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Volume Volume 127 123 No. No.27 20–22

FEBRUARY 10, 2018 - FEBRUARY 16, 2018

Inside

An AFRO Special 3 Part Black History Month Series

Review: ‘Black Panther’ is Dazzling GrandScale Filmmaking

AFRO Black History Month Coverage:

Remembering the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike Part 2

The Quest to be Unionized Rising Up to be Heard Dr. King Arrives

Baltimore

By Toni Marshall Special to the AFRO

Ceasefire of 2018: Not Just Zero Murders

Washington

Black Entrepreneurs Take on D.C.’s White-Washed Hot Yoga Space

Your History • Your Community • Your News

afro.com

Initially, it was difficult for Memphis’ Black sanitation workers to organize in 1968. Some older workers did not want to strike despite the deaths of fellow workers Echol Cole and Robert Walker, killed by a malfunctioning garbage truck. Not even the brutal and unjust working conditions Black sanitation workers experienced could entice them to join in. They dismissed organizing unions like the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) as unwanted meddlers threatening their imperfect livelihood. AFSCME’s local T. O. Jones (a sanitation worker) and the union’s president, Jerry Wurf, pressed on however, eventually representing 1,300 of the city’s Black men from the Memphis Department of Public Works. Memphis Mayor Henry Loeb failed to respond to the union’s humane demands or approve a pay raise for the workers, who often depended

Photo Courtesy blackhistorymonth2014.com

When Rev. King arrived in Memphis to lend his support to the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers strike, the protesters’ belief in their “I AM A MAN” cause was ignited as recalled by Elmore Nickleberry,

“We knew we were going to get something done.” on food stamps to help feed their families. Black sanitation workers only received one uniform from the city. Working conditions were

so deplorable that their uniforms reeked of rot. While White worker’s changed and used city showers, there were no locations for Black

Black History Month

Covering African Americans During War: World War I By Kamau High AFRO Managing Editor khigh@afro.com As part of the AFRO’s Black History Month coverage the paper will be highlighting African Americans during the following wars: World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. While African Americans fought in many other wars including the Civil War and the many undeclared conflicts taking place today in countries such as Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia the AFRO chose these wars because they represent a broad cross-section of the wars America has fought. This week we highlight World War I. As World War I dawned, African Continued on A7

Clarke Wants Statue of Shirley Chisholm in the U.S. Capitol By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com

New Podcast! Please join us every Monday and Friday at 5 p.m. EST for our new podcast, The AFRO First Edition w/Sean Yoes, on afro.com and the AFRO’s Facebook page.

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workers to do the same. During bad weather the Black workers were sent home and not paid for Continued on A3

A new bill would put a statue of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, in the U.S. Capitol Building. Chisholm is shown in the center after being elected to Congress in 1968.

U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, is the author of H.R. 4856 directing the Joint Committee of the Library to obtain a statue of the late Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman to serve in Congress, for placement in the U.S. Capitol Building. Clarke introduced the legislation on the House floor on Jan. 19 and referred it to the House Committee on Administration by the presiding officer. “This tribute would honor Shirley Chisholm and her remarkable contributions

in the U.S. Capitol, alongside other outstanding Americans who shaped our nation’s history, such as the late President George Washington and civil rights icon Rosa Parks,” Clarke said in a statement. “A Shirley Chisholm statute would forever be a legacy to an extraordinary woman and political powerhouse who helped those who were vulnerable and underrepresented.” Chisholm, a nursery school teacher, served in the New York State General Assembly from 1965-1968 before her historic election to House in 1968. She was a 1971 co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus

Continued on A3

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NATION & WORLD

Man Charged in Indiana Drunken-Driving Crash that Killed Colts Linebacker Edwin Jackson any state charges are resolved. President Donald Trump drew added Prosecutors filed felony charges on Feb. attention to the case on Twitter, calling the 7 against an immigrant illegally living in the highway collision that killed Jackson and U.S. who is suspected in a drunken-driving Monroe “disgraceful.” The president also crash that killed Indianapolis Colts linebacker prodded Democrats to work with him on Edwin Jackson and an Uber driver. illegal immigration and border security. Manuel Orrego-Savala, who is from Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry Guatemala and has twice been deported from criticized the comments, saying his office the U.S., is would charged with “vigorously causing death prosecute” while driving the fatal intoxicated crash case and leaving regardless the scene of an of whether accident. The Orrego37-year-old said Savala was in little during the country his initial illegally. court hearing, “We are responding disheartened through an AP Photo that interpreter Indianapolis Colts football player Edwin Jackson was one ghoulish and as the judge of two men killed when a suspected drunken driver struck inappropriate explained the public them as they stood outside their car along a highway in proceedings and commentary Indianapolis. charges. has “He’s very politicized distraught to say the least,” said his lawyer, this tragedy,” the Democratic prosecutor said Jorge Torres. “He’s very confused.” in a statement. “Much of such commentary, Investigators said Orrego-Savala was including tweets by the president, fails to driving the pickup truck that hit Jackson and acknowledge that both Edwin Jackson and his Uber driver, 54-year-old Jeffrey Monroe, Jeffrey Monroe lost their lives on Sunday. while the men were standing outside Monroe’s We will simply seek justice on behalf of the car early Sunday along Interstate 70. Court families of those two victims.” documents allege a blood test conducted at Torres also said that Orrego-Savala’s a hospital determined Orrego-Savala had a immigration status has no bearing on the crash blood-alcohol level of 0.19 percent, more than case. The attorney noted his client has been double Indiana’s legal limit for driving. living and doing construction work in the The two most serious charges each carry Indianapolis area for several years. maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. A spokesman for Jackson’s family has said Orrego-Savala was deported in 2007 and his relatives are devastated and planned no 2009, and was again living illegally in the response to Trump’s tweets about the crash and U.S. at the time of the crash, according to the suspect’s immigration status. investigators. He was charged late Tuesday by “The family is in shock, as you can federal prosecutors with illegal re-entry of a imagine. This obviously happened so previously deported alien. He faces up to 10 unexpectedly,” Atlanta attorney Daniel years in prison on that charge, which the U.S. Meachum said. attorney’s office said would be handled after Orrego-Savala appeared Tuesday before a By The Associated Press

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judge who advised him of his rights. Indianapolis television station WRTV reported that OrregoSavala told the judge through an interpreter: “I wasn’t driving the car. I don’t know why I am here.” A police news release did not mention the presence of anyone else in the pickup truck.third on the team with 61 tackles. He was considered a possible starter at inside linebacker for the 2017 but missed the season after suffering an injury during training camp. The 6-foot, 234-pound Jackson previously played for the Arizona Cardinals. The Colts said in a statement Sunday that Jackson “was well-respected among all with whom he crossed paths, and he will be greatly missed in our locker room and throughout our entire organization.”

Italian Police Say Extremist Shows No Remorse for Shooting Africans Italy’s Continuing Problem with Racism Repubblica they were waiting at a bus station when he saw a man pointing something at A right-wing extremist suspected in the them from a black car. He realized then that it shooting rampage that wounded six Africans was a gun. in central Italy was “lucid and determined, “I gave Jennifer a push to get her out of the aware of what he had done” and exhibited way and threw myself down. And I heard a no remorse for his actions, an Italian law shot: Boom!” said Ogie Igbinowania. enforcement official said Feb. 4. Jennifer told the newspaper she arrived Luca Traini, 28, remained jailed as police in Italy seven months ago and joined her investigated him on boyfriend in multiple counts of Macerata. attempted murder “I have always with the aggravating been comfortable circumstance of here. People are “racial hatred” for the friendly. I don’t Saturday night attacks know why that guy in the Italian city of fired at us,” she Macerata. said. The five men and A Nigerian one woman were community leader wounded in the in Macerata, two-hour drive-by Sammy Kunoun, shooting spree were said he heard the ANSA via AP shots as he was from Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia and Mali, going to meet with Luca Traini is accused of having shot with a according to RAI state firearm several Africans in Macerata, Italy, cultural mediators television. about organizing Feb. 3. Italian authorities a sit-in to support said they seized Adolf Mastropietro’s Hitler’s “Mein Kampf,” other publications family. They called off the event after the linked to Nazism and a flag with a Celtic shootings for fear of further racist attacks. cross, a symbol commonly used by white “Now, we are all victims in this story,” said supremacists, from Traini’s home Sunday. Kunoun, adding that the immigrant community Traini, who is Italian, was an unsuccessful has been well-integrated in Macerata. Official candidate last year in a local election for the statistics put the population of foreigners in the anti-migrant Northern League political party. city at 9.2 percent of the 43,000 residents. Italy’s ANSA news agency quoted acquaintances saying he previously had ties with the neo-fascist Forza Nuova and CasaPound parties. Photographs released by Your History • Your Community • Your News police showed Traini with a neo-Nazi tattoo prominently The Afro-American Newspapers on his forehead and an Italian Baltimore Office • Corporate Headquarters flag tied around his neck. 1531 S. Edgewood Street Col. Michele Roberti, Baltimore, Maryland 21227 the Carabineri commander 410-554-8200 • Fax: 1-877-570-9297 in Macerata, told Sky TG24 afro.com that Traini demonstrated no Founded by John Henry Murphy Sr., August 13, 1892 remorse for the two-hour Chairman of the Board/Publisher - John J. Oliver, Jr. rampage and “it’s likely that he carried out this crazy Executive Assistant - Sallie Brown - 410-554-8222 gesture as a sort of retaliation, Receptionist - Wanda Pearson - 410-554-8200 a sort of vendetta” for the gruesome slaying of a teenager Director of Advertising a few days earlier. Lenora Howze - 410-554-8271 - lhowze@afro.com A Nigerian man has Advertising Account Executives been arrested in the death Baltimore - Robert Blount - 410-554-8246 - rblount@afro.com of Pamela Mastropietro, 18. Washington, D.C. - Vetta Ridgeway - 202-332-0080-ext. 1104 Mastropietro’s dismembered vridgeway@afro.com remains were found in two Director of Finance - Ronald W. Harrison - 410-554-8242 suitcases days after she walked away from a drug rehab Assistant Archivist - Shelia Scott - 410-554-8265 community. Police said her bloody clothes, a receipt from a Director, Community & Public Relations Diane W. Hocker - 410-554-8243 pharmacy where she bought a syringe and knives consistent Editorial with the crime were found Managing Editor - Kamau High in the Nigerian suspect’s Baltimore Editor - Sean Yoes apartment. Roberti ruled Washington, D.C. Editor - Micha Green out any personal connection Editorial Assistant - Takiea Hinton between Traini and the slain Production Department - 410-554-8288 woman. One of the people wounded Baltimore Circulation/Distribution Manager Saturday, a 29-year-old Clarence Massey - 410-554-8232 woman identified only as Jennifer, told Italian daily Washington Office newspaper La Stampa from 1816 12th Street, N.W. her hospital bed that she Washington, D.C. 20009-4422 no longer feels free to walk 202-332-0080 • Fax: 1-877-570-9297 around the city “with peace of (Washington Publisher Emerita - Frances L. Murphy II) mind.” General Manager “I never hurt anyone. I was Washington Circulation/Distribution Manager talking and laughing with three Edgar Brookins - 202-332-0080, ext. 106 other people” when she was struck by the bullet, she told Director of Advertising the Turin-based newspaper. Lenora Howze - ext. 119 - lhowze@afro.com One of the six victims was Office Administrator - Mia Aguilar - ext. 100 treated and released Saturday. The remaining patients were Customer Service, Home Delivery and Subscriptions: all in stable condition, with 410-554-8234 • Customer Service@afro.com one in intensive care and Jennifer facing surgery on her Billing Inquiries: 410-554-8226 shoulder, doctors said Sunday. Nights and Weekends: 410-554-8282 Her boyfriend told La By The Associated Press

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February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018, The Afro-American

Voting Rights Still Under Fire in North Carolina, Commission Hears By Deborah Bailey Special to the AFRO The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) convened in Raleigh, North Carolina on Feb. 2 to hear testimony on access to voting from legal experts in the field and every day citizens. “N.C. is viewed by many to be the epi-center of many voting rights issues. I’m just happy that the Commission has made the decision to come here and highlight not only what is going on in NC but also throughout the nation,” said Patricia Simmons-Goodson, vice chair of the USCCR. “The Commission is 60 years old and one of the reasons we were founded was to deal with Voting Rights issues taking place in this country when we were founded and voting issues now,” SimonsGoodson said. Legal experts and activists across the nation descended on Raleigh, North Carolina to meet with the Commission. For the most part, their testimony amplified the level of protection is still critically needed 50-plus years after the passage of the landmark

1965 Voting Rights Act, and Prior to the Supreme especially in the light of the Court’s 2013 ruling in Shelby U.S. Supreme Court’s highly v. Holder, certain states and contested 5-4 decision in 2013, jurisdictions across the nation (Shelby County v. Holder, 570, had to receive approval from US. 2) overturning a critical either a U.S. Federal Court provision of the Act. or the U.S. Department of “We had 340 years of Justice before changing laws slavery and Jim Crow and or regulations involving we’ve only had 52 years of the voting. Under current law, the Voting Rights Act and all 52 of aggrieved party is responsible those years have been fights to for proving that voting overcome denial,” said Bishop regulations are discriminatory. William Barber, president of Sherrilyn Ifill, president Repairers of the Breech and of the NAACP Legal Defense past state president of the NCand Educational Fund, told the Courtesy photo Commission that the litany of NAACP. Bishop William Barber, president of “It took 25 years after the laws and policies adopted in Repairers of the Breech and past state passage of the voting rights states throughout the nation president of the NC- NAACP, testified about such as limiting early voting, act before NC even elected voting rights in North Carolina. a Congresswoman of color laws requiring voter ID, in the U.S. Congress. It’s inaccessible polling stations not as though these things and non-posted voting hours, provision of the Voting Rights Act happen quickly,” Barber told the represented the new face of voter in 2013 (Section 4-B) an undue Commission. suppression in America. weight was placed on citizens to Vanita Gupta, president of the “If a law is created for the bring voter discrimination cases to Leadership Conference on Civil purpose of suppressing the vote of court. Rights and past Director of the a particular group, that’s a problem “To make those cases, the bar Civil Rights Division at the U.S. of democratic governance. That is a itself is incredibly high,” argued Department of Justice, told the problem that was meant to be dealt Gupta. “It is resource intensive to Commission that when the Supreme bring litigation and the harm at that with by the Voting Rights Act,” Ifill Court struck down the pre-clearance point is already done,” she said. said.

“It’s about the individual’s right to participate equally in the political process and about freeing our system from something that has been the scourge of this country, that is our original sin, the suppression of the participation of racial minorities,” Ifill testified. The Commissioners ended the day-long briefing with public comment from citizens who came from around the corner and across the nation to affirm the need for enhanced federal voting rights legislation. Kristi Talley, documented voting violations she witnessed in Raleigh while serving on the Wake County Board of Elections while John P. Comer President of Maryland Communities for Change, came from Baltimore to advocate for voting rights protection for returning citizens. The USCCR will issue a report later this year. “Ultimately, we will be making recommendations to The President and Congress about changes that can and should be implemented to ensure that our citizens are ale to vote as our Constitution guarantees,” said Commissioner Timmons-Goodson.

