Washington-Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper July 2 2016

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Excerpt from Jesse Williams BET Acceptance speech.

By Laura W. Murphy

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What to Expect at Balto.’s African American Festival

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See story on A2.

• The Murder

of ‘Lor Scoota’ Leaves City Reeling

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Washington

Black Magic

National Black Church Initiative

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Join last week’s 1,700 new fans and become part of the family.

By Demetrius Dillard and James Wright Special to the AFRO The National Black Church Initiative, which says it is made up of 34,000 churches across America, has been in the news recently resulting from a series of bold statements and stances taken on a number of controversial social issues.

In addition, the organization has published repeated press releases expressing their disdain with various public figures,

politicians, community leaders, social groups and religious leaders.

According to its website, the NBCI’s purpose is, “to partner with major organizations and officials whose main mission is to reduce racial disparities in [healthcare, technology, education, housing and the environment]. NBCI offers faith-based, out-of-the-box and cutting-edge solutions to stubborn economic and social issues. NBCI’s programs are governed by credible statistical analysis,

Texas University Affirmative Action Policy Saved by Tie

By Gloria Browne-Marshall AANIC Supreme Court Reporter Affirmative action was saved, again. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 4-4 in Fisher v. Texas allowing the University of Texas-Austin to continue using its affirmative action policy to assure diversity in college enrollment. The absence of Justice Antonin Scalia, a renowned conservative who died in February, lead to the tie.

This is the second time the Texas affirmative action policy was placed on the chopping block. In the case Continued on A3

Join Host Sean Yoes Monday-Friday 5-7 p.m. on 88.9 WEAA FM, the Voice of the Community.

12 AP Photo/Evan Vucci

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The Rev. Anthony Evans, president and founder of NBCI, has faced backlash over his organization’s stance on gay rights.

science-based strategies and techniques, and methods that work.”

The Rev. Anthony Evans is the president and founder of NBCI, which was established in 1991. As the spokesman and representative of the organization, Evans has been under scrutiny by various prominent figures for his outspokenness on a number of issues, particularly on the topics of same-sex marriage, LGBT rights and race.

“We don’t dislike them [LGBT individuals]. We don’t hate them. We love them, but we want them to know that there’s two sides to the story and we’re not going to Continued on A3

Analysts Predict Impact of Brexit on Black Savings

By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com Douglas and Theresa Moser had no particular interest in the United Kingdom’s surprising recent decision to leave the European Union in search of political and economic autonomy from the group. And whether precipitated by nationalist and racist propaganda or a move to simply stand alone, the Olney, Md.-based couple, considered the fall out to be far removed from their lives. But when the U.S. stock market – Greg McBride began an aggressive decline following the U.K.’s departure vote (known as Brexit), the Mosers realized their 401Ks and children’s college savings plans, could be in jeopardy.

The true consequences of Britain exiting from the European Union, according to analysists will likely be gradual, however, the immediate impact on stock prices has proven quick and brutal. For Black families, like the Mosers, whose saving habits have been poor, heavy losses in their stocks could further aggravate saving.

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“Financial markets are going to be ugly.”

Listen to Afro’s “First Edition”

In a major victory for affirmative action, a divided Supreme Court upheld the University of Texas admissions program that takes account of race.

Show Church, Leadership Disconnect

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Outspoken D.C.-Based Religious Group Garners National Attention

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• D.C. Bike Lanes AP Photo

Fairness for Black Travelers

“We’ve been floating this country on credit for centuries, yo. And we’re done watching, and waiting while this invention called whiteness uses and abuses us. Burying Black people out of sight and out of mind, while extracting our culture, our dollars, our entertainment like oil — black gold. Ghettoizing and demeaning our creations then stealing them. Gentrifying our genius and then trying us on like costumes before discarding our bodies like rinds of strange fruit. The thing is, though, the thing is, that just because we’re magic doesn’t mean we’re not real,” he said.

Copyright © 2016 by the Afro-American Company

Civil Rights Attorneys Attempt Block of N.C. Voter Bill

By Zenitha Prince Senior AFRO Correspondent zprince@afro.com With the clock ticking down to the presidential general election in November, civil rights attorneys recently took to the court in another attempt to block North Carolina’s HB 589, which constitutional rights activists have called one of the most brutal attacks on minority voting rights in the modern era.

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals on June 21 heard oral arguments in NC State Conference of the NAACP vs. McCrory, a case which could have a significant impact on the outcome of the elections, experts say.

“The implications for the upcoming presidential election are huge,” said David Gans, director of the Human Rights, Civil Rights & Citizenship Program at the Constitutional Accountability Center.

“Since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act in the case of Shelby County v. Holder in 2013, we have seen a wave of new legislation that makes it harder for racial minorities and others to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” Gans further told the AFRO. “Seventeen states which comprise 70 percent of the electoral votes needed to win the presidency now have new or tougher laws that make it harder for Americans to Continued on A3

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NATION & WORLD

Politically Charged BET Awards Honor Prince, Muhammad Ali

By The Associated Press

A politically charged BET Awards delivered an exciting night of tributes for Prince and Muhammad Ali between calls for action over gun violence, civil rights and presidential politics.

These are the top moments from the June 26 awards show held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

After BET dissed the Billboard Music Awards for their Prince tribute in May, the cable network lived up to that challenge by honoring Price in a show-long tribute.

The first of many performances was introduced by comedian Dave Chapelle, who said “that literally our hearts Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP were broken” over the death of Jesse Williams accepts Prince on April 21. the humanitarian award Artists such as the Roots, at the BET Awards at the Erykah Badu, Bilal, Maxwell, Stevie Wonder and more gave a Microsoft Theater on June multifaceted reflection on the late 26, in Los Angeles. artist’s musical gifts.

Highlights included Bilal’s falsetto singing and his wild, rolling on the floor performance, Jennifer Hudson’s emotionally arresting rendition of “Purple Rain” with Wonder and Janelle Monae’s rocking medley and Prince-inspired outfits.

But BET ended on a high note when drummer Sheila E., Prince’s longtime friend, collaborator and onetime fiancé, took the stage to close out the show. She wailed on the drums in between singing a medley of songs featuring a full band, with horn section and dancers that got the crowd dancing.

There was no subtlety to the political messages during this year’s award show with multiple references to the upcoming presidential election — none of them in favor of presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

There was a very direct warning from Taraji P. Henson, who won the best actress award.

“For those who think, you know, ‘He’s really not going to win’ — think again,” Henson said during her acceptance speech. “We really need to pull together and turn this country around.”

Earlier co-host Tracee Ellis Ross urged people to vote and added, “Welcome to the White House, Hillary Clinton.”

Finally BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee championed the recent Democratic sit-in on the House floor over gun control legislation and called for a stand against gun violence during upcoming local and national elections.

After a long night of political speech, actor and activist Jesse Williams delivered the night’s most powerful statement after receiving a humanitarian award honoring his work for equal rights.

Williams demanded an end to police violence against blacks, mentioning the names of several victims, and got a standing ovation.

“We know that police somehow manage to deescalate, dearm and somehow not manage to kill white people every day,” Williams said. “So what’s going to happen is we are going to have equal rights and justice in our own country, or we will restructure their function in ours.”

But he also called out commercialization of black culture, armchair critics and “conditional freedom.”

Even Samuel L. Jackson applauded Williams later, while accepting his Lifetime Achievement Award, saying it was like hearing from a 1960s activist.

When Beyonce’s dancers paraded down the BET Awards red carpet prior to the show, the rumors of an unannounced performance solidified.

A barefoot Beyonce in a fringed black outfit opened the awards show with her song “Freedom” in ankle deep water with dancers splashing around beside her, in a preview of her popular Formation World Tour.

To top everything off, Kendrick Lamar emerged out of the floor and then danced together with Beyonce with the stage glowing red behind them.

Unfortunately, Beyonce was not on hand to accept her awards later during the show, as her mother explained that she had to immediately jump on a plane to London for her tour.

The BET Awards also paid tribute to another cultural icon — the late Muhammad Ali — with a heartfelt speech by his daughter, Laila Ali. Known as the “Greatest of All Time,” Ali had a huge influence on hip-hop artists either through his pre-fight speeches or through his personal struggles and spiritual convictions. He died on June 3 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

His daughter, also a retired boxer, got choked up as she stood in front of photo of her father holding her as an infant.

She closed her speech with a simple, but important request, saying, “If he was here today, he would ask you to pray not just for our family, but for all of mankind.”

Tenn. Candidate’s Billboard Promises to “Make America White Again”

By Zenitha Prince Senior AFRO Correspondent

An independent candidate running for Congress in Tennessee has ignited a firestorm with controversial billboards, including one that promises to “Make America White Again.”

The racist message is a spinoff of presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again.”

But Rick Tyler, a restaurant owner running for the Third Congressional District seat in the northeastern part of the state, which includes the city of Chattanooga, insists he has no hatred toward “people of color.”

Instead, the sign is a call for the nation to go back to a “‘Leave It to Beaver, Ozzie and Harriet, Mayberry’ America of old,” he said in a June 23 Facebook post. “It was an America where doors

were left unlocked, violent crime was a mere fraction of today’s rate of occurrence, there were no carjackings, home invasions, Islamic Mosques or radical Jihadist sleeper cells.”

On his campaign website, he further explains the motive behind his billboard, which was posted alongside Highway 411 in Polk County.

“The ‘Make America White Again’ billboard advertisement will cut to the very core and marrow of what plagues us as a nation,” he wrote. “As Anne [sic] Coulter so effectively elucidates in her book, Adios America, the overhaul of America’s immigration law in the 1960’s has placed us on an inevitable course of demise and destruction. Yes…the cunning globalist/ Marxist social engineers have succeeded in destroying that great bulwark against statist tyranny…the White American super majority. Without its expedited restoration little hope remains for the nation as a whole.”

Tyler also posted another billboard along Highway 64 depicting the White House ringed by Confederate Flags and headlined by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” quote.

According to NBC affiliate WRCB-TV, both billboards were removed this week. Tyler himself has experienced a severe backlash including death threats, he told the television station. He has also received criticism from other conservatives, including RickTylerForCongress.com Tennessee The billboard put up by Congressman Rick Republican Party Tyler in Polk County, Tenn.

Chairman Ryan Haynes, who said in a statement: “There’s no room for this type of hateful display in our political discourse. Racism should be rejected in all its heinous forms in the Third Congressional District and around the country.”

In a statement Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, the Third District’s incumbent, said, “I totally and unequivocally condemn the billboard and Mr. Tyler’s message and will vigorously fight any form of racism in the Third District of Tennessee or anywhere else in the nation.”

Simone Biles Glides to 4th Straight US Gymnastics Title

By The Associated Press

The national titles are starting to run together for Simone Biles, a three-year blur of near flawlessly executed routines and carry-on cases full of medals.

If Biles is being honest, the fourth straight all-around championship she cruised to on June 26 wasn’t so much a competition as an exhibition and one more thing for Biles to scratch off her checklist before the next real test: Rio de Janeiro and the Summer Olympics.

It’s a destination Biles is finally allowing herself to think about after putting up a two-day total of 125.00 — the highest during her historic run at the top — to beat three-time Olympic medalist Aly Raisman by nearly four points. Only next week’s Olympic Trials, a mere formality, stand between the 19-year-old Texan and the global stage.

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Simone Biles competes in the floor exercise during the U.S. women’s gymnastics championships June 26, in St. Louis.

“I guess there’s really no other steps besides trials and making the team,” Biles said. “We’re one step ahead again.”

Technically Biles has been there for years. She hasn’t lost a meet since July 2013 while creating a gap between herself and the rest of the planet, one that shows no signs of closing with 40 days to go before opening ceremonies in Brazil. Biles began the night with a dynamic floor exercise that combines peerless tumbling with the kind of charisma that should play in living rooms across the world in August.

She followed it up with a difficult Amanar vault — one of the most challenging currently being done in competition — in which she seemed to drop out of the sky before landing. Only a minuscule hop stood between Biles and perfection, just enough of a miscue for judges to deduct a tenth of a point while giving her a 9.9 for execution.

“I don’t think there’s any such thing as perfect in gymnastics anymore,” Biles said. “They always find something.”

Biles is as close as the sport gets at the moment as the leader of a team that will be heavily favored to dominate the podium in Brazil. The five-woman Olympic squad won’t be officially announced until July 10. Biles’ place is secure, and the picture around her appears to be rapidly clearing up.

Gabby Douglas, trying to become the first gymnast in nearly 50 years to repeat as Olympic champion, ended up fourth and admitted she needed to improve after a sloppy night on June 24.

Douglas got off to a shaky start as she fought to stay on bars — the event that first drew Karolyi’s admiration — and posted a pedestrian 14.5. She was better on balance beam, landing her dismount with an emphatic stick that might as well have served as a reminder of what she can do when she’s on.

“Trials, I’ll be better at trials,” Douglas said with a laugh.

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Outspoken Continued from A1

let them set the cultural morality of the Black Christian Church,” Evans told the AFRO, the associate pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. “We have not faced any criticism within the church because we are compatible with scripture,” Evans said, “but certainly the gay organizations around the country… want us to be silent, and we won’t.”

Evans is a graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont and holds a master’s degree in divinity from the Howard University School of Divinity. While he is known as a conservative pastor in the mainstream media, he has protested apartheid in South Africa and the genocide in Sudan, mobilized his organization to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina and the Haitian earthquake.

Evans recently launched initiatives in the areas of financial literacy, educational obtainment and health and wellness.

Nevertheless, it is his opposition to same-sex marriage and his advocacy of the traditional role of the family in which the woman has a defined role that has gotten him a lot of attention.

Despite his wariness toward gays, Evans recently voiced his stand with the gay community in the horrific killings that took place in Orlando on June 12.

“On this issue nothing separates our humanity and we stand together against anyone or even any religion that would disrespect the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in any way,” Evans said in a letter to Chad Griffin, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, the leading gay advocacy organization. “What we know that no one can change is that you are just as much a child of God as we are.”

Moreover, Evans has led protests and press conferences decrying the actions of well-known officials such as President Barack Obama, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Alton Pollard, the Dean of Howard Divinity School, for their endorsement of homosexual marriage.

“We vehemently disagree with the president’s stance and we believe he promotes gay rights over Black people all the time,”

“It’s not a matter of fearing or hating anybody or being homophobic, but the fact that we’re just simply standing on the word (The Holy Bible).”

–The Rev. Anthony Evans Evans said of Obama.

“The president – in one scope of his presidency – destroyed the Black family by illegitimating marriage between a man and a woman… So there’s no way we’re going to support this administration. And that’s why every single time this administration promotes gay rights, we will promote Christian rights.”

Israel Baptist, a Baltimore-based ministry, has been a part of the NBCI since 2013.

“It’s not a matter of fearing or hating anybody or being homophobic, but the fact that we’re just simply standing on the word (The Holy Bible). People have differences of opinion, but you can’t change what the word says. The bible says man and woman in marriage – not man and man, and not woman and woman,” said Greg Allen, a minister from Israel Baptist Church.

Texas University infamous Bakke case, Allan Bakke, a 35 year-old White applicant challenged the affirmative action policy at the University of California medical school. The Court struck down all racial quotas at that time. But, it was legal to use race as a factor in assessing the application in students admissions. Fisher sued, giving rise to Fisher I. Several reverse discrimination cases followed in Michigan, resulting in narrowly upholding the use of race as a factor while threatening an end to affirmative action.

Abigail Fisher lost Fisher I in the lower courts. She challenged the use of race as even a single factor in admissions, claiming the use of race as any factor in admission violated her Equal Protection rights.

In 2013, when the Court decided Fisher I, it was within days of gutting the Voting Rights Act of its preclearance protections against discriminatory voting laws.

Chief Justice John Roberts warned the Court would not allow a policy to stand if it contained race as a factor.

However, affirmative action was given a temporary reprieve in Fisher I. The university was ordered to review its admissions policy and, if possible, substitute the race factor for some other measure that would provide a similar diverse student population. Then, return to the Court for a rehearing.

Fisher II was that re-hearing.

However, when race was removed from admissions

eating and exercise, and an initiative urging Black men to go to church.

Not all Black ministers agree with NBCI. A D.C.-based minister who requested anonymity spoke with the AFRO to express his disagreement with Evans and the NBCI. “I’m not comfortable with his stance,” he said, adding, “I don’t agree with him on any of those issues [view of LGBT individuals, samesex marriage, etc.].”

The minister also said he’s skeptical of the amount of member churches the NBCI alleges to have.

Comparatively, Mark McCleary, the pastor of Liberty Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Windsor Hill, Md., said he is affiliated with the NBCI, but has “mixed” views on some of the controversial matters Evans has spoken on.

McCleary, who was born in Baltimore

City and raised in Philadelphia, pastored at First Church of Seventh-Day Adventists in northwest D.C. until January 2014, when he relocated to his current church. He said when he was at First Church, he was heavily involved in NBCI and recalls traveling with Evans from state to state, and working with him on several initiatives.

“I wanted to be more socially conscious,” said McCleary of one of his main reasons for joining the faith-based group. McCleary estimated that he and his former church joined NBCI in 2003 or 2004. In recent years, however, McCleary said hasn’t been too involved in the organization.

McCleary, whose views are more liberal than Evans,’ said he was opposed to the gay lifestyle but also believes “in the separation of church and state.”

Despite of the backlash the organization receives, Evans said that the NBCI is a multidimensional group working to bring upward social mobility to oppressed communities throughout the nation. He also emphasized NBCI’s commitment to holding those in power accountable.

“Every African American has a responsibility to the African-American community, and if you are in a position to [influence] public policy, and you vote against the Black community every time, the National Black Church – morally – will come after you,” said Evans.

Though homosexuality is a topic covered quite frequently by the NBCI, Evans said that isn’t the organization’s sole focus.

“We’re not just after the gays. Or after Black politicians. We’re after anybody who’s not going to do what we believe that the Black Church has traditionally stood up for,” he said.

Voter Bill

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known as Fisher I, the Supreme Court ruled that Texas must create a policy that allows for diversity without using race. Abigail Fisher, a White applicant, challenged the Texas admissions policy as discriminatory when she failed to be admitted. The Texas affirmative action policy did not contain any racial quotas.

Instead, the university admits the top ten percent of all high school students across the state. There is a second option for those students who fall outside of that ten percent cut-off. A second chance for admission is offered through a review of factors such as low economic status, primary language spoken in the home, extracurricular activities and race. Fisher failed to be admitted under the second tier process, as well.

The Equal Protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment protects against race discrimination practiced by states. For decades, state governments enacted racially discriminatory laws which undermined the rights of Blacks and other people of color. Because of its insidious nature, during the Civil Rights era, the Supreme Court determined that cases involving allegations of race discrimination by states would be reviewed under a higher legal standard called strict scrutiny.

However, in 1978, the Court ruled that Whites could be victims of “reversed discrimination.” In the

Allen said his responsibility as NBCI’s “Maryland faith command leader” is to connect with as many area churches as possible to inform them about NBCI’s objectives and its efforts in bringing advancement to underprivileged communities and the church community.

Allen said Israel Baptist partnered with Evans on several projects in Baltimore, including a health initiative promoting healthy

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altogether the number of Black students admitted dropped precipitously. The university determined that race was a necessary factor in its admissions policy.

During oral arguments in Fisher II, Justice Scalia was questioned whether it was a disservice to admit Black students who would not do well and suggested that they attend “less advanced schools with a slower track” because they would be better off and admitting Black students through affirmative action policies was unfair to other students of color.

Although the current focus of affirmative action is diversity the policy began in 1961 when President John F. Kennedy used it to address the historical racial discrimination that still permeated American society. With the Bakke case, however, the Court ruled that a White applicant could challenge affirmative action policies under the Equal Protection clause in cases called “reverse discrimination.”

Last week, the Court ruled in Fisher II that Texas’ affirmative action program did not violate the Equal Protection clause. With a Court comprised of only eight justices, any tie means the lower court decision stands.

Since Fisher lost in the lower court, the 4-4 outcome leaves the Texas affirmative action policy in place. Justice Anthony Kennedy, known as a champion of gay rights, had voted against affirmative action in Fisher I. However, in a progressive turn, Justice Kennedy wrote the opinion upholding affirmative action in Fisher II. The lone Black judge on the Court, Justice Clarence Thomas, wrote a dissenting opinion stating that “a State’s use of race in higher education admissions decisions is categorically prohibited by the Equal Protection clause” referring to affirmative action as a “faddish theory.”

exercise their right to vote. That’s why we are seeing so many courts cases, such as the one in North Carolina, to enforce the Constitution’s promise of the right to vote for all regardless of race.”

The Fourth Circuit panel that includes Judges Diana Gribbon Motz, James A. Wynn Jr. and Henry F. Floyd has a difficult road ahead as one defense counsel noted the lack of Supreme Court guidance on vote denial cases.

“Believe me, we are aware of that,” Judge Motz replied, according to an audio recording of the hearing posted on the court’s website.

The NAACP and other plaintiffs asked the appeals court to overturn a ruling by District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder upholding HB 589, which truncated early voting by a full week, eliminated same-day registration, prohibited provisional ballots cast out of precinct from being counted, expanded the ability to challenge voters, eliminated a preregistration program for 16- and 17-yearolds, and implemented a strict photo ID requirement. The provisions, civil rights advocates argue, violated Section 2 of the {Voting Rights Act,} and also the 14th and 15th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution by intentionally and disproportionately disenfranchising Black and young voters.

Anna Baldwin, an attorney representing the U.S. Department of Justice in its challenge of the law, said there were “critical errors” in the District’s Court legal analysis of the intent behind HB 589.

“The District Court failed to take account of the fact that – even as the defense’s experts testified – in North Carolina the best predictor of voter behavior is not party registration but race,” she said.

A proper intent analysis, she added, would have involved consideration of whether the passage of HB 589 was motivated by the “troubling blend of race and politics” in the state, a framework established by the Supreme Court in League of United Latin American Citizens v. Perry.“We have to start with the fact that in passing HB 589 the North Carolina Legislature acted to block growing AfricanAmerican political power just as Black North Carolinians had begun to experience real political gains,” Baldwin cited as evidence of the “troubling blend.”

She also said the District Court erred by using an incomplete metric—the difference

between the 2014 and 2010 turnout figures— to gauge HB 589’s impact, failing to consider factors such as the higher-profile Senate race in 2014 and the “extraordinary efforts” undertaken by churches to counteract the law’s restrictions.

Pressed by Judge Motz to offer specific evidence of HB 589’s impact, Baldwin said, “There are thousands of voters under uncontested factual record who were shut out of the political process under this bill.”

She cited more than 12,000 voters who registered after the “book-closing” period who could not take advantage of the state’s previous same-day registration law because of HB 589 and the more than 1,600 voters whose out-of-precinct ballots were not counted.

With the voter ID law slated to be enacted in this election cycle, the impact could be worse, said activists, who have claimed that more than 300,000 voters will actually be disenfranchised by the law’s provisions.

The state’s attorney, Thomas A. Farr argued that the District Court’s “detailed factual findings” were sufficient to show that “intentional discrimination did not take place.”

The judges seemed to question that assertion, however, posing very probing, pointed questions to the attorney, particularly with regards to the Legislature’s timing and intent in passing the bill.

The judges were also particularly concerned with the logistical impact of striking down HB 589 given the fast-approaching election.

North Carolina Senior Deputy Attorney General Alexander McClure Peters argued it would pose a significant burden in terms of money and time needed to rewrite training materials and voter guides as well as retrain poll workers, among other issues.

“Sacrificing voter enfranchisement at the altar of bureaucratic inefficiency or underresourcing isn’t acceptable,” Riggs argued.

“The state board of elections may have set a training for Aug. 8 or 9. To enfranchise voters, that training can be moved. They may have a contract to get proofs for a guide. If a federal court rules that these laws are racially discriminatory and unconstitutional, I think this court’s ruling trumps that. There is ample time to educate the voters, get a remedy in place, and make sure North Carolinians can vote in November.”

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Baltimore Police Issue New Use of Force Guidelines

By Juliet Linderman The Associated Press

The Baltimore Police Department on June 29 updated its use of force policy to mandate that officers immediately render aid if someone in custody complains of an injury a year after an arrestee suffered a critical spinal injury in a police van but was initially denied medical treatment.

The new policy provides a complete overhaul of the old, which included very little information about what constitutes appropriate use of force. Instead, the policy largely focused on how to document incidents with supervisors.

Police Commissioner Kevin Davis began the process of overhauling the policy last fall, after Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old Black man from West Baltimore, died a week after his neck was broken in the back of a police transport van. Six officers have been charged in AP Photo/Patrick Semansky his death and two acquitted.

A mural depicting Freddie Gray is seen past blighted row homes in Baltimore at the intersection where Gray was arrested.

A third will be retried after a mistrial in December.

At least twice during the The department’s use of force policy is among many Unlike the previous policy, the new guideline instructs 45-minute wagon ride from the site of his arrest to the police departmental updates to be rolled out this year, including body- officers when they aren’t permitted to use such force: if a station where he arrived unconscious, Gray indicated that he worn cameras and the launch of a new online platform that will person’s actions only threaten property or themselves. The wanted to go to a hospital, but the officers never called a medic ensure all officers read and understand general orders as they policy also prohibits chokeholds and requires officers to step because they did not believe he was really injured, but simply are issued and updated. in and prevent unnecessary or excessive uses of force by other trying to avoid going to jail. The new policy leaves no wiggle According to the new rules, which will go into effect across officers. room: If a prisoner says he is injured even if he shows no signs the department July 1, officers must attempt to de-escalate a of distress, officers must take him to a hospital. potentially violent situation before using force, if possible, The updated version, which is 14 pages rather than just six, employing tactics that include verbal persuasion and warnings. includes sections on de-escalation tactics, and mandates that Additionally, the new policy specifies that officers may officers immediately render aid if someone is injured in police use force only if it is objectively reasonable, necessary and custody or complains of an injury. proportional to the circumstances.

Jury Convicts New Orleans Gang Leader in Case Involving Vast Number of Murders

By The Associated Press A gang leader once described as one of the city’s most dangerous criminals was convicted of three murders and drug and gun charges June 28 in a vast federal racketeering case stretching back to the mid-1990s.

A jury found Telly Hankton, who is already serving a life sentence for a state murder conviction, guilty along with three co-defendants, including two of his cousins.

All four face possible life sentences. Federal authorities said last year that they would not seek the death penalty in the case. Sentencing was set for Nov. 9.

The scene in U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman’s courtroom was mostly calm as the verdict was read, although Walter Porter, who was convicted in three killings, could be heard complaining.

“It’s a railroad,” Porter said at one point.

Hankton’s cousins Andre Hankton and Kevin Jackson were each found guilty of at least one death in the case.

There were once 13 defendants, but that number dwindled amid plea deals that included Telly Hankton’s mother, Shirley Hankton, who pleaded guilty in May to racketeering.

New Orleans police previously described Telly Hankton as one of the city’s most dangerous criminals.

After Curtis Matthews, the brother of a witness in a case against Hankton, was shot and killed in 2011, Mayor Mitch Landrieu held a news conference with law enforcement officials in front of the daiquiri shop where the shooting occurred.

“We’re coming to get you,” he declared.

Porter was convicted Tuesday for Matthews’s death.

He also was convicted of assault in the shooting of Curtis

NFL’s Jim Brown Reaches $600K Deal in Video Game Suit

By The Associated Press

NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown has accepted a $600,000 offer from video game maker Electronic Arts to end a lawsuit alleging the company illegally used his likeness in its NFL Madden games.

A law firm representing Brown announced the deal on Tuesday. EA had no comment.

Brown said in the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County in 2013 that he declined to license his likeness to EA, but EA used it anyway. He accused the company of violating his right of publicity.

Brown also sued EA in federal court, but a judge dismissed the case.

Brown repeatedly led the league in rushing as a running back for the Cleveland Browns in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Booking photo

Telly Hankton Matthews’ brother, John Matthews, now 70, who testified against Hankton.

Hankton, 40, was convicted in state court for killing Darnell Stewart in 2008. He was convicted in the federal trial for the deaths of Stewart and two other men.

AP Photo

NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown.

Brexit

Continued from A1

The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 611 points, or 3.4 percent on the first day of trading following the BrexitBremain vote, with The Standard & Poor’s 500 falling 3.6 percent, and the Nasdaq composite slipping to 4.1 percent.

Wall Street insiders, including PNC Financial Services Group senior economist Bill Adams, said in a statement to customers June 26, families like the Mosers should brace for rocky trading.

Adams, who specializes in international monies, said global markets sold off sharply in the late evening on June 23 because many had begun anticipating that a “leave” vote was becoming more likely. “For the Federal Reserve, the Brexit vote would make it more difficult to raise interest rates since it would likely spur the Bank of England, European Central Bank, and the Bank of Japan to cut interest rates or otherwise

increase monetary stimulus in the second half of 2016,” Adams said in a statement. “Most investors who are decades away from retirement have plenty of time for their portfolios to recover from any losses they might see in the near term, but those with shorter-term investments will need to manage their investments through what may be a volatile few years.”

Having borrowed against the 401K for an unexpected water heater replacement and the addition of a new baby to join their two teenage sons, Douglas Moser said he fears he will lose as much money pulling out of the stock market as he would gritting his teeth and bearing the fluctuations.

“We were already earning so little with our 401Ks that we considered moving the money into other accounts, but we were told that the last thing we should do is pull money out when the system is already unsteady because it further taxes the

system,” Douglas told the AFRO. “Besides, we actually owe on part of the plan so it makes more sense to ride it out. Brexit in the U.K. has actually created a similar dilemma for investors in the U.S.” Bankrate Chief Financial Analyst Greg McBride said in a statement that the Brexit referendum will have a short-term, fleeting impact. As of June 29, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up almost 100 points over the past year. Savers, however, will need to keep shopping around with financial institutions, including small banks and credit unions, to look for the best deals.

“Financial markets are going to be ugly,” he says, while adding that it’s going to be a great buying opportunity for investors. “Mortgage rates will tumble, maybe to new lows, so buyers should not wait to look.”

July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016, The Afro-American

A5

COMMENTARY

Fairness for Black Travelers

You learn a lot about the character of an organization when things go wrong. For the team at Airbnb, hearing the outcry from African American travelers who were denied lodging because of discrimination was one of these moments.

I know, because I met with them in San Francisco in early June to discuss this challenge. Everyone I spoke with, including CEO Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s legal, engineering and policy team, and the leadership of the Black employees group, made clear that they are willing to do all they can to tackle this problem. What they said to me in private matches what they’ve said in public: Airbnb has zero tolerance for bias or racial discrimination.

After spending more than four decades fighting for Laura W. Murphy equality at the ACLU and in other organizations, I’ve seen companies pay lip service to these issues before. But Airbnb leaders have shown a willingness to be transparent and have expressed to me a sincere desire to ensure that its policies, technology and platform are not facilitating discrimination.

Towards that end, Airbnb has hired me to help them lead a 90-day review process to address discrimination issues. In working with them, I plan to hold them accountable.

I will begin that process by spending the summer meeting with technology experts, civil rights leaders, housing advocates and members of the Airbnb community to solicit their ideas.

Those conversations will be guided by three principles and objectives.

The first is identifying and fixing structural problems with the platform. Airbnb should be less focused on fixing one-off examples of individual discrimination than on understanding how the platform and underlying technology itself may contribute to possible systemic problems. Airbnb has already tapped its best engineers and product team members to lead this effort, and I’m excited to work with them to make real improvements.

The second step is to improve its processes so it can rapidly identify racial discrimination and deal with these matters quickly and decisively. That includes putting in policies and processes that will set the model for the industry and which will reflect the company’s commitment to fighting discrimination and acting quickly if something goes wrong. It will be important for Airbnb, like any company committed to taking on this issue, to continually educate staff and community so that the entire community understand these rules and processes so that responses are quick and appropriate.

Finally, Airbnb must build broader and enduring relationships with diverse travel, civil rights, grass roots, small business, social science and educational institutions. The brilliant staff at Airbnb cannot make its way in this increasingly diverse world, unless they are a more diverse company and are active in communities that will support them in this effort. One meeting in the middle of a crisis won’t do it. They need relationships with experts that last.

Discrimination in the sharing economy is not going away anytime soon, and if Airbnb wants to be in the forefront of tackling this problem it will be mutually beneficial to be a part of a sustained dialogue with individuals and organizations.

The Greener Side of Real Estate A few years ago, I was doing some research on how Maryland was leading the charge when it came to sustainable building practices and stumbled across millions of dollars in the form of: grants, loans, tax incentives, tax waivers and rebates from federal, state and local agencies for property owners and home buyers all in the name of energy-efficiency.

I sought out some real estate agents to get an overview of the steps it takes to receive energy efficient incentives when buying a home. I hit a brick wall. The average real estate agent had no idea of the millions of dollars available in energy efficiency for home buyers or retrofitting existing homes and buildings for resale.

I was amazed, confused and down right angry because as an environmentalist the real estate industry should promote energy efficient incentives for their clients. So, five years ago I became a Maryland real estate

agent but I did not stop there, I received an international real estate certification to address, encourage and promote energy efficiency in homes, buildings and land.

Real estate is an industry that sits on land.

In other words, the real estate industry plays a pivotal role in sustaining the environment.

The following is a case study of one of my real estate clients that took advantage of energy efficient funding, tax incentives, grants and rebates that totaled over $27, 000.00 Victoria, a first-time homebuyer in Baltimore, Md. was looking to purchase a home in the $100,000 range.

Victoria’s first step was to obtain an energy-efficient mortgage (EEM). EEM allows borrowers additional money above the standard maximum loan amount to make energy efficient improvements to an existing home.

With an energy-efficient mortgage in

These steps are just the beginning. Airbnb understands that there’s no single solution to the problem of deeply entrenched biases and discrimination in the travel industry or in our society as a whole. It will need to engage in an enduring effort to ensure that every single member of its community is treated equally. At its core, Airbnb is about helping people feel like they can belong anywhere, no matter who they are, what they look like, or where they’re from. They take that mission very seriously, and I will do whatever I can to help them to get it right.

Laura W. Murphy recently retired as director of the ACLU’s Washington Legislative Office after 17 years. She was also Washington, D.C.’s director of tourism under Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly in the 1990’s.

hand, Victoria settled on a charming twostory townhouse with no roof insulation, lots of cracks around the windows, doors and fireplace, and a 20-year-old working furnace.

Her next step was to get a traditional home inspection along with an energy rating blowers test to isolate where the house was losing energy. The blower test revealed the 20-year-old working furnace was leaking high toxic levels of carbon monoxide. From those findings, I was able to negotiate a new $7, 000 energy efficient furnace at the seller’s expense. Traditional home inspections do not test for carbon monoxide levels.

The energy rater recommended energy improvements to reduce Victoria’s annual energy cost by $500. Those improvements included: energy efficient lighting, attic insulation and chalking the interior of the house. In Victoria’s case the energy efficient improvements totaled $3,766 and those dollars were applied to her energy efficient mortgage.

Armed with her energy efficient improvements cash of $3,766, Victoria met with Retrofit Baltimore, a nonprofit agency of energy advocates, who screen and recommend contractors for home energy

Your Body is a Temple, Treat it that Way As a Black person living in America and a woman of faith, I am proud of the role that the church still plays in the African American community. It has been the backbone of our community for hundreds of years, and is deeply interwoven into the fabric of many of our lives.

In fact, whether you are in a conversation within the grocery story or watching the latest awards show, the acknowledgment and gratitude for God’s abundance and grace is very clear—and something I also take deep pride in.

However, on the other hand, as a practicing gynecologist who works in a major metropolitan city, I can’t help but notice that many of my African American patients are overweight and have multiple medical problems. The statistics confirm this. African American men and women are more likely to have hypertension and 50% are more likely to die of heart disease or stroke prematurely than our White counterparts. We have more diabetes and are more likely to be overweight and obese.

Sure, some of this can be explained by disparities in health care delivery and socioeconomic status, (and I

Monique Rainford

certainly do not mean to discount the influence of those factors), but not all of it. We each have a very important role to play in our own life and our health and sadly I am convinced that we do not treat our role with the respect it deserves—or the time and attention we give to other things of significance, like the church.

Ironically, many of the women that I treat are strong in their church and some even pastor congregations and, if asked, most are probably familiar with the passage “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” (Corinthians 6:19-20) While in the context it was referring to sexual immorality, surely the writer did not mean that is was acceptable for us to abuse our bodies in other ways. As a community of faith, it is our responsibility to treat our body like a temple. We are not doing so when we overeat, fill our bodies with unhealthy food or drink (and I am not necessarily referring to excess alcohol), fail to keep active or fail to allow our bodies enough rest and relaxation.

As someone who is on the front lines of the health

efficient improvements. Retrofit Baltimore identified $1,883 in utility energy rebates.

So far Victoria totaled $3,766 in energy efficient improvement cash, a new $7,000 energy efficient furnace paid for by the seller and $1,883 in energy rebates. It didn’t stop there for Victoria, she also took advantage of a $10,000 grant from Baltimore City’s Vacants to Value program.

With the energy efficient work that was performed on Victoria’s house, she is now saving over $15,000 in energy costs over the life of her home mortgage.

To find out more about energy efficient incentives for home buying or retrofitting of an existing home visit my website at thegreenamabssador.org.

Cathy Allen is an award-winning Urban Environmentalist, the co-creator of G.R.A.S.S. (Growing Resources After Sowing Seed) as well as Chair of the “Grow-It Eat It” campaign. G.R.A.S.S. is an environmental entrepreneurial nonprofit program based on the fundamentals of gardening, agriculture and ecology. In conjunction with Baltimore City Public Schools, Allen’s campaign has planted over a half-million trees on the lawns of Baltimore City public schools.

epidemic in our community, my question is this: how do we encourage each other to nurture our bodies in this way?

Yes, food is a very important part of our culture, it is at the center of our celebrations, our mourning and our comfort.

But how do we utilize our faith to put it at the center of our vitality?

Do we make an effort to introduce more healthful foods to our community knowing that it can not only allow us to feel better when we avoid over indulgence but that we are improving our health and lengthening our lives? Or, do we place a bigger emphasis on what it means to walk in faith and treat our bodies as the temples that they are?

The scientific evidence is overwhelming that regardless of our genes, how we eat and take care of or bodies can significantly reduce our risk of disease, including Alzheimer’s, and lengthen our lives. Let us love ourselves enough to take care of not only our spirit but also our mind and body.

Dr. Monique Rainford is a medical doctor specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

A6

The Afro-American, July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016

Baltimore FOP Under Fire After Posting Controversial Image Following Goodson Acquittal The Twitter account of the Baltimore FOP put out these two images following the acquittal of Caesar Goodson in the death of Freddie Gray.

Twitter

By Jerica Deck Special to The AFRO Baltimore’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge is under fire for tweeting offensive images after the acquittal of Officer Caesar Goodson in the death of Freddie Gray last week.

The tweet, sent on June 24, shows actor Leonardo DiCaprio giving a toast, along with the caption, “Here’s to the Baltimore 6 defense team, the FOP and Detective Taylor.” Another image depicted Baltimore City’s State Attorney Marilyn Mosby with the text

“The Wolf that Lurks.”

“Inappropriate, insensitive remarks or attacks that serve to detract from our necessary relationships with our community and criminal justice partners have no place in our city,” Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis said in a statement.

In an interview with WBAL Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3 President Lt. Gene Ryan said that the FOP “did not endorse the social media campaign that was posted over the weekend.”

He also said, “I don’t handle the social media account, but

as soon as I learned about the tweets, they were taken down” Although the memes were taken off of social media, the FOP is still receiving backlash.

“Deleting derogatory postings after the fact won’t suffice,” said Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. ‘Jack’ Young in a statement.

“The tweets, in addition to making light of a tragedy that claimed the life of a young man last April, only serve to further exacerbate distrust between our brave men and women in uniform and the citizens they are

sworn to protect and serve.”

The Baltimore City Branch of the NAACP also released a statement condemning the tweets. “The union’s most recent decision to take to social media and post two very callous and inflammatory graphics was unwise, unprofessional and borderlines on bullying,” it said in a statement.

“Such ill-advice behavior exposes how out of touch some members of this city’s police force are and does nothing but exacerbate the decades-long divide between law enforcement and the community.”

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July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016, The Afro-American

B1

BALTIMORE-AREA

Race and Politics

The Murder of ‘Lor Scoota’ Leaves City Reeling A vigil for 23-yearold Tyriece Watson, the Baltimore rapper known as, “Lor Scoota,” Sean Yoes on June 27 Senior AFRO ended with a Contributor smoldering standoff between those mourning the young burgeoning hip hop artist and Baltimore City police, at Penn and North, one of the flashpoints of last April’s uprising. Some hurled bricks and bottles at police, three people were arrested, many appealed for peace.

But, the murder of Scoota, gunned down in his car while traveling east on Moravia Road at the intersection of Harford Road, after leaving a peace rally at Morgan State University, has rattled many in the city’s poorest communities

“…the symbolism to me is not just a heavy blow to the hip hop community, but to our whole community.”

– Eze Jackson to their cores.

“It’s definitely heartbreaking especially to the Baltimore hip hop community,” said independent hip hop artist and educator Eze Jackson. “I’ve taught hip hop in classes for a number of years...teaching young people how to write their own songs and song structure and one of the first things I always ask them is, `Who are your favorite rappers?’ A few years ago, I started to hear for the first time ever an overwhelming amount of students say that two Baltimore rappers were their favorites and that was Young Moose and Lor Scoota,” Jackson added.

“So, the symbolism to me is not just a heavy blow to the hip hop community, but to our whole community. Here you have a young artist who, regardless of his content, was actually doing something positive that affected young people. They looked up to him, they saw him as somebody that came from their neighborhood who was now being able to do things that statistically they’re not supposed to be able to do.”

In the aftermath of last April’s uprising, Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby, who represents the Seventh District where it unfolded, first crossed paths with Scoota.

“I had the opportunity to partner with Lor Scoota at an event after the unrest, when we went around to West Baltimore high schools with local artists and talent to give a positive

Continued on B2

Community Policing

City Council New Faces

Youth Explorers Help Restore Trust Between Police, People

Courtesy photo

The Northwestern Wildcats played in the Baltimore City Police Department’s 1st Annual Unity Game, a fundraiser that supports the BPD’s Explorers program for youth 14-21, earlier this year.

By Tiffany C. Ginyard Special to the AFRO Growing up, Genara Lattimore thought the police only came around when there was trouble--or to start trouble. In her neighborhood, they were known as the “jump-out boys.” As a teenger, she’d had her share of negative encounters with the police.

So when an officer “jumped” out of his car to buy her an ice cream cone, all she could do was ask, “Why?” “I was 16 at the time, and I did not like police. I grew up in Whitelock and when I saw police, they were the bad ones,” Lattimore told the AFRO. “But he sat down and started talking to me about random stuff, asking me for my thoughts on how to make the playground in my neighborhood better. I thought, ‘Oh, my goodness. It’s really nice police out there that’s going to help in the community.”

That encounter inspired Lattimore to join the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) as a cadet.

Eleven years later, she continues her journey in law

enforcement as the officer-in-charge of the BPD’s Explorers program for youth ages 14-21.

“I believe that the youth is where you start,” said Lattimore.

“You can make a difference if you start with the youth.”

For 30 years, Explorers has been facilitating positive encounters between youth and police within the community by providing a curriculum-based program that aims to cultivate youth into productive citizens through career development in law enforcement. The program recruits youth from across the city to interact with police officers in academic and recreational settings to learn about the history, structure, and culture of law enforcement.

“We are empowering the next generation of law enforcement,” Lyn Twyman, Explorers’ program administrator, told the AFRO. “By connecting youth with police we are building a bridge for home grown officers to enter into the BPD that understand the dynamics of the community.”

Beyond creating pathways for youth to pursue a career with the police department, the program’s work is dedicated to

Continued on B2

Baltimore Rapper ‘Lor Scoota’ Gunned Down After Anti-Violence Event City Mourns Up and Coming Talent

By Michelle Richardson Special to the AFRO One of Baltimore’s hottest up and coming local artists, Lor Scoota, was gunned down on June 25 following a charity basketball game, according to police.

Born Tyriece Travon Watson, Scoota quickly rose to fame with his single “Bird Flu” repeatedly getting airtime on local radio stations and collaborating with international rap artists such as Meek Mill and The Game.

Watson was 23 years old.

On June 25th, at approximately 6:56 p.m., Baltimore police officers went to Harford Road at Moravia

Road after being alerted to a shooting. Upon arrival, they found Watson inside of a vehicle that had crashed into a corner liquor store. He was transported to an area hospital and later died from his injuries.

Watson, of the 1900 block of Clifton Avenue, suffered from at least one gunshot wound. Word quickly spread between different social media platforms, making Watson a trending topic on Twitter; even a video of the crime scene that shows Watson being pulled out of the car by emergency personal was posted to social media site Instagram but police didn’t announce Watson’s

YouTube

‘Lor Scoota’ in a video for his most well-known song, ‘Bird Flu.’

death until 8:30 p.m.

“There are many that are going to scrutinize the lyrics in his songs and some of the activity he might’ve been involved in in the past, but the reality is he’s a victim, and there’s a murderer on the street,” said Baltimore City Police Spokesperson T.J. Smith. “A lot of young people knew him and looked up to him, and whatever he might’ve been doing in the past, it appears he was doing some things to change his life and use those experiences to help empower other young people in our city of Baltimore.” Smith called a news conference Sunday afternoon to ask for tips in the case.

Police say it was a targeted killing — a cold blooded murder in the middle of a busy Baltimore intersection.

Several shots were fired into the rap artist’s car.

“The unknown suspect stepped into the street and opened fire on the victim,” said Smith.

The suspect remains unknown and at large, although police say there is video surveillance footage —

Continued on B2

Stokes Looks to Put Youth First in Dist. 12

By Deborah Bailey Special to the AFRO Robert Stokes says that he has “already been in it for the long haul” when discussing District 12. He is already at work on what will be one of his toughest challengescreating unity across the racially and economically diverse 12th district, according to supporters.

Stokes, an East Baltimore native and graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High, defeated six other competitors in the April 27th primary election to become the Democratic candidate for November’s 12th District City Council election. He has been involved in City government for much Courtesy Photo of the past 20 years, as Robert Stokes Community Representative to former Mayor Kurt Schmoke from 1988-1994 and assistant to former City Council City Council President Lawrence A. Bell from 1998 to 2000.

Stokes served on the Baltimore City Democratic State Central Committee from 2010-2014 and if elected in Nov. will transition from city council staffer to city council member. Stokes has worked for current District 12 city council member Carl Stokes (no relation) since 2010.

Stokes is the poster child for persistence and openly shares his “try it again” attitude with youth. He ran Continued on B2

“As the church, we are in community together trying to fulfill this Great Commission that Jesus left us with. As we gently press into each other, we form one united thing, His church. As we work together, sharing the space God gives us to do His work, we all become shaped a little different. We all become a little more like Him.” -Jennifer L. Lane I was in the Mix on Sunday with Lindsey and Josh Eldridge worshipping at The Mix Church 1725 E. Baltimore St, a church in the community for the community. From the moment I stepped out of the car, one of the volunteers opened the door and the greetings from the parishioners engulfed me with a feeling of welcomeness.

“Suddenly” I knew it was a beautiful Sunday morning.

I am awestruck, definitely impressed that this small in numbers, but big in heart, group of worshipers knew how to make their guests welcome.

It’s on, everyone is so attentive, I wondered had I been here before? I definitely was not treated as a stranger. After the praise worship service, a young man who had been mingling earlier in the lobby stepped onto the stage casually dressed and began talking to the worshippers like friends he hadn’t seen in a minute and wanted to catch up. That’s how I met Pastor Marcus England. I was instantly impressed that there was no pompous air of authority, just a young man chosen to lead but one who also knows he needs to follow.

Pastor Marcus’s relationship with the people reminds me of the saying “Real recognize real.” He talked with the congregation as one of them, relating commonplace situations in his message. His sense of humor reminded me of a preaching Chris Rock and the laughter was contagious. The church’s motto is, “Church is to be enjoyed not endured.”

What a whirlwind of activities from cruising the Chesapeake Bay Continued on B2

8

Past Seven Days

135 2016 Total

Data as of June 29

B2

The Afro-American, July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016

Youth Explorers Continued from B1

strengthening the bonds of trust between young people and police that have deteriorated--since Officer Friendly left the school system, PAL centers were closed and more and more officers are caught on video misbehaving.

Among the program’s efforts to foster positive interactions between young people and police officers are monthly activities like Hotdogs With A Cop; Coffee With a Cop, ice skating and fundraisers to keep the program running.

Explorers is a community outreach program of the Community Collaboration Division of the BPD, and is solely operated with the support of private donors, corporate sponsorships and individual contributions from BPD officers. A $25,000 donation from TD Bank has allowed the division to expand the program to a high school in each of the city’s nine geographic districts. Reginald F. Lewis, Patterson Park, Booker T. Washington, Edmondson

Westside, and National Academy Foundation are among the pilot schools offering the Explorers pre-criminal justice course as an elective. The course also teaches to the program’s six pillars for success-- character development, violence prevention, diversity, leadership, community service and career education.

“Truthfully and honestly, this is overdue. We should’ve been doing this years ago, but you’ve got to start somewhere. And this

is a good start. The relationships will get stronger and stronger as we move forward along,” Officer John Hailey told the AFRO at an event held recently at Northwestern High School, another one of the program’s pilot schools.

Tension was thick between police officers and students that day. But all in fun and for a good cause-- to raise money to keep the Explorers program going. Hailey and his colleagues played the Northwestern Wildcats in a game of basketball at the program’s 1st Annual Unity Game.

“From my perspective, this is where we should be,” said Hailey, who’s worked in the Western District for 27 years.

“Most of the time they only interact with police when they see us in our official capacity. This is an opportunity for them to see us in a completely different light to where they’re like ‘oh, they [the police] really are people.’”

the community presidents can start talking to each other and helping each other out,” Stokes said. Unified Neighborhoods Coalition facilitates communication across the District’s diverse community associations. “It’s a matter of learning how to write a mission statement, conduct a focus group, write grants and beautify their neighborhoods,” he enthused.

Stokes grew up in Baltimore with lessons from his mother about taking pride in the community. “My mother had eight children and two sets of twins. (Stokes has a twin sister.) My mother taught us how to be respectful, and we had Afro Clean Block. She made us respect other people in the block and that taught us who our neighbors were. We had to get up at 6:00 a.m. and scrub those steps,” Stokes said.

Stokes explained the secret of the Afro Clean Block

campaigns he experienced from his youth. “If you get young people out of those houses to clean up their one block, you’ll be surprised,” Stokes said. “When you start cleaning up in the community and there is illegal activity going on, it’s going to leave” Stokes said.

The key to getting Baltimore on track is to enhance communication between layers of city government just as he has done with the neighborhood organizations in District 12, Stokes said. “I already know Cathy Pugh so I look forward to a good working relationship with the new Mayor and the new City Council,” he said. I already know the current council members and the President of the Council. People want change and they want people to work together. We really don’t have a choice but to work together,” Stokes said.

“The relationships will get stronger and stronger as we move forward along.”

–Officer John Hailey

Stokes

Continued from B1 for the Maryland House of Delegates in 2014 after previous failed candidacies in 2006 and 2002. Stokes originally ran for City Council in 1999 before the city’s current redistricting.

Baltimore’s District 12 was originally District two. He picked up support after each attempt and continued to increase his visibility and influence in the community. “When it’s your time and God is looking out for you, it will happen,” Stokes told the AFRO. Stokes says he will use City Council as a platform to leverage opportunities for youth in District 12 neighborhoods. He wants apprenticeship programs in the city’s schools. “The kid that’s not going to college when he leaves out of high school, he should have the opportunity for an apprenticeship,” Stokes said.

Stokes looks forward to collaborating with incoming Baltimore Public Schools CEO Sonja Santelises about providing a role for local unions to connect with students. “When the Unions go to the schools, they get push back. There should be some balance. I think the school system has an old model,” Stokes said. “College can get expensive. We need opportunities for students who can’t foot that bill,” he said.

Kathy Christian, Board member of the Greater Greenmont Community Association (GGCA) was convinced that Stokes’ connection with residents was critical for helping District 12 advance. GGCA represents Greenmont Avenue, Barclay and Midway in East Baltimore; neighborhoods with blocks of stable homeowners and newcomers interspersed with blight and abandoned properties.

“He is really focused on the community. He lives, breathes and sleeps this community. When he said he was running, I knew we had the right advocate because Robert’s empowerment

“When it’s your time and God is looking out for you, it will happen.”

–Robert Stokes is about making a difference on behalf of the citizens of the district,” Christian said.

Stokes’ economically diverse district includes both neighborhoods bordering Johns Hopkins Homewood campus and Stokes’ own Oliver community, once a thriving middle-class community with residents who are determined to seek economic transformation without displacement of long-term residents. Stokes hopes to transform economic vehicles like the TIF (tax increment financing) to strengthen distressed neighborhoods. “Let’s take that same concept and put it back into the community where there’s low housing, no housing and vacant housing; where’s there’s no commercial business and create community impact,” said Stokes.

“I think it’s important to work with developers and require that they demonstrate community impact,” Stokes said.

Strengthening the capacity of community organizations is another key to strong neighborhoods according to Stokes. One of his proudest achievements has been supporting the development of Unified Neighborhoods Coalition (UNC), a collaboration between 13 community organizations across the 12th District that started with a combined Holiday party last December.

“Our community presidents didn’t talk to each other, they talked around each other,” Stokes said. “We started UNC so

‘Lor Scoota’ Continued from B1

but what that video shows is not being released at this time.

Smith also stated that since Watson was coming from the Touch the People Pray for Peace in These Streets charity basketball game at Morgan State University, his death had an “eerie irony that should absolutely tick us all off.” Watson is among the latest homicide victims in what Smith called a “revolving door of death” in Baltimore that he said is “leaving too many mothers to bury their children.”

“It’s good that #LorScoota, #Scoota, #PrayforScoota, #BirdFlu and all that is trending on Twitter, Smith said. “But can we trend on Twitter that the person responsible for his death has been identified and is in custody?”

People from all over Baltimore are mourning and remembering Watson on social media. Fellow rapper and local producer Logik LCE told the AFRO via Facebook, “This really hurt the city and our youth. Another tragedy.”

Baltimore native Asia Eddins told the AFRO, “I loved his music. I was waiting for his next CD to drop. That boy was talented and was loved by so many.”

The citizens of Baltimore aren’t the only ones mourning the loss of Watson through social media. Many celebrities and athletes have offered their condolences and reflected on what type of person he was. Rapper Meek Mill posted a photo of Watson to his Instagram with the touching message, “…

Tryna make it out. #restup.” California rapper “The Game”

also posted a photo of him and Watson together in the studio with the words, “Another young one murdered, Just last year the lil homie @Scootaupnext was over my shoulder in the huddle working on #TheDocumentary2 every day in Los Angeles…..Then this news hits me SMH. LIFE…..hold onto it, or you’ll lose it & everything in it in the blink of an eye. #RipLorScoota.”

Former Baltimore Raven Torrey Smith tweeted “One that was focused on stopping the violence smh crazy world man… prayers up.”

Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby told reporters, “I am saddened to hear about the senseless murder of Tyrice “Lor Scoota” Watson. He had a heart for youth and took the time out of his schedule to join me on my #EyeAmBaltimore Tour to high schools in West Baltimore following last year’s uprising where he spoke about the importance of staying in school.”

On June 29 Watson’s family held a news conference in West Baltimore to announce the location of the wake on June 30 and funeral on July 1. The visitation will be held from noon until 7 p.m. at Wylie Funeral Home in Baltimore. The wake and funeral will be held at Empowerment Temple with the wake beginning at 10 a.m. and the funeral beginning at 11 a.m.

Anyone with information may call the homicide unit at 410396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers to report tips anonymously at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

Race and Politics Continued from B1

message to the students. Right away, out of everybody that we interfaced with, on the stage Lor Scoota stood out,” Mosby said.

“He was focused, he was driven, he was definitely a product of Baltimore, but he knew exactly where he wanted to go and how he wanted to benefit not only himself, but his family, his community and the city of Baltimore as a whole...it’s definitely a tragedy and a loss for the entire city,” Mosby added.

Ras Tahuti Missouri, a 15-year old spoken word artist from West Baltimore, knew Scoota and says he was inspired by his personal example, which transcended the the gritty lyrics of, “Bird Flu,” Scoota’s hit song chronicling Baltimore’s drug culture.

“He rapped about his reality...you have to look at the artist... but, you have to look at the person. He went to the schools, feeding the homeless, donating thousands of dollars worth of shoes to children, linking up at peace rallies and he was murdered after a peace rally,” observed Missouri, whose mother recently pulled him out of Baltimore’s public schools fearing her son was being imperiled by the violence that took the life of the up and

coming rap artist.

Lor Scoota was one of the few shining symbols of hope for some of the city’s most disenfranchised communities. Many of the young people who rumbled through the streets of West Baltimore last April during the uprising, bumped Scoota’s music incessantly and were buoyed by the reality that he still lived among them, evidence of the promise of brighter days. His talent cut a path for him away from the city and the violence that ultimately snuffed out his promising young life. Now, that path seems dimmer again.

“He was trying to get away from the street life, he was trying to get away from all of that,” Missouri said. “That was his ticket out of the city...rapping about what he lived... and it’s sad that the reality and what he lived turned around to be his downfall.”

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

Living for the Weekend Continued from B1

on a gorgeous Sunday to celebrating the graduation of Miles Crump at his all white party aboard the Spirit hosted by his mom Tarsha Fitzgerald while dancing to the sounds of DJ Tanz and watching the sunset over Baltimore.

I attended Sarita Oaks Murray’s triple celebration party for daughter Rachel Finney, a Cum Laude graduate from Bowie State University. It was her 22nd birthday, her graduation and her induction into the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The event was at The Rec in Towson with guests, Rachael’s uncle Delegate Nathaniel Oaks, grandparents Mabel and Teddy Murray, Mark Butler, Sharon Green, George Ray, her big sister attorney Amanda Murray and younger sister and brother, Char and Ray and her sorority sisters.

“Summertime and the living is easy” but so much fun enjoying cocktails with LaVerne Naesea as she celebrated her birthday at Mezcal Mexican Restaurant & Bar sipping margaritas, grooving at Hoolihan’s in Columbia on Thursday nights drinking X-rated martinis and giggling like a school girl or partying at Ruth’s Chris Pier 5 with John Lee at the industry hospitality night hosted with Lane and Chef Brad, it’s been a great start to the summer.

Now that summer is here, there are so many wonderful venues in and around Baltimore you may consider stopping in at Little Havana on Key Highway for the best mojitos, or Ruth’s Chris at Pier 5 for dinner and cocktails or visiting Mararma Nagel the concierge at the Four Seasons or sitting outside with a specialty martini ,smoking

your Cuban cigar or a late snack with Patrick at Artful Gourmet on a groovy summer night, Whatever you do have fun and create new memories.

“Henrietta’s were different: they reproduced an entire generation every twenty-four hours, and they never stopped.

They became the first immortal human cells ever grown in a laboratory.”-Rebecca Skloot Oprah is filming the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks in Atlanta. Henrietta Lacks died at Johns Hopkins from cervical cancer. After her death, a research team removed samples of her tissue without her permission creating a major breakthrough for medical science. Perhaps Oprah will premiere the movie in Baltimore.

“Somebody prayed for me, had me on their mind, they took the time and prayed for me.”-Dorothy Norwood Sending prayers to our friend Rosa Pryor Trusty. Her sister and best friend, Maxine Trusty, is in home hospice. Give Rosa a call to let her know you are thinking of her at this difficult time.

If it’s your birthday, make some noise.

Happy 80th birthday to Ernestine Shepherd, City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young, Martin Alston, Doni Glover, Betty Greene, Alison Velez Lane and Marty Phillips.

“I’ll be seeing you.”

Valerie and the Friday Night Bunch

July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016, The Afro-American

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Hundreds applied, now meet the 8 Howard University students who were selected to DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED—a first-ever fellowship program by Chevrolet Malibu in partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Teams will share good news stories from Detroit, Washington D.C., Chicago and Atlanta. Plus, they’ll get to navigate their city in an all-new 2016 Malibu. Join them on this exciting journey that is sure to inspire us all.

#discovertheunexpected

DISCOVER MORE OF THEIR STORY AT NNPA.ORG/DTU

B3

B4

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

The Afro-American, July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016

The American Cancer Society sponsored a fundraiser event on June 26 at the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore to highlight the significant support that the organization provides in making a difference in saving lives by helping people stay well and get

Tony Anderson and Ballarie Wadlington

well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer.

The program included live and silent auctions,

entertainment by the Secret Society Band, and red and white wine tasting stations throughout the room.

Dr. Jelani Zarif, postdoctoral Research Fellow from Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute, discussed the importance of men making doctor visits regularly to check their prostate.

Cecil Flamer was event chair.

Blanche and Theo Rodgers

Sheilah Davenport and Denard Smith

Marsha Logan, Jesse Bennett, Debbie Parker and Nina Hopkins

Cecil Flamer, event chair

Aileen Taylor, Lydia McCargo-Redd, Yvonne Frye and LaVerne Gaither Yvonne Harrison, Dr. Jelani Zarif and Dr. Jennifer Dobbins

Walter and Alice Cole

Brenda Tranchida, Maria Howell and Frances Silva

George Clayton, Ovetta Moore, Beneak Hargrave and Jeffrey Hargrave

Barrington Branch, Nishan Gugsa, Marcel Umphery, Karlo G. Young, Ryan Galloway, Jamilla Espy, Koretta Skelton, Alex Weldon and Elaina Weldon

Mildred Brown and Ruby Brooks

Antoinette Williams and George Wilson

Kara Bess, Pat Roberts and Pamela Beckham

Martin KIng, Steward Beckham and Ricardo Kimbers

Yvonne McKInney, Stephanie Stevenson, Curtis McMeekins and Evelyn Cordin

Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine

Jaylin Summers, vocalist from the School for the Arts sings “Summertime”

A reception honoring community partners was hosted by BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric) on June 24 at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore. The event was a celebration of BGE’s bicentennial.

Calvin G. Butler Jr., BGE’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed appreciation to the many partners who were present to share this milestone of BGE’s 200th anniversary.

Entertainment, among others, was provided by the Baltimore School for the Arts, the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, the Muse 360 Arts, and the Young Audiences of Maryland.

Frank Kelly and Tony Hill

Anita Jackson, Everett Jackson and Beneak Hargrave

Debra Jenkins-Kearney, Dr. Sheila Brooks and Joanna Jenkins

Dwight Taylor and Darryl Stokes

Donna Richardson, Joan Pratt, Baltimore City Comptroller and Linda Foy

Michael Cryor presents a framed photograph of early days of BGE to Calvin Butler.

Diane Bell-McKoy, CEO of Associated Black Charities and Garland Williamson

Marcia Henson-Coakley, Taylor Currie, Janet Currie and Christina Fitts

Frank Coakley and Jeffrey Hargrave

Michael Hawkins, Gloria Braddock and Terry Hawkins

Calvin Butler, Chief Executive Officer, BGE, Erica and Michael Cryor, Board member

Nicole Kirby, Luwanda Jenkins, Pat Roberts, Diane Hocker and Lenora Howze Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine

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.

July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016, The Afro-American

C1

ARTS & CULTURE

What to Expect at Balto.’s African American Festival

By Brandi Randolph Special to the AFRO After 40 years, the African American Festival in Baltimore is looking better, not older. The festival, which started in 1976, is set to take place from July 2 to July 3 at the M&T Bank Stadium.

The festival is a

celebration of African American life, music and culture. According to Shelonda Stokes, who as part of promotions company Greibo is charged with promoting the festival, the event is “more like a celebration of our culture holistically. It’s an opportunity to adapt the

AFRO Exclusive

David Banner Explains ‘The God Box’

By Lauren Poteat Special to the AFRO Grammy Award winning rapper and social activist, David Banner is preparing for his long-awaited eighth album, “The God Box,” with a national “The God Box: Lecture Series” tour and album preview.

Courtesy Photo The hip-hop David Banner is delivering lectures lecture series, ahead of the release of his new which began in album ‘The God Box.’ February, leads up to Banner’s newest analytical album, “The God Box,” which is scheduled to be released Aug. 19, and discuses topics such as hip-hop, its effects on pop culture, politics, police brutality and the Black family.

“Hip-hop hasn’t changed, I think the environment has and hip-hop is just a reflection of that,” Banner told the AFRO. “One of the main reasons why I started doing these lectures was because of a mother of three who contacted me and said we need to start talking to our young men.”

According to Banner, who released a mixtape “Before the Box,” earlier this year as a sample for fans as to what to expect in August, the 16 track album, “The God Box,” features music productions from artists such as Ninth Wonder and Street Symphony, and is meant to invoke introspection, as listeners analyze today’s society.

“All Hip Hop said ‘Before the Box’ was one of the best mixtapes ever and I think that’s because I took a lot of the commentary from mixed interviews and I chopped it all up and I sort of merged that with the music, so it was more than just a mixtape,” Banner said.

In accordance with the political album, the lecture series follows the same suit and invites attendees to speak out about current events, their lives, families and the “State of

“Sometimes things get lost in translation, but nothing compares to that connection you make with people.”

– David Banner Black America.”

“I have never felt the way that I have with this box lecture series,” Banner said. “Sometimes things get lost in translation, but nothing compares to that connection you make with people. In a lot of ways, I find that these lectures are more important than the music, because when you can connect with people on a spiritual and social level, that’s what makes them remember you forever.”

Though Banner’s current lectures started earlier this year, he is no stranger to political public speaking, making a 2007, appearance in front of Congress, testifying at a hearing about the racism and misogyny often found in hip-hop lyrics.

During his testimony, he said that there were some problems in hip-hop, but that they only reflected what was taking place in society noting that, “Hip-hop is sick because America is sick.”

“The meaning of “The God Box” is sort of like a secret.

It’s something that people are going to have to come to on their own. Everyone will get something different out of the album and I’ll let the listener decide what that is,” Banner said.

The next tour date for Banner’s “The God Box Lecture Series” is July 7, in Chicago, at The Promontory, located at 5311, South Lake Park Ave. W. The lecture series is also expected to be in D.C. at The ARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE, on July 9.

festival to our needs.” there are also areas set The African aside for beauty tips, American Festival has career opportunities, played host in the past robotics simulators and to performers such information on STEM as Jacob Latimore, programs. When asked if V. Bozeman, Mint Stokes could recommend Condition, The Choir one non-musical activity Boyz, and many other she had trouble picking artists. just one. “It’s hard to This year’s line-up pick one thing, because includes: Common, we have so many areas Courtesy photo Estelle, Joe Mage, of interest from a tent Angie Stone, Anthony Actress Vivica A. Fox is one of the many hosts at this year’s African focused on STEM, to a American Festival. The event will be held at the M&T Bank Stadium in Brown and Group tent focused on beauty.

Baltimore on July 2-3.

Therapy and many To just pick one thing is others. Even though, tough,” she said.

Stokes couldn’t get “I want community confirmed to come back and musician. The lineup of hosts Shelia E last year due to the members to get their needs perform, but Stokes and her co- represents “a broad spectrum weather she told the AFRO, met at the festival. Whether it producers would like Shelia E. of our interest. We have hosts “We want her to come out be health and wellness at the Some of the famous that represent who we are this year on July 3rd because health screenings tent, a nice faces who will be hosting from comedians, singers and we would like to do a “Purple family outing with the kids, or the Festival are Vivica Fox, community members. Our Sunday”, celebrating Prince. actress, Baltimore’s the Rev. thought was that the hosts will date night to watch the show.

So we would love to have her Whatever they need, the hope Jamal Bryant, Jonathan tell the complete story of the come back and perform.” As is that they get that from the Slocumb, comedian, and festival,” said Stokes. of press time, Shelia E. is not festival,” said Stokes.

Maurette Brown Clark, gospel In addition to music

Television

‘Bad Dad Rehab’ Puts Focus on Black Fatherhood

Photo by Paul Abell for TV One

Malik Yoba, center, standing, is one of the stars of the upcoming TV One drama ‘Bad Dad Rehab.’

By Jannah Johnson Special the AFRO On July 3, TV One will be broadcasting a made for television movie entitled “Bad Dad Rehab.” The film follows four men on their journey to becoming more than just biological fathers to their children but dads. Written by Keronda McKnight, a writer for shows such as “Everybody Hates Chris” and starring Robert Ri’chard and Malik Yoba, the film was the Winner of the 2015 American Black Film Festival Screenplay Competition.

During a teleconference with reporters on June 24, McKnight said, “I wanted to get into the mind of somebody who’s dealing with dead beat dad issues…I didn’t want to lump everything together and just say all you guys are alike I really wanted to shed some light on it.”

McKnight’s approach to serious issues is humorous and dramatic. “I think Black men are beaten up enough,” said McKnight.

“I didn’t want to add to that I wanted something that provided a solution…I wanted to make it light in the sense that people could take their medicine with a little bit of sugar.”

The issue of Black fatherhood is a perennial concern in the Black community and McKnight said that she dealt with the complicated issues realistically. In the movie fatherhood is not always a priority for many of the characters. “These dudes are real…there are dudes who are just that selfish and selfcentered… there’s a reason for that madness. It seems like a stereotype on the surface but this is a very real thing a lot of guys are dealing with, not stereotypical, very real.”

The women in the film often serve as scenery lack depth and complex character development. This was a conscious decision

by McKnight who said, “We women we go through what we go through and deal with what we deal with and we have our stories and we have plenty of stories to tell but this was a love letter to my brothers. All of the women [in the movie] have strength. I wanted to salute the women but not in a pronounced way.”

“Bad Dad Rehab” was directed by Carl Seaton who said that his main goal was to remain true to the script. “My main goal was to bring a high level of authenticity, to these characters, to the story so that the audiences saw the film and it would resonate with them and they would have an instant connection. We

“…this is a very real thing a lot of guys are dealing with, not stereotypical, very real.”

– Keronda McKnight may not all have children but we all have parents…we’re all affected one way or another based on fatherhood.”

The film was produced by Roger Bobb Courtesy Image who many may know from his production work in multiple Tyler Perry films and movies. Bobb said that the film had an impact on many of the audiences at screenings. “People were crying, walking out because they were so emotionally moved that they couldn’t take it anymore…We knew we had something special, we can’t wait for the world to see it. It’s rare that you have a film where you just know that it’s something special and it’s socially relevant.”

‘Bad Dad Rehab’ will premiere on TV One July 3 at 7 p.m. EST.

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1 Col. Inch Up to TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:40:19 EDTTue 2016 TYPESET: Jun 28 16:39:56 TYPESET: EDTTue 2016 Jun 28 16:37:15 EDT 2016 LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES 20 Words Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM14 Ria Michelle Norman Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Joel R Davidson, Esq, whose address is 611 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, NO 288,Washington, DC 20003 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Ria Michelle Norman, who died on November 8, 2010 without a will, and will serve withCourt supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before December 17, 2016.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before December 17, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: June 17, 2016 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Joel R. Davidson, Esq. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2015ADM1392 Rene Zufle AKA Rene Zuefle Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Raynetta James, whose address is 9386 Rio Vista Rd. Forestville, California 95436, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Rene Zufle AKA Rene Zuefle, who died on October 13, 2015 with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before December 3, 2016.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before December 3, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: June 3, 2016 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Raynetta James Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/17, 06/24, 7/1/16 TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:39:32 EDT 2016 06/03, 06/10, 6/17/16 Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM629 Clovis Makesoud Decedent Lisa Fishberg, Krauthamer & Stahl, Chartered 5530 Wisconsin Ave Suite 801 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lisette M Mondello, whose address is 2707 South Grove St, Arlington, VA 22202, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Clovis Maksoud, who died on May 15, 2016 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before December 17, 2016.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills on or before December 17, 2016 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: June 17, 2016 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Lisette M Mondello Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/17, 06/24, 7/1/16

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM634 Atheline H. Douglas AKA Atheline Douglas Decedent David Charles Masselli 4113 Lee Highway Arlington, VA 22207 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS David Charles Masselli, whose address is 4113 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22207 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Atheline H. Douglas AKA Atheline Douglas , who died on April 22, 2016 witha will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before December 24, 2016.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before December 24, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: June 24, 2016 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter David Charles Masselli Personal Representative

TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:36:55 EDTCOPY 2016 TRUE TEST

REGISTER OF WILLS

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM643 Jesse M Tyson AKA Jesse Maryland Tyson Jr. Decedent Constance G. Starks Esq 7053 Western Avenue NW Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Belinda O. Tyson, whose address is 1932 Jackson St., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Jesse M Tyson, Jr. AKA Jesse Maryland Tyson, Jr., who died on July 6, 2012 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision.All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before December 24, 2016.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before December 24, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: June 24, 2016 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Belinda O. Tyson Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/24, 07/1, 7/8/16

06/24, 7/1, 7/8/2016

TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM672 Catherine Williams Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS F r a n k W i l l i a m s , J r. , whose address is 1117 Montello Ave, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Catherine Williams, who died on April 25, 2016 with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before December 24, 2016.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before December 24, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: June 24, 2016 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Frank Williams, Jr Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/24, 7/1, 7/8/16

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NAME: ________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________ TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:38:07 EDT 2016 PHONE NO.:____________________________________________ CLASSIFICATION: ______________________________________ Superior Court of District of (Room, Apt., House,the etc.)

District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION INSERTION DATE:_________________ TYPESET: Tue Jun 28

16:38:49 Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:39:11 EDT 2016 Administration No. Superior Court of 2016ADM617 the District of Joyce Shokes Murray District of Columbia Decedent SUPERIOR COURT OF Legal Rates PROBATE DIVISION NOTICE OFAdvertising THE DISTRICT OF Washington, D.C. APPOINTMENT, Effective October 1,COLUMBIA 2008 20001-2131 NOTICE TO PROBATE DIVISION Administration No. CREDITORS Washington, D.C. 2016ADM253 AND NOTICE TO 20001-2131 PROBATE DIVISION Dorcas Clark Crosby UNKNOWN HEIRS Administration No. Decedent Ursula Shokes , whose 2016ADM609 (Estates) NOTICE OF address is 403 South Estate of APPOINTMENT, 202-332-0080 Llyod St., Ahoskie NC Christianna Thompson NOTICE TO 27910, was appointed Deceased PROBATE NOTICES CREDITORS personal representative NOTICE OF AND NOTICE TO of the estate of Joyce STANDARD UNKNOWN HEIRS Shokes Murray, who died PROBATE a. Order Nisi $ 60a per Notice insertion 3 weeks Syandeper Crosby, whose on April 8, 2016 without is hereby given$180.00 will,publication and will serve $witha petition has been address is 2528 13th b. Small Estates (single 60 per that insertion out Court supervision. All filed in this Court by Re- Street, NW, Washington, c. Notice to Creditorsunknown heirs and heirs verse Mortgage Solu- DC 20009, was appointed per personal reprewhose whereabouts are Inc for standard$180.00 1. Domestic $ 60 per tions, insertion 3 weeks unknown shall enter their probate, including the sentative of the estate of 2. Foreign $ 60 per insertion $180.00 per 3 weeks appearance in this appointment of one or Dorcas Clark Crosby, who diedper on February proceeding. Objections personal repre-$360.00 d. Escheated Estates $ 60 per more insertion 6 weeks14, to such appointment (or sentative. Unless a com- 2016 with a will, and will e. Standard Probates $125.00 serve without Court suto the probate of deplaint or an objection in cedent´s will) shall be accordance with Super- pervision. All unknown filed with the Register of ior Court Probate Di- heirs and heirs whose Wills, D.C., CIVIL 515 5th NOTICES vision Rule 407 is filed in whereabouts are unStreet, N.W., 3rd Floor this Court within 30 days$ known a. Name Changes 202-879-1133 80.00shall enter their Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . from the date of first pub- a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s Objections 20001, on or before lication of this notice, the$ proceeding. b. Real Property 200.00 December 24, 2016.

Court may take the ac- to such appointment (or Claims against the detion hereinafter set forth. to the probate of de0 In the absence of a will cedent´s will) shall be cedent shallFAMILY be pre- COURT or proof satisfactory to filed with the Register of sented to the under202-879-1212 the Court of due execu- Wills, D.C., 515 5th signed with a copy to the tion, enter an order deter- Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Register of Wills or filed DOMESTIC RELATIONS mining that the decedent December 24, 2016. with the Register of Wills Claims against the dedied intestate. with a copy to the202-879-0157 under0 Appoint a supervised cedent shall be presigned, on or before personal representative sented to the underDecember 24, 2016, or with a copy to the or be forever barred. Pera. Absent Defendant $ signed 150.00 0 (other) appoint Carolyn Register of Wills or filed sons believed to be heirs the Register of Wills Crews or an Uninter-$ with or legatees of the deb. Absolute Divorce 150.00 16:38:27 EDT 2016 ested Member of the Bar with a copy to the undercedent who do not rec. Custody Divorce $150.00 as a Personal Repre- signed, on or before ceive a copy of this notice December 24, 2016, or sentative by mail within 25 days of Register of Wills be forever barred. Perits first publication shall believed& to be Clerk of the Probate Di- sons$50.00 inform the Register of ext.

To place your ad, so call 1-800-237-6892, 262, Public Notices upheirs vision or legatees of the deWills, including name, depending on size, Baltimore Legal Notices are $24.84 per inch.

Date of First Publication cedent who do not readdress and relationceive a copy of this notice June892 3, 2016 ship.

1-800 (AFRO) Names of Newspapers: by mail within 25 days of Date of Publication: first244 publication shall Washington Law Re- its June 24, 2016 For Proof of Publication, please call 1-800-237-6892, ext. so inform the Register of porter Name of newspaper: Wa s h i n g t o n A F R O - Wills, including name, Afro-American address and relationAMERICAN Washington TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:38:07 EDT 2016 Michael S. Steadman, ship.

Law Reporter LEGAL NOTICES Date of Publication: Jr., Esq #502347 Ursula Shokes Council Baradel, 125 June 24, 2016 Personal Name of newspaper: West Street, 4th Floor Representative Superior Court of Afro-American Annapolis, MD 21401 the District of Washington TRUE TEST COPY Signature of District of Columbia Law Reporter REGISTER OF WILLS Petitioners/Attorney PROBATE DIVISION TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:38:49 EDT 2016 Syande Crosby 06/03, 6/10/16 Washington, D.C. Personal 06/24, 7/1, 7/8/16 20001-2131 TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:39:11 EDT 2016 Representative Administration No. Superior Court of 2016ADM617 the District of TRUE TEST COPY Joyce Shokes Murray District of Columbia REGISTER OF WILLS SUPERIOR COURT OF Decedent PROBATE DIVISION THE DISTRICT OF NOTICE OF Washington, D.C. 06/24, 07/1, 7/8/16 COLUMBIA APPOINTMENT, 20001-2131 PROBATE DIVISION NOTICE TO Administration No. Washington, D.C. CREDITORS 2016ADM253 20001-2131 AND NOTICE TO Dorcas Clark Crosby Administration No. UNKNOWN HEIRS Decedent 2016ADM609 Ursula Shokes , whose NOTICE OF address is 403 South Estate of APPOINTMENT, Llyod St., Ahoskie NC Christianna Thompson NOTICE TO 27910, was appointed Deceased CREDITORS NOTICE OF personal representative AND NOTICE TO STANDARD of the estate of Joyce UNKNOWN HEIRS PROBATE Shokes Murray, who died on April 8, 2016 without a Notice is hereby given Syande Crosby, whose will, and will serve with- that a petition has been address is 2528 13th out Court supervision. All filed in this Court by Re- Street, NW, Washington, unknown heirs and heirs verse Mortgage Solu- DC 20009, was apwhose whereabouts are tions, Inc for standard pointed personal repreunknown shall enter their probate, including the sentative of the estate of appointment of one or Dorcas Clark Crosby, appearance in this proceeding. Objections more personal repre- who died on February 14, to such appointment (or sentative. Unless a com- 2016 with a will, and will to the probate of de- plaint or an objection in serve without Court sucedent´s will) shall be accordance with Super- pervision. All unknown filed with the Register of ior Court Probate Di- heirs and heirs whose vision Rule 407 is filed in whereabouts are unWills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor this Court within 30 days known shall enter their from the date of first pub- a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before lication of this notice, the proceeding. Objections December 24, 2016. Court may take the ac- to such appointment (or Claims against the de- tion hereinafter set forth. to the probate of decedent shall be pre- 0 In the absence of a will cedent´s will) shall be sented to the under- or proof satisfactory to filed with the Register of signed with a copy to the the Court of due execu- Wills, D.C., 515 5th Register of Wills or filed tion, enter an order deter- Street, N.W., 3rd Floor with the Register of Wills mining that the decedent December 24, 2016.

Claims against the dewith a copy to the under- died intestate. signed, on or before 0 Appoint a supervised cedent shall be preDecember 24, 2016, or personal representative sented to the undersigned with a copy to the be forever barred. Per- or sons believed to be heirs 0(other) appoint Carolyn Register of Wills or filed or legatees of the de- Crews or an Uninter- with the Register of Wills cedent who do not re- ested Member of the Bar with a copy to the underceive a copy of this notice as a Personal Repre- signed, on or before December 24, 2016, or by mail within 25 days of sentative Register of Wills be forever barred. Perits first publication shall so inform the Register of Clerk of the Probate Di- sons believed to be heirs vision or legatees of the deWills, including name, cedent who do not readdress and relation- Date of First Publication ceive a copy of this notice June 3, 2016 ship. by mail within 25 days of Names of Newspapers: Date of Publication: Washington Law Re- its first publication shall June 24, 2016 so inform the Register of porter Name of newspaper: Wa s h i n g t o n A F R O - Wills, including name, Afro-American address and relationAMERICAN Washington Michael S. Steadman, ship.

Law Reporter Date of Publication: Ursula Shokes Jr., Esq #502347 Personal Council Baradel, 125 June 24, 2016 Name of newspaper: Representative West Street, 4th Floor Afro-American Annapolis, MD 21401 Washington Signature of TRUE TEST COPY Law Reporter Petitioners/Attorney REGISTER OF WILLS Syande Crosby 06/03, 6/10/16

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C2 The Afro-American, July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016

July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016, The Afro-American TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:35:13 EDT 2016 TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:33:01 EDT 2016 TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:34:33 EDT 2016 TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:36:15 TYPESET: EDT Tue 2016 Jun 28 16:33:34 EDT 2016 LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/24, 07/1, Tue 7/8/16 TYPESET: Jun 28 Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM530 Ervin Hill Abney Decedent William A Bland, Esq 1140 Connecticut Ave, NW #1100 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Joyce Paige Abney , whose address is 620 Orleans Place, NE, Washington, DC 20002 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Ervin Hill Abney, who died on January 10, 2015 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before December 3, 2016.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before December 3, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: Joyce Paige Abney Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Ervin Hill Abney Personal Representative

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM640 Muriel I Smith Decedent Kimberly Fahrenholz, Esq 1801-18th Street, NW Ste, 9 Washington, DC 20009 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS E d w a r d S m i t h , J r. , whose address is 16235th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Muriel I Smith, who died on October 5, 2011 without a will, and will serve (with, without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before January 1, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before January 1, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: July 1, 2016 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Edward Smith Jr. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 07/1, 7/8, 7/15/16

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2015ADM001311 Lancelot A. Holder, Sr. Decedent Paul J. Riley 1629 K Street, NW, Ste 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Paul J. Riley , whose address is 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lancelot A. Holder, Sr., who died on April 18, 1994 without a will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before January 1, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before January 1, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: July 1, 2016 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Paul J. Riley Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:34:14 EDT 2016 07/1, 07/8, 7/15/16

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 16:37:4620001-2131 EDT 2016 Administration No. 2016ADM700 Robert Davis AKA Robert Lee Davis Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS John Davis, whose address is 9903 Palatte Court, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Robert Davis AKA Robert Lee Davis , who died on April 29, 2016 with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before January 1, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before January 1, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: July 1, 2016 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter John Davis Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 07/1, 07/8, 7/15/16

TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM000328 Joyce A Lewis-Poston Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Andrew T. Richardson, III, Esq., whose address is, 1629 K street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Joyce A. Lewis-Poston, who died on December 13, 2014 without a will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before January 1, 2017. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before January 1, 2017, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

July 1, 2016 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Andrew T. Richardson, III, Esq. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 07/01, 07/8, 07/15/16

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM713 Estate of Morease Miriam Downing Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by IZI. AHAGHOTU, ESQUIRE for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative.

Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

0 In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decendent died intestate 0 appoint an unsupervised personal representative Register of Wills Clerk of the Probate Division Date of First Publication July 1, 2016 Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO-AMERICAN Sherrie A. Smith, 481554 1003 K St, NW #805 Washington, DC 20001 Signature of Petitioners/Attorney

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM494 Viola D Delespin Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Aurora L. DelespinJones , whose address is 1 7 N S t r e e t , N W, Washington, DC 20001 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Viola D Delespin, who died on November 27, 2015 with a will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose where-abouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before November 20, 2016.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before November 20, 2016 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, 07/01, 07/18/16 address and relationship.

TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:35:53 EDT 2016 Date of Publication: May 20, 2016 Name of newspaper: SUPERIOR COURT OF Afro-American THE DISTRICT OF Washington COLUMBIA Law Reporter PROBATE DIVISION Aurora L. DelespinWashington, D.C. Jones 20001-2131 Personal Administration No. Representative 2016ADM723 Estate of TRUE TEST COPY Sonny Burgess REGISTER OF WILLS Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD 05/20, 05/27, 06/3/16 PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in EDT this 2016 Court by 16:34:52 Bruce E. Gardner for standard probate, including the appoint-ment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

0 In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decendent died intestate 0 appoint an supervised personal representative Register of Wills Clerk of the Probate Division Date of First Publication July 1, 2016 Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO-AMERICAN B r u c e E G a r d n e r, Esq1101 Penn Ave., NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC, 20004 Signature of Petitioners/Attorney 07/01, 07/18/16

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Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM667 Marion Jackson Steward Decedent Attorney Gloria Johnson 1300 Mercantile Lane, Suite 158 Largo, MD 20774 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sharise Antionette Linday, Andre Erico Steward and Jason Nathaniel Steward whose addresses are 3909 Burns Ct. SE, Washington, DC 20019, 363410th St., NW 20010, were appointed personal representative of the estate of Marion Jackson Steward, who died on November 23, 2015 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before December 24, 2016.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before December 24, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: June 24, 2016 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Sharise A. Lindsay Andre E Steward Jason N Steward Personal Representative

TYPESET: Tue Jun 28 16:35:31 EDT 2016 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM735 Estate of Steven E. McPherson Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Alma L. Banner-McPherson and Steven McPherson for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative.

Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

0 In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decendent died intestate 0 appoint an unsupervised personal representative Register of Wills Clerk of the Probate Division Date of First Publication July 1, 2016 Names of Newspapers: Washington Law Reporter Washington AFRO-AMERICAN John F Mowery III ESQ 1629 K Street, Ste 300 Washington, DC 20006 Signature of Petitioners/Attorney 07/01, 07/18/16

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BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING ON BILL NO. 16-0656 The Land Use and Transportation Committee of the Baltimore City Council will meet on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 4th floor, City Hall, 100 N. Holliday Street to conduct a public hearing on City Council Bill No. 16-0656.

CC 16-0656 ORDINANCE - Zoning - Conditional Use Conversion of 2 Dwelling Units to 3 Dwelling Units in the R-8 Zoning District Variances - 844 North Carey Street - FOR the purpose of permitting, subject to certain conditions, the conversion of 2 dwelling units to 3 dwelling units in the R-8 Zoning District on the property known as 844 North Carey Street, as outlined in red on the accompanying plat; and granting variances from certain lot area size, off-street parking, and floor area ratio requirements.

BY authority of Article - Zoning Section(s) 3-305(b), 14-102, 15-101, 15-202(a), 15-204, 15-214, 15-218, and 15-219 Baltimore City Revised Code (Edition 2000) NOTE: This bill is subject to amendment by the Baltimore City Council.

TYPESET: Wed Jun 29 12:39:42 EDT 2016 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: August 10, 2016 *GUNSHOT DETECTION AND LOCATION SYSTEM B50004665 August 24, 2016 *CLINICAL DENTAL SUPPLIES B50004598 THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWN LOADED BY VISITING THE CITY’S WEB SITE: www.baltimorecitibuy.org

EDWARD REISINGER Chair

CAREER CORNER

TYPESET: Wed Jun 29 12:42:34 EDT 2016

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Experience include working with special need children (Autistic, ADHD, Emotional Dis.). Respond by submitting your resume to: edcoordinatoritllc@gmail.com. or Fax Resume to TYPESET: Wed Jun 29 12:42:57 EDT 2016 443-660-9347.

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY CAREER OPPORTUNITY Transit Officer Utilities Repair Crew Leader Utilities Maintenance Crew Leader Utilities Special Crew Leader Visit our website at www.aacounty.org for additional information and to apply on-line. You may use the Internet at any Anne Arundel County library, or visit our office at 2660 Riva Road in Annapolis. Deadlines to apply posted on website.

TYPESET: Wed Jun 29 13:20:58 EDT 2016 AEO/DF/SFE

THEATRE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR CARROLL COMMUNITY COLLEGE has a full-time, 12month position as a Technical Director. Additional information may be obtained at www.carrollcc.edu.

TYPESET: EOE/M/FