PG County 5-11-2018 by AFRO News

Who Killed Det. Sean Suiter? 176 Days and Counting

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDITION

Volume 127 No. 40

MAY 12, 2018 - MAY 18, 2018

The Challenges Of Being A Black Millennial Mom

Washington

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C1 Make Verletta White Permanent Balto. County School Superintendent

By Christina Sturdivant Sani Special to the AFRO AFRO Contributor Christina Sturdivant Sani and her son My son turned 10 years old last month, which means I’m a whole decade into this mom life. Sometimes I’m still shocked that I’m responsible for an entire little person. After getting pregnant unexpectedly in college, my life shifted and I was forced to move with it—controlling what I could and coming to terms with things beyond my control. With Black millennial moms in particular, there seems to be a self-imposed pressure to succeed, according to Nikki Osei-Barrett, co-founder of District MotherHUED, a group that hosts events for millennial moms of color in the D.C. area. “My biggest challenge is balancing my overly ambitious nature with motherhood. I’m team do-the-absolute-most and it (often) takes away from my family,” Osei-Barrett told the AFRO.

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Unsurprisingly, Osei-Barrett is not alone. Below is a snapshot of challenges that Black millennial moms in the region face and how they are learning to progress past them. They are looking at themselves in the mirror—facing their perceived shortcomings and celebrating their beauty. They are overcoming fears and talking to their children about being Black in a racially-charged America. They are unabashedly relying on friends, relatives and counselors to get them past roadblocks. They are liberating themselves from society’s expectations of the ideal mom and paving their own ways with creativity, strength and intuition. Keisha Blount Nelson—Educator, entrepreneur, and mom of one from Elkridge, Md. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of Continued on A2

Ivey Wants to Create His Own Political Path

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Courtesy Photos

Top Left: Ashlee Laughlin, Entrepreneur and mother of one from Greenbelt, Md.; Bottom Left: AFRO Contributor Christina Sturdivant Sani and her son; Right: Keisha Blount Nelson- Educator, entrepreneur and mother of one from Elkridge, Md.

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com

Courtesy photo

Strive To Tri participants learning about swimming, fitness, healthy eating choices and other activities that contribute to healthy active lifestyles while training for the splash and dash events.

Strive To Tri Makes a Splash By Mark F. Gray Special to the AFRO Fort Washington’s Tarus Nelson doesn’t shy away from challenges. Despite injuries sustained while serving in the military, Nelson continues to push the physical limits of his body through training for and competing in ironman triathlon events. He and his family’s passion to get kids off video games and into outdoor activities have merged into an organization that is bringing families together as they learn to train and prepare for one of the most grueling tests in sports. Continued on A2

Robert Julian Ivey wants to serve the residents of Maryland House of Delegates Legislative District 47. He wants to be judged by what he offers and not his last name. Ivey is the son of former Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey and former Maryland Delegate Jolene Ivey. Ivey has charted his own path to public service Courtesy Photo and wants to build on that to Julian Ivey is a Cheverly go to Annapolis. town council member. “I am a council for the town of Cheverly,” Ivey told the AFRO. “I came to office in May 2017 and I am proud of having Cheverly proclaimed as a Sanctuary City, working to see that town employees get $15 an hour as a minimum wage and making sure that our town employees can bargain collectively with the town’s leadership.” Cheverly consists of 6,173 residents outside of the District of Columbia in Prince George’s County and is racially diverse with a 57 percent Black, 32 percent White, and 10 percent Continued on A2

Courtesy Photo

Shawn Maldon is an entrepreneur in Capitol Heights.

Maldon Wins Mayorship in Capitol Heights With Historic Council By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com Shawn Maldon, a businessman, was elected as the mayor of Capitol Heights on May 7. Maldon defeated former Capitol Heights mayor Darrell Miller and Town Council member Linda

“My election shows that the residents of the town want change and are excited about that process and growth.” -Shawn Maldon Monroe for the position. “My election shows that the residents of the town want change and are excited about that process and growth,” Maldon told the AFRO. “I will work for the citizens of Continued on A3

The Afro-American, May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018

Black Millennial Mom Continued from A1

color? I believe my biggest challenge is simultaneously my greatest reward: growth. Motherhood has challenged me to stretch and grow in areas and in ways that I could have never imagined. I am challenged daily to face my own insecurities and to confront aspects of my identity that I wasn’t quite prepared to tackle. I didn’t want motherhood to expose my issues with perfectionism, but it did when I struggled with trying to be and do the impossible with my son and got burnt out. Chile, trying to dot every ‘I’ and cross every “T” got a sista tired. I didn’t want motherhood to expose my insecurities with weight and body image, but of course that snap back was more of an emotional setback because I was neither kind nor realistic with myself after housing and birthing a human. I didn’t want motherhood to expose my tendency to be nonconfrontational, but it did several times when needing to speak up for my son in different spaces. Never before have I felt more pressure in my Black millennial mom skin than having the charge to raise a liberated, conscious, spiritually grounded Black boy in a world that profits from his oppression. How are you learning to overcome this challenge? I take one day at a time. I’m trying to work on pacing myself, slowing down my thoughts while processing my ‘stuff.’ I pray... a lot. Rather than avoiding the issues that would usually bring me anxiety, I’ve been ‘doing the work.’ I try to attack root causes and work toward healing and minimizing their impact on his generation. I allow myself room to be imperfect. Rely on my supports: hubby, family, #momsquad. Phree White—Nonprofit marketing manager and mother of one from Alexandria, Virginia. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of color?

My biggest challenge is dealing with being a reluctant mom. I love my child. She’s amazing. I don’t regret her, but there are times I wish I was an aunt instead of a mom because I’d be able to choose when I wanted to have this responsibility and when I didn’t. I’ve always been pretty self-sufficient and independent. I’m a pretty social person, but there are days when I want— need—to be alone. Because it’s just my child and I, I have no choice but to be there for her. I can’t close a door and tell her I don’t want to interact today or I don’t want to hug her or touch her today because I’m not feeling human interaction. There are days when I want to do nothing but come home and eat cereal and fall in the bed but that’s not possible because there’s homework every night and dinner every night and that whole routine. How are you learning to overcome this challenge? I used to feel guilty because I thought that when you became a mom there was some switch that flipped and you were happy to sacrifice yourself for the greater good of this little human you created and I thought mine never got turned on. I had to learn that me needing space for myself wasn’t me abandoning my child, but recognizing the things that I needed to replenish myself so that I could care for her properly. I learned to create alone time for myself each day and schedule at least a full 24 hours every two months so I could do whatever with no expectations that I care for anyone but me. Ashlee Laughlin—Entrepreneur and mother of one from Greenbelt, Md. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of color? My biggest challenge so far as a millennial mom has been balance. I had gotten spoiled by being able to live my life in the fast lane, taking freelance opportunities, and traveling

all over pursuing my career in entertainment. But when Taj was born, I initially felt fearful of how I would balance my dreams, my business and motherhood. As a Black mother and a child of a Black mother, you witness all the layers—strength, determination, sacrifice, and all the things mothers endure to ensure you are loved and safe. I want to emulate that. I don’t think anything could have prepared me for such an amazing journey. It’s humbling. How are you learning to overcome this challenge? I am learning that it’s ok to say NO! I think a lot of moms feel guilty because they are either unable to create a lifestyle that allows time for their kids or they are overly committed to growth in other areas. I feel liberated by my ability to create boundaries to protect the bonding time my son and I spend together. Nothing will ever come before him. My balance involves the time I create for my family, which I never realized I’d have to fight so hard for. If I can’t take on a project that requires me working crazy hours, I say no. No was never in my vocabulary before Taj. Karissa Uko—Senior Manager (events and communications) and mother of one from Lake Ridge, Va. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of color? The biggest struggle has been parenting without immediate family nearby. My husband and I have actively worked on building relationships with other parents in the area, but it’s really just him and I with our son. How are you learning to overcome this challenge? I am volunteering on the planning committee for the inaugural Momference. This platform powered by District MotherHUED is forcing me to network and be outgoing in a way I haven’t before. Meeting other moms that look and have relatable backgrounds as me is refreshing and much needed.

Strive To Tri Continued from A1

Since 2011 the Prince George’s County based Strive 2 Tri organization has been training who participated in the process. The training of young African American swimmers has not only kids from diverse backgrounds to accomplish the task of finishing two of the three events that helped them overcome stereotypes associated with water sports, it has prepared them for summer comprise a triathlon. An ironman or Olympic triathlon features a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike employment opportunities. Many youngsters have taken to the aquatics training for exercise ride, and a 26-mile marathon in one day. As Nelson’s passion for the sport and recreation which has led to certification as lifeguards and given them the grew he saw the void of exposure to African Americans and saw an opening to chance to work at pools throughout Prince George’s County once school ends. make it accessible to this untapped community. “They start as campers then end up as employees and learn the value of He created the splash and dash by eliminating the bicycle race from the being certified by a national organization,” Nelson told the AFRO. “It’s the competition because of the challenges associated with keeping a bike race safe gateway to possibility.” on busy public streets. Nelson created a training centered focus on swimming Nelson and his wife Yolanda share the same passion for fitness and both – Tarus Nelson are triathletes themselves. Their training efforts seemed to have also brought and running. The goal is on training to finish the race and pressing through the exertion of pushing the body to its limits. Kids between the ages of seven and families closer together also. Many parents who have enrolled their children 17 also learn the value of healthy eating. into this free program have become active, not to compete, but to join the The splash and dash races are one of a few youth multi-discipline races that are sanctioned consistent workout schedules with their kids and get into better shape. by the USA Triathlon Association. Nelson tweaked the competitive model for kids by starting “The kids in the program are the greatest motivators to get their parents in shape,” said the race in a youth friendly pool followed by a short run. These athletes train at no cost to them Nelson. in camps for six weeks in underserved communities throughout the DMV. Campers receive free Strive to Tri is one of the few youth programs in Maryland to unite both sides of the swim classes and for those who wish to compete their apparel is provided to them at no cost as parkway. The Baltimore Ravens provided financial support through the NFL’s Play 60 initiative well. in 2015 while MGM National Resorts is also a partner. The first of this year’s local races is June In seven years the residual affects of the organization have changed the lives of many people 2 at the Whitehall Pool and Tennis Club in Bowie.

“It’s the gateway to possibility.”

Ivey

Continued from A1 Latino population. Ivey is a candidate for a bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. He has lived in Prince George’s County all 22-years of his life. A graduate of Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Ivey achieved a measure of fame when he played “Simba” in the

Broadway version of “The Lion King” in 2007. District 47A consists of the municipalities of Bladensburg, Brentwood, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, Landover Hills and North Brentwood as well as the unincorporated surrounding communities. In the June 26 Democratic Party primary,

Ivey will be seeking votes with Maryland Delegates Jimmy Tarlau and Diana Fennell. The district has three delegates positions and are represented by state Sen. Victor Ramirez, a Democrat. Ivey said he has been endorsed by Ramirez, a candidate for Prince George’s County state’s attorney,

the union, SEIU, and Peter Franchot, the comptroller of Maryland. Having been exposed to politics throughout his life, Ivey wants to be a pro-active politician should he become a delegate. “Some people are [so] happy to be in Annapolis that they go along with what the leaders

say without regards to how it affects their constituents,” he said. “I won’t be like that. We have the votes in Annapolis to pass a $15 an hour state minimum wage bill and free public college for Maryland

paycheck to paycheck and sometimes working two or three jobs just to get by.” Ivey candidly admits he is a “Prince George’s guy,” being a life-long resident. “That’s why I will be a vocal champion for

“If I am elected, I will never forget who sent me to Annapolis.” – Robert Julian Ivey residents who qualify but you don’t have the individuals in place who want to do that. “We have to help Marylanders who are living

the county,” he said. “If I am elected, I will never forget who sent me to Annapolis.”