Chisholm

Continued from A1

(CBC) and, in the same year, also co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus. Chisholm made a historic run for president in 1972 and managed to get 152 delegates to go to the national Democratic convention that year despite limited media coverage. She is considered to be the first Black to make a serious run for the presidential nomination for a major party. Throughout Chisholm’s tenure in the House, she authored bills that improved the nutritional needs of children and families

“A Shirley Chisholm statute would forever be a legacy to an extraordinary woman and political powerhouse who helped those who were vulnerable and underrepresented.” – Rep. Yvette Clarke

Sanitation Strike Continued from A1 the day, while White workers were treated differently. Loeb vowed to keep Black workers in their place. There would be no overtime, raises, or improved equipment for the Black sanitation workers under his watch, according to published accounts. Elmore Nickleberry remembered how hard it was to get a job when he returned to Memphis after serving in Vietnam. Being a sanitation worker was the only job available to him and many Blacks. Yet, as his time passed in this job with unbearable conditions, he knew a decision had to be made. The absence of any reasonable alternative made the choice easy: Work like a dog, be treated like an animal, or strike for humane treatment and higher pay than the average worker’s $1.80 an hour. He took his place among the signs that read: “I AM A MAN!” Nickleberry, the Rev. Cleophus Smith, and Ozell Ueal, a few of the remaining veterans of the 1968 strike, shared in an interview how they, and the other brave sanitation workers in 1968, raised signs instead of fists, lifted voices despite beatings, and stoked the conscience of America. This attracted the attention of the world, and the interest, and eventually

the presence and support of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “It was real nice when he came down,” said Nickleberry, referring to King’s arrival in Memphis during the 1968 Black sanitation workers strike. “... We knew we were going to get something done.” There were several marches between February and April of that year. Civil Rights organizations like the NAACP and Community on the Move for Equality (COME), led by local minister and community activist James Lawson, failed at negotiating with the mayor, but nevertheless stressed nonviolence from protesters. Lawson was the one who urged King to come to Memphis. The activists were not always successful, as some fringe groups attached themselves to the marchers but used the occasion to loot. Unfortunately, a nonviolent King was on hand at one of those violent marches and had to be shuttled away. His March 18 speech at the Mason Temple, however, was not lost on protesters: “You are demanding that this city will respect the dignity of labor. So often we overlook the worth and significance of those who are not in the professional jobs, in the so

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called big jobs, but let me say to you tonight, that whenever you are engaged in work that serves humanity, for the building of humanity it has dignity and it has worth.” Ueal recalled the action of one police officer during Ueal’s third march. The officer stuck his hand under Ueal’s trench coat and set off a can of mace in his face as Ueal ducked under to hide from the attack. “You better go jump in the river, Nigga!” the officer told him, as Ueal and other marchers trooped past the jarring rifles of the National Guard who were called in for reinforcement. A more haunting memory was that of Rev. Smith: A vicious dog tethered to a police officer’s slacked chain lunged at Smith. Feeling the canine’s hot breath on his leg, Smith automatically responded by punching the dog in the nose. “You hit him again and see what happens,” threatened the officer as the dog sat cowering from the sting of Smith’s punch. As he spoke, the officer unlatched his gun holster in a threatening manner. He then joined other officers who pulled out billy clubs, bludgeoning protesters who were forced to flee for their lives. At this point, in spite of Dr. King’s support, achieving successful objectives for the “I AM A MAN” protests seemed remote. Little did they know their situation would get far worse before improving. Visit the AFRO web page at afro.com to view videos of the interviews of the surviving 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike Workers referred to in this article.

and brought much needed resources to her Brooklyn-based district. She served as the secretary of the Democratic Caucus for a few terms. In 1970, Chisholm published her book, “Unbought and Unbossed” that chronicled her life story, political career, and views on national, international, civil rights and feminist issues. In the coming years, Chisholm got the committee that she wanted, the Education and Labor Committee, because of her training as an educator and the many challenges that her constituents had with New York City’s education system. Chisholm retired from Congress in 1983 and taught at Mount Holyoke and Spelman colleges as well as being active on the speaker circuit. In 1984, when former vice president and Democratic Party nominee Walter Mondale didn’t interview a Black woman as a running mate, she helped found the National Political Congress of Black Women, now renamed the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW). Chisholm helped the Rev. Jesse Jackson in his bids for the 1984 and 1988 Democratic Party presidential nomination. In 1993, President Bill Clinton nominated Chisholm to be the U.S. ambassador to Jamaica but she

withdrew due to illness. Chisholm died at her home in Florida in 2005. In 2015, President Obama awarded Chisholm the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. Dr. E. Faye Williams, president and CEO of the NCBW, first met Chisholm in 1972 when the representative was running for president and Williams was working with a teacher’s association in Atlanta. “I admired Shirley for running for president back then,” Williams told the AFRO. “Even though I knew she wasn’t going to win, I think that her candidacy made a statement about Black women being involved in the political process.” Williams said the NCBW worked hard to put a statue of Sojourner Truth in the U.S. Capitol and expects to do the same for Chisholm. “I agree with what Rep. Clarke is doing,” Williams said. “We would welcome another memorial to a Black woman in the U.S. Capitol because there are not too many there. It is important that young people know who Shirley Chisholm was because she did great things.” Clarke’s bill has 56 co-sponsors, including D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) who interacted with Chisholm throughout her life as the chair of the New York Human Rights Commission and the chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Twenty-nine of the 56 cosponsors of Clarke’s bill are members of the CBC, including the chairman, Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.). The statue is important to Clarke as she represents part of Chisholm’s old district in Brooklyn and her mother, Dr. Una Clarke, was elected to the New York City Council and served from 1992-2001 with Chisholm’s help.

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A Black WWI Officer:

Lt. Sylvanus S. Browne: “Felt it was his duty to defend his country.” By Lenore T. Adkins Special to the AFRO First Lt. Sylvanus S. Browne put his country over the politics of the day, serving two tours in the U.S. Army as a Buffalo Soldier and as support personnel during World War I, only to return to racism at home. “He felt it was his duty to defend his country… and so that’s pretty much the sentiment that he and most of his sons had,” his granddaughter, Lovie Browne Tarver, 56, of Bowie, Maryland, told the AFRO. Browne, who was 96 when he died in 1981, was born in Henderson, Kentucky — nearly 20 years after the end of slavery. He joined the U.S. Army in 1908, following his older brother, Julian into the service. Browne spent the next five years in Oklahoma and San Antonio, Texas as a marshal with the Buffalo Soldiers. As a marshal, Browne was responsible for keeping the peace between Native Americans and the White settlers who were encroaching on their land. Because the military was segregated in those days, Browne served with the all-Black 9th Cavalry Regiment. The U.S. Armed Forces wouldn’t start integrating until after President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order in 1948 to end segregation. A few years after his stint with the Buffalo Soldiers In 1917, Browne went to officer training school at Fort Des Moines in Iowa — the Army’s first training ground for Black officers. The fort accepted 1,200 Black officers and graduated 639 men — Browne was one of 329 men to graduate as a first lieutenant. “They were very patriotic and wanted to protect the country and so that was part of the reason that he went in that second time and plus, he had the opportunity to become an officer,” Tarver said. From there, the Army deployed Browne to France for World War I, where his job was keeping track of supplies, Courtesy photo ammunition and assignments given to other troops, Tarver said. Her grandfather found France to be quite liberating First Lt. Sylvanus S. Browne in 1917, one of because he wasn’t under the yoke of Jim Crow laws. 329 Black men to graduate as 1st Lt. “African Americans were more readily accepted in France and so some of the things that we couldn’t do here, like the water fountain thing, and those things that you remember from the civil rights era, those things weren’t an issue there,” Tarver said. His year-long service overseas took him away from his new wife, Lovie Lee Browne and the three sons they had at the time in Texas— the couple would go on to have a total of six children. Browne took great pleasure in shopping for his wife in Paris and bought her several hats while he was stationed in France. She couldn’t wait to wear them to make her the talk of the town. “My own darling boy, my beautiful cap received and oh honey, but it’s pretty,” she wrote in a letter dated T:7.625”

October 2, 1918. “And I am simply crazy about it. And oh, how I love you and thank you, mine own Honey Boy.” Browne talked about the Alamo and the wide expanse of space in San Antonio with his granddaughter, but never shared violent wartime anecdotes, she said. “My grandfather looked at the girls in our family as being delicate,” Tarver said. “He treated my grandmother as if she were a piece of Dresden China that he handled very delicately and so that’s the way he treated women in our family.” From Texas, the family relocated to New Jersey in 1920 to escape racism in the South. Once there, Browne worked as a post office supervisor in nearby Philadelphia, where he faced racism on the job by being written up for minor infractions, his granddaughter said. For Browne, racism persisted at least into the 1960s and he continued

First Lt. Sylvanus Browne (handlebar mustache) at the Colored Officer Training Camp in Des Moines, Iowa 1917.

Courtesy photo

to demand equal treatment. For example, when he became pastor of Second Baptist Church in Paulsboro, New Jersey and a local bank refused to issue mortgages to Black congregants from his and other area churches, Browne snapped into action. He and a coalition of pastors marched and Browne threatened to close the bank accounts the church maintained there, Tarver said. The bank relented and began issuing mortgages to Blacks, Tarver said. “My grandfather was a man of faith, but he was also a man of strength and of order,” Tarver said.

Exhibit Explores the Lives of Blacks During WW I

History isn’t just something you read about, it’s something you make every day.

By Brianna Rhodes Special to the AFRO

T:10”

A new exhibit will share the lives and experiences of African-American Prince George’s County residents who participated in World War I. The exhibit, “We Return Fighting: World War I and the African-American Experience”, is at Harmony Hall in Fort Washington until March 9. It offers information, artifacts and photos that portray the involvement of African-Americans in the war both at home and the years surrounding it. The exhibit’s curator, Dr. Dennis Doster, is the Black History Program Manager for Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, under the MarylandNational Capital Park and Planning Commission. Doster, with the help of program assistants, worked on the project for over a year. “The national theme for Black History Month this year is African-Americans in times of war,” Doster said. “This exhibit goes along with that, especially since last year and this year marks the centennial of U.S. involvement in World War. So that’s how we got to what we did this year, and with everything that we do we always try to include the local Prince George’s County Maryland element in it, so you’ll see that sprinkled throughout the exhibit.” Doster said that before the war, the African-American population in Prince George’s county was different than what it was today. “Today, you think of Prince George’s county as, you know, majority Black,” Doster told the AFRO. “During this time in 1910, only about 11,000 residents were living in the county and 3,500 residents were Black. So, about a third of the county was Black whereas today about 65 percent are Black. We were the minority during that time and, of course, this was during the time of Jim Crow so there’s general information about what African-Americans were experiencing in terms of segregation and discrimination during this time and some specific information about Maryland and the D.C. region.” Doster said about 400,000 African-Americans served in

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Black History Exhibit Continued from A4 World War I and about half of that number served overseas. Out of the total AfricanAmericans serving across the country during this time, more than 11,000 AfricanAmericans from Maryland served in the military and close to 500 men from Prince George’s county. The exhibit features, “A Wall of Valor” listing the names of men who served. In the section, African-American Deaths

“I think World War I is definitely a forgotten war and so us doing this and working on this project really pays homage to what they did because African Americans have served in every war, but this is the first modern war that they fought in and they did it happily and willingly.” –Artura Jackson in the War, the names of four black soldiers who died were listed. Three died during battle and one died on a torpedoed ship. The section included a telegram informing the family of John H. Seaburn Jr.’s death. He’s the only Black person whose name is on the Peace Cross, a World War I monument in Bladensburg honoring veterans of World War I from Prince George’s county. The final section of the exhibit, Life

Photo by Brianna Rhodes

Dr. Dennis Doster is the curator of We Return Fighting: World War I and the African-American Experience. The exhibit will be on display until March 9th. After the War, highlights returning veterans. When veterans returned, they expected their treatment in the U.S. would change. It did not, but Doster noted that influenced them to fight even more for their rights. “They realized that little had changed and so in that period right after they returned home, in that summer of 1919, race riots are wrapped all over the country,” Doster said. The section also highlights World War I veterans that made an impact in the region like native Washingtonian, Charles Hamilton Houston. “He very specifically in his writings talks about how World War I galvanized him to do more to fight for Black rights,” Doster said. “He eventually becomes known as “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow” because of his

efforts working as a lawyer for the NAACP. He becomes a dean at Howard Law School and he’s one of the mentors to Thurgood Marshall. So, he’s very actively involved in fighting for Civil Rights and that is partly influenced by his World War I experience.” Doster emphasized that although the U.S. involvement during World War I was short, it was one of the most important wars that people know nothing about. “It had a huge impact on how the U.S. operated in the world and how the people viewed the U.S,” Doster said. “The U.S. really catapulted into being a superpower during that time period.” Artura Jackson, program assistant, spoke about how the war was important for AfricanAmericans. “I think World War I is definitely

a forgotten war and so us doing this and working on this project really pays homage to what they did because African Americans have served in every war, but this is the first modern war that they fought in and they did it happily and willingly,” Jackson told the AFRO. Doster finds it important for Prince George’s residents to come out and visit the exhibit to not only learn from the past, but to honor our ancestors. “Honoring our local history is always important and there’s also something being said about knowing the history in our backyard and knowing the specific history of people around us,” Doster said. “So those are the stories that we tell, that they don’t tell, so it’s important for us to acknowledge that.”

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The Afro-American, February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018

AFRO EDITORIAL

COMMENTARY

Reporting on African Americans During Times of War The AFRO is marking Black History Month by highlighting African Americans during times of war. Since its founding in 1892, the AFRO has strived to present all facets of African American life. From the

reign of terror that were lynchings in the early 1900s to the heroics of the Tuskegee Airmen to the first Black president the AFRO was there. In this issue we highlight the AFRO’s coverage of African American life during

World War I. From headlines and pictures of that time to an interview with a woman who recounts her family’s history of serving in the military, the AFRO is bridging the past and the present.

New Medicaid Policy Shift Misguided and Unnecessary Unable to eliminate the Affordable Care Act in 2017, the Trump administration has embarked on a piecemeal approach to what appears to be an ongoing push to accomplish this goal. The latest attempt involves a recommendation that Medicaid recipients meet work requirements to qualify for basic healthcare services. This radical policy shift, triggered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), sanctions states that want to force Medicaid recipients to work or take part in job-training programs in order to meet their or their children’s healthcare needs. In the richest country in the world, it’s disturbing that we are placing conditions on healthcare and making it harder for poor people to take care of themselves and their families. The unorthodox policy, which is being touted by CMS Administrator Seema Verma and other conservatives, erects a cruel barrier to health care for people who already are struggling to survive. In a recent speech to state Medicaid directors, Verma implied that today’s “able-bodied” Medicaid recipients need tough love to help them stand on their own two feet and stop depending on the government for help. But the corporations who recently benefitted from the GOP’s massive tax giveaway weren’t required to stand on their own two feet. The notion of “standing on your own two feet” only applies when discussing who receives welfare assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program or food stamps through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. This reminds me of Matthew 9:20-22, which Dwayne D. Royster

recounts the woman with the issue of blood, who seems fine on the outside but is suffering internally. Verma has no idea why people who appear to be OK need health insurance and can’t afford it. Jesus did not let that woman suffer. We should apply this same principle to those struggling today.

“...the notion of ‘standing on your own two feet’ only applies when discussing who receives welfare “ In 2017, about 3.2 million additional U.S. residents lost their health care benefits, and the uninsured rate rose the most among young adults, Black and Latino people as well as those with low incomes, according to a Gallup-Sharecare poll. Nonetheless, some states are considering these proposed changes to Medicaid, an essential source of health coverage for 74 million people. Everyone deserves to have their basic needs for food, shelter and health care met without contending with the machinations of a partisan political class that abhors the poor. Forcing vulnerable families to look for work before they can take their children to the doctor or receive a prescription for a potentially life-threatening medical condition is morally indefensible.

Paying Homage to the Black Caregiver

As a little boy, I would ride in the backseat of my mother’s car. There I witnessed her and other women routinely checking in on elderly friends and family. Some would talk a lot when I met them, but they were others who wouldn’t say much and would have a blank stare. When we visited my aunt, she would have that stare. She rarely left the house because of her imaginary fears. Outward, her appearance was healthy-inside—was a decaying mind. She had Alzheimer’s disease. That was my first experience with the deadly plague and part of my foundation for creating “My Music,” an independent film raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, forms of dementia and the role of Black caregivers. In the film, “My Music, “ we highlight the African-American woman, a caregiver for centuries, since coming off the slave ships in the 1600’s caring for Alzheimer’s, dementia and other illnesses of the slave master and his family. During Jim Crow, she took care of others who saw Black women as second-class citizens. Now, in the 21st century, the Black woman is accompanied by our men and together we are caregiving wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons sisters and brothers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Black’s are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, yet we’re still least likely to confront Kenneth Jones

medical tragedies head on due to these factors: In Black communities we are 20 percent more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population, but less likely to communicate and educate one another. The result of this alarming, yet often ignored, topic feeds into the lack of development and effort by families, churches and community organizations to offer education and services for those in need. “We don’t talk about family outside the house.” These words echoed clear as day when I think of my Black family and are often heard in Black homes

“...in the 21st century, the Black woman is accompanied by our men and together we are caregiving wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons sisters and brothers.” when the conversation is Alzheimer’s or dementia. And then there are those relatives who painfully avoid talking about a family member having the disease. “Don’t talk to me about mama,” “I don’t want to hear that about daddy,” “Don’t say that about auntie.” We are comfortable seeing mental illness on the street, outside of our homes, outside

Verma has blamed President Obama’s signature Affordable Care Act for boosting the number of people eligible for Medicaid benefits. But it’s the responsibility of all elected officials to ensure a basic standard of care for persons doing all they can to survive. Moreover, many adults currently receiving Medicaid benefits do work. They hold low-wage jobs that don’t pay enough for them to afford health insurance. They scrape by on paltry wages that force many to hold two or three jobs to make ends meet. The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 per hour since July 2009. Thankfully, Medicaid recipients and their allies are fighting back. CMS approved a proposal from the state of Kentucky, which prompted opponents to file a class-action lawsuit in January. Other states considering similar proposals include Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, South Carolina and South Dakota. Expect more lawsuits as well as more pushback from progressive coalitions dedicated to protecting our families. Bishop Dwayne D. Royster is the Political Director of PICO National Network, the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. PICO works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 regions through its 45 local and state federations.

of our families, but for many, it is still unthinkable to talk about it when it’s about our family. This breeds denial and can lead to rarely bringing a loved one to a family gathering because of assumed embarrassment. I have no doubt that we caregivers are the Titans, who in the later stages of the disease do everything from bathing our mother or father, to helping them put the right shoe on the right foot and the left shoe on the left foot. I’ve watched friends and family, Black and White, male and female, struggle with the joy, depression, frustration, guilt, pain and fear that takes hold of us at some point. As a caregiver, you become numb to feelings and emotions, riding the roller coast of depression and guilt. I was raised and molded by the philosophy of “I am my brother’s keeper” and that it is an honor to be a caregiver. The challenge is that, hopefully, we can overcome Alzheimer’s and forms of dementia by creating a stronger conversation about caregiving among our families, communities, local, state and national government. I appreciate the AfricanAmerican women and men who join me every day with this daunting task. Kenneth Jones is a professor at Florida A&M University and writer and director of “My Music” and “Enduring Love,” a film and documentary about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and the lives of caregivers.

