Guiliana accused many times over and publicly of stealing election results from Trump and crediting them to Biden. There was no basis whatsoever for his very hateful and harmful claim, but he was very effective in thoroughly ruining the lives of the two innocent women.

The two women were vindicated by the judgment, even though it is questionable at best what Guiliana’s wealth is (he has continuously refused to disclose to the courts). Freeman and Moss are sheroes for enduring what they have–and then seeking justice. The court proclaimed their innocence 148,000,000 times in judgment dollars.

Sometimes justice surprisingly comes along.

On another note, as we look back on 2023, the St. Ann Church initiative for the expedited canonizations of the first six African-American candidates took a big step forward. A subcommittee of the church’s Social Justice Committee (Delores Moore, Mary Sewell and I) traveled to Rome to advocate with the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints for sainthood for Mother Mary Lange, Father Augustus Tolton, Mother Henrietta DeLille, Mr. Pierre Toussaint, Ms. Julia Greeley and Sister Thea Bowman. The Dicastery vets the lives of the candidates to determine if they are suitable to be considered for sainthood and they vet the proposed miracles required as proof of

award to Coppin State University for their broadband initiatives for students and the underserved portions of the West Baltimore community.

Continued from D1

their sanctitude. It is hard to believe there are no Black Saints from the United States in 2023.

Black Catholics have had to fight for first class membership in the Catholic Church since the enslavement origins of 1619.

We determined in 2022 that we would be in Rome on All Saints Day 2023, so we got our passports, raised the money for travel and accommodations and sought an audience with the Pope and/or the Dicastery. We were informed on Oct. 13 of our audience on Oct.31, and off we went. None of us had ever been to Rome before.

We visited St. Peter’s Basilica (perhaps the largest church building in the world) and the Plaza where thousands gather weekly to see the Pope from a window high above the ground. We didn’t get a chance to have an audience with Pope Francis, so we Fedexed a box containing the gifts we brought for him. There was a 150th Anniversary St. Ann T-shirt and a Peace Camp T-shirt with Peace Hero, Mother Lange’s picture on the front and the names of the ‘Saintly Six’ on the back.

Also, the package included an anchor paper weight (symbol of St. Ann’s original construction by a ship’s captain) and a wall coat rack also in the shape of an anchor. I wrote about the Rome trip on Oct. 6 and Nov.21 in the Moore Report. We are making progress.

I continue to be saddened by the high rate of crimes (murders, shootings, car thefts and car jackings) in our city, but I am heartened to hear that under Mayor Brandon Scott’s leadership, Baltimore will end this year with fewer than 300 murders for the first time since 2014. That’s some 2023 progress, I guess.

The Orioles and the Ravens are performing at a high level to the delight of baseball and football fans. And we could be on our way to the Superbowl.

“Ain’t that good news?”

Here’s to 2023- the good, and the bad- and the great memories to come in 2024.

July

Continued from D1

February On Feb. 1, Moore gave his first State of the State Address, where he recognized Black History Month and the significance of being the first Black person to provide the State of the State Address in Maryland. He also highlighted legislation he sponsored throughout the 2023 Maryland General Assembly, including affordable child care and pre-k, a service year option for high school graduates and the Maryland Educator Shortage Reduction Act of 2023.

On Feb. 3, Moore attended a public safety summit in Baltimore City alongside Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates and Morgan State University President David K. Wilson to discuss their part in the state’s public safety and potential future partnerships.

March

Moore presented $11.4 million in state funds to the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA). WNADA intends to use the money from the West North Avenue Corridor, which runs between Coppin State University and the Maryland Institute College of Art —to help expand the internet across the state through $268 million federal investments in broadband infrastructure.

August On Aug. 10, Moore announced that more jobs would come to Maryland through Early Charm, a venture studio that creates sustainable companies. The company opened a new production shop in Baltimore City, which plans to create 115 jobs in four years. Moore marked six months in office by touring Mountain Maryland with his cabinet.

Moore announced $6.3 million to improve local police recruitment and retention efforts and protect Marylanders from hate crimes through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. He held a town hall where he heard from Marylanders about their top concerns, including public safety, education and affordable housing.