May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018, The Afro-American

DC Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Businesses By Hamzat Sani Special to the AFRO

The District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2018 Small Business and Economic Development Summit highlighting the contributions small businesses make to D.C.’s booming economy. As part of a full day of events the D.C. Chamber of Commerce awarded several local businesses and leaders with small business awards recognizing their contributions to making the “state of business in D.C. exceptional.” Representatives from several D.C. government agencies, major business partners like PEPCO and Verizon and local financial institutions were present. On hand for the morning session were Council Chair Phil Mendelson, Council Chair Pro Tempore Kenyan McDuffie, Director of the D.C. Department of Small Local Business Development Kristi Whitfield and Karen Dale of AmeriHealth Caritas. Former D.C. Councilmember, and current President and CEO of the D.C. Chamber, Vincent Orange served as emcee for the event. A theme throughout the event was the District’s exceptionalism. While other cities are still digging themselves out of the fallout from the recent recession, D.C. has found sure footing with a mixture of rebranding the city as a hub for the innovation sector, streamlining pathways to entrepreneurship and creating a culture of government that reinvests in businesses. Participants were able to take part in workshops about opportunities available to small businesses in the District. Representatives from agencies like the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and the D.C. Office of Planning and Economic Development covered a range of topics including “Procuring Business with the Federal Government” and “Key Economic Development Projects in D.C. Neighborhoods.” The Chamber’s Small Business Award Luncheon highlighted some of the extraordinary people and businesses that shape the growing small business community in the District. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s remarks at the the Award Luncheon touted recent economic successes in landing dedicated funding for Metro, $656 million spent with local small businesses enterprises and the city’s 23rd straight balanced budget. “We are different than our friends in Congress, we actually balance our budgets,” she told the crowd. Bowser also noted changes that her administration has worked to uplift Wards 7 and 8 by adding 21,000 jobs in Wards 7 and 8.

Mayor Muriel Bowser with her Small Business Champion of the Year award. “In just a little bit we are also going to be with Starbucks, in Ward 8, on Martin Luther King Ave...What it means to have a Starbucks go in to a great neighborhood that hasn’t had that opportunity is that it is signal to the rest of the market that these residents want the same thing as everybody else,” Bowser said. The Chamber awarded Bowser their Small Business Champion of the Year Award highlighting her focus on creating business opportunities for SBEs in D.C. government. Other awardees included: Small Business of the Year - CODICE Small Business Person of the Year - Stacie Lee Banks of Lee’s Flower and Card Shop Non-Profit Organization of the Year - 100 Black Men of Greater Washington Women in Business Champion of the Year - Carolyn E. Howell of Event USA Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Juan Pablo Segura of Babyscripts Along with awards given by the chamber the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development also presented awards. Recipients included: Shea Yeleen for DC Maker of the Year Sou Sou Investment Solutions for Sustainability and

Smile: Career opportunity ahead. Metro is hosting a hiring event on May 19th for Student MetroBus Operator Trainees. No experience? No problem. We’ll train you!

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Maldon

Continued from A1 Capitol Heights and be their voice.” Maldon received 180 votes to Miller’s 112 and Monroe’s 58. Capitol Heights is one of the oldest established towns in Prince George’s County. It borders the District of Columbia on Eastern Avenue., S.E. Capitol Heights is 91 percent Black, 3.3 percent White and 5.4 percent Latino, according to the 2010 census. While it faces challenges such as public safety and lagging economic development that are similar to other inner-Beltway municipalities, its Metro Station is on county leaders’ radar in terms of a mixed retail and residential project that is primed to be upscale. Maldon had the backing of outgoing Capitol Heights Mayor Marnitta King, who is a candidate for Maryland State Delegate for the 24th Legislative District in the June 26 primary. Miller had the support of Maryland State Delegate Darryl Barnes (D-District 25) who is the new chairman of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, as well as Prince George’s County Council District 7 candidate Juan Stewart. Maldon will take over the reins of Capitol Heights’ government with the town’s first all-female council. Serving with him will be Faith Ford, Caroline Brown, Elaine Williams, Juanita Cason, Latonya Chew and Rhonda Akers. Maldon and the new council will take their oath of office on May 14 at the Gateway Village with the ceremony starting at 7 p.m. Maldon and the council will serve four-year terms. While the nearby municipality of Fairmount Heights didn’t hold a mayoral election, it did elect new members of its council and approved an important referendum. Fairmount Heights voters re-elected Jacquelyn WoodDodson to the council and put in Jackie Morgan and Stella Hargrove. The voters also approved a referendum 87-42 that would extend the terms of the council and the mayor from two to four year terms. Innovation Business of the Year JLAN Solutions for Certified Business Enterprise of the Year Once titled the Negro Chamber of Commerce the D.C. Chamber is celebrating 80 years of serving the business community and advocating for prosperity for all in the changing D.C.

The Afro-American, May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018

ROTC Color Guard Lt. Gen. Edward Honor Leadership Award recipient, Cadet Keith Rowan, Jackson State University, BG(R) Earl Simms, Chairman, National Board of the ROCKS

The National Board of the ROCKS and the D.C. Chapter hosted its 44th Annual Spring Gala and Awards Ceremony on Apr. 21 at the Officers

Club, Patton Hall, Fort Myer, VA. The theme for the evening was, “Keeping the Legacy Alive—Mentorship is Leadership”. ROTC Cadets were honored for their academic performance displayed during the past years and their potential for greater success in the coming years. Both scholarships and awards were given to cadets while their active duty Army Officer Scholarship Recipients: Cadet Karriem counterparts were Davis, Howard University, Cadet Yolanda Decker-Williams, Grambling State singled out including

Col. Karen M. Wrancher, Cpt. Lakeisha Matthews, Cpt. (Promotable) Tamara Da Silva and Cadet R. Kabin

University, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Earl Simms, Holly Njabo, Virginia Military Institute and Cadet Vernon Dallas, Bowie State University

Cpt. Gregory Davis, MG(R) Reuben Jones, Mag. Isaac Gregory and BG(R) Robert Crear, Cadet Keith Rowan

Master of Ceremonies, LTC. Willie Rodney and Mistress of Ceremonies, LTC. Clydellia PrichardAllen

Rock the Year honorees: Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, Gen. James McConville, Col. (Ret.) Sheila HowellFlowels and Gen. (Ret.) Carter Ham

Gen. Carter F. Ham, Gen. Gary Brito and Gen. (R) Dennis Via

Photos by Rob Roberts

Sharon Davis, President Washington, D.C. Alumni Chapter Jackson State University and Pat Smith

Lillian & Sherwin Maynor

Queen Ayobunmi and Heather Bennett

Quinn Conyers, Guest Speaker (Marketing Strategist and Owner, Purse Paparazzi)

(Standing) Curtis Nash, Felicia Carr, Ethan Carr, Mia Ryder and Delharty Manson. (Seated) Betty Nash, Al Hall Shirley Roberts and Leslie Roberts

The Greater Washington, D.C. area Alumni Chapters of Tougaloo College, Jackson State University, Alcorn State University and Mississippi Valley State University (TJAM) hosted the 7th Annual TJAM Scholarship Gala Black and White Affair on April 7 at Martin’s Crosswinds, Greenbelt, Maryland. Scholarship recipients were acknowledged and applauded for their academic achievements.

Ebony McMorris with Dr. Valencia Campbell

Seated, Guest Speaker Quinn Connors, Millennium Seat Pleasant Club President Stephanie Harrison, Northern Virginia Club President Sherrelle Carper, and Event Co-chair Patricia Randall. Standing, Millenium Seat Pleasant Club Members

the 36th Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, Gen. James C. McConville as the Honorary ROCK of the Year. Toasts were made to the Fallen Comrades of the U.S. Army and tributes to those who founded The ROCKS. It also was a farewell to Brig. Gen.(Ret.) Earl Simms as his term as Chairman of the National Board of the ROCKS has ended.

(Standing) Al Hall, Bobbie Mason and Bobby Mason. (Seated) Brenda Adams, Edgar Stanton, Darryl Cherry Maggett and Mozelle Tucker

Gen. James C. McConville, 36th and Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, Edgar Brookins, AFRO Washington, D.C. and Lt. Gen. Aundre Piggee, Assistant Chief Sergeant G4, U.S. Army

Tonia Bennett, Alfred Stewart, Gradale Stewart and Yolanda Ruffin

Otis Harrison Jr., Debra Thornton, Rita Bibbs- Booth, Thelma Strong, Corean Strong, Kevin Hill, Shalonda Alexander and Mack A. Paschal

Washington D.C. Alumni Chapter-Alcorn State University

Photos by Rob Roberts

About 60 guests came out to celebrate the work of an outstanding group of women who are entrepreneurs, professionals and agents of growth in their community for the 12th Annual Dr. Julianne Malveaux “Women’s History is Our Tool” Luncheon and Awards Program hosted by the Millienium Seat Pleasant Club of the National Association of Business and Professional Women’s Club. The event took place at the Courtyard Marriot in Largo, Maryland. “As women our worth is measured in making a difference and continuing to fight when change and growth seems slow,” said Stephanie Harrison, club president. “These four women are change makers.”

Millenium Seat Pleasant Club Members

Kensy Martinez-Ramos, Scholarship Recipient and Millennium Seat Pleasant Club President Stephanie Harrison

Honorees Carlita White, Business Award, Ebony McMorris, Community Service Award, Scholarship Recipient, Kensy Martinez-Ramos, Millennium Seat Pleasant Club President Stephanie Harrison, Jeanette Hodge-Smith, Young Entrepreneur Awardee, and Cheryle Mines, Professional Award

Who Killed Det. Sean Suiter? 176 Days and Counting May 12, 2018 - May 12, 2018, The Afro-American

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What Happened to the Suspect The Challenges in Det. Of BeingSean A Black Suiter’s Death? Millennial Mom

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Washington

Baltimore Courtesy Photo

AP Photo/Matt Slocum Kelsey Hines, whose plea to stop the rising violence in Baltimore recently went viral, was invited to Baltimore Police Former first lady Michelle Obama dances after speaking at College Signing Day, an event honoring Philadelphia Department headquarters. There she met Baltimore Police Commissioner Darryl DeSousa, among others, and took a students for their pursuit of aSee college education or career in the military, May 2 at Temple University in Philadelphia. tour of police headquarters. her video on afro.com. Baltimore’s College Signing Day will be held May 11 at Royal Farms Arena and 5,000 high school seniors are expected to attend. See story on A5.

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Inside

Trayon FuneralWhite Set Anti-Semitic for Slain Star Controversy Athlete Continues D1

Paula Newsome Talks About Her Role in HBO’s Hit Series ‘Barry’

Continued on B3

‘It does happen. All the time. Just

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Kellie Chew, who has been a foster parent for over 2 years in Baltimore, spoke with the AFRO about some of the difficulties, joys and misconceptions that come with fostering.

