PG County 2-23-2018 by AFRO News

November 11, 2017 - November 11, 2017, The Afro-American A1 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDITION

Volume 127 No. 29

FEBRUARY 24, 2018 - MARCH 2, 2018

Inside

Should the NBA Change its Playoff Format?

Commentary: Trump Administration Abandons TPS Haitians

Baltimore

Living at Perkins Homes Still Hazardous for Residents

B1 Prince George’s

School Shootings

Teens Take the Lead AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Tyra Hemans, 19, who survived the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 people, was part of a rally Feb. 21 that put pressure on the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature to consider a sweeping package of guncontrol laws

Baker Picks Embry as Running Mate

2018: The Year of Frederick Douglass

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By Byron Scott Special to the AFRO

The governor’s reception room at the Maryland State House in Annapolis was packed as Gov. Larry Hogan proclaimed 2018 the Year of Frederick Douglass. The Feb. 13 announcement marked the bicentennial of the birth of the man Hogan called, “an incredible Marylander and true American icon. . . . His fight, for human rights and equality still resonate to this day.” Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey was born a slave on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in 1818. The exact date of Douglass’ birth is uncertain. He declared February 14th his birthday. He taught himself to read and write, a dangerous move in those days. His escape to freedom in 1838 led to the change of his name to Frederick Douglass in hopes of eluding his master. He was an orator and journalist who co-founded the anti-slavery newspaper, The North Star. Douglass was an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln and the first African-American nominated for vice-president. He boldly told White America in July 1852, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You

AFRO File Photo

Maryland native, former slave, and famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass will be honored across the nation, as part of the bicentennial celebration of his birth.

New York City’s ‘Big Apple’ Nickname Was Bestowed by Baltimore’s Native Son, Cab Calloway By Regi Taylor Special to the AFRO The late Doris Rosenblum, former Manhattan Borough historian, concurred with my theory of New York’s “Big Apple” nickname, once telling me, “Personally, I do believe you are correct regarding the derivation of the ‘Big Apple.’” At the behest of Deputy Mayor John S. Dyson, Rosenblum had been directed to review my Big Apple theory, which was part of my submission to the City’s request for proposals for an official City of New York logo and merchandise. Several years earlier in Central Park, I graphically interpreted a visual cacophony of diverse images, and multitudes enjoying sunshine and harmony. I called it EYE LUV THE BIG APPLE/ GOLDEN OpportUNITY FOR UNITY. While conducting research at

may rejoice, I must mourn.” A year-long celebration of Douglass is underway in Maryland, the region and the nation. On the national scale, an act of Congress established The Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission. Introduced by U.S. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the measure was signed into law by the President Barack Obama in Nov. 2017. The 16-member federal commission is tasked with planning programs throughout the year honoring Douglass. In Maryland, the Department of Commerce and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture launched a driving tour called: Following in His Footsteps. The tour, a 131-mile-long trail, leads visitors to two dozen sites that shaped the legacy of Douglass and highlight some of the character defining moments in his life. Nettie Washington Douglass, the great, greatgranddaughter of Frederick Douglass, attended the special ceremony at the Annapolis State House. “I feel a kindred spirit with Frederick Douglass,” she told the AFRO. “My grandmother talked about him all the time . . . she called him the man with the big

Personal History

Korean Veteran Shares the Ups and Downs of Life as a Black Soldier the Army, fighting for his country, and moreover, his people. While periods of conflict are often difficult, the struggles On June 25, 1950, about 75,000 associated with these times, can also soldiers from the offer opportunities North Korean to learn, expand People’s Army and start anew. For crossed the 38th Willie Clark, of parallel, a boundary Washington, D.C., that separated the the Korean War, north’s Soviet-backed while trying, was Democratic Republic an eye opening of Korea and the experience that south’s pro-Western afforded him the Republic of Korea, ability to learn new initiating the start of skills within the the Korean War. By medical profession, the next month, the meet people, begin United States entered Courtesy photo life as a newlywed the war on behalf of Willie Clark, pictured as with his young bride South Korea. a soldier in Fort Leonard and prepare him for The war wouldn’t Wood, Mo., served in a fruitful career and end for another life. the Army during the three years, and part After graduating Korean War. of that time, my from Maryland State grandfather, Willie Clark, served in Continued on A5 By Micha Green Washington, D.C. Editor mgreen@afro.com

AFRO File photo

Cab Calloway chatting with his stepfather, J. Nelson Fortune (left), former band leader, now AFRO advertising executive, on a visit to Baltimore in 1948. the midtown Manhattan library, I learned that the question of where the term “Big Apple” derived was New York’s top trivia inquiry. I also discovered the “official” explanation of its origin was suspect. All clues pointed north, to Harlem. Continued on A3

Continued on A3

The Afro-American, February 24, 2018 - March 2, 2018

NATION & WORLD

Billy Graham, Friend of MLK, Dies at 99 By Kamau High AFRO Managing Editor khigh@afro.com

colored that is not prevalent in the North.” Following the death of King in 1968 Graham cited their friendship and his work on behalf of minorities. In 1976, in an AFRO story with the headline “Billy Graham cites work for minorities,” Graham said, “I walked side by side Martin Luther King on various occasions and cut short a crusade abroad to be at his side during the Selma-Montgomery march.”

Following Health Scare, Serena Williams Advocates for Black Mothers By Micha Green Washington, D.C. AFRO Editor mgreen@afro.com

(Courtesy photo)

Billy Graham marched with Martin Luther King at Selma. The Rev. Billy Graham, a long time evangelical preacher who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. at Selma, died on Tuesday at the age of 99. Graham and King were introduced at a meeting in 1957 according to billygraham.org. “One night civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whom I was pleased to count a friend, gave an eloquent opening prayer at the service; he also came at my invitation to one of our Team retreats during the Crusade [evangelical campaign] to help us understand the racial situation in America more fully,” Graham wrote in his autobiography “Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham.” Graham held thousands of mass evangelical campaigns over his lifetime and was a spiritual advisor to presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, according to the Washington Post. In 1963, the AFRO wrote about Graham, “Evangelist Billy Graham said in Atlanta last week he agrees with Dr. Dow Kirkpatrick, former Atlanta pastor now in Illinois, that the South will solve its racial problems before the North because “southern people have a warm person to person relation with

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Pastor Heber Brown (right) was allegedly a target for Russian trolls during the Baltimore Uprising of 2015.

(AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

After Serena Williams had a health scare following the birth of her baby she is becoming an advocate for Black mothers. Celebrated professional tennis player Serena Williams almost died after giving birth in September of last year. Now she is using her platform to spread awareness about the realities of maternal and infant mortality, and the importance of access to affordable healthcare. “I almost died after giving birth to my daughter, Olympia,” Williams wrote in an essay published on CNN Tuesday. Williams, who said she had a fairly easy pregnancy, had complications in labor when her daughter’s heart rate dropped during contractions, resulting in an emergency C-section. “The surgery went smoothly. Before I knew it, Olympia was in my arms. It was the most amazing feeling I’ve ever experienced in my life,” she wrote. However, Williams’ maternal excitement quickly turned into fear. “But what followed just 24 hours after giving birth were six days of uncertainty,” the tennis player wrote. First, because of her medical history with this issue before, Williams was able to self-diagnose a pulmonary embolism, “a condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot,” she explained. The pulmonary embolism ignited more health issues and measures, including a torn C-section wound, a hematoma, which is inflammation of clotted blood, in her abdomen, and then a procedure to prevent anymore blood clots. After she was able to return home from the health scares, she was confined to bed for over a month. “I had to spend the first six weeks of motherhood in bed,” Williams wrote. With fame and fortune, Williams had access to some of the best doctors and healthcare. “Yet I consider myself fortunate,” she wrote. “I am so grateful I had access to such an incredible medical team of doctors and nurses at a hospital with state-of-the-art equipment. They knew exactly how to handle this complicated turn of events. If it weren’t for their professional care, I wouldn’t be here today,” the 36-year-old wrote. Her near death experience brought attention to a sobering reality- many women, in particularly those of color, would not have been as lucky as the rich and revered tennis player. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, [Black] women in the United States are over three times more likely to dies from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes,” Williams wrote. Beyond the realities Black mothers in America face in pregnancy and labor, Williams also considered the thousands of women in poor countries around the world. “When they have complications like mine, there are often no drugs, health facilities or doctors to save them. If they don’t want to give birth at home, they have to travel great distances at the height of pregnancy. Before they even bring a new life into this world, the cards are already stacked against them,” Williams wrote. In her essay, Williams pondered a world where there was sufficient access to adequate birthing attendants, clean water, and affordable and accessible healthcare. “That world is possible. And we must dare to dream it for every Black woman, for every woman in Malawi, and for every mother out there,” she wrote.

community, recently revealed a Facebook confrontation in the midst of the uprising of 2015, was more than a simple beef with an internet troll. During the turbulent days following the uprising, in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray in April 2015, Brown engaged in a Facebook encounter with what turned out to be a Russian operative cited in Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. The operative was allegedly charged with sowing discord within Baltimore’s Black community, specifically to suppress the Black vote. Brown relived the incident Feb.20, during an interview with MSNBC’s Ari Melber, host of, “The Beat with Ari Melber.” “Some short time after the uprising of 2015...there was a lot of energy in the air around social change and challenging the systems of society to make it more just, particularly to African Americans here in this city,” Brown told Melber. “There were a number of people...who were coming to Baltimore to help support local organizers. But, there also were people who were coming to the city to make Baltimore their platform and stage to make a name for themselves.” Brown said he was able to discern the individual was not a part of the city’s activist community and was able to alert others in the grass roots community and ultimately, thwart the efforts of the Russian operative. “Did you ever think at the time that it could be part of an international criminal conspiracy, which included trying to suppress the Black vote?” Melber asked Brown during the interview. “Nowhere in my wildest dreams did I ever think that any of that would be involved with my engagement and confrontation of this person on Facebook and on Twitter. Blew my mind when I found that out,” said Brown, who is also co-founder of Baltimore United for Change. “In this one example we see how social inequality is not just a factor that can negatively impact African American communities, but also become an issue of national security...it’s just really a great example of how we really have to redouble our efforts to have a more just and equitable society, so that the conditions are not created for people to take advantage of in the first place.”

April 21, 2018 New Shiloh Baptist Church 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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Baltimore’s Pastor Brown Talks Being Trolled By Sean Yoes Baltimore AFRO Editor syoes@afro.com Pastor Heber Brown, III of the Pleasant Hope Baptist Church in Northeast Baltimore, an activist leader in the

We Too Support #MeToo

The Afro-American, February 24, 2018 - February 24, 2018

February 24, 2018 - March 2, 2018, The Afro-American

Toveet Radcliffe Added to Heartbreaking List By Micha Green Washington, D.C. AFRO Editor mgreen@afro.com It is populated with names like Sandra Bland, who, in 2015, was found dead three days after being arrested in a routine traffic stop for supposedly assaulting a police officer, and Korryn Gaines, who, in 2016, was shot and killed by Baltimore County police after a long standoff with them. Last week, Gaines’ family was awarded $37 million in a civil lawsuit against Baltimore County for her death. According to The Root, 19-year-old, Cpl. Toveet Radcliffe, the first African American woman to die in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), died in a suspicious manner. However, the Israeli government recently decided to permanently close her case. Now her family, friends and community want people to #SayHerName because they do not believe she received justice. Feb. 21, marks three years since the death of Radcliffe, who was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head at Palmachim Airbase, which is just south of Tel Aviv. While investigators ruled her death an accidental or intentional suicide, her family, friends and community, African Hebrew Israelites, are not satisfied with the investigation and do not believe she killed herself. Radcliffe, who is said to have been popular, beautiful and outgoing, was born in Israel to African American parents who moved there to practice and live with Hebrew Israelites, an Afrocentric version of Old Testament Judaism. Although born in Israel and growing up in Dimona, where Hebrew

Israelites are approximately 10 percent of the population, Radcliffe was neither an Israeli citizen nor a practicing Hebrew Israelite. Hebrew Israelites are not automatically granted citizenship, which some say is part of the discrimination people of African descent face in Israel. Similar to the discrimination African Americans have had to face over time, Hebrew Israelites say they are often treated as second-class citizens, being denied public education and state health care because of their “unorthodox” practice of Judaism. Despite her lack of citizenship, Radcliffe joined the IDF in October 2013, as all Israeli young adults must do, to serve the country she called home. A little over a year into service, Radcliffe was found bleeding from her head, just after midnight, by the soldier who was supposed to take over her shift, and declared dead by a military doctor just 30 minutes later. After almost three years, Judge Major Meir Vigiser ruled it was “highly likely” that no one else was with Radcliffe when she was shot. Vigiser rejected several of the experts presented by Radcliffe’s family that suggested foul play. “I am absolutely not surprised. I would have been surprised if they had done the right thing,” Shayarah Baht Yisrael, a member of the Hebrew Israelites said, according to The Root. “I think the whole investigation was flawed from the beginning. And that alone is jail time, as far as I’m concerned. The fact that they tried to sweep it under the rug so quickly, I’m very, very frustrated by that,” said Ketreyah Fouch. Besides the various discrepancies found in the IDF’s report of her death, at a rudimentary

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Family members say Toveet Radcliffe, who lived in Israel, died in a suspicious manner while serving in the Israeli military. level, the family said they found it hard to believe that at 5 foot 2, Radcliffe could have shot herself in the head with a massive M4 carbine assault rifle. Since the case is officially closed, the

Hebrew Israelite community is now trying to bring more awareness to Radcliffe’s death. Even with threats to their citizenship, Radcliffe’s supporters want the world to #SayHerName.

Douglass Continued from A1 white hair.” Adding to her legacy, Nettie’s father, Frederick Douglass III married Nettie Hancock Washington, the great granddaughter of Booker T. Washington. Nettie’s son, Kenneth Morris Jr. was also at the ceremony. He told the AFRO that he spent much of his life running from the DNA of history. “There was a weight of expectation that was definitely on me when I was younger. I had seen what the pressure had done to those that came before me, but can you imagine growing up and seeing your ancestors on statues; they’re on money. They are on stamps, bridges are named after them, schools, libraries, everywhere I turned I was in the long vast shadow of Frederick Douglass,” Morris said. That changed a decade ago when Morris and his mother founded the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI), an organization that combines lessons from the legacies of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. This year, as part of the celebration, the FDFI started a new initiative called: One Million Abolitionists. The goal is to print one million hard cover copies of Douglass’ 1845 autobiography, Narrative of the

Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, and distribute them to young people across the United States. The hope is to inspire young readers as it did when first published, to do and be more than they ever imagined. Morris and his mother were joined by a host of others the

“His fight for human rights and equality still resonates to this day.” – Gov. Hogan day after the Annapolis ceremony, in Queen Anne County near the Tuckahoe River, for the dedication and groundbreaking of Frederick Douglass Park about one mile from his birthplace. As that event was unfolding, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser

unveiled a newly restored portrait of Douglass that now hangs in the mayor’s ceremonial room. The painting was commissioned in 1936 by Recorder of Deeds William J. Thompkins. Fifty-five years earlier Frederick Douglass held that post. Construction began this week on D.C.’s largest project ever, the $441 million Frederick Douglass Bridge. It will connect South Capitol Street, Potomac Avenue and Q Street all in the southeast quadrant of the District, while crossing the Anacostia River. There is also a screen play in the works titled, Mr. Douglass. Morris says they hope to have it completed and on the silver screen by next year. Back at the State House, Gov. Hogan, who lent his voice to those calling for the removal of the statue of Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, announced that statues of two other Marylanders are in the works to replace it. The new statues are Harriet Tubman, conductor of the Underground Railroad, and Douglass, whose voice cried out to the wilderness of then and now.

Calloway Continued from A1 Without great difficulty, I uncovered evidence at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem which revealed a pattern of obfuscation by so-called experts regarding African-American contributions to the Big Apple’s genesis. Besides informing me that she concurred with my findings, Rosenblum asked for an expanded version of my Big Apple theory, including refutations of other “theories.” Cab Calloway’s repeated actions on the Big Apple’s behalf firmly established the term in popular culture nationally by 1940. An Amsterdam News article from September 4, 1937, entitled “Avenue Cats Do ‘Big Apple” chronicled the Big Apple dance and Cab Calloway’s embrace of “The Big Apple” as a cultural ideal. There is further proof that the term “Big Apple” was firmly established nationally as New York City’s nickname by 1940. Malcolm X arrived in New York City at age 16 in 1941 and wrote in his autobiography: “For a long time I’d wanted to visit New York City. Since I had been in Roxbury (Massachusetts), I had heard a lot about the

Big Apple, as it was called by the well-traveled musicians, merchant mariners, salesmen, chauffeurs for white families, and various kinds of hustlers I ran into.” Calloway was the first to publish a book of Black slang [the 1939 Hepster Dictionary] that explicitly defined “Apple” as New York City: “Apple (n) the big town, the main stem, Harlem.” Under Jim Crow, Harlem was synonymous with New York City for African Americans in that day. Calloway’s dictionary achieved two million sales worldwide and was the official jive language reference book of the New York Public Library, potentially reaching millions more who borrowed and shared it. The information requested by Rosenblum was shared with Dyson, along with my EYE LUV THE BIG APPLE logo and merchandise portfolio, and ostensibly then-Mayor Giuliani was briefed. Despite strong evidence and validation from the Borough historian, Giuliani went on to proclaim the southwest corner of Broadway at 54th Street “Big Apple Corner” in honor of John Fitzgerald. In his speech, Giuliani said “Fitzgerald overheard African-American stable hands refer to New York City racecourses as ‘The Big Apple.’” The mayor’s deed is further proof that a critical slice of African American history Identification Statement has been pilfered. The Afro-American Newspapers – (USPS 040-800) is published weekly by The AfroThe Big Apple is a very valuable American Company, 1531 S. Edgewood St., Suite B, Baltimore, MD 21227. brand identity for New York City. Those Subscription Rate: 1 Year - $70.00 (Price includes tax). Checks for subscriptions should be made payable to: The Afro-American Company, 1531 S. Edgewood St., Ste. who’ve been benefiting most from the B, Baltimore, MD 21227. Periodicals postage paid at Baltimore, MD and additional Big Apple Lie would obviously rather mailing offices. credit a drunken White ne’er-do-well POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: The Afro-American Company, 1531 S. Edgewood St., Ste. B, Baltimore, MD 21227. than diminish the value of this premium

New York City brand by rightfully associating it with Blacks. Baltimore native Cab Calloway gave the world The Big Apple as we know it. Calloway never took credit for promulgating the Big Apple nickname because the term was both hip parlance in his musician’s circles, and everyday speech for millions of African Americans—which is why he included the term in his anthology. Calloway made it clear in the forward to the 1944 edition of his book that he was only parroting the words made popular from Black culture. “It is reasonable to assume that jive will find new avenues in such hitherto places as Australia, the South Pacific, North Africa, China, Italy, France, Sicily, and inevitably Germany,” he wrote. “I don’t want to lend the impression these words are a figment of my imagination. They are gathered from every conceivable source.” Editor’s note:Camay Calloway Murphy, 91, daughter of Cab Calloway, resides in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the widow of former AFRO Publisher John H. Murphy, III.

The Afro-American, February 24, 2018 - March 3, 2018

COMMENTARY

Baltimore’s Children Struggle in Toxic Environment

“Our society has treated the abuse, maltreatment, violence, and chaotic experiences of our children as an oddity that is adequately dealt with by emergency response systems... These services are needed and are worthy of support—but they are a dressing on a greater wound... Later, in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood [affected persons will develop] behavioral, learning, social, criminal, and chronic health problems.” This is the assessment of Dr. Robert Anda, M.D., one of the principal investigators of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACEs), conducted by the Maryland State Council on Child Abuse & Neglect in its annual report presented to Governor Hogan and the state legislature in June 2017. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, “Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. Research in this area has been referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), [which has] been linked to risky health behaviors, chronic health conditions, low life potential, and early death. As the number of ACEs increases, so does the risk for these outcomes.” This evaluation is nowhere more applicable than to children of Baltimore City, where there’s a strong case for an epidemic of ACEs. Looked at through this prism the crises in education, delinquency, violence, crime and substance abuse come clearly into focus. Reports last year that zero students at thirteen Baltimore high schools demonstrated math proficiency should be investigated for the likelihood that Adverse Childhood Experiences played a role in those results. Many behaviors attributed to Baltimore youth mimic the symptoms displayed by military personnel returning from war zones, described as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. A case can be argued that the environment for too many of Baltimore’s children resembles a combat atmosphere. The unrelenting stressors encroaching these kids could be described as Contemporaneous Traumatic Stress Disorder, because it is felt 24/7 with no end in sight. Low academic achievement, attendance and graduation rates, high delinquency, violence and incarceration rates, are not due to inherent susceptibility or natural predisposition of Baltimore’s children toward failure. Not only do the city’s youth have their senses constantly bombarded with negative, painful, threatening stimuli from various sources inside and outside their homes, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are compounded when their savior of last resort, their government, is viewed as just another threat. Like the children of Iraq and Afghanistan, who’ve lived through a generation of war, imagine the insecurity Baltimore’s children must feel living under a government, in the person of police, who, from their perception, torment and brutalize them, their families and community. What are the emotions of kids who witness military-clad police with tactical weapons, gear and vehicles patrolling their neighborhoods in convoys, confronting their families and neighbors, and sometimes them directly, on top of the toxic social and cultural pressures stressing them

Regi Taylor

daily? For the children of Baltimore, epidemic rates of murder, assault, rape, gang activity, strongarm police, child abuse, domestic abuse, substance abuse, overdose, illiteracy, extreme poverty, homelessness, malnutrition, undernourishment, lead poisoning, incarceration, inadequate heat, pest infestation and HIV, are not statistics. It’s a day in the life. Any wonder that test scores flop when more adversity than books are carried to school every day? Regi Taylor is a native of West Baltimore and a writer.

D.C. Public School Lottery Fast Approaching The District of Columbia public school lottery deadline for pre-K through 8th grade students is fast approaching; just as new figures confirm that District public charter schools now educate 47 percent of all D.C. students enrolled in public schools. This vote of confidence in these unique public schools is a tribute to the diversity and strength of the educational programs they offer. Tuition-free and open to all District-resident students, public charter schools are free to design and develop their school curriculum and culture, while being held accountable for improved student performance by the city’s Public Charter School Board. D.C.’s school lottery, accessible online at myschooldc.org, allows families to choose from the District’s public schools, charter and traditional, that are out-of-boundary—schools that are not the local option provided by D.C. Public Schools and for any pre-K program. Parents and guardians rank up to 12 choices, allowing them to express a preference for over-subscribed programs. Names are drawn at random until available spots are filled. The lottery is backed up by practical support, including

Ramona Edelin

an education festival with different schools exhibiting and an email and telephone hotline with multiple language options. Free public transportation allows students to attend schools across the city without extra cost. While some schools are in such demand that there are waitlists, the lottery randomly fills places, but shortlists students who don’t make it into a chosen school—some 85 percent of students are awarded a place at one of their top three school choices. Charters were introduced to the District to raise public school standards by increasing choice. While these unique public schools have led the way in raising standardized test scores and on-time high school graduation rates, they also have introduced themes and approaches that boost college and career readiness. This has been particularly important in the District’s most underserved communities: charter students in D.C.’s Wards Seven and Eight are twice as likely to achieve state benchmarks for college and career preparedness than their peers enrolled in traditional public schools. Thanks to an expansion in preschool pushed by public charter schools and the city-run school system, nearly all four year olds and most three year olds attend preschool. Charters have the flexibility to tailor their programs to provide effective

early education. By allowing public charter schools to offer different paths to educate young scholars so that they may access the higher education and advanced career options that position them to succeed in life, best practices evolve from which all educators can learn. Families also are brought to the table because, as schools of choice, parents and guardians have a say in what works for their children. Public education dollars follow the student in the District, so charters have incentive to inspire confidence. The District of Columbia model of school choice for all regardless of income has multiplied quality public school options—especially for the least advantaged. Today, three in four students exercise families’ rights to attend an outof-boundary school rather than simply accepting their neighborhood school place. And as the next generation of children is increasingly provided with the skills necessary to succeed, all of our communities can look forward to better opportunities and a more secure future. Dr. Ramona Edelin is the executive director of the DC Association of Chartered Public Schools.

Trump Administration Abandons TPS Haitians I found out that I was a different from my fellow immigrant classmates in high school, as I applied for college and scholarships. At the time I didn’t understand why I had to pay the same tuition as someone who lived in another state. And I didn’t understand why I couldn’t meet any of the scholarship requirements. Throughout my childhood my family and I used to visit the United States frequently. But things changed when I was about 10 years old. My mother, brother and I came for what would be the last time, never returning to Haiti. My family received kidnapping threats, so we fled the island. And because we didn’t really understand the immigration process, we overstayed our visa. That means when it came time to prove that I was a legal resident that could receive help to pay for college, I didn’t have adequate paperwork. So I didn’t know if I would be able to go to college. When I found out about the City University of New York, my anxiety settled a bit because the school was more welcoming to immigrants. I was relieved to know that I had at least one option for my education. My first year was very difficult. At the time there wasn’t any funding or scholarships for undocumented students. We didn’t have a lot of money, so we had to take it semester by semester—scraping together enough money for courses

Sarah Guillet

and books. When the earthquake happened in 2010 we were devastated. But it took a such a tragedy, people losing their homes, to get some support for my family. As I entered my sophomore year, we were able to file for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), paying over $1,000 in fees for each member of my family. This meant that my mom was able to find work as a home health aide. It meant that I was able to apply for a part-time job to help my mom pay for my tuition, food and transportation. I was also able to apply for fellowships; one enabled me to work in youth justice, the other covered part of my tuition and allowed me to create my own interdisciplinary major. I majored in cultural anthropology and international human rights because I wanted to work in my community and understand the inequalities we face as immigrants and people of color. But the resources were never enough to completely cover for my tuition. Each year, tuition was getting higher. As a TPS recipient I still had to pay everything out-of-pocket since I didn’t qualify for financial aid. Becoming a TPS recipient is more like becoming an international student, but with less security since we don’t know what happens when it ends. I’m sharing my story because it’s important to understand the diversity of the immigrant experience. We’re students, some of us are young and have lived here most of our lives, others are older and support their family in this country and in

Haiti. We want to live; we don’t want to just survive. We want a path to citizenship. And we want to remind our neighbors and co-workers that our struggle is intertwined. I could get deported tomorrow. But as a Black woman, I could also get shot by law enforcement tomorrow. We need action from the government that provides a humane, holistic solution for Haitians and other TPS holders. Not only do we want the Department of Homeland Security to update the Federal Register and re-start the 60-day reregistration period for Haitians, we need Congress to provide a legislative fix for all TPS holders. Congress has the power to affirm our long-term presence in and contributions to the United States by enacting legislation that provides a pathway to permanent residency. [In January, the Trump administration announced that the TPS program for Haitians would end in July 2019.] TPS made it so that we could live, work, study, and support our families. In the time that we’ve lived in the United States, we have become a part of the fabric of this nation as workers, homeowners, and most importantly community members. This is all our fight. We have to work together to push forward. Sarah Guillet is a Haitian New York resident, a graduate student at Hunter College studying urban planning, and a member of the UndocuBlack Network.

The opinions on this page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO. Send letters to The Afro-American • 1531 S. Edgewood St. • Baltimore, MD 21227 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com

February February 24, 2018 24, 2018 - February - March 24, 2,2018, 2018 The Afro-American

A3 A5

Korean Veteran Continued from A1 College, now University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Clark married, Constance Eldean Hill Clark, on September 5, 1952. Since Mrs. Clark had to complete her senior year on the eastern shore, her young, newly degreed husband, set out to fulfill his civic duty to serve during the Korean Conflict. Ten days after his marriage, Clark entered the Army’s volunteer draft. Because he wanted to start early and finish quickly, he enlisted into voluntary induction which allowed him to only serve two years versus the normal three. A native of Muskogee, Ok., Clark was processed in Fort Sill, Ok. and sent to basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., a United States Army installation, located in the Missouri Ozarks. Clark was in the 44th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division, 3rd Platoon. Four years after Truman’s 1948 signing of the executive order requiring the military to integrate, the President’s Committee on Equality of Treatment in the Armed Services, Clark entered into a not-so desegregated barrack

Photo by Micha Green

A current photograph taken of Clark in January, 2018. said, ‘You’re not going to Korea.’ I said, ‘I got my orders right here.’ Pop said, ‘No, you’re not going.’... I said, ‘He got to be crazy,’” Clark recalled laughing. Between his day-passes, Clark stopped back in Fort Leonard Wood before going to visit his new wife in her hometown of Stuart, Va. After a lively night of drinking spirits with his fellow soldiers off-base, Pvt.

“I took it as though if I’m going to fight, I’ll be fighting for my people.” – Willie Clark that revealed the racism woven into the United States’ fabric. “We [People of color] still had a rough time, but the services were ‘supposedly’ not segregated.” Clark told the AFRO. Clark said that while Blacks and Whites stayed in the same barracks, they segregated themselves within the building. “All the Whites were at one end and the Blacks were primarily at the other end of the same barracks,” he said. “We used the same restrooms, showers, etcetera, but they made sure there were no Blacks around when they used it. They’d get up very early so they wouldn’t have to come behind us. But that’s the way it was in those days,” Clark said. Even a White person Clark knew from his hometown began bad mouthing Blacks once they got to Fort Leonard Wood. “It was hard to believe because I knew of this guy’s family. My father used to do plumbing work… for this boy’s family. And, yet, he was telling this joke, and just about every Black sitting in there got up and walked away,” Clark said. The transition into military life was trying at times, filled with the gruelling work that comes with basic training, poisonous snakes and trips up and down the mountain they called Old Baldy, in reference to a mountain in Korea where they were training to eventually fight. Still, Clark worked hard, becoming a squad leader until it was time for him to go to Korea. He received a 10-day pass so he could see family before shipping out overseas after Christmas. “I had orders in my pocket… to clear post and that I would be sent to Far East Command [FECOM],” Clark said. “And I told my father, ‘I’ll be shipping out. I’ll be going to Korea.’ Pop

Clark fell asleep in uniform in the barracks. Still fully clothed, with a hangover to boot, Clark received a surprising early-morning jolt. “Somebody was shaking me and it was the first sergeant… And he said, Lt. Kremer wants to talk to you,’” Clark said. “Lt. Kremer I knew well,” he recalled of Kremer, who was a White man. “He went to University of Missouri and he knew I was a college graduate, and we used to talk a lot.” Kremer gave him orders to report to the post hospital to a colonel who would give him orders. The colonel had reviewed Clark’s files and realized he was on pre-med track in college, having majored in Biology, minored in Chemistry, and studied math and history. After probing Clark for a while, the colonel rescinded his original orders to go to Korea. Because of his pre-med experience, Clark was assigned to the post hospital, with the 5th Platoon. “The first thing I thought about was my father. How did he know?” Clark said, remembering his dad’s premonition about him staying in the United States. Suddenly Clark’s daypass was canceled and, unable to visit his wife, he began working the following Monday. “This was Saturday, and that Monday I had to report… and they sent me to the place that they most needed help,” Clark said. Clark, a squad leader in the 3rd Platoon, left his squad to serve in the hospital, a change that quite possibly saved his life. He later learned that only 2 members of his squad of nine survived the War. In the post hospital, Clark served in radiology, as an X-ray technician. There, Clark moved up the ranks, becoming a sergeant. One of Clark’s most memorable comrades in the

hospital was a White man named, Richard “Dick” Gardener. A son of a tavern owner in a suburb of Chicago, Gardener had a new car and was afforded White privilege. Yet Gardener did not care about color, allowing Clark to use his car and serving as an ally to his Black friends. Clark recalled a time where he, Gardener, and some fellow soldiers went to a bar in town for beers. Two of the soldiers, including Clark, were Black, while the others were White. The bartender refused to serve Clark and the other Black soldier, their beers in the bar. “Here we are in uniform fighting for them,” Clark recalled sullenly, as he explained the irony in not being allowed to drink in the bar. Both the Black and White soldiers took their drinks

to go, but before they left, Gardener threw his beer towards the bar breaking a mirror and many bottles. The soldiers hopped in the car shocked and empowered after Gardener stood up for the two Black soldiers. When the soldiers got back, they saw police cars searching for them, but they were never caught. Unlike the discriminatory experience at the bar outside of Fort Leonard Wood, Clark received respect in uniform in certain instances. Once, after visiting his wife in Stuart, he boarded an empty bus from a nearby North Carolina city, and took a seat behind a White driver. Though his father-in-law

looked concerned and sat in his car peering into the bus before it took off, Clark had no idea why. He later learned from his wife that, he was supposed to sit in the back of the bus, yet the driver, nor later boarding White passengers, said a word. “Because I was in uniform, may have been why” they never said anything, Clark said. Not even a full year into his service, the Korean War ended, yet Clark remained at Fort Leonard Wood treating various patients. His time in the service, Clark said, made him grow as a man. All the people he saw injured, or those he knew

that died, humbled the young Clark. “It could’ve been me,” he said. After his discharge on Sept. 15, 1954, Clark moved to Washington, D.C., where he started a family. He and his wife had two daughters both of whom received advanced degrees and went on to have successful careers. Clark worked for decades for the Commerce Department. Even though his goal was not to serve or stay in the military, particularly in a time of major racial divide in the United States, Clark said he fought for African Americans. “I took it as though, if I’m going to fight, I’ll be fighting for my people,” Clark said.

Courtesy photo

Clark surrounded by his daughters and granddaughters. From Left to Right, Micha Green, Washington, D.C. editor, Tanya Copeland, Paula Clark, and Joy Copeland.

imagine

what tomorrow will bring.

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

If in c a

The Afro-American, February 24, 2018 - March 2, 2018

A TIME TO REFLECT ON THE PLACES WE’VE BEEN. AND WHERE WE’RE GOING.

During Black History month, we remember the past in order to create a prosperous future. We salute and acknowledge the innovations, accomplishments and culture of AfricanAmericans. From scoreboards to boardrooms and from concerts to congress, you are making differences that can be felt every day. Toyota salutes those who are driven to succeed because determination can lead to elevation.

February 24, 2018 - March 2, 2018, The Afro-American

BALTIMORE-AREA

Race and Politics

The Most Dangerous City in America I’ve lived in three of the most dangerous cities in the world: Los Angeles, Detroit and Baltimore. Sean Yoes But, it is Baltimore AFRO Baltimore, Editor where I was syoes@afro.com born and raised and where I currently reside, which tragically endures at the top of the murder list. This week USA Today, citing crime statistics from police departments around the nation tagged Baltimore with the nefarious title, “the nation’s most dangerous city.” As much as the designation sucks, we earned it. “Baltimore is the big city with the highest per capita murder rate in the nation, with nearly 56 murders per 100,000 people. At 343 murders in 2017, the city tallied the highest per capita rate in its history,” USA Today wrote Feb. 19. There is only one big city in America, which had more homicides than Baltimore in 2017; Chicago with a population of almost three million people, had 650

“At 343 murders in 2017, the city tallied the highest per capita rate in its history.” – USA Today homicides in 2017, but that was still down from 762 homicides in 2016. Perhaps, frequent readers of this column remember me previously citing the most astonishing comparison; New York City, with a population of about 8.5 million had 290 murders in 2017, versus Baltimore, with a dwindling population of about 615,000 recording 343 homicides. But, after reading the USA Today story, I discovered Baltimore also outpaced the second largest city in the nation, Los Angeles, which had 286 murders in 2017. I remember living in L.A. in the late 1980’s when the crack epidemic rolled over the “City of Angels,” like a satanic tidal wave, fueling a myriad of murders. L.A. was notorious as, “the home of the drive by shooting,” depicted in a slew of movies from, “Colors,” to “Boyz in the Hood.” Not any more. Another California city, San Diego, with a population of 1.4 million had 31 homicides in 2017. That means in 2017, Baltimore endured more murders in the months of January (32), May (38) and July (34) than San Diego experienced in all of 2017. Let that sink in. Continued on B2

Sex for Repairs Scandal

Living at Perkins Homes Still Hazardous for Residents

Pocomoke, Maryland

Prosecutorial Misconduct Focus of Hearing By Stephen Janis Special to the AFRO The Maryland Court of Special Appeals grilled the State’s top prosecutor during an appeal hearing over the controversial misconduct conviction of Pocomoke City’s first Black police chief Kelvin Sewell, charges his lawyers say were in retaliation for filing a series of discrimination complaints. Earlier this month the three-judge panel asked pointed questions on both the legal theory underlying the charges and the origin of the criminal case brought after Sewell filed EEOC

Photo credit: Taya Graham

Tanetta Wilson, who was victimized in the “sex for repairs” scandal involving maintenance workers at Perkins Homes public housing, was recently injured at the public housing complex when the ceiling fell in her apartment. By Taya Graham Special to the AFRO For the women who live in Baltimore’s public housing developments, day-to-day survival can be perilous. Even cooking a family meal can be hazardous. Perkins Homes resident Tanetta Wilson learned this first hand two weeks ago when her kitchen ceiling collapsed as she was cooking dinner for her daughter. Wilson was injured by the falling debris and was forced to seek treatment for injuries to her head and eyes. She suffered contusions, pain and dizziness, a sore shoulder and had to have fragments of sheet rock washed out of her eyes by a doctor. Sent home the same night, after being prescribed painkillers and antibiotics, she sat in her apartment in shock.

Addition of Scott Adds Youthful Energy to Gubernatorial Race By Deborah Bailey Special to the AFRO Gubernatorial candidates were already making calls to Baltimore City Councilman Brandon Scott (D-2), when he connected with Jim Shea, Democratic candidate for Governor, an attorney with the Venable law firm in Baltimore and former chair of the Board of Regents for the University System of Maryland. The difference with Shea, according to Scott, is he not only wanted Scott’s advice on connecting with young people, he took the next step and invited Scott to serve on his ticket as Lieutenant Governor. “Jim was willing to listen, willing to learn and be that person who will be inclusive and bring everyone together, “Scott said. Scott, (33) and Shea (65) are ready to “be the change” said Scott, uniting Marylanders across generations, and reinvigorating the Governor’ race. “Our age difference won’t be our weakness, it will be our strength.” Shea and Scott join an already crowded field of seven other democrats, five of whom have chosen women Courtesy photo as running mates. On Feb. Baltimore City Councilman 20 Prince George’s County Brandon Scott (D-2), Executive, and gubernatorial recently tapped by candidate, Rushern Baker gubernatorial candidate announced that former Jim Shea, to be Shea’s Baltimore mayoral candidate running mate for Continued on B3 Lieutenant Governor.

“I don’t want to call the office for more maintenance, not after what happened, and I don’t want to worry them, I don’t want them to think I’m a problem person.” But, this is not the only hardship Wilson has endured at Perkins Homes; she was one of more than a dozen women since 2016 who said they were forced to trade sex for routine maintenance work at the public housing development in East Baltimore. “I had an incident where my electricity went off in my kitchen area and I called the maintenance worker around to help me with my lighting…He just stated that we can clear the bill up if you perform a sexual act with me,” she told the AFRO. “I felt horrible. I felt disgusted. I felt like I had to do this in order Continued on B2

Rev. Dr. Theodore C. Jackson Dies at 84 By AFRO Staff Rev. Dr. Theodore Clifton Jackson, Jr., Pastor Emeritus of Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church, in the Park Heights community of Northwest Baltimore, died Feb. 17. He was 84. Jackson, the son of Rev. Theodore C. Jackson, Sr. and Lucy M. Jackson, was born Aug. 4, 1933 in Baltimore. He was raised in Gillis Memorial Church. He attended and graduated from Douglass High School. Subsequently, he graduated from Howard University, in Washington, D.C. and Coppin State College (now Coppin State University). Rev. Jackson gained his administrative and ministerial experiences while serving as an intern in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Conference as Chaplain at the Anna Mae Hunter House for the Blind and while serving as Pastor of St. Matthew’s Church in Washington, D.C. and Herbert’s Chapel in Fairfield, Md. He left the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Conference and transferred to the United Council of Christian Community Churches of Maryland and Vicinity to

Courtesy photo

Rev. Dr. Theodore C. Jackson, Jr., Pastor Emeritus of Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church, died Feb. 17 at age 84. assist his then ailing father, Rev. Theodore C. Jackson, Sr. He gained tremendous experience as he worked diligently beside his father serving as Co-Pastor for the Gillis Memorial Church family. Upon his father’s death, he served as Acting Pastor until he was installed as Pastor on the first Sunday in Nov. 1970. Under his leadership, the

Continued on B3

Past Seven Days

Courtesy Photo

Kelvin Sewell was found guilty of misconduct by a Worcester County jury in 2016. That decision is being examined by the Maryland Court of Special Appeals.

complaints and a federal civil rights lawsuit against Pocomoke and the Worcester County State’s Attorney. Sewell was found guilty of misconduct by a Worcester County jury in 2016 for failing to charge in a 2014 case involving an African-American resident of Pocomoke who struck two parked cars, drove three blocks home, and called police. State prosecutors argued that Sewell should have charged the driver, Doug Matthews, with leaving the scene of an accident. They also alleged Matthews may have been drinking prior to the collision. (Full disclosure: this reporter wrote a book with Sewell.) However, during the trial prosecutors were unable to provide evidence that Matthews was intoxicated. In fact, jurors heard a 911 call from one of the first officers to arrive on the scene who told dispatchers Matthews was not “drunk,” just scared. The indictment came Continued on B2

32 2018 Total

Data as of Feb. 21

The Afro-American, February 24, 2018 - March 2, 2018

Race and Politics Continued from D1

Further, there are about two dozen U.S. cities with larger populations than Baltimore, which had less murders in 2017. Clearly, we have to do something different. Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh says that we are. “We read the USA Today piece...but, what we want you to know is that ever since November we’ve been trending downward in terms of crime,” Mayor Pugh said during a press conference, Feb. 20, with newly appointed Baltimore Police Commissioner Darryl De Sousa by her side. “From Nov. 1st to today, you’ll see that we are trending downward in every single category. And I think that we’ll end up in 2018...I’m not a magician, but I’m very clear that the direction that we’re taking is going to get us to where we need to go,” Pugh added, before she alluded to the aforementioned success of Los Angeles and the correlation with a strategy being

implemented in Baltimore. “Who would have known that today Los Angeles would be the poster child for violence reduction...I think when I was

“…what we want you to know is that ever since November we’ve been trending downward in terms of crime.” –Mayor Pugh

sworn in, in Dec. of 2016, one of the things I said was that we were utilizing the model from Los Angeles, because we had done some research and looked at how they were able to sustain violence reduction over a long period of time. So, we chose the Los Angeles model,” Mayor Pugh said. Perhaps bolstering Pugh’s claims, for 12 glorious days this month, “nobody killed anybody,” to paraphrase the mantra of the Baltimore Ceasefire movement, which started the streak of 12 days with no homicides on Feb. 2. “Are we satisfied yet? No. Are we trending in the right direction? Yes,” said Pugh. Sean Yoes is the Baltimore AFRO editor and host and executive producer of the AFRO First Edition video podcast, which airs Monday and Friday on the AFRO’s Facebook page.