September

Moore announced that Home Chef, a meal kit company, will create about 500 jobs in Baltimore through their new distribution center at East Patapsco Avenue. On March 29, Moore committed to increasing clean energy vehicle usage by 2035 in Maryland.

Moore nominated the first Black person to lead the State police, Lt. Col. Roland L. Butler Jr. Butler was fully sworn in on April 11.

April Moore began signing various bills as the Maryland General Assembly ended its 2023 session, including the ten bills he introduced, such as a service year program. Moore’s first 100 days in office was April 28. Moore announced $20 million in aid for Marylanders with COVID-19 water bill debt. Assistance was provided through 19 water systems that were awarded funding through the Water Assistance Relief Program. Moore proclaimed that Maryland would remain an abortion-access state a year after Roe V. Wade was repealed and state-wide restrictions throughout the U.S. increased.

May

Moore, the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Baltimore Orioles finalized a memorandum that keeps the Orioles in Baltimore for at least 30 years, modernizes the facility operations and helps revitalize downtown Baltimore City.

October Moore launched the first public service year program for high school graduates, housed by the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation. Program members will work at least 30 hours a week and earn $15 an hour while working with support coaches. Moore went to the Banneker-Douglass Museum to announce 2024 as the civil rights year for Maryland. Throughout the year, the museum will show programming to celebrate the milestone.

Baltimore is named a national tech hub for biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI). In October, Biden deemed 31 communities across the United States Regional Innovation and Technology hubs through the CHIPS and Science Act, a November

In May, Moore signed hundreds of bills, including SB 858, Firearm Safety - Storage Requirement legislation, HB 186, the Victim Services Stabilization Act and HB 243, the Young Readers Program Act of 2023. Moore gave graduation speeches at several universities, including Coppin State University, Morehouse College and Howard Community College.

June

Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller endorsed Angela Alsobrooks to succeed Ben Cardin in 2025. Moore shined a light on transportation investments in Baltimore. Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller continued their past few weeks of supporting Maryland and, specifically, Baltimore City’s workforce by signing an executive order on Nov. 17.

December

Throughout June, Moore held his first official meeting with Maryland’s federal legislators, focusing on federal funding plans for improved public safety across the state. He followed his promise to Baltimore leaders and residents that plans for the Redline, which would connect East and West Baltimore like never before, would be reinstated.

Moore introduced a portion of his 2024 legislative agenda that will significantly support military families if all bills are passed. Moore announced that there will be cuts to the Maryland Department of Transportation in fiscal year 2025 due to an expected $418 million deficit.

Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.

Year in review

announced that people whose names are on the Unclaimed Property list could file a digital claim form through Maryland OneStop, a hub for state licenses, certificates, registrations, and more.

whether we’re working with partners based in Maryland and that whenever possible, we can be working with small businesses,” said Lierman. “Sometimes that means unbundling contracts so that we can work with smaller businesses around the state rather than just one large business.”

Lierman’s modernization efforts include improving the Financial Management Information System (FMIS), creating a new state-wide accounting system, and releasing a new tax system for all business taxes.

“We have one of the oldest systems in the nation right now,” said Lierman.

Another big part of the agenda for 2024 is Maryland’s FY 25 budget, especially as the fiscal year is expected to face a $418 million structural deficit, according to the Maryland Department of Legislative Services.

“We have low unemployment and high household wealth, but our economy is growing at a slower rate,” said Lierman. “We know there is a tax gap in Maryland, which is the gap between what is owed and what is paid. I want to make sure everybody is paying their fair share in Maryland.”

The Board of Revenue Estimates, which Lierman chairs, finalized their projections for FY 25 on Dec.14, which will help Gov. Wes Moore (D) create his proposed budget by Jan. 17, 2024.

July Lierman joined Vice President Kamala Harris and the Maryland legislators to announce a $20 billion competition to stimulate the development of U.S. clean energy projects. The two competitions were created to help bring clean energy opportunities to all Americans through a nationwide clean energy financial network.

January Brooke Lierman was inaugurated as the 34th comptroller of Maryland on Jan. 16, becoming the first woman to be elected as comptroller in Maryland. One of her first initiatives was to announce agency budget priorities and top initiatives for the comptroller’s office, which included modernizing the office and ensuring financially stable families.

October Lierman announced two new additions to her executive leadership team, Maria Robalino and Robyne McCullough. Robalino is the deputy comptroller for public engagement and communications and McCullough is the director of media relations. Comptroller Lierman also announced a new online engagement tool that will help inform and connect Marylanders through agency updates.

Continued from D1

February Comptroller Lierman urged Marylanders to sign up for health insurance during tax season. Maryland’s Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program allows Marylanders to check a box on their tax returns. The comptroller outlined three legislative priorities in February. The first bill would generate a directive to produce a new general accounting system for the entire state government, establish an Office of the State Taxpayer Advocate, and create a rebate program withheld from or paid due to Unemployment Insurance (UI) payments received in 2022.

March Lierman appointed the first-ever chief information officer (CIO) for the Comptroller’s Office of Maryland on March 7. The CIO, Robert W. O’Connor, will oversee all technology functions for the office. The internal tax processing system was shut down for a week in March, which held up the processing of tax returns and direct debit and refund requests. The comptroller highlighted in a statement that the malfunction is an example of why the office needs modernization and updated information technology (IT) systems.

August In August, Lierman made her rounds throughout the state for various events including the National Night Out, which recognizes law enforcement for the work they are doing in the community, and her Take a Look with Brooke Tour to meet county commissioners and businesses. She also helped authorize $204 million in state expenditures through the Board of Public Works, of which she is a member.

September Lierman released the FY 2023 Closeout Report, stating that the state’s economy remains stable but is experiencing some challenges, which include the effects of national inflation. She also shared that the budget ended with a $555 million budget surplus, meaning there is money left over at the end of the fiscal year according to treasury. gov.

Courtesy photo

Brooke Lierman reflects on her first year as Maryland’s comptroller, highlighting her legislative wins and continued hopes for the state of Maryland.

April The Comptroller’s Office of Maryland urged residents to stay vigilant about fraudulent notices of property seizures due to unpaid debts. The office included a list of things the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) nor the Comptroller’s Office of Maryland will not do if a person owes back taxes. In April, six agency bills were signed into law, which included a bill that allows the comptroller’s office to get rid of longtime abandoned property with no commercial worth and a bill to create a taxpayer advocate office in Maryland. April also marked Lierman’s first 100 days in office.

May Lierman announced eleven new advisory councils and work groups to help guide the agency’s policies, new endeavors and priorities. The advisory councils include business, climate, financial literacy and labor. The work groups include information technology and tax practice. The groups will meet quarterly throughout their two-year terms, which were set to begin during the summer months.

June The comptroller engaged in PROTECT Week, a statewide education and awareness initiative focused on elder abuse and financial exploitation, alongside several state agencies. Lierman

November Lierman attended the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation’s “Business Over Breakfast” event at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, where she spoke about the agency’s priorities to enhance opportunities for Maryland’s Minority Business Enterprises. Lierman announced tax relief for Maryland taxpayers impacted by the HamasIsrael conflict. Eligible individuals and businesses can request penalties and interest be waived through the comptroller’s office.

December Through the Board of Public Works, Lierman helped officiate a new lease of Camden Yards between the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and the Orioles on Dec. 18. The lease will allow the Orioles to remain at Camden Yards for another 30 years. The Orioles have been at Camden Yards since 1992. The Comptroller’s Office of Maryland announced that Lierman’s Baltimore office will transition to 7 Saint Paul St. in January 2024, meaning some services will be provided at the new location and others at the old site – 301 West Preston St. Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.

December30, 30,2023 2023--January January5, 5,2024 2024 The The Afro-American Afro-American December

D3 D1

City of Baltimore sues ATF for access to gun data

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

A federal lawsuit was filed against the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on Dec. 19 by Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, acting City Solicitor Ebony Thompson and Alla Lefkowitz, senior director of Affirmative Litigation at Everytown Law. The city alleges that the ATF improperly withheld crucial “crime gun” data from them, after they filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in September.

“We are pursuing every action possible,” said Scott at a live-streamed press conference on Dec. 19.

“We need the data to go after the individuals, but we also need the policy change because it’s a stupid. Every mayor in the country should be able to have access to the information.”

The city requested the identity of the top ten “crime gun” sources in Baltimore City from 2018 to 2022, but they were denied due to the Tiahrt Amendments to the 2003 appropriations bill.

