Prince Georges Afro-American Newspaper December 19 - January 8

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December 19, 2015 - December 19, 2015, The Afro-American A1 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDITION

Volume 124 No. 20 - 22

DECEMBER 19, 2015 - JANUARY 8, 2016

Mistrial

To Our Readers

The AFRO will be closed for the holidays until Jan. 4, 2016. The next edition of the paper will be out on Jan. 7. Afro. com will continue to update during the break. Have a safe and happy holiday.

Baltimore • Scott Family

of 15 Still Going Strong after 45 Years

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Inside

India Arie Sings Christmas Soul

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Washington There were protests after a mistrial was declared in the manslaughter trial of Officer William Porter, one of six Baltimore city police officers charged in connection to the death of Freddie Gray.

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The first effort to convict an officer in Freddie Gray’s death from a broken neck in a Baltimore Police van ended Dec. 16 with a hung jury and a mistrial. Officials appealed for calm as small crowds protested along streets lined with police officers. The situation was quiet at North and Pennsylvania, the intersection where the worst rioting happened in April as parts of West Baltimore were set on fire. William Porter’s mistrial is a setback for prosecutors trying to respond to a citizenry frustrated by violent crime

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and allegations of police misconduct. Homicides have soared and the pressure on city officials has been unrelenting since Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby charged six officers in Gray’s death. About 30 protesters chanting “send those killer cops to jail” outside the courthouse switched gears after the mistrial was announced, chanting “No justice, no peace!” and “Black Lives Matter.” The case hinged not on what Porter did, but what prosecutors said he didn’t do. He was accused of failing to get medical help for a critically

wounded Gray and was charged with manslaughter, assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment, carrying maximum sentences totaling 25 years. The judge planned to discuss a possible retrial with both sides in his chambers on Dec. 17. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake and the new police commissioner she installed after last April’s riots warned people against more violence. “We will not, we cannot be defined by the unrest of the spring,” the mayor Continued on A3

Maryland HBCU Proposal ‘A Slap in the Face’ In October 2013, years of political and legal wrangling reached a climax when District Court Judge Catherine C. Blake ruled Maryland had violated the U.S. Constitution under the framework established in United States v. Fordice when it allowed traditionally White higher education

institutions to unnecessarily duplicate programs already existing at HBCUs, thereby undermining those institutions’ ability to provide a diverse academic environment that could improve and ensure their students’ higher education success. Maryland “has never dismantled the de jure era of duplication of programs that

Scalia’s Controversial View of Black Students Based on ‘Myth’ By George E. Curry Editor-in-Chief George Curry Media Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s view that students of color are better matched at “a less advanced …slower track” schools than at the nation’s top-tier universities is a myth that has been thoroughly debunked. Scalia touched off a firestorm on Dec. 9 as the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas-Austin, a case brought by a rejected White student challenging the university’s affirmative action program. The university selects 75 percent of its freshmen class (some years it has been as much as 92 percent) through Continued on A6

facilitated segregation—and it has maintained policies and practices that have even exacerbated this problem,” Blake concluded in her 60-page opinion finding that the State continues to maintain and perpetuate an unconstitutional system of higher education that is segregated by race and which violates the rights of students who attend the HBCUs.

Coalition Honors Leaders in D.C.

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Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education By Zenitha Prince Senior AFRO Correspondent zprince@afro.com

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Mistrial in 1st Officer’s Trial in Freddie Gray Case By The Associated Press

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The jurist further mandated that the State of Maryland and the plaintiff, the Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education (the ‘Coalition’) enter into a period of mediation during which they were directed to negotiate and come up with a remedial plan that would legally address the State’s protracted violations and eliminate the inequities the HBCUs have suffered over the past 40-plus years. In connection with the directed mediation, Judge Blake provided a specific outline of what those remedial measures should include: • avoiding future duplication; • expansion of institutional

Senate Criticized Over Lack of Staff Diversity By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a District Black political think tank, recently released a study showing the low number of people of color employed in top staff positions in the U.S. Senate. The report, Racial Diversity among Top Senate Staff, was released on Dec. 8 and written by James Jones, a sociology doctoral candidate at Columbia University. Jones said his academic work focuses on the lack of racial diversity on Capitol Hill. “The Joint Center has a long history of providing research on people of color,” Jones said. “I am working on a dissertation on racial inequality in congressional workplaces and have been working on this topic for 5-6 years. For this report, however, I talked to 100 staffers who work for the Senate and there are so few people of color working in the upper ranks of the Senate.” He focused on the most influential positions in a Senate office: chief of staff, legislative director, communications director, and staff directors assigned to committees. The employment data Jones used is based on who is

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The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016

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Ex-Cop Convicted of Raping 13 Black Women By The Associated Press

The teenager’s mother clapped her hands and screamed with joy as she watched an Oklahoma City jury convict a former police officer of raping her daughter and sexually assaulting seven other women. Minutes after 29-year(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, Pool) old Daniel Holtzclaw was Daniel Holtzclaw, center, cries found guilty, the mother of as he stands in front of the his youngest accuser said she judge after the verdicts were hoped the case would show read in his trial in Oklahoma that the problem of police City, Dec. 10. sexual misconduct wasn’t limited to one officer or one department. “It’s a problem for the nation,” she told The Associated Press. Holtzclaw was convicted Thursday night of preying on the teenager and other women he met on his police beat in a minority, low-income neighborhood. He could spend the rest of his life in prison based on the jury’s recommendation that he serve a total of 263 years, including a 30-year sentence on each of four first-degree rape convictions. In total, the jury convicted Holtzclaw of 18 counts connected to eight of the 13 women, all of whom were black, who testified against him. Jurors acquitted him on 18 other counts. He sobbed as the verdict was read aloud. His case brought new attention to the problem of sexual misconduct committed by law enforcement officers, something police chiefs have studied for years.

Alabama’s Super-Sized Running Back Wins Heisman

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Hand it to Derrick Henry. Alabama’s bulldozer of a tailback with the super-sized workload won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night after carrying the Crimson Tide offense for most of the season. “I’m just so thankful to have this trophy,” Henry said. “It’s just a blessing and an honor.” The 6-foot-3, 242-pound Henry is the second Alabama player to win the Heisman, joining running back Mark Ingram.

Since Ingram won the award in 2009, it had gone to five straight quarterbacks. Stanford’s do-it-all running back Christian McCaffrey, who broke the NCAA record for all-purpose yards in a season, was the runner-up, making it four second-place finishes for Cardinal players in seven years. Deshaun Watson, quarterback of No. 1 Clemson, finished third. Henry was considered the (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) favorite going in, though it Alabama’s Derrick Henry didn’t make it any easier for poses for photos after him. winning the Heisman The moment right before the Trophy, Dec. 12, in New winner was announced was the York. toughest for Henry. “My heart was about to bust out my chest. I thought I was going to have a heart attack,” he said. Henry broke the Southeastern Conference record with 1,986 yards rushing — previously held by 1982 Heisman winner Herschel Walker — and matched a league mark with 23 touchdowns, leading No. 2 Alabama to the College Football Playoff. He also set an Alabama record with 339 carries, including an astounding 90 in the Tide’s last two games.

NAACP Members Protest Police Custody Death By The Associated Press

Black leaders in Virginia say they will march every week until they believe justice has been served in the case of a man who died in police custody after officers shocked him repeatedly with stun guns. Dozens of NAACP members marched Saturday in South Boston and called on the county’s prosecutor to complete her investigation into the death of Linwood Lambert Jr. Videos released last month showed three South Boston police officers using stun guns multiple times on the 46-yearold Lambert, who they had brought to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. He later died in their custody. Halifax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tracy Quackenbush Martin has not said whether she will bring charges against the officers. Neither she nor the police department immediately responded to a request for comment.

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The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - December 19, 2015

December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016, The Afro-American

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Mistrial

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said. “Protesters who are lawfully assembled have a friend in the Baltimore Police Department,� Commissioner Kevin Davis said. “Folks who choose to commit crimes and break things and hurt people are no longer protesters.� Mosby wouldn’t comment: “Gag order,� she said, smiling and shaking her head inside the courthouse. Attorney Billy Murphy, who obtained a $6.4 million settlement for Gray’s family from the city before Porter’s trial, called the mistrial “a temporary bump on the road to justice.� The racially diverse jury of seven men and five women deliberated for about 16 hours over three days. They indicated they were deadlocked on Dec. 15, but Circuit Judge Barry Williams told them to keep at it, even as

he denied their requests for help. “It is clear you will not come to a unanimous agreement on any of the four charges,� the judge said Wednesday. “You have clearly been diligent.� The Baltimore NAACP asked people to control their “frustration and anger� and respect “the rights of all people respected, on all sides.� At least two activists were arrested, including Kwame Rose, a young black man who called the mistrial an “injustice.� “We are going to fight for justice until it becomes a reality in our lives. A mistrial means that the prosecution did not do their jobs good enough,� he said. Erika Alston, a West Baltimore community leader who founded Kids Safe Zone after the April riots, said she felt there was reasonable doubt that Porter committed manslaughter, but

“it’s early. It’s one of six.� “I’m not expecting our community to repeat April, but it is a bit of a kick in the chest,� she said. Porter left the courthouse after conferring solemnly with defense attorney Joseph Murtha, and was shielded by deputies from the media. Murtha declined to comment. Gray was arrested while fleeing from officers and died April 19, a week after his neck was broken inside a police van as a seven-block trip to the station turned into a 45-minute journey around West Baltimore. The young Black man had been left handcuffed and shackled but without a seatbelt in the metal compartment. The autopsy concluded that he probably couldn’t brace himself whenever the van turned a corner or braked suddenly. Porter is also Black, as are two of the

other five officers charged. Race was never mentioned during the trial. It wasn’t clear how the mistrial would affect the other officers. Prosecutors had planned to use Porter’s testimony against two of them. Prosecutors argued that Porter, who was present at five of the van’s six stops, was criminally negligent for ignoring his department’s policy requiring officers to seatbelt prisoners, and for not calling an ambulance even though Gray repeatedly said he needed medical help. The defense said Porter went beyond the call of duty when he moved Gray to a seated position at one point, and told the van driver and a supervisor that Gray had said “yes� when asked if he needed to go to a hospital. The driver, Officer Caesar Goodson, is scheduled for trial on Jan. 6.

HBCU

Continued from A1 missions, program uniqueness and institutional identity at HBCUs; • transfer or merger of select high-demand programs to HBCUs from traditionally White institutions to include programs created in duplication of pre-existing offerings at HBCUs; and, • enhancement of current programs at HBCUs and collaborations that otherwise benefit HBCUs. The mediation talks failed. Thus, Maryland and the Coalition were tasked with submitting individual proposals for remedying the constitutional violations and eliminating the effects of program duplication at Maryland’s HBCUs to aid Judge Blake in making her remedial order and final judgment. The Coalition, which comprises current and former students of Maryland’s public HBCUs—Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore—submitted its proposal on May 5 while the State of Maryland did not submit a proposal until Nov. 20, following its failed attempt to challenge the legal foundation for Judge Blake’s ruling on appeal. The Coalition’s proposal is based, in part, on recommendations from Dr. Clifton Conrad, a professor at the University of WisconsinMadison and the nation’s preeminent scholar on this issue who’s testimony was a significant part of the record before the Supreme Court in Fordice, and Dr. Walter Allen, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, who also has long experience in similar litigation in Alabama and Mississippi. “The Coalition’s proposal responds directly to the Court’s findings against unnecessary program duplication between Maryland’s traditionally White institutions and nearby historically Black campuses and the Court’s prescribed framework for a remedyâ€? said Coalition President David Burton. “Moreover, our proposal provides proven strategies for eliminating the duplication and promoting desegregation without compromising quality of programs, student access and costs efficiency.â€? The Coalition’s first strategy would require the State to restructure the process by which institutions propose and secure approval for new programs given the State’s continued refusal to address the matter of program duplication, the court document states. The second strategy calls for enhancing the institutional identity of HBCUs in order to draw students of all backgrounds and races by creating distinct programmatic niches, with unique, high-demand courses at those institutions. That approach also calls for eliminating duplicative programs at traditionally White institutions and transferring them to nearby HBCUs, and also folding the University of Baltimore into nearby Morgan State University to further establish that HBCU as the State’s public urban university. The third Coalition proposal calls for strengthening existing program offerings at HBCUs by enhancing those programs, establishing new joint programs between TWIs and HBCUs

and revising the mission distinctiveness of Morgan State and academic quality of the remaining programs and the academic Coppin State universities. The plan also attempts to reduce foundation of the College.� the undue competition posed by the University of Maryland But Burton, the Coalition leader, countered those arguments, University College by converting that institution into a digital pointing to successful institution mergers in Tennessee in the platform for on-line degree programs offered by all of the 1990s and more recently in Georgia, where 10 institutions have State’s universities and colleges, a model more consistent with been merged into five over the past three years. He also said the delivery of on-line education in other states across the it’s difficult to give credence to institutions that have benefitted country. from the State’s perpetuation of program duplication. The State of Maryland’s proposal opened by announcing “Ironically, the strength of the Coalition’s proposal is that the University of Baltimore-Towson University joint MBA best illustrated in the affidavits of UMBC and UB presidents program, which was deemed to be duplicative of a similar Freeman Hrabowski and program at Morgan State, would be dissolved, going back to Kurt Schmoke,� Burton said. the singular University of Baltimore program authorized in “In arguing the importance 1972. of the duplicated programs The first strategy of the State’s proposal would create a $10 to their campuses, they million fund to support the development of new collaborative inadvertently illustrate the programs between HBCUs and TWIs over the next six years. tremendous harm done Under this proposed strategy, campuses would jointly submit to HBIs in unnecessarily proposals for programs that do duplicating their programs not duplicate already existing at nearby TWIs and the programs at HBCUs—though enormous impact transferring they can enhance or build such programs could upon such pre-existing HBCU have for increasing the programs. competitiveness of HBIs in The second strategy proposed recruiting talented students by the State would establish regardless of race, attracting an Early College Summer quality faculty and securing Academies program at each funding from government of the HBCUs, as a means of agencies, foundations and exposing high-schoolers to the private individuals.� “strengths of the HBIs’ programs and state-of-the-art facilities.�

This proposal suggests that 46,'3 !8'8+ #3.:+67.8= 1923. 774).'8.43 the curricula for this program should play to existing HBCU " #" program strengths such as the: ! ! !" STEM-related subjects at Bowie State; health professions at Coppin State; engineering at Morgan State, which already

conducts a Summer Academy of Mathematics and Science; 47+5- '70.37 6 renewable energy; and the PGA .7-45 +(+6 64;3 – Michael Jones Golf management/hospitality and 63+78.3+ !-+5-+6* tourism management programs " .601'3* 9'2.3' at the University of Maryland 6.)' %'8+67 Eastern Shore. HBCU supporters said the State’s proposal was anemic and 46,'3 -4.6 '3* a slap in the face after years of Maryland’s failure to abide by 46,'3 '>> 37+2(1+ '/46 +3+6'1 the law. .3*' !.3,- '6)97 %'7-.3,843 “This is not a serious proposal. Not only does it not

% & "$ +;7 3)-46 eliminate any existing duplication but it makes no commitment to preventing duplication going forward,� said Michael Jones, *2.77.43 "'< +*9)8.(1+

lead attorney for the Coalition and a partner in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. “We were supposed to be working for the last two years on proposals to remediate the findings in Judge Blake’s ruling. [Instead], they spent three weeks cobbling this together to keep themselves from being sanctioned.� The State’s proposal was also accompanied by several affidavits from TWI presidents - 0% )27 .,%1 -# !1% .

