Prince Georges Afro American Newspaper january 27 2015 by AFRO News

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDITION

Volume 123 No. 24

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Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A3

JANUARY 17, 2015 - JANUARY 23, 2015

Prince George’s Lawmakers Prepare to Tackle Priorities in General Assembly By James Wright Special to the AFRO

AFRO Series

What is America’s Racial Digital Divide? By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO African Americans connect to the Internet, and have broadband access in their homes at lower rates than their White counterparts, according to the Pew Research Center. Diversity numbers for the nation’s largest tech firms are woefully inadequate, with Blacks in particular making up only one percent of those employed in tech positions at Facebook, Google, and Twitter; and no more than six percent at Apple, Microsoft and Ebay. Only 14 percent of African-American eighth graders score at or above proficient in math, compared to 44 percent of Whites, according to a report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. While these numbers are troubling, there is some evidence to suggest that

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this “digital divide”—the racial gap in access to and proficiency in digital technology and related areas—could close over time. Pew has found that Internet connected smartphone ownership among Blacks and Whites is roughly the same, and that younger African Americans (ages 1829) utilize social media at somewhat higher rates than Whites in the same age group. Those numbers are only cause for hope, however, if tech companies, and the country as a whole, are putting themselves in a position to take advantage of such developments. The AFRO is presenting a four-part series addressing the digital divide in America. Among the topics covered will be net neutrality; employment diversity in Silicon Valley; funding for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education efforts; and the way the discriminatory practice of redlining has made the digital divide worse in parts of the country. With this series, the reader will have a focused look at the current state of the digital divide and the challenges it presents. Each challenge, however, is also a locus of opportunity, an arena in which Continued on A6

The Prince George’s County House of Delegates contingent has new leaders and a plate full of priorities as it settles into the recently convened Maryland General Assembly session. Del. Jay Walker (D-District 26) was elected chairman of the House delegation in December 2014. Walker said he is ready to go to work. “We have a lot of bright minds and energetic people looking to move things forward,” Walker said. “I think the delegates Del. Jay Walker is the will do a very good job. I look chairman of the Prince forward to working together.” George’s County House Other officers elected Delegation. with Walker were Delegates Geraldine Valentino-Smith (D-District 23A) and Michael Vaughn (D-District 24) as first vice chair and second vice chair, respectively. The officers will

serve two-year terms. Walker and his 22 colleagues represent 890,000 Prince George’s County residents in the House, the second largest delegation to the state capital. Leading the county’s eight senators in Annapolis is Douglas J.J. Peters, a Democrat representing District 23. Sen. Thomas “Mike” Miller (D-District 27) is the president of the senate and is the longest serving presiding officer of a legislative body in the country. While equal in authority, the House delegation tends to lead on county legislative matters because it has more members. The Assembly is the state’s legislative body and consists of 47 senators and 141 members of the House of Delegates. The Assembly convened on Jan. 14 at the State House in Annapolis and will meet for 90 calendar days to pass bills – particularly the state’s budget – and monitor the activity of state agencies and perform ceremonial duties. The new delegates include former county sheriff Michael A. Jackson, former Prince George’s County Council members Will Campos and Tony Knotts, and civic activist Daryl Barnes. Vaughn, who has served in the House since 2003, said that the delegation will work to maintain the state’s level of funding to the county. “We have high-ticket items that need to be taken care of,” Vaughn said. “We want to make sure that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Continued on A4

NAMI Brings Mental Health Awareness to Black Community By Christina Sturdivant Special to the AFRO

Photo by Hamzat Sani

Representatives from the National Alliance of Mental Illness’s Prince George’s County, Md. participte in the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo.

The D.C. region had its first big check-up of the year at the 2015 NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo, Jan. 10 and 11 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. For the first time, the expo’s focus extended to include resources for mental health. For decades, the Black community has held a common consensus on the topic: Blacks don’t suffer from mental illnesses. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Continued on A5

Commentary

From 12 Years a Slave to Selma to Obama

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racism is tolerated, if not perpetuated, by our government in 2015. The intergenerational pain continues to flow The movie 12 Years a Slave rather uninterrupted from slavery to Jim Crow brutally reminded us not only of the and from Selma to Obama. raping, lynching and public lashing our President Obama often speaks of ancestors suffered, but also of the sheer “the most evident of truths - that all of humiliation of being stripped naked us are created equal - is the star that in public that they endured. America’s guides us still.” I am here to tell the revered creed - the self evident truth President that at the World Bank, the – Dr. E. Faye Williams third largest employer in our nation’s that all men are created equal - did not apply to them. “A Black man has no capital, African Americans are reminded rights a White man is bound to respect” daily that his high-minded words lack was the law of the land as established by moral resolve behind them. The World the U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney in the Bank, where Blacks are seen as mere numbers without landmark 1857 Dred Scott case. human dignity and rights, serves as a metaphor for our Coming on the heels of 12 Years a Slave, another movie, government’s lack of moral resolve to show zero tolerance Selma, took us back down the memory lane of recent past for institutional racism. of what our parents suffered. We are barely two generations Dr. E. Faye Williams, chair of the National Congress for Black Women, highlighted in a recent article: “A simple removed from the daily humiliation of institutional racism, not to mention the physical attacks by cattle prods and police Google search will confirm the breathtaking racial injustice [in the World Bank], producing several pages of [citations dogs. The lesson we draw from the two movies is not how of] articles with shocking titles that seem to describe another far America has come in exorcising its racial evil, but the era or a faraway place. The Rev. Jesse Jackson’s column institutional racism its Black citizens suffer still. in the Chicago Sun Times entitled ‘Apartheid Avenue two Some would want us to focus on the progress made, not Blocks from the White House’ is one example. ‘World Bank on the continued breach of America’s allegiance to racial puts Blacks at the Back of Bus’ is another. For those who equality and justice. The needle on the Richter scale of prefer French or Spanish there are ‘Apartheid á la Banque racial injustice has undoubtedly moved down progressively, but that is not the issue. The issue is that institutional Mondiale’ and ‘Discriminación racial en el Banco Mundial’ By Marie Brown Special to the AFRO

“A simple Google search will confirm the breathtaking racial injustice in the World Bank…”

Continued on A5

The march on Jan. 15 is being organized by the Rev. Dr. Heber Brown (top) and Farajii Muhammad.

Coalition to March on Annapolis for Law Enforcement Reforms

By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO

A large coalition of advocacy organizations will march on Annapolis this week, the first week of the legislative session, to demand changes to state laws they believe insulate police from accountability and impede operational transparency Continued on A5

The Afro-American, January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015

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NATION & WORLD Columbia Journalism Review Crowns CNN Anchor Don Lemon “Worst Journalist of 2014”

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held on $1.5 million bond. The Florida Department of Children and Families is providing counseling for the girl, who is in the custody of her family, and is investigating how the two met in the first place. “Our focus is helping the child. It’s not just the abuse that is heinous, but you’re also concerned about the long term effects that can linger many years after the scars go away,” John Harrell, a spokesman for the department told WFOX-TV.

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The Columbia Journalism Review recently named CNN anchor Don Lemon the “Worst Journalist of 2014.” CNN news anchor Don Lemon recently received a dubious honor when he was named the “worst journalist of 2014” in the Columbia Journalism Review’s “recap of this year’s most cringe worthy news blunders.” In its “Darts & Laurels” section of the magazine, authored by David Uberti, Lemon was blasted for a series of questionable and controversial choices. Uberti cited, among other examples, the questions Lemon posed during an interview with an alleged Bill Cosby rape victim and the comments he made while covering the Ferguson, Mo. protests, writing that “Lemon’s gaffes this year offer a case study in how to choose words wisely — or not.” Uberti wrote: “As one of the most recognizable anchors on CNN, Don Lemon has helped lead the cable network’s coverage of the biggest stories of the year. Live television is exceedingly difficult to produce, of course, but Lemon’s gaffes this year offer a case study in how to choose words wisely — or not. On March 20, he asked guests whether Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 could have been swallowed by a black hole: “I know it’s preposterous, but is it preposterous?” He later compared spanking children to training dogs and probed similarities between the release of US Army POW Bowe Bergdahl and the Showtime series Homeland. When an alleged Bill Cosby rape victim appeared on his show on Nov. 18, he lectured, “You know, there are ways not to perform oral sex if you didn’t want to do it…Meaning the use of teeth, right?” Less than a week later, as protests turned violent in Ferguson, MO, he described the scene: “Obviously, there’s a smell of marijuana in the air.” Lemon’s job isn’t easy. But he’s earned a DART for going there. Obviously.”

Whites more often attribute negative stereotypes to the label “Black” than they do to the label “African American,” according to a recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. Whites also associate less warmth, and lower socioeconomic status with the label “Black” than with “African American.” The study, conducted by Erika Hall, Katherine Phillips, and Sarah Townsend, asked 106 White participants to assign each of 75 attributes to the labels “Black,” “African American,” “White,” and “Caucasian” in order to determine their stereotype content—that is, what traits participants stereotypically associated with each label. According to the study, “participants perceived the racial label Black more negatively than the racial label AfricanAmerican.” The study also found that Whites attribute less warmth to the label “Black,” but that they attribute similar levels of warmness to the labels “White” and “AfricanAmerican.” The researchers also tested the stereotype content of the label “Caucasian” to attempt to determine whether the difference in how Whites perceive the various labels was a function of a preference for non-color based labels. The participants generally attributed similar traits to the labels “White” and “Caucasian,” however, indicating that any negativity associated with the label “Black” was not driven by a more general distaste for color based labels versus non-color based labels. “The choice of commonplace racial labels can have profound effects on the expression of prejudice in the United States,” the study’s authors wrote. “Although the terms African-American and Black are used synonymously, our work indicates that the label used to identify an [American of African Descent] can have material consequences for that person.” “The same individual is perceived differently if he is labeled African-American instead of Black, and this may lead to bias in criminal, educational, and employment spheres,” they continued. “Thus, counter to Shakespeare’s statement, a rose, by any other name, does not smell as sweet.”

60-Yr.-Old Florida Man Accused of Impregnating 12-Yr.Old Girl

Judge Could Rule in King Heirs Dispute Over MLK Bible and Noble Medal Walter Lewis Johnson was charged with three counts of sexual battery. A Florida man has been arrested after police said he allegedly impregnated a 12-year-old girl. According to WFOX, Jacksonville’s local Fox affiliate, Walter Lewis Johnson is charged with three counts of sexual battery on a person under the age of 18. The 12-year-old girl told police that Johnson was the man responsible for getting her pregnant, and a pregnancy test taken Dec. 31 confirmed that she was expecting. The minor told police that Johnson performed a variety of sex acts on her, according to the television station; police believe she conceived in early October. After finding out that the girl was pregnant, Johnson called 911 and threatened to commit suicide, WFOX-TV reported. He subsequently denied having any sexual contact with the girl, and was taken to a Duval County, Fla. prison, where he is being

Veronica Smith Donate these items to the Smithsonian where they will be properly preserved with the stipulation that future heirs will retain the rights to the items at a certain age. Laura Harrison Such a shameful situation that has brought out the worst in a family that should be exhibiting the best of both parents. Shameful. Steven Bryant Whichever way the judge rules it is too bad the dispute got to this level. Personally from what I understand, I agree with Bernice. These items should not be sold. 2 Tuskegee Airmen Die in Los Angeles at 91 on the Same Day Earl Scott David Thank God, for the example that he has given us as a people through the work dedication and determination of these two men and others like them. They left us a very impressive example overcoming the hardships of life as a Black in America. Dexter B. Reid Recognition is due. Thank you or your service and sacrifice. Fly on! Trina Fuller Thank you for blazing the way for the younger generation and thank you for your service.