The Tiahrt Amendments only permit the ATF to share trace data with law enforcement and prosecutors.

“As of this morning,

Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueeo

Mayor Brandon M. Scott announces Baltimore’s lawsuit against the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for denying their Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

Baltimore is currently seeing a 20 percent reduction in homicides and an 8 percent reduction in non-fatal shootings,” said Scott. “This reduction is directly thanks to our comprehensive approach to public safety and work to forge stronger partnerships with organizations like

Everytown For Gun Safety and our partners across local, state and federal government.”

The ATF does have a database of firearm trace data, which can help officials keep track of the recovered guns from manufacturer to distributor.

Though Maryland has

some of the strictest gun laws in the country, the state’s gun violence rate is higher than the national average. In Baltimore, nearly 65 percent of all guns recovered by law enforcement in Maryland are brought in from other states, according to data compiled by Everytown.

Another aspect of the city’s complaint is that the Baltimore Police Department cannot share certain gun trace information they receive with the mayor.

Lefkowitz said they are not looking to share personal data or

information for an ongoing investigation with the public, but Scott confirmed that they will take action with the data if they win.

Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.

She’s Got Soul WITH CAPATHIA JENKINS THU, JAN 11, 8 PM STRATHMORE SAT, JAN 13, 8 PM MEYERHOFF SUN, JAN 14, 3 PM MEYERHOFF The sensational Capathia Jenkins brings her powerhouse voice to a wide-ranging revue of R&B classics and soulful hits, performing the music of Toni Braxton, Adele, Stevie Wonder, and more.

ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE Come early and enjoy soulful tunes and a photobooth in the lobbies of the Meyerhoff and The Music Center at Strathmore.

Meyerhoff concerts will have sweet and savory food available for purchase from local Baltimore vendors.

Capathia Jenkins, vocalist

TICKETS START AT JUST $15* | BUY TICKETS TODAY AT BSOMUSIC.ORG JOSEPH MEYERHOFF SYMPHONY HALL | 410.783.8000 | THE MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE | 877.276.1444

*Prices vary by venue.

D4 The Afro-American December 30, 2023 - January 5, 2024

Wylie Funeral Homes opens third location in Baltimore

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held on Dec. 14 for the grand opening of Wylie Funeral Homes’ third location on The Alameda in Baltimore. Show here: City Council President Nick Mosby (left); Sen. Mary Washington (D-Md.-43); Chauncey Wylie; Kendi Ja’Far, Brandon M. Wylie, Beckham Wylie (child), Ashley Rock Wylie, Albert P. Wylie, Ph.D., Bishop Oscar E. Brown, Aldonna R. Wylie, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Lady Jacqueline D. Brown and Sen. Antonio Hayes (D-Md.-40).

All photos courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen

By AFRO Staff

eaders, stakeholders and members of the community celebrated L the opening of a third location for Wylie Funeral Homes on Dec. 14.

The new building, located in the 5600 block of The Alameda, signifies

a reported $2 million dollar investment into the Baltimore economy.

For roughly three decades Wylie Funeral Homes has been a pillar in the community, aiding families in their most vulnerable time.

Rev. Gregory R Maddox, pastor of Faith Baptist Church, celebrates the growth of Wylie Funeral Homes.

Sen. Mary Washington (D-Md.-43) speaks to those gathered for the Wylie Funeral Homes ribbon cutting in the 5600 block of The Alameda.

Albert P. Wylie, Ph.D., is founder of Wylie Funeral Homes, which began in Baltimore in 1993.

Mayor Brandon Scott, City Council President Nick Mosby, Sen. Mary Washington (D-Md.-43) and Sen. Antonio Hayes (D-Md.-40) were all present for the grand opening celebration, which included a ribbon cutting and a time for guests to complete a walk through and experience the facility. Aside from serving as a third space to offer funeral services, the Wylie family has also created jobs in the Baltimore community with their newest location. In August 2023, the AFRO honored Wylie Funeral Homes for being a leader in the pandemic, which significantly impacted the funeral home industry.

Brandon M. Wylie serves as CEO of Wylie Funeral Homes, carrying the family business into the future.

Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby thanks the Wylie family for their decades of service to the Baltimore community.

Residents and elected officials tour the new facility.

To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com