criticizing the Coalition’s plans. UB President Kurt Schmoke decried the proposed merger of his institution with Morgan State, saying mergers rarely work and that the two schools were too different in )27 .,%1 -# !-$ #%02!)- .& )21 !&:+)!2%1 8 )27 .,%19 !0% their missions and student )- "!-*03/2#7 & 7.3 0%1)$% .0 0%1)$%$ )- ! )27 .,%1 /0./%027 )- populations. Similarly, Freeman !+2),.0% )27 7.3 ,!7 (!4% ! #+!), !'!)-12 )27 .,%1 0%+!2%$ 2. Hrabowski III, president of +%!$ /!)-2 %6/.130% )27 .,%1 (!1 /0./.1%$ ! "!-*03/2#7 /+!- 2(!2 )& the University of Maryland !//0.4%$ "7 2(% "!-*03/2#7 #.302 5)++ +),)2 7.30 0)'(2 2. :+% 13)2 !'!)-12 Baltimore County, panned the proposed transfer of )27 .,%1 !-$ .2(%01 - !$$)2).- )& 2(% /+!- )1 !//0.4%$ 7.3 ,!7 programs from its College of (!4% ! 0)'(2 2. 0%#%)4% ! /!7,%-2 )& 7.3 (!4% ! 4!+)$ +%!$ /!)-2 #+!), Engineering and Information Systems to Morgan State, %4%- )& 2(%0% )1 -. )-130!-#% 2. #.4%0 7.30 #+!), .0 ,.0% )-&.0,!2).- saying, “Elimination of any #!++ .0 4)1)2 555 #)27(.,%1"!+2. .0' programs in this ‘system’ would irreparably damage the

“This is not a serious proposal. Not only does it not eliminate any existing duplication but it makes no commitment to preventing duplication going forward. We were supposed to be working for the last two years on proposals to remediate the findings in Judge Blake’s ruling. [Instead], they spent three weeks cobbling this together to keep themselves from being sanctioned.�

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The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - Janaury 8, 2016

Obituaries

The Afro remembers our fallen loved ones

Shirley R. Brookins 1946 - 2015

Napoleon Dobson 1927 - 2015

Alice M.H. Bey

Edward W. Brooke III

Carl M. Adair

Allegra Bennett

1934 - 2015

1947 - 2015

Amari Brown

Cyril O. Bryon

Frank Conaway

Milton P. Crenshaw

Walter R .Dean

1919 - 2015

1935 - 2015

Benjamin G. Glenn Sr.

Freddie Gray

Raymond Gray

Eugenia E.P. Hinton

Lynn Huntley

2008 - 2015

2015

1920 - 2015

1990 - 2015

1933 - 2015

1926 - 2015

1940 - 2015

1927 - 2015

1920 - 2015

1946 - 2015

Joseph E. Jones

Thomas C. Jones

Evelyn D. Jordan

Martha P.P. Linsey 1918 - 2015

Iris W. Lloyd

Moses Malone

1927 - 2015

Bertha B.T.M. McBride

Keiffer J. Mitchell Sr.

Beatrice Payne

Jeremiah Perry

Mildred L. Pettit

G. Franklin Phillips Jr.

1925 - 2015

1942 - 2015

Calvin J. Spann

Phillip “Sir Andre� Stancil

Evelyn M. Stokes

1931 - 2015

1925 - 2015

Clementa C. Pinckney 1973 - 2015

1920 - 2015

1942 - 2015

Gladys J.G. Reed 1921 - 2015

1909 - 2015

Elijah Saunders 1935 - 2015

2014 -2015

1925 - 2015

1919 - 2015

1955 - 2015

1949 - 2015

1950 - 2015

Clark Terry 1921 - 2015

Orris Walker 1942 - 2015

Levi Watkins Jr. 1945 - 2015

Andrew Watson 1974 - 2015

Quinton B. Wilkes 1941 - 2015

Artie B. Williams 1933 - 2015

December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016, The Afro-American

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By Michael Cassell

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Taking the First Step to Buying a Home Never feel that you cannot buy a home, if buying and home ownership is something that you truly yearn for. There is almost always a way to buy a home, if you are willing to follow the necessary steps. But what is the first step? Do not waste your time looking at homes, until you have talked to a Mortgage Loan Officer from a Mortgage Company and let them fully prequalify you, before you look at any homes. There are mistakes in 30% of all credit reports and most people are not even aware that the error exists. How do I get pre-qualified? In my experience, you are best served by a Mortgage Company rather than a Commercial Bank when attempting to secure a mortgage. Why? Because when you make application for a mortgage at a commercial bank the person that normally takes your application is one of the bank’s many Making sure you have good credit is one of the first steps to buying a home. vice presidents. The Vice President generally does not have a vested interest in you getting a mortgage. Come Mortgage companies tend to go out of their way to do everything that they Friday the vice president is going to get paid the same salary whether or not can reasonably do to make a mortgage for you. If they find a problem or they make a mortgage for you. If they can find a reason to reject your mortgage concern they are not going to simply reject your mortgage as others might, they application it just might mean less work for them. are going to work with you and do everything and suggest everything that they The lending community has just gone through a major debacle. Thousands reasonably can to make the mortgage process successful. of loans went into default between 2007 and 2009 because of a shift in this They will tell you what you need to do to get approved for a mortgage, if country’s financial stability. Those defaults triggered a financial meltdown and you do it, you will generally get the mortgage. Consider talking to a mortgage the effects are still being felt to this day. Some lenders may still have the jitters company if you are serious about securing a mortgage and buying a home. about making new mortgage loans. They see new loans as potential future It is not uncommon for mortgage lenders to advise you and even hold your foreclosures. hand through a process in which you strengthen, rebuild or otherwise cleanNow, if you apply for a mortgage through a mortgage company or a bank up your credit score. They know what information needs to be removed, or that has a separate mortgage division you generally are much more likely improved, in order for their loan decision-maker – known as an underwriter, to to get approved for the mortgage. Why? It simple and basic human nature, view your application favorably and opt to approve you for a loan. the mortgage officer from a mortgage company does one thing, they make Few people who purchase a home ever say the effort they undertook to mortgages, they don’t have checking and saving accounts and don’t make secure a mortgage was not time well spent. A home provides such a sense of loans for cars, etc. They have a vested interest in approving and making your personal power and is so influential in stabilizing someone’s financial strength mortgage. If they are not successful in making mortgages they are going to go that buying is still viewed by many people as being preferable to renting a out of business. residence and paying for someone else’s mortgage. More importantly the mortgage officers are generally paid a commission based on the number of mortgages they approve and settle. If they don’t make a Michael Cassell, CRB,CRS,GRI, is the former chairman of the Maryland mortgage for you they have lost time, money and their paycheck will not be as Real Estate Commission. He is a Broker/Owner of Creative Real Estate large as it would have been had they made your mortgage happen. Services. He can be reached at Mike@MikeCassell.com.

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The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016

30th Annual Olender Awards for Community Service By AFRO staff Jack Olender and his associates presented the 30th Annual Olender Foundation Awards Dec. 5 at the John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts, 700 F St NW, in celebration of others who serve the less fortunate. Paul Berry served as master of ceremonies and Debra Tidwell sang along with “Colorz” and the Greg Twombley band. In addition to scholarships to six law students at UDC David Clarke Law School and six law students from Howard University Law School, grants were made to NAACP

Legal Defense and Educational Fund in honor of Wil Haygood, writer of the best-selling book on Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. A grant was made to Robert A Shuker scholarship Fund for law students who seek to represent poor people and another grant was made to Holy Trinity Baptist Church in honor of its founders Pastors Rev. George C. Gilbert, Sr., Rev. George C. Gilbert, Jr. and Rev. Xavier Gilbert. The Gilberts have, in addition to their ministries, attempted to help the community throughout the city including labor efforts.

Courtesy Photo

Former Chief-of-Staff of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Elaine Jones presents the Advocate for Justice 2016 Award to Author Wil Haygood for his best-selling book “Showdown…Thurgood Marshall” along with Jack Olender, president of The Malpractice Law Firm Jack H Olender & Associates, a D.C. and Maryland law firm.

Ms. Santa 2015

Donations Goal: $20,000

$3,000.00 The Morris A. and Clarisse Mechanic Foundation

$1,000.00 Gary and Paulette Burgess Beverly Carter

$500.00 John Carter Susan Gould Johns Hopkins Medicine The Modern Grannies

Mr. Andre & Rev. Dr. Frances (Toni) Draper Kamau High Harold F. Macklin Beverly Givens Reid Laura L. Simpkins-Johnson Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Union Memorial United Methodist Church

$50.00 Anonymous (2) Earl T. Bowen Jr. Willie James and Bernice Copeland Charles E. Donegan Donegan Law Firm Betty Jean Durham Ellen Tavares Dutton Maj. (Ret.) John R. Hawkins III Shirley Ingram Elizabeth J. Koopman Jack Leister Progressive Interest Group Ken Smith Margaret B. Wells Harry and Barbara White

Women Behind the Community

$400.00 The Philomathians

$375.00 Denise A. Norman

$335.00 Cash Donations from AFRO Night at Everyman Theater

$300.00 Iota Phi Theta Gamma Omicron Omega Barbara C. Motley

$30.00

Marion J. Seabrooks

Sheilah Davenport Dorothea Jordan

$250.00 Ronald W. Harrison National Coalition of 100 Black Women Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter

$25.00 Anonymous Terence K. Bethea Amy Dunlap Sandra East Agnes Edwards Annette L. Fisher Chetta Hebron Ellen K. Hill Pearl Kirby Barbara S. Leak Audrey R. Mason Calvin L. Tolbert Kevin M. Tolbert

Arnold & Virgie Williams

$200.00 Everett & Stella Fullwood The Milton Inn Milton Fare Clifton and Deborah Newman The United Ushers of Baltimore

$150.00

$20.00

James Wyche Jr.

$125.00

Geraldine Bates Mary Cook Denise DeLeaver

$100.00

Myra A. Harris Mary Jane Humphries

Almie McIntyre McIntyre Group

$10.00

Barbara Armstrong The Archives Ministry of New Psalmist Baptist Church Rod Armstrong Baltimore Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Bikes AFSCME Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Pi Omega Chapter

T-Shirts

Baltimore Alpha Wives

Printworks Md.

Baltimore Chapter Charms The Baltimore Precious Collection The Baltimore Rams Alumni Baltimore, Md John Barry James and Marcine Britton Laura P. Byrd Chums Inc. – Baltimore Continental Societies

Toys Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Epsilon Omega Chapter Baltimore, Md. Baltimore Kappa Silhouettes MECU Phaze 10 and John Lamkin Pinochle Bugs, Social & Civic Club

Total:

$14,450.00 As of 12/16/15

We THANK YOU for Making the Holiday Brighter for Others

December 19, 2015 - December 19, 2015, The Afro-American

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Senate

Continued from A1

employed by senators on April 2015. The key findings of the report are: * Although people of color make up over 36 percent of the U.S. population and over 28 percent of the citizen voting-age population, they represent only 7.1 percent of top Senate staffers. Blacks make up 13 percent of the population but comprise only 0.9 percent of top Senate staffers. * Senate offices representing states with large Latino and Black populations hire few senior staffers of color. Blacks represent 17 percent to almost 38 percent of the population in 10 states (Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia) yet hold only 1.7 percent of the total staff positions in these states’ Senate offices. * The top Democratic Senate staff members are much less diverse than the Democratic voting base. While 22 percent of Democrats are Black, as a group they are only 0.7 percent of top Democratic U.S. Senate staff. The report shows that there are no Black chiefs of staff, legislative directors or communications directors in the Capitol Hill or state offices of any Democratic

senator.”Jones said it’s important that Americans understand why this racial disparity on Senate staffs makes a difference in their lives. “Many people outside of D.C. don’t know that lack of diversity [in Senate staffs] is a problem and those in D.C. who do know it is a problem say there is no data

Paul Brathwaite is a former executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus. Brathwaite said the findings of Jones’s report are not new and agrees that most Americans are naïve about the inner workings of Congress. “It is important to have people of color in those key staff positions

“Many people outside of D.C. don’t know that lack of diversity [in Senate staffs] is a problem and those in D.C. who do know it is a problem say there is no data to verify it.”

– James Jones

to verify it,” he said. “This report has empirical data and documents the problem.” Jones said that most Americans don’t understand how Congress works. “It is the staffers who assist members of Congress by writing the legislation that the member proposes and staffers even suggest legislation,” he said. “It is the staffers who put the hearings together and when constituents visit their national lawmakers, it is often the staff that they meet with. The staffers on Capitol Hill are often known as the “invisible force.”

because they influence policy,” Brathwaite said. “Whether its education, health care, tax policy, energy, telecommunications, [or] transportation, decisions on which group gets what is determined by staffers. If you had more people of color in those staff positions, there would be better outcomes for people of color.” “Instead of a report like this being done every once in a while, I would do this every year,” Brathwaite said. “I would hold the Senate offices accountable for their staff diversity and even assign grades to those offices.”

Scalia

Continued from A1 a process that guarantees admission to the top 10 percent of each high school graduating class. The remaining students are chosen through an individualized affirmative action program that considers such factors as demonstrated leadership qualities, extracurricular activities, honors and awards, essays, work experience, community service, and special circumstances such as applicant’s socioeconomic status, family composition, special family responsibilities, socioeconomic status of applicant’s high school and race. Even though two points are assigned to any category, Abigail Fisher decided to sue on the basis of race, saying the consideration of race violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. However, the university said she would not have been accepted even if no affirmative action program were in place. Scalia said, “There are those who contend that it does not benefit African­ Americans to get them into the University of Texas where they do not do well, as opposed to having them go to a less advanced school, a slower track school where they do well. One of the briefs pointed out most of the Black scientists in this country don’t come from schools like the University of Texas. They come from lesser schools where they do not feel that they’re being pushed ahead in classes that are too fast for them.” Scalia, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1986 by Ronald Reagan, shifted from the “some people” straw argument to express his deeply personal view, which many public figures have since condemned as blatantly racist.

AP Photo/Jim Mone, File

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia says that students of color would be better served at “less advanced” schools. He said, “I’m just not impressed by the fact that the University of Texas may have fewer. Maybe it ought to have fewer. And maybe some, you know, when you take more, the number of Blacks, really competent Blacks admitted to lesser schools, turns out to be less. And I don’t think it stands to reason that it’s a good thing for the University of Texas to admit as many Blacks as possible.” To his credit, Gregory G. Garre, one of the attorneys representing the University of Texas, immediately challenged the core of Scalia’s argument. He replied, “This Court heard and rejected that argument, with respect, Justice Scalia, in the Grutter case, a case that our opponents haven’t asked this Court to overrule. If you look at the academic performance of holistic minority admits versus the top 10 percent admits, over time, they fare better. And, frankly, I don’t think the solution to the

problems with student body diversity can be to set up a system in which not only are minorities going to separate schools, they’re going to inferior schools. I think what experience shows, at Texas, California, and Michigan, is that now is not the time and this is not the case to roll back student body diversity in America.” Matthew Chingos, a scholar at the Urban Institute, noted “[Scalia’s] remarks reference the so-called ‘mismatch hypothesis,’ which posits that minority students are harmed by policies that allow them to attend competitive colleges for which they lack adequate academic preparation. “Mismatch is possible in theory, but it presents an empirical question as to whether selective colleges admit students who would be better off at less challenging institutions.” Straightforward comparisons of students

with similar academic credentials who attended different colleges consistently find that students are more likely to graduate from more selective institutions. This finding holds for all groups of students examined, including underrepresented minorities and students with weaker academic preparation.” Scalia ignored an abundance of evidence that proves African Americans have successfully competed at the nation’s elite universities. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1960 after completing his undergraduate study at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. W.E.B. DuBois, one of the nation’s most distinguished scholars, earned his doctorate from Harvard University in 1895. That same year, William Monroe Trotter, the future crusading editor of the Boston Guardian, was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa key while earning his Bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Harvard. They were proving they didn’t need to go to a “lesser” school more than a half-century before Scalia arrived in Cambridge, Mass. to enroll in law school. More recently, both the president and the first lady, earned degrees from Harvard Law School after earning undergraduate degrees at Ivy League universities. Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.) described Scalia’s comments as troubling. “I was shocked and amazed by Justice Antonin Scalia’s comments in the Fisher v. University of Texas case yesterday. His suggestion that African Americans would fare better at schools that are ‘less advanced’ or on a ‘slow-track’ remind me of the kind of prejudice that led to separate and unequal school systems – a policy the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional decades ago,” Lewis said.

December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016, The Afro-American

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Little Melvin Williams and the Cries of Baltimore department? During Bealefeld’s tenure he did just that. In August of 2011, he invited local criminal justice faculty to headquarters. He acknowledged that he could not police the city alone and that he During Melvin Williams’ (“Little Melvin”) Dec. 12 home going needed scholars to help with research, internships, and identifying service, the Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant shared a story about a future officers. Beginning in the spring 2012, Morgan State woman whose son went missing during a blizzard. She turned to law University students and other local collegians interned with BPD. enforcement and the community to find him. She was directed to stay Will the community continue to receive calls for service? On home in case he returned. April 20 Congressman Elijah Cummings hosted a “Forum on The search for the teenager, during the storm, involved people Policing in the Community”. Members of the law enforcement working in groups of two. As the sun set, law enforcement shared that community, including former Commissioner Anthony Batts, Deputy they did everything they could and they would resume the search the Commissioner and Chief of Patrol Col. Darryl De Sousa, and next morning. She pleaded, for them to search again, with everyone Assistant Pastor and Lt. Col. Melvin Russell attended. Advocates locking arms and, together, she was certain, they could find her son. including Williams’ Godson Dr. Edward Sutton, lawyers including They complied and eventually found her son in a ditch, dead. She those who represented the Public Defender’s office, experts including said that if everyone would have worked together sooner they may Open Society Criminal and Juvenile Justice Program Director Tara have found her son alive. This heart wrenching story spoke volumes Huffman, educators like myself, and members of the community to the life and legacy of “Little Melvin” and to addressing the needs of were also present. Baltimore. During the spring of 2008 and 2009, Williams lectured some of Where Williams will forever be remembered as a Baltimore legend my students about the reentry experience. Some turned their nose up because of his drug Kingpin status, criminal charges for which he to the idea, others were in awe of the legend, and many had no idea honestly acknowledged, and his story and contribution to HBO’s The who Williams was. Either way Williams educated students about Wire, his legacy as the go-to person to address distress, unrest, and the Melvin ‘Little Melvin’ Williams a life that included more than 40 years of parole. Years after his underlying criminal elements in Baltimore should not be swept under left a complicated legacy. visit students continue to share his story. Some share their parents’ the rug. knowledge about his crime filled life and others described him as one During the 1968 MLK riots, Williams was one of many who who seemed to have a “doctorate in streetology.” brought calm and peace to the city. Some forty years later, he shared that under former Today I reflect on our encounters and the cries of Baltimore - His leading a Baltimore City Police (BPD) Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld III, he was asked to discussion on entrepreneurship at his shop on North Avenue; his proudly introducing help address crime. He knew and worked with many but was also shamed for his past. I’ll forever recall in 2010, as a board member for the defunct Prisoners Aid Association his adult daughters; his speaking during university events; his talking about his book; his securing housing for a student, who I did not know was homeless; his of Maryland, suggesting that Williams be invited to speak to former inmates. I was hosting criminal justice education sessions for the community, with those who were told that the powers-that-be in the city “will not show up to an event with him on the responsible for his prosecution; his reminding me about what the work of criminal program”. justice faculty could be; his introducing positive local and national figures, reformed Solving crime problems and working with the hundreds of former inmates that criminals; his accepting a call for help of a former inmate earlier this year; my calling return to the city annually requires law enforcement and community collaborations. and expecting him not to recognize my voice, but his response would be “Professor!” Some may not be willing to engage with people like Williams for personal, social, or and our concluding the call with his word “Respect”. political reasons. If more members of law enforcement, experts, advocates, and members of the As Baltimore became infamous due to “The Wire,” for the murder rate in 2015, community at large could have a sliver of the photographic memory of Williams and for the “wait and see” adage related to the Freddie Gray trials, it is imperative that (remembering why people revolt) and a sliver of the know how to address community the expertise, experience, and influence of everyone is brought to the table. This was concerns (with both law enforcement and the community), more will likely be evident on April 27. Despite misinformation regarding predicted gang activity in the city, gang members, responsible for turning things around for the better in Baltimore. This must happen together with no room for personal, social, or political biases because Baltimore church pastors, law enforcement, and members of the community worked to calm is crying for help, much like the cries heard at the home going service for “Little Baltimore city, a city that erupted like many American cities responding to police Melvin.” involved homicides of unarmed men, women, and children. These moments of unrest are not new. They are predictable. What is not so predictable is how law enforcement Dr. Natasha C. Pratt-Harris is an associate professor and coordinator of the and the community will respond to consistent cries for help. Criminal Justice program in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology with Will the BPD, led by Commissioner Kevin Davis, call local criminal justice Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. faculty and experts to help, especially as manpower limitations exist within the (AFRO File photo)

By Dr. Natasha C. Pratt-Harris

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The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016

COMMENTARY Lifting America’s Children Out of Poverty Each year, during the holiday season, we should commend the families, faith institutions and other organizations who, year round, give generously of their time, talents and finances to help the “least of these” in our community. This also is the time when our shared humanity should encourage all of us to do whatever is within our power to lift up our neighbors — Elijah Cummings and, especially, their children. Our faith’s traditions imbue us with an empowering equitable principle: To those to whom much is given, much is expected in return. This is why we rightly honor those of our neighbors who respond to our shared calling to help others. It also is why the governments of humane societies like our own enact social “safety nets” to assist those whose needs are beyond the capabilities of private generosity to mitigate. These thoughts were in my heart on December 3, when Senator Elizabeth Warren joined me for a forum on the harsh effects of poverty upon America’s children – the seventh forum that we have convened as part of our Middle Class Prosperity Project. You can watch our hearing in its entirety on the Internet at democrats.oversight.house.gov The factual evidence that we documented is both sobering and encouraging. For example, in 2014, nearly 47 million Americans lived in poverty, including more than 21 percent of American children under the age of 18. More than 4 out of every ten of these poor children (nearly 7 million of them) were attempting to survive in the extreme poverty of less than one-half of the federal poverty threshold. That number of those American children — those 7 million children who are living in extreme poverty — exceeds the combined populations of both Texas and Florida. On the more encouraging side, however, our experts confirmed that publicly supported economic policies are

making a difference. The Earned Income Tax Credit raised more than 6 million Americans — including more than 3 million children — out of poverty in 2013. When nearly half of those living in poverty in the United States are living in what can only be described as deprivation, there should be no opposition to making the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit permanent. President Obama agrees — and, together, we are working to convince our Republican colleagues that permanent, expanded assistance to America’s working families of modest means deserves our continued support. Here is our challenge. In 2017, three key tax provisions for working families will expire. • Married low-income workers will be subject to a larger marriage penalty. • Families with three or more children will see their tax credits cut. • Families that earn between $3,000 and $14,600 – including full-time minimum wage workers – will lose access to key tax credits that help with the costs of raising children. If these provisions expire, sixteen million people will be pushed into (or deeper into) poverty — including 114,000 children in Maryland alone. Currently, Republicans in Congress are considering spending $95 billion on approximately 50 tax breaks for businesses, including one give-away to Wall Street that costs $13.4 billion. If big business is to continue to receive tax breaks, low-income Americans who are working hard just to survive deserve some support as well – especially when we can provide that help for a fraction of the cost of the tax breaks for businesses. The Earned Income Tax Credit is not the entire answer to our challenge, but it is a critical part of that answer. When I walk the streets of Baltimore, I see a city largely bereft of the kinds of well-paying jobs that enabled men and women like my parents to move ahead and provide for their families. The loss of these jobs has left a community in which

one out of every three children live in poverty. As a nation that aspires to be humane, we must not turn away from these children or from their families. Even during these times of economic trial for so many of our countrymen and women, I remain convinced that a combination of social policy that rewards work (like the Earned Income Tax Credit), private generosity and the determination of our people to succeed can lift up even our poorest communities. My neighbors want to work, and they are willing to work their way up into better paying jobs. Yet, their children need some help to survive and thrive during the years required by their families to complete that journey. Across the United States, tens of millions of Americans who are living — and working — in poverty dream of a time when opportunity for all will include them as well. The Earned Income Tax Credit for working families who are struggling economically is not a gift to them. It is a thoughtful and effective investment in a better future for us all. Congressman Elijah Cummings represents Maryland’s 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.

Our Incarcerated Population Deserves a REAL Second Chance Since coming to Congress, I have made it a priority to visit prisons and jails across Maryland to better understand the challenges facing this underserved and often forgotten population. Earlier this year, I visited the Maryland Correctional Institution in Jessup to meet with incarcerated individuals taking classes at Goucher College. They are part of The Goucher Prison Education Partnership, which gives incarcerated men and women the opportunity to pursue a college education. The men and women I met were committed to getting an education and getting their lives back on track. These are exactly the types of programs we should be pursuing across Maryland and our country. Sadly, Congress is standing in the way of common sense reform. The statistics are startling. When Congress took away Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals in 1994, the prison rate nearly doubled in a decade to 1.6 million, many of whom were

Donna Edwards

repeat offenders -- at great cost to taxpayers. At Jessup, on average, the cost to imprison an inmate ranges between $35,000 to $40,000 a year. A Pell Grant costs less than $6,000 each year, one-sixth the cost of incarceration. Education is the gateway to success for all segments of our country, including the incarcerated -- but Pell Grants have the added benefit of reducing recidivism. According to a 2013 study funded by the Justice Department, incarcerated individuals who participated in correctional education programs were 43 percent less likely to return to prison within three years than those who did not participate. With more than a half a million incarcerated individuals scheduled for release by the end of this year alone, it is morally and fiscally responsible to ensure that those returning home have the tools they need to obtain a quality education and the ability to contribute to their communities. That’s why I introduced H.R. 2521, the Restoring Education and Learning (REAL) Act of 2015. The REAL

Act would reinstate Pell Grant eligibility to incarcerated individuals across our country, ensuring that more programs like the one at Goucher College can take root. At the end of July, President Obama announced a pilot program to do just that, and I stood side by side with his administration when they announced the program at Goucher College at the Maryland Correctional Institution. But in order to make education a reality, we need Congress to act and reinstate Pell Grants for our incarcerated men and women. We know the power that a quality education can have on an individual, broadening their horizons and ensuring they have a fair shot at the American dream. For more than two decades, we’ve withheld this pathway from millions of our fellow Americans, at great harm to our communities and economy. Today, we have the opportunity to change that. We should seize it. Donna Edwards is a Member of Congress from Maryland’s 4th Congressional District and a candidate for the United States Senate.

Fanning the Flames of ISIS is Not the Answer Protecting the people of the United States from and defeating an organization such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or ISIL, is only made more difficult and dangerous for those charged with accomplishing the mission, when rhetoric such as that calling for the “…total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,” are pronounced by the likes of Donald Trump. This type of rhetoric not only John R. seems to be ill-thought but Hawkins III serves only to fan the flames of the propaganda by ISIL that the “western culture seeks to eradicate those of the Muslim faith.” How can the United States of America portend to be the leading nation of justice and freedom for all if in fact it supported rhetoric singling out an entire group of people based upon their religion and prevented members of that religion from coming to the U.S.? Immigration is essential to our very existence. Stopping a single group of people identified by their religion form coming to the US seems too simplistic and sophomoric to be an answer

to an issue as complicated as terrorism. While serving in Pakistan and Afghanistan, part of my mission was to ensure the people of those countries understood that the military actions of the U.S. and our coalition were due to our need to put down terrorism; not to prosecute a new “Crusade and most importantly, to protect all of the people of the US and member states of the coalition from terrorists sponsored mayhem, including those of the Muslim faith. American and coalition Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guard personnel of the Muslim faith fought faithfully, tirelessly, valiantly and without regard for self, and continue to do so today. Trump’s initial statements were made on December 7. The next day President Obama marked the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery and the ratification of the 13th Amendment to our constitution on December 6, 1865. It states in part “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” The President drew a nexus between the legislative intent of the 13th amendment and the need for the recognition of the equality that must be recognized among people of different races, colors and religions. His words were not only more in keeping with “The American Way”, but also help in our messaging in support of the principles Americans hold dear that are the target of ISIL. It is not lost on me that those most likely to be recruited by ISIL are those who are convinced that they have no place in

the current mainstream of America or other western societies. Leadership can best serve the cause of countering the ISIL recruitment and their prosecution of terrorism by ensuring the inclusion of all people equally without exclusion because of religion or socio-economic position. To single out all people of a given religion saying that they are not worthy to come to the US, only helps the cause of ISIL; and thereby makes the service of those protecting us more difficult and hazardous. While it is clear that as a nation we must be ever vigilant of terrorism from any perpetrators; it is equally clear that no short cut method or bigotry based method of protecting our people will work – much less be the proper approach. As in any protracted conflict, the goal is to determine the cause of the conflict and then eradicate it. The cause of our terrorist issues is not the Muslim faith, but rather the hopelessness and lack of inclusion of the disenfranchised that allows criminals a fertile field in which to sow their deadly seeds. Trump’s words are grounded in sensationalism and feeding on people’s fears and prejudices while President Obama’s words are based on the principles of justice and equality. From my foxhole, it seems that including all societies is mission essential. Maj Gen US Army (ret) John R. Hawkins III, JD, MPA is President and CEO of Hawkins Solutions Intl., a government relations and lobby company. His last military assignment as a “two star” was Dir., Human Resources Directorate for the Army world-wide and prior to that Deputy Chief Public Affairs for the Army, world-wide.

The opinions on this page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO. Send letters to

The Afro-American • 2519 N. Charles St. • Baltimore, MD 21218 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com

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December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016, The Afro-American

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XFINITY® on X1 changes the way you experience TV

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The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016

The Stanback Family

Ms. Santa’s Helpers

Kye’ Stewart, Leah Jones, Joi and Jeniah Shuron

Kappa Silhouettes Rashaun Bradley, Balto. City States Atty. Marilyn Mosby and Konu Bell with some of the little attendees

Barbara Banks and Mildred Long-Harper, president, Steppin’ Out Bunch

Cardrienne Griffin (Modern Grannies), Phyllis Nelson (Women Behind The Community), Jim Griffin and Santa

The NCBW-BMC serving as Ms. Santa’s Helpers

Omegas Dwayne White and Aaron Moore with Ms. Santa

Steppin’ Out Bunch

Leah Tyson and Freddi Vaughn

Iotas Wayne Dorsey and Gary Burgess with Ms. Santa

Ms. Santa and Carolyn Wainwright (Balto. Chapter Pinochle Bugs, Inc.)

Kay Tillman, Santa, Sarah Elias and Sheila Davis

AFSCME members with Ms. Santa

Singing Sensations Youth Choir John Berkley, Dwayne White, Mildred G. Womble, president, AFSCME, Santa and Benjamin M. Phillips, IV

Rev. Dr. Frances ‘Toni’ Draper (Freedom Temple AME Zion Church)

AKA Epsilon Omega Chapter, Baltimore, MD with Ms. Santa

Tyleah Myers and Elijah Laws, LaTanja RobertsonHarris, Jonnai Brown, Kenya Myers and Tenera Myers

Dr. Paulette L. Burgess, Ms. Santa and Gary Burgess

Alpha Wives Yvonne Fletcher and Carol Foreman with Ms. Santa

Delta Sigma Theta members

December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016, The Afro-American

BALTIMORE-AREA

Race and Politics

Baltimore Rebuilds

Fear and SAFE Center Gives Baltimore City Youth Hope Loathing in Baltimore

After two days of deliberation, the jury in the trial of William Porter the first of six Sean Yoes Baltimore police Senior AFRO officers Contributor charged in the death of Freddie Gray couldn’t come up with a verdict, they were deadlocked. And Judge Barry Williams instruction to them was concise; `Keep going.’ While a mistrial was ultimately declared, it seems clear City Hall crafted its position a long time ago; prepare for the worst. Some argue the city was actually attempting to bring out the worst. “It looks like they are trying to incite a riot,” said Kwame Rose during a segment on First Edition on Dec. 15. Rose, a social activist and Baltimore resident who famously (or infamously) confronted Fox News’ Geraldo Rivera for the media’s biased/ racist coverage of Baltimore during the uprising. Rose specifically was commenting on the city calling upon law enforcement agencies from other jurisdictions to array their forces along a perimeter around the city. For example, there is a phalanx of armored vehicles currently parked in Druid Hill Park. “It’s as if (they) are trying to egg people on so their stereotype laden fantasies come through,” said Natalie Davis, a Baltimore resident now living in Tennessee, in response to a Facebook post

Continued on B3

B1

New Political Faces

Former Bank Executive Gutierrez Says He Knows How to Fix City’s Woes By Lisa Snowden-McCray Special to the AFRO

In November, when former bank executive and sports writer Patrick Gutierrez filed the paperwork necessary to enter the Baltimore City mayor’s race, he became the 13th candidate to do so. He’s still a relative unknown, especially compared to more established names like former Mayor Sheila Dixon, State Senator Photo by Tiffany Ginyard

Van Brooks, center, with members of the Franklin Square community. By Tiffany Ginyard Special to the AFRO Boys and girls in the Franklin Square community can expect the doors of the SAFE Center to be open after school, every day. They can also expect for the adults there to love, listen and hold them to high academic standards. But more importantly, young people in this West side neighborhood can expect for the SAFE Center to be a place where their voices matter. In late August, Safe Alternative Foundation for Education (S.A.F.E.), a non-profit community outreach organization, opened the doors of the center with the goal to further its mission to provide after-school, weekend and summer learning opportunities for Baltimore’s young people. Physical fitness, literacy, and S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) are at the core of regular activities at the center, including robotics, video gaming, coding, field trips, and sports. But academics come first. “This center belongs to the kids. Anything they want in here to make this a place where they want to be everyday, I will make it happen for them,” Van Brooks, Safe Alternative’s founder and executive director told the AFRO. “All we ask of them is that they commit to an hour of school-related work every afternoon.” One of the facility’s programs, Yards for Success, brings together local law enforcement officers, fire department personnel and middle school students for a six-week flag football program to teach teamwork, positive conflict resolution, personal accountability, and leadership. The goal is for the young people to develop positive relationships with leaders in the community. The vision for the youth facility came from Brooks’ passion to share his story with the young people in his neighborhood,

teaching them to value education and to have a backup plan. It’s not uncommon for inner city youth to look to sports as a means to change the trajectory of their lives--to keep them out of the streets and to eventually lead them out of poverty. But this game plan often proves unreliable since, according to the National Poverty Center, less than two percent of all high school youth go on to play professional sports. Brooks a three-sport athlete with promising talent, was injured while making a tackle and broke his neck, paralyzing him from neck down. He was 16. His family had high hopes that he’d go to the NFL--it was his dream. “God has a reason for everything, and he pushed him towards kids to help them fulfill their dreams,” Annette Cole, the maternal presence at the center and Brooks’ cousin, told the AFRO. After making an unexpected recovery, he finished high school at Loyola Blakefield and later earned his Bachelor’s in mass communications from Towson University. Shortly after that, he was given another dream. “When I woke up I said I’m going to start a foundation. I kind of just put it out – Van Brooks there and people reached out” said Brooks. “And from there the network started to build.” The August grand opening of the center was a timely response to long unanswered cries of hopeless youth that led to the unrest that erupted in Baltimore last April. “The kids want something to do,” Van Brooks, “They want to feel safe. And they want to feel loved. And that’s what we’re offering them here. But on top of offering them that, we’re also offering them opportunities that they wouldn’t’t experience in the community.” The SAFE Center is the product of what can happen when a community comes together to protect the future.

“This center belongs to the kids.”

Courtesy photo

Patrick Gutierrez is one of the 13 announced candidates for Mayor of Baltimore City. Catherine E. Pugh and City Councilmen Nick Mosby and Carl Stokes, but the former Bank of America operations manager said he has what it takes to get the city on the right track. “I’d been thinking about it for a long time,” he said about his run. “Seeing the dysfunction in city government and knowing my background as an operations manager was specifically to go in and address the same problems that city government Continued on B3

Scott Family 15 Kids Still Going Strong after 45 Years By James Bentley AFRO Associate Editor jbentley@afro.com Natalie

Ronald

Anthony

Diane

Geraldine

In Dec. of 1970 the AFRO ran a story titled “Mrs. Santa Helpers have 35 Kids of their Own”. The story highlighted four national guardsmen of the 231st Transportation Battalion of the Melvin H. Cade Armory, who were volunteering to deliver gift A family portrait taken by an AFRO photographer in 1970, shows Effie and Lloyd Scott Sr (both deceased) baskets to over and current pictures of each of the fifteen children. Ronald Scott was away in the military and his picture 250 families in was added in later. the Baltimore area. One of those for the holiday season. This week we catch up with the Scott guardsmen, serving for his tenth year, was family to see how they are doing four and half decades later. Master Sergeant Lloyd Scott Sr. He and his The Scott children have seen many additions over the years wife Effie Scott had 15 children at the time including 30 children and 15 grandchildren but also have had of the article and all were getting prepared

5

Sandra

Lloyd Jr.

James

Michael

Valerie

Melvin

Richard

their share of losses. Master Sergeant Lloyd Scott died on Nov. 8, 2005 and his wife, Effie Scott, followed him on Jul. 26, 2011. All of their sons have served in the military in some form or capacity between the Army, Navy and Reserves. The eldest sons also assisted M/Sgt. Scott with his Ms. Santa deliveries for many holiday seasons. The majority of the Scott

Patricia

Shirley

Continued on B3 Rochelle

past seven days

328 this year

Data as of Dec. 9

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The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016

BALTIMORE AREA

COMMUNITY CONNECTION Send your upcoming events to tips@afro.com. For more community events go to afro.com/Baltimore-events health care providers, obtain helpful resources from human service professionals and interact with other caregivers. No registration is required. The next one will be on Dec. 18. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, Southeast Anchor Branch 3600 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21224. Contact Linda Stewart, 410-550-1660 or Candyce Norris, 410-5501663 for more information.

1st Annual Team of We Toy Drive

Team of We is collecting new and/or used toys, clothes, or shoes for children ages 4- 12. They are also accepting toiletry items (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, wash clothes, towels, lotion etc). Donations can be dropped off or mailed to 2801 N. Dukeland Street 2nd Floor, Room 226 Baltimore, Maryland 21216 Attn: Sidney A. Brooks (Team of We Project). Team of We would like to have all donations by December 21, 2015. Please contact Arthur Lewis Jr. (410) 302-4225 for more details.

Christmas Music With India Arie

Skate with Santa

India Arie and Jonathan McReynolds are performing at Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place, Baltimore, Courtesy Photo Maryland on Dec. India Arie 18. Visit www. baltimoresoundstage. John Hopkins’ Caregiver com or call (410) 244-0057 CafĂŠs are “pop-upâ€? support for more event information. programs and information See page C3 for an interview centers for caregivers. The with India. cafĂŠs provide a supportive environment for caregivers Hopkins’ Caregiver to relieve stress, have informal conversations with Cafes

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings- Blake and Santa Claus welcome all youth in Baltimore to “Skate with Santa� on Dec. 19 from 3 p.m to 5 p.m at Mount Pleasant Ice Arena, 601 Hillen Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21239.

Kwanzaa Celebration at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum will host its annual community Kwanzaa Celebration on Dec. 27 at 1 p.m. There will be a showcase of contemporary African fashion, an African musical performance and Sankofa Dance Theater. Go to lewismuseum.org for more information.

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“May the work I’ve done speak for me‌ The works I’ve done, sometimes it seems so small, it seems like I’ve done nothing at all. But when I stand before God’s throne and hear Him say well done then I know the works I’ve done spoke for me.â€? –The Consolers

From the ashes of Baltimore, our Phoenix, Sandtown’s Devin Allen, whose iconic photo of Baltimore during the April riots appeared on the front cover of Time magazine, has been chosen by Time magazine as one of Time’ s top 10 covers of the year.

“Let no man write my epitaph.� –Burl Ives

“If I walk in the pathway of duty, if I work till the close of the day, Lord, I shall see the great king in all his beauty when I’ve gone the last mile of the way, Lord. When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, oh yeah, I shall rest at the close of day for I know there are joys waiting. When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.� –Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers

Who knew that when the students of Morgan State stood together to fight for equality during the Civil Rights movement that one day their Alma Mater would recognize them for their efforts? For thirty plus years I have greeted the best neighbors one could have as “Hey Russ� or “Hey Tina� but effective Dec. 18, I will officially greet my wonderful neighbor with “Hello Dr. Jolivet� or “Hello Dr. Russell.� My good neighbor and friend will receive an Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater Morgan State University as a Morgan State University Student Civil Rights Pioneers who played a vital role in the non-violent students’ sit-ins and mass protests against discrimination in public accommodations in Baltimore and Maryland from the late forties to the early sixties. I am also proud to congratulate Carolyn Wainwright, Anita Hunter and the Mayor of Woodlawn Eugene Smalley on receiving their honorary doctorates for their participation in the protests at Morgan. Job well done, Dr. Jolivet, Dr. Wainwright, Dr. Hunter and Dr. Smalley. You stood so we can sit. What a great day.

When I heard that Little Melvin had died I thought about his faithful wife Mary and the day she introduced me to Melvin. Before I met Melvin, he was a Legend, but the mild- mannered man I met was so impressive I was in awe. He was a man filled with wisdom and intelligence. I met him years ago doing the heyday of the Sphinx Club and he accepted me as a friend because I was a family friend. Our conversations were always of interest because he was knowledgeable. His honesty gained the respect of his friend and peers. One Saturday afternoon, I stopped past their beautifully decorated house on Park Avenue with Ora Reed who used to live in that house when she was in Baltimore. Melvin opened the door and was the most gracious host in the middle of the afternoon proudly showing Ora the house and his impressive decorating skills and carpentry. What started as an unexpected visit became an afternoon of friendship. I

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asked Melvin how he learned to do all this he said “Val, when you doing time there’s nothing to do but learn.â€? He was a wise man who changed his life and the life of Baltimore because he lived. Rest peacefully in Paradise my friend. “I’m for anything that gets you through the night, be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.â€? –Frank Sinatra Celebrating the 100th birthday of Francis Albert “Frankâ€? Sinatra “May you live to be 100 and may the last voice you hear be mine.â€? –Frank Sinatra Celebration time, come on. Happy birthday to Nykidra Robinson, Almie McIntyre, Willa Hanna Cordell Corky Boone, James Jim Coleman, Carole Jackson, George Ray, Trena Brown, Todd Sherrill, Darren Henson, Sandra “Sunshineâ€? Fowlks, Morris Day and a special happy 90th birthday to Georgia Dodd and a Happy 95th birthday to Tuskegee Airman Walter Robinson. Jannette Witmyer and the Baltimore Association of Black Journalist are hosting a coat drive to benefit the Penn-North Kids Safe Zone Dec. 18 at Teavolve CafĂŠ Harbor East. www.babjmd. com “Missed the Saturday dance, I heard they crowded the floor, couldn’t bear it without you, don’t get around much anymore. Thought I’d visit the club, got as far as the door, they’d have asked me about you, I don’t get around much anymore.â€? – Sam Cooke To our family and friends who are sick or shut in Living for the Weekend’s Christmas wish is good health as you continue to recover. Laurie Harris Mc Daniels, Rosalie Griffin, Margaret Lee, Ralph Wright Napoleon Sykes, Bernice Hardy, Shirley Richmond, Robert Chambliss, Bernice Mc Daniels and Alvin Jones, both at Keswick 700 W. 40th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211 visiting hours are 9 to 9 and to Rev. Donald Atkinson, Elvard Cooper and Frazier Brice are doing well at their perspective homes in the Forest Park Golf Club community of Hillsdale. “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree, Christmas Eve will find me where the love light gleams, I’ll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams.â€? –Bing Crosby Sending love to our Troops near and far and remembering that everyone can’t come home. A Merry Christmas to our City Leaders, wishing those days would come back when we all just got along in politics and life. Agreeing to disagree but still remaining friends. Merry Christmas. The lights on your Christmas tree are your blessings. Count them one by one. Valerie and the Friday Night Bunch

December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016, The Afro-American

B3

Scott Family Continued from B1

children still reside in Baltimore City, three others (Patricia, Michael and Rochelle) have since moved to Pennsylvania and one (James) lives in New York. Even with states separating them now, the children still remain in close contact and often come together to celebrate birthdays, holidays and other special occasions. Although their parents have passed, the children have maintained one special family tradition throughout the years, their annual Christmas Eve family gathering. This was the one thing their father asked them to carry on regardless of circumstances in their lives and they have kept their end of the bargain. Each year the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gather at a family member’s home and everyone brings gifts and food to celebrate the holidays. This year the Scott family will gather at Sandra’s home to renew the tradition. Natalie (68) is the eldest, a retired educator, grandmother of two and known as the rock that keeps the family focused on supporting each other. Ronald (66) is the first male and second child, a career Naval Officer, husband, grandfather of three and has taken on the role of caretaker for his siblings.

Lloyd Jr. (65) is third in the family line, a career Army Reserve Officer, husband, grandfather of two and known as the comedian of the family. Anthony (64) is the fourth child, Army Reservist, church administrator at Grace A.M.E., husband, father and is always on hand to assist his family when in need. Diane (62) is the second daughter and fifth in the line, a hospital volunteer worker, grandmother of two, fashionista and is affectionately known as “the quiet one” among the family. Patricia (61) is the sixth child, a civil servant, wife, grandmother of two and is known as the dancer in the family. Melvin (60) is lucky number seven, career Army Officer, father of four and has recently been dealing with a medical illness but is being given support by his siblings. Michael (58) is the eighth child, a career Army Reserve Officer, husband, father of six and is known to the family as “the life of the party”. Valerie (57) is the ninth child, grandmother of three, she is known to “take no prisoners” as the protector of the family and she keeps everyone caught up on the happenings of their old

neighborhood, Wilson Park. Geraldine (56) is the tenth child, banking professional, wife, grandmother of one and is known as the “no nonsense” sibling of the group. Richard (55) is the eleventh in the line, a career Army Reserve Officer, part-time disc jockey and was affectionately known as “Daddy’s Shadow” growing up. Shirley (53) is the twelfth in the Scott family line, a career medical services provider, mother of one and within this large family unit she is known as the private one. Rochelle (52) is the thirteenth child, University of Maryland, Baltimore County alum, a human resources professional, wife, mother of two and the spiritual rock of the family. James (51) is the last male in the Scott line and fourteenth child, a naval officer, mass transit operator, father of one and the furthest located of the siblings as he currently resides in New York. Sandra (49) is the baby of the bunch, the athlete of the family, a basketball coach and known as “the girl with a heart of gold” to her siblings.

enforcement, the media, and federal, state, and city agencies than there is in local neighborhoods,” said Heber Brown, pastor of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church, in a Facebook post this week. “Agencies and systems that are “on edge” help to create an “on

other faithbased institutions and community organizations are part of Baltimore United for Change, which will be prepared to provide support through the, “Safe Harbor Program,” if trouble arises after the verdict is announced. The faithbased community’s response, which includes being mindful of the ongoing struggle for long needed systemic changes, is a more holistic approach than the fear based directives of City Hall. Unfortunately, the city has been reactive, not proactive in anticipation of the first verdict, with virtually no focus on the root causes of April’s uprising, only producing schemes to keep the natives in check and ratchet up fear. Last week when I talked to four candidates for Baltimore City Council, I think Jermaine Jones, a candidate for the Third District may have offered the sum of the matter, regardless of the first verdict or the next five. “The next day after the verdict, just like in April, we still have to live here in Baltimore,” Jones said. “This is still our city.”

Race and Politics Continued from B1

featuring a photo of armored vehicles in Druid Hill Park. “This is ridiculous. They are more focused on citizen reaction to a miscarriage of justice, than actual justice in the courts for a murdered citizen,” said Catrice Greer in response to the same Facebook post. “I do not support this behavior by the department (police). This is misguided, offensive and a waste of taxpayers monies used to allay unfounded worries and prejudices,” Greer added. Further, Baltimore police rescinded all leave requests and ordered 12 hour shifts for officers in anticipation of the Porter verdict. But, other city agencies have also engaged in jittery posturing. “As you are all aware, the trial of the first police officer in the death of Mr. Freddie Gray is drawing to a close, and a verdict could be rendered as early as this week,” said Dr. Gregory Thornton, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools in a statement on December 14. “Like Mayor Stephanie RawlingsBlake and city police officials, I am very concerned about the possibility of civil disorders following announcement of the verdict,” Thornton said. Yet, some leaders suggest the angst is concentrated in certain segments of our community. “Frankly, there is more anxiety and tension around the verdict within local law

“Frankly, there is more anxiety and tension around the verdict within local law enforcement, the media, and federal, state, and city agencies than there is in local neighborhoods.” – Heber Brown edge” climate in communities and can provoke something that wasn’t even in the cards to happen,” Brown added. Still, Pastor Brown and his church, as well as dozens of

Sean Yoes is a senior contributor for the AFRO and host and executive producer of First Edition, which airs Monday through Friday, 5-7 p.m. on WEAA 88.9.

tackle these issues?” “It’s not like I have a patent on this kind of leadership. It goes on all over the place successfully. It just doesn’t go on in Baltimore City government,” he said. In addition to running his campaign, Gutierrez is primary caretaker for his daughters Alivia and Estelle. He and his wife

live in Taylor Heights. He said he’s undaunted by the large field of potential mayoral candidates. “I don’t worry about any other candidates or any other platforms, I just put my best foot forward in the best way I know how.”

New Political Faces Continued from B1

has. You know, there’s no accountability anywhere, there’s no transparency, the communication is poor and when you have those things you get the results that we’re getting.” “In my career, my job was to go in and fix those things. I went all around the country and everywhere I went it was the same situations: poor leadership at the top and that just kind of filters down into every area. When I saw that I had these tools that could help address many of these problems, I really started

“When I saw that I had these tools that could help address many of these problems, I really started considering actually running and doing something about it.” – Gutierrez considering actually running and doing something about it.” Gutierrez is from southern California. He said that his position with Bank of America took him all over the country, fixing problems and helping business run more smoothly. But when the company sent him to Baltimore, he decided to stay. “I fell in love with the city. I mean, people here just welcomed me,” he said. “And being a big sports fan, I felt right at home here.” When the company wanted him to leave the city to work for them elsewhere, he opted instead to leave the company. He enrolled at the University of Maryland to study journalism and later worked as a sportswriter for “The Baltimore Sun.” His most recent position was with local nonprofit group The Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance. The group works to keep families in the city, instead of making a retreat for the neighboring suburbs “A lot of times families, especially around here, as soon as they have kids they feel like they have to move away from the city for safer neighborhoods and better schools and that’s a problem because we lose a lot of good families that can really help the city grow,” Gutierrez said. On his website, Gutierrez outlines some of his ideas for what he’d accomplish once in office. One of those is his E3 formula – to educate, employ and engage all city residents. He also outlines his five steps to a better Baltimore police department – which includes what he calls a more streamlined way for citizens to lodge complaints and track their progress and an improved civilian review board. He said he’d also like to start educating children in the city from birth – well before they step foot in a kindergarten classroom. “Why wait until they’re five years old when 75 percent of their brain has already been formed before you start trying to

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The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016

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December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016, The Afro-American

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SENIOR GUIDE

Seniors Rally to Preserve Historic Location

grounds and work rigorously to find funding for the conservation. “The city needs a group of people who have passion,” said Rip Preston, a donor who

By Briana Thomas Special to the AFRO

More than a hundred D.C. residents and friends gathered at the Washington Navy Yard for a holiday gala in support of the The Westview Cemetery in Wadesboro, N.C. Earlier this year, on June 29, the cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historical Places, recognizing the abandoned all Black cemetery as a piece of American history. The Dec. 5 gala was one of 14 annual fundraisers Friends of Old Westview Cemetery, a group dedicated to restoring the cemetery, held to raise money for the upkeep, including routine maintenance on sunken graves, landscaping, and resetting headstones in Westview Cemetery. “I have no limit to where I will go to get money,” D.C. resident Rose Sturdivant Young, president and founder of the group, told the AFRO on Dec. 3. She said 115 tickets were sold and the group raised more than $4,000 dollars to aid the cemetery. Young started the group in 2001, when she buried her mother in Westview Cemetery. “I did not want my family to be buried in an unknown place,” Young said, explaining that she wanted the now 117-year-old cemetery to be a notable place. When

“I did not want my family to be buried in an unknown place.” – Rose Sturdivant Young attended the gala. “If we don’t do it, who will?” Preston said. Olivia Thomas, secretary of the organization’s board, said that she hoped the youth would step up and take care of the cemetery. “Hopefully they will take the reign and continue to keep it up. Don’t just let it die out,” she said. N.C. State Historic Preservation Office

South view of Westfield Cemetery in Wadesboro, North Carolina.

she asked around other people who were connected to the cemetery felt the same way. The four-and-a-half acre burial site belonged to the Klutz family who sold six plots to Young’s father before he was buried there in 1981. Tom Klutz granted her family permission to clean and maintain the cemetery lot, she said. In 2003, Friends of Old Westview Cemetery became a nonprofit organization and by 2007, the son and granddaughter of Tom Klutz signed over the deed to the organization, makingYoung the owner of the cemetery. “I sincerely hope this will help facilitate all efforts to preserve a sacred resting place for all of our loved ones, yours and mine,” Young read from an excerpt of the letter that Klutz’s heirs wrote her when they signed over ownership. Young said the cemetery is home to Wadesboro’s first Black preacher, first Black lawyer and over 40 slaves that date back to the 1800s. “We want to restore and remember people who are buried there,” she said. Young said businesses are starting to construct around the cemetery and law students from American University are helping her write a grant to obtain a Photo by Briana Thomas fence that is estimated to Pearl Danner stands between Rose Young and Rip Preston cost anywhere from $15,000 as she receives an award for selling the most holiday gala to $20,000. The fence, also brings up concerns on who tickets to support preserving The Westview Cemetery in will maintain the burial N.C.

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The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016

Reginald F. Lewis Museum Event Celebrates Kwanzaa By Lisa Snowden-McCray Special to the AFRO Jeff Menzise, Ph.D., a professor at Morgan State University and a

speaker at Baltimore’s Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s upcoming Kwanzaa celebration, thinks that it’s great to celebrate the holiday in December, but it might be even

better if we could celebrate it all year long. “It’s an excellent tool if we properly use it,” Menzise said. “What I find is that we wait

until these seven days to kind of incorporate and start talking about these principals. But I think that it’s something that should be implemented throughout the year

Celebrating our culture, traditions, and the seven principles

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because these principals are solid. There’s nobody that would not benefit from becoming more selfdetermining, strengthening their faith, becoming more creative, understanding what their purpose is, living in unity, cooperative work and economics, collective responsibility.” The celebration was started by Maulana Karenga, a professor of African studies, in 1966. It is observed by many people of African descent all over the world and was created as a way to help unify Black people while affirming and creating their own cultural identity. This year, the holiday starts on Dec. 26 and runs through Jan. 1. Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to a Swahili word for a specific cultural value. There is umoja, or unity; kujichagulia, self-determination; ujima, collective work and responsibility; ujamaa, cooperative economics; nia, purpose; and imani or faith. The Reginald F. Lewis museum holds an event every year honoring the celebration. This year’s event will be held on Dec. 27 at 1 p.m. In addition to Menzise’s talk on kuji-chagulia, or selfdetermination, there will also be music, dancing and crafts. The museum will charge a special $5 entry price instead of the usual $6-8 admission price. Menzise said his message is especially relevant as the fight against police brutality and racism rages, especially here in Baltimore. “I definitely plan to touch on how many of our youth are having negative experiences with police officers, how overt expressions of racism are on the rise and how we can really take this opportunity to define whatever it is that we’re going to experience in life – reclaim our power from the folks that have been dictating how we’re going to do our thing,” he said. “It’s an excellent tool, but we have to take it beyond the holiday,” he said. He said that he would love to see people take the emphasis off the Swahili words and instead just focus on incorporating the values they stand for into their everyday lives. “I don’t want to be mistaken and people think that I’m saying that it’s weak and there’s nothing beneficial to it, because it’s absolutely beneficial. But I’m always looking for that next level. Let’s see how we can really take this from just these seven days in December going into January and actually make this something that’s really empowering to our youth. Something that our teenagers, our elementary school, our newborns, our parents-to-be or our new couples – that they can actually take these principals, incorporate them into their everyday life and then really exemplify the greatness and the brilliance that comes with this.”

12/7/15 2:04 PM

December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016, The Afro-American

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AFRO Exclusive

India Arie Sings Christmas Soul, Pays Homage to Jazz Legend By Lauren Poteat Special to the AFRO Four time Grammy award winner India Arie is rejuvenating fans with her recently released Christmas album. Even though it has been two years since she has released an album, the soul artist released “Christmas with Friends,” with jazz legend Joe Sample, in October. The holiday collection includes a host of classics redesigned with a soulful flair, including “Silent Night,” “Have Yourself A Very Merry Christmas,” and “Auld Lang Syne.” “I like Christmas music...a little, but the way that Joe Sample would play makes me love Christmas music. He was the sole inspiration for my album,” Arie told the AFRO. Arie is scheduled to perform at a

host of venues throughout the month of December, including Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Pennsylvania on Dec. 17; Soundstage in Baltimore, Maryland, Dec. 18 and Minglewood Hall in Memphis, Tennessee on Dec. 20. Arie recently

is filled with amazing and smart people,” she said. Co-artist on the album and Arie’s inspiration, Joe Sample, who is the former lead of The Crusaders band, passed away on Sept. 12, 2014, due to organ cancer. Sample worked with countless artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Anita Baker and Arie, for his last album. “I faced no real industry challenges – India Arie getting back into performed at The Howard Theatre in D.C. creating this album. The only real challenge was Sample dying. If it had not on Dec. 14. been for him, I would not have made this “D.C. has been one of the places that album,” the songstress said. Arie said that has supported me the most throughout even though Sample passed, she still feels my career and everytime I perform at The Howard Theatre, I know that the audience his presence through his music.

“I like Christmas music... a little, but the way that Joe Sample would play makes me love Christmas music.”

India Arie is on tour for the rest of December. Courtesy Photo

DuVernay Dolls Sellout within Minutes of Pre-Christmas Release By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com Holiday shoppers hoping to purchase the Ava DuVernay Barbie doll, designed by toy manufacturer Mattel, will have to wait until 2016, after the website sold out of the figure within minutes of going on sale. The one-of-a-kind DuVernay doll was unveiled in June, along with five others based on inspirational women in the entertainment industry. DuVernay, director of the Oscar winning “Selma”, is a doll in the Sheroes collection. Her doll is styled with simulated locs, wearing tennis shoes, and boxed with a director’s chair. Officially released on Dec. 7 the doll sold out 26 minutes later, according to Mattel. “The DuVernay doll, also called the Ava Barbie, epitomizes the intellect, character, power, and creativity of Black women,” said social critic Gertrude Ofori, who examines the intersections of race, gender, and power in her writings. “When you consider how far representations of Black females in toys have come in this country – from Topsy and golliwogs – to the DuVernay, it’s easy to understand why the doll sold out so quickly.” (Topsy and golilwogs were dolls which did not depict Blacks in a flattering manner.) The collection was created to celebrate women who have inspired girls by breaking boundaries. Others in the collection include: Golden Globe nominated actress Emmy Rossum, Eva Chen, the youngest appointed female Editor-in-Chief of a national fashion magazine, Lucky, actress-activist Kristin Chenoweth, Sydney “Mayhem” Keiser, a five-year-old fashion designer with work appearing in Vogue and country singer-entrepreneur Trisha Yearwood. “Barbie has always represented that girls have choices, and we are proud to honor six Sheroes who through their trade

and philanthropic efforts are an inspiration to girls,” Evelyn Mazzocco, general manager of Barbie, said in a press release. “Started by a female entrepreneur and mother, this brand has a responsibility to continue to honor and encourage powerful female role models who are leaving a legacy for the next generation of glass ceiling breakers.” The quick sales sent Mattel scrambling, though several sellers emerged on both Amazon and eBay, selling the dolls in excess of the original $65 price tag. Mattel has yet to announce another round of manufacturing. DuVernay told Vanity Fair, “I love this because maybe some little girls or boys will be playing with a Black woman director. I played with Barbies that didn’t look like me and now there might be someone else playing with a Barbie that doesn’t look like them, but that’s fine. We need to understand all of our humanity. Being able to hold the representation of another person in your hands and tell stories through their eyes is a big part of the conversation.” DuVernay later announced in a Tweet that all proceeds will be donated to Witness and Color of Change charities. DuVernay was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, for the film “Selma,” which chronicles the historic 1965 voting rights campaign led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While she did not win, the film did take home an Oscar for Best Song. Her other works include writing, producing and directing the feature “Middle of Nowhere,” and “I Will Follow.” Prior to filmmaking, DuVernay worked as a publicist for 14 years.

The Ava DuVernay Barbie doll, inspired by the ‘Selma’ film director, sold out within 26 minutes after being released. Courtesy photo

AMERICAN SPIRITUAL ENSEMBLE Dr. Everett McCorvey, founder & music director

Sat, Jan 9, 8pm Sixth & I Historic Synagogue Washington Performing Arts’ Art of the Spiritual series continues with the soaring and ever-inspiring sound of the American Spiritual Ensemble, a critically acclaimed chorus that has dazzled audiences around the world with majestic performances of classic spirituals (“Balm in Gilead,” “Steal Away,” “Go Down Moses”), favorites from the Great American Songbook, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the ensemble’s power and precision in this intimate setting. Made possible by the Abramson Family Foundation and BB&T Wealth.

TICKETS: WashingtonPerformingArts.org (202) 785-9727

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS A LITTLE STRANGER/EVERYMAN PICTURES PRODUCTION “SISTERS” TINA FEY AMY POEHLER MAYA RUDOLPHEXECUTIVE IKE BARINHOLTZ JAMES BROLIN JOHN CENAPRODUCEDJOHN LEGUIZAMO AND DIANNE WIEST MUSIC BY CHRISTOPHE BECK PRODUCERS AMY POEHLER JEFF RICHMOND BRIAN BELL BY TINA FEY p.g.a. JAY ROACH p.g.a. JOHN LYONS p.g.a. WRITTEN DIRECTED BY PAULA PELL BY JASON MOORE A UNIVERSAL PICTURE © 2015 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

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The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016

Local Opera Singer Reaches for Stars By Tiamoyo Harris Howard University News Service D.C.-born, Baltimore-raised soprano opera singer Amanda Van Story Lewis has pushed past racial diversity to reach her big break. “It’s like breathing pure air and your whole body is invigorated,” Lewis told the AFRO. “What attracted me to opera was the stark contrast to pop music. You can’t just take someone off the street, give them a makeover, background dancers, and use auto-tune in opera. You have to have a good base and intense study.” Lewis has bachelor and master’s degrees from Howard University in classical voice performance. She performed at the 10th Anniversary of the African American Civil War Memorial in D.C. and the Congressional Black Caucus’s Black Women’s Agenda. In 2010, she performed the National Anthem for the National Walk for Epilepsy. Despite early success, Lewis admits that opera can be a field difficult for Black Americans. Opera has a history with racism as some concerts still have singers perform in controversial black, yellow, or red face. For Black women, Lewis said, half the battle is just getting the part. “As a woman of color, the bottom line is if you’re not singing in front of the right person, if you’re only singing for people that have an agenda, or you just don’t know the right person, you’re not going to make it,” she said. “The barrier that African Americans have in any profession is that we tend not to have the connections.” Lewis has experience with this. “Being at a predominantly White institution in a competitive

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY SOLICITATION for

PAINTING PLASTERING and DRYWALL FOR VACANT and OCCUPIED UNITS Request for Proposal No.: 0003-2016 The District of Columbia Housing Authority (“DCHA”) solicits proposals from qualified Contractors to provide Painting, Plastering and Drywall Services at multiple locations throughout the District of Columbia. Requests for Proposal documents will be available at the Issuing Office at 1133 North Capitol Street, N.E., Suite 300, Office of Administrative Services- Contracts and Procurement, Washington, D.C. 20002-7599 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, December 14, 2015, and on the DCHA website www.dchousing.org Responses by Sealed Proposal are due to the Issuing Office no later than 11:00 a.m. (ET) Friday, January 15, 2016. Contact Issuing Office, Darcelle Beaty (202) 535-1212 or email dbeaty@dchousing.org for additional information.

field, I just was not treated well and Tallahassee was not a friendly place for Black people, at least it wasn’t then.” Lewis said. “It was a great program, but I felt I didn’t have the support I needed. I knew that at least if I went there [Howard], I would have support.” She transferred to Howard University for her junior year. At Howard, Lewis performed at school events, and joined the Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity. She even started performing in pageants. She was Miss Black District of Columbia USA in 2008, Miss District of Columbia International in 2009 and was runner up for Miss Howard. It was Howard professors that invested in her and helped fund her trip to Italy, she said. “They were really (Courtesy photo) excited that I was working D.C. native Amanda Van Story Lewis will perform in hard and saw this was a good Baltimore in Jan. opportunity for me and didn’t want me to miss it.” Lewis said. Now that she has a resume packed with experience, which includes singing in Italian, French, Spanish, and German, she is ready to audition for more concerts and let the world hear the voice she’s been training for years. On Jan. 30, she will return to Baltimore from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she currently works and lives to perform at the First & Franklin Presbyterian Church, 210 W Madison Street. “With the concerts in fall and in Baltimore, I’m really truly emerging.” Lewis said. “I’ve done performances before but this is a new beginning for me as Amanda Van Story Lewis. This is truly the beginning.”

For these pictures and more go to afro.com/slideshows.

December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2015, The Afro-American

The Patuxent River (Md.) Chapter of The Links held its 2015 Harvest Gala fundraiser themed “Life is a Masquerade” Oct.31 at Martin’s Crosswinds to support its youth mentoring, scholarships and, health and financial awareness programs. The Patuxent River (Md.) Chapter has been serving Upper Montgomery County, Maryland since 2014 and has been successful in implementing programs. As a national organization founded in 1946, The Links has 12,000 members, 275 chapters and is located in 42 states, the District of Columbia and two foreign countries.

Margot James Copeland, 15th national president, The Links Dr. Cheryl S. Gray and Ramon N. Gray

Cheryl Thomas, 2015 Harvest Gala fundraising chair

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Patuxent River (Md.) Chapter Members

Caren Carter, LaTanya Higginbotham, Diane Guilford and Samuel Guilford

Sandra A. Maddox Britt, president, Patuxent River (Md.) Chapter, The Links Sandra and Dr. Burt Pina Jr. Sandra A. Maddox Britt, Christie Cole, Meegan Marino, Amy D. Bryant and Annie W. Everett

Guests

Bettie Price David Higginbotham (front center left), Lorethea Fields, William Fields, Anita Meadows, Elaine Conway, Sheryl Hardy Austin, Terry Austin, Samuel Guilford, Diane Guilford and LaTanya Higginbotham

Sandra Maddox Britt, James Hammond, Natasha Hammond and Annie Everett

The Washington, D.C. Alumnae Foundation is a public foundation that has a rich history of providing funding to community service programs targeted at improving the quality of life for D.C. residents. The

Foundation held its 27th Annual Breakfast Fashion Show & Auction fundraiser Dec. 4 at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill where more than 500 guests attended. The 2015

Tom Lewis, grant recipient Marine Master Sgt. Gregory W. Jackson (standing); Daphne Malone (seated), Yvette Downs, Patricia Stewart, Conchita Yancey and Cecile Thailey.

Derrick Bailey and Laurie Rowe, chair, Fashion Show Committee

Cynthia Anderson with chapter member

Photos by Rob Roberts

grant recipient was The Fishing School (TFS). This grant will support the school’s free after-school and summer programs for youth who are on or beneath the cusp of academic achievement and could benefit from a holistically customized program to bolster their academics and self esteem.

Rev. Franchettia Payne, Fannie Thompson, Patricia Jones and Cynthia Spigner

Edna Lee Moffit, Dr. Mary Grant, Espanola Hughes and Ethel Lawhon Sylvia Isaac (front left), Maya Yette, Brigette Proctor, Phyllis Proctor, Joyce Payne Yette, Ginea Briggs, Shawnda White, Andua Allen and Wanda Jones-Hinnant

The Rahmet Shabazz band

W. Ronald Evans

Audrey Doman, foundation president (standing); Laurie Rowe; D.C. Ward 4 Councilman Barndon Todd; Venita Hamilton, Dr. John Monroe, CEO, Contemporary Family Services; Tony Crews, Sr. vice president, MBI Health Services; Laryce Woodyear (seated) and Edgar Brookins

Fashion Show Committee

Photos by Rob Roberts

To see more of these photos and purchase them visit afro.com/slideshows. To purchase this digital photo page contact Takiea Hinton: thinton@afro.com or 410.554.8277.

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Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. Payment Policy for legal notice 20001-2131 advertisements. Effective Administration immediately, TheNo. Afro American Newspapers will require prepayment for AFRO Classified minimum ad rate is $26.54 per 2015ADM1407 publication of all legal notices. Payment will be accepted in the form of chwecks, credit card or money col. inch (an inch consists of up to 20 words). EB King AKA order. Any returned checks will be subject to a $25.00 processing fee and may result in the suspension Mail in your ad on form below along with Esteen B King of any future advertising at our discretion. Decedent CHECK or MONEY ORDER to: Attorney WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN CO. NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 16:28:46 EST 2015 TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 16:25:12 EST 2015 TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 16:24:35 EST 2015 1917 Benning Road, N.E. LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS Washington, D.C. 20002-4723 AND NOTICE TO Superior Court of Superior Court of Superior Court of Attn: Clsf. Adv. Dept. UNKNOWN HEIRS the District of the District of the District of Marcus S Boyette, District of Columbia District of Columbia District of Columbia whose address is 74 R St PROBATE DIVISION PROBATE DIVISION PROBATE DIVISION NW Washington, 20001, Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. was appointed personal 20001-2131 20001-2131 20001-2131 representative of the Administration No. Administration No. Administration No. estate of EB King AKA 2015ADM1422 2015ADM1368 2015ADM1353 Esteen B King, who died John A Robinson David Proctor Pearle Elizabeth on September 13, 2014 Decedent Decedent Thompson with a will, and will serve D Greer NOTICE OF without Court supervi- 1350 Leegate Road, Decedent APPOINTMENT, NOTICE OF sion. All unknown heirs NW NOTICE TO APPOINTMENT, a n d h e i r s w h o s e Washington, DC 20012 CREDITORS NOTICE TO whereabouts are un- Attorney AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS known shall enter their UNKNOWN HEIRS NOTICE OF AND NOTICE TO Theresa Joyner , whose a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s APPOINTMENT, UNKNOWN HEIRS address is 646 1/2 I proceeding. Objections NOTICE TO Rita S ThompsonStreet, SE, Washington, to such appointment (or CREDITORS Joyner, whose address is to the probate of deDC 20003, was apAND NOTICE TO 3812 Alta Vista Drive, pointed personal repre- cedent´s will) shall be UNKNOWN HEIRS Mitchellville, MD 20721, sentative of the estate of filed with the Register of D o r o t h y R o b i n s o n , was appointed personal David Proctor , who died Wills, D.C., 515 5th whose address is 420 representative of the on October 9, 2015 with- Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Farragut Street, NW; e s t a t e o f P e a r l e out a will, and will serve W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . Washington, DC 20011, Elizabeth Thompson, without Court supervi- 20001, on or before June was appointed personal who died on September 4, 2016. Claims against sion. All unknown heirs representative of the 16, 2015 without a will, a n d h e i r s w h o s e the decedent shall be estate of John A Robin- and will serve without whereabouts are un- presented to the under- son, who died on March Court supervision. All unknown shall enter their signed with a copy to the 15, 2013 without a will, known heirs and heirs Register of Wills or filed and will serve without appearance in this whose whereabouts are proceeding. Objections with the Register of Wills Court supervision. All un- unknown shall enter their to such appointment with a copy to the under- known heirs and heirs a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s shall be filed with the signed, on or before June whose whereabouts are proceeding. Objections Register of Wills, D.C., 4, 2016 , or be forever unknown shall enter their to such appointment (or 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd barred. Persons believed a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s to the probate of deFloor Washington, D.C. to be heirs or legatees of proceeding. Objections cedent´s will) shall be 20001, on or before June the decedent who do not to such appointment filed with the Register of 6, 2016 . Claims against receive a copy of this no- shall be filed with the Wills, D.C., 515 5th the decedent shall be tice by mail within 25 Register of Wills, D.C., Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Legal Advertising Rates presented to the under- days of its first publica- 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . signed with a copy to the tion shall so inform the Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June Effective October 1, 2008 Register of Wills, includRegister of Wills or filed 20001, on or before June 4, 2016. Claims against with the Register of Wills ing name, address and 4, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be with a copy to the under- relationship. the decedent shall be presented to the underPROBATE DIVISION signed, on or before June Date of Publication: presented to the under- signed with a copy to the 6, 2016, or be forever December 4, 2015 signed with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed (Estates) barred. Persons believed Name of newspaper: Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills to be heirs or legatees of Afro-American with the Register of Wills with a copy to the under202-332-0080 the decedent who do not Washington with a copy to the under- signed, on or before June PROBATE NOTICES receive a copy of this no- Law Reporter signed, on or before June Marcus S Boyette 4, 2016, or be forever 4, 2016, or be forever tice by mail within 25 barred. Persons believed Personal barred. Persons believed days of its first publicaRepresentative to be heirs or legatees of to be heirs or legatees of a. Order Nisi $ 60 per insertion $180.00 per 3 weeks tion shall so inform the the decedent who do not Register of Wills, includthe decedent who do not receive a copy of this nob. Small Estates (single publication $ 60 per insertion TRUE TEST COPY ing name, address and receive a copy of this no- tice by mail within 25 REGISTER OF WILLS c. Notice to Creditors relationship. tice by mail within 25 days of its first publicaDate of Publication: days of its first2015 publica- tion shall so inform the TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 16:26:18 EST 1. Domestic $ 60 per insertion $180.00 per 3 weeks 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 December 4, 2015 tion shall so inform the Register of Wills, includ2. Foreign $ 60 per insertion $180.00 per 3 weeks Name of newspaper: Register of Wills, includ- ing name, address and Afro-American ing name, address and relationship. Superior Court of d. Escheated Estates $ 60 per insertion $360.00 per 6 weeks Washington relationship. the District of Date of Publication: e. Standard Probates $125.00 Law Reporter Date of Publication: District of Columbia December 4, 2015 David Proctor December 4, 2015 PROBATE DIVISION Name of newspaper: Personal Name of newspaper: Washington, D.C. Afro-American CIVIL NOTICES Representative Afro-American 20001-2131 Washington Washington Administration No. Law Reporter a. Name Changes 202-879-1133 $ 80.00 TRUE TEST COPY Law Reporter 2015ADM1353 Rita S REGISTER OF WILLS Dorothy Robinson b. Real Property $ 200.00 Pearle Elizabeth Thompson-Joyner Personal TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 Thompson 16:27:06 EST 2015 Personal 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 Representative Decedent Representative NOTICE OF FAMILY COURT TRUE TEST COPY APPOINTMENT, TRUE TEST COPY Superior Court of REGISTER OF WILLS 202-879-1212 NOTICE TO REGISTER OF WILLS the District of TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 16:23:16 EST 2015 CREDITORS District of Columbia DOMESTIC RELATIONS 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/15 AND NOTICE TO 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 PROBATE DIVISION UNKNOWN HEIRS 202-879-0157 Washington, D.C. Rita S ThompsonSuperior Court of 20001-2131 Joyner, whose address is the District of Administration No. 3812 Alta Vista Drive, District of Columbia 2015ADM1365 a. Absent Defendant $ 150.00 PROBATE DIVISION O s c a r C h a l m a n Mitchellville, MD 20721, was appointed personal b. Absolute Divorce $ 150.00 Washington, D.C. Holmes representative of the 20001-2131 Decedent c. Custody Divorce $150.00 estate of Pearle Administration No. NOTICE OF Elizabeth Thompson, 2015ADM921 APPOINTMENT, who died on September Earl Toles NOTICE TO To place your ad, call 1-800-237-6892, ext. 262, Public Notices $50.00 & up 16, 2015 without a will, Decedent CREDITORS and will serve without Darrel S. Parker, Esq AND NOTICE TO depending on size, Baltimore Legal Notices are $24.84 per inch. Court supervision. All un- 1822 11th Street, NW UNKNOWN HEIRS known heirs and heirs Washington, DC 20001 1-800 (AFRO) 892 Wanda Leigh Holmes , whose address is 6182 whose whereabouts are Attorney For Proof of Publication, please call 1-800-237-6892, ext. 244 unknown shall enter their NOTICE OF Willd Valley Court, APPOINTMENT, Alexandria, VA 22310, a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s NOTICE TO was appointed personal proceeding. Objections CREDITORS representative of the to such appointment (or to the probate of deAND NOTICE TO estate of Oscar Chalman UNKNOWN HEIRS Holmes, who died on cedent´s will) shall be September 24, 2015 with filed with the Register of Tia Staton aka Tia TolesStaton and Venus Buga will, and will serve with- Wills, D.C., 515 5th out Court supervision. All Street, N.W., 3rd Floor gie aka Venus Franklin, W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . whose address is 6907 unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are 20001, on or before June Pine Valley Drive., Glenn unknown shall enter their 4, 2016. Claims against Dale, MD 20769; 3352 6 the decedent shall be S t . S E . A p t 1 0 3 , appearance in this proceeding. Objections presented to the under- Washington, DC, was to such appointment (or signed with a copy to the appointed personal reto the probate of de- Register of Wills or filed presentatives of the cedent´s will) shall be with the Register of Wills estate of Earl Toles, who filed with the Register of with a copy to the under- died on April 24, 2015 signed, on or before June with a will, and will serve Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor 4, 2016, or be forever without Court supervibarred. Persons believed sion. All unknown heirs Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . 20001, on or before June to be heirs or legatees of a n d h e i r s w h o s e 4, 2016. Claims against the decedent who do not whereabouts are unthe decedent shall be receive a copy of this no- known shall enter their presented to the under- tice by mail within 25 a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s signed with a copy to the days of its first publica- proceeding. Objections Register of Wills or filed tion shall so inform the to such appointment (or with the Register of Wills Register of Wills, includ- to the probate of dewith a copy to the under- ing name, address and cedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of signed, on or before June relationship. Wills, D.C., 515 5th 4, 2016, or be forever Date of Publication: December 4, 2015 Street, N.W., 3rd Floor barred. Persons believed Name of newspaper: Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . to be heirs or legatees of 20001, on or before June the decedent who do not Afro-American 4, 2016. Claims against receive a copy of this no- Washington the decedent shall be tice by mail within 25 Law Reporter Rita S. Thompson presented to the underdays of its first publicaJoyner signed with a copy to the tion shall so inform the Personal Register of Wills or filed Register of Wills, includRepresentative with the Register of Wills ing name, address and with a copy to the underrelationship. TRUE TEST COPY signed, on or before June Date of Publication: REGISTER OF WILLS 4, 2016, or be forever December 4, 2015 barred. Persons believed Name of newspaper: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/15 to be heirs or legatees of Afro-American the decedent who do not Washington receive a copy of this noLaw Reporter tice by mail within 25 Wanda Leigh Holmes days of its first publicaPersonal tion shall so inform the Representative Register of Wills, including name, address and TRUE TEST COPY relationship. REGISTER OF WILLS Date of Publication: December 4, 2015 TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 16:26:46 EST 2015 Name of newspaper: 12/4, 12/11, 12/1815 Afro-American Washington Superior Court of Law Reporter the District of Tia Staton District of Columbia AKA PROBATE DIVISION Tia Staton-Toles Washington, D.C. Venus Buggie 20001-2131 AKA Administration No. Venus Franklin 2015ADM1407 Personal EB King Representative AKA Esteen B King TRUE TEST COPY Decedent REGISTER OF WILLS Attorney NOTICE OF 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/15 APPOINTMENT, D.C. Classifieds NOTICE TO CREDITORS continue on C8 AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Marcus S Boyette, whose address is 74 R St NW Washington, 20001,

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C6 The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016

December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016 , The Afro-American

Wanted snapshots of visits to Gwynn Oak Amusement Park after de-segregation (1963-72) for new book for young children by co-authors Sharon Langley (who rode the merry-go-round on the park’s first day without Jim Crow) & Amy Nathan. Please contact: AmyNbooks@gmail.com

AD NETWORK Carwile Auctions Inc. Wednesday, December 9th, 1:00 PM 362 Acres, Prince Edward Co. Cattle Farm, Timber, Watershed Lake! www.carwileauctions. com VAAR392 (434) 547-9100

AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, RV’S. LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY. Your donation helps local families with food, clothing, shelter, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA License #W1044. 410-636-0123 or www. LutheranMissionSociety.org

BUSINESS SERVICES Reach 3.1 Million Readers five (5) days per week through the MDDC Daily Classified Connection Network. Place your ad in twelve (12) daily newspapers. Call 410-212-0616 TODAY – target readers throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region; email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@mddcpress. com. Place a business card ad in the Regional Small Display 2x2/2x4 Advertising Network - Reach 3.6 Million readers with just one call, one bill and one ad placement in 71 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and DC TODAY! For just $1450.00, Get the reach, Get the results and for Just Pennies on the Dollars Now... call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or email wsmith@ mddcpress.com

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WANTED TO BUY WANTED: Old Mercedes 190SL, 280SL. Jaguar XKE, ANY Porsche or pre-1972 Sportscar/Convertible! ANY CONDITION! Collector picks-up & pays cash. FAIR OFFERS! Mike call/text 520-977-1110.

To advertise in the AFRO Call 410-554-8200

AUCTION

Payment Policy for legal notice advertisements. Effective immediately, The Afro American Newspapers will require prepayment for publication of all legal notices. Payment will be accepted in the form of checks, credit card or money order. Any returned checks will be subject to a $25.00 processing fee and may result in the suspension of any future advertising at our discretion. TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 15:40:17 2015 LEGALEST NOTICES CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NOTICE OF LETTING Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for TR15017 CONDUIT MANHOLE RECONSTRUCTION AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. January 20, 2016. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon. The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at the Department of Public Works Service Center located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 as of December 18, 2015 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $100.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact the Committee at 4 South Frederick Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (”JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is C03300 (Concrete Construction). Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $1,000,000.00 to $2,000,000.00. A ”Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted at 10:00 A.M. on January 6, 2016 at 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 722, Charles L. Benton, Jr. Building, Principal Items of work for this project are Replace Existing Manholes with C.I.P. Manhole 7 EA, Internal Repairs of Existing Manhole 9 EA, Replace Frame, Cover and Chimney of Existing Manhole and Internal Repairs 11 EA, Chimney and Internal Repairs of Existing Manhole 4 EA, Replace Top Slab of Existing Manhole 2 EA, Replace Chimney 1 EA, and Repair Chimney 3 EA. MBE goal is 27% WBE goal is 9% APPROVED: Bernice H. Taylor, Clerk Board of Estimates TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 15:40:00 EST 2015 CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCITON NOTICE OF LETTING Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for Water Contract No. 1242Brown Pond Dam Breach will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon. The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, in Room 6 located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 as of Friday, December 18, 2015 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $75.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call 410-396-6883 or contact the Committee at 4 South Frederick Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (”JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is A02210-Grading Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 A ”Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted in the 3rd Floor Conference Room, Abel Wolman Municipal Building on January 7, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. A site visit will take place at 1:30 P.M. on the same day. Principal Item of work for this project are: *Breaching the existing dam embankment and stabilizing the site at the Brown Pond *Miscellaneous repairs to the Loch Raven Dam The MBE goal is 14% The WBE goal is 3% WATER CONTRACT NO. 1242 APPROVED: Bernice H. Taylor Clerk, Board of Estimates APPROVED: Rudolph S. Chow, P.E. Director of Public Works

TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 15:39:42 EST 2015 CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS NOTICE OF LETTING Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for RP 15818-Office Trailer Relocation to Gwynns Falls Park Maintenance Yard will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon.The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at the Department of Public Works in Room 6 located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 as of December 18, 2015 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $50.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call 410-396-6883 or contact the Committee at 4 South Frederick Street, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (”JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is G90020Building Moving Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $100,000.01 to $150,000.00. A ”Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted at 2600 Madison Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21217 on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. Principal Items of work for this project are: Office Trailer Relocation The MBE goal is 20% The WBE goal is 4% RP 15818 APPROVED: Bernice Taylor Clerk, Board of Estimates APPROVED: Rudolph S. Chow, P.E. Director of Public Works

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C8 The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016 TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 15:40:53 EST 2015

TYPESET: Wed Dec 16 15:40:36 EST 2015

LEGAL NOTICES

City of Baltimore Department of Finance Bureau of Purchases

City of Baltimore Department of Finance Bureau of Purchases Sealed proposals addressed to the Board of Estimates of Baltimore will be received until, but not later than 11:00a.m. local time on the following date(s) for the stated requirements:

THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWN LOADED BY VISITING THE CITY’S WEB SITE: www.baltimorecitibuy.org

THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWN LOADED BY VISITING THE CITY’S WEB SITE: www.baltimorecitibuy.org

CAREER CORNER

January 13, 2015 *OEM PARTS AND SERVICE FOR LTI LADDER TRUCKS B50004390 *REFURBISHING SERVICES FOR A Z-73 FLOTTWEG CENTRIFUGE ROTATING ASSEMBLY B50004405 *FLOTTWEG Z-73 HYDRAULIC BACK DRIVE VISCOTHERM ROTODIFF HYDRAULIC DRIVE TYPE 1120D/V B50004432 * S N O W R E M O VA L S E R V I C E S I X B50004339

Sealed proposals addressed to the Board of Estimates of Baltimore will be received until, but not later than 11:00a.m. local time on the following date(s) for the stated requirements: January 13, 2015 *OEM PARTS AND SERVICE FOR LTI LADDER TRUCKS B50004390 *REFURBISHING SERVICES FOR A Z-73 FLOTTWEG CENTRIFUGE ROTATING ASSEMBLY B50004405 *FLOTTWEG Z-73 HYDRAULIC BACK DRIVE VISCOTHERM ROTODIFF HYDRAULIC DRIVE TYPE 1120D/V B50004432 * S N O W R E M O VA L S E R V I C E S I X B50004339

Film Review Will Smith Delivers Oscar-Quality Performance in ‘Concussion’

JOB FAIR

TO PROMOTE FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVERSITY IN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Saturday, February 20, 2016

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Gilman School in Baltimore, MD Visit www.aimsmddc.org for online registration to TEACH in a private, independent school Registrations must be completed with resumes No faxes or emails accepted (those registered by February 4th will be available for schools to preview) SPONSORED BY: ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT MARYLAND & DC SCHOOLS (AIMS) EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AIMS • 890 Airport Park Road Ste 103 • Glen Burnie, MD 21061 • (410) 761-3700 OR (301) 858-6311

Will Smith takes on the NFL in the new film ‘Concussion.’ By Kam Williams

Afro-American Newspapers 3.55 x 3

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410-554-8200 D.C. Classifieds continue from C6 LEGAL NOTICES DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY INVITATION TO BID INVITATION NO. 130170

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

SAINT ELIZABETHS WATER TOWER AND LARGE DIAMETER TRANSMISSION MAINS The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) is soliciting bids for Invitation No. 130170: Saint Elizabeths Water Tower and Large Diameter Transmission Mains The following listing enumerates the major items of work included in the contract: • 2.0 million gallon composite-style elevated water storage tower and appurtenances • Approximately 4,000 feet of 24-inch ductile iron water pipe • Site work including the construction of a 12-foot wide paved access road • Demolition of adjacent apartment building, including hazardous material handling. The project requires completion within 720 consecutive calendar days. This project is estimated to cost between $10,000,000 and $15,000,000. DC Water will receive Bids until 2:00 p.m., local standard time on January 6, 2016. A Pre-Bid Conference will be conducted on December 16, 2015. This project may be funded in part by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A Fair Share Objective for Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises participation in this work of 32% and 6%, respectively, has been established. The program requirements are fully defined in USEPA’s “Participation by Disadvantaged Enterprises in Procurement under EPA Financial Assistant Agreements – May 27, 2008”. Notice is hereby given that DC Water has determined that all contractors performing the large diameter water main installation as part of this contract must be currently pre-qualified by DC Water. A list of currently pre-qualified contractors is included in the Project Manual. The Davis-Bacon wage determinations shall apply. Bid documents are available at the Department of Procurement, 5000 Overlook Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20032. Sets of Bidding Documents can be procured for a non-refundable $50 purchase price each, payable to DC Water. Payment must be in the form of a money order, certified check or a company check. Documents can be shipped to Bidders providing a Federal Express account number. The DC Water Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant is a secured facility. Persons intending to pick-up Bidding Documents are to contact the Department of Procurement at 202 787 2020 for access authorization. For procurement information contact via email: ProcurementConstructionInquiry@dcwater.com. For technical information contact: DETS-Construction.Bid.Inquiry@dcwater.com. Please insert the IFB No. in the Subject Line. View DC Water’s website at www.dcwater.com for current and upcoming solicitations.

(Courtesy photo)

Special to the AFRO In 2002, Will Smith landed his first Academy Award nomination for “Ali,” a riveting biopic about Muhammad Ali directed by Michael Mann. Although a cultural icon in his own right, Smith managed to disappear into the role in the process of delivering a brilliant performance as “The Greatest” boxer of all time. Despite his being able to “Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee” the sport eventually exacted a devastating toll on the champ. For Ali would become afflicted with a host of neurological disorders as a consequence of taking so many hits to the head. While fans call it being “punch drunk,” the clinical term for the condition is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). What’s ironic is that Will Smith is on the verge of landing another Oscar nomination for “Concussion,” a picture in which he plays Dr. Bennet Omalu, the Nigeria-born physician who discovered the link between football and brain damage while working as a forensic pathologist in Pennsylvania. He first recognized something was amiss while performing an autopsy on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ former center Mike Webster (David Morse), who died at 50 from a combination of amnesia, depression and dementia. Dr. Omalu was shocked to observe that the Hall of Famer had the brain of a very old man, so he decided to posthumously examine those of other National Football League vets who also passed away prematurely. Lo and behold, the research revealed they all had suffered from CTE, ostensibly as a result of the pounding their skulls had taken on the field. Unfortunately, when Omalu subsequently attempted to go public with the his findings, he was threatened and discredited by the army of lawyers and quacks hired by Commissioner Roger Goodell (Luke Wilson) to protect the NFL’s image. Thus unfolds “Concussion,” a David vs. Goliath saga reminiscent of “The Insider” (1999), the similarly-themed expose recounting the real-life ordeal of the intrepid whistleblower who took on the Tobacco Industry when it was still hell bent on denying any link between smoking and cancer. An interesting factoid which bears mentioning is that “The Insider” was directed by the aforementioned Michael Mann. “Concussion,” however, was directed by Peter Landesman (“Parkland”). He adapted it to the screen with the help of investigative journalist Jeanne Marie Laksas from “Game Brain,” an article she published about the cover-up in the October 2009 issue of GQ magazine. Landesman surrounds Smith with a talented cast, starting with the gifted Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Omalu’s feisty wife Prema. The dramatis personae also includes Oscarnominees Alec Baldwin (for “The Cooler”) and Albert Brooks (for “Broadcast News”), as well as Hill Harper, Richard T. Jones, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Eddie Marsan. But make no mistake, “Concussion” is a marvelous Will Smith vehicle, one that he’ll undoubtedly get to drive for the duration of awards season, possibility all the way to the Oscars on Feb. 28.

December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016, The Afro-American

YOU’RE ALWAYS A WINNER WHEN YOU PLAY RESPONSIBLY. Playing the Maryland Lottery is fun, but please play within your limits. For confidential help with gambling problems, please visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER. You must be 18 to play.

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The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016

More Reliable Electric Service for DC

“Our business depends on reliable electric service.” Boo Kim

Director of Operations Acadiana Restaurant

“The merger means better reliability so businesses like Acadiana can thrive.” Kathy Hollinger

President Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington

The Pepco Holdings-Exelon Merger: Affordability, Reliability and Sustainability for DC. Reliable electric service is critical to businesses and residents in a growing DC. The Pepco Holdings-Exelon merger sets higher requirements for Pepco to increase reliability of electric service, which means fewer and shorter power outages. That’s good news for small businesses like Acadiana Restaurant. In fact, Pepco’s reliability performance must exceed regulatory standards or the company will have to pay significant financial penalties. Improved reliability is one of many benefits of the merger. We signed the petition to show our support. Join over 35,000 District residents and go to PHITomorrow.com, where you can sign the online petition and send a letter to voice your support for the merger.

For more information or to show your support, visit PHITomorrow.com.

Paid for by Exelon Corporation.

Send your news tips to tips@afro.com.

December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016, The Afro-American

D1

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY-AREA Gray Coy about Future Political Plans

Rainbow Push Coalition Honors Political, Civil Rights and Business Leaders

Prince George’s County

Murder Suspect Still on the Run in Temple Hills

By Danielle Lockett Special to the AFRO

AP Photo

Former D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray was recently released from charges involving a 2010 campaign finance scandal. By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com Former D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, fresh from a recent legal victory, hasn’t revealed to anyone what he will do politically next year. “We’ll see, won’t we,” Gray told the AFRO when asked whether he will seek political office in 2016. On Dec. 9, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips released a statement saying his office will not charge Gray with any crime regarding the 2010 mayoral campaign finance scandal. Gray released his statement later Continued on D2

Endura Govan, owner of D.C.-based International Business Kids receives an award from the Rainbow Push Coalition. (left to right) Steve Smith, executive director, Public Policy Institute, Government Relations &Telecommunications Project; Rev. Jesse Jackson, Eudura Govan and the event emcees. By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com The Rainbow Push Coalition discussed serious issues such as police violence and the impact of Blacks on the 2016 elections but not before hosting a gala that honored members of Congress as well as D.C. area businesses and civil rights leaders. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder and president of the Rainbow Push Coalition and its Center for Education Fund, convened its annual Public Policy and Media and Telecom Symposium from Dec. 15-16 at the Capital Hilton in the District. Vocalists such as Richard Smallwood (who was an honoree of the event), Angie

Photo by Rob Roberts

Stone and Maurette Brown Clark performed before the crowd of 100 but there was some business to attend to before the entertainment. “We are here to recognize influential and inspiring leaders in this city and across the country,” said Nicol Turner-Lee, vice president and chief research and policy officer for the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council, who co-emceed the event with Kelly Mikel Williams, who hosts the “Black Politics Today” show on internet radio BLIS.fm. –Nicol Turner-Lee Twelve people were scheduled to be honored at the gala that included U.S. Reps. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). Jeffries didn’t attend the event. Continued on D2

“We are here to recognize influential and inspiring leaders in this city and across the country.”

Prince George’s County Taxes

Schools Chief Seeks $2 Billion to Improve System By Jamaal Abdul-Alim Special to the AFRO Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO is seeking a dramatic increase in funding for the 2016-2017 school year — an increase of about $182 million that would bring the budget to $2 billion. The request calls for an additional $128 million from county taxpayers, in part to make up a $6.4 million decrease due to the end of federal “Race to the Top” grants and a $4.8 million decrease in local funding from out-of-county tuition and other sources. “Our district has been underfunded for a long time,” Kevin Maxwell told AFRO after delivering his “State of the School System Address” at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale, Maryland. “If we really want to be able to do everything that we’re Courtesy Photo being asked to do, all of Kevin Maxwell, Prince the standards we’re being George’s County CEO want asked to meet, all the goals to increase funding for that are being set for us, public schools in the 2016- you have to invest in that 2017 school year. work,” he said. Maxwell made his remarks on the heels of new data that show PGCPS students scoring below the state average on the newly adopted Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests. Specifically, only 15 percent of PGCPS elementary and middle school students in Grades 3-8 achieved, met, or exceeded college and career readiness standards on the new PARCC math assessment. In comparison, nearly 30 percent of Maryland elementary and middle school students met or exceeded the new math test standards. On the new PARCC English Language Arts/Literacy Assessments, only 25 percent of PGCPS elementary and middle school students met or exceeded the standards, compared to 40 percent of elementary and middle school students in Grades 3-8 statewide. Continued on D3

Police are searching for Walker Davis, 26, an alleged accomplice to David Neal, 27, from Oxon Hill, in a homicide and attempted robbery on Sept. 17, according to the Prince George’s Police Department. Karria Suggs, 26, was shot and killed in what police say was an attempted robbery. She was found with a male victim, currently hospitalized in critical condition. Police have not released his name. Tiesha Carry, a friend from Suggs’ elementary school in Forest Heights, Maryland, talked to the AFRO about her friend. “Karria had a bright smile to brighten up anyone’s day. She was a good person fun to be around always spoke her mind,” Carry said. Suggs had a daughter named Nyla, who currently lives with her father. Neal and Davis allegedly have a history of burglarizing residents in Prince George’s County, according to the police. In 2012 Neal and three Continued on D3

D.C. Students Dazzle at Oratory Competition By Jamaal Abdul-Alim Special to the AFRO Banneker High School student Khelonji Bulluck didn’t need a microphone to say what he had to say Dec. 8 at a citywide “soapbox” tournament. The passion with which he spoke against the federal government’s war on drugs enabled him to amplify his speech loud enough

Khelonji Bulluck is one of the winners of D.C.’s first-ever Mikva Challenge, a speech tournament on Dec. 8.

for all in the room to hear – even though the microphone was temporarily out of order. “In my neighborhood there is a war,” Bulluck told a packed conference room at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Northwest D.C. “The media is telling me this war is protecting me and that without it my community would be so

Photo by Jamaal Abdul-Alim

much worse. But after 40 years and one trillion dollars, my community does not seem any safer.” Bulluck suggested the United States follow the example of Portugal in its 2001 decision to decriminalize the personal possession and use of illicit drugs – an approach he said has not led to greater drug usage. For this, Bulluck captured first place in D.C.’s first-ever Mikva Challenge – a speech tournament named after former Chicago Rep. Abner J. Mikva, designed to get young people more politically engaged. “The best way to do that is through youth voice and youth action,” said Brian Brady, national director of the challenge. The challenge began as an “action civics” project in 1997 in Chicago as a tribute to former White House counsel, judge, and U.S. Congressman Abner Mikva. “A lot of times we lecture kids to get involved, and that doesn’t work,” Brady continued. “What we found in Chicago is the best way to get them politically involved is to let them do it. To actually let them be politically involved and give speeches and then organize and try to take action.” The judging panel included Federal Election Commission Chairwoman Ann Ravel; DCPS Social Studies Director Scott Abbott, Busboys and Poets Founder Andy Shallal, D.C. Councilman

David Grosso (D-At-large); Grosso’s Deputy Chief of Staff Christina Henderson; business attorney Adam Proujansky, a partner at Dickstein Shaprio LLP; and Ameir Jeffries, a graduate of Luke C. Moore High School and now a student at Montgomery Community College in Maryland. “I am really heartened by all the knowledge and information that you all imparted on us,” said Shallal. “Not only did you speak articulately, but you had a thorough and in-depth understanding. It wasn’t something you just read or Googled.” Grosso said some of the speeches resonated with him personally. When Aviva Nemeth, Edmund Burke School, spoke about the need for more affordable child care options, Grosso said it was informative and mentioned a measure he introduced recently to grant up to 16 weeks of family leave to District workers. And when Reece Pauling, a Jefferson Academy middle schooler, who won second place for her speech, compared school lunch to sewage, Grosso said she was “spot on” after having recently sampled school lunch himself at several District schools. Tiara Small, Luke C. Moore High School, took third place for her speech about how many students graduate from high school without knowing how to read well. Lashawn Massenberg, of Thurgood Continued on D2

D2

The Afro-American, December 19, 2015 - January 8, 2016

Rainbow Push Continued from D1

Cummings said that the trial of Baltimore police officer William Porter is on the mind of a lot of his constituents. He updated the crowd that the jury at that time was hung or undecided in its decision to convict Porter in the death of Freddie Gray, to the gasps of many in the audience. “We are fighting the same battles that we have been fighting for years and we have to keep fighting those battles,” Cummings said. Lee said that Jackson’s historic runs for the presidency in 1984 and 1988 opened doors for her. “If it wasn’t for you running for president, I would not be in Congress today,” Lee said. “Reverend, you have taught us to keep hope alive. We thank you for what you have done in the past and for leading

the way in the Tech 2020, where Black people will have more of a stake in the high-tech industry.” The Rainbow Push Coalition also honored District practicing attorney John Burns who co-founded the non-profit ICON TALKS, Chanelle Hardy, aide to Federal Communications Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, Marie Sylla-Dixon, senior director and chief counsel of government affairs at TMobile USA, Donna Epps, senior vice president for public policy and strategic alliance for Verizon, Antonio Williams, government affairs director of Comcast, Endura Burns, founder of International Business Kids and Kimberly Marcus, director of supplier diversity at AARP, and Dr. Marco Clark, founder and CEO of the Richard Wright Public Charter School for Journalism

and Media Arts. Jackson said that voting in high numbers will help solve a lot of problems that Black people have. “If I don’t vote our worse dreams will be realized,” he said encouraging the audience to repeat after him. “We must not give up. We must vote to make things happen for us.” On Dec. 16, there were events that focused on topics such as the 2016 election and Black voter turnout, how people of color can impact sports, business opportunities for the Black-owned news media and the latest developments in the telecommunications and high-tech industry. Jackson held a press conference in which he talked about strategies to stem the tide of police violence along with members of the clergy in the Washington, D.C. area and nationally.

Gray

Continued from D1 that day. “My life’s work has been dedicated to uplifting people,” the former mayor said. “The announcement from the U.S. Attorney ends a lengthy investigation. I look forward to getting on with the next chapter of my life, which no doubt [will] be dedicated to service.” Many political observers believe Gray lost the April 1, 2014, Democratic mayoral primary to then D.C. Council member Muriel Bowser on the strength of the March 10 announcement by then U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen of businessman and political fundraiser Jeffrey E. Thompson’s guilty plea to illegally giving more than $2 million to Gray’s 2010 campaign. March 10, 2014, is known colloquially as “Machen Monday” and Chuck Thies, Gray’s campaign manager, said what the U.S. Attorney did that day made the difference in the primary. “Every public and our internal polls had us winning until ‘Machen Monday’,” Thies said Dec. 10 on NewsChannel 8’s NewsTalk with Bruce Depuyt show. He said that his former boss “has absolutely made no decision on his political future” but that voters

should think of Gray in positive terms. “Vincent Gray was a fine legislator and an extraordinary leader in the city,” Thies said. Douglas Sloan, an advisory neighborhood commissioner for Ward 4 and a political analyst, said District residents weren’t happy with how the investigation was handled. “A lot of residents were saying that it doesn’t take four and a half years to bring charges,” Sloan said. “We haven’t seen many revelations since ‘Machen Monday.’ Many residents weren’t surprised that the mayor wasn’t charged because there was no there there.” Longtime –Chuck Thies Ward 4 political activist Ethel Delaney Lee, a Bowser enthusiast who supported Gray for re-election, had strong words for Machen. “I think Machen had a subliminal hatred for Vince Gray and what he did prevented Gray from being re-elected,” Lee said. “Machen left office earlier this year because he didn’t have enough evidence to indict Gray. I think to destroy a man’s career and standing in the community is criminal.” Even before Phillips made his

“Vincent Gray was a fine legislator and an extraordinary leader in the city.”

WHAT MATTERS MOST TO

you?

announcement, there had been widespread speculation in political circles about Gray running for a D.C. Council position next year. Gray could seek re-election to the Ward 7 seat that he won in 2004, run for the Democratic at-large seat held by D.C. Council member Vincent Orange or, in a less likely scenario, leave the Democratic Party and run against D.C. Council member David Grosso (I-At Large) in the November 2016 general election. Sloan is confident that Gray will run again in 2016 and has advice on which council seat he should pursue. “It should either be in Ward 7 or the Democratic at-large [position],” he said. “He would be better off running in Ward 7 because he has a strong base in the ward and he won’t have to raise as much money. Besides, Vincent Orange is a scrappy campaigner and has proven to be a competent council member.” Lee said that Gray should run for any position that he wants, but bemoans that the

former mayor may have to unseat a sitting council member. “I like the way Vincent Orange presents himself on the council and it would be a shame if he were to lose,” she said. “I think Yvette Alexander has done a good job too and I would hate to see her go.” Alexander has indicated she will run for re-election and she has already drawn an opponent, Ed Potillo, the chairman of the Ward 7 Democrats and the vice chairman of the D.C. Democratic State Committee. Potillo said he hasn’t given a possible Gray candidacy in the ward a lot of thought. “I am focused and committed to the ward,” Potillo said. “Any candidate that runs will have to articulate their plan and vision for the ward and be committed to the ward.” Petitions for the June 14, 2016 Democratic Party primary are available on Jan. 22 and must be turned into the D.C. Board of Elections office by March 16 at 5 p.m.

D.C. Students Continued from D1

Marshall Public Charter School, won the “students’ choice” award for an emotional speech in which she recounted losing a brother to homicide. Other students touched on topics that ranged from homelessness to the need for better mental health services. In a speech against gentrification, Nakfana Gidey, Wilson High School, said: “We need to preserve

“…the best way to get them politically involved is to let them do it.“ – Brian Brady D.C.’s culture, D.C.’s people, and not let it crumble and wither away until what is left is only a sliver of a dream.” Robyn Lingo, site director

for Mikva Challenge DC, said the next step will be to help the young participants convert their ideas into action.

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Schools Chief

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The PARCC data also showed “substantial achievement gaps” between Black and White students in Prince George’s County – specifically 24.6 and 22.8 percent in English Language Arts and Math, respectively. “You need to unpack the data and get the story of what the data reveals,” said PGCPS Board of Education Chairman Segun C. Eubanks, who said the data shows county schools perform “as well or better than students with similar

other suspects were arrested as suspects in over 50 burglaries. In the past, Davis was also arrested as a suspect in similar crimes. Police are asking for eye witnesses and for acquaintances of the victims and suspects to come forward with information

D3

Continued from D1

“If we want to have a stronger commercial base in our county, employees need to feel assured that there’s a place that they’d want their children to go to school.”

regarding the evening of Sept. 17. Davis is still at large. If you know the whereabouts of Davis please contact the Prince George’s County Police Department Homicide at 301-772-4925 or Crimesolvers at 1-866-411-8477.

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DAVID VS. GOLIATH STORY” backgrounds and demographics.” Maxwell’s budget calls for a $43 million raise for public school employees in order to make teacher salaries in the county more competitive so that teachers want to stay in the school system. The average teacher salary in Prince George’s County is $66,720, versus $76,029 in Montgomery County, according to the Washington Area Boards of Education. “You can’t keep having almost ten percent of your workforce turning over a year and not try to do something about that competitiveness,” Maxwell said. The budget also calls for: * $2.8 million for 34 more teachers at the K-2 level * $3.4 million for 25 math specialists * $881,800 for six new literacy coaches Maxwell said he had no doubt that PARCC scores will improve in the future, but that they won’t rise as rapidly without the various items in his requested budget. “We’d like to get better a lot faster,” he said. “If we want to have a stronger commercial base in our county, employees need to feel assured that there’s a place that they’d want their children to go to school.” The AFRO contacted Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III to inquire about a potential tax increase, but did not receive a response before deadline. The PGCPS system is the second-largest school district in Maryland, currently serving 129,000 students, a number that Maxwell said is projected to grow by 1,200 next school year.

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