January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015, The Afro-American

Baltimore’s Civil Rights Elders Reflect on Martin Luther King Jr., Voting Rights By Roberto Alejandro Special to the AFRO Living for justice even in the face of imminent death is Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy and example, say a number of Baltimore’s prominent civil rights elders. This year will mark the 50th anniversary of King’s famous march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., and the Voting Rights Act (VRA) it helped spur into law. But these elders, who started their activism in the ‘60s and have continued the fight since, say more must be done to take advantage of the franchise so many gave their lives to earn. Leo Burroughs, chairperson of the Community of Concerned Citizens in Baltimore City, was a member of the Baltimore chapter of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee when the civil rights organization had its regional meeting in Baltimore in April 1964. “What I was most impressed about Dr. King . . . I was impressed with his sense of humor. Aside from the fact that he was brilliant and committed, and a brilliant orator – because he spoke that day at that conference – was the fact that he was a regular guy, down to earth, and really a lot of fun. . . . But again, the man sacrificed his life, as have others, in the fight for justice and liberation in America,” Burroughs said.

“I think not only did he do it, but it was clear that he knew that his days were numbered,” Cheatham continued. “But he still saw fit to give his life and speak truth to power, to challenge people to do better, and be willing to lose his life and to lose his health because he was fighting for others. I think that’s a legacy that money can’t buy. He gave his life, and knew he was losing his life, because of it. He lost his family and everything as a result of it.” Cheatham also shared his thoughts AFRO File Photos on the significance of March 1965 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and wife, Coretta, center, lead marchers from Selma to the VRA, which was Montgomery in protest against racial discrimination in Alabama. signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson, recalling that, walk a block to where they could vote, so we have a problem prior to passage of the federal law, Baltimore City had many because if people who can vote, and don’t vote – and Martin ordinances controlling where African Americans could and Luther King went through all this so that we all could vote . .

“There will never be another Martin Luther King. He was my hero.” – Ronald Flamer

. and those people in Selma could walk across that bridge and go do what they did, there’s no excuse for anybody not to vote right now in this day and age,” said Hill-Aston. Burroughs, who turns 73 in March, says that he thought the VRA would bring African Americans further than they have come so far, but remembers that King’s assassination in 1968 was a call that he continues to answer 50 years later. “I was very much in despair about that,” said Burroughs, “[but knew] that we had a charge and a responsibility to go forward and continue.”

could not live. “Voting rights was important because we needed representation to fight these ordinances,” said Cheatham. Cheatham added that younger adults today do not appreciate the importance of the franchise, which is driving his current effort to bring the total number of registered voters in Baltimore City back to 400,000 people. “It’s an injustice that we’re perpetrating on our foremothers and forefathers that we don’t understand the importance of voting rights,” said Cheatham. Tessa Hill-Aston, president of the Baltimore City NAACP, AFFORDABLE đ CONVENIENT đ FLEXIBLE said King’s greatest legacies were standing firm, and his gift Prince George’s Community College offers flexible and for oration. Hill-Aston agrees convenient learning options all designed with you in mind. with Cheatham that folks must take greater care of their right Whether you’re earning your degree, obtaining professional to vote. certification, upgrading your employment skills, changing “Right now we have people careers, transferring to a four-year institution, or taking that won’t go two or three personal enrichment courses, let us help you realize your blocks in their nice cars, or come out of their house and potential. Transform your life today.

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Stokley Carmichael, Dr. King and Jesse Jackson Ronald Flamer, 2nd vice president for the Baltimore City NAACP, was a student at Morgan State University from 1961 to 1965 and active in the city’s desegregation efforts. “Every Saturday I would go out on a freedom march, or a demonstration, to integrate a number of restaurants, and different department stores here in Baltimore,” Flamer said. Flamer called King “the Moses of our people,” and recalled attending the meeting Burroughs mentioned, which Flamer says was held at Cornerstone Baptist Church, where the Rev. Logan I. Kearse, who had studied with King in seminary, was pastor. “One of the speakers, before Martin Luther King arrived, said that the Baltimore City police had just announced that a bomb was in the church, and I remember nobody left,” said Flamer, of the crowd’s resolve not to be cowed by threats of violence. “They said, ‘we’ll blow up in the name, the cause of freedom.’” For Flamer, “there will never be another Martin Luther King. He was my hero.” Burroughs recalls King with similar warmth. “I have nothing but accolades and adulation for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. What a marvelously dedicated man to have risked his life and that of his children, his family to fight and to struggle in the way that he was struggling. I have nothing but admiration for a man who would, as a tactic and strategy, engage in civil disobedience, and go to jail, and do those things,” said Burroughs. When asked what he thought King’s greatest legacy was, Dr. Marvin Cheatham, former president of the Baltimore City NAACP and current president of the Matthew A. Henson Neighborhood Association, said, “Knowing that he was giving his life to help others.”

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The Afro-American, January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015

Proposed Paycheck Bonus Tax Credit to Reduce Pay Disparity between Workers and Investors By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D), is making good on several efforts to minimize the pay disparity between middle-class workers and wealthy investors with the introduction of a new Paycheck Bonus Credit legislation that would provide $1,000 per worker per year – or roughly $1.2 trillion over a decade. The money, generated from financial transaction fees assessed against the top 1 percent earners in the nation, according to Van Hollen, would kick-start a solution to ongoing wage stagnation. Van Hollen, senior Democrat on the House Budget Committee and a former chairman of the party’s campaign arm for House races, voiced concerns

“The Republicans’ [belief] that tax cuts for the wealthy will eventually trickle down to the middle class – has a long and proven record of failure.” –Van Hollen

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Chris Van Hollen is senior Democrat on the House Budget Committee. in 2014 over the stagnant growth in wages for middleclass Americans, despite 58 months of private sector job creation and the creation of 11.2 million jobs.

Calling it a “plan to help tackle the challenge of our times” and one that “works for all Americans, not just the wealthy few,” Van Hollen said trickle-down economic theory was not an option. “The Republicans’ [belief] that tax cuts for the wealthy will eventually trickle down to the middle class – has a long and proven record of failure. We shouldn’t be talking about tax cuts for the wealthy; we should try to build this economy from the middle class out and from the bottom up,” Van Hollen said. Previously, Van Hollen

suggested the development of a CEO-Employee Paycheck Fairness Act that would disallow corporations from deducting bonuses and compensations for their CEOs and other executives over $1 million unless the employees also earned some benefit. “Pay yourselves what you want, but if you want the taxpayers to allow you to deduct your bonuses and performance pay, for goodness sakes, you better be giving your employees a fair shake. And over time, that would close that gap [between] productivity and wages stagnation. Let’s

help the workers, not just the CEOs. Let’s vote for the CEO-Employee Paycheck Fairness Act,” Van Hollen said. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said the proposal was forwardthinking and necessary to meet the challenge of wage stagnation, which has gone unchallenged for the last 40 years. “In 2014, we created nearly three million new jobs, more than in any year since 1999. For all our progress, however, too many Americans are still out of work and too many middle-class families

still feel squeezed. It is clear Congress must act to create jobs and expand the opportunities of working people and middle class families,” Pelosi said. Van Hollen remains hopeful of Republican-led Congress support and said the plan “attacks the chronic problem of stagnant middleclass income from both directions, creating bigger paychecks and letting workers keep more of what they earn.” Other provisions include investment in job training, through apprenticeship programs or partnerships with community colleges, an increase in the tax credit for child care from $3,000 per person to $8,000, or $16,000 per couple; and the creation of a “saver’s bonus” of $250 for workers who put at least $500 a year into retirement or other savings accounts.

Prince George’s Lawmakers

Continued from A1

Development continues its move from Crownsville to New Carrollton. We also want to work for state funding for the new regional hospital that will be in Largo.” Vaughn said the delegation will keep its eye on where the new FBI headquarters will be located. The U.S. General Services Administration has two sites in Prince George’s County – Greenbelt and Landover – and a site in Springfield, Va., competing for the FBI’s move from the District. “We have two chances out of three to get the FBI in the county,” Vaughn said. “We realize that this is a federal matter but we will do what we can to get the FBI to relocate to Prince George’s County.” Latasha Ward, a business owner in Seat Pleasant and a member of the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee, said the delegation has other issues to focus on. “They need to work on helping returning citizens integrate into society,” Ward said. “Entrepreneurs need tax incentives to

“We have high-ticket items that need to be taken care of.” – Del. Michael Vaughn operate their businesses, and costly regulations to be loosened.” Greg Hall, a former candidate for delegate in District 24 and a political activist, wants a state-supported job-training program, too. “We keep hearing that the economy is getting better and maybe that is the case,” Hall said. “But there are still a lot of unemployed people in Prince George’s County. We need job training for people, especially returning citizens.” In order for the county’s needs to become reality, they must be addressed by Maryland’s newly elected governor, Larry Hogan (R). Vaughn said the delegation has not had the chance to get to know the governor-elect.

“We have not been approached by his people about what his agenda is,” the delegate said. “We are open to dialogue in terms of what he wants to do and what we want to do. We just don’t know what his agenda is or what he is thinking.” What Hogan has made clear is that the state’s projected $1.2 billion deficit will have to be closed and he will not support tax increases. Vaughn said that excess spending in the state budget will have to be eliminated. “We are talking dollars and cents,” he said. “Everything in the budget is going to have a price tag.” Some African-American leaders are worried that historically Black colleges and universities such as Coppin State University and Bowie State University will be cut severely as opposed to the other state-funded institutions. Vaughn said that assumption does not have merit but that cuts will be made that will make some people unhappy. “Everyone has to have a haircut,” he said. “The question is whether it is a trim or shaved head.”

January 17, July 2015 5, 2014 - January - July23, 5, 2014, 2015, The Afro-American

A3 A5

NAMI

Continued from A1 “They do, just like any medical condition like cancer or diabetes.” Leslie Barber, volunteer teacher at the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), said. As the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, support and research for those suffering with mental health issues. Nearly 60 million Americans experience a mental health condition every year. Among the most serious mental illnesses are major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. NAMI’s Prince George’s County, Md. affiliate location serves as “the county’s voice on mental illness,” and services hundreds of families each year. Free courses take place across

“We had a very good turnout, a lot of people stopped by to get information.” – Leslie Barber

the county in Bowie, Mitchellville, Capitol Heights, Clinton, New Carrollton, Oxon Hill, and Hyattsville. Geared toward those who suffer from mental health issues as well as family members and caregivers of these individuals, courses address

facts about mental illness diagnosis, dealing with critical periods during each illness, new research in mental health, problem solving techniques, communication skills, and more. Barber once participated in a course, and is now trained to teach NAMI’s Family-to-Family Education Course. She attended the expo to spread the word about services. “We had a very good turnout, a lot of people stopped by to get information,” she said. The expo also included a larger pavilion with information and education on mental health – part of NBC4’s year-long project on mental health, called Changing Minds, to shine a light on the subject by providing education, information and hope, according to the site’s homepage. “It can affect anyone at any time. It doesn’t discriminate by age, race, gender, or income.”