Perkins Homes Continued from D1

to keep my home running. I felt like I had to do this. I have two children. I’m a single mom. If I lose this apartment, I have nowhere else to go.” And although the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) confirms that they investigated her complaint they will not inform her of the outcome citing the state policy of confidentiality connected to personnel issues. The lack of transparency means Wilson will never know if the man faced any consequences for his acts against her. “I had to do what

I had to do in order to keep a roof over my head and my children’s heads. But I don’t

allegations erupted at the West Baltimore Gilmore Homes public housing complex.

“I had to do what I had to do in order to keep a roof over my head and my children’s heads.” – Tanetta Wilson feel like I need to carry this weight by myself. He needs to be penalized for his actions, too,” Wilson said. In 2015, similar

Maintenance workers were accused of sexually harassing women and demanding sexual favors for repairs. The resulting complaints

resulted in a lawsuit and an $8 million settlement with over a dozen victims. Then HABC Commissioner Paul Graziano, who presided over the scandal and was replaced after the election of Mayor Catherine Pugh, and the HABC promised improvements and protections for tenants. But the AFRO has learned that 18 new complaints of sexual harassment have been filed with the HABC since 2016. One of them was Wilson, who said she is telling her story now to prevent more women from suffering.

“I’m unsure, I’m really unsure. I no longer want to live in public housing because of the maintenance issues. They don’t fix anything when you call them, and I don’t believe they’re qualified to do the jobs they’re being paid to do,” Wilson said. Beatty Development Group and Perkins Point Partners has been given first right to develop the crumbling Perkins Homes complex, but the details of the project, or where current residents will be housed temporarily, are yet to be revealed. The 17-

acre site near Fells Point is considered prime real estate. “They [developers] want this property…it’s valuable… we are low income. We can’t afford to shop in the stores they’re putting up around us…they mean to put us in the county and allow other people that have the means or rich people that can spend the money here, to let them live here and keep revenue going for the city.” (At press time Ms. Wilson’s ceiling had been fixed by HABC)

Misconduct Continued from D1

nearly a year after Sewell was fired without explanation by the Pocomoke City Council. In a lawsuit filed after his dismissal Sewell alleged he was terminated for refusing to fire two Black officers who accused the Worcester County Drug Task Force of creating a racially hostile work environment. Among the issues raised by the justices during the hearing

was the prosecution’s reliance on Sewell’s membership in a Black masons lodge to prove their case. Prosecutors argued during the trial Matthews membership in the same lodge made Sewell’s decision not to charge him corrupt, even though there was no evidence Matthews knew Sewell or communicated with him before or after the accident. “Is there any evidence of a prior relationship between

Sewell and Matthews?” the judges asked. Assistant State Prosecutor Kelly Madigan answered: “No.” The panel also asked questions about emails State Prosecutor Emmet Davitt was ordered to turn over during the trial which revealed investigators from his office relied heavily upon information supplied by the Worcester County State’s Attorney, who was also the subject of a sustained EEOC complaint filed by Sewell.

“Everybody knows that. Counsel on all sides knows that. That’s why we charged him.” – State Prosecutor Emmet Davitt “There was communication between your office and their office?” a judge asked. “Yes, Worcester County gave different tips,” Madigan replied. In a brief filed prior to the hearing, Sewell’s attorneys argued that close coordination between State Prosecutors and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s office amounted to prosecutorial misconduct. An allegation the judges raised by asking pointed questions about the timing of the probe. “I’m just trying to understand,” Judge Andrea Leahy asked. “First Chief files an EEOC complaint, then he was terminated and then he filed the lawsuit...and then he was charged…. all these things occurred first correct?” “Yes,” Madigan answered. After the hearing in an interview with The Real News Network, State Prosecutor Emmet Davitt vehemently denied allegations that his prosecution was retaliatory. “We made this decision to charge him when his codefendant and co-plaintiff in the civil suit came out and said he had been drinking,” Davitt argued, referring to Sewell’s Lieutenant Lynell Green, who also filed an EEOC complaint against the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s office. “Everybody knows that. Counsel on all sides knows that. That’s why we charged him.” But Green’s attorney say Davitt’s statements don’t jibe with what occurred during Green’s trial, who was also convicted of conspiracy in February 2017. “Mr. Davitt’s recollection of the evidence presented at Lt. Green’s trial clearly differs from ours,” Green’s attorneys said in a written statement. “As Mr. Davitt knows, the testimony at trial was that Lieutenant Green told investigators that he had told Chief Sewell that the driver may have had one or two drinks but that the first officer to make contact with the driver testified unequivocally and consistent with his pre-trial statements to OSP investigators that the incident did not appear to be drug or alcohol related.” For now Sewell’s fate is in the hands of the court, which is expected to render a decision by May. Worcester County resident Gabe Purnell, a Sewell supporter, says he hopes the court will overturn the conviction. “Sometimes our justice system is a bit corrupt,” said Purnell. “And we need to be mindful of that all the time because justice is not always just.”

February 24, 2018 - March 2, 2018, The Afro-American

â&#x20AC;&#x153;What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or, fester like a sore, and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat/ Or, crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?â&#x20AC;? Langston Hughes During Black History Month, we recognize local citizens whose dreams were not deferred. They are â&#x20AC;&#x153;just ordinary peopleâ&#x20AC;? like you and me; people who make a difference in our lives. They are not headline makers but they do headline worthy news. Some of our silent newsmakers are: Terrell Boston Smith, Kevin Brown, Dante and Candes Daniels, Anthony Leonard, Sarita Murray, Ann Winder, Donel Warfield, Steve Wise, Claudia McKee, Pless Jones, Marty Glaze, Kevin Johnson, Gloria â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tuttieâ&#x20AC;? Bogans,The Arch Social Club, Ray Davis, Kim Butler Bennett, Bishop Josephine and Thomas Ridgley, Pastor Harrison Johnson, Pastor Joan Wharton, Pastor Ruth Travis, Jacqueline Richardson, Glenn Smith, Michele Emery, Dr. Marie Washington, Catalina Byrd, Darryl Strange, Cori Ramos, Shelonda Stokes, Bernice McDaniels, The Divine 9, Tina Jolivet, Ericka Alston-Buck, Devin Allen, Janora Winkler, Vernon Simms, Amy Sherald, Jerome Stephens, Michelle Brown, Lenny Clay, Sam Cassel, Linda Morris, Kevin Shird, Myra Owens Queen, Dana Moore Peterson, Takiea Hinton, Diane Hocker, Sonje DeCaires, Betty Hines, Donel Moses, George Ray, Marshall Glaze, Zach McDaniels, Kamau High, Randy Dennis, DJ Mike Jones, DJ Tanz, Ted Coates, Scott Phillips, Ralph Moore, Nikita Haysbert and Mike Taylor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just ordinary people God uses ordinary people. He chooses people just like me and you who are willing to do as He commandsâ&#x20AC;? Mom Winans You ask who these people are; I have never seen their names in the news or on a marquee. They are African Americans who have made a difference in Baltimore; they are writers, restaurant owners, tailors, salon owners, contractors, club owners, authors, artists, barbers, pastors, builders of churches and casinos, political representatives, bank managers, media personnell,entertainers, event

planners and community leaders. Just ordinary people, Black History makers making a difference. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guess who I saw todayâ&#x20AC;? Nancy Wilson Great seeing Baltimore City Council President Bernard â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jackâ&#x20AC;? Young and his lovely wife, Darlene, dining at Baltimoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest restaurant, Gordon Ramseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steakhouse, celebrating Darleneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday. Gordon Ramsey brings a unique dining experience; serving dishes like foie gras, butter poached lobster, smoked steak tartare and countless cuts of premium steaks, including Fred Flintstonesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favorite cut brought tableside so you can make your selection. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are you being served?â&#x20AC;? Always a pleasure having my favorite waiter Corey serving us. He makes dining a pleasure describing each dish, adding a touch of humor. Speaking of great service, next time you go to Pappas in Cockeysville for a superb crab cake, ask Jessica to serve you. Like Corey, their personalities make dining a pleasure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I found love in you and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned to love me too. Never have I felt that I could be all that you see itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like our hearts have intertwined and to the perfect harmony. This is why I love you ooh because you love me. I found love in you and no other love will do. Every moment that you smile chases all of the pain away. Forever and a while in my heart is where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll stay.â&#x20AC;? Major Harris Wishing a happy 61st anniversary to Mary and Lester Buster, who must have married in elementary school. Love agrees with you two lovebirds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some enchanted Eveningâ&#x20AC;? Pennsylvania avenue was reminiscent of the old days with entertainment and dinner oh what a night. Special thanks to Janora (Lady J) Winkler and Sozufe Nnamdi, president of the Arch Social Club for bringing live music back to the avenue. Do you remember the shows at the Royal Theater when the entertainers were dressed to the nines and giving you their best performance? Dare 2 Dream Productions brought the Royal Theater back to the avenue in their

Sophisticated Soul production. The Historic Arch Social Club was transformed into the famed New York Cotton Club with red and white tablecloths, covered seats and tall vases with feathers and sparkles to the delight of the standing room only crowd. Guests enjoyed outstanding performances by A.J. Miles, Lenny Miles, Roland, Luke, Billy and Guy Goodwin and a special guest appearance by Keith Matthews. Each performer received a rousing standing ovation as they performed old standards by Sinatra, The Temptations, Arthur Prysock, Smokey Robinson and more â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you been blessed itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like Heavenâ&#x20AC;? My dear friend renowned chef/ owner of SNAC by Nancy and Station North Art Gallery called and said he would be cooking dinner for me in my home. Kevin arrived with sous chef Marsha Jews and bartender Catalina Byrd (their new titles) with a rack of lamb that he instantly carved into chops, fresh salmon, red potatoes, berry salad and assorted cakes and his famous Natty Bo, two for him and one for me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are familyâ&#x20AC;? We laughed and solved the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems as Kevin skillfully prepared dinner from scratch. It was just what the doctor ordered and just like magic, he cleaned up and left and had it not been for the leftovers I would have thought I was dreaming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For I know the plans I have for you,â&#x20AC;? declares the LORD, â&#x20AC;&#x153;plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.â&#x20AC;? Jeremiah 29:11 Congratulations to the Dr. Toni Draper and the new leaders of the 125-year-old AFRO American Newspaper. Wishing Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speed to Jake Oliver as he starts the next venture in his life. Thanks Jake for believing in Living for the Weekend as it celebrates its 10th anniversary next month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never could have made it without you.â&#x20AC;? Wishing a happy birthday to my BFF former Councilwoman Paula Johnson Branch, my youngest son Michael Gregory Lee, John Gilliam, Gabrielle Gilliam, Jean Dennis, Mickey Shields, Marsha Jews and Jai Matthew. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be seeing you!

Scott

Jackson

Elizabeth Embry would be his running mate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jim understands that we made Larry Hogan,â&#x20AC;? said Scott reflecting on how he says the Democratic Party lost its way, in the state of Maryland and nationally. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We allowed our message to get stale; we did not focus on our core values and we were not inclusive of all people in our state,â&#x20AC;? Scott said. Scott said people across the state can relate to his upbringing in Park Heights, in Northwest Baltimore. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People of humble means will know they are part of this campaign,â&#x20AC;? Scott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The story that I have growing up as a poor young man in Baltimore City is no different than the poor young people who grew up in Suitland in Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County or in St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County in Lexington Park.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;That story, my story, resonates throughout. No Marylander will ever be forgotten again under our leadership. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re focused on the very things that everybody in Maryland cares about,â&#x20AC;? Scott said. Scott, currently the chair of the City Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Safety Committee, has never been shy about taking on city leadership and has vocally criticized Mayor Catherine E. Pughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s violence reduction strategies. Now Scott says he is ready to campaign with a new vision for education, public safety and transportation for Maryland as part of the Shea/Scott gubernatorial ticket. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wherever you are in the state folks understand that our education system used to be number one and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re no longer that.â&#x20AC;? Scott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you talk about transportation I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that the current governor does not have a transportation plan that is going to take us forward,â&#x20AC;? he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We recognize that we have a violence problem not only in our city but around our state and an opioid problem that we have to deal with. Violence is a public health problem and we have to attack it as such.â&#x20AC;? Scott is hopeful his addition to Sheaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ticket will compel young people to take a serious look at the Shea/Scott candidacy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I first got elected to City Council, I was the only 20 something year old,â&#x20AC;? Scott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to bring in young people at all costs...going out, getting them involved.â&#x20AC;?

church continued to grow to over 2,000 members, 28 associate ministers, seven choirs, numerous Bible classes, and ministries between the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and early 2000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Over the years, the church has distributed food, operated a clothing center and provided funds to assist with gas and electric and medical bills, as well as rent for those in need. Rev. Jackson taught Social Studies in the Baltimore City Public Schools for 34 years while pastoring the church. In addition, he served in the ministry for 45 years and is a highly respected civic leader and pastor. He has held numerous leadership positions for the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland and received countless awards, certificates and citations for his outstanding service that are displayed throughout the church and at his home. Rev. Jackson loved to read the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, The AFRO-American, and Baltimore Sun and any other newspapers he could acquire. Most of all, he along with wife Marlene Elizabeth Jackson, loved to travel all over the world. Rev. Jackson was married to Marlene Elizabeth Jackson for over 60 years. He was preceeded in death by a daughter, Patricia Ann Jackson. In addition to his wife, Rev. Jackson leaves to mourn: a daughter Carla Rae Jackson; two granddaughtersâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tunia Michelle Jackson Hammonds (Husani Hammonds) and Carnita Danielle Cox (Gary Cox); an adopted grandson, Tayvon Booze; five greatgrandchildrenâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Kayla and Aiden Hammonds, Josiah Sellers, Peyten and Joelynn Cox; three sisters-in-law-Veronica Jackson, Patricia Bulluck and Sheila Shelton; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Continued from D1

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February 24, 2018 – March 2, 2018, The Afro-American

Carolyn Wainwright, Roxanne Thomas, Allenette Valentine and Carol Spencer Carter

Lydia Jackson, Roxanne Thomas and Yvonne Furniss-Frey

Guests at the Galentine event

Photos by Anderson R. Ward

Event organizers Valerie Fraling, Helen McDonald, Mildred Harper-Long and Brenda Sykes

“Galentine’s” is a pre-valentine celebration especially for women. Held at Colin’s Seafood Grill in Randallstown on Feb. 13, the 2nd annual event gathered about 40 old and new friends (most wearing red) to celebrate life and good times. The Galentine’s Day event was organized by Helen McDonald, Mildred HarperLong, Brenda Sykes and AFRO Columnist Valerie Fraling. The women vowed to meet again on Feb. 13th 2019.

Lenora Dawson, Candidate for On Feb. 17, B and Dee’s Baltimore Love, Clerk of Court, Baltimore City and State Senator Barbara Robinson along with the I Survived Movement, hosted their 2nd annual Black History Month Celebration, at The War Memorial Building downtown. Both groups focus on providing services Chenise Calhoun, Liz Glazer, Rashad Corey, Joyce P. Brooks, Angeline Bezos and Kenisha for Baltimore’s Jenkins - (Artsee Assembled, Inc.) homeless population.

Fellowship at The War Memorial Building

Eunice Jenifer Robinson and sister Patricia Stokes

Colin’s Chef/Owner Dante Daniels

Maxine Turnipseed and Allenette Valentine

Naomi Foster, Wanda Clark and Kevin Starnes

L to R. Journey, River,(front) Nazareth November and India, volunteers

Kelly Webb, Kenisha Jenkins , Rashad Corey, Ellen Newman, and Wanda Clark of the I Survived Movement, Brian Dolbow, Camille Mihalic and Angeline Bezos of B and Dee’s Baltimore Love

Photos by DeVone Marshall

February 24, 2018 - March 2, 2018, The Afro-American

Documentary

ARTS & CULTURE

Examining the ‘Jim Crow Experience in Baltimore’ By J. K. Schmid Special to the AFRO “Maryland is very much in the South. It’s just Up South.” This assessment, made by Dr. Walter Arthur Harris Gill, may not completely encapsulate segregation in pre and postBrown v. Board Maryland and Baltimore, but it is part of a chorus of contemporary voices that offer a new critique of Baltimore race relations then and now. Gill is joined with other Black educators, authors and a federal judge, in a new documentary that premiered Feb. 16 at Towson University’s Stephens Hall Theatre. “Voices of Baltimore: Life Under Segregation” is a joint venture of three Towson University professors, co-directed and co-produced by Drs. Gary A. Homana, Morna McDermott McNulty, and Franklin CampbellJones. Homana, the executive producer was inspired to begin the project after a classroom visit by Evelyn J. Chatmon, the first Black woman Assistant Superintendent for Baltimore County Schools. “She was talking about her life growing up under Jim Crow in Baltimore,” Homana told the {AFRO}. “I left that classroom, that hour, just with this striking sense of power in her story, that really touched my being. It was really transformational. I had this realization that these were stories of people who were in their 80s, that lived through this and they needed to be preserved and archived.” Divided into four acts, the documentary follows its subjects as they are enlisted to integrate schools or stage sit-ins in Baltimore businesses. It then explores the unique qualities of Baltimore’s block-by-block segregation. It compares the ubiquities of Black balconies and “colored” entrances in the Deep South to Whites only establishments of urban centers like Baltimore. Treopia Green Washington had “a Jim Crow experience

(Photo by J. K. Schmid)

From left to right: “Voices of Segregatio “ co-producers and co-directors Gary A. Homana, Morna McDermott McNulty and Franklin CampbellJones. in Baltimore that I never had in Little Rock,” she said in the film. Washington is the sister of Ernest Green, one of the Little Rock Nine and is currently Director of Special Initiatives, College of Education, Bowie State University, where another screening will be held. The subjects then look back on their individual drive and the demands of the community that they excel. Lastly, the documentary evaluates the conditions of Baltimore schools now compared to what was and what could have been. The film does not advocate much in terms of new policy, but documents the mishandled and incomplete project of integration. One subject, Robert M. Bell, the named litigant in Bell

SPORTS

AFRO Sports Faceoff

Should the NBA Change its Playoff Format? By Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley Special to the AFRO In an interview at the recent NBA All-Star festivities in Los Angeles, NBA commissioner Adam Silver hinted at potentially changing the league’s playoff system. “[I] would like to have a format where (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) your two best teams are NBA commissioner Adam Silver hinted at potentially ultimately going to meet changing the league’s playoff system. Should he? in the Finals,” Silver told reporters. “You could have about at least one more ring for the a situation where the top two teams in Warriors or the Spurs. Considering James the league are meeting in the Conference is winding down his career, his potential finals. We’re going to continue to look at departure from the East could collapse the that.” conference. In recent years, the league’s top Neither Washington, Boston, Toronto two teams have typically met in the nor Milwaukee are equipped to beat the Western Conference Finals, prompting Warriors in a seven-game series, given the many to declare that the winner of that way those teams are constructed. Even series would win the title. The Eastern James and the rest of the Cleveland roster Conference has taken a backseat to the might not be ready for another round Western since the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the Warriors after last year’s Finals dissolved with the exodus of Michael thrashing. Golden State has staying power, Jordan and Scottie Pippen after the 1998 as does the rest of the West. Silver could season. The San Antonio Spurs, Los be onto something. Angeles Lakers and now Golden State Warriors have combined to win 12 titles Green: The classic East vs. West since 1999. clashes are what the NBA has thrived Does Silver’s suggestion make sense? on for the past few decades. Series such Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the as Boston vs. Los Angeles and even AFRO Sports Desk debate. Cleveland vs. Golden State have brought in millions in revenue and captured fans Riley: The sooner Silver can get this across the country. approved, the better it would be for the Grouping conferences and divisions NBA. The West is loaded and has been and reshuffling the playoff pool could that way for over a decade now. If not jeopardize those memorable matches. for LeBron James, we might be talking Silver wants to make the playoffs more

v. Maryland, and former Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals, gets at part of the institutional failure of desegregation when he reflects that his case prevailed on procedural grounds, rather than on the merits. Chatmon expounded on this idea in a panel discussion after the film, when describing how she might have improved upon the integration/desegregation process, specifically addressing the prejudices and biases of White teachers. “I would have ensured that they themselves had a good background in what slavery and Reconstruction and Jim Crow were all about,” Chatmon said. “I would have explored what their myths were about Black people… Because remember, when you are bombarded with the mythology that Black people are stupid and lazy and dumb, even the best of us, some of that goes into our DNA almost.” McNulty told the {AFRO} the work was meant to foster conversation rather than advocate for particular action. During the panel discussion after the screening, audience members engaged directly with the film and its subjects. One Towson student expressed regret at being “coddled” with a narrative of peaceful struggle for Black rights and expressed regret that issues of White violence and Black self defense were seemingly suppressed. Another audience member reached out directly to the panel for advice on how to progress. A third lamented the dissolution of Black communities to facilitate integration. “[Teachers] are coming from the suburbs and they don’t know our children,” she said. “And I think to a degree, segregation was pretty good. Because you had people that were in the church, you had your beauticians, you had your morticians, it was not equal, but Baltimore had so much to be proud of.” No wide release date has been set to date, but the producers plan to ultimately release the film on streaming services and for free.

Tavis Smiley Sues PBS for Breach of Conduct By The Associated Press Talk-show host Tavis Smiley is suing his former employer, the Public Broadcasting Service, for breach of contract after he was fired over sexual harassment allegations. The Washington Post reports that the lawsuit was filed Tuesday in D.C. Superior Court against PBS, based in the Washington suburb of Arlington, Virginia. PBS fired Smiley in December after it said (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP) it received multiple, Tavis Smiley is suing PBS after it fired him over sexual credible allegations of harassment allegations. workplace misconduct by Smiley on his eponymous late-night interview show. Smiley has acknowledged having romantic relationships with colleagues over his career, but says they were consensual. PBS called Smiley’s lawsuit meritless and an effort to distract the public from his misconduct. Smiley, who is African-American, contends in the lawsuit that racial bias contributed to his dismissal.

competitive, but the NBA has always been short on parity. Once one dominant franchise emerges and the contracts line up, then that franchise will typically run off numerous titles. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Riley: It’s not the 1980s anymore—who cares about the East vs. West tradition? Los Angeles/Boston was the ultimate clash of coasts. But aside from a brief return when Kobe Bryant faced the “Big Three” in Boston, that series has fallen a long way since the days of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Fans want to see the two best teams go at it for all the marbles and they’ve been deprived of that over the past few seasons. Watching LeBron run through the Eastern playoffs, sweeping the likes of so-so teams such as Atlanta, Toronto and Washington, just isn’t fun. The Western Conference has traditionally been a tough postseason gantlet. If we can take some of those teams and sprinkle them across the overall playoff pot, that makes for a much better picture then the one we’ve been looking at. Green: Even Golden State and the stronger San Antonio Spurs teams of seasons past swept through the West with relative ease on their way to the Finals. The 2000 Lakers didn’t lose their first playoff game until Game One of the Finals against Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s won’t matter if they reshuffle the playoff pool if there are still a few dominant teams running through everybody. Silver can tinker all he wants, but if this is just about Golden State then he’s wasting his time. If this was about the Lakers 18 years ago, he would have been wasting his time then, too. If there’s a dynasty in the making, all of this is much ado about nothing. Keep it simple, Silver.

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY-AREA Simpson Pushes on as District 24 Delegate Hopeful By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com A student at the University of Maryland School of Law and president of a political group wants to move from behind the scenes to elected office. Maurice Simpson, the president of the Prince George’s County Young Democrats, has been active in county politics for a number of years. First, he must do well enough in the Democratic primary on June 26 to get on the ballot for the Nov. 6 general election. Simpson told the AFRO he’s ready for the challenge. “Our campaign is going very, very well,” Simpson said. “Our campaign is strong and we are working very hard. As we travel across the district, we are getting great responses.”

Courtesy Photo

Maurice Simpson is a candidate for the District 24 delegate.

Simpson is an evening student at the University of Maryland School of Law and works professionally for the Prince George’s County Council, the legislative body of the county. The 24th legislative District is located in the central western part of the county, bordering the District of Columbia’s Northeast and Southeast

Off-Duty Prince George’s County Officer Killed By Hamil R. Harris Special to the AFRO

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker and the commanders of a grieving police department are all expressing their condolences over the death of Corporal Mujahid Ramzziddin who was killed after he responded to the aid of a neighbor who was embroiled in a domestic dispute not far from his home in Brandywine. Corporal Ramzziddin was a 15-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department. He served as a detective. Before joining the force he was a member of the Metropolitan Police Department for five years. He was also a member of the DC Air National Guard and served in the United States Marine Corp. “The murder of Prince George’s County police officer Corporal Mujahid Courtesy Photo Ramzziddin in the line of Corporal Mujahid Ramzziddin duty today is an unspeakable tragedy,” said Governor Hogan. “The First Lady him for help.” and I are praying for his “With broken hearts we are announcing that one of our family, loved ones, and the department during this difficult officers was shot and killed today,” the Prince George’s time. Corporal Ramzziddin was a military veteran and a Police Department announced in a tweet shortly after noon. distinguished law enforcement officer who made the ultimate “The brave officer was shot while stepping into protect a sacrifice in defense of his neighbors and community. His woman threatened in a domestic situation. Please keep his memory and service will never be forgotten.” family and our department in Investigators say your prayers,” police said in a Ramzziddin was fatally statement. shot by a man wielding Governor Hogan went a shotgun in the 15000 onto say, “I have extended block of Chadsey Lane in my full support to County Brandywine. Police Chief Executive Rushern Baker, Hank Stawinski said told Police Chief Hank Stawinski, reporters during a briefing and all of the dedicated men that Ramzziddin was killed and women of the Prince around 10:15 a.m. “He stood George’s County Police his ground to defend the life – Governor Hogan Continued on D3 of the individual who asked

“Corporal Ramzziddin was a military veteran and a distinguished law enforcement officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his neighbors and community.”

By Byron Scott Special to the AFRO Hoping to tap into voter rich Baltimore City, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, has named a Charm City native to be his running mate. She is 40 year old Elizabeth Embry. The City College, Yale and Columbia Law School graduate attended the public school of Baltimore. She’s a former prosecutor and Deputy State’s Attorney for Baltimore and headed the criminal division in Maryland Attorney General’s office. In 2016 she ran to

Courtesy Photo

County Executive, Rushern L. Baker III chose Elizabeth Embry for his gubernatorial campaign.

be mayor of Baltimore, a contest she lost to Catherine Pugh. Baker told a crowd of supporters at The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore on Continued on D2

By Bruce Branch Special to the AFRO

– Faye Howell

Continued on D2

Baker Picks Embry as Running Mate

New Human Rights Commissioner Wants To Make Mental Health a Priority

“I know Maurice is interested in politics and he is good at it.” quadrants. The district starts on the outskirts of Bowie to the north and snakes southward to Mitchellville, Largo, Landover, Lake Arbor, Woodmore, Seat Pleasant, Capitol Heights, Coral Hills, Suitland, and Hillcrest Heights. The

Race for Governor

Courtesy Photo

Prince George’s County Human Rights Commissioner, Johnathan Medlock is working diligently to make a difference in his post, particularly focusing on discrimination and mental health.

New Prince George’s County Human Rights Commissioner Johnathan Medlock has been on the job for no more than six months, but he is already working to make a difference for the official organization charged with dealing with rights and discrimination. A commissioner in District Heights, Md. Medlock said the Human Rights Commission (HRC), where he is one of 13-members, offers him the perfect platform to advocate and make changes in the law, particularly mental health, which has become a nationwide topic following the shootings in Lakewood, Fla. “Prior to becoming Continued on D3

University of Maryland wide receiver, D.J. Moore, who will be participating in the upcoming 2018 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Photo by Daniel Kucin Jr.

UMD Wide Receiver, D.J. Moore, Will Attend NFL Combine By Dainel Kucin Jr. Special to the AFRO University of Maryland wide receiver D.J. Moore will participate in the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The combine

will take place on Feb. 27 through March 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium with network coverage from The NFL Network and NFL.com. Moore had a remarkable junior campaign for the Terrapins accounting for

80 receptions, 1,033 yards receiving and he hauled in eight touchdowns leading him to First Team All-Big Ten honors and won the Richter-Howard Big Ten Receiver of the Year award. Moore had his best Continued on D3

The Afro-American, February 24, 2018 - March 2, 2018

Prince George’s H.S. Basketball

Bowie High Ends Season with Win Streak By Daniel Kucin Jr. Special to the AFRO Bowie High School (13-7), (Bowie, Md.) finished the regular season on an eight-game win streak after taking down Beltsville, Md.based High Point High School 81-58 on Feb. 15. Bulldogs senior guard Isaiah Burke had 19 points while junior guard Jordan Harris pitched in with 12 points to help lead their team to victory. Upper Marlboro-based Frederick Douglass High School (14-5) took down Largo High School (Largo, Md.) 61-52 on Feb. 16. Frederick Douglass senior guard Eric Isler led the Eagles in scoring with 20 points against the Lions. Eagles sophomore guard Darnell Snowden dropped 15 points and senior power forward Jabraun Shingler scored 11 points. Eleanor Roosevelt High School (15-5) located in Greenbelt, Md. closed out the regular

season on a five-game win streak after cruising to a 31-point victory (63-32) over Riverdale, Md.-based Parkdale High School on Feb. 15. Eleanor Roosevelt junior guard Cameron Brown led the way with 13 points while senior center Miles Allen scored in double-figures as well with 10 points. Raiders senior combo guard Jaden Faulkner pitched in nine points. Oxon Hill, Md.-based Potomac High School (20-2) took down Gwynn Park High School located in Brandywine, Md. 90-68 on Feb. 15. The Wolverines had four players score in double-figures. Senior point guard Jason Newman led his team in scoring with 19 points and accounted for 10 assists and four rebounds. Senior forward Emmanuel Doby and senior guard Isaiah Funderburk scored 18 points respectively while senior forward Kevin Mallet chipped in with 10 points. Fort Washington, Md.-based National Christian Academy (14-9) defeated Riverdale Baptist School located in Upper Marlboro, Md.

65-60 on Feb. 16. National Christian junior guard Ihsan Khan led his team in scoring with 20 points while junior forward Tyrae Washington scored 16 points. Freshman guard Jakai Robinson, who leads National Christian in scoring with more than 19 points per game, accounted for 13 points. Fairmont Heights High School (184) located in Capitol Heights, Md. is on a roll after taking down Clinton, Md.-based Surrattsville High School 75-52 on Feb. 15. The Hornets also dominated Gwynn Park High School located in Brandywine, Md. 90-68 on Feb. 13. Fairmont Heights is 13-1 in their conference and are led by senior guards Kimani Benjamin and Darren Lucas-White who are each averaging over 17 points per game. The Hornets will have an opportunity to play for the Prince George’s County Championship at Photo by Daniel Kucin Jr. Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro on Feb. 22 against the Pumas (18-4). Bowie High School coach, Tremaine Price.

Baker

Continued from B1

Tuesday that Embry stood out among the other candidates he interviewed; noting her like mindedness. Baker said he had seen Embry on television talking about education. “And the more I listened to her,” Baker said, “the more it sounded like the way I talk about changing the education system in Prince George’s County. “ Baker becomes the 5th gubernatorial candidate to select a woman as his Lieutenant Governor. Two years ago, Embry ran for Mayor of Baltimore and did well. A poll conducted four months before April primary had her support at just 5%. However, when all was said and done, she finished third in a very crowded field of 13. During his two terms as county executive, Baker has focused on education, public safety, health care and economic development, many of the things Embry said she is passionate about. “Within 5 minutes, of hearing her talk, I knew this is the person, not only that I wanted to run with, but this is the person I would vote for. And that was the most important

“I knew this is the person, not only that I wanted to run with, but this is the person I would vote for. And that was the most important thing to me.” –Rushern L. Baker III thing to me.” Embry had high praise for the man she introduced as the next governor of the State of Maryland. “From pushing through meaningful ethics reform, to cutting crime to the lowest levels in 30 years and leading the state in job growth…Rushern Baker as, county executive, has led a transformation Prince George’s County.” Whether he can replicate

those successes across Maryland and the state’s largest city remains to be seen. Burst pipes and busted boilers led to school closures during frigid weather in January. The police department is mired in controversy for a host of misdeeds by members of the elite gun task force. Eight officers now face sentencing for crimes that included selling drugs, making illegal arrests, and stealing guns, cash and jewelry. The Baker/Embry team will have its work cut out for it. First they have to get past seven other democrats who think they have the right stuff to be Governor. Nonetheless, for team Baker, there is good news. A Gonzales Research & Media Service poll gave him a 10 point edge over his nearest competitors. Then there’s the incumbent, Republican Governor Larry Hogan and the recently conducted Goucher poll which found that 61 percent of Marylanders approve of the job he’s doing. To that, Baker said, “I don’t need to do a poll, what we need to do is make sure men and women in this city and throughout this state have a great quality of life and that’s we’re going to do and that’s the message we’re going to take around the state.”

Simpson

Continued from D1

district is 85.2 percent Black, according to the 2010 census. It is represented in the Maryland State Senate by Joanne Benson and in the House of Delegates by Carolyn J.B. Howard, Erek Barron and Jazz Lewis, all Democrats. Howard is retiring from the House this year and Barron is running for re-election. Lewis was selected as a delegate by the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee in Jan. 2017 to take the place of then delegate Michael Vaughn, who left the legislature due to what he said were health reasons, but he was also embroiled in a bribery scandal. When a delegate or a senator leaves office before their term is finished, Maryland law states the county’s central committee of the leaving member’s party decides who will serve the remainder of the term. A simple majority is needed to secure the seat. The name is sent to the governor and, by tradition, the governor makes the appointment without controversy. Lewis competed primarily with Simpson for the chance to fill out Vaughn’s term and Lewis got the small majority of votes to become the new delegate. Lewis is running for re-election and he is a protégé of Benson. It is expected that Benson, Lewis and Barron will form a slate since they are political allies. On their slate, that leaves room for one person but Simpson said he isn’t focused on trying to be with them at this time. “I am on no one’s slate,” Simpson said. “I am focusing on building my campaign and sharing my views with district voters.” One hurdle to being on the Benson slate is the 2016 race for the U.S. Senate. Benson supported present U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Lewis and Barron went along. However, Simpson was for U.S. Senate hopeful and U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.), who lost in the Democratic primary to Van Hollen. “While Sen. Benson supported Van Hollen, Edwards got about 80-90 percent of precincts in District 24,” he said. Simpson hopes to get the 2016 Edwards voters and more, and that should put him in the top three in the Democratic primary. Edwards, who is running for county executive, has not formally endorsed anyone for the District 24 delegates positions at AFRO press time. As he travels the district, Simpson hears one consistent message from the voters. “Voters tell me that they want a change in leadership,” he said. “They are tired of business as usual. They also want to improve the county’s education system and are tired of false promises.” Simpson believes in bail reform, a woman’s right to choose when it comes to abortion, expanding Obamacare to cover all uninsured Marylanders at reasonable costs, equal pay for equal work, supporting a living wage, and reasonable gun safety laws that protect Marylanders Second Amendment rights to have guns but wants measures to make sure that criminals and the mentally unstable don’t have access to firearms. In addition to Barron and Lewis, Simpson will compete for one of the three delegate positions with Seat Pleasant entrepreneur LaTasha Ward, Prince George’s County Council member Andrea Harrison (D-District 5), Capitol Heights Mayor Marnitta King, and political activists Delano Miller, Michelle R. Wright, and Joyce Starks in the Democratic primary. Faye Howell is the president of the Tri-City Civic Association that is based in the unincorporated residential areas near Landover and Seat Pleasant. Howell told the {AFRO} she is impressed with Simpson. “I know Maurice is interested in politics and he is good at it,” Howell said. “I am aware that he is running for delegate and that race has a lot of good candidates.” While Howell didn’t endorse Simpson, she said “he should do well.”

February 24, 2018 - March 2, 2018, The Afro-American

Human Rights Commissioner Continued from D1

an elected official, I was always involved in community engagement, education and empowerment, and I continued to work in the community once elected as a Commissioner of District Heights,” Medlock told the AFRO. “As the civil rights arm for Prince George’s County, the Human Relations Commission offered a platform for me to be on the front line, supporting not only my residents in District Heights, but also the residents of Prince George’s County. With the current civic climate in our nation, it was important to me that I demonstrated that I care about issues that hurt my community,” Medlock said. Medlock told the AFRO that he has a very simple, but important bucket list. He wants to champion issues related to mental health services and is committed to working with state officials to increase support services for psychiatric patients. “We will also work with the State’s Attorney’s office to ensure that people experiencing mental health crises are treated like patients in

“We will also work with the State’s Attorney’s office to ensure that people experiencing mental health crises are treated like patients in need of care and compassion instead of merely as offenders.” –Johnathan Medlock need of care and compassion instead of merely as offenders,” Medlock told the AFRO. “I also want to continue efforts to ban the box [in Prince George’s County] that negatively impact people with criminal

Officer

Continued from B1

Department as they mourn their fallen fellow officer. The state is standing by to offer any assistance needed to Prince George’s County as they investigate this terrible and senseless crime.” Ramzzidin was a husband and father of four. He also received a valor award.

backgrounds who desire to be contributing members of society. The box on application forms open a door for discriminatory hiring that negatively impacts the individual and the community at large,” he said. Medlock said he will bring the same passion to his new job as he had with civic engagement where he supports a variety of causes, including, but not limited to supporting victims of domestic violence or helping to organize the “Feed the Hood Program,” with National Black Front, District Heights Civic Coalition, District Heights Community Education Advocates, District Heights Citizen Action Patrol and is a member of 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County. He also serves at the Board of Directors Chairman for the Brave Heart Entrepreneurial Youth Camp (BEYC) and for the past seven years has served as mentor to African American boys in need of strong male role models. Medlock also is a member of the Maryland Municipal League, National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and Blacks in Government.

Moore

Continued from D1 performance last year against Northwestern University when he secured 12 receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns on Oct. 14. During his three-year stint at Maryland, Moore had 147 receptions, 2,027 yards, 17 receiving touchdowns and a rushing touchdown as well.

and down. Whether he’s caught 10 passes in a game or caught one, he’s the same guy. Whether up or down, whatever is going on, he’s the same guy,” Durkin said. “That speaks to the type of player, type of person D.J. is. He’s accountable. You know what you’re going to get from

“He works, nothing affects him, doesn’t say much, doesn’t get up and down.” – Coach D.J. Durkin “He’s so consistent,” University of Maryland Head Coach D.J. Durkin said of Moore. “He works, nothing affects him, doesn’t say much, doesn’t get up

him every day,” Maryland’s Head Coach said. On-field workouts for Moore will be on Saturday, March 3 and the 2018 NFL Draft is set for April 26-28

in Arlington, Texas where Moore hopes to garner some attention from his performance in front of NFL scouts at the combine. The DC Touchdown Club will honor Moore as the Washington Metro College Player of the Year. He is the first wide receiver and the third Maryland player to win the prestigious honor. Moore is slated to receive his award during the sixth annual 3M Awards Dinner, which will be held on Thursday, April 12, in Bethesda, Md. “The D.C. area annually produces some of the top players in the nation and this year is no different,” DC Touchdown Club Executive Director Steve Beck said. “We are thrilled to honor D.J. Moore as he begins the next step of his football journey.”

The Afro-American, February 24, 2018 - March 2, 2018

he 2018 BEYA STEM Global Competiveness Conference was held Feb. 8 -10 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Northwest, Washington, DC. Major events held during the conference included workshops and seminars, a career fair, HBCU Engineering Dean’s Breakfast, high school students mentoring sessions, a Stars and Stripes Dinner with heavy military participation from the senior leadership of the Armed Forces, and the closing event, the BEYA Gala. The 2018 Black Engineer of the Year Award was presented to Alicia Boler Davis, EVP, Global Manufacturing, General Motors. Allison Seymour of FOX5 News was the emcee.

Lt. Joclyn McCaw, Brig. Gen.(Ret.) Earl Simms and Brig. Gen.(Ret.) Velma Richardson

Photos by Rob Roberts

Vice ADM(Ret.) Walter Davis, GEN(Ret.) Johnnie Wilson, GEN James McConville, Vice Chief of Staff of the US Army, Mrs. Wins, Maj. Gen. Cederic Wins, recipient of the Stars and Stripes Award and Brig. Gen.(Ret.) Velma Richardson

Lt. Alicia Johnson, Lt. Gen (Ret.) William “Kip” Ward and Maj. Sherida Whindleton

Host Committee welcome by Vice ADM (Ret.) Walter Davis, Chair, BEYA Stars and Stripes National Military Alumni Vice ADM(Ret.) Walter Davis, GEN(Ret.) Johnnie Wilson, Sgt. Major of the U.S. Army, Daniel Dailey, Sgt. First Class Rucker, Sgt. First Class Kevin Lindquist, recipient of the Non-commissioned Officer Stars and Stripes Award and Brig. Gen.(Ret.) Velma Richardson

Veronica Johnson, WJLA-TV, Dwight Weems and Shamia Holloway GEN(Ret.) Johnnie Wilson(left) and GEN(Ret.) Lloyd Austin(right) presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Joseph Anderson, Chairman/CEO, TAG Holdings, LLC

GEN(Ret.) Johnnie Wilson, Vice ADM(Ret.) Walter Davis, Mrs. Calhoun, Maj. Gen. Phillip Calhoun, recipient of the US National Guard Bureau Award, Brig. Gen.(Ret.) Velma Richardson and GEN Joseph Lengyel, Chair, National Guard Bureau

Allison Seymour, Good Day DC Morning Anchor, FOX5 News, emcee

Brig. Gen.(Ret.) Ronald Johnson and Veronica Johnson, WJLA-TV/ABC 7 News, the emcees Karoom Brown, SVP, Business Development and Strategy, Leidos receives the Technical Sales and Marketing Award presented by Roger Krone, CEO, Leidos

Dr. Charles Johnson-Bey, Director, Engineering and Technology Cyber Center of Excellence, Lockheed Martin Corporation receives the Career Achievement in Industry Award from Stephanie Hill, SVP of Corporate Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin Corporation

Steven Brown, President, Dreams, Imagination and Gift Development, General Electric receives the Community Service in Industry Award from Theresa Peterson, General Electric

Remarks by Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, President, BEYA Alumni Group Singing of the National Anthem

Entertainment for the gala guests: A scene from the play, “Hamilton”

The audience

Jose Thomas, SVP, General Motors Global Human Resources(left) and Linda Gooden, EVP, Lockheed Martin Corporation(Ret.) presenting the 2018 Black Engineer of the Year Award to Alicia Bolar Davis, EVP, Global Manufacturing, General Motors

Presentation of Colors by the Joint Color Guard

Marillyn Hewson, Chairman, President and CEO, the Lockheed Martin Corporation was the BEYA conference co-host

GEN.(Ret.) Lloyd Austin(center) and Pat Locke(2nd from the right), with some West Point Cadets

Career mentoring sessions with high school students at the BEYA Conference

Pat Locke and Charlene Austin