February 10, 2018 - February 16, 10, 2018, The Afro-American

A5 A7

African Americans - World War 1 Continued from A1 Americans were still living in segregation and forced to justify to their own government why they should be allowed to fight. Slavery had only ended 50 years ago and the wounds were still raw. An AFRO article from 1917 with the headline “They Want to Be Soldier Boys” detailed how a group of men from both Howard University and Morgan College were sending their names in to be considered for a “colored” officer training program that was being set up in Des Moines, Iowa. The same front page also carried the news of “10,000 Savages Burn Negro Boy” about a brutal lynching in Memphis, Tennessee. Another AFRO article from 1917 explained how German agents were attempting to recruit African Americans to their cause by highlighting how the U.S. systemically discriminated against them. The article then dryly noted that African Americans were “Loyal in spite of discrimination.” A story two columns over on the same page noted that Miss Martha Greuning was collecting for an anti-lynching fund that was being set up by the NAACP. Despite the segregation and rampant racism, African Americans did whatever they could to support the war effort. In 1918 a group of sixth grade students from the Division Street School in Baltimore, which future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall attended, saved almost $200 in War Savings Stamps. An article on the same front page laid out how “colored” nurses for the Red Cross were demanding to be sent to the front lines of France but facing resistance from the organization. In 1918 the AFRO wrote about the National Negro Press Association pooling its members money to send correspondents to France to cover how African Americans were faring during the war. The same page also brought news of how the NAACP was offering money to Thomas C. Rye to investigate three lynching which took place over 9 months. The AFRO’s role then, and today, was to bring news of interest to African Americans throughout the United States and around the world.

imagine

what tomorrow will bring.

A BGE celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans who have not only helped to shape our American heritage, but inspire others to pursue and achieve their dreams.

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The Afro-American, February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018

Blacks at Risk from Unusual Optometry Practice by rural patients who might have trouble reaching an ophthalmologist. Instead, it has become a mechanism for sweetheart deals between optometrists and When Pat Raynor developed cataracts she hoped her ophthalmologist who reward each other through mutual optometrist would simply refer her to a qualified eye referrals. surgeon. Today roughly nearly one in five cataract surgeries are But the 65-year old Virginia woman said the performed in a co-managed relationship experts say with optometrist who handled her routine eye exams seemed almost all of them taking place in urban areas. more interested in business than medicine. He pressured Since most elderly African-Americans live in urban her to accept a form of care known as co-management in areas, they stand a higher risk of being steered toward which he – rather than the surgeon – would handle postsuch arrangements. operative checkups. Most individuals do not experience complications “When I went home, I kept thinking about it, and I after eye surgery. But for those that do the consequences knew something was not right,” Raynor said, explaining can be severe, especially if there follow-up care is with her decision to seek successful treatment out of state. an optometrist, who is not a medical doctor, rather than (Photo by Joseph Hammond) Raynor is one of the millions of Americans who an ophthalmologist. In 2009, a scandal at a veteran’s Pat Raynor says she is happy she did not accept a form of develop cataracts – a common condition of aging in hospital in California revealed that many individuals care known as co-management. which a thick film that develops in part of the eye can treated for cataracts could have potentially had better lead to cloudy vision or in some cases a loss of vision if health outcomes if they were treated by ophthalmologists. left untreated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts are the Some individuals were blinded. leading cause of blindness in the world. More than half of all people in the United States Nevertheless, many health care professional argue co-management offers safe and will have a cataract or have had cataract surgery at the age of 80. efficient care. “With the continued focus on patient-centered care, the co-management Evidence suggests that African-Americans like her may be more prone to certain of surgical patients, such as those having cataracts removed or laser surgery, is the types of cataracts. A study published in the Ophthalmology edition of the Journal of standard and optimal approach to pre- and post-operative care,” said Christopher J. the American Medical Association found that 54% of African-American nursing home Quinn. O.D., president of the American Optometric Association in a written statement residents suffered from cataracts versus only 37% of whites. to the American Media Institute, “…This is especially true in underserved areas, as That also makes African-Americans especially vulnerable to the ticking time bomb it is estimated that 90% of people in the U.S. live within 15 minutes of a doctor of regarding eye care buried in the Medicare Act of 1992. Guidelines adopted then allowed optometry. Co-management allows patients to receive care from a doctor they already a practice known as “co-management” for eye-surgery. In most surgical procedures know and trust, maintaining their patient-doctor relationship.” the operating surgeon is responsible for post-operative care. Under a co-management Quinn also noted that optometrists and ophthalmologists have been co-managing relationship, an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon performs say a cataract operation on a patients for decades in many jurisdictions and that the practice is recognized in all 50 patient with that patient’s optometrist performing post-operative care. states recognize. He also said that co-management can occur in other types of medicine. Optometrists are technicians who are specialized in preserving vision and the But those arrangements can be especially murky when it comes to eye care. A 2006 overall health of the eye. On average optometrists attend four years of college as well survey by the National Consumer League found that only 30% of consumers knew the as graduate school, although a few optometry schools allow applications from students difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists. who didn’t complete an undergraduate degree. Some optometrists later earn doctorate For her part, Raynor said that it important that patients be given the information they degrees need – regarding both medical capabilities and financial relationships among providers The requirements for ophthalmologists are far more strenuous. After completing an – in order to make informed choices about their vision. undergraduate degree, they attend four years of medical school. Their medical degree “A lot of people can’t afford cataract surgery, and I would have probably gone complete a would be ophthalmologist then spends several years getting hands-on through with co-management but, I didn’t have a credit card,” she said. training. Usually, an internships which last at least one year is followed by three years She is glad she had her care overseen by ophthalmologist. “After my ordeal, I am of residency. Some also complete an additional fellowship year as well. Conversely, just thankful to have my eyes, and now I can see even better than before cataracts, I was optometrists usually do not work in internships at hospitals or supervised residencies at having a hard time just seeing and focusing. You know there used to be a house I would medical facilities. drive by this beige house but, after my cataracts were removed, I noticed the house was Co-management was intended for use only in limited circumstances, particularly in fact pink.” By Joseph Hammond Urban News Service

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February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018, The Afro-American

BALTIMORE-AREA

Race and Politics

Ceasefire of 2018: Not Just Zero Murders On Feb. 3, Erricka Bridgeford and the Baltimore Ceasefire crew decompressed, exhaled and Sean Yoes celebrated Baltimore AFRO all at once at Editor syoes@afro.com Terra Cafe on E. 25th St., in Charles Village. They, we, have a lot to be thankful for; Baltimore completed more than 72 hours without a murder, from Feb.2 to Feb. 4, and as of Feb. 6, still no homicides. “It’s amazing...The idea that nobody got that phone call...nobody is planning a funeral right now (because of violence),” said Bridgeford. What is also amazing is this organic Baltimore Ceasefire movement has been in effect for less than a year (the first was Aug. 2017, the second Nov. 2017) yet, there is some empirical evidence that this holistic approach to violence is working.

Gun Trace Task Force Trial

Convicted Cop Attacks Character of Slain Officer

have pled guilty to various crimes new allegations When Det. Sean have emerged Suiter was shot in casting doubt on the the head with his narrative that Suiter own gun in a West was the victim of a Baltimore alley in lone neighborhood November 2017, gunman. Their then Baltimore testimony also Police Commissioner called into question Kevin Davis acted the behavior of aggressively. Davis and other city He locked leaders’ decision to down the Harlem cast an accusatory Park neighborhood net across a city that where the shooting had suffered for years occurred, forcing under the Baltimore residents to show Police Department identification to pass (BPD), which the through checkpoints. Department of In a series of press Justice in 2016 found conferences Davis engaged regularly described the alleged Momodu Gondo (left), disgraced former member of the notorious Gun in unconstitutional Trace Task Force, has pled guilty to various crimes. During testimony this shooter, a lone black policing targeted male wearing a jacket week in the Gun Trace Task Force trial, Gondo accused slain Det. Sean Suiter primarily at African with a white stripe as, of stealing with him while they were on duty. Americans. “a heartless, ruthless, In riveting soulless, killer.” testimony earlier this Additionally, Mayor Catherine Pugh ordered the lighting of the week according to WBAL TV, former GTTF Momodu Gondo told top of city hall blue, to call attention to the killing and remind the defense attorneys that he and Suiter together robbed residents long city Suiter had been slain allegedly by someone in their midst. before he joined the elite unit. After Gondo admitted to stealing But, the ongoing criminal trial inside the Federal District money starting in 2008, the attorney asked if the past thefts courthouse against two members of the now notorious Gun Trace included Suiter. Task Force (GTTF), accused of dealing drugs, robbing residents “Yes,” Gondo replied. and stealing overtime, is providing a reckoning of sorts rarely Suiter, whose death was ruled a homicide, was set to testify seen in Baltimore, casting an unfavorable light on the actions of in front of a federal grand jury regarding a 2010 car chase that city leaders in the wake of Suiter’s death. led to an accident and the death of the father of a Baltimore During cross examination of several of the officers who By Stephen Janis Special the AFRO

Continued on B2

Ruth Elma Cummings, Mother of Rep. Elijah Cummings, Dies at 91 By Sean Yoes Baltimore AFRO Editor syoes@afro.com

For most of 2017, Baltimore was on pace to eclipse the grisly homicide record of 344 set in 2015; the city was averaging a murder about every 19 hours. During the first Ceasefire, after 41 hours without violence, there were two homicides within a couple of hours, then none for the remainder of the 72 hour period. During the second Ceasefire, there was a murder after 24.5 hours, then no homicides for 48 hours. But, there were no homicides over this past weekend, so two, then one, then none. “The next Ceasefire, we’re going to be in the streets like guerilla warfare,” said the indefatigable Bridgeford. When I originally wrote about the Baltimore Ceasefire movement in this column last August, Letrice Gant (also known as Ellen Gee), one of the co-founders of the movement, explained why Ceasefire isn’t just about laying down guns for 72 hours. “The goal was 72 hours, no murder and the goal also was to raise the vibration of the energy in Baltimore City, to spread love… to plug people into the resources they need, to create space for people to have conversations

Continued on B2

picked up the log and put it back on the wagon. Cummings realized that was the young man in her dream, it was Robert Cummings, the man she married June 23, 1945. Soon after the birth of their first child, Robert Cummings, Jr., the couple followed the lead of other family members and moved

Funeral Arrangements for Mrs. Ruth Cummings

The morning of Feb. 5, venerable Rep. Public Viewing Elijah Cummings (D-7th), received the news Fri., Feb. 9 that his beloved mother Ruth Elma Cummings 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM died. She was 91. Family Hour: 5:00 PM - 7:30 AM “My mother was one of the smartest, most Location: March Funeral Home, West thoughtful and loving people I have ever 4300 Wabash Ave. known. She created a home for me, my dad and Baltimore, Md. 21215 my six siblings where God was at the center and love overflowed,” Cummings told the Wake AFRO. Sat., Feb. 10 “Through 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM her example, Location: Victory Prayer Chapel my mother 4848 Reisterstown Rd. taught me Baltimore, Md. 21215 to lead with integrity and Celebration of Life, 11 a.m. that service to others is the highest calling. Internment immediately following services Although my Loudon Park Cemetery heart is heavy, I 3620 Wilkens Ave. am grateful for Baltimore, Md. 21229 the memories I have to share Repast with my family, The repast will be held at the Victory Prayer Victory Prayer Chapel Chapel, and the greater Courtesy photo In Lieu of Flowers: community of Rep. Elijah Cummings with his mother, Ruth Elma Donations to the Elder Robert Cummings Sr. a phenomenal Cummings. Scholarship Fund are preferred. woman, who filled our lives Checks can be sent to 617 Lyndhurst St., Baltimore, with principled guidance and joy.” to Baltimore in search Mrs. Cummings was one of 17 children of a better life for Md. 21229 born to the late Willie Cochran and Gussie their growing family. c/o Diane Woodson - Treasurer - Scholarship Johnson Cochran on July 7, 1926 in Manning, They settled in South Committee South Carolina. She was educated in the Baltimore and six more public schools of Clarendon County, South children were born Carolina. When she was a girl, her faith in God including: Cheretheria (known as “Retha”), manifested powerfully and guided her for the Elijah, James, Diane, Carnel and Yvonne. rest of her days. She would often tell the story To help with the financial needs of a of how she would feel the spirit of God as she burgeoning family, Mrs. Cummings worked worked in the fields, where she would pray and as a domestic in the homes of wealthy become so enthralled she would preach to the Baltimoreans. Yet, as she grew in her role as a cows. young mother and wife, she also continued to She also told the story of when she was grow on her spiritual journey. in her mid teens, she dreamed of the man she She first joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, would eventually marry. A few years later, she on Warner St. (near what would become was traveling by wagon down a rural dirt road M&T Bank Stadium). She later joined United when a log fell off of the wagon. A young man Continued on B2

Past Seven Days

McCarthy Helps Lead Revamped Baltimore Branch NAACP By Deborah Bailey Special to the AFRO The Baltimore City branch of the NAACP is regrouping with a new agenda and new leadership. The local branch will host a delegation of the city’s civil rights organizations in a meeting with new Police Commissioner Darryl De Sousa next week and has announced a comprehensive economic inclusion agenda in cooperation with the organization’s national headquarters. “We’re taking the lead in bringing local civil rights organizations to a meeting on the 16th of this month. We’re going to be talking about his conversation around plain clothes units. We’re going to be talking about the consent decree,” said Anthony McCarthy, newly appointed executive director of the Baltimore branch. “The Baltimore NAACP, The National Action Network and the Urban League all plan to be intimately involved in moving forward with the implementation of the consent decree,” said McCarthy, who is a former spokesperson for Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh. McCarthy also served in the administrations of Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Mayor Sheila Dixon. In addition, he is a former editor with the AFRO. McCarthy was appointed executive director by the chapter’s executive committee in January. Ronald Flamer became president of the Baltimore NAACP after the controversial departure of longtime president Tessa Hill-Aston last Fall. Flamer believes the reinstatement of the executive director’s role will strengthen the chapter and return the Baltimore branch to its core advocacy work with an increasingly complex local civil rights agenda, which includes the Baltimore Police Department’s (BPD) consent decree and continuing the work of moving Baltimore’s economic, educational and public policy agendas forward. “We are excited to have someone of Anthony’s caliber take on this leadership position with the Baltimore City NAACP. He has a strong history of social justice advocacy and brings decades of experience in public service and media to the job,” Flamer said. The Baltimore branch will take the lead in connecting with city government on recommendations in the NAACP’s 2018 Economic Inclusion Plan for Baltimore released Feb. 6 jointly with the organization’s national office and Maryland State

Continued on B2

27 2018 Total

Data as of Feb. 7

The Afro-American, February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018

Race and Politics Continued from D1

about things that they thought about people that weren’t necessarily true,” said Gee. “So, doing outreach in Baltimore City helped to bridge a lot of communication gaps. It helped to show people that people in Baltimore City, they’re not just thugs... they’re human beings,” she said in August 2017. I think the real goal of the Ceasefire movement is for all Baltimoreans to focus more fully on our collective humanity. I know Mayor Pugh supports Baltimore Ceasefire and I believe she embraces holistic solutions to the violence that rips at the soul of our city and has claimed the lives of more than 1,000 residents in the last three years. But, we still spend about a half-billion dollars, almost half of the city’s budget, on a broken police department. And the city is poised to spend perhaps millions more on anti-violence programs imported from outside of the city. But, the truth is, in addition to Baltimore Ceasefire, we’ve got many other beautiful, brilliant people (most of them born and raised

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right here) doing incredibly vital work in our city, which saves lives every day. Yet, many of those same people are scrambling for resources and struggling to stay alive, while the darlings of the nonprofit industrial complex (for various reasons, some rooted in White supremacy), guzzle the city’s largesse. I know it is not an either or solution when it comes to violence and murder, it should be all of the above (if it works). But, grassroots organizations like Ceasefire deserve a lot more water, sunlight and money. “There were people who said, `That (Ceasefire) can’t work in Baltimore.’ Except that it did,” said. Bridgeford. “That’s something nobody can take from Baltimore. You can’t forget that happened.” Sean Yoes is the Baltimore AFRO editor and host and executive producer of the AFRO First Edition video podcast, which airs Monday and Friday at 5 p.m. on the AFRO’s Facebook page.

Cop

Continued from D1 police officer. The driver, Umar Burley, fled when Suiter and Sgt. Wayne Jenkins, a GTTF supervisor who has also pled guilty to a variety of crimes, tried to block his car after they spotted him with cash. Jenkins then ordered a yet to be named Sgt. to plant drugs in the car after the accident. Charges of drug possession against Burley have since been dropped, But Gondo’s accusation against Suiter is not the only testimony that has impugned the reputation of an already sullied department, and shed light on accusations lobbed at residents by the department that were either overblown or untrue. Earlier this week former bail bondsman Donald C. Stepp, testified that in 2015 during the uprising after the death of Freddie Gray, Jenkins brought him garbage bags full of pharmaceutical drugs looted from businesses across the city. The Baltimore County resident told the jury he sold the drugs for Jenkins and shared the proceeds with him, according to The Real News Network. But, in 2015 Commissioner Anthony Batts blamed the massive theft of prescription drugs and their subsequent distribution on the streets by city residents as the impetus behind a wave of violence after the death of Gray. “That’s enough narcotics on the streets of

Baltimore to keep it intoxicated for a year,” Batts told CNN during an interview in 2015. “That number of drugs has thrown off the balance on the streets of Baltimore.” Former members of the GTTF have also cast doubts on current BPD commanders. Among them, Deputy Commissioner Dean Palmere, who GTTF member Jemell Rayam claims coached him on how to document his controversial shooting in 2009 of Sean Cannady. The Baltimore Sun reported that Det. Rayam testified Palmere guided him on how to report the incident when he shot Cannady in the head as he was driving out of a Northwest Baltimore alley, to minimize suspicion. Palmere has denied the claims and said he plans to retire. In an email, BPD spokesman T.J Smith revealed a new corruption unit that has been tasked with investigating the ongoing allegations which emerged from the trial. “The Baltimore Police Department is monitoring the testimony.” Smith wrote. “We are working diligently to investigate and hold those who tarnished the badge and violated public trust accountable for their actions.” “Commissioner-Designate Darryl De Sousa has formed a Corruption Investigation Unit that will be led by a Lieutenant Colonel. The unit will specifically focus on the actions of the Gun Trace Task Force.”

McCarthy Continued from D1

Conference. Specific recommendations for jump starting economic viability in Baltimore include vacant land transfer to community land trusts and a local government-enforced crackdown on predatory lending practices that continue to negatively impact home ownership for AfricanAmericans in Baltimore, according to the report. “We now look forward to utilizing these strategies for economic inclusion in our work with the community to truly make a difference,” said Edsel Brown, economic chair, NAACP Maryland State Conference. Collaboration is a key theme for both the Baltimore Branch and the NAACP national office this year. The national headquarters recently experienced a shake-up in 2017 as well, dismissing Cornell Williams Brooks in the spring and replacing him with Derrick Johnson in Aug. 2017. Johnson quickly kicked off a “listening tour” in several cities, including Baltimore, amid the city branch’s turmoil and ultimate change in leadership. The listening tour served as the

impetus for the Economic Inclusion report. Finally, McCarthy said the local chapter has adopted a legislative agenda and plans to issue support letters on issues ranging from legislation in support of the city’s two HBCU’s (Coppin State and Morgan State Universities) to HB-687, proposed by State Delegate Antonio Haynes requiring security services at Baltimore’s senior housing sites. The Baltimore Branch of the NAACP was placed under administrative receivership last Fall after Hill-Aston’s departure. The national organization appointed NAACP State Conference Director Gerald Stansbury as branch receiver. The Baltimore branch will hold elections for permanent officers this Fall. Flamer has not yet announced whether he will seek the presidency for a full term. In the meantime, McCarthy plans to prove the value of hiring full-time staff to support the Baltimore Branch through service. “I’m committed to serving this organization. I am going to work diligently every day and earn my keep,” McCarthy said.

Cummings

Continued from D1 Glorious Church of Christ. Soon after, she was guided to open up the family home (after consulting with her husband) to Monday night prayer meetings. Those prayer meetings and her evangelism continued after the family purchased a home in Edmondson Village in West Baltimore. After the family moved to the Village, Mrs. Cummings became a member of Faith and Deliverance Church of Christ, and it was at this time she was called to pastor. That’s when she established the Victory Prayer Chapel in the basement of their new home. The church later moved to the corner of Walbrook Ave. and Monroe St. But, as the church grew, the congregation relocated to the Forest Park community, on Ayrdale Ave., in Northwest Baltimore. It was at the Ayrdale Ave. location that Pastor Cummings was elevated to overseer and she appointed Katherine Sykes as pastor. Eventually, Victory Prayer Chapel settled at its current home at 4848 Reisterstown Rd., in Northwest Baltimore. Under her leadership, the church created a food pantry, established clothing drives, founded a prison ministry and a nursing home ministry. Mrs. Cummings was also a strong

youth and education advocated. She established the Elder Robert Cummings Sr., Scholarship Fund in honor of her husband of 55 years, who died in 2000. The scholarship has aided several youth members of the church attend college and earn degrees. Overseer Cummings was a devoted matriarch of her family. A gifted cook, she would often utilize family dinners to deepen and strengthen family ties. She especially loved “Second Sunday” family dinners hosted by her daughter Retha. Ruth Elma Cummings is preceded in death by her 16 siblings, her late husband and her grandson Christopher. She leaves to mourn: her children Robert Cummings, Jr. (Valerie), Cheretheria Blount, Rep. Elijah Cummings (Maya), James Cummings (Rosa), Diane Woodson, Carnel Cummings, Sr., and Yvonne Cummings Jennings (Torrance); grandchildren Deborah Thomas, Raymond Cummings, Kevin Woodson, Candace Cummings, Jennifer Cummings, Michael Woodson (Tiffany), Anthony Woodson (Randi), Adia Cummings, Carnel Cummings, Jr., Kyre Cummings and a host of other family members, church family members and friends.

February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018, The Afro-American

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.â&#x20AC;? -Thurgood Marshall

Wishing Dana Peterson and Ralph Moore many years of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love and Happinessâ&#x20AC;? as they celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary.

In honor of Black History Month, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pleasure to recognize Baltimoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own living legend my friend Professor Larry Gibson, a celebrated author of Thurgood Marshall, world traveler, photographer, husband of fifty plus years to Diana, father and proud grandfather. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an unpretentious man, having served as the first African American law clerk to a federal judge and has litigated major civil rights cases. Politically, Larry has spearheaded many local campaigns including serving as campaign manager for the first Black judge elected in Baltimore, the first Black Baltimore City Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, the first Black court clerk in Maryland, and the first Black elected Mayor of Baltimore. On the national level, he was the Maryland state chairman for the Bill Clinton /Al Gore presidential campaign. Gibson was also a lawyer to Major League Baseballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Umpire Association. On an international level, he successfully orchestrated the election of the first female elected head of state of an African nation, Liberia. He also served as the U.S. Justice Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Associate Deputy Attorney General under President Jimmy Carter and was a commissioner on the Baltimore City School Board. For the past 44 years, Larry has been a highly respected law professor at the University of Maryland School Of Law. During Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic career, he has maintained a fifty-year professional and social friendship with attorney and best-selling author Ron Shapiro. On Mar. 11, at 1:30 p.m. at Beth Am Synagogue, 2501 Eutaw Place Larry and Ron will celebrate 50 years of friendship in an in-depth conversation hosted by Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg. This event is free and open to the public

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Babies are like little suns that, in a magical way, bring warmth, happiness and light into our lives.â&#x20AC;? -Kartini Diapari-Oengider

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a party goinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on right here a celebration to last throughout the years. So bring your good times, and your laughter too. We gonna celebrate your party with you.â&#x20AC;? -Kool and the Gang Happy Birthday Reggie â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Cool Breezeâ&#x20AC;? Thomas, Thomas Ridgley, Gwen Pinder, Edna Smith, Art Peterson and Tessa Hill-Aston. A happy 60th birthday to Sam Redd and a special birthday wish to World War II veteran Millie Bailey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love and happiness you be good to me Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be good to you. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be together, yeah weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see each other walk away with victory, yeah oh baby love and happiness.â&#x20AC;? - Al Green

Two of my dearest friends dreams came true when they welcomed their grandchildren into the world and gained the most precious title of grandparents. Madison Natalia the daughter of Ryan and Lisa McNeil is the cutest granddaughter to Michele McNeil and Dr. Vallen Emery. Madison is also the great granddaughter of Dr. Anne Emery. Debbie and Arthur Allen were elated when daughter Shana and her husband Richard Maccone of New Jersey gave them a 10 pound, 10 ounce, baby boy Jace Richard. Jace is also the grandson of Richard and Paula Maccone. The joy these babies have brought to my friends is priceless. â&#x20AC;&#x153;May the work Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done speak for meâ&#x20AC;?

for us and the suppers I ate almost daily and then had to go home and eat dinner with my family were legendary. We would pick the apples from the trees for her to bake pies for our tea parties. She never complained or raised her voice when we ran in and out of the house hopping the fence for the shortcut. I became a lover of homemade codfish after watching her tirelessly peel potatoes as the cod boiled on the stovetop and put together a dish I had never eaten before. When I moved from the neighborhood, I would return to visit just to sit on the porch or spend time in the kitchen for hours talking to this amazing woman. As the years faded, I could see her slowly drifting away from me. I never forgot to call her on her birthday but in later years, I knew she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ironic that the Saturday she died I was talking to her cousin Kim Smalls about Miss Carmie and planning to visit her the following week. Early Sunday morning the call came that, she had earned her wings. I regret that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to see her but knowing Miss Carmie she understood. Thanks Audrey, Marie, Janice, Linda and Susie for sharing your mother with me and my family, she was a jewel with a heart of gold with room for one more. Sending our love and prayers to the family of Harold Henderson and to Nathaniel Williams and family on the death of his aunt Brenda Peay. Sending love to Gwen and Nathaniel Trader, Richard Epps and Kelli McGowan, Give someone a piece of your heart the return investment is priceless! Happy Galentine and Valentine Day.

When the moving truck pulled up to our new home at 522 Lyndhurst St., in Edmondson Village on Nov. 14, 1959, the first person I saw was our new next door neighbor Ms. Carmie Rodgers holding her newborn son. She was surrounded by her daughters Audrey, Marie, Linda, Janice and Susie welcoming us to the neighborhood and to their family. From that day until Miss Carmieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death last week at the age of 92, she was my â&#x20AC;&#x153;other mother,â&#x20AC;? my confidante, my friend and my mentor. For most of her life she was a stay at home mother, not just to !'! , .%*) *" '%"! "*, '%3 !.$ *$)-*) '-* her children but also to all &)*1) - **&%! ! ,' /),%-! !+.!( !, the kids in the 500 block /)-!. ! ,/ ,2 of Lyndhurst. She was a diminutive woman in stature, %!1%)# ! ,/ ,2 ",*( +( but to us she was 6 feet tall . /#$) ,!!)! "/)!, ' $*(! '.%(*,! and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t back down from .%*) ' %&! anyone. She was our hero. $! "/)!, ' -!,0% ! %- ! ,/ ,2 .$! Her husband, Mr. James was &! %- ) .$! "/)!, ' %- . ( a merchant seaman so she . $%.!-.*)! +.%-. $/, $ &!, .,!!. managed her immaculate household with dignity. The '.%(*,! pajama parties she planned

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Transfer Thursdays are designed to provide the help and resources you need to transfer into Coppin State University. Call (410) 951-3600 or email transfer@coppin.edu for info.

February 15 | March 15 | April 12, 2018 | 6 - 7 p.m.

The Afro-American, February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018

Enoch Pratt’s 30th Annual Booklovers’ Breakfast

April Ryan, author, was featured speaker at the Booklovers’ Breakfast

Heidi Daniel, president and CEO, Enoch Pratt Free Library

Savvy Sistahs Book Club members

The sold-out crowd of booklovers gathered at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel on Feb. 3 to listen to April Ryan, a White House correspondent and the Washington Bureau Chief for American Urban Radio Networks.

Y Ladies Book Club members

Ryan, a Baltimore native expressed her delight in being home, and indicated, “I feel so much love in this room from Baltimore.” Author of two bestselling books: “The Presidency in Black and White: My UpClose View of Three Presidents and Race in America,” and “At Mama’s Knee: Mothers and Race in Black and White,” Ryan read passages from one of her books and revealed some of her ventures and undertakings while serving as a correspondent at the White House After a question and answer session, copies of April Ryan’s books were for sale at a book signing following the program. The breakfast was sponsored by the Enoch Pratt Free Library. The AFRO American Newspapers was a media sponsor.

The Bookies Book Club members

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority members

Same Page Book Club members

Book Buffs Book Club members

In His Light Ministries Book Club members Pleasure of the Text Book Club members

ABC Book Club members

Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine

`The Academy Awards’ of Line Dancing The 2018 UC Star Awards, which celebrate the popular art of line dancing, were held at the BWI Marriott Hotel Baltimore on Jan. 27. Dancers from all regions of the country gathered to network and dance. There were groups from as far as California, Texas and Illinois. Mike Womack, chairman of the UC Star Awards line dancing event greeted 700 plus dancers. There were regional awards presented as well as special awards. AJ Deace of Baltimore, was presented with the Distinguished Senior Award. John Woodhouse of Illinois walked away with multiple awards.

2017 Western Regional Choreographer Award Sean Dennis and Ejaya Johnson, California

2017 Southern Regional Choreographer Award Darri Thomas

2017 Midwest Regional Choreographer Award John Woodhouse

AJ Dease Steppers on the Move, Baltimore

Sonia Grosss, LaWanda Gross,Anita Smith and James Smith

Step 4 Step from Newark, New Jersey

Dynamic Dancing Duo Andrea Anderson and Marcus Christopher Catrina Daniels and Trish Womack Denise and Lump Yancy, Baltimore

Dance Group Bout Dat Dance, Maryland

Baltimore Line Dancers

Chicago K2C-8712 Line Dancers

Photos by James Fields Sr.

February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018, The Afro-American

ARTS & CULTURE

Review: ‘Black Panther’ is Dazzling Grand-Scale Filmmaking is a politician at heart who’s virtually always flanked by a trio of powerful The supposedly cosmically vast Marvel women: Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia, part Cinematic Universe, as it’s called, spans planets of Wakanda’s all-female special forces, peppered throughout the galaxy, but Ryan Coogler’s the Dora Milaje; the special forces leader Earth-bound “Black Panther,” glittering and Okoye (Danai Gurira); and his younger galvanizing, stands worlds apart. sister Shuri (a terrific Letitia Wright, For those of us who have sometimes felt who supplies most of the film’s comic pummeled by the parade of previous Marvel movies, moments). the sheer richness of Coogler’s film is almost There are the expected special effects disorienting. Can superhero films, so often a dull set-pieces and a very Bond-like trip to a mash of effects, be this dazzlingly colorful? Are South Korean casino. But the conflict at genuine cultural connections allowed in modern-day the heart of “Black Panther” is between comic book blockbuster-making? Is a $20 billion separate factions of an African diaspora refund in order? in a mythological realm filled with Unlike many of its more hollow predecessors, colonizers and racists who curse the “Black Panther” has real, honest-to-goodness stakes. Wakandan as “savages.” It’s powerful As the most earnest and big-budget attempt yet of a myth-making not just for its obvious Black superhero film, “Black Panther” is assured of timeliness but for the film’s sincere being an overdue cinematic landmark. But it’s also grappling with heritage and destiny. simply ravishing, grand-scale filmmaking. The traditional-meets-futuristic There are familiar Marvel beats here. Just as he costumes and jewelry, by Ruth E. Carter, (Matt Kennedy/Marvel Studios-Disney via AP) are ravishingly detailed. T’Challa’s did in the surprisingly sensational Rocky reboot Lupita Nyong’o, from left, Chadwick Boseman and Danai Gurira star in Marvel Studios’ “Creed,” Coogler hasn’t reinvented the genre so mystical visit to his ancestors is “Black Panther.” much as electrified it with a new perspective and gloriously rendered on a twilight plain a rare talent for marrying naturalistic character beneath a pink-hued sky and the glowing development with spectacle muscle. eyes of panthers in a tree. And most of “Tell them who you are” is the encouragement all, Jordan’s bitter, wounded warrior is struggling African-Americans. shouted at the title character, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) uncommonly tender. He is a “villain” only in quotes; his means When the king of Wakanda dies, T’Challa returns home to prince of the African nation Wakanda. But it could just as are extreme but his cause is just. take the throne, where he finds the country’s five tribes — each well serve as the overarching rally cry of a film that for many Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Black Panther with their own distinct color and attire — are beginning to symbolizes a big-screen affirmation of African-American first appeared in 1966. But the character has sparked the bubble with discord. W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya) of the Border identity. “Black Panther” stands for everything that’s been imaginations of many since, including the filmmaker Reginald Tribe, in particular, would like to see the historically isolationist missing from Marvel’s — and Hollywood’s — universe. Hudlin, the author Ta-Nehisi Coates and Wesley Snipes, who Wakanda give more in foreign aid and to refugees. Coogler opens with exposition on Wakanda, a mighty labored for years to adapt the comic into a movie. (Ironically The issue is brought to the fore by an unknown Wakandan African country that appears from the outside, as one it was Snipes’ 1998 superhero film “Blade” that kicked off exile, Erik “Killmonger” Stevens (Michael B. Jordan), an Western sneers, as “Third World.” But hidden from sight is Marvel’s box-office success.) American-made soldier who aspires to take Wakanda’s power a shimmering, technologically advanced metropolis whose It’s easy to lament how long it took to bring “Black Panther” to rebalance Black power around the globe. “The world’s gonna stealthy growth has been fueled by vibranium, a cosmic mineral start over and this time we’re on top,” he vows in the film’s to the big screen. But at least the wait was worth it. deposited deep in its mountains by a meteorite thousands of “Black Panther,” a Walt Disney Co. release, is rated PG-13 climactic moments. years earlier. Vibranium makes up the suit that T’Challa dons by the Motion Picture Association of America for “prolonged But his mission isn’t initially so clear, as he and a band of as Black Panther, and its power is much guarded. An early sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture.” rogues, led by Andy Serkis’ black-market arms dealer Ulysses flashback, to 1992 Oakland, California, shows one Wakandan’s Running time: 134 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four. Klaue, begin causing havoc for T’Challa. Boseman’s Panther failed efforts to smuggle Vibranium in order to empower By The Associated Press

Van Jones Mixes Activism with X is a Variable: ‘The Lost Tapes Entertainment on CNN Show of Malcom X’ Shed Light (“I’m a comic book and science fiction geek so I love This isn’t Tennessee anything related to native Anthony “Van” superheroes,”) has Jones’ first time at the his own opinions on rodeo. It is however, the the ways in which first time he is riding social media can by himself. Van Jones work against the previously co-hosted democratic process. a talk show on CNN He says, “I think called Crossfire. His people are mistaking new weekly show (also liking and sharing on CNN) has him going Facebook posts for it alone. “You know,” political activism. he tells the AFRO, “on There are a lot of Crossfire there were four things we do now co-hosts and if it went that scratches the well no individual host political itch without would get much of the making a political credit and if it went badly difference.” no individual host would Ideally he says, get much of the blame. “We are trying to This thing is called ‘The create a show that Van Jones Show’ he can be reflective laughs, “so if it goes well and show some (Courtesy photo) real emotional or badly, it’s kind of more Van Jones, the new host of his own show intelligence and on me.” on CNN, is a social activist and geek. The first episode, capture the part of which aired just a few the audience that weeks ago during the feels they don’t have He’s moving hip hop into a weekend of the Grammys, a campfire they can sit around more confessional and less started off with a bang. Music braggadocious space.” where they really come away mogul Jay-Z was the guest feeling refreshed.” The father of two, news and some of his comments When it comes to guests, commentator, author and about President Donald look out for the politicslifelong social activist is Trump being a “superbug” adjacent crowd. He says, “I excited about incorporating caused Trump to not only want to talk to people who some new elements into the take notice, but to do what are consequential and close show such as the use of social he perhaps does best- tweet a to the political world but not media. He says, “I want to use response. Asked if he thought always and only politicians. more social video. We went this might become a regular Through Donald Trump in on social media and asked thing Jones replied, “I doubt people to send in their videos. 2016 and with the women’s it. I’m not worried about march, #metoo, and #timesup We were able to actually Donald Trump and his little integrate some of those videos movements pop culture turned silly tweets.” around and took over politics. into our programming. I want Jones came away wholly to do more of that. I also want We have a lot of celebrities impressed by his first guest. to go out and do more of “Van with a lot to say and that’s “I thought Jay-Z’s comments in a van” because although we also true of outspoken athletes were very,very nuanced talk about those communities, and other entertainers so I just and wise,” he says. ”I also want to have a show where we don’t talk to the people in appreciated how open and those communities enough.” Continued on C2 honest and vulnerable he was. The self-professed geek, By Nadine Matthews Special to the AFRO

breathless wild-eyed insinuations of young Mike Wallace’s “The Hate That Hate Produced.” Malcolm X is featured in the season Photographs and audio recordings premiere of Smithsonian Channel’s “The smooth the transitions from one segment Lost Tapes,” and the episode enjoyed to the next, leaving the viewer witness to a debut screening hosted by Comcast, something like a 48-minute testimonial. Smithsonian Channel and the Reginald “This is the first time that I have been F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African able to just soak up and eat his words from American History & Culture in Baltimore. his mouth,” one audience member said Among the 50 guests present for the during the panel discussion. “I may have a screening were city council members Sharon recording here or a recording there. But to Green Middleton (District 6) and Leon F. have a film that chronologically allows me Pinkett, III (District 7). A panel discussion to hear him speak, his speaking in not just followed the episode, which included sound bites, that’s what I appreciate most Smithsonian about this.” Channel The Executive film’s Producer John primary Cavanaugh, focus is Damion simply Thomas, what Ph.D, Malcolm curator of said and the National what he Museum did, leaving of African any further American analysis History & by the Culture, and (Courtesy Photo/Comcast) wayside. members of From left: Damion Thomas, curator, National Museum of The viewer the audience. African American History and Culture; Dana De Santo, is left to fill Without director of distributor marketing, Smithsonian Channel; in the gaps narration and Donna Rattley Washington, vice president of government between with few title and community affairs for Comcast’s Beltway Region; every cards between Sharon Green Middleton, Baltimore City Council; John line with scenes to their own Cavanagh, executive producer, Smithsonian Channel; provide meaning, Wanda Draper, executive director, Reginald F. Lewis context, the or to try to Museum. film seems imagine the almost fanatically—or, perhaps, militantly— producers’ own intent. committed to an objective accounting of For example, one video sample so Malcolm X’s 1962 rise to prominence in the degraded that Malcolm’s face is washed out, aftermath of the LAPD’s shooting of Nation leaving only a gleaming white silhouette. of Islam member Ronald Stokes through his Watching Malcolm preaching, it is as if he assassination in 1965. is glowing with inner light. Is it an allusion “Malcolm X’s” verite style draws to Malcolm’s divine spark? He’s sainted by on archival footage of the minister and more than one adherent in the film. When a civil rights leader in his prime, pulling director doesn’t say anything, the search for from speeches to his congregants, panel meaning can grow desperate. discussions on “City Desk” and the Continued on C2 By J. K. Schmid Special to the AFRO

The Afro-American, February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018

Van Jones Continued from C1

we talk about politics but sometimes bring in celebrity voices talking substantively, or grass roots individuals.” The ultimate question is he says, “who is consequential in the culture and might have something interesting to say?” On Feb. 10 Malcolm Jenkins, the Philadelphia Eagle who says he will not join his team in visiting the White House after winning the Super Bowl, will be a guest. In terms of the responsibilities that journalists of today have toward the viewing audience, Jones says, “We are in a transitional moment for humanity right now with technology and ecological change and these really wild political movements that

are popping up everywhere. The challenge as journalists is to be able to share not just the content of what happened but the broader context. If we focus on getting the content and the context right, I trust society to get the politics right.” Besides taking in his sons’ athletic exploits, “I have two sons who are great athletes. I was a terrible athlete so I live vicariously through them,” there is virtually nothing Jones says he enjoys more than his life’s work. “People always ask ‘What do you do when you’re not doing this?’ Well, I’d be getting ready to do this because this is what I like to do. I love helping people, I love fighting bad guys, I love elevating truth, I love poking sacred cows. It’s a blast. When you’re doing what you really like to do, it doesn’t feel like work.”

The Lost Tapes of Malcolm X Continued from C1

“I think it’s a consequence of the filmmaking format, as much as anything,” Cavanaugh told the AFRO. “Certainly, we tell American history stories. That’s what we do. That is always sort of our mode of thinking. When we go back and look at stories like this, it’s about telling you what happened. And this series, more than any other, it’s immersive. When there’s no narration, it’s about dropping you in the moment and experiencing history sort of live. You’re seeing reactions to events as they occur.” It may be useful to consider “The Lost Tapes: Malcolm X” as a museum piece, a curio. The closest the film gets to narrative and character are pictures of Malcolm on his pilgrimage to Mecca, near his conversion to Sunni Islam. The closest to a private moment is Malcolm kneeling alone with his god in the Great Mosque of Muhammed Ali, Cairo. But he’s not saying anything. Like the pyramids, “The Lost Tapes” Malcolm is grandiose, regal, larger than life, but there’s never a peek at the man inside. “The Lost Tapes: Malcolm X” will premiere on the Smithsonian Channel on Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. ET.

February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018, The Afro-American

From the AFRO Sports Editor’s Desk

Terrell Owens Finally Selected to NFL Hall of Fame After Being Snubbed for Being an Unapologetic Black Man Unafraid to Challenge White Authority By Perry Green AFRO Sports Editor pgreen@afro.com After two years of being literally blackballed from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, former NFL receiver Terrell Owens was finally selected as a 2018 inductee in his third year of eligibility. At last, the “haters” finally reality-checked themselves and voted in arguably the second greatest receiver in the modern era of football, behind only the great Jerry Rice. But now that Owens is finally in, I find myself extremely curious to know how he truly feels about getting into the same “good ole’ boys” club that once tried so passionately to keep him out. Owens sent out a tweet upon hearing the news, congratulating the rest of the 2018 class, which included former Minnesota Vikings receiver Randy Moss, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins and Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. The 44-year-old Owens hasn’t spoken with the media yet, but according to Yahoo Sports, Hall of Fame President David Baker said Owens was “humbled” upon receiving a phone call notifying him of his induction. “He was very calm, but very respectful, I would even say kind of humbled,” Baker said. More than anything, Owens was probably just surprised that he was even selected in the first place. Despite the jawdropping statistics he produced throughout his 16-year career, Owens failed to even make the list of finalists during his first two years of eligibility. Media pundits who vote for the Hall of Fame offered arguments against Owens’ induction, claiming that his controversial antics on the sidelines and in the locker

in-a-lifetime entertainer. Nobody could catch a 60yard touchdown bomb and then celebrate in the end zone quite like T.O. But what I most remember about Owens was his incredibly high self-confidence and his willingness to always speak genuinely from the heart. He was a big, strong Black man who didn’t look at any of the White men who coached him as some sort of fake father figure. He was his own man with his own mind and his own voice, and was never afraid to voice exactly what was on that mind. If his coach was blowing the game with bad decisions, (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta) Owens wasn’t afraid to Terrell Owens was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his third year of eligibility. publicly challenge that coach. Of course, White America never liked a confident Black room divided the teams that he played on, ultimately hurting man unafraid to challenge those teams’ chances at success. authority. Some would even say they fear such a man, which Well, I’m calling bull. breeds dislike. Colin Kaepernick would probably testify to Owens had been left out of the Hall for one reason and one that, as would most of the Black men in America. We all can reason only: the media guys that have a vote simply didn’t like relate to the disdain Owens experienced from privileged White T.O. and the persona of unapologetic Black excellence that he folk during his pro career and after. And that makes it that presented. much sweeter to see him finally getting the props he rightfully Most NFL fans probably remember Owens as an onceearned.

Virginia House Panel Kills Bills Over Spending for Stadiums By The Associated Press

The Latest News on the Baseball Hall of Fame Special to the AFRO The new class of Baseball’s Hall of Fame has been selected and released to the public. In case you missed it, or weren’t interested, I’m going to recap the names for you anyway. No frills, just names: Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero, Trevor Hoffman and Jim Thome. If you have a favorite among this crew, congrats. Just the mention of Baseball puts a smile on my face because it was my Pop’s favorite sport from childhood. I can remember buying Sam a fan called “The Cyclone,” because the air conditioning in his apartment building was on the fritz. I put it in place, set it for medium, and cautioned him not to move the setting. The next day I dropped in to check on him and I could hear the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd as I came down the hallway. As I opened the door, I witnessed baseball on every device that could carry a picture. And, in the background was Sam with the cyclone on full blast, his hair blowing in the breeze. I thought, “What the heck, he’s happy.” With the selection of this year’s class came a few comments from the talking heads over the fact that Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were snubbed again. This is not surprising, because they both carry the stench of cheating with performanceenhancing drugs. Sam was a purist when it came to baseball, and the mention of rewarding someone who cheated would turn the red in his face to burgundy. Bonds was touted as the “Home Run King” of baseball, but with the press voting on the selectees, Barry doesn’t have a chance. Barry had an ongoing war with the press his whole career, and most of those guys wouldn’t offer him a tissue if his nose was running. Roger Clemens was a seven-time Cy Young winner, but the rats came out of the woodwork and swore they saw him juicing. It is one thing for someone to say I saw something or I heard something, but when the man who provided the juice points the finger, gotcha! To give you an idea of Barry and Roger’s chances, let me take you back in history a few years. If you are a resident of Earth and own a radio or TV you will probably remember the home run battle between Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa. These guys were filling stadiums all over the country, and the goal was to break Roger Maris’ single-season homerun record. They took turns putting balls in the cheap seats. This was the greatest show in baseball until somebody said, “Hold the phone, this ain’t normal. These guys are getting some help.” As it turns out, they were right. Mark was ingesting Andro, which could be bought over the counter. Investigation showed that Andro contains a steroid hormone called androstenedione. This drug is an alternative to anabolic steroids, a drug with testosterone-like effects, and that’s a no-no. At that point, the government got involved—nobody messes with America’s pastime. A hearing was scheduled and both players were summoned. Mark showed up, and ‘fessed up. Sammy, who had been giving motivational speeches to every organization except the Kiwanis, provided us with the laugh of the century. Sammy, “No spikka English!” It was at this time I was happy Pop wasn’t here to witness this first-hand. I am sure a few blood vessels would have been in jeopardy.

A Virginia House of Delegates panel has voted against two bills that would’ve barred state subsidies for a new Washington NFL team stadium and blocked localities from spending public money on professional sports facilities. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports a budget subcommittee’s 7-0 vote Feb. 7 effectively killed the bills. Republican Del. Michael Webert says he was inspired to file them by research showing facilities aren’t worth the millions of dollars governments are often asked to spend toward helping teams build them. One bill would’ve created an agreement with Maryland and Washington, D.C., not to offer the Washington NFL team incentives like tax breaks. The other would bar offering incentives for stadiums starting in 2019. The report said the legislation could’ve complicated Richmond’s long-running quest to build a new stadium for minor-league baseball’s Richmond Flying Squirrels.

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The Afro-American, February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018

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Washington, DC 20011 NE, Washington, DC (the ”Real Property”).The 20002. complaint states, among Claims against the deother things, that the MILLARD S. cedent may be preamounts necessary for reRUBENSTEIN, sented to the underdemption have not been TRUSTEE signed and filed with the paid.Pursuant to the Chief 300 Red Brook Register of Wills for the Judge’s Administration Boulevard, #300 District of Columbia, Order Number 02-11, it is Owings Mills, MD 21117 Building A, 515 5th this 3rd day of January, TYPESET: Tue Jan 30 15:53:16 EST 2018 TYPESET: Jan 30 15:52:56 EST 2018 ESTTue 2018 Street, NW, 3rd Floor- TYPESET: Tue Jan 30 15:51:15 ORDERED by the LEGALAnd NOTICES 2018, LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES Washington, D.C. 20001 Superior Court of the Dis451 Street in the6 months Washington Afro within from the trict of Seventh Columbia, that SW noSECRETARY OF Washington, DC 20410 American Newspaper, a IN THE TYPESET: Tue Jan 30 15:53:16 ESTSUPERIOR 2018 date of first publication of SUPERIOR COURT OF tice be given by the inserSUPERIOR COURT OF HOUSING newspaper COURT tion of a copy of this Order this notice. of general cirTHE DISTRICT OF THE DISTRICT OF AND URBAN And culation in the District of OF THE DISTRICT COLUMBIA 451DEVELOPMENT Seventh Street SW in the Washington Afro COLUMBIA Columbia, once aWatts week PROBATE DIVISION OF COLUMBIA Wendelin Washington, DC 20410 American Newspaper, a PROBATE DIVISION IN THE SUPERIOR D.C. DEPARTMENT for three (3) successive CIVIL DIVISION newspaper of general OF cirWhitfield Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. COURT CONSUMER AND weeks, notifying all perCivil Action No. And culation in the District of Personal 20001-2131 20001-2131 OF THE DISTRICT REGULATORY sons Representative(s) interested in the 2017 CA 005698 L(RP) Columbia, once a week OF COLUMBIA Administration No. Foreign No. AFFAIRS Real Property described (Action Involving Real D.C. DEPARTMENT OF for three (3) successive CIVIL DIVISION TRUE TEST COPY 2018ADM000045 2018-000007 4th Street above to appear in this Property) CONSUMER AND weeks,1100 notifying all perCivil Action No. REGISTER Estate of SWinterested Washington,inDC Court by theOF 5thWILLS day of Iris Massey Calendar 18 REGULATORY sons the Date 2017 CA 005698 L(RP) of first publication: Connie Marjorie AdDecedent 20024described April, 2018, and redeem Magistrate Judge AFFAIRS Real Property (Action Involving Real February 2018 by payams Fortune NOTICE OF the Real 2, Property Rainey Brandt 1100 4th Street above to appear in this Property) of $7,885.51, newspapers Deceased APPOINTMENT And5th day of Name ment of toSW Washington, DC Court by the Calendar 18 and/or NOTICE OF OF FOREIGN getherperiodical: with interest from MTAG20024 CUSTODIAN April, 2018, and redeem The Magistrate Judge Daily STANDARD PERSONAL D.C. WATER the date theWashington Real Property FOR EMPIRE VIII the Real Property by pay- Law Rainey Brandt Reporter PROBATE REPRESENTATIVE AND SEWER totax certificate was purDC PORTFOLIO, LLC And ment of $7,885.51, Afro-American Notice is hereby given AND chased; court costs and (MTAG CUST. FOR gether AUTHORITY with interest from The MTAG CUSTODIAN that a petition has been NOTICE TO Avenue attorney’s fees; expenses EMPIRE VIII DC D.C. WATER the5000 dateOverlook the Real Property FOR EMPIRE VIII 02/9,in02/16/18 Washington, incurred the publication filed in this Court by Hugh CREDITORS PORTFOLIO) AND SEWER tax SW certificate was DC pur- 02/2, DC PORTFOLIO, LLC 20032 and service of process by Arnold H Massey Jr., Terry for standard pro57AUTHORITY W 38th Street, chased; court costs and (MTAG CUST. FOR TYPESET: Tue Jan 30 15:51:50 EST 2018 publication and for reawhose address is 1306 E b a t e , i n c l u d i n g t h e 9th Floor 5000 Overlook Avenue attorney’s fees; expenses EMPIRE VIII DC Andpublication sonable fees for the title B a r r i n g e r S t r e e t , appointment of one or NewWashington, York, NY 10018 SW DC incurred in the PORTFOLIO) search; all other amounts Philadelphia, PA 19119 more personal repre20032 and service of process by 57 W 38th Street, THE DISTRICT paid by theCOURT petitioner Plaintiff OF in and Bethany A Hill, sentative. Unless a compublication and forOF rea- SUPERIOR 9th Floor COLUMBIA accordance with the proviwhose address is 3052 plaint or an objection in THE DISTRICT OF And sonable fees for the title New York, NY 10018 Serve: of the sionsCOLUMBIA of D. C. Code S e c a n e P l a c e , accordance with Supervs. search; all Mayor other amounts District of Columbia § 4 7 1 3 6 1 a n d a l l THE DISTRICT OF paid by the petitioner in Philadelphia, PA, 19154 ior Court Probate DiPROBATE DIVISION Plaintiff Murielwith Bowser outstanding municipal SHARON R. COLUMBIA accordance the proviWashington, D.C. lien was appointed personal vision Rule 407 is filed in of the amounts and real property representative of the this Court within 30 days COLE-PEARSON, Serve: Mayor of the sionsAttn: of Office D. C. Code 20001-2131 vs. taxes due and owing on P EDistrict R S O NofAColumbia L R E P R E - § 4 7 - 1 3Secretary 61 and all Foreign No. Real estate of Iris Massey , de- from the date of first pub1350 Pennsylvania the aforemen-tioned SENTATIVE OF THE Muriel Bowser outstanding municipal lien lication of this notice, the SHARON R. 2018FEP000010 Avenue, N.W., Property, or answer the ceased, on May 16, ESTATE OF Attn: Office of the amounts and real property COLE-PEARSON, Date ofor,Death #419 Washington, complaint, thereafter, a 2016, by the Office of Court may take the acGEORGIANNA Secretary M. taxes due and owingDC on PERSONAL REPRE9, 2017 20001 final May judgment will be en- R e g i s t e r W i l l s f o r 0tion hereinafter set forth. 1350 DUPREE Pennsylvania the aforemen-tioned Real John SENTATIVE OF THE Order any interested Hforeclosing Harris Serve: Attorney General tered the right Philadelphia County, 4169 Lotus Circle Avenue, N.W., Property, or answer the Decedent ESTATE OF of theor, District of a of redemption in the Real Commonwealth of Penn- person to show cause of Ellicott City, MD 21043 #419 Washington, DC complaint, thereafter, GEORGIANNA M. why the provisionsof the NOTICE Columbia Property and OF vesting in sylvania. 20001 final judgment will be enDUPREE Attn: Darlene Fields theAPPOINTMENT Plaintiff a title in fee Service of process may lost or destroyed will And General Serve: Attorney tered foreclosing the right 4169 Lotus Circle be made upon District dated 05/5/2010 should OF FOREIGN 441 4th Street, simple. of the District of of redemption in theNW Real Ellicott City, MD 21043 Registered Agent Ser- not be admitted to proPERSONAL Washington, 20001 JAMES E. CLARKE, Columbia Property and DC vesting in v i c e s , I n c , 1 0 2 5 bate as expressed in the REPRESENTATIVE Clerk of the Court Attn:SUBSTITUTE Darlene Fields the Plaintiff a title in fee And petition Register of Wills Connecticut Ave., NW, AND And TRUSTEE 441 4th Street, NW simple. Clerk of the By:_________________ Suite 615, Washington, NOTICE TO TYPESET: Tue Jan 30 15:52:24 ESTDC 2018 1602 Village Market Washington, 20001 JAMES E. CLARKE, All Unknown Magistrate DC 20036, whose desProbate Division CREDITORS Boulevard SE Clerk ofOwners the Courtof SUBSTITUTE the Property described Judge Rainey Brandt Juanita Marie Harris ignation as District of Date of First Publication Suite And310 TRUSTEE below, their Heirs, Per- whose address is 4670 Columbia agent has February 2, 2018 Leesburg, VA 20175 By:_________________ Superior 1602 Village Court Marketof sonal Representatives, been filed with the Regis- Names of Newspapers: All Unknown Owners of Magistrate Plymouth Court, WaltheSE Boulevard Executors, Administra02/2 , 2/9/18 Anddescribed Washington MD 20602 was ap- ter of Wills, D.C. the Property Judge Rainey Brandt dorf, 1/26, Suiteof310 District Columbia tors, Grantees, Assigns or pointed personal repre- The decedent owned the Law Reporter below, their Heirs, PerLeesburg, VADIVISION 20175 PROBATE Successors in Right, Title, RENEE DYSON, sentative of the estate of f o l l o w i n g D i s t r i c t o f Washington sonal Representatives, Washington, D.C. Interest, and ,Any and all John H Harris, deceased Colombia real property: AFRO-AMERICAN SUBSTITUTE Executors, Administra1/26, 02/2 2/9/18 And TYPESET: EST 2018 20001-2131 p e r s o n s hTue a v i nJan g o30 r 15:51:32 TRUSTEE tors, Grantees, Assigns or by the Orphan’s Court for 5313 13th Street, NW, Thecla Bethel Esq Administration No. claiming to have any inter- CharlesCounty, State of Washington, DC 20011 3321 Toledo Terrace, 1602 Village Market Successors in Right, Title, RENEE DYSON, 2018ADM000007 est in the leasehold or fee Boulevard Interest, and AnySE and all Suite 203 Sq 2931 Lot 086 SUBSTITUTE Aberta Sistare simple in the Court property Superior of and Maryland., on January p e r s o n sSuite h a v310 ing or TRUSTEE Claims against the de- Hyattsville, MD 20782 Decedent premises the situate, lying 12, 2018. Leesburg, VA 20175 claiming to have any inter1602 Village Market NOTICE OF and beingof in Columbia the District of Service of process may cedent may be pre- Signature of District est in the leasehold or fee Boulevard SE be made upon Gloria sented to the under- Petitioners/Attorney APPOINTMENT, Columbia described as: PROBATE DIVISION simple in theAnd property and Suite 310 Mathis, 1700 Mass Ave, signed and filed with the NOTICE TO Square 3743 Lot 0050. Washington, D.C. premises situate, lying Leesburg, VA 20175 May also be known as SE, Washington, DC Register of Wills for the 02/2, 02/9, 02/16/18 CREDITORS BANK, FKAof 20001-2131 andCIT being in theN.A. District 20003. whose designa- District of Columbia, 500 TYPESET: Tue Jan 30 15:52:08 EST 2018 5714 Eastern Avenue ANDAnd NOTICE TO ONEWEST Administration No. Columbia described as: NE, Washington, DC tion as District of Colum- Indiana Avenue, N.W., UNKNOWN HEIRS 2017ADM001205 SquareBANK, 3743 N.A. Lot 0050. bia agent has been filed Washington, D.C. 20001 20011Ray Murray c/o also Atlantic Group, Rica J RichN.A. , whose Willie beLaw known as CIT BANK, FKA ad- May Superior Court of with the Register of Wills, within 6 months from the LLC Avenue dressONEWEST is 435 21st Street, 5714 Eastern Decedent the date of first publication of D.C. Defendants Village Market NE, BANK, Washington, DC NE,1602 Washington, DC NOTICE OF N.A. District of Columbia The decedent owned the this notice. Boulevard SESuite 310 20002 was 20011 APPOINTMENT, c/o Atlantic Lawappointed Group, ORDER OF PROBATE DIVISION Arnold H Massey Jr. following District of Leesburg, VA 20175 personalLLC representative NOTICE TO PUBLICATION Washington, D.C. Personal Colombia real property: of theVillage estateMarket of Alberta Defendants 1602 CREDITORS 20001-2131 Representative(s) And Sistare, SESuite who died Boulevard 310 on AND NOTICE TOD. C. 5341 Nannie Helen BurIn accordance with Administration No. TRUE TEST COPY r o u g h s Av e , N E , ORDER OF June 10, 2012 without a Leesburg, VA 20175 UNKNOWN HEIRS Code §47-1375, the SENIOR OFFICIAL 2017ADM001453 REGISTER OF WILLS Washington, DC 20019 PUBLICATION will, and will serve with Ursula Michaele Shokes object of this proceeding Claims against the de- Date of first publication: WITH Ophella W Durant And Court supervision. All un, iswhose address is 403 to secure the forecloRESPONSIBILITY Decedent cedent may be pre- February 2, 2018 with D. C. known heirs and heirs In accordance South LLoyd Street, sure of the right of reFOR SINGLE NOTICE OF Name of newspapers SENIOR OFFICIAL are Code §47-1375, the whose whereabouts Ahoskie NC, 27910 was sented to the underdemption in the following FAMILY MORTGAGE APPOINTMENT, signed and filed with the and/or periodical: of this proceeding WITH unknown shall enter their object INSURANCE appointed personal real property locatedre-in Register of Wills for the The Daily is to secure the forecloNOTICE TO a RESPONSIBILITY ppearance in this presentative estate the District of the Columbia, PROGRAMS IN of THE of the right reCREDITORS District of Columbia, 515 Washington FOR SINGLE proceeding. Objections sureDEPARTMENT of Willie Ray Murray, who and sold by the Mayor of OF in the following AND NOTICE TO Law Reporter FAMILY to suchMORTGAGE appointment demption died on October 25, 1996to 5th Street, NE, Washingthe District of Columbia HOUSING URBAN propertyAND located in UNKNOWN HEIRS shallINSURANCE be filed with the real the Plaintiff(s) inand this will ac- ton, DC 20019Washing- The Afro-American without a will, DEVELOPMENT FIELD the District of Columbia, PROGRAMS IN THED.C., Patricia D King, whose Register of Wills, tion described as Square serve without Court su- ton, D.C. 20001 within 6 by the Mayor of DEPARTMENT OF 3rd and sold OFFICE, address is 536 Oneida 02/9, 02/16/18 515 5th Street, N.W., 3743 Lot 0050, may months from the date of 02/2, pervision. All which unknown TRUSTEE TYPESET: Tue Jan 30 15:50:41 ESTWashington, 2018 the District of Columbia to HOUSING AND URBAN Place, NW, first publication of this noFloor Washington, D.C. the also be 5714 451 Seventh Street heirs andknown heirs as whose Plaintiff(s) in this SW acDEVELOPMENT FIELD DC 20011, was aptice. E a s t e r n Av e nare u e unNE, 20001, on or before July tion Washington, DC 20410 where-abouts described as Square OFFICE, pointed personal repreWashington, DC 20011 26, 2018. Claims against 3743 Lot 0050, which may known shall enter their TRUSTEE Superior Court of sentative of the estate of Juanita M Harris theSeventh decedent shall And as 5714 a(the p p e”Real a r a nProperty”).The ce in this 451 Street SW be also be known the District of Ophelia W Durant, who Personal complaint states, among presented to under- E a s t e r n Av e n u e N E , proceeding. Objections Washington, DCthe 20410 District of Columbia died on July 14, 2017 Representative(s) other that (or the MILLARD signed with a copy to the Washington, to such things, appointment DCS.20011 PROBATE DIVISION with a will, and will serve TRUE TEST COPY amounts necessary for reRUBENSTEIN, RegisterAnd of Wills or filed (the ”Real Property”).The to the probate of deWashington, D.C. without Court superviREGISTER OF WILLS demption will) have shall not been TRUSTEE with the Register of Wills complaint states, among cedent´s be 20001-2131 sion. All unknown heirs paid.Pursuant to the Chief Date of first publication: Red Brook with MILLARD a copy to S. the under- other 300 things, that the filed with the Register of Administration No. Judge’s Administration February 2, 2018 and heirs whose Boulevard, #300 signed, on or before July amounts necessary for reRUBENSTEIN, Wills, D.C., 515 5th 2017ADM487 Order Number 02-11, it is whereabouts are unOwings Mills, have MD not21117 been 26, 2018 , or be forever demption TRUSTEE Street, N.W., 3rdJanuary, Floor Name of newspapers Estate of Fred Hart Sr. this 3rd day of known shall enter their and/or periodical: barred. Persons believed paid.Pursuant to the Chief 300 Red Brook W a s h iORDERED n g t o n , D by . C .the 2018, (Deceased) And appearance in this The Daily Washington to Boulevard, be heirs or #300 legatees of Judge’s Administration 20001, on or before April Superior Court of the Dis- Law Reporter Decedent proceeding. Objections Owings Mills, MD 21117 the decedent who do not Order Number 02-11, it is 27, 2018. Claims against trict of Columbia, that noSECRETARY OF NOTICE OF to such appointment (or day of January, receive a copy of this no- this 3rd the decedent shall be The Afro-American tice be given by the inserHOUSING APPOINTMENT, to the probate of detice by And mail within 25 2018, ORDERED by the presented to of the undertion of a copy this Order AND URBAN NOTICE TO TYPESET: Tue Jan 30 15:53:16 EST 2018 cedent´s will) shall be Court of the Disdays of its first publica- Superior signed with a copy to the DEVELOPMENT CREDITORS trict of Columbia, that nofiled with the Register of 02/2, 02/9, 02/16/18 SECRETARY OF the tion shall so inform Register of Wills or filed AND NOTICE TO tice be given by the inser451 Seventh Street SW in the Washington Afro Wills, D.C., 515 5th TYPESET: Tue Jan 30 15:52:39 EST 2018 HOUSING Register of Wills, includwith the Register of Wills UNKNOWN HEIRS of a copy ofDC this20410 Order Washington, American Newspaper, a Street, N.W., 3rd Floor IN AND THE URBAN SUPERIOR ing name, address and tion with a copy to the undernewspaper of general cirDeborah A Hart-Johnson W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . DEVELOPMENT COURT relationship. signed, oninorthe before Aprilof And culation District and Daisy G Johnson , OF of THE DISTRICT 20001, on or before AuSUPERIOR COURT OF Date Publication: 27, 2018, or be forever Columbia, once a week whose address is 3501 gust 2, 2018. Claims OF COLUMBIA THE DISTRICT OF January 26, 2018 barred. Persons believed D.C. DEPARTMENT OF for three (3) successive CIVIL DIVISION Brightseat Rd, Hyattsagainst the decedent COLUMBIA Name of newspaper: to be heirs or legatees of CONSUMER AND weeks, notifying all perCivil Action No. v i l l e , M D & 1 3 8 0 2 shall be presented to the PROBATE DIVISION Afro-American the decedent who do not REGULATORY sons interested in the 2017 CA 005698 L(RP) Bentwaters Dr, Upper undersigned with a copy Washington, D.C. Washington receive a copy ofdescribed this noAFFAIRS Real Property (Action Involving Real Marlboro MD was ap- to the Register of Wills or 20001-2131 Law Reporter tice by tomail within 25 1100 4th Street above appear in this Property) pointed personal repre- filed with the Register of Administration No. days first5th publicaSW Washington, DC Courtofbyitsthe day of CalendarRica 18 J Rich sentative of the estate of Wills with a copy to the 2018ADM000051 Personal tion shall so inform the 20024 April, 2018, and redeem Magistrate Judge Fred Hart, Sr., (De- undersigned, on or beRepresentative the Real of Property by pay- Estate of Register Wills, includRainey Brandt ceased) , who died on fore August 2, 2018, or And ment of $7,885.51, to- Gerardo Noe ing name, address and May 21, 2016 without a be forever barred. PerTRUE COPY gether with interest from Deceased relationship. MTAGTEST CUSTODIAN will, and will serve with sons believed to be heirs NOTICE OF REGISTER OF WILLS D.C. WATER the date the Real Property Date of Publication: FOR EMPIRE VIII Court supervision. All un- or legatees of the deSTANDARD AND SEWER tax certificate was purDC PORTFOLIO, LLC October 27, 2017 known heirs and heirs cedent who do not reTYPESET: Tue Jan 30 15:53:34 EST 2018 PROBATE AUTHORITY chased; court costs and 01/26, 02/2, 02/9/18 (MTAG CUST. FOR Name of newspaper: 5000 Overlook Avenue attorney’s fees; expenses Notice is hereby given whose whereabouts are ceive a copy of this notice EMPIRE VIII DC Afro-American SW Washington, DC incurred in the publication that a petition has been unknown shall enter their by mail within 25 days of PORTFOLIO) Washington Superior its first publication shall 20032 and Reporter service of process by filed in this Court by a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s 57 W 38thCourt Street,of Law the District of publication and Shokes for rea- Jeanne K Aellion for proceeding. Objections so inform the Register of 9th Floor Ursula Michaele District of Columbia to such appointment (or Wills, including name, And sonable fees for the title standard probate, includNew York, NY 10018 Personal PROBATE DIVISION search; all other amounts ing the appoint-ment of to the probate of de- address and relationRepresentative Washington, D.C. THE DISTRICT OF paid by the petitioner in one or more personal re- cedent´s will) shall be ship. Plaintiff 20001-2131 COLUMBIA accordance with the provi- presentative. Unless a filed with the Register of Date of Publication: Administration No. TRUE Serve: Mayor of the sions TEST of D.COPY C. Code complaint or an objection Wills, D.C., 515 5th February 2 , 2018 vs. 2017ADM1257 REGISTER District of Columbia § 4 7 - 1 3 6 OF 1 aWILLS n d a l l in accordance with Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Name of newspaper: Verla Mae D Goff Kelly Muriel Bowser outstanding municipal lien W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . SHARON R. Afro-American AKA Superior Court Probate Attn: Office of the amounts and real property 20001, on or before Au- Washington COLE-PEARSON, Verla Mae Goff Kelly Division Rule 407 is filed 10/27, 11/3, 11/10/17 Secretary taxes due and owing on PDecedent ERSONAL REPREin this Court within 30 gust 2, 2018. Claims Law Reporter 1350 Pennsylvania the aforemen-tioned SENTATIVE OF THE TYPESET: Tue Jan Real 30 15:50:59 EST Sebastian Krop, Esq Patricia D King days from the 2018 date of first against the decedent Avenue, N.W., Property, or answer the ESTATE OF 1330 New Hampshire shall be presented to the Personal #419 Washington, DC complaint, or, thereafter, a publication of this notice, undersigned with a copy GEORGIANNA M. Avenue, NW $#111 Representative 20001 final judgment will beOF en- the Court may take the to the Register of Wills or DUPREE DC Washington, SUPERIOR COURT Serve: Attorney General tered foreclosing the right action hereinafter set filed with the Register of TRUE TEST COPY 20036-6300 4169 Lotus Circle DISTRICT OFReal forth. of the District of ofTHE redemption in the Attorney Ellicott City, MD 21043 0 COLUMBIA Admit to probate the will Wills with a copy to the REGISTER OF WILLS Columbia Property and vesting in NOTICE OF undersigned, on or bePROBATE DIVISION APPOINTMENT, Attn: Darlene Fields the Plaintiff a title in fee dated 12/21/2000 exhibAnd Washington, D.C. ited with the petition upon fore August 2, 2018, or NOTICE TO 441 4th Street, NW simple. 20001-2131 CREDITORS proof satisfactory to the be forever barred. Per- 02/2, 02/9, 02/16/18 Washington, DC 20001 JAMES E. CLARKE, Foreign No. AND NOTICE TO Clerk of the Court Court of due execution sons believed to be heirs SUBSTITUTE 2018FEP000009 UNKNOWN HEIRS And by affidavit of witnesses or legatees of the deTRUSTEE cedent who do not reMaurice Kelly, whose Date of Death By:_________________ or otherwise 1602 Village Market addressBoulevard is 1423 Crittenden 0 November 6,Magistrate 2017 All Unknown Owners of In the absence of a will ceive a copy of this notice SE Street Suite NW, 310 Washington the Property described Ophelia Mary Watts Judge Rainey Brandt or proof satisfactory to by mail within 25 days of DC 20011 was appointed below, their Heirs, Per- Decedent Leesburg, VA 20175 the Court of due execu- its first publication shall personal representative sonal Representatives, NOTICE OF tion, enter an order deter- so inform the Register of of the estate of Verla Mae Executors, Administra1/26, 02/2 , 2/9/18 APPOINTMENT And Verla Mae mining that the decedent Wills, including name, D Goff AKA address and relationtors, Grantees, Assigns or OF FOREIGN died intestate Goff Kelly, who died on PERSONAL RENEE Register of Wills ship. August 20, DYSON, 2017 with a Successors in Right, Title, Interest, and Any and all SUBSTITUTE REPRESENTATIVE will, and will serve withClerk of the Date of Publication: TRUSTEE AND out Court supervision. All p e r s o n s h a v i n g o r Probate Division February 2, 2018 Name of newspaper: 1602 Village NOTICE TO unknown heirsMarket and heirs claiming to have any interDate of First Publication Boulevard SE are est in the leasehold or fee Afro-American whose where-abouts CREDITORS February 2, 2018 simple in the property and Suite 310 Washington unknown shall enter their Wendelin Watts Whitfield premises situate, lying whose address is 10410 Names of Newspapers: Leesburg, ap p e a r a n cVA e 20175 in this Law Reporter Washington proceeding. Objections and being in the District of Balsamwood Court, LauDeborah A Law Reporter to such appointment (or Columbia described as: And Hart-Johnson rel, MD 20708-31786 Washington to the probate of de- Square 3743 Lot 0050. Daisy G Johnson was appointed personal AFRO-AMERICAN cedent´s will) CIT BANK, N.A.shall FKA be May also be known as Personal Jeanne K Aellion filed with the Register of 5714 Eastern Avenue representative of the ONEWEST Representatives Wills,BANK, D.C.,N.A. 515 5th NE, Washington, DC estate of Ophelia Mary 6915 Laurel Bowie Road Watts, deceased by the Ste 201 Street, N.W., Floor 20011 c/o Atlantic Law3rd Group, TRUE TEST COPY O r p h a n s ’ C o u r t f o r Bowie, MD 20715 Wa s h i n g ton, D.C. LLC REGISTER OF WILLS Prince- Georges County, Signature of 20001, on or before Defendants 1602 Village MarketJuly 26, 2018. Claims against State of Maryland., on Petitioners/Attorney Boulevard SESuite 310 02/2, 02/9, 2/16/18 the decedent shall be March 28, 2017, ORDER OF Leesburg, VA 20175 presented to the underService of process may 02/2, 02/9, 02/16/18 PUBLICATION signed with a copy to the be made upon Michael N And Register of Wills or filed In accordance with D. C. Watts 924 Euclid Street with the Register of Wills Code §47-1375, the NW, Washington, DC SENIOR with a copyOFFICIAL to the underWITH signed, on or before July object of this proceeding 20001 whose designa26,RESPONSIBILITY 2018, or be forever is to secure the foreclo- tion as District of ColumFOR SINGLE barred. Persons believed sure of the right of re- bia agent has been filed MORTGAGE toFAMILY be heirs or legatees of demption in the following with the Register of Wills, INSURANCE the decedent who do not real property located in D.C. PROGRAMS receive a copy IN of THE this no- the District of Columbia, The decedent owned the DEPARTMENT OF 25 and sold by the Mayor of f o l l o w i n g D i s t r i c t o f tice by mail within HOUSING days of itsAND firstURBAN publica- the District of Columbia to Colombia real property: tion shall so inform the the Plaintiff(s) in this ac- 1330 Massachusetts DEVELOPMENT FIELD Register of Wills, includ- tion described as Square Ave., NW, Unit 517, OFFICE, ing name, address and 3743 Lot 0050, which may TRUSTEE Washington, DC 20005, relationship. also be known as 5714 451 Seventh Street SW Date of Publication: E a s t e r n Av e n u e N E , 5512 8th St. NW, 20011, Washington, DC 20410 January 26, 2018 Washington, DC 20011 and 1336 Maryland Ave., Name of newspaper: (the ”Real Property”).The NE, Washington, DC And Afro-American complaint states, among 20002. Washington other things, that the Claims against the deMILLARD S. Law RUBENSTEIN, Reporter amounts necessary for re- cedent may be preMaurice Kelly demption have not been sented to the underTRUSTEEPersonal paid.Pursuant to the Chief signed and filed with the 300 Red Brook Representative Judge’s Administration Register of Wills for the Boulevard, #300 Order Number 02-11, it is District of Columbia, OwingsTEST Mills, COPY MD 21117 TRUE this 3rd day of January, Building A, 515 5th REGISTER OF WILLS 2018, ORDERED by the Street, NW, 3rd FloorAnd Superior Court of the Dis- Washington, D.C. 20001 01/26, 02/2, 02/09/18 trict of Columbia, that no- within 6 months from the SECRETARY OF tice be given by the inser- date of first publication of HOUSING tion of a copy of this Order this notice. AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Wendelin Watts Whitfield And

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February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018, The Afro-American

WASHINGTON-AREA

Local Women Athletes Inspire Girls in D.C. Schools

Black Entrepreneurs Take on D.C.’s White-Washed Hot Yoga Space

By Lenore T. Adkins Special to the AFRO

By Aya Elamroussi Special to the AFRO

Brazil Diggs, an Eastern Senior High School student, dreams of becoming a professional dancer. On Feb. 2, the 16-year-old asked professional athletes and women in sports if her “frenemies would eventually try to worm their way back into her life” and ride her coattails. “I feel that if I became famous, they would want to be back on good terms with me, so I wanted to see if it’s really true or if it really happens in real life,” Diggs told the AFRO. As part of National Women & Girls Sports Day, a panel of professional women athletes and women in sports talked to

“The mission is to get more women in athletics administration and athletic jobs and just let them know all the opportunities that exist for them…” – Diana Parente girls about life on and off the field. Five girls from every D.C. Public Schools high school were invited to attend, and the conversation took place at the end of a luncheon at the Line Hotel in Adams Morgan. “The purpose really is to just educate our girls and let them know about the opportunities that exist within

D.C. Attorney General Talks Policing in Black America

Courtesy photo

Omekongo and Kendra Dibinga are the co-owners of Bikram Hot Yoga.

By Christina Sturdivant-Sani Special to the AFRO With an influx of students varying in age, race, gender, and body type, Bikram Hot Yoga studios are some of the most inclusive places for yogis to lay their mats in the Washington D.C. region. At many yoga studios throughout the city, Kendra Dibinga is the sole Black person in the room. With her Bikram studio, she’s intentionally creating spaces that challenge exclusivity and accurately represent D.C.’s rapidly changing demographic. “Our outside environment may tell us to be more tribal, but the reality is that the yoga space is so far from that,” Dibinga tells the AFRO. “Why should I feel so isolated in a space that’s supposed to be a union of community and togetherness?” Bikram Hot Yoga is a collection of three studio franchises co-owned by Dibinga, who first came to D.C. to study international affairs and African studies at Georgetown University. After studying abroad and receiving graduate degrees from Boston University and Harvard, she settled back

in the District as a wife and later a mother. A former personal trainer and international development professional, Dibinga was introduced to hot yoga in 2008 after the birth of her second child. “I just needed something a little bit different,” she said. “I found that with Bikram, I was able to get a crazy good sweat without having to do anything super strenuous like weight lifting.” She also found that it relieved pain that she suffered from a knee injury. “I found that it was one of the best ways for me to stay in shape, to be honest.” After practicing for six years, Dibinga opened Bikram Hot Yoga Riverdale in Prince George’s County, Md. in February 2014. “This –Kendra Dibinga was my first brick and mortar. The stakes were high because I was opening up a business that I had to sign a lease for and sign my name for 10 years, so it was a total game changer.” By simply being a Black entrepreneur in a white-washed industry, it has been easier for Bikram Hot Yoga to attract more diverse students. But it’s also taken a leader who eventually left her international development career to plunge

Despite making up just 13 percent of the U.S. population, Black Americans continue to be the most likely group to be targeted and killed by police. A 2017 police violence report found that Black people were more likely to have been unarmed and less likely to be threatening someone when killed by police. As of Feb. 7 of this year, police around the country have shot and killed 108 people, 20 of which were Black, The Washington Post reported. On the first day of Black History Month, D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine along with representatives from Washington Bar Association and the Metropolitan Police Department gathered at the Old Council Chamber to discuss the relationship between police and AfricanAmerican communities in Washington, D.C. “We’re here today to focus on the state of policing in Black America,” said Racine, who is African American. “And of course, the repeated high-profile deaths of young

“Why should I feel so isolated in a space that’s supposed to be a union of community and togetherness?”

Mayor Announces Toolkit For Black Prosperity Photo by Lenore T. Adkins

As part of National Women and Girls Sports Day, D.C.P.S. invited five female student athletes from each high school ask to professional athletes and women in sports about their lives. She told Diggs, the aspiring athletics,” said Diana Parente, dancer, that once she made it executive director of athletics big, people came around and for the District of Columbia started asking her for tickets to Interscholastic Athletic the Masters Golf Tournament Association Office. “The — even though she doesn’t play mission is to get more women golf. in athletics administration and “You always know your athletic jobs and just let them close friends and who’s been know all the opportunities there through thick and thin,” that exist for them after they Delle Donne told Diggs. graduate from high school.” Becoming an athlete Washington Mystics player involves hard work and Elena Delle Donne, one of the sacrifice, Donne said. She most decorated players of the remembers missing school WNBA, stressed the importance dances and sleepovers so she of students surrounding could practice. She encouraged themselves with positive crews. Continued on D2

By Christina SturdivantSani Special to the AFRO Though D.C. lost its “Chocolate City” moniker several years ago, city leaders say they’re working to ensure African-American residents can not only live in the city, but prosper. On Feb. 24 at noon, Mayor Muriel Bowser and multiple city agencies, including the Mayor’s Office on African-American Affairs, are hosting an event focused on the advancement of Black D.C. residents. The gathering at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center will delve into the city’s new resource guide called “A Fair Shot—A Toolkit for African American Prosperity.” Continued on D2

Courtesy Photo

D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine

Continued on D3

Mid-City Financial of Bethesda, owner of Brookland Manor, plans to replace the Ward 5 housing complex with a larger building. By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com Brookland Manor is set to be re-developed into a more upscale housing complex and residents have mixed feelings about that. Brookland Manor is a 20-acre, 19-building housing community that is located at the corner of Rhode Island Ave., N.E. and 14th Street., N.E. in Ward 5. Brookland Manor is located close to the economically-booming Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station and the housing

Courtesy image

Continued on D3

D.C.’s Brookland Manor Mired in Controversy

and retail surrounding it. Brookland Manor’s owners, Mid-City Financial of Bethesda, Maryland. want to build their property to be more amenable to affluent residents but its spokesperson, Robert Johns, told the AFRO that there is a popular misconception that the lowincome and working-class residents that live there will be displaced. “All current residents who are housed at Brookland -Robert Johns Manor are involved in the process of development and they will not be displaced,” Johns, who serves as Mid-City’s director of community affairs, said. “We have the

“All current residents who are housed at Brookland Manor are involved in the process of development and they will not be displaced.”

Continued on D2

The Afro-American, February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018

Hot Yoga

Continued from D1

head-first into the business. “You have to be innovative, you have to know your product, and you have to become the brand,” Dibinga said. “You have to be so in it that you are leading the way. You’re not a follower—we don’t have time and space to follow.” Dibinga found creative ways to distinguish her brand early on. It was the first local studio to partner with young athletes, starting with students at Dematha—a Catholic high school with a reputation of graduating top-ranking athletes. Bikram Hot Yoga introduced hot Pilates to the mix as a relatively new concept among competitors. The studio also hosts retreats and special events such as triathlons to foster a communal environment. Most importantly, students who come to Bikram Hot Yoga know they’re in for a holistic journey. “This is something that people can do for a long time. It’s more than a physical

workout; it’s a practice that helps people solve many of their health problems,” said Dibinga, who says she’s witnessed

“You have to be innovative, you have to know your product, and you have to become the brand.” –Kendra Dibinga Bikram yoga aid people with diabetes, heart disease, and other medical issues that plague African-American

communities. In September 2015, Dibinga opened Bikram Hot Yoga Ivy City in Northeast, D.C. Three months later, she welcomed yogis in Takoma Park, Maryland. The company’s rapid growth has been fostered by a dedicated team, she said, “We have really good people who believe in what we’re doing and see the vision of how we’re trying to go further.” This spring, Bikram Hot Yoga will put down roots in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. With each studio opening, Dibinga hopes to foster a spirit among students that cannot be contained inside four walls. “I see the yoga studio as helping to bring together people who may never talk to each other in their regular lives. But because they interact in the yoga space, they have a little better understanding and a little more humanity when they step outside,” she said. “They might think twice about how they respond to or react to other people.”

Toolkit

Continued from D1 Mayor Bowser announced the toolkit on Feb. 1, as she kicked off Black History Month at the Howard Theatre. Paying homage to the nearby U Street corridor—the city’s former “Black Broadway”— both longtime business owners and beneficiaries of

2016 was $37,891. “We as a government haven’t adapted as quickly as we need to, and many of our families haven’t adapted as quickly as would be necessary to survive in this changing economy,” Mayor Bowser said, noting the importance of

“We know there is more work to do to ensure African Americans in every corner of the District have a fair shot.” – Mayor Bowser new D.C. programs gathered in the historic venue. In 1970, D.C.’s Black population peaked at 71 percent, and the city remained predominantly Black for decades. In 2011, the District’s African-American population dropped below 50 percent. Rapid economic development has caused the faces of residents and facades of the corridors to change. Today, Black residents makeup 47.7 percent of the total population in the city. The average median income for Black households as of

the toolkit. “We know there is more work to do to ensure African Americans in every corner of the District have a fair shot,” the mayor said. “With this toolkit, we are ensuring that the hardworking residents who benefit most from the many resources and programs we have available actually know about them. You have been here for D.C., and we are going to continue to be here for you.” Part of the city’s revitalization has included investments under the Bowser

Courtesy photo

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a toolkit to D.C. residents navigate the city’s agencies. administration. Since 2015, D.C. has invested more than $324 million in the Housing Production Trust Fund and $40 million in innovative workforce programs, according to the guide. From 2015 to 2017, the city has increased government spending in small businesses

by $267 million. The city has also recently poured $40 million to help seniors age in place. While resources abound, many residents don’t know how to access them. The guide gives an overview of vital government agencies and puts multiple resources

in one place. Its target audiences are residents, senior citizens, families and business owners. Each section gives an overview of services available such as affordable housing programs, education and employment opportunities, healthcare benefits and financial and entrepreneurship

workshops. While it’s not an exhaustive list of resources, Bowser said it’s “a start to a great conversation” that the city’s Commission on African-American Affairs plans to continue with residents at meetings throughout the city. “D.C. is a place that residents often mention feeling locked out of opportunities that support their drive and passion to the middle class, and we hear you,” said Rahman Branch, executive director of the Office on African American Affairs. “African Americans in D.C. have created a rich history that cannot be overlooked. Our community built much of the city, its culture, and its character.” At the event on Feb. 24, residents can interact with representatives from more than 30 government agencies, meet local Black business owners and pick up a toolkit. “It’s not just a collection of programs, it’s a roadmap to be successful in the city, to prosper in our city,” said Courtney Snowden, deputy mayor for Greater Economic Development, at the launch event.

Brookland Manor Continued from B1

assurances in writing that will not take place and that includes the Section 8 residents who are here.” Section 8 is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program that pays most of the rent of lowincome people at selected housing projects. Brookland Manor, whose resident pool is predominantly Black, also works with another HUD program where the department pays the rent above one-third of each tenant’s income. Mid-City plans to tear down the existing buildings, some of which are decadesold, and build 1,760 new units. HUD would retain control of 373 of the new units and the remainder would rent out at market rate. Presently, Brookland Manor contains 535 affordable units, including three, four and five-bedroom units that accommodate families. In May 2017, the District’s zoning board approved a significant portion of MidCity’s Brookland Manor plans. With legal wrangling from some residents who don’t like MidCity’s plans, breaking ground on the new development could take up to two years. The Brookland Manor Residents Association, the tenant’s association, has requested that Mid-City do three things for the residential project. First, it wants the preservation of the 535 units of affordable housing that currently exist on the site at

the current bedroom sizes and current subsidy levels. Second, it wants the tenants to have the right to remain on the property during the process of redevelopment and they want the redevelopment done in phases and third, it wants tenants to have the right to be employed on the building project. Brookland’s residents association has received the backing of Organizing Neighborhood Equity DC (ONE DC), an advocacy organization for low and working class residents who seek fair and affordable housing in the city. ONE DC housing coordinator Yasima Mrabet has been working with the tenants at Brookland Manor and is skeptical of Mid-City’s plans to keep the low and working class residents there after the redevelopment is done. “One D.C.’s position is that Mid-City’s plans are not inclusive and it negatively affects the health, safety and welfare

“We want to make sure that people who are in Brookland Manor are here to stay in D.C. and not moving to Maryland.” – Robert Johns of the residents of Brookland Manor,” Mrabet told the AFRO. She said that MidCity’s plans are a detriment to working-class Black families there. Mrabet said her organization has been working with the tenants to have MidCity meet the above mention demands of the residents association. “We want to make sure that the same number of affordable housing units preserved and that current bedroom sizes also remain the same,” she said. “It is my understanding that the bedrooms sizes will be reduced from five to two-or three bedrooms. If that happens, hundreds of families will be expelled from Brookland Manor.” Mrabet isn’t in favor of MidCity’s plan to restrict 200 of those affordable units to senior citizens that are 62-years-old and older, either. Johns said residents’ concerns are unfounded. “Everyone who has a voucher will remain in place at the same rate,” he said. “Those residents have guaranteed housing.

The only way we will raise the rent is if their income changes. Our first priority is to take care of our residents.” Johns said that one of the goals of redeveloping Brookland Manor is to make it a mixed-use community with townhouses, new apartments and retail space. “We want an actual community that is thriving,” Johns said. “We want to make sure that people who are in Brookland Manor are here to stay in D.C. and not moving to Maryland.” Johns said that his company has engaged in partnerships with groups such as Concerned Black Men to help residents deal with issues such as literacy, academic tutoring, health and wellness and job and career training. He said that homeownership and computer classes sponsored or cosponsored by MidCity are on track to be offered, too. “We want to make sure that we have solid resident programs,” he said. “These programs will be ongoing and not flash in the pan.” On Nov. 18, 2017, MidCity co-sponsored a career fair at nearby Israel Baptist Church with the offices of D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) participating with local companies. Cecelia Rhodes is a resident of Brookland Manor and supports MidCity. “My family has lived in this area since 1978,” Rhodes told the AFRO. “I think what MidCity wants to do is great and awesome and I think we need a new development here. For this area, this is a step in the right direction.” Rhodes said some of her neighbors who don’t support the redevelopment are confused. “There are some who say that we will be displaced and that is misinformation,” she said. “They are going on their own assumptions. There have been a number of meetings on this and some of those folks don’t attend meetings. “If you don’t attend, you don’t know.” Thaddeus James, a 14-year resident of Brookland Manor, agrees with Rhodes. “I support this project 100 percent,” James told the AFRO. “This project will get rid of the concentrated poverty and racial segregation that is here. People with higher incomes in this area will lift up the low-income residents and make them want to do better.” James said the “new” Brookland Manor will bring “better housing and amenities.” He said the programs that Johns spoke about will “make people more self-sufficient” and “improve their health and wellness.”

February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018, The Afro-American

AFRO

WASHINGTON AREA

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue, Southeast, Washington, D.C. 20540 Celebrate Blacks in WWI at the Library of Congress

As the country remembers the centennial celebration of the United States’ involvement in World War I, and honors African American participation in Times of War, Ryan Reft, co-curator of the Echoes of the Great War exhibition, will take guests on a tour of the activism and aspirations of African American service personnel during World War I and how it influenced their fight for civil rights during the 20th century after returning home. The tour will take place at the Library of Congress on Friday, February 9th.

Fort Washington

Harmony Hall, 10701 Livingston Rd, Fort Washington, Md., 20744 Remembering Local Heroes With this year’s national Black History Month theme honoring African Americans in Times of war, celebrate the month by learning about local, Black veterans. Harmony Hall will be featuring it’s exhibit, We Return Fighting: World War I and the African American experience, for the month of February, until March 9. The exhibit is free and open to the public daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Copyprint. NAACP Records, Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress (085.00.00)

Silent protest parade in New York City against the East St. Louis riots, 1917.

Laurel

Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, Md. 20707

D.C. Attorney General Continued from D1

African Americans around the country [Metropolitan Police Department], the Washington University’s Assistant Vice at the hands of the police make this mayor, the attorney general and the U.S. Principal for D.C. Government Relations. conversation even more important.” attorney can control this,” Martin added. The top brass at the D.C. MPD took Moderated by Racine himself, the The MPD, however, does a different the course June of last year. Demczuk, panel consisted of three attorneys and kind of training. MPD officers are now who is White, said that 150 officers have the police department’s inspector, starting to take a 10-hour crash course taken the course, and the remaining all of whom took questions from the on the dark history of law enforcement 4,000 are expected to take it as well. attendees throughout the two-hour panel in America and the role police authority “The officers come to understand why discussion. played in the Black community since they are the face of White supremacy “Policing in this in our city, in our country and in our country when it comes culture.” to misconduct is about While the D.C. MPD tries to accountability and educate its officers not to be racially transparency,” said biased, only one percent of the officers Donald M. Temple, an who were involved in police shootings attorney on the panel. in 2017 were charged with a crime, “Police have problems according to an extensive study on self-policing and police violence. holding other police In fact, even with the prevalence of accountable.” social media and police body cameras In contrast, that often expose officers’ misconduct, Inspector Vendette Brandi Harden, an attorney on the Parker, another panel, said it does not always produce Courtesy photo panelist, said that results. D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine (standing at the police officers “While it does illuminate what’s podium) was part of a panel on police violence along “police themselves going on between police and citizen with members of the Washington Bar Association and informally.” encounters, it does not manifest itself in the Metropolitan Police Department. “They will correct any type of accountability with respect their peers if their to the police officers,” Harden said. peers are doing “There is absolutely no accountability. something wrong. They will shun peer the country’s founding. The critical race Nothing happens.” activity if that activity is not above theory course takes place in National Racine said that progress is still yet board,” Parker said. She added that Museum of African American History to be made in all corners of the country. police officers are less inclined to file and Culture and is taught by George “It’s important for us to be honest formal complaints, which would lead Washington University faculty. and vigilant in [regard] to the kind of to disciplinary action for misconduct. “It’s a pedagogy of teaching progress and change we hope to see.” “But we do have informal checks and American history from the perspective “The community very, very clearly made balances.” of race, not from the perspective of the point that it really wants to participate Practices such as oversight and George Washington or Thomas Jefferson in police transparency, accountability,” training can “overcome” police or Abraham Lincoln. So this is a 10Racine told the AFRO. “And while it has misconduct, said William Martin, a hour course on understanding American faith generally in what the police in D.C. trial attorney and panelist. “If there’s history and its effect of White supremacy are doing it really needs to hear more about no oversight and further training, then for 350 years,” said Bernard Demczuk, the actions the department take when police we have a serious problem…The MPD the course’s instructor, who is George misconduct occurs.”

Athletes

Continued from D1 the girls to enjoy their high school careers now to avoid future burnout. Joanna Lohman, a soccer player for the Washington Spirit, said she has other jobs because she can’t quite make ends meet as a professional soccer player. As a result, she has explored her passion for advocacy work — she gave a speech at the Women’s March and supports the LGBTQ community. She stressed the importance of pursuing passions beyond athletics so the girls have something to fall back on once their athletic careers have ended. “Hopefully you’re very multidimensional and you’ll figure it out,” she said. The women were candid with the girls about how lonely life can get on the road. Patrice Arrington, a former professional volleyball player now director of college and career services at Wilson High School, said playing the sport overseas was rewarding, but difficult. Separated from her family and friends for long periods of time, she sometimes dealt with racism abroad. Arrington told the girls that someone in Russia once rubbed her skin to see if her color came off. But her teammates became her family and helped the loneliness go away. She also had a strong support system back home to help her through those difficult times, Arrington said.

The panel helped Diggs understand there is life after dancing. She’s open to becoming a dance coach or a cheerleading judge after embarking on a professional dancing career. “They make it seem like if you actually put your heart into it and that’s your passion, that it’s not impossible to do,” Diggs said.

An Up, Close, and Personal Civil War Experience Shayne Davidson was so inspired by an antique photo album featuring 17 Black soldiers from the Civil War, he decided to research, create a family tree, write a biography, and draw life-sized, colored pencil portraits of the men. Davidson’s creative kick resulted in to the book and exhibit, Civil War Soldiers: Discovering the Men of the 25th United States Colored Troop. The exhibit will be available to the public everyday with the exception of Wed.

CHURCH NEWS Compiled by AFRO Staff

Washington, D.C.

Union Temple Baptist Church - located at 1225 W. St. SE, Washington, D.C. 20020 - will begin hosting their weekly Kundalini Beginners Yoga Series on Feb. 5 at 6:45 p.m. This six-week yoga class is open to all levels, and aims to help its students build confidence, strength, and flexibility. Each week, the session will focus on different techniques for meditation and mindfulness. Call 202-678-8822 for more information. A History of Black Liberation Theology will be hosted by the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ - located on 5301 N. Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20011 - on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. This eight-week seminar will highlight the foundational works of African American thinkers during the Black Liberation Theology movement, including Richard Allen, Denmark Vesey, and Marcus Garvey. The course includes in-person class instruction along with online discussions. Call 202723-5330 for more information. Capitol Hill Seventh-Day Adventist Church - located at 914 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 - will host Blacks in Wax on Feb. 10 at 4:30 p.m. To celebrate Black History Month, the CHC youth will portray important figures throughout African-American history in a live museum experience.

The Afro-American, February 10, 2018 - February 16, 2018

Kinshasha Holman Conwill, Deputy Director, National Museum of African American History and Culture

Audience member asking a question

Panel discussion: Bruce Johnson, Anchor, WUSA9 News, Tom Jennings, Producer, The Lost Tapes: Malcolm X and Damion Thomas, PhD, Curator, National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ilyasah Al Shabazz, author, professor and daughter of Malcolm X.

Comcast, the Smithsonian Channel and the National Museum of African American History and Culture hosted a screening and panel discussion of “The Lost Tapes: Malcom X” on Jan. 31 at the museum in Northwest, Washington, D.C. A lively discussion of the documentary was hosted by Bruce Johnson,anchor,WUSA9 News, with the documentary producer, Tom Jennings and Damion Thomas, PhD, curator, NMAAHC. Special guests in attendance included Malcolm X’s daughters, llyasah, Malikah and Qubilah Shabazz.

Edgar Brookins, General Manager, DC Afro American Newspaper, Joe Madison, Sirius XM Radio, Amy Billingsley, and Malcolm X daughters: Ilyasah, Malikah and Qubilah Shabazz.

Donna Ratley Washington, VP, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Comcast

Loretta Hancock, Mia Liley, Lisa Kinnard and Dr. Yolanda Hancock

Damion Thomas, PhD, Curator, Museum of African American History & Culture; Rashad M. Young, City Administrator, District of Columbia; Donna Rattley Washington, VP, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Comcast; Tom Jennings, Producer, The Lost Tapes: Malcolm X; Kinshasha Holman Conwill, Deputy Director, Museum of African American History & Culture; Ilyasah Shabazz, Author, Acvitist, Professor; Bruce Johnson, Anchor, WUSA9; Tom Hayden, President, Smithsonian Channel; David Royle, EVP, Programming & Production, Smithsonian Channel

Desna Johnson, Miss Prince George’s County 2018, Jen Dewberry, Pageant Executive Director and Solange Muller, Miss Prince George’s County 2018 Outstanding Teen

Photos by Rob Roberts

Opening dance presentation

Swim suit competition

Emcees: Kathleen Masek, Miss Maryland 2017 and Chloe Windman, Miss Maryland 2017 Outstanding Teen

The first annual Miss Prince George’s County was held on Jan. 28 at the Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Md. Put on by the Miss Prince George’s County Scholarship Organization , contestants competed in categories such as lifestyle, fitness, talent, evening gown and on-stage question. Desna Johnson was crowned Miss Prince George’s County 2018 and Solange Muller was crowned Outstanding Teen.

Talent competition On stage question and answer

Pageant Executive Team: Carol Herring-Reid, Beverly Franklin, Brittany Anderson, Shane Hargreaves, Jen Dewberry, Andristine Robinson and Natalie Stephenson

Maris Higginbotham, is runner up, Miss Prince George’s County, Desna Johnson, winner, Miss Prince George’s County 2018, Vanessa Rennock, 2nd runner, Miss Prince George’s County Outstanding Teen, Yamileth Salomon, 1st runner up, Miss Prince George’s County Outstanding Teen and Solange Muller, winner, Miss Prince George’s County Outstanding Teen 2018

Junior ROTC Color Guard

The judges; Sean Meredith, Delna Gray, Solange Muller, Desna Johnson, Rosalyn Aker-Black, Joi Banister and Melvin High

Photos by Rob Roberts