Arrested...Again

Black Graduates Forced off Stage During College Commencement

47105 21847

Continued on B3

The Afro-American, May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018

WHAT’S TRENDING ON AFRO.COM Divine Designs Grace Carpet at Met Gala By The Associated Press

Divine designs floated up the red carpet at Monday’s religion-themed Met Gala in shimmering golds, reds and fuchsia, in crowns and in crosses, and even a pair of giant wings. One lesson of the night: If anyone can make a mitre modern, it’s Rihanna. The Grammy-winning artist — never one to shy away from a grand entrance — arrived dripping in pearls and crystals in a Maison Margiela by John Galliano minidress, ornate robe and beaded papal headgear. The annual (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) fundraising fete in Rihanna attends The Metropolitan New York brings out Hollywood’s elite Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening for an evening of of the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and fashion and charity and to celebrate the the Catholic Imagination exhibition spring exhibit at the May 7 in New York. Metropolitan Museum

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of Art’s Costume Institute — this year, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.” Along with Rihanna, who reigned supreme, other standouts included supermodel Gigi Hadid in a one-shouldered, beaded Versace gown seemingly inspired by stained-glass windows (or butterflies), and Zendaya, a fierce Versace warrior princess in armor-like layers and delicate chainmail fabric, inspired by Joan of Arc. Katy Perry rose to the occasion of the night’s theme challenge with larger-than-life feathered angel wings, metallic boots and dress by Versace. After wowing on the red carpet, the pop star was forced to turn sideways to squeeze the six-foot stunners through the gala entryway. If Perry looked to the heavens for inspiration, Nicki Minaj seemed to peer in the other direction with a sequined Oscar de La Renta gown in vibrant shades of red and maroon. The temptation-inspired look came complete with billowing sleeves, a plunging neckline and a beaded headpiece. Stars also channeled the theme with shimmering gold fabrics, and, of course, crosses. Jennifer Lopez, who picked a colorful Balmain number with a feathered train and sky-high slit, had a bejeweled cross emblazoned on her chest. “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman wore an ivory cape featuring crosses in gold beadwork. And Kim Kardashian West — walking the carpet sans her husband, Kanye West, who is under fire for recent controversial tweets — wore her cross on a shimmering gold Versace dress. Other Kardashian family members represented at the Met Gala included matriarch Kris Jenner in a high-collared, feathery concoction and Kylie Jenner in a long, strapless black gown featuring a torso cutout. Madonna rocked an all-black Jean Paul Gaultier frock with a crown made of crosses. “Religion and spirituality has informed my work for my entire career, and fashion also, and combining the two is the perfect marriage,” said the pop star. “And then we bring in Jean Paul and it’s the perfect three-way!” As always, there was a sea of spectacular trains, like Diane Kruger’s sky-blue Prabal Gurung number. Bella Hadid held court as a gothic priestess as her goldembroidered headpiece-train fanned out over a simple black corset and skirt by Chrome Hearts Official. The dramatic look was topped off with a structured, embossed leather jacket, emblazoned with a gold cross. Rita Ora’s massive train trailed behind as photographers frantically snapped pictures of her elaborate, spiked headdress. Even Kendall Jenner’s pants had a train. The “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star kept it simple in a white angel-inspired, off- the-shoulder look from Off-White, and wide-legged slacks with fabric streaming from the hems. Always on-point Sarah Jessica Parker chose her gown and headdress from a series of drawings by Dolce & Gabbana. The intricate headpiece was a Neapolitan nativity altar made to scale by the Italian design house. Kate Bosworth’s pearl-encrusted veil draped over a shimmering tulle gown by Oscar de la Renta, while Mindy Kaling wore a regal, jeweled crown with a feminine silver gown and navy gloves. Kaling stars in the upcoming “Ocean’s 8,” a jewelry heist romp set at the Met Gala. Ariana Grande arrived with designer Vera Wang, who created the singer’s romantic look: a strapless confection of soft layers patterned with Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, atop blush tulle. Janelle Monae walked the carpet with designer Marc Jacobs, who crafted her striking black and white-striped custom skirt suit. She paired it with a crystal headscarf and wide-brimmed hat by Stephen Jones. “I’m very religious about anything that makes the world a more beautiful place,” Jacobs said. Cardi B showed off her baby bump in a pearl-drenched gown and headdress by Jeremy Scott while Blake Lively urged photographers to “calm down” in a stately, burgundy embroidered gown by Versace. This year’s co-chairs also included Vogue’s Anna Wintour, Amal Clooney and Donatella Versace. Clooney arrived early in a striking silver corseted top, navy slacks and a cascading metallic, rose-patterned skirt. The ensemble, from designer Richard Quinn, gave a crinkling sound as she made her way up the Met’s famous steps. Though the recent Vogue cover girl arrived with movie star husband George Clooney, the Academy Award winner knew his place. “I’m the flower on the side,” he joked to reporters. Wintour arrived in a beaded off-white Chanel gown and a cross necklace alongside her daughter, Bee Shaffer. The highly influential Vogue editor, the gala’s longtime head, was asked if this was her last Met gala; there have been unconfirmed rumors she is leaving her post. “I hope not,” she replied, before heading into the soiree.

Kennedy Center Revokes Cosby Honors By Micha Green AFRO Washington, D.C. Editor mgreen@afro.com

Bill Cosby’s fall from America’s favorite TV Dad persists as he continues to lose prestigious honors he once earned during his 50year career following his recent conviction for drugging and sexually assaulting a Temple University employee in 2004. For the first time in the history of the organization, the Board for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted May 7 to withdraw the Honors and Mark Twain Prize for American Humor awards, which Cosby received in 1998 and 2009, respectively. “The Honors and Mark Twain Prize are given to artists who, through their lifetime of work, have left an indelible impact on American culture,” the Kennedy Cater said in a statement according to National Public Radio (NPR). “As a result of Mr. Cosby’s recent criminal conviction, the Board concluded that his actions have overshadowed the very career accomplishments these distinctions from the Kennedy Center intend to recognize.” The Kennedy Center is not the first arts organization to rescind honors from Cosby as The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted to expel him and director Roman Polanski from its Board of Governors last week. According to the Academy, the sexual misconduct of Cosby and Polanski go against its standards of conduct. “In addition to achieving excellence in the field of motion picture arts and sciences, members must also behave ethically by upholding the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity, inclusion, and a supportive environment that fosters creativity,” according to the standards of conduct for members written on the Academy’s website. After a student-led effort started in 2014 to rescind his honorary degree from Yale

University, the institution decided finally decided to revoke it after his conviction last week. This was the first time Yale’s board has ever had to revoke a degree. Dozens of schools have revoked honors given to Cosby (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) over the years after For the first time in the history of the allegations that he sexually assaulted organization, the Board for the John F. more than 50 Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts women surfaced. voted May 7 to withdraw the Honors and “The decision Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is based on a awards, which Bill Cosby received in court record providing clear 1998 and 2009, respectively. and convincing evidence of conduct that violates fundamental standards of decency shared by all members of the Yale community,” the university said in a statement. Cosby was found guilty on charges of that rooted from a 2004 sexual assault in the actor’s Pennsylvania home. The 80-year-old actor, who insists he is innocent and vowed to appeal his conviction, could face up to 30 years in prison.

Groups Sue Ben Carson Over Delay of AntiSegregation at Housing Department By The Associated Press

A group of advocacy organizations filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the Department of Housing and Urban Development and its secretary, Ben Carson, over his decision to delay an Obama-era rule intended to ensure that communities confront and address racial segregation. The suit filed by the (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) National Fair Housing Alliance, Texas Appleseed A group of advocacy and Texas Low Income organizations is suing Housing Housing Information and Urban Development Service argues that Carson Secretary Ben Carson over his illegally suspended the Affirmatively Furthering decision to delay an ObamaFair Housing Act when era rule intended to ensure he abruptly announced that communities confront and this year that cities and address racial segregation. counties receiving federal funds won’t be required to analyze housing data and submit plans to HUD for addressing segregation until after 2020. Asked for comment, a HUD spokesman sent a copy of the agency’s Jan. 4 announcement of the rule delay. Finalized in 2015, the rule for the first time required more than 1,200 jurisdictions receiving HUD block grants and housing aid to analyze housing stock and come up with a plan for addressing patterns of segregation and discrimination. If HUD determined that the plan, called a Fair Housing Assessment, wasn’t sufficient, the city or county would have to rework it or risk losing funding. HUD said in January that it would immediately stop reviewing plans that had been submitted but not yet accepted, and that jurisdictions won’t have to comply with the rule until after 2020. The agency said the postponement was in response to complaints from communities that had struggled to complete assessments and produce plans meeting HUD’s standards; of the 49 submissions HUD received in 2017, roughly a third were sent back. “What we heard convinced us that the Assessment of Fair Housing tool for local governments wasn’t working well,” HUD said in the statement. “In fact, more than a third of our early submitters failed to produce an acceptable assessment — not for lack of trying but because the tool designed to help them to succeed wasn’t helpful.” Carson in an editorial in 2015 criticized the rule as being a form of “social engineering.” But the suit says the fact that submissions are failing to meet the requirements “reaffirms, rather than calls into question, why HUD thought the rule necessary.” Attorney Michael Allen said Carson’s action “tells every opponent of integration, every opponent of affordable housing and good neighborhoods, whether they’re individuals or elected officials or local governments, that nobody will put pressure on them at the HUD level for the foreseeable future.” He said, “That means they’ll keep doing what they’re doing, which is perpetuating segregation.” A federal judge late last year blocked Carson from suspending another Obama-era regulation intended to more accurately estimate appropriate dollar amounts for housing vouchers by basing them on ZIP codes rather than on metropolitan areas. The plaintiffs are hoping a judge will make a similar finding in this case. “The rule that was put into place was adopted after careful thought and consideration, and expensive input from the public, and time after time we are seeing this administration violate the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, whose firm is involved in the suit. “Secretary Ben Carson is abdicating his responsibility to fulfill HUD’s mission.” Claudia Monterrosa, director of public policy and planning at the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department, said that although the process proved to be a tremendous amount of work, it was immeasurably valuable for the city’s progress. “The biggest takeaway for our city is, we had a chance to have an honest conversation about race, poverty concentration and investment, addressing the affordable housing crisis through a fair housing lens,” Monterrosa said. HUD suspended the rule one day before Los Angeles expected its plan to be approved, she said. Paul Chrystie, a spokesman for Philadelphia’s Division of Housing and Community Development, said the city’s examination of segregation extended far beyond housing to include its education and transportation systems. “It helped us think outside of our bubble,” he said. Among the plans HUD sent back was one from Hidalgo County, Texas. Historically, the county has ignored the needs of poor communities living in colonias, rural communities within the U.S.Mexico border region that lack basic infrastructure such as electricity and running water. With the suspension of the rule, Hidalgo County is no longer required to continue working on its plan. “We’re reverting to where we were before,” said Christina Rosales, communications director for the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. “It’s using federal dollars to further segregation,” she said, “to encouraging two separate and unequal societies.”

The Afro-American, May 12, 2018 - May 12, 2018

May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018, The Afro-American

Continued from B1

Continued from B1 some graduates performing a roughly two to reaching out to the students involved,” Fuchs three-second dance or wave before they were wrote in a tweet. grabbed by a White male teacher and forced “The practice has been halted for all future off stage, Huffington Post reported. ceremonies, and we will work to make sure “I had family fly all the way in from all graduating students know we are proud of London and they didn’t want to see that,” their achievements and celebrate with them Nafeesah Attah, a Black graduate, wrote in a their graduation.” message to HuffPost. “It definitely was a race The marshal, who the university refuses thing because other to identify, has students were doing reportedly been placed backflips and received on paid administrative no repercussions leave. Margot Winick, because they were spokeswoman for White. Only the the school, told the Black students were Gainesville Sun that contacted.” marshals would no University longer hurry students President W. Kent along. Fuchs released a A Twitter user, statement on Twitter who is a Black UF May 6 apologizing for student according to the behavior. his Twitter account, “During one tweeted a response of this weekend’s –Nafeesah Attah to the president’s commencement message, “You saw ceremonies, we what was going on were inappropriately and said nothing.” aggressive in rushing students across the The student posted a picture showing Fuchs, stage. I personally apologize, and am who is White, seated next the lecturer turned marshal who was forcing students off the stage. Myesha Senior, a Black graduate of University of Florida, told The Washington Post that Fuch’s apology came as a result Continued from B1 of the university’s roasting on social media, not after she was pushed. She also noted that Fuchs was sitting on stage as Black students were being physically forced off it. University of Florida’s student body population is a little over six percent Black, according to Forbes. But the videos that were posted on Twitter show that 100 percent of the students that were physically manhandled in the worst way were Black.

“Other students were doing backflips and received no repercussions because they were White. Only the Black students were contacted.”

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The Afro-American, May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018

Feds: White Man Wanted Hit Man to Kill Black Neighbor in SC By The Associated Press A White South Carolina man offered $500 to a supposed hit man to kill his Black neighbor, hang his body from a tree and burn a cross on his lawn — but the hit man was really an undercover officer, federal prosecutors say. Brandon Lecroy was arrested last month after he gave the man a $100 down payment and told him he might have more people to kill later, according to an affidavit unsealed after Lecroy was indicted May 8. Lecroy found the “hit man” through a White supremacist group, authorities said. Lecroy sent the undercover officer pictures

(Spartanburg County Detention Center via AP)

Authorities say Brandon Lecroy thought he was offering $500 to a hit man to kill his Black neighbor, hang his body from a tree and burn a cross on his lawn, but he was mistaken.

of the neighbor he wanted killed in the small town of Hodges in Greenwood County, according to court papers. Hodges is about 85 miles west of Columbia. The affidavit did not explain why Lecroy allegedly wanted to kill his neighbor, but he did tell the officer “$500 and he’s a ghost.” Lecroy, 32, has been sent for a mental exam, according to court papers. He’s charged with murder for hire and solicitation to commit a crime of violence. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. An email to his federal public defender was not immediately returned.

Black Lawmaker Says She is Victim of ‘Political Lynching’ in Wisconsin By The Associated Press A Black Wisconsin state senator accused of using offensive language in an argument with a bank teller said May 9 that she’s a victim of a “political lynching” and will not quit the Legislature. Sen. Lena Taylor said her interaction with a Wells Fargo bank teller whom — according to witnesses — she called a “good house (N-word)” during a check-cashing dispute has been mischaracterized. The teller also is Black. Taylor again disputed those accounts and said she used a different word that’s similar to “Negro.” She says she often refers to friends as “my kind of Negro.” (Courtesy photo) “I say it at all the time,” she said. Wisconsin state Sen. Lena Taylor “I’m saddened of the rush to judgment. The is accused of calling a bank teller racism that exists in this community, and if I can be a good house (N-word). very candid, in the media as well as the (Milwaukee Police Department),” she said while she was surrounded by a couple of dozen supporters in an office building in her district. The Milwaukee Democrat faces a disorderly conduct citation for the April 6 incident. She said the incident “does not speak to my character and who I am” and addressed her political future. “Just in case it’s not clear, I ain’t going,” she said. “It does not change the way that I fight for my community and the work that I’ve gotten done,” she said. On Tuesday, Taylor was ordered to be trained in anti-harassment policies and management coaching after a former staffer accused her of retaliation and bullying. Taylor said the accusations are from a disgruntled former employee who was “unwilling to meet the requirements” of the job. The former staffer’s complaint prompted Democratic Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling to remove Taylor from the Legislature’s powerful budget-writing Joint Finance Committee.

Oklahoma Seeks to Keep No-Parole Sentences for Children By The Associated Press Oklahoma’s Legislature is living up to its tough-oncrime reputation with the passage of a bill making it easier to send child offenders to prison with no chance for parole. While many states across the country are easing noparole sentences for children, Oklahoma’s Republican-led Legislature shifted in the other direction this session and approved a bill to allow judges to put teenage offenders behind bars with no chance for release. Pushed by the state’s prosecutors late in the session, the bill (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) now under review Oklahoma has at least 41 criminal defendants serving by Republican Gov. no-parole sentences for crimes committed when they were 17 or younger, including Chancey Luna (pictured), Mary Fallin takes who was 16 when he fatally shot Christopher Lane, a away a jury’s option to college baseball player from Australia who was jogging in sentence an offender Duncan. younger than 18 to life without parole and puts that responsibility solely in the hands of a judge. Oklahoma’s district attorneys, a powerful lobbying force at the Capitol, argue the no-parole sentence should remain an option for certain young offenders. The bill also seeks to comply with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling by allowing inmates who already have been sentenced for crimes committed before they were 18 to have a chance at resentencing. The nation’s high court, which already banned the death penalty for child offenders and no-parole sentences for crimes other than murder, has said life-without-parole sentences are constitutional in some cases, but should be reserved for “the rarest of juvenile offenders.” Oklahoma has at least 41 criminal defendants serving no-parole sentences for crimes committed when they were 17 or younger, including Chancey Luna, who was 16 when he fatally shot Christopher Lane, a college baseball player from Australia who was jogging in Duncan. Jason Hicks, the district attorney who prosecuted Luna, agrees no-parole sentences should be rare, but said they are warranted in certain cases like Luna’s that involved a particularly heinous killing and a pattern of criminal behavior. “This kid (Lane) has got his entire life in front of him, and just to have it cut short because somebody is driving down the road and decides to stick a gun out the window and take him out ... it’s one of the coldest acts I’ve seen,” Hicks said. Fallin spokesman Michael McNutt said the governor’s staff is still reviewing the measure, and it’s not clear whether she’ll sign it into law. Now in her final year in office, Fallin has increasingly made reducing the state’s prison population a top priority and pushed for changes to the state’s harsh sentencing laws that have pushed Oklahoma to the second-highest incarceration rate in the country, behind only Louisiana. Given the Supreme Court’s guidance on the issue, most states are now moving in the opposite direction, banning no-parole sentences altogether. While there were only five states that banned such sentences before the court’s 2012 decision, there are now 20 states and the District of Columbia that prohibit them, including neighboring Texas, Arkansas, Kansas and Colorado. “We’ve really seen incredible momentum for banning life-without-parole sentences for children over the last five or six years,” said James Dold with The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth, which opposes no-parole sentences for children. “Oklahoma really has been a national outlier.” At least two states — Louisiana and Missouri — have passed laws preserving no-parole sentences for juveniles in some cases. A bipartisan group of Oklahoma legislators endorsed a separate bill this session to end the practice altogether, but it never got a hearing in the House. Instead, the language now on the governor’s desk emerged just weeks before the session ended in the form of an amendment by Rep. Harold Wright, the No. 2 leader in the House whose daughter is a district attorney in western Oklahoma. Wright said he pushed the bill primarily in response to the killing of a teenage girl in his district by her 17-year-old boyfriend, who was convicted and sentenced to life without parole. “The DAs involved in these kinds of cases felt like something needed to be done,” said Wright, R-Weatherford. But several legislators on both sides of the aisle said the bill wasn’t properly vetted and few had a chance to read the 14-page amendment that came out in the Legislature’s hectic final weeks. “It was completely railroaded,” said Rep. Emily Virgin, a Norman Democrat and an attorney who was working on the bill to ban no-parole sentences for juveniles. “It was extremely frustrating, especially when you’re considering putting kids away for their entire lives.”

May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018, The Afro-American

Crow, Common Part of New Grammys Inclusion Task Force

(AP Photo)

Common and Sheryl Crow are among the artists and executives on the Recording Academy’s new task force on inclusion and diversity. By The Associated Press Sheryl Crow and Common are among the artists and executives on the Recording Academy’s new task force on inclusion and diversity. The academy announced the team’s 16 members — 13 of whom are women — in a statement May 9. The Grammys announced the initiative after its CEO drew criticism for saying women need to “step up” when asked about the lack of female winners backstage at its 60th awards show in January. Other members include artists Cam and Andra Day, and BET chief executive Debra Lee. The task force chair’s is Tina Tchen, former chief of staff to Michelle Obama, who has spent the last two months assembling the team. The academy says it’s intended to uncover unconscious biases and other barriers that impede women’s success in the music industry.

The Afro-American, May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018

Thousands Mourn Mozambique Rebel Leader as Talks Press On Dhlakama’s supporters, some wearing T-shirts with his picture, Thousands of people on May 9 attended the lined up on Wednesday to view the funeral of Mozambican rebel and opposition body of a man loved by some and leader Afonso Dhlakama, with the country’s hated by others for his role in the president and Dhlakama’s successor pledging civil war. Dozens of people climbed to forge ahead with peace talks. trees, while others followed the Dhlakama died at age 65 last week in his proceedings from the balconies of rural hideout in central Mozambique, where nearby apartments. he had run a renewed military campaign The coffin was draped in the against the southern African nation’s national flag while uniformed government after pulling out of a 1992 peace soldiers - once the main targets of accord that ended 16 years of civil war that rebel attacks - stood guard. killed up to 1 million people. Speakers described Dhlakama His death came not long after he had as a visionary, a democrat and a renewed negotiations with the government. negotiator. President Filipe Nyusi said those talks “He was a man of the people. should continue. He died fighting for the freedom of “I want to make it clear that I will carry on the people,” Sarah Zhuwawo, who with the work that we began, the peace and said she was a relative, told The (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) strengthening of our democracy,” Nyusi said at Family members of Mozambique’s opposition leader, Alfonso Dhlakama react during his Associated Press. the funeral in the port city of Beira. Others were less charitable. state funeral in Beira about 700 kilometres south of the capital Maputo. Dhlakama, who Dhlakama, who turned the Mozambique “He was a bandit. He was led a rebel group during the devastating civil war that ended in 1992 died on May 3. He National Resistance, or Renamo, from a rebel a dangerous man, that one. He was 65. group into a competitive political party after wanted this country to collapse,” the 1992 peace deal, had demanded the decentralization of power as a condition to said Lucas Chikweya, who was selling boiled eggs on the street. lay down arms. His group, which never fully disarmed, was repeatedly defeated in In the city of Mutare in neighboring Zimbabwe, some criticized Dhlakama for elections and alleged fraud. sending his fighters across the border to attack innocent villagers in the 1980s. Renamo’s interim leader, Ossufo Momade, repeated the demand for more autonomy Hordes of Mozambicans fled into Zimbabwe and neighboring Malawi as refugees on Wednesday but committed the movement to negotiations, saying discussions also during the fighting. should focus on integrating Renamo’s fighters into the national army. Between 2013 and 2016, Renamo resumed low-intensity sporadic attacks on Nyusi said he accepted the need to finalize the two demands. Mozambican police, the military and civilians after Dhlakama left his Beira residence “I confirm my availability for the process,” the president said, adding that the for rural Gorongosa, citing renewed attacks on him by the government. However, tensions eased in 2017 as Dhlakama met Nyusi in Gorongosa to discuss fighters should disarm and join the national army. differences between the two sides. In March, Nyusi proposed constitutional changes to redistribute power to the “What matters most is that he was working toward peace at the end. It is important provinces as part of peace efforts. Renamo’s interim leader also alleged that Dhlakama had died in the bush because of that negotiations are completed before next year’s elections,” said Zimbabwean opposition politician Chris Sibindi, who attended the funeral. Mozambique is set to the military’s attempts on his life. The Portuguese news agency Lusa has reported that Dhlakama was ill prior to his death, citing an unnamed Renamo official. Nyusi has said hold presidential, legislative and provincial elections in October 2019. Dhlakama will be buried Thursday in his home village. he had hoped to help transfer Dhlakama out of the impoverished country for medical treatment, but it was too late By The Associated Press

South Sudan Accuses US of Blocking Path to Country’s Peace By The Associated Press South Sudan’s government on May 9 lashed out at the United States after the Trump administration threatened to cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid amid the country’s grinding civil war, calling the U.S. “a real obstacle” toward achieving peace. The statement from President Salva Kiir’s office also accused the Trump administration of “naked direct interference” in South Sudan’s affairs ahead of peace talks that resume May 17 in neighboring Ethiopia, mediated by a regional bloc. The U.S. is the top aid donor to South Sudan, but in a sharply worded statement on Tuesday it said it would review its assistance if the East African nation’s conflict grinds on. The U.S. says it has given over $3.2 billion in humanitarian assistance since the conflict broke out in December 2013. The absence of aid would have a devastating impact on more than seven million South Sudanese facing severe hunger as aid workers say famine could return. International frustration has been rising with South Sudan’s warring sides, especially after a cease-fire late last year was violated within hours. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and more than 2 million people have fled the country, creating Africa’s largest refugee crisis since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. While the South Sudan statement accused the armed opposition of blocking the path to peace by putting forward what it called impractical proposals, it noted that Kiir has invited former deputy and opposition leader Riek Machar to return to the country and given him 45 days to do so in an attempt to “reconcile with opposition leaders.” Machar fled during renewed fighting in 2016. “Without a genuine peace Machar is not coming,” a spokesman for Machar’s group, Lam Paul Gabriel, told The Associated Press. A new collection of opposition parties, which doesn’t include Machar’s supporters, on Wednesday commended the U.S. statement and accused South Sudan’s government

(AP Photo/Sam Mednick)

Five years into South Sudan’s civil war more than seven million people are facing severe hunger without food aid, according to the latest analysis by the U.N. and the government.

of “tirelessly working to undermine the prospect” of peace. One South Sudan conflict expert urged both sides to stop the attacks. “The United States’ statement was a bit harsh but there’s no way the government of South Sudan should fight with them,” Jacob Chol, professor of comparative politics at the University of Juba, told the AP. “What should happen is more engagement instead of antagonistic fighting back. It’s not good for the welfare of the South Sudanese.”

ICC prosecutor: New Arrest Warrants Expected Soon in Libya By The Associated Press The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court said May 9 that her office is “steadily progressing” in its investigation of crimes committed in Libya and expects to issue new arrest warrants “in the near future.” Fatou Bensouda told the U.N. Security Council there has been “significant progress” in investigations in Libya not only on events in 2011 that led to the overthrow and death of longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi but more recent and ongoing crimes. Because of insecurity, Bensouda said, the ICC was long unable to conduct investigative missions in Libya after June 2012. But she said a team from her office was able to travel to Libya in March, a visit she called “a significant advance in my office’s investigative activities.” The Security Council referred Libya to the ICC in February 2011 during Gadhafi’s bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters. The uprising against Gadhafi’s 42-year rule quickly escalated into civil war, and ended in October 2011 with Gadhafi’s capture and death. Since 2014, Libya has been split between rival governments and parliaments based in the western and eastern regions, each backed by different militias and tribes. A U.N.-brokered deal in December 2015 to create a unity government failed, though efforts are being made to hold

elections this year. Bensouda cautioned that “even though my office is making important progress, significant challenges remain.” She pointed to a volatile security situation exacerbated by armed conflict between militias in many parts of Libya and serious human rights violations including extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detentions. She also cited reports of migrants being killed and mistreated in detention and in transit and of slave auctions, which she called “an assault on the oneness of humanity.” Conflict and instability in Libya “continue to create a fertile ground for violence, and regrettably, the commission of atrocities,” Bensouda warned. The prosecutor updated the council on the three Libyans subject to ICC arrest warrants and again urged Libyan authorities and other countries to arrest and hand them over to the court, which is based in The Hague, Netherlands. Bensouda focused mainly on Mahmoud al-Werfalli, a Libyan military officer sought for his alleged role in committing or ordering seven executions that killed a total of 33 captives in the city of Benghazi last year. She noted the executions were filmed and posted on social media. Since the ICC warrant was issued last August, Bensouda said, al-Werfalli has continued to act as a commander in the Al-Saiqa Brigade and “there are now credible allegations ... he has committed further murders which may be prosecuted

by my office as war crimes.” She pointed to photos and video on social media on Jan. 24-25 that appear to show al-Werfalli “brutally murdering 10 people” in front of a Benghazi mosque. Bensouda said she has called on the commander of the Libyan National Army, Gen. Khalifa Hifter, who controls Benghazi and is al-Werfalli’s superior, to facilitate his arrest and surrender. She said Hifter’s army has claimed it is investigating al-Werfalli but “these claims simply do not appear credible.” The prosecutor said his arrest is more important than ever not only to answer for his alleged crimes but to send “a clear message” to would-be perpetrators that there will be consequences for “such reprehensible crimes.” Bensouda said the current whereabouts of Seif alIslam Gadhafi, the late dictator’s son, who is charged with murder and persecution for his alleged role in the violent suppression of the 2011 protests, remain unknown. He was released from custody in June 2017 after more than five years in detention as part of a pardon issued by the Libyan parliament based in the country’s eastern region. The prosecutor said her office is also trying to locate Al-Tuhamy Mohamed Khaled, former head of the Libyan Internal Security Agency, who is wanted for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes. The charges involve prisoners held by Libyan security forces during the 2011 protests.

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Superior Court of the District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2018ADM349 Dorothy Dorsey Decedent Kerri M Castellini Esq Price Benowitz LLP 409 Seventh Street, N W, S u i t e 2 0 0 , Washington, DC 20165 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS C h r i s o p h e r D o r s e y, whose address is 47374 Sterdley Falls Terrace, Sterling VA 20165 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Dorothy Dorsey , who died on March 1, 2015 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . 20001, on or before October 20, 2018. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 20, 2018, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of Publication: April 20, 2018 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Chris Dorsey Personal Representative

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AFRO Editorial

Make Verletta White Permanent Balto. County School Superintendent Verletta White and S. Dallas Dance are not the same person. While they both improperly failed to disclose side jobs with the Education Research & Development Institute while working for the Baltimore County Schools system, Dance as superintendent and White as school system’s chief academic officer, only Dance was convicted of perjury and is serving six months in jail for failing to disclose income from the company. White was rebuked by the school board’s ethics panel. Last week state schools superintendent Karen Salmon took the extraordinary step of blocking White’s appointment to be Baltimore County’s schools superintendent. “I consider an ethics violation to be a serious breach of trust with the public in general and with the education community in particular,” Salmon said in letter to the County school board. “That breach of trust causes me pause as I consider whether to approve White as a permanent superintendent.” White has been serving as interim

superintendent since last July. In April the board voted 8-4 to make her the permanent superintendent. Reportedly three of the four dissenters lobbied Salmon against White. Now that Salmon has blocked her appointment the school board on May 8 asked Salmon to reconsider her decision. If Salmon does not change her mind the school board will make an interim appointment. For her part, White tells the AFRO this week she is focused on the school children she is charged with educating. “I’m not a politician, I’m not an elected official. There’s a time and space for those who are called to do that. My mission is to stay focused on children,” she said. “I think the way through it is to stay focused. We have kids in classroom seats right now. They can’t wait, and they shouldn’t have to wait for us to figure all of this out.” Salmon should reverse herself and make White the permanent superintendent of Baltimore County’s school system. It’s not accurate to say that White and Dance did the exact same thing. They didn’t. He perjured himself.

Most importantly, why have a school board if their actions can be vetoed because four people don’t like the outcome? We applaud the Baltimore County school board for re-affirming

their original decision and are now asking Salmon to reconsider her blocking of White’s appointment. White should be approved for the position because she is the right person for the job.

Voting for True Middle Class Tax & Budgetary Reform They used to tell us that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” but many Americans are beginning to doubt that rosy promise. Far too many of us are drowning. Americans are working harder and becoming more productive than ever before, a self-discipline that has been enriching some at the expense of many for decades. Yet, for millions of Americans, the rapidly increasing cost of what we need to survive and thrive is overwhelming our incomes and blocking our course, no matter how hard we swim. Quite reasonably, in light of the promises they had received from my Republican colleagues, these struggling Americans expected their government to launch some economic life boats. What the American People did not expect from the Republican promises of “middle class tax and budgetary reform” was a President and congressional majority that would punch holes in their life jackets and wrap even more heavy chains around their feet. What the American people did not deserve is a Republican agenda that would provide massive tax benefits to large corporations and the wealthiest among us, significantly increase our federal debt and drastically cut federal programs that are essential to a growing middle class: Medicare, Medicaid, Housing, Social Security, federal aid to education and other critically important economic supports. Yet, these are the policies that the President and his Republican congressional allies are pursuing. The Republicans’ tax bill signed into law last year over Democratic objections will require our government to borrow an additional $1.5 trillion in order to provide unfair and largely ineffective tax cuts, 80 percent of which will go to the wealthiest 1 percent among us. Tax bills actually will be increased for many middle class

Elijah Cummings

American families – and the broader Republican budgetary plan would devastate Medicare and Medicaid, slashing Medicare by $473 billion and imposing $1 trillion in cuts on hard-working Americans on Medicaid: veterans, seniors with long-term care needs, children and rural communities. This same radical agenda would slash non-defense spending by $5 trillion over 10 years, including cutting mandatory programs by over $4 trillion and cutting nondefense discretionary programs by $660 billion. The Republicans would actually cost our economy jobs by cutting infrastructure funding, as well as federal investments in education, innovation, clean energy, job training, R&D, and medical research – all investments that are needed to create jobs and grow our economy. What is clear is that little is being done to provide life boats to working American families who are struggling to keep their heads above water. Consider just two of the Republican failures that have important consequences to families in our Baltimore Region. In Howard County, Maryland, as well as Baltimore City and County, the Earned Income and Child Tax Credits are essential ladders to the middle class. A Howard County adult with two school age children needs to earn more than $68,000 annually to be “self-sufficient.” Yet, the Association of Community Services 2017 Report reminds us that 22,000 of the households in Howard County have combined incomes less than $60,000, and more than 6,000 households have combined incomes of less than $20,000. For all their “spin” about helping struggling Americans join and remain in the middle class, the Republican tax law did little to increase the Child Tax Credit and nothing to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit – failures that the next Congress must address. Our homes typically are the largest source of saving

and investment – and, traditionally, homeowners have been allowed to deduct the full amount of their property taxes and interest on their home loans when they pay their federal income tax. Under the Republican tax legislation, however, deductions of state and local taxes, including property taxes, will now be limited to $10,000 – and deductions of interest on home equity loans used for unexpected medical emergencies, college education or any purpose other than home improvements (including building wealth by starting a new business) will now be prohibited. The additional resulting tax revenues will fund, in part, lucrative new tax breaks and tax loopholes for commercial real estate developers. Along with my Democratic colleagues in the Congress, I support tax reform legislation that would truly help everyday Americans and the small businesses that employ them while protecting critical federal commitments to the education, health care, Social Security and housing of the American people. From the realities of their lives, the American people understand that true federal tax and budgetary reform would directly help them gain – and remain – within our middle class, while protecting our commitments to critical federal programs. They believe that the costs of meeting these national goals should be borne by all of us in accordance with our patriotic ability to both pay our taxes and meet the real-life needs of our families. On Election Day this year, the people of our country will have the opportunity to have their voices heard. Congressman Elijah Cummings represents Maryland’s 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.

It’s Time to Pay Attention to the Attacks on Union Jobs Before getting a union job, I knew very little about the power of having a voice on the job in a union. Now that I’m in one and understand the changes my coworkers and I can make together, I have dedicated myself to ensuring that others, especially Black people, understand the value too. I was in a labor union for a while before I became active. It wasn’t until I witnessed a colleague experiencing unfair treatment that I really looked into how I could use my power as a member. I discovered that my coworkers and I had rights that our employer had to respect. As a result, we took action together and achieved more equitable practices that not only improved our lives but also had a positive impact on the children that we serve. We would not have been able to make change without the union backing us. It’s victories like the ones that I experienced in my workplace that serve as inspiration for the billionaires and greedy corporations that are trying to weaken us. They are using self-interested politicians and our courts as tools to

Wendy Smith

attack our right to negotiate fair wages, healthcare and other essentials. Without my union, I wouldn’t have the healthcare that provides life saving medication my son depends on. Their latest attempt to rig the system against working people is the U.S. Supreme Court case Janus vs. AFSCME. If this case is decided the wrong way it could have huge implications for working families across the country, but would have a disproportionate impact on Black women like me. The case targets public servants like teachers, firefighters and all government employees who serve our communities. These are the jobs that have traditionally helped Black families gain access to the middle class. Black women make up the highest share of working people in these fields and stand to lose essential assets that help keep our families strong. By stripping away our collective power these groups hope to drive wages down and roll back the progress we have made. My brothers and sisters and I don’t just fight for the good jobs this country needs—we stand up for racial justice, clean air and water, commonsense immigration reform and equal pay for equal work. Important issues that the corporate CEOs and

billionaires behind Janus oppose. I’m inspired by the teachers in West Virginia, Arizona and Colorado who have stood together to demand decent pay and benefits. They are fighting for the same things that I now enjoy because of our ability to collectively bargain. It’s time for us to pay attention to the attacks on labor unions. It scares me to think about how the Black community will be impacted and most of us don’t even realize this fight is happening. At a time when wages are stagnant and profitable companies increasingly cut essential employee benefits, we need more worker power not less. No matter what the courts decide, I plan to stick with my coworkers in our union. No court case can stop that. By stepping up and taking action we can determine our future, and restore an economy and democracy that works for working people. Wendy Smith is a member of SEIU Local 500. She serves as a Special Ed Paraeducator in Maryland’s Montgomery County Public Schools.

May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018, The Afro-American

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May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018, The Afro-American

ARTS & CULTURE

Black Business

Kweli.TV Expands Media Choices for Black Content By Nadine Matthews Special to the AFRO

Back in 2012, Deshuna Spencer became excited to see some of the Black independent films that she read about regularly on websites dedicated to the subject, “I didn’t have the money,” she tells the AFRO, “to go to New York City, or Los Angeles or Paris to see those films. I couldn’t physically travel to film festivals in other states and other countries.” Netflix was the next best thing. She thought to herself, “Netflix has all these great films so they should have a great catalogue of Black films as well.” She was somewhat disappointed to find that Netflix’ offerings, though broader than what she found on cable and broadcast, were limited. “They had films made by people who were more well-known and they kept suggesting the same films. It was like, ‘When are you gonna give me something new?” Youthful and soft-spoken, yet driven, Spencer, who is also a radio announcer on 89.3 FM in Washington, D.C. decided to run where the brave dare not go, and launched her own digital streaming service, called Kweli. TV. Predictably, some did not understand the Mississippi native’s vision. In one unforgettable encounter with a potential financial backer for the company, she was told, “That was a great pitch but I’m just curious, don’t you guys already have BET?” An industry colleague told her

something different. Described by many as the “Black Netflix”, Kweli. TV offers a wealth of content from across the African diaspora. There are narrative films, documentaries, web series, children’s programming and more. There are lively discussion forums for each film as well. Kweli.TV could also be accurately described as being very similar to movie streaming services SundanceNow and Filmstruck because of the care that goes into the curation of its catalogue. She is not the only African American catering to Black film lovers. Damon Dash, Jay-Z’s former business partner, has his own streaming service called DameDashStudios.com “The goal is not to replace Netflix. We see ourselves as a supplement to the mainstream. If you want to learn about Black culture around the world, not see stereotypical and demeaning depictions of Black people, or learn about historical figures you didn’t know existed, watch Kweli.TV. If you really want to learn about your culture, this is the place to go.” Spencer took a circuitous route to get to where she is today. Setting aside the desire to make film, she got her degree in Journalism from Jackson State University in Mississippi. There, she was a controversial columnist for

“If you really want to learn about your culture, this is the place to go.”

Courtesy photo

Deshuna Spencer, the founder of Kweli.TV, wants to present a more comprehensive view of global Black life.

there is no such thing as an African diaspora. “For me,” she says, “though I see myself as unapologetically Black, it’s also about educating. My hope is also that people who don’t look like us watch the content and get a different sense as well about the Black experience around the world.” It was important to present a more comprehensive view of global Black life. She explains, “If you want to watch “Martin” or “Good Times” or “A Different World” you can find that almost anywhere. I don’t want to show that on Kweli.TV, I want to show

– Deshuna Spencer the school newspaper. “I love writing so I’m happy I went the writing route initially. I used to write pretty racy things and people would be talking about it the next day. It was crazy!” She moved on to be a reporter for the Clarion Ledger, and a reporter for the Oakland Tribune after a move to the Bay Area, then launched her online magazine, emPowermagazine.com. She then pivoted to film production, creating a documentary which was shown at several film festivals. That experience primed her for her current venture. “I didn’t really know about the movie side but I’ve been able to work my way through that learning curve.” Kweli.TV also diverges from the same old stories of Black pain that has for decades been a mainstay of “Black film” and “Black television”. “I want Kweli.TV to be the space where we bring Black people from all over the world together.” There are stories of war and famine, but there are also, Spencer says, “Positive stories about Black people from all parts of the world. We also talk about resistance and empowerment. We weren’t just victims.”

Rapper Wale Says Being Dark Skinned Hurt His Career By Micha Green AFRO Washington, D.C. Editor mgreen@afro.com While rap has been known to highlight women, drugs, money and violence, in recent years a more emotional style has been popularized by rappers such as Drake, Logic, J. Cole and Wale. One of these rappers isn’t like the others. Nigerian American and DMV native, Wale, contends that his complexion and African heritage hurt his career. A fan asked Wale via Twiter, if his “expressive passion for the music hurt” or prevented him from being mentioned with his contemporaries. Wale agreed that his passion hurt him “greatly” and replied saying, “Also being a dark skinned (not half white) rapper direct from Africa did too… but let’s not go there.” Though Wale may not have been directly calling anyone directly, rappers similar in delivery and content such as Drake, Logic, and J. Cole, are all light skinned rappers who are considerably more successful.

Now it’s not apparent how Wale has been “greatly” hurt, yet it is clear he’s feeling some pain in the hip hop game because of his complexion. As Panama Jackson, contributor for Very Smart Brothas wrote, Wale mentioning biracial and fair-skinned rappers having more success is “stating his version of the truth.” After the buzz of Wale’s colorism accusations hit Twitter some people agreed while others felt the rapper was being whiney and salty that his music was not as catchy as the other rappers he appeared to reference. Following the weekend’s colorism conversation, Wale released a video via Twitter admitting to saying controversial things. He captioned the video, “never told u I was perfect. I mess up (a lot). Pls watch.” “Ok, sometimes I put my foot in my mouth. I get it. But I think that sarcasm gotta be our greatest weapon,” Wale said in the video while smoking. “Boys and girls answer yourself this question. What travels and captivates quicker? A compliment or an insult?” The video ends with the words, “SELF PROMOTION” and “OUT NOW.”

So now the questions begin to swirl. Did Wale take a page out of Kanye’s book? Was the colorism conversation a way to get people talking before he dropped an album? Following Kanye West’s “Ye vs. The People” featuring T.I. and Childish Gambino’s groundbreaking song and video “This is America” is Wale joining the band of rappers attempting to further a political conversation regarding race and division?

SPORTS

Mother of Duke Star Wendell Carter Compares NCAA to Slavery By Perry Green AFRO Sports Editor pgreen@afro.com The NCAA has been under fire lately as several high profile figure and celebrities have criticized the association for making billions in revenue off of college athletes, while restricting the actual players from profiting from their talents. Even NBA megastar

LeBron James spoke out bashing the NCAA, calling it flat out “corrupt.” Kylia Carter, mother of Duke freshman star Wendell Carter, is the latest to speak out against the NCAA, comparing it to slavery. “When you remove all the bling and the bells and the sneakers and all that…you’ve paid for a child to come to your school to do what you

“The only other time when labor does not get paid but yet someone else gets profits and the labor is black and the profit is white, is in slavery.” –Kylia Carter

Courtesy photo

Kylia Carter, mother of Duke freshman star Wendell Carter (pictured), is the latest to speak out against the NCAA, comparing it to slavery.

wanted them to do for you, for free, and you made a lot of money when he did that, and you’ve got all these rules in place that say he cannot share in any of that. The only other time when labor does not get

paid but yet someone else gets profits and the labor is black and the profit is white, is in slavery,” Carter said during a panel discussion at an Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics forum Monday in

Washington, D.C., according to ESPN. Carter, who once was an NCAA student athlete herself as a member of Ole Miss’ women’s basketball team during the 1980s, was very emotional when she began to talk, coming to tears as she detailed how her mother and grandmother both picked cotton during her childhood years growing up in Mississippi. Carter went on to explain how she felt the NCAA can’t be trusted. “Should the NCAA be removed? Yes, because I don’t trust it,” Carter said, per ESPN’s report. “You’re not to be trusted because your intentions are clear. Let’s call this group in the middle, let’s call it something else. Let’s put some real reform

in there and call it something different and get rid of the current status quo because it’s based on indentured servitude.” The forum was mainly attended by “White highranking university and NCAA officials,” according to ESPN, causing Carter to hold back on her opinion of the NCAA. But she told reporters later in the hallway after the meeting that it felt like the NCAA intentionally built its league to turn student athletes into modern day slaves. “This would be even harder to say in the crowd, but I can say it here,” Carter told ESPN. “It feels intentional. It feels like it was built this way intentionally. I can’t move that from my thoughts.”

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BEAUTY SALON

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The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter) held their 1st annual STEAM career fair on April 18, at the Baltimore Design School. The program was created to engage Photos by Anderson R. Ward

MSU Engineering student Tenee Blackett (glasses) conducts a science experiment

students in a variety of science, technology, engineering, arts and math career fields. Representatives from Morgan State University’s School of Engineering, Baltimore City Community College and other educational institutions participated.

Amanda Valentine M. Eng, M.S. CSSBB (Howard Univ. Hospital)

Dr. Jacalyn Blackwell M.D.

Jo Ann Oatis

Dakira Abbison, Jordan Brown and Kenniese Valentine Major Stephanie L. Delgado (BPD)

Kathleen Kennedy, Ph.D. and Fatuma Murphy ,BCCC

Dustin O’Hara (Registrar, BDS)

Dr. Michelle Harris Bandima (Balto. City School Bd.) and Landa McLaurin (Event Chair)

NCBW members Virgie L. Williams, Betty Clark, Dr. Marian Davis-Foster Landa McLaurin (Event Chair.), Dr. Paulette L. Burgess, Pat Roberts (MECU), Dr. Leah Goldsborough-Hasty, Kathy L. Robertson and Cynthia Webb

Family members, colleagues from the legal, political, and professional arenas, were in attendance to pay tribute to the Murphy family.

The Murphy Family Charitable Foundation hosted their first annual scholarship benefit for The Hon. William H. and Madeline W. Murphy Scholarship Fund on May 3, 2018 at the Sagamore Pendry Hotel on Thames Street in Fells Point. The event also celebrated the life of Murphy and his 75th birthday.

Donald S. Prophete and Drew Hawkins

Catherine Pugh, Baltimore Mayor and honoree William “Billy” Murphy

Kweisi Mfume Larian Finney, Shajuan Forsey and Glenard Middleton, AFSCME

Idris Mitchell and Wes Moore, Master of Ceremony

Timinka Rawlings, Stanley Tucker and Denise Taylor Madeline Murphy Rabb, Rev. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO CEO/Publisher, Christopher Murphy Rabb and Andre Draper, AFRO Dir. of Operations

Delegate Cheryl Glenn

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr, NNPA President and CEO and Tammy Hawley

Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore City State’s Attorney and Nick Mosby, member of the House of Delegates

Hostesses Destinee Crockett, Labria Ottley, Khayla Dorsey and Tiffany Hope Tessea McCrary and Michael McCrary, former Raven's defensive end

James E. Jones and Elva E. Tillman Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine

Eric Bryant and Michael Cryor

Send your news tips to tips@afro.com.