Coaltion to March

Continued from A1

in law enforcement. Over eleven organizations are coming together for the march on Jan. 15, organized by the Rev. Dr. Heber Brown of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church and Farajii Muhammad of Young Leaders for Peace. Among the organizations involved in the march are the Annapolis Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, the AnneArundel County NAACP, the Metropolitan United Methodist Church, Repair the World Baltimore, Bmore Bloc, and Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS), according to Brown. He added that that the majority of the core organizers are college students. “That list [of organizations] is growing more and more,” said Brown, who called the march a natural outgrowth of efforts taking place in Baltimore City for several months. According Dayvon Love, director of research and public policy for LBS, his organization’s involvement stemmed from ongoing conversations with Brown and Muhammad, as well as LBS’s legislative agenda for 2015 which consists of reforming the law enforcement officers bill of rights,

“I think that prospects [for achieving our goals] are very great.” –Dayvon Love strengthening Baltimore’s civilian review board, and improving the Maryland’s for expunging criminal records. “I think that prospects [for achieving our goals] are very great,” said Love. “We’ve been in Annapolis a couple of times on various efforts – stopping the construction of a youth jail, Christopher’s law – so we feel pretty good about our acumen in dealing with the legislative process. So [with] that, plus the outpouring of support that has been generated by a lot of national events and the increased awareness of activity, I think we have a pretty good shot of getting some things through.” Brown says that any effort to reform current law enforcement policies will likely face resistance from the law

enforcement community, and possibly the governor’s office, citing Governor-Elect Larry Hogan’s comment earlier this year that Ferguson had little to do with Maryland. “I’m under no illusion, it’s going to be a very intense struggle to get something done this session, but it also was an intense struggle to stop the planned construction of a $104 million youth jail in Baltimore,” said Brown. “This time around we’ve got a little more seasoning, we’re battle tested a bit,” Brown said. “We know what it means to connect the power of grassroots demonstrations with legislative advocacy. We know how to build those bridges more tightly now. While we’re launching things this week, I’m prepared and we are prepared to stay with it for some time to come.” The goal of organizers was to have between 75-100 people in Annapolis for the march, but both Brown and Love expressed optimism that the crowd could very well be larger. “The response that I’ve gotten since we announced [the march] and started promoting it has been huge, so I’m hoping it will be more than that,” said Love.

From 12 Years a Slave…

Continued from A1

to start with.” Three indisputable facts demand emphasis. First, the World Bank is unapologetic. Its own six reports have documented that Blacks are “rated inferior” and acknowledged that Blacks are paid race-based salaries, consigned to low profile assignments, segregated in one building, and denied access to an independent and impartial justice system. Second, the US government is well aware of the systemic racial discrimination. In 1999, a report by the US government found that victims of discrimination in the World Bank were denied access to justice. In 2003, the US Senate Appropriations Committee accused the World Bank of defending accused managers rather than protecting aggrieved staff. Neither the US government nor the World Bank took action to remedy the situation. Third, the World Bank is hosted by the US government. The US has more voting power on the World Bank Board than France, Germany and the UK combined. It is the only country that wields veto power in critical areas of the Bank’s governance. Since the Bank opened its doors in 1946, every World Bank president has been an American citizen. Most importantly, as the largest fund provider to the World Bank, the US has significant financial leverage to influence the institution’s governance framework and operational decisions. But it lacks moral resolve to expend its political and financial capital to protect the rights of its Black citizens. Residing in the blind spot of conservatives and enjoying unconditional support from liberals, the World Bank has become a legal and moral no-man’s-land where institutional racism is financed by our tax dollars. In 2014, America’s leading civil rights organizations and leaders of over 500 faithbased organizations joined the

chorus of outrage demanding justice, but all to no avail. Why not sue the World Bank? The World Bank enjoys absolute immunity from US laws. It is answerable only to an internal Tribunal whose judges evidently believe that “Blacks have no rights that other races are bound to respect.” In 2009, an African filed racial discrimination complaints with the Tribunal after he was told that he could not become the global manager of a high profile international program because “Europeans are not used to seeing a Black man in a position of power.” The first question he was asked by

“We believe that further engagement in your case with the World Bank would not be productive… We are continuing to explore the possibility of pressing it to look harder at external arbitration…” The Treasury’s statement speaks volumes about our government’s unwillingness to protect Blacks from institutional racism half a century after the end of Jim Crow. Since 2010, the US has passed two more laws – the Consolidated Appropriations Acts of 2012 and 2014. The two Acts stipulate without ambiguity that the US would withhold its financial

“Why not sue the World Bank?” one of the Tribunal judges was “What was it being designated Global Manager that is so magical to have led you to this stage where you think it was a loss to the rest of the world?” The staff member’s lawyer interjected politely - “May I ask a clarifying question?” The judge snapped: “Asking me? No. You can’t ask me questions, obviously. That’s not permitted.” During the same hearing the Bank’s lawyers were allowed to ask clarifying questions. Since its establishment in 1980, the Tribunal has rejected all racial discrimination claims it has reviewed with such utter disregard for the due process rights of Black complainants. In 2010, the US Treasury and the US Board of Directors to the World Bank approached the Bank’s senior management to resolve an egregious racial discrimination case through external arbitration citing the Lugar-Leahy Amendment (2005). The Amendment required that World Bank staff have access to external arbitration. The Bank rejected the request. The Treasury sent the aggrieved staff member a note stating:

support to the World Bank as leverage to ensure that its staff are granted access to independent adjudicative bodies, including external arbitration. The World Bank is also on the record stating without ambiguity that it will not comply with US laws. In a twist of irony, the Bank is currently run by President Obama’s appointee and golf buddy, Jim Yong Kim. The Korean American uses his minority status both as a shield to fend off his critics and as a sword to subjugate Blacks. Under President Kim the problem has gotten worse, as documented by Frank Watkins, public policy director for Rainbow/Push Coalition, in an article titled “Has the ‘Asian Takeover of the World Bank’ Worsened Discrimination Against Blacks?” In 2014, President Kim rejected many requests from Black applicants for external arbitration, without losing a penny in US financial support. The problem for not enforcing the aforementioned laws resides with the US Treasury and the Department of State. There is no chance in hell that Secretary John Kerry

and Secretary Jacob Lew would have breached their legal obligations to enforce the above noted US laws had the victims of institutional segregation been Irish or

Jewish Americans. No chance in hell, as well, that President Kim would have allowed the segregation of Asians without legal remedy. As an American citizen, a

descendent of slaves and as a current victim of institutional discrimination, I demand that my government accord me access to justice now, not some time in the future.

The Afro-American, January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015

Prince George’s County Council Gets Ready to Work in 2015 By Lauren Williams Special to the AFRO Sleeves rolled up, ready to work, members of the Prince George’s County Council gathered in Cambridge, Md. for their 2015 Annual Legislative Retreat on Jan. 5 and 6. The two day retreat focused on legislative priorities, economic development, and teamwork. The retreat was open to the public. According to a county press release, while there, legislators specifically discussed revisions to the Zoning Ordinance; the current status of major development projects; the county’s branding campaign; the county budget and fiscal outlook; Maryland legislative and budget issues; and core values. Presentations were made throughout the retreat by various entities including, the Maryland Builders Industry Association, the Prince George’s County Office of Ethics and Accountability, and the Maryland –National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Retreat documents showed four targeted business sectors in the county’s proposed Strategic Economic Development Plan, including: 1) Information, Communications, and Electronics; 2) Health care and Life Sciences 3) Business Services; and 4) Federal Government. The plan will also address Travel and Tourism, and Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics as areas for economic growth.

“We are doing big things on purpose to reshape and advance the future of our great County,” said County Council Chairman Mel Franklin during his acceptance speech last December. “As we look to the next four years, it requires us to envision the next 40.” Throughout the speech, Franklin outlined a bold plan that included County Council Chairman Mel investments in public Franklin (right) outlined a bold education, economic plan at the Retreat. development, job creation, and public and private infrastructure. “This is a vision of economic inclusion and integration local ownership, and opportunity,” Franklin said. “Like our nation, our county is destined to be a land of opportunity where your only limit is how far you dare to dream.”

Franklin was not available for comment on the success of the retreat and specific actions residents could expect in 2015. Other county officials are also gearing up for 2015, and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker is one of them. “As he has during his first four general assembly sessions, [he] is going to focus on fighting for money, resources, and any legislation needed to help continue the amazing progress of Prince George’s County over the past four years,” Scott L. Peterson, a spokesperson for Baker, told the AFRO on Jan. 13. “With $6 billion in economic development in the pipeline, a reduction of overall crime of 36 percent along with improvements in public education and health outcomes as well as an aggressive push to draw the FBI Headquarters to the County during the first term of the Baker administration, it is important and critical to the economic development of the State of Maryland to continue investing in the people and infrastructure of Prince George’s County. “ The County Executive looks to also focus on specific transportation, healthcare, and public safety initiatives. According to Peterson, he will prioritize funding for the building of a new Regional Medical Center, fight for school construction money, and advocate for the building of Purple metro line and create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic development growth.

Digital Divide

Continued from A1

sustained effort can alter the current, unequal trajectory if there is willingness to act. We begin this week with Saschane Stephenson’s article on what has come to be known as net

neutrality. ralejandro@afro.com

Net Neutrality—Protecting Open and Free Communications By Saschane Stephenson Special to the AFRO What Is It? The term is just about as engaging as an ice cold drink on a frigid day; but if we slow it down a bit, there’s much more to what has been a raging debate between supporters and detractors. The “Net Neutrality” or the “open Internet” encompasses a demand for Internet service providers (ISPs) like Comcast and Verizon to treat all data transmitted across their lines fairly. The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) is the federal agency that holds the statutory authority to regulate— monitor and punish—ISPs. The FCC has been wrestling with whether or not to and how to police the Internet since its inception. The current debate, which is truly an allout fight, boils down to whether or not the FCC should change the classification of the service that broadband companies provide from “information service” to “telecommunications service.” Advocates of net neutrality want the FCC to reclassify broadband service providers as “common carriers.” Why does it matter? Because under Title II of the 1934 Communications Act, a “telecommunications service” tag (1) initiates a long list of obligations the companies must adhere to and (2) places restrictions on how the broadband companies can run their businesses. Service providers want to continue operating under Title I of the 1934 Act so they’ll have to comply with fewer regulations. Those on the side of protecting an open Internet believe that a Title II categorization would prevent “paid prioritization.” Not fully a North Korean free-speech subversion act, but close enough, paid prioritization occurs when Internet service providers discriminate between the data generated for the public by different websites. To put it simply, cable companies could choose who gets more or broader access to web traffic and speed based on how much is paid, or they can decide which websites are good for consumers to visit by censorship or simply by “prioritizing” who pays them more to route consumers away from competitors. A Brief Background on the History of Regulating the Internet In the 1980s, the Commission instituted rules under what was known as the Computer II regime. Then, they established a distinction between providers of “basic services” and providers of “enhanced services.” The difference between enhanced and basic services was that the former involved the processing of information rather than simply its mere transmission. Back then, providers of basic services (mostly telephone companies) were subject to regulations under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934, and were categorized as “common carriers.” To further elaborate “common carriers” means any person engaged as a common carrier for hire, in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio or interstate or foreign radio transmission of energy. And to go just one step further, under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations ( 47 U.S. 153, 51, 53), a “telecommunications carrier”—i.e., any provider offering telecommunications services for a fee directly to the public—shall be treated as a common carrier … only to the extent that

it is engaged in providing telecommunications services.” [1996 needed] Where do we stand now? Today, Internet service providers are categorized as “information service” providers. The term “information service” means the offering of a capability for generating, acquiring, storing, transforming, processing, retrieving,

Advocates of net neutrality want the FCC to reclassify broadband service providers as “common carriers.”

utilizing, or making available information via telecommunications, and includes electronic publishing. On January 14, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit struck down some key parts of an FCC order attempting to require broadband companies “treat all Internet traffic the same regardless of [its] source.” At the heart of the controversy is competition (translation “money”), freedom of expression and access. When the Court decided to reject a substantial portion of the FCC’s Open Internet Order rules as a threat to Internet openness and innovation, many felt that it was a flawed decision. Opponents saw the decision as a triumph against menacing government regulation of the Internet. Abuses of net neutrality are a very factual problem. Several U.S. and international ISPs interfere with and discriminate against traffic on their networks in ways that threaten the innovative fabric of the Internet. Golden Frog, a technology company, testified before the Federal Communications Commission in June 2014 of instances where Internet providers were throttling traffic and impeding the encryption/ privacy capabilities of users. The ISPs best argument to date is that being reclassified under Title II would turn them into a public utility and therefore they would no longer have any “incentives” to invest in new technologies. The President Asks: Meddling or Saving the American Consumer? The message is a simple one. President Obama believes there should be “no gatekeepers” between consumers and their “favorite online sites and services.” He upped the ante when he asked the FCC to craft new rules to “safeguard competition and user choice.” The President laid out a clear plan in his November 2014 State of the Union speech, and called for a free and open Internet. He wants the FCC to classify broadband and Internet service providers as “common carriers” under Title II of the 1934 Communications, because “for most Americans, the Internet is an essential part of everyday communications and everyday life” and their usage should be protected.

Reiterating that over 4 million consumers have voiced their support for open Internet, President Obama’s ask is for the FCC, as a regulating body, to yield to the wishes of the majority and not the wealthy corporate minority. There should be no blocking, no throttling, increased transparency, and no paid prioritization in the provision of Internet services. Questionable Call of Civil Rights Groups: Advocates or Mouthpieces? Sometimes we give an ear to the opinions of national civil rights groups because they tout that they represent thousands and thousands of people. Back in late 2014, the leadership of the NAACP and the national Urban League reportedly lined up against the FCC’s rules to protect net neutrality. Their curious arguments are somehow that the FCC’s steps to reign back a pay-for-play and unchecked enterprise will somehow harm communities of color. The claim from the civil rights groups is that by subjecting big broadband companies to oversight, such actions “would deter broadband companies from expanding service in their communities, preventing more minorities from adopting the Internet.” Let’s be plain on one thing. Financial support and authenticity are strange bed fellows.. Relationship building is a key component for any business, and it is no different for broadband services. Fancy names like “government affairs” are the covert halos for lobbying and the tangible check-writing support extended to politicians and nonprofits. Nonprofits like the National Urban League, National Hispanic Media Coalition and the NAACP. In 2010, when Comcast was merging with NBC it launched a well-orchestrated campaign with minority-led organization toeing the line as “diversity” supporters. The company followed what can be called the “blueprint of public support” where it garnered hundreds of expressions of support for its deal so the federal government (which looks for local communities and diversity in public support) would approve the merger. As expected, top executives at these companies will be quick to divert careful scrutiny by denying any suggestion that their corporate practice of supporting charities and nonprofit groups that serve Asian, Latinos, and African Americans isn’t solely motivated by the need to have political allies in their back pocket. But the contributions received by civil rights groups make you think twice about the authenticity of testimonies or statements in support of corporations resisting the balancing arm of federal agency regulations meant to protect the public. From 2004 to 2012, the NAACP and National Urban League respectively received $30,000 and $835,000 in funds from ISPs. It’s also noteworthy that David Cohen, executive vice president of Comcast Corporation, served on the Urban League’s board of trustees since 2008. In addition, according to the Center for Public Integrity, from 2012 to 2013, the Comcast Foundation, headed by Cohen, contributed almost $2 million to the National Urban League and more than 100 of its affiliates. In a 2014 New York Times’ article highlighting the tangled web of philanthropy (charitable giving) and lobbying, a Comcast lobbyist who wanted to remain anonymous

said the “relationship with some groups had a transactional flavor.” He went further by saying that, “If you have a company like Comcast that has been with them for a long time and continues to support them, they will go to bat for them even if it means they have become pawns.” A group called the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council, which received minimum $725, 000 from net neutrality opponents (including Time Warner, Verizon, and the National Cable and Telecommunications Association) between 2009 and 2011, eagerly filed comments along with the 40 other “funded” organizations opposing FCC oversight. However, when the position of the National Hispanic Media Coalition changed to one of opposition, their president Alex Nogales reported “that was the end of the relationship” with Verizon. “If you have programs with any of these companies, you feel beholden to go along with what they believe.” Choosing Between Section 706 and Title II The pundits aren’t sure on which side of the fence FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is going to stand. Some speculate he wants to be the champion for net neutrality; but no one knows for sure what rules Wheeler and the 5-member team are set to release in February 2015. Chairman Wheeler’s options are either to classify ISPs under Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 or to opt for Title II of the 1934 Act. It’s believed that Section 706 would give the FCC the authority to regulate ISPs, to “promote competition in the local telecommunications market,” and to “remove barriers to infrastructure investment,” but it’s not totally clear how that would allow the Commission to safeguard net neutrality. Section 706 has been called “Title II Lite,” and some advocates are encouraging the FCC to establish rules under Section 706 with Title II as the backup measure to survive any future Court challenges. However, it’s not likely to be selected as an option by the FCC. Good or Bad Law There just is no easy solution to protecting net neutrality; therefore to ask if the upcoming FCC regulations are good or bad law isn’t sufficient. Undoubtedly the answer will vary based on whether you’re big business trying to fend off competition and maximize profits, and dictate who has priority access to the Internet. According to Michael Weinberg of Public Knowledge, the categorization of broadband companies as “common carriers” would not be the complete solution toward net neutrality. However, classifying the Internet as a utility might just be the best option available to protect consumers and restrict Internet service providers from charging content providers for faster Internet access. In 2014, the numbers show that ISPs spent a little over $42.4 million fighting net neutrality, with Comcast alone spending close to $4.5 million in the second quarter. The rebellion of Chairman Wheeler, a former cable lobbyist, came as a surprise to the telecom industry. No one knows which way he’ll come out on the issue of net neutrality; but he has warned that he’s not afraid to advance the President’s plan to protect consumers by using Title II and to upset the virtual monopoly that cable companies enjoy.

January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015 The Afro-American

EDITORIAL

The Evil that is Boko Haram There is nothing—no religion, no grievance, no way of thinking-- to justify what Boko Haram did over the weekend when they sent what appeared to be a 10-year-old girl wearing a bomb into a crowded market in Northern Nigeria. The Nigerian Islamic terrorist group has been behind some of the most despicable acts of violence in Africa over the past several years. Their textbook play is to kidnap and rape large groups of girls who are simply trying to get an education. That they are so opposed to education is just one of their many problems, but it speaks to an ignorance on an almost unimaginable scale. Beyond the obvious damage of having an entire generation of African girls who won’t go on to invent, build or design some wonder that hasn’t been thought of yet, the group’s fear of education speaks to its own stupidity.

Sending a young girl with a bomb into a market is only the latest act of depredation and horror from this group. Boko Haram has killed thousands of people over the past six years it has been battling Nigerian government forces and their tactics are the lowest of the low: sending suicide bombers into high schools and burning teenage boys alive. With those kinds of actions, it is not surprising that Boko Haram is affiliated with Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in West Africa. After Boko Haram sacks and captures a town they impose Shariah law and ultimately are trying to establish an Islamic caliphate in Nigeria. Imagine the chaos and terror the Islamic State has brought to Iraq and Syria happening in Africa. Boko Haram is led by Abubakar Shekau, a wretched human being who said in a video taped message about the

250 kidnapped young girls who received an outpouring of support from celebrities, politicians and concerned citizens with #bringbackourgirls last year, “All of them have accepted Islam and are now married. Anybody that said plans are underway for the release of the girls is just daydreaming.” For the record, the girls have yet to be returned despite Nigerian and American military forces looking for them, and even more girls have been kidnapped since then. Boko Haram’s despicable actions in support of the extreme views of their religion, in the eyes of most of the enlightened world reflect them being inhumane agents of the Devil. The atrocities of this group can no longer be ignored and cry out for a stronger international movement to address and finally eliminate them as the threat their continued existence represents to all humanity.

COMMENTARY

Free Associate’s Degree: A Solution, But Not the Solution

We should all congratulate President Barack Obama for pulling the education debate into the 21st century, or perhaps dragging it into the late 20th century, by proposing access to free education through at least an associate’s degree. But this merely restates the obvious. As the White House documents supporting this policy point out, in the late 19th century and early 20th century, as the economy William E. transformed into the modern Spriggs era, Americans embraced the call of Progressives to extend public education from 8th grade to 12th grade. New job skills were required in the age that brought about automobile, telephone and airplane manufacturing and new occupations like electrician, motion picture projectionist, X-ray technician, truck driver, bus driver and radio operator-jobs that could not have been imagined in 1880. So, too, common sense dictates that a high school degree in a world of computer processors and cell telephone communications cannot meet the needs of a changing world where web page designers, “app” writers and cyber security specialists are in high demand. The President is simply asserting the obvious in extending free associate’s degrees as a democratic right. The price of the basic ticket to the game has changed. That means the full access to society has a new predicate. Unfortunately, we live with a dysfunctional democracy where anti-democratic forces are strong. There are those who are fighting hard to limit voting rights instead of the American ideal to protect and strengthen those rights. So it isn’t surprising that voices are being raised to limit economic rights, and to instead rail against “government” extension of opportunity. Of course, the movie “Selma” reminds us that small minds have sought to limit opportunity in America for a long time. But beyond the obvious need to redefine the right to a basic

education in a world in which “basic” has clearly changed, the rest of the president’s case is short on the fuller problems and issues facing America. First is the notion that the extension of the educational right is a solution to the sagging earnings of Americans. At the beginning of this century, in 2001, the median earnings of American men was $42,755, but in 2013 they had dropped to $39,602. This was despite an increase in the share of men with associate’s degrees from 7.5 percent to 9.1 percent and declines in the share of men with less education than an associate’s degree from 63.4 percent to 58.1 percent. It also came despite an increase for those holding bachelor’s degrees or higher from 29.0 percent to 32.8 percent. So, despite increasing educational attainment, the income of men fell. More to the point, the income of men holding associate’s degrees fell from $51,144 to $42,176. More emphatically, the median earnings of men with bachelor’s degrees fell from $65,769 to $58,170. Second is the argument that a better educated workforce will lead to a more productive workforce. This is clearly the case. Productivity of America’s workers increased from 2001 to 2013 by 27 percent. And increases in productivity are traditionally the source of increasing wages. But wages did not increase. The president’s proposal deserves immediate support. But it must be supported in the framework of extending rights and opportunities that is the hallmark of America-the nation that always looks forward. And we must fight against those who want to take us backward.

Still, as the AFL-CIO’s recent National Summit on Raising Wages highlighted, the United States is facing a more fundamental structural problem that must be addressed. We have a better educated and more productive workforce, but a workforce that is getting paid less. Those lower wages are not the workings of the market or some economic necessity. Those lower wages are the result of clear choices to feed corporate coffers at the expense of an economy that functions for all. As AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said, we must have policies that treat corporations as part of America, not above America. We must commit ourselves to reinvest in America. Those who look backward will see costs; those who look forward see dividends. Follow Spriggs on Twitter: @WSpriggs.

Taking the Path toward Justice “We Must Accept Finite Disappointment, But We Must Never Lose Infinite Hope” Martin Luther King, Jr. The recent deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, followed by the tragic killings of NYPD Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, have put our nation at a crossroads. We face two very distinct Elijah Cummings paths. We can look away and ignore the events that have brought us to where we now stand. Or we can acknowledge the work to be done and make this a transformative moment for our criminal justice system. We have built a society in which the rule of law is enforced by those with badges. We rely on them to make decisions on a daily basis that impact generations yet unborn. Law enforcement officers place their lives on the line every day they put on their uniforms. They face immense danger to keep our homes and neighborhoods safe. There are very few who would want to make the choice between saving one life or another, and yet that is exactly what they are called on to do—with the other life sometimes being their own. These are incredibly difficult jobs, and we mourn the loss of officers who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. They are our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and family. Yet, that job does not place the police above accountability

or eliminate the need for change. Here in Baltimore and throughout the nation, we understand that there are times when our police officers must use force to protect us and themselves— but when unarmed Americans lose their lives at the hands of law enforcement, we must acknowledge the problem and act to address it. We are living at a moment in history when the actions of our police, our prosecutors, and our entire system of justice and public safety are receiving extraordinary scrutiny—and criticism. The vast majority of people marching on our streets, rallying at our government buildings, and calling for change are not anti-police. They are seeking to renew the trust upon which our criminal justice system relies. Our higher values of reason, cooperation, and support for the Rule of Law are being buffeted by a storm of passions and fear. We must quiet that storm and replace it with a more productive and constructive climate. Effective law enforcement depends upon public cooperation and support. This is why we must take a hard look at the actions that lead to the killings of unarmed African Americans across the country and the response of our criminal justice system when these deaths occur. Restoring trust will require hard work and understanding from all sides. It will require an honest dialogue and a willingness to put ourselves in each other’s shoes. Restoring trust will require us to ask ourselves why, according to data collected from 16 states by the CDC, African Americans are killed during legal intervention by law enforcement at a rate three times higher than their White peers. It will require us to ask why police officers of color are raising complaints about being subjected to racial profiling when they are off duty or in plain clothes.