May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018, The Afro-American

WASHINGTON-AREA

DC Teen Hoping to Win Google Contest

Marvin Gaye Recreation Center Opens with Fanfare By Lenore T. Adkins Special to the AFRO

By Lenore T. Adkins Special to the AFRO When 15-year-old Laila Holsendorff realized Google chose her octopus drawing to represent D.C. in the nationwide Doodle 4 Google contest, she buried her face in her hands and cried. She then quickly composed herself to pose for photos at Brookland Middle School. For three weeks, the eighth grader’s art teacher Maame A-Bawuah, her family and school staffers kept the news top secret. A-Bawuah and Laila’s mom, Karen Holsendorff, even admitted they lied to the teen

Patty Robertson lives just two blocks away from the new Marvin Gaye Recreation Center in Ward 7 and she predicts it’ll become a second home of sorts. She’ll be bringing her niece and three grandchildren there often to enjoy the playground, learn arts and crafts, play games and use the computers. The recreation center also offers an opportunity for Robertson to embark upon a healthier lifestyle. She’s looking forward to sweating it out in the fitness center and taking advantage of the teaching kitchen. “I know how to cook basic stuff – I

Left to Right: Aviance Amponsah-Efah- Homemaker, worship leader and mom of three from Triangle, Va; Folasade’ Ogunmokun— Media CEO and mother of one from Fort Washington, Md.; AFRO contributor Christina Sturdivant Sani and her son.

The Challenges Of Being A Black Millennial Mom By Christina Sturdivant Sani Special to the AFRO Photo by Lenore Adkins

Laila Holsendorff holds a t-shirt with the Google Doodle that earned her the right to represent the District of Columbia in the national contest. a couple of times to keep her off track, because she’s just too darn smart. “She’s 15 going on 55,” her mother told the AFRO. Continued on B3

AFRO contributor Christina Sturdivant Sani and her son. My son turned 10 years old last month, which means I’m a whole decade into this mom life. And truth be told, sometimes I’m still shocked that I’m responsible for an entire little person. After getting pregnant unexpectedly in college, my life shifted and I was forced to move with it—controlling what I could and coming to terms with things beyond my control. With Black millennial moms in particular, there seems to be a self-imposed pressure to succeed, according to Nikki Osei-Barrett, co-founder of District MotherHUED, a group that hosts events for millennial moms of color in the D.C. area. “My biggest challenge is balancing my overly ambitious nature with

motherhood. I’m team do-the-absolute-most and it (often) takes away from my family,” Osei-Barrett told the AFRO. Unsurprisingly, Osei-Barrett is not alone. Below is a snapshot of challenges that Black millennial moms in the region face and how they are learning to progress. They are looking at themselves in the mirror—facing their perceived shortcomings and celebrating their beauty. They are overcoming fears and talking to their children about being Black in a racially-charged America. They are unabashedly relying on friends, relatives and counselors to get them on the other side of roadblocks. They are liberating themselves from society’s expectations of the ideal mom and paving their own ways with creativity, strength, and intuition. Aviance Amponsah-Efah—Homemaker, worship leader, Continued on B2

Photo by Lenore Adkins

Antwaun Gay, Marvin Gaye’s brother, stands in front of the recreation center during the opening ceremony. The famous singer added an “e” to his name later in life thus having a different spelling of “Gaye” than his brother and family. want to do healthy cooking,” Robertson, 52, told the AFRO, noting that she still cooks things in “grease.” On May 5, D.C. officials cut the ribbon on the $14 Continued on B2

Local Black Lives Matter, ACLU Sue Bowser Black Candidates Are Missing in Ward Over Missing Police Data From 2016 6 DC Council Race By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com One of the District of Columbia’s most active political and cultural wards has a Black population over one-third and yet there are no Black candidates for that council seat this year. Ward 6 encompasses the U.S. Capitol, the popular Eastern Market, gentrifying Shaw and the booming Southwest Waterfront that includes the Nationals Major League Baseball Stadium. It is 51 percent White, 35 percent Black and the rest Latino and others. The ward is represented by Charles Allen (D), who is White, and he believes his jurisdiction has matured beyond voting for candidates based solely on race. “I appreciate the strong African-American leadership that is in my ward,” Allen told the AFRO. “As a council member, I am supposed to represent all of my constituents regardless of their race and deal with issues that Courtesy Photo matter to all residents.” Allen has supported strong Charles Allen represents criminal justice reform on the Ward 6 on the D.C. Council. council, making the system more humane for juvenile offenders, and wants more affordable housing in the District and modernizing school buildings. “These are issues that resonate for all Ward 6 residents and for working families and that includes African-American families,” he said. Continued on B2

Local chapters of anti-police brutality groups such as Black Lives Matter, the Stop Police Terror Project and the ACLU are suing D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Kevin Donahue and D.C. police chief Peter Newsham over their non-compliance on compiling statistics on stops and frisks in the city that was supposed to begin in 2016. The organizations filed the suit on May 4 in the D.C. Superior Court under the case of Black Lives Matter DC vs. Bowser. In 2016, the D.C. Council passed the NEAR Act that is comprehensive Continued on B3

White Addresses Ward 7 Concerns By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com D.C. Council member Robert White was the keynote speaker at the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization’s “First Fridays” meeting May 4 at the organization’s headquarters in Northeast. White is one of

a series of speakers designed to bring the District’s leaders to the ward to talk about matters concerning economic development and governance. In the past few months, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) and Elissa Silverman (I-At Large) have addressed the group. White spoke to a group of 50 people and he didn’t mince words.

“We have these forums so that residents and business owners can come meet with city officials and network.” – Babatunde A. Oloyede

“When I came to the council, the things that I wanted to prioritize consistently were affordable housing, education, workforce development and addressing the concerns of returning citizens,” he said. “I want to be a voice of the people and those who are left behind on the council.” Ward 7 has the highest percentage of Black residents with 94 percent of its population followed closely by its neighbor, Ward 8, that is 92 percent African American. The ward has working class neighborhoods such as Marshall Heights, Lincoln Heights, Benning Heights, Benning Ridge and Capitol

Courtesy Photo

Robert White is an at-large Democrat on the D.C. Council. View plus solid middle-class enclaves such as Hillcrest

Continued on B2

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The Afro-American, May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018

Black Millenial Mom Continued from B1

and mom of three from Triangle, Virginia. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of color? My biggest challenge is remembering who I am as an individual. When you have kids, it consumes your life. All of a sudden you go from working on your goals to devoting all of your energy to making these little people great adults. You forget about yourself. You forget about your personal goals for yourself. Your reason is totally ‘I have to do this so I’m a good mom’ not ‘I have to do this to make myself happy,’ How are you learning to overcome this challenge? Forcing time to dedicate to my personal goals. Brittney Simpson—Human resources manager and mom of one from Northwest, D.C. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of color? It’s difficult being the first within my friend group to become a mommy. It definitely has altered the friendships. Some friends have begun to distance themselves while others have fully embraced my new responsibilities. I don’t feel any sense of obligation to my employer. I’d rather be a stay at home mom for now and return to work later. I may go back to school in the meantime. How are you learning to overcome this challenge? I have a therapist. I spend time with friends who celebrate me and my son. Cierra Jennings—HR specialist and mom of one from Silver Spring, Md. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of color? Raising a young boy can be scary—especially seeing so many killings or our young black boys, the Me Too Movement, etc. I constantly feel the responsibility/pressure to make sure he understands boundaries and how he should respond in certain situations. I want to make sure he is respectful, kind, and treats people the way he wants to be treated. There are so many potential obstacles and mistakes that could be made. And as a parent, you want to know that you did all you could do to guide them down the right path. How are you learning to overcome this challenge? I’m learning to not let fear be the motivation—to

keep things in perspective. I’m always going to take my responsibility as a parent seriously and do my best to prepare him to be a positive, contributing member of society—but not out of fear of what may come, out of love and because I want the best for him. Shar’del Haden—Photographer, writer, and mother of three from White Plains, Md. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of color? My biggest challenge is finding time for the things I want to do. How are you learning to overcome this challenge? I am learning to make time regardless of whatever else going on—I strive to make time for ME. Niki Montgomery—Marketing/communications consultant and mother of three from Fort Washington, Md. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of color? As a Black millennial mom, there is an unspoken pressure to do and be all, and multi-tasking is often the vehicle. My biggest challenge has been learning NOT to multi-task. Multi-tasking is typically perceived as the best way to ‘crush your to-do list’ and get a ton of things done in a short amount of time, but for me has resulted in a lack of focus and a failure to be present. How are you learning to overcome this challenge? Being intentional about being present and focusing on one thing at a time. Folasade’ Ogunmokun—Media CEO and mother of one from Fort Washington, Md. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of color? I think the biggest challenge so far as a Black millennial mom is that I’m trying to change the world that my son will live in, while at the same time raising my Black son. There are still lynchings, still racism, still sexism happening and my son sees it all. My job is to show him a different picture and make the world see it too. How are you learning to overcome this challenge? You don’t exactly overcome a challenge like this, your

Ward 6

Continued from B1 Allen is seeking re-election to a second term on the D.C. Council and faces one opponent, Lisa Hunter in the June 19 Democratic primary. Allen will face a Republican, Mike Bekesha, in the Nov. 6 general election. Hunter, who is part Jewish and part Latina, told the AFRO she will focus on affordable housing, job training and attainment and improving access to the District’s maternal and prenatal care system for African Americans in Ward 6. African-American Nadine Winter (D) was elected as the first Ward 6 council member in 1974 and she served until 1991 when she was defeated by another African American, Harold Brazil (D). Brazil ran for an at-large position on the council in 1996 and served in that capacity until 2005. When Brazil was elected at-large, his Ward 6 position was won by Sharon Ambrose, the first White woman to hold the position. Ambrose was followed by Tommy Wells (D) and Allen, who was elected in 2014. In 2014, Allen defeated African-American Darrel Thompson in the Democratic Primary. Thompson chose not to seek a rematch this year but said the lack of a Black candidate is less a matter of race than an issue of getting involved in the political process. “If people want to run for political office, they should run regardless of race,” Thompson told the AFRO. “It is good when people of different backgrounds become candidates. It makes the political process competitive and the voting public is exposed to a full range of ideas.” Francis Campbell, a former advisory neighborhood commissioner in Ward 6, told the AFRO he hasn’t decided who he will support for the Ward 6 position. “Many of the newer residents of the ward, who tend to be White, aren’t cognizant of the contributions of the long-term residents,” he said. In District lingo, older residents tend to mean Blacks and newer mean White and younger. Campbell said when his Black neighbors go to meetings in the ward they become frustrated when there is talk about dog parks and not about economic development and public safety issues that should be addressed. In some ways, Campbell doesn’t blame the new residents entirely. “The new residents do have more resources and the African Americans in the ward aren’t as cohesive as they should be,” he said.

become it. Everything I do effects this narrative. Everyone I bring my son around effects it and I have to learn to be transparent but also show strength, determination, and change. Patrice Hagan—Public relations manager and mother of two from Virginia. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of color? I’ve found it very difficult to balance making time for myself without guilt that I should be doing more for my family all the time. I give my family my all and sometimes I’m on “E” when it’s time to pour into myself. Although I know in my mind that self love and self care is essential, finding that balance of self care and care for my family is a daily art that I’m trying to practice. How are you learning to overcome this challenge? I have learned that without crying for myself, I’m no good to those I love and [am] caring for. I can’t pour from an empty cup. After having my children, my sense of self got blurry for a while. I became a full blown mommy, losing bits and pieces of myself and losing sight of the things that brought me joy— outside of my husband and children. So I’ve made a conscious effort to rediscover those things that make me happy and have made time to enjoy doing and practicing those things to ensure that my spirit is fed, in some big or small way, each day. This helps to avoid resentment and burnout when taking care of my family at the capacity that I do. Kalyn Hall—Marketing professional and mother of one from Rockville, Md. What’s your biggest challenge as a millennial mom of color? The workforce is not embracing or very flexible in ways that make it easier to handle motherly duties. From a your daily schedule to child care and managing daily/household routines. It is a constant challenge that only colleagues with kids actually understand and most of the time your boss is not a parent so they are highly insensitive in this regard. How are you learning to overcome this challenge? It is a work in progress but I am learning to ask for help. I have always taken on 100 percent of duties and parenting alone—despite being married. This year, I am committed to delegating and ensuring I give myself time to relax and rejuvenate.

Recreation Center Continued from B1

million recreation center named after the Motown legend who grew up in the District and attended Cardozo High School. More than 1,000 people reserved their places for the event that felt like a block party and had people grooving and singing along to some of Gaye’s greatest hits. The two-story, environmentally friendly building boasts a music room, gallery space, tech lounge, a senior room with a floating balcony overlooking the Watts Branch and a community room. The grounds around the 72,000 square-foot building include a community garden, a basketball court and practice fields. The building replaces the small, one-story Watts Branch Recreation Center. Antwaun Gay, the singer’s youngest brother, told the AFRO he’s thrilled to see the

building come to fruition. Plans were in the works for at least a decade. “It’s a perfect spot and I’m just glad it’s here in the community,” said Gay, now living in Fredericksburg, Va. “I just wish that he was here to see it, but it’s here.” The building is awash in local art. Its exterior offers a stenciled portrait of Gaye from Jamel Williams, a graduate of Howard University’s School of Architecture. You’ll find the singer’s visage inside the center too. Interior glass artist Shaunté Gates grew up in Southeast D.C., graduated from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and depicts Gaye in various stages of his musical career through etchings he created on the center’s glass walls.

A 6’-5” statue of Gaye is currently being bronzed, said Vinnie Bagwell, the New York-based sculpture artist who created the statue. She used the singer’s image from “What’s Going On” the socially conscious album the singer cut after his older brother Frankie’s return from the Vietnam War. “That’s the quintessential Marvin Gaye album. It’s considered to be one of the greatest albums of all time,” Bagwell told the AFRO. Bagwell said the statue should be ready to go before June. Vincent Gray, the Ward 7 council member, can’t wait until the statue is ready to go up. “I hope that we’re going to have an event to be able to actually dedicate the statue of Marvin Gaye right here in his own neighborhood so we

Ward 7 Concerns Continued from B1

and Penn Branch and gentrifying areas such as Deanwood and Kenilworth. The D.C. Council is considering the comprehensive housing plan that deals with the land use and how the city will use its housing stock and manage its housing policy. White said, in response to a question by the AFRO, that he doesn’t like the comprehensive plan. “I think the comp plan needs to go back to the beginning,” he said. “It doesn’t talk about gentrification and doesn’t sufficiently address how it will keep people from being pushed out of the city. As a result, I am a vocal critic of it.” White is a strong advocate of returning citizens since joining the council in 2016. He is working to get returning citizens a transportation stipend, a free identification card and another staff person added to the District’s office of returning citizens. He also is working on getting $1.5 million for returning citizens to be able to start their own businesses. “All returning citizens want is a shot,” he said. White said that like many District residents with a small child, he deals with paying the high cost of child care. As a legislator, he is dealing with the issue. “It costs $1,800 per month, per child, in the city for quality child care. That is too much,” he said. “Plus, you have many dedicated child care workers who want to work with children but they make an average of $26,000 a year in the city and that is not enough.” Babatunde A. Oloyede is the president of the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization. The “First Fridays” is his brainchild. “We have these forums so that residents and business owners can come meet with city officials and network,” Oloyede told the AFRO. “That way, we can help these businesses grow.”

May May12, 12,2018 2018--May May18, 18,2018, 2018, The Afro-American

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DC Teen

Continued from B1 On May 3, when Laila walked into a secret assembly with her fellow eighth graders, ostensibly to learn more about the tech giant, she had no idea what was about to hit her. But she knew something was a little fishy when she spotted her parents and her grandfather, Earl Holsendorff Sr. sitting in the front row, because nobody else’s family was around. After Google went through a 15-minute video presentation about the company and contest, everyone else realized Laila was the winner with one clue: the winner loves to run — Laila runs for D.C. Speed, the school’s track team. When the company’s technical recruiter Christian Ramirez announced Laila as the winner, the entire room erupted into cheers and applause. “Oh my gosh,” a shell-shocked Laila said, admitting that she couldn’t stop shaking. The Doodle 4 Google contest asked contestants to draw whatever inspires them, and A-Bawuah used the contest as a class project. Laila loves animals, especially the ones living in the ocean.

“It was not turning out what I wanted it to be and I kept trying, I never gave up.” – Laila Holsendorff

Photo by Lenore Adkins

Laila Holsendorff’s octopus doodle represents the District of Columbia in the Doodle 4 Google national contest. She’s loved animals ever since she had two pet goldfish when she was in kindergarten. Laila drew a large, orange octopus just as it’s about to eat. Its tentacles — one of them wrapped around a fish — spell out “Google.” It took several tries over the course of two weeks before she was finally satisfied with her piece. “It was not turning out what I wanted it to be and I kept

trying, I never gave up,” Laila told the AFRO. “And with my dad’s help and my mom, my classmates and my art teacher really pushed me to do better. It really helped me to never give up and to keep trying.” In the end, seven judges combed through more than 200,000 entries and picked 53 state and U.S. territory finalists. Now it’s up to the public to vote for their favorite drawing from now through May 18. The national winner receives a $30,000 college scholarship, a $50,000 technology package for their school or nonprofit, a trip to Google’s headquarters and company promotional items. At the assembly, D.C. Council member Kenyan R. McDuffie (D-Ward 5) presented the teen with a resolution from the D.C. Council that recognizes her achievements. “Listen, this is a huge award, and we are incredibly proud of you,” McDuffie said of the contest. “But what’s clear to me is that I’ve heard about your talent. I’m sure there are going to be tons of awards to come in the future.” Laila’s design was the only one the school sent. A wind storm shut down the D.C. Public Schools the day the drawings were due to Google. A-Bawuah said she only sent Laila’s because her mother was the only parent who signed the required forms on time. “This is a big moment in her life, so this is nice,” said Laila’s father, Frederick Holsendorff, who gave his daughter pointers on shading the drawing. “You’ll be able to Google her.”

ACLU

Continued from B1 legislation that promotes public safety by reducing incarceration, focusing on public health solutions to violence prevention and increasing data collection on police stops. The NEAR Act was authored by D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5), who at the time was the chairman of the judiciary committee that dealt with public safety issues. The stop-and-frisk data collection provision calls for police officers to collect 14 categories of data for every stop. Known in legal circles as the Terry stop, stop and frisk is when law enforcement officers detain, stop and questions people temporarily who they believe have illegal drugs or weapons. The Terry stop is lauded by the law enforcement officials because they say it helps stop crimes from being prevented while critics of stop and frisk say that it unfairly targets people of color. April Goggans is the core organizer of Black Lives Matter DC. Goggans said that the city’s failure to compile statistics on stop and frisk is wrong. “The District’s unacceptable delay in implementing the NEAR Act’s requirement to collect data on stops and frisks suggest that Mayor Bowser and Chief Newsham are scared of what the data will prove,” Goggans said. “The time for games is over. This data collection is necessary

to enable the community to hold D.C. accountable for what its police are doing on the streets, particularly if the data matches what we experience every day: That MPD is disproportionately stopping people of color, especially Black people. The lawsuit is the first, necessary step in the fight for fair treatment of all who live in the District.” The lawsuit is a result of a March 28 letter sent to Bowser on whether the data collection part of the NEAR Act was being implemented. According to the ACLU’s press release, on March 29, Newsham admitted candidly to the D.C. Council’s Judiciary Committee that his department was “guilty” of not implementing the law and Donahue said that the council’s $150,000 allocated for that portion of the law was insufficient for implementation. Monica Hopkins is the executive director of ACLU-DC and she has reservations about the Bowser’s administration intentions on enforcing the law. “Mayor Bowser has abdicated her duty to follow the law,” Hopkins said. “By stalling, then making excuses for not collecting this critical data, she has sent the message that police transparency and accountability are not D.C. values. It leaves us no choice but to ask the court to compel the mayor to enforce a law she is sworn to uphold.”

Smile: Career opportunity ahead. Metro is hosting a hiring event on May 19th for Student MetroBus Operator Trainees. No experience? No problem. We’ll train you!

This is an invitation only event. Get your invitation by applying now at wmata.com/careers

The Afro-American, May 12, 2018 - May 18, 2018

ROTC Color Guard Lt. Gen. Edward Honor Leadership Award recipient, Cadet Keith Rowan, Jackson State University, BG(R) Earl Simms, Chairman, National Board of the ROCKS

The National Board of the ROCKS and the D.C. Chapter hosted its 44th Annual Spring Gala and Awards Ceremony on Apr. 21 at the Officers

Col. Karen M. Wrancher, Cpt. Lakeisha Matthews, Cpt. (Promotable) Tamara Da Silva and Cadet R. Kabin

University, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Earl Simms, Holly Njabo, Virginia Military Institute and Cadet Vernon Dallas, Bowie State University

Cpt. Gregory Davis, MG(R) Reuben Jones, Mag. Isaac Gregory and BG(R) Robert Crear, Cadet Keith Rowan

Master of Ceremonies, LTC. Willie Rodney and Mistress of Ceremonies, LTC. Clydellia PrichardAllen

Rock the Year honorees: Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, Gen. James McConville, Col. (Ret.) Sheila HowellFlowels and Gen. (Ret.) Carter Ham

Gen. Carter F. Ham, Gen. Gary Brito and Gen. (R) Dennis Via

Photos by Rob Roberts

Sharon Davis, President Washington, D.C. Alumni Chapter Jackson State University and Pat Smith

Lillian & Sherwin Maynor

Queen Ayobunmi and Heather Bennett

Quinn Conyers, Guest Speaker (Marketing Strategist and Owner, Purse Paparazzi)

(Standing) Curtis Nash, Felicia Carr, Ethan Carr, Mia Ryder and Delharty Manson. (Seated) Betty Nash, Al Hall Shirley Roberts and Leslie Roberts

Ebony McMorris with Dr. Valencia Campbell

(Standing) Al Hall, Bobbie Mason and Bobby Mason. (Seated) Brenda Adams, Edgar Stanton, Darryl Cherry Maggett and Mozelle Tucker

Gen. James C. McConville, 36th and Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, Edgar Brookins, AFRO Washington, D.C. and Lt. Gen. Aundre Piggee, Assistant Chief Sergeant G4, U.S. Army

Tonia Bennett, Alfred Stewart, Gradale Stewart and Yolanda Ruffin

Otis Harrison Jr., Debra Thornton, Rita Bibbs- Booth, Thelma Strong, Corean Strong, Kevin Hill, Shalonda Alexander and Mack A. Paschal

Washington D.C. Alumni Chapter-Alcorn State University

Photos by Rob Roberts

Millenium Seat Pleasant Club Members

Kensy Martinez-Ramos, Scholarship Recipient and Millennium Seat Pleasant Club President Stephanie Harrison