Perhaps most importantly, restoring trust will require detailed inquiries at the national level into how we train police and how communities interact with officers. My colleagues in the House of Representatives and I have a sworn responsibility to respond effectively to those calls. Congress must investigate these matters on a bipartisan basis to ensure that all Americans are treated equally, proportionately and fairly by the law. Last month, I joined Ranking Member John Conyers Jr. of the Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member Bennie Thompson of the Homeland Security Committee in requesting hearings on criminal justice reform -- a call that also came from some Republican leaders. There are many issues that deserve our attention, including the use of force by police departments; police department hiring, training, and outreach practices; and proposals to help rebuild communities by fostering dialogue and trust between law enforcement and those they serve. We also need to consider the role prosecutors play in holding police accountable and how to ensure justice is carried out appropriately. The path we must choose, as a nation, is one that translates the lessons we have learned in Ferguson, Staten Island, Cincinnati, and elsewhere into broad and constructive reforms - and expanded federal support - for police forces across the country. A balanced strategy is the key — one that supports both the safety of police officers and the civil rights of every American. I welcome the participation of all viewpoints in the hearings to come. Rep. Elijah Cummings represents Maryland’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives

The Afro-American, January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015

TECHNOLOGY “ THERE IS A SPIRIT,

AND A NEED, AND A PERSON AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY

By Maria Adebola Special to the AFRO

GREAT HUMAN ADVANCE.

Silicon Valley is once again under immense pressure to diversify its workforce in the coming year.

EVERY ONE OF THESE MUST BE RIGHT

Leading the push is the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, which seeks to correct the lack of minority presence in tech companies such as Facebook, Google, and Twitter. During the organization’s annual conference on Dec. 12 in Dallas, several members called for the ratification of the “Supporting the Diversification of Tech Industry’s Empowerment” resolution. The resolution, which calls for more employee diversification among major Silicon Valley tech companies in 2015, was sponsored by State representatives Gilda Cobb Hunter (D-S.C.), Joe Armstrong (D-Tenn.), Alan Williams (D-Fla.), Laura V. Hall (D-Ala.), Floyd McKissick (D-N.C.), and Geraldine Thompson (D-Fla). The lawmakers seek additional outreach programs, training and increased hiring of minorities in their communities. “When Google and Facebook released their dismal diversity statistics of their workforce earlier this year, it became clear that the lack of diversity in the technology firms was not just a trend, it is a reality,” CobbHunter said in a statement. “This resolution is an opportunity to identify both the problem and potential solutions to this pressing issue.” Though the number of jobs in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields are projected to grow by 17 percent by 2018, according to the STEM Education Coalition; lawmakers argued that if minorities cannot contribute to the field, they will lag behind in reaping those economic benefits. According to USA Today, the tech field’s workforce predominantly consists of White and Asian men. On average, only about two percent of technology workers at seven Silicon Valley companies were African American, and three percent were reported to be of Hispanic descent. As a part of the initiative to raise awareness on diversifying Silicon Valley, the state lawmakers hope to take further action by providing training on a local scope, especially in schools, universities and through business partnerships, according to Newsone.

FOR THAT PARTICULAR MOMENT OF HISTORY

OR NOTHING HAPPENS. “ - Coretta Scott King

JOIN MACY ’S IN CELEBRATING THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND LOVE

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

50647_N4120440I.indd 1

Lawmakers Continue Pressure on Silicon Valley Tech Giants to Hire More Minorities

1/7/15 1:21 PM

January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015, The Afro-American

The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall(JBM-HH) Gospel Service hosted a holiday service members and family recognition banquet at the Fort Myer, Va. Officer’s Club. Nearly 300 guests enjoyed an evening of fellowship, inspirational music, door prizes, and a sumptuous meal that was highlighted by the awarding of “gifts” to military families and service members. The Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck gave a seasonal message and the gospel group, “Remnant” provided holiday music. Special guests included

Col. Michael D. Henderson, JBM-HH Commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Randall E. Woods, CSM, JBM-HH and Sgt. Maj. Craig Cressman, Headquarters & Service Battalion. The event was documented photographically and shared with the guests. Chap. Devon Foster is the pastor.

Chap. Foster with the planning committee

Sgt. Betty, Sgt. First Class Trotter, Sgt. Smith, Sgt. Yaz, Sgt. Houser, Staff Sgt. Dinuzzo and Sgt. Martinelli

Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck, keynote speaker, Chap (Maj) and Mrs. Gerald Jacobs and Chap (Lt.) Devon Foster

Bernice Seals, Eric Seals Sr., Diona Hardge, Nathanial Hardge, Nivetia Hardge and Aveny Hardge

Our Samoan friends: Alvin Flimaono, Amethyst Taala, Vaueli Taala, Jairus Taala, Elora Taala, Jeremiah Taala and Angelina Roberts

The McDonald family, the Navarro family with guests

Recognition of service members and families by the Command Group and the Gospel Service Jerome Lindsey, Herman Williams, Min. Carnell, Jozet Johnson and Ethel Edmonds

Min. Donald Myers and wife, Cynthia (center) along with family members and Freda Womack (right)

Our Soldiers and Marines with the JMB-HH Command Group front and center Photos by Rob Roberts

Recognition of Sis. Bernetta Townsend, Minister of Music with her grandson in her arms by the Praise and Worship team.

Presenting the Miss DC USA Pageant contestants

The Douglas family (right) and their guests

2014 queens with the newly crowned 2015 queens

Presenting Miss DC USA 2015, Lizzy Olsen and Miss DC USA Teen 2015, Niara Tarleton-Allen

Miss DC USA Teen swimsuit competition Opening routine for the Miss DC USA Teens

Carla Crawford (center), pageant director presents tokens of appreciation to the current queens. Evening gown competition for Miss DC USA Teen contestants

Swimsuit competition for the Miss DC USA contestants Evening wear of the Miss DC USA contestants

Soldiers honored during the pageant shown here with Miss Maryland USA(center): Priscilla Smalls; Kiaya Jackson; Patricia Coates; Edgar Brookins and Tanza Green

The emcees: Chris Saltalamacchio and Kamie Crawford

Miss DC USA 2015 and Miss DC USA Teen 2015 were crowned Dec. 21 at the Renaissance Hotel in Northwest. The young ladies vied the coveted title by competing in swimsuit and evening gown competitions which was capped off with a Q&A session with the judges. Naira Tarleton-Allen was selected as Miss DC USA Teen 2015 and Lizzy Olsen was crowned Miss DC USA 2015. Prior to the crowning, the 2014 Miss DC USA Teen, Dominick Fink and the 2014 Miss DC USA, Ciera Nicole Butts took their final walk. They both were presented with special gifts of memory by the pageant director, Carla Crawford. Army Master Sgt. Tanza Green and Specialist Kiaya Jackson were also acknowledged as a salute to our defenders of the Nation. The next step for the queens will be preparing for and participating in national pageants this summer.

Former Miss DC USA Nicole White and Monique Thompkins

Miss DC USA Teen and Miss DC USA with the judges Photos by Rob Roberts

The Afro-American, January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015

COMMUNITY CONNECTION Bethesda, Md.

Rock Creek MLK Day of Service Rock Creek Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the lands and waters of Rock Creek, is celebrating the kick-off of the 125th Anniversary of Rock Creek Park with a weekend of service opportunities. The Conservancy is hosting volunteers for the MLK National Day of Service with events from Jan. 17 through Jan. 20. Events will occur at 18 locations along Rock Creek in Washington, D.C., and Montgomery County, Md. The volunteer activities will include: cutting English ivy from trees as part of the Conservancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiative to protect the Rock Creek tree canopy; cutting vines such as Porcelain berry and Oriental Bittersweet so natives can grow in the park, and cleaning up trash that has accumulated along streams. For more information, go to www. rockcreekconservancy.org.

that helps empower and strengthen local communities. On volunteers will collect canned/dried goods, new and slightly used winter coats for Prince William County community service organizations.

Upper Marlboro, Md.

WHUR and First Baptist Church of Glenarden to Present â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Beyond the Color of Our Skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; WHUR 96.3 FM and First Baptist Church of Glenarden are joining forces again this year to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The organizations will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beyond the Color of Our Skin,â&#x20AC;? a two-hour town hall meeting to discuss diversity and racial tolerance. The event will take place Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, located at 600 Watkins Park Drive.

Falls Church, Va.

National Council of Negro Women to Host Founderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Anniversary In observance of the Martin Luther King holiday, The National Council of Negro Women is celebrating the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 80th anniversary. The Northern Virginia Section is commemorating the occasion by hosting a Founders Day of Service Jan. 19. at the Warner Baptist Church, 3613 Lacy Boulevard from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The section will be packing and mailing 80 care packages for military men and women who serve our country. Please bring personal hygiene products, DVDs, CDs, snack items (no chocolate).

Woodbridge, Va.

Prince William County Deltas to Host â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The High Road of Peace and Brotherhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in conjunction with the Cecil & Irene Hylton Foundation presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;The High Road of Peace and Brotherhoodâ&#x20AC;? Prince William County MLK Day Of Service 2015: Feeding The Mind And Body on Jan. 19 at the Cecil D. Hylton Memorial Chapel, 14640 Potomac Mills Road at 11 a.m. The Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and teachings in to community service

Washington, D.C.

Global Health Equity Summit to Address Key Health Challenges The Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural & Minority Medicine will host the third annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Global Health Equity Summit on Jan. 20 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Willard Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. This instrumental and exciting Summit brings together inspired minds within the industry to address Emerging Global Health Equity Crisis in Non-Communicable Diseases Through Collaboration. These discussions are the foundation to â&#x20AC;&#x153;providing the infrastructure and support need to combat increasingly â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;globalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; heath problems.â&#x20AC;? Our distinguished speakers will discuss topics concerning: Global Approach to Non-Communicable Diseases, Successful Outcomes of Global Alliances, Business-Minded Approaches to Global Health Challenges, Global Impact of Poor Oral Health, The role of Women and Girls in Global Health, The Major Role of Non Traditional Health Providers, and Infrastructure and Acute Disasters.

IMPACT, a D.C.-based nonprofit organization will host the following events in honor of MLK Day. Beautification Project at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Volunteers, young leaders, government officials, IMPACT supporters, and more will gather together for a beautification project on Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, 1964 Independence Avenue N.W. Confirmed Participants include: U.S. National Park Service, DC Social Innovation Project, Project Learning Tree and DC Urban Greens. A Day of Reflection and Service Community leaders, young activists, government officials, and more will gather for a day of service on Jan. 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Event Partners will include: The Memorial Foundation and The Faith & Politics Institute. I Have a Dream Lab Skilled volunteers, non-profit organizations, and social-enterprises will gather on Jan. 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Meridian International Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s White-Meyer House, 1624 Crescent Place, N.W. Event Partners will include: DC Social Innovation Project and the Meridian International Center. For more information about each event, contact IMPACT Director Brandon Andrews, Brandon.Andrews@impact-dc.com.

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LEGENDARY PICTURES AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENT A LEGENDARY PICTURES/FORWARD PASS PRODUCTION A MICHAEL MANN FILM CHRIS HEMSWORTH â&#x20AC;&#x153;BLACKHATâ&#x20AC;? TANG WEI VIOLAEXECUTIVEDAVIS RITCHIE COSTER HOLT MPRODUCED CCALLANY YORICK VAN WAGENINGEN AND WANG LEEHOM MUSIC BY THOMAS TULL p.g.a. MICHAEL MANN p.g.a. JON JASHNI p.g.a. BY HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS ATTICUS ROSS PRODUCERS ERIC MCLEOD ALEX GARCIA WRITTEN DIRECTED BY MORGAN DAVIS FOEHL BY MICHAEL MANN A UNIVERSAL RELEASE

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January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015, The Afro-American

ARTS & CULTURE 2015 Golden Globes Recap By Kam Williams Special to the AFRO

The 2015 awards season was officially underway with the Hollywood Foreign Press Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual recognition of the best in film and television. An early indicator of Academy Award potential, the Golden Globes have established Boyhood as the early Oscar favorite. Directed by Richard Linkater, the time-lapse comingof-age drama won in the Best Picture, Drama, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress (Patricia Arquette) categories. The festivities were co-hosted by Tina Fey

and Amy Poehler, who again toned down their act in comparison to their raunchy predecessor, Ricky Gervais. The celebrity-friendly emceesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; only exception involved a couple of potshots taken at two-time Golden Globes-winner Bill Cosby (for The Cosby Show). During an opening monologue mention of the movie Into the Woods, Poehler stated that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sleeping Beauty just thought she was getting coffee with Bill Cosby,â&#x20AC;? a reference to the dozens of women claiming the comedian once raped them after slipping a knockout drug into their drinks. The two followed that joke by

FILM ma: Boyhood st Hotel Best Picture, Dra The Grand Budape l: ca si u M or y med Best Picture, Co d Linklater, Boyhoo rd ca Ri r: to ec ir Best D ything , The Theory of Ever ne ay dm Re e di Ed a: Best Actor, Dram re, Still Alice ma: Julianne Moo an ra D , ss re ct A t Bes hael Keaton, Birdm ic M y: ed m Co or cal g Eyes Best Actor, Musi y: Amy Adams, Bi ed m Co or l ca si u Best Actress, M hiplash : J.K. Simmons, W or ct A g n ti or p p yhood Best Su tricia Arquette, Bo Pa : ss re ct A g n ti Best Suppor ything , The Theory of Ever on ss nn ha Jo a nn ore: Joha nd, Common), Selm ge Le hn Best Original Sc Jo by ic ng: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gloryâ&#x20AC;? (mus Best Original So ain Your Dragon 2 Tr to ow H : lm Fi , Feature Nicolas Giacobone u, rit ar Best Animated In z le za on Alejandro G Best Screenplay: man , Armando Bo, Bird is ar el in D r de an ussia) Alex Film: Leviathan (R e ag u g n La n ig Best Fore

trading imitations of the conspicuously-absent Cosby in which he confesses, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I put the pills in the people.â&#x20AC;? Turns out there was no truth to the rumor that Selma would win for Best Picture despite an accidental, early posting on Friday to that effect on the official Golden Globe website. In fact, the stirring civil rights sagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only trophy came for Best Song, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glory,â&#x20AC;? a hip-hop anthem by John Legend and Common. It looks like Selmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prospects might have been diminished by the allegations that it contains a couple of historical inaccuracies in its portrayal of President Lyndon Johnson.

TELEVISION Best Miniseries or Made-for-TV Mov ie: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fargoâ&#x20AC;? Best Comedy Seri es: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Transparentâ&#x20AC;? Best Dramatic Se ries: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Affairâ&#x20AC;? Best Actor, Dram a: Kevin Spacey, â&#x20AC;&#x153;H ouse of Cardsâ&#x20AC;? Best Actress, Dra ma: Ruth Wilson, â&#x20AC;&#x153;T he Affairâ&#x20AC;? Best Actress, Mus ical or Comedy: Gi na Rodriguez, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jane th Best Actor, Music e Virginâ&#x20AC;? al or Comedy: Jeffr ey Tambor, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Transpa Best Actor, Miniser re nt â&#x20AC;? ies or Madeâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;for-TV Movie: Billy Bob Th â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fargoâ&#x20AC;? ornton, Best Actress, Min iseries or Made-fo r-TV Movie: Maggi Gyllenhaal, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Ho e norable Womanâ&#x20AC;? Best Supporting Actress, Series, M iniseries or MadeMovie: Joanne Frog for-TV gatt, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Downton Abbe yâ&#x20AC;? Best Supporting Actor, Series, Min iseries or Made-fo Movie: Matt Bomer r-TV , â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Normal Hear tâ&#x20AC;?

Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: George Clooney

Book Review

The Lawyer as Leader: How to Plant People and Grow Justice Change through Public Police Advocacy, each of which is discussed at length in its own chapter. The ultimate goal?

To plant seeds of change that will bear fruit by galvanizing generation after generation of civil rights leaders.

BO Y

IN AY

RE R CT EL ED L B AL Y K VIN

E NT M c GA CR S AN H EY

NW S G ET R RE E.O ST R P AT & THE 00 TH IO .33 14 UD 32 ST 2.3 20 DI

Most people think of ministers like Dr. Martin Luther King and Reverends Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, when it comes to iconic, African-American civil rights leaders. However, black attorneys have played a critical role in the movement, too, most notably, Thurgood Marshall who went on to become a Supreme Court Justice. But since you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t major

with of the bar in mind, it nevertheless has much to offer future torchbearers in any line of work. After all, she defines leadership as simply, â&#x20AC;&#x153;an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to exercise influence by organizing others around a shared vision.â&#x20AC;? Perhaps more importantly, she goes on to offer a new definition of leadership repositioning the role as a shared collective responsibility rather than hierarchical or positional. The authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game plan rests on these three pillars: (1) Social Justice Lawyering; (2) Lawyers and the Exercise of Leadership; and (3) Facilitating Social

in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Leadershipâ&#x20AC;? in law school, how is it that an aspiring African-American attorney might be groomed for such a calling? That is the concern of Dr. Artika R. Tyner, former professor with the Community Justice Project, an award-winning clinic designed to train law students â&#x20AC;&#x153;to serve as social engineers who create new inroads to justice, freedom and equality.â&#x20AC;? In The Lawyer as Leader, Dr. Tyner chastises law schools for omitting leadership development from the curriculum, before attempting to fill that void with her seminal ideas. While the book is admittedly designed

CH O

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The social challenges of our time are enormous. About one in seven U.S. residents live in poverty, and the disparity between the haves and have-nots is wider than at any point since the Great Depressionâ&#x20AC;Ś Imagine if community members across the world began planting seeds of social change, justice, and freedom. Could you be the one who plants the seeds for the promotion of access to affordable housing, fair sentencing, educational equity, or racial justice? This is your beckoning to leadâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; will you answer the call?

[This book] is an inspiring roadmap designed to help you become an effective agent for social change and transformational leader. â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Excerpted from the Introduction (page vii)

By Kam Williams Special to the AFRO

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The Afro-American, January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015

SPORTS

AFRO Sports Desk Faceoff

Will Jameis Winston Succeed in the NFL? By Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley Special to AFRO

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston wasted no time in deciding whether to return to school next season. The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner announced in early January that he will declare for the NFL Draft after starting two full seasons at Florida State and amassing a 29-1 record to go along with a national championship and his trophy. While the ex-Seminole became infamous for his offthe-field antics, it was on the field where the 6-foot, 4-inch, 230-plus pound quarterback demonstrated some of the traits that should make him a high-round draft pick this offseason. Despite his accolades and accomplishments, does the Florida State signal-caller have what it takes to succeed in the NFL? Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk debate the question. Riley: In his two years under center as a Seminole, Winston made every throw, made a collection of clutch plays and always stood strong as a leader, three traits that will take him very far in his professional career. Florida State faced adversity several times in Winston’s second season, and each time he brought them back from the brink of disaster, until their finale against Oregon in the Rose Bowl a couple of weeks ago. If the draft rules were different, Winston could have entered last year’s draft as a redshirt freshman and would still have been a high pick—he was just that good over the course of his collegiate career. The attributes of a leader should never go unnoticed,

Jameis Winston and even with the circus surrounding Winston at times during his career, those distractions never phased him on Saturdays. He was a flat-out clutch quarterback in 96 percent of the games that he started.

Morgan State Starts MEAC Campaign with Win at Delaware State By Perry Green AFRO Sports Editor After two straight losses to start the New Year, Morgan State finally broke through with its first win since Dec. 16, beating Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) foe Delaware State, 73-69, on Jan. 10 in Dover, Del. The Bears fell at California State-Northridge on Jan. 2, and at St. Mary’s on Jan. 6. But those were the last two games of a tough West Coast road trip filled with superior non-conference teams. Morgan State’s MEAC campaign officially began with the win over Delaware State.

The Bears leaned on junior forward Cedric Blossom, who dropped a doubledouble of 24 points with 10 rebounds. The hot-scoring Blossom helped spark an 11-8 run in the second half to give Morgan State a decisive lead. Senior guard Blake Bozeman followed up with 22 points for Morgan, and senior center Zech Smith added his own double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. The win snapped a six-game losing slump for the Bears, who carry a 3-14 overall record. Morgan State is now 1-2 against the MEAC with 13 more conference games left this season.

Ohio State Runs Over Oregon for National Championship By Perry Green AFRO Sports Editor

Sophomore running back Ezekial Elliott ran for nearly 250 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Ohio State Buckeyes to a 42-20 win over the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 NCAA College Football Championship on Jan. 12 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It marked the first national title for the Buckeyes football team since 2002, and the eighth in school history. Ohio State turned the ball over four times, including one interception and three fumbles. But a strong defense and an explosive running game helped the Buckeyes overcome their mistakes to capture the title in the first year of the college football playoff system. The Buckeyes ran the ball at will against the Ducks the entire game, pounding Oregon’s interior defensive line with rush after rush. Ohio State scored its first points of the game on a 33-yard touchdown run right up the gut of the defense to tie the score at 7-7 in the first quarter. The score was pushed to 21-7 after two straight touchdowns by sophomore quarterback Cardale Jones, including a one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Ohio State led 21-10 at halftime. The Ducks threatened the Buckeyes’ lead with two straight scores in the third quarter, including a 70-yard touchdown pass by Heisman Trophy-winning junior quarterback Marcus Mariota to junior receiver Byron Marshall. A subsequent Oregon field goal cut the score to 21-20. But Ohio State put the ball into the hands of Elliott, who ran for two more touchdowns to push the Buckeyes’ lead up to 35-20 in the fourth quarter. Mariota and Oregon’s offense were shut out from that point onward, and Ohio State sealed the victory with a fourth touchdown run during the final minute of the game. Elliott, named the championship MVP, finished with 246 rushing yards on 36 carries. Jones added 38 rushing yards, and also completed 16 of 23 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown. Mariota completed 24 of 37 passes for 333 passing yards, two touchdowns and an interception; he ran for just 39 yards on 10 carries.

Green: I agree, Riley. No other quarterback in college football showed more clutch ability than Winston. The kid is confident and knows he can win, and that’s the biggest aspect of being a quarterback. I know the kid has done a lot of stupid things off the field, but what 19- or 20-year-old hasn’t? Winston will mature more and more as he grows older, and so will his already pro-ready passing skills. I’ve said this before, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Jameis drafted by the Washington NFL franchise. I think he’s just what that team could use to bring back a winning attitude. Riley: Winston’s off-field antics were the only blemish on his career. Granted, they were a big part of his career and how people viewed him, but ultimately, critics stirred much of that venom to downplay his accomplishments. It all stemmed from the fact that he made Florida State a national power again, and he was predominantly responsible for their return to greatness. He took more verbal and critical abuse than most college quarterbacks and he always stood strong, smiled in his press conferences and continued to dominate on the field. I think his off-the-field behavior and the criticism he took from that behavior made him a better player in my opinion. He has already been subjected to the type of real-world pressure that signal-callers and high draft picks face from the media and fans, and he still succeeded. He’s going to mature with age and sweep out a bunch of his bad habits—but his penchant for coming through in big games, with all kinds of pressure on his shoulders, might be his best attribute. It’s a trait that will elevate him in the next stage of his career inside the NFL.

January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015, The Afro-American

HBCU NEWS

Bowie State University Winter 2014 Commencement Bowie State University held its Winter 2014 Commencement on Dec. 19 at the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex. Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art, served as the event’s speaker. Also during the event, the university recognized one of its oldest alums, Barbara Fletcher Martin, who graduated in 1943.

Graduates of 2014

Courtesy Photos

One of Bowie State’s oldest alums, Barbara Fletcher Martin, from the class of 1943

Dr. Johnnetta Cole

A graduate shows her unique cap

The graduates listen to remarks

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AUTOS WANTED

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM1311 Syid Abdullah Muhammad Decedent Michelle Lanchester Esq 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 900-South Building Washington, DC 20004 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Julian Cheek, whose address is 3974 Ames St., N E , Wa s h i n g t o n , D C 20019 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Syid Abdullah Muhammad, who died on April 18, 2014 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . 20001, on or before July 9, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before July 9, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of Publication: January 9, 2015 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Julian Cheek Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

LEGAL NOTICES

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM1317 Howard W. Herman AKA Howard William Herman Sr. Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Michael E. Herman, whose address is 4919 Monroe Street, Bladensburg MD 20710 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Howard W. Herman AKA Howard William Herman Sr., who died on September 30, 2014 with, a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . 20001, on or before July 9, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before July 9, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of Publication: January 9, 2015 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Michael E. Herman Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

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Superior Court of

theEST District of TYPESET: Tue Jan 06 17:53:00 2015 Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM1271 Norma June Fowler Decedent Claude Roxborough Sr. Esq 4101 Holly Tree Rd Temple Hills, MD 20748 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Claude Roxborough Sr. whose address is 4101 Holly Tree Rd, Temple Hills, MD , was appointed personal representative of the estate of Norma June Fowler, who died on November 21, 2014 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 9, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before July 9, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of Publication: January 9, 2015 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Claude Roxborough Sr. Personal Representative

District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM581 Patricia Adams Decedent Wesley L. Clarke 1629 K Street Ste 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Wesley L. Clarke, whose address is 1629 K Street, Ste 300.Washington, DC 20006 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Patricia Adams, who died on March 29, 2014 without a Will, and will serve withCourt supervision. All unknown heirs and h e i r s w h o s e whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before January 9, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before January 9, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of Publication: January 9, 2015 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Wesley L. Clarke Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

01/09, 01/16, 01/23/15

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM1303 Theodore P. Perros Decedent Tae S. G. Coroneos P. O. Box 1538 Ocean View, DE 19970 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Eugenia C. Perros, whose address is 10749 Deborah Dr.,Potomac MD 20854 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Theodore P. Perros, who died on November 12, 2014 with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . 20001, on or before July 9, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before July 9, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of Publication: January 9, 2015 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Eugenia C. Perros Personal Representative

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM1156 Lisa Hurt Decedent 2928 Carlton Ave NE Washington DC 20018 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Linda Duvall, whose address is 4710 Washington Ave., Shady Side, MD 20764 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lisa Hurt, who died on October 7, 2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . 20001, on or before July 9, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before July 9, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of Publication: January 9, 2015 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Linda Duvall Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 01/09, 01/16, 01/25/15

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TYPESET: Tue Jan 06 17:50:57 ESTTue 2015Jan 06 17:52:21 TYPESET: Jan 06 17:54:45 EST 2015 TYPESET: ESTTue 2015 LEGAL NOTICES

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NAME: ________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________ PHONE NO.:____________________________________________ CLASSIFICATION: ______________________________________ (Room, Apt., House, etc.) INSERTION DATE:_________________ TYPESET: Tue Jan 06 17:56:03 EST 2015 Superior Court of

theAFRO-AMERICAN District of WASHINGTON NEWSPAPER District of Columbia

PROBATE DIVISION Legal Advertising Rates Washington, D.C. Effective 20001-2131 October 1, 2008 Administration No. 2013ADM1213 PROBATE Romes Thomas Cal- DIVISION houn , Jr. (Estates) Decedent TYPESET: Tue Jan 06 17:58:15 EST 2015 202-332-0080 Bradley A. Thomas. Esq PROBATE 1629 K Street, NW Suite NOTICES Superior Court of 300 the District of Washington, DC District of Columbia $180.00 per 3 weeks a. Order Nisi $ 60 per insertion 20006-1631 PROBATE DIVISION b. Small Estates (singleAttorney publication $ 60 per insertion Washington, D.C. NOTICE OF 20001-2131 c. Notice to Creditors APPOINTMENT, Administration No. 1. Domestic $180.00 per 3 weeks NOTICE TO$ 60 per insertion 2014ADM1234 TYPESET: Jan 13 11:18:34 E CREDITORS$ 60 perValencia Maria Blue 2. Foreign insertion $180.00 per 3Tue weeks AND NOTICE TO Decedent d. Escheated Estates $ 60 per insertion $360.00 per 6 weeks UNKNOWN HEIRS NOTICE OF Superior Court of Deborah L. Guy, whose APPOINTMENT, e. Standard Probates $125.00 the District of address is 1165 St. MatNOTICE TO District of Columbia thew Drive, Florissant, CREDITORS PROBATE DIVISION MO 63031, CIVIL was apAND NOTICE TO NOTICES Washington, D.C. pointed personal repreUNKNOWN HEIRS a. Name Changes 202-879-1133 $ 80.00 20001-2131 sentative of the estate of Wesley Blue, whose ad17:55:18 EST 2015 Administration No. Romes Thomas Cal- dress is 836 52nd St.,$ 200.00 b. Real Property 2014ADM932 houn, Jr., who died on NE, Washington D.C. August 7, 2013 with a 20019, was appointed Carlton C. Robinson Will.Objections to such personal representative Decedent NOTICE OF of the estate of Valencia appointment FAMILY (or to the COURT APPOINTMENT, Maria Blue, who died on probate of decedent´s 202-879-1212 NOTICE TO will) shall be filed with the September 7, 2014 withCREDITORS out a will, and will serve DOMESTIC Register of Wills, D.C., RELATIONS AND NOTICE TO 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd without Court supervi202-879-0157 UNKNOWN HEIRS Floor Washington, D.C. sion. All unknown heirs Glennis L. Robinson, 20001, on or before July a n d h e i r s w h o s e whose address is 1119 9, 2015. Claims against whereabouts are un- McCollough Court, NW a. Absent Defendant $ 150.00 the decedent shall be known shall enter their #301, Washington, DC appearance in this presented to the underb. Absolute Divorce 20001 was appointed proceeding. Objections$ 150.00 signed with a copy to the to such appointment (or personal representative c. Custody Divorce Register of Wills or filed to the probate of de-$150.00 of the estate of Carlton C. with the Register of Wills cedent´s will) shall be Robinson, who died on with a copy to the under- filed with the Register of October 18, 2010 withTo place your ad, call 1-800-237-6892, 262, Public $50.00 &will upserve signed, on or before July ext. outa will, and Wills, D.C., 515 Notices 5th 2015,Baltimore or be forever Court superviStreet, N.W.,are 3rd $24.84 Floor without depending on9, size, Legal Notices per inch. barred. Persons believed W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . sion. All unknown heirs to be heirs or1-800 legatees of 20001, (AFRO) 892 on or before July a n d h e i r s w h o s e the decedent who do not 9, 2015. Claims against whereabouts are unFor Proof ofreceive Publication, please calldecedent 1-800-237-6892, ext. 244 a copy of this no- the shall be known shall enter their tice by mail within 25 presented to the under- a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s days of its first publica- signed with a copy to the proceeding. Objections tion shall so inform the Register of Wills or filed to such appointment Register of Wills, includ- with the Register of Wills shall be filed with the ing name, address and with a copy to the under- Register of Wills, D.C., signed, on or before July 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd relationship. 9, 2015, or be forever Floor Washington, D.C. Date of Publication: TYPESET: Tue Jan 06 17:56:03 2015 barred. Persons believed 20001, on or before July January EST 9, 2015 LEGAL NOTICES to be heirs or legatees of 16, 2015. Claims against Name of newspaper: the decedent who do not the decedent shall be Afro-American Superior Court of receive a copy of this no- presented to the underWashington the District of tice by mail within 25 signed with a copy to the Law Reporter District of Columbia Deborah Guy days of its first publica- Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills PROBATE DIVISION Personal tion shall so inform the with a copy to the underWashington, D.C. Representative Register of Wills, includ- signed, on or before July 20001-2131 ing name, address and 16, 2015, or be forever Administration No. relationship. TRUE TEST COPY barred. Persons believed 2013ADM1213 Date of Publication: REGISTER OF WILLS to be heirs or legatees of Romes Thomas CalJanuary 9, 2015 TYPESET: Tue Jan 06 17:58:15 EST 2015 the decedent who do not houn , Jr. Name of newspaper: 01/09, 01/16, 01/23/15 receive a copy of this noDecedent Afro-American tice by mail within 25 Bradley A. Thomas. Washington Superior Court of days of its first publicaEsq Law Reporter the District of 1629 K Street, NW Suite Wesley Blue tion shall so inform the District of Columbia 300 Personal Register of Wills, includPROBATE DIVISION Washington, DC Representative ing name, address and Washington, D.C. relationship. 20006-1631 20001-2131 Date of Publication: Attorney TRUE TEST COPY Administration No. January 16, 2015 NOTICE OF REGISTER OF WILLS 2014ADM1234 Name of EST newspaper: APPOINTMENT, TYPESET: Tue Jan 13 11:18:34 2015 Valencia Maria Blue Afro-American NOTICE TO 01/09, 01/16, 01/23/15 Decedent Washington CREDITORS NOTICE OF Law Reporter AND NOTICE TO Superior Court of APPOINTMENT, Glennis L. Robinson UNKNOWN HEIRS the District of NOTICE TO Personal Deborah L. Guy, whose District of Columbia CREDITORS Representative address is 1165 St. MatPROBATE DIVISION AND NOTICE TO thew Drive, Florissant, Washington, D.C. UNKNOWN HEIRS TRUE TEST COPY MO 63031, was ap20001-2131 REGISTER OF WILLS pointed personal repre- Wesley Blue, whose adAdministration No. sentative of the estate of dress is 836 52nd St., 2014ADM932 01/16, 01/23, 01/30/15 Romes Thomas Cal- NE, Washington D.C. Carlton C. Robinson houn, Jr., who died on 20019, was appointed Decedent August 7, 2013 with a personal representative NOTICE OF Will.Objections to such of the estate of Valencia APPOINTMENT, appointment (or to the Maria Blue, who died on NOTICE TO probate of decedent´s September 7, 2014 withCREDITORS will) shall be filed with the out a will, and will serve AND NOTICE TO Register of Wills, D.C., without Court superviUNKNOWN HEIRS 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd sion. All unknown heirs Glennis L. Robinson, Floor Washington, D.C. a n d h e i r s w h o s e whose address is 1119 20001, on or before July whereabouts are un- McCollough Court, NW 9, 2015. Claims against known shall enter their #301, Washington, DC the decedent shall be a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s 20001 was appointed presented to the under- proceeding. Objections personal representative signed with a copy to the to such appointment (or of the estate of Carlton C. Register of Wills or filed to the probate of deRobinson, who died on with the Register of Wills cedent´s will) shall be October 18, 2010 withwith a copy to the under- filed with the Register of outa will, and will serve signed, on or before July Wills, D.C., 515 5th without Court supervi9, 2015, or be forever Street, N.W., 3rd Floor sion. All unknown heirs barred. Persons believed W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . and heirs whose to be heirs or legatees of 20001, on or before July whereabouts are unthe decedent who do not 9, 2015. Claims against known shall enter their receive a copy of this no- the decedent shall be tice by mail within 25 presented to the under- a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s days of its first publica- signed with a copy to the proceeding. Objections tion shall so inform the Register of Wills or filed to such appointment Register of Wills, includ- with the Register of Wills shall be filed with the ing name, address and with a copy to the under- Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd relationship. signed, on or before July Floor Washington, D.C. Date of Publication: 9, 2015, or be forever 20001, on or before July January 9, 2015 barred. Persons believed 16, 2015. Claims against Name of newspaper: to be heirs or legatees of the decedent shall be Afro-American the decedent who do not presented to the underWashington receive a copy of this nosigned with a copy to the Law Reporter tice by mail within 25 Deborah Guy days of its first publica- Register of Wills or filed Personal tion shall so inform the with the Register of Wills Representative Register of Wills, includ- with a copy to the under-

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Foreign No. 2014FEP152 Date of Death February 1, 2014 Morris Berte Smith Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Jessie Smith whose address is 7971 Bowland Rd, Pocomoke, MD 21851 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Morris Berte Smith, deceased, on September 30, 2014, by the Register of Wills Court for Worcester C o u n t y, S t a t e o f Maryland. Service of process may be made upon David Willoughby 809 Massachusetts Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Colombia real property: 4342 G Street SE Washington, DC 20019 Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills for the District of Columbia, Building A, 515 5th Street, NW, 3rd FL, Washington, DC 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Jessie Smith Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS Date of first publication: January 9, 2015 Name of newspapers and/or periodical: The Daily Washington Law Reporter The Afro-American

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

TYPESET: Jan 06 18:01:28 EST 01/23/15 2015 01/09, 01/16,Tue 01/23/15 01/09, 01/16, SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM696 Estate of Theresa Wright Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Cecilia R. Jones and LaTanya Wright for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. In the absence of a Will or proof satisfactory to the Court of execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate Register of Wills Clerk of the Probate Division Date of First Publication January 9, 2014 Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington

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Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM1338 Carolyn L. Moore Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jacqueline P. Brown, whose address is 8609 West Fort Foote Terrace, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Carolyn L. Moore, who died on November 1, 2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 16, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before July 16, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of Publication: January 16, 2015 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Jacqueline P. Brown Personal Representative

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM1351 Cynthia D. Worsley Decedent Wendell C. Robinson, Esq 7600 Georgia Ave. NW, 20012 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Zella M. Worsley, whose address is 1410 Military Road, NW, Washington, DC 20011 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Cynthia D. Worsley, who died on December 5, 2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 16, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before July 16, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of Publication: January 16, 2015 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Zelia M. Worsley Personal Representative

TYPESET: Jan 13 11:16:22 EST 2015 TYPESET: Jan 13 11:18:11 ESTTue 2015 01/16, 01/23,Tue 01/30/15 01/16, 01/23, 01/30/15

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 01/16, 01/23, 01/30/15

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

TYPESET: Tue Jan 13 11:14:01 EST 2015 LEGAL NOTICES PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE WASHINGTON REGION´S 2015 CONSTRAINED LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND DRAFT SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE AIR QUALITY CONFORMITY ANALYSIS On Thursday, January 15, 2015 the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) will release for public comment the draft project submissions for the Air Quality Conformity Analysis of the 2015 update to the National Capital Region´s Financially Constrained Long-Range Transportation Plan (CLRP). The TPB also released the draft Scope of Work for the Air Quality Conformity Analysis. The 30-day public comment period will close at midnight on Saturday, February 14, 2015. The TPB will be asked to approve the project inputs and the scope of work for the Air Quality Conformity Analysis at their meeting on February 18, 2015.These materials are available for review online at www.mwcog.org/ clrp and at the offices of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), 777 N. Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. The CLRP shows the road, bridge, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV), transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects funded through the year 2040. The air quality conformity analysis assesses the CLRP with respect to the air quality requirements under the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Comments may be submitted by any of the following means: Write: National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board 777 North Capitol Street NE Suite 300 Washington, DC 20002-4239 Online: www.mwcog.org/TPBcomment Email: TPBComment@mwcog.org In Person: Interested citizens may make a statement during the public comment period at the beginning of each TPB meeting, at 12 noon on the third Wednesday of every month, except August. To participate, call (202) 962-3315.

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TYPESET: Tue Jan 06 01/09, 01/16, 01/23/15

Superior Court of the District of 18:00:37 2015 DistrictEST of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM859 Geraldine T. Griffith Decedent Bernice A. Harleston, Esq 1003 K Street, NW 3rd Floor Washington, DC 20001 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Keith G. Tolar, whose address is 2152 S Howard St., St. Paul, MN 55119, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Geraldine Y. Griffith, who died on May 4, 2014 with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . 20001, on or before July 9, 2015. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before July 9,2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of Publication: January 9, 2015 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Keith G. Tolar Personal Representative

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estate of Richard Allen tion hereinafter set forth. Tucker, who died on In the absence of a Will or November 13, 2014 with proof satisfactory to the a will, and will serve withCourt of execution, enter out Court supervision. All an order determining that unknown heirs and heirs the decedent died inteswhose whereabouts are tate unknown shall enter their Register of Wills appearance in this Clerk of the TYPESET: Tue Jan 13 11:18:11 TYPESET: EST Tue 2015 Jan 13 11:16:40 EST Objections 2015 Probate Division TYPESET: Tue Jan 06 17:58:59 EST 2015 LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES proceeding. LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES to such appointment (or Date of First Publication to the probate of deJanuary 9, 2014 Superior Court of Superior Court of cedent´s will) shall be Names of Newspapers: Superior Court of the District of the District of filed with the Register of Washington the District of District of Columbia District of Columbia Wills, D.C., 515 5th Law Reporter District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION PROBATE DIVISION Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . AFRO-AMERICAN Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 20001-2131 20001, on or before July Cecilia R. Jones 20001-2131 Administration No. Administration No. 16, 2015. Claims against 7910 Woodmont Ave. Administration No. 2014ADM1338 2014ADM1381 the decedent shall be Suite #1350 2014ADM1263 Carolyn L. Moore Annie M Tucker presented to the underBethesda, MD 20814 Lily B. Williams Decedent Decedent signed with a copy to the Signature of Decedent TYPESET: Tue Jan 06 18:21:27 EST 2015 NOTICE OF NOTICE OF Register of Wills or filed Petitioners/Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, APPOINTMENT, with the Register of Wills APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO NOTICE TO with a copy to the underNOTICE TO SUPERIOR COURT OF CREDITORS CREDITORS signed, on or before July CREDITORS THE DISTRICT OF AND NOTICE TO AND NOTICE TO 16, 2015 , or be forever AND NOTICE TO COLUMBIA UNKNOWN HEIRS UNKNOWN HEIRS barred. Persons believed UNKNOWN HEIRS PROBATE DIVISION Jacqueline P. Brown, June T. Lee, whose adto be heirs or legatees of Eunice Y. E. Hill, whose Washington, D.C. whose address is 8609 dress is 8100 Veltri Dr., Ft the decedent who do not address is, are 3421 25th 20001-2131 West Fort Foote Terrace, Washington, MD 20744 receive a copy of this noAve, Temple Hills, MD Administration No. Fort Washington, MD was appointed personal tice by mail within 25 20748 was appointed 2014ADM818 20744, was appointed representative of the days of its first publicapersonal representative Estate of personal representative e s t a t e o f A n n i e M . tion shall so inform the of the estate of Lily B. Brian Roberts of the estate of Carolyn L. Tucker, who died on Register of Wills, includWilliams, who died on AKA Moore, who died on October 30, 2014 with a ing name, address and August 13, 2014 with a Brian K. Roberts November 1, 2014 withWill, and will serve with- relationship. Will, and will serve withDeceased out a Will, and will serve out Court supervision. All Date of Publication: out Court supervision. All NOTICE OF without Court superviunknown heirs and heirs January 16, 2015 unknown heirs and heirs STANDARD sion. All unknown heirs whose where-abouts are Name of newspaper: whose whereabouts are PROBATE a n d h e i r s w h o s e unknown shall enter their Afro-American unknown shall enter their Notice is hereby given whereabouts are una p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s Washington appearance in this that a petition has been known shall enter their proceeding. Objections Law Reporter proceeding. Objections filed in this Court by Ear- a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s to such appointment (or Mary Ann Kolesar to such appointment (or lisa K. Roberts for stan- proceeding. Objections to the probate of dePersonal to the probate of dedard probate, including to such appointment cedent´s will) shall be Representative cedent´s will) shall be the appointment of one shall be filed with the filed with the Register of filed with the Register of or more personal repre- Register of Wills, D.C., Wills, D.C., 515 5th TRUE TEST COPY Wills, D.C., 515 5th sentative. Unless a com- 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Street, N.W., 3rd Floor REGISTER OF WILLS Street, N.W., 3rd Floor plaint or an objection in Floor Washington, D.C. Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . accordance with Super- 20001, on or before July 20001, on or before July 01/16, 01/23, 01/30/15 20001, on or before July ior Court Probate Di- 16, 2015. Claims against 16, 2015. Claims against 9, 2015. Claims against vision Rule 407 is filed in the decedent shall be the decedent shall be the decedent shall be this Court within 30 days presented to the underpresented to the underpresented to the underfrom the date of first pub- signed with a copy to the signed with a copy to the signed with a copy to the lication of this notice, the Register of Wills or filed Register of Wills or filed Register of Wills or filed Court may take the ac- with the Register of Wills with the Register of Wills with the Register of Wills tion hereinafter set forth. with a copy to the underwith a copy to the underwith a copy to the under- 0 Admit to probate the will signed, on or before July signed, on or before July signed, on or before July dated October 20, 2009 16, 2015, or be forever 16, 2015, or be forever 9, 2015, or be forever exhibited with the petition barred. Persons believed barred. Persons believed barred. Persons believed upon proof satisfactory to to be heirs or legatees of to be heirs or legatees of to be heirs or legatees of the Court of due execu- the decedent who do not the decedent who do not the decedent who do not tion by affidavit of wit- receive a copy of this noreceive a copy of this noreceive a copy of this nonesses or otherwise tice by mail within 25 tice by mail within 25 tice by mail within 25 Date of First Publication days of its first publicadays of its first publicadays of its first publicaJanuary 9, 2015 tion shall so inform the tion shall so inform the tion shall so inform the Names of Newspapers: Register of Wills, includRegister of Wills, includRegister of Wills, includWashington Law Re- ing name, address and ing name, address and ing name, address and porter relationship. relationship. relationship. Wa s h i n g t o n A F R O - Date of Publication: Date of Publication: Date of Publication: AMERICAN January 16, 2015 January 16, 2015 January 9, 2015 Earlisa K Roberts Name of newspaper: Name of newspaper: Name of newspaper: 1425 K Street Suite 350 Afro-American Afro-American Afro-American Washington, DC 20005 Washington Washington Washington Signature of Law Reporter Law Reporter Law Reporter Petitioners/Attorney Jacqueline P. Brown June T. Lee Eunice Y. E. Hill Personal Personal Personal 01/09, 01/16/15 TYPESET: Tue Jan 06 17:51:40 EST 2015 Representative Representative Representative

TYPESET: Jan 13 11:16:04 EST 2015 01/16, 01/23,Tue 01/30/15

To advertise in the AFRO Call 202-3320080

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM1289 Richard Allen Tucker Decedent Rande K. Joiner Joienr & Green, LLC 8804 Hidden Hill Ln Potomac, MD 20854 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS M a r y A n n K o l e s a r, whose address is 2032 Belmont Rd, NW, #508, Washington, DC 20009 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Richard Allen Tucker, who died on November 13, 2014 with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor

Classifieds continue on B8

The Afro-American, January 17, 2015 - January 23, 2015 LEGAL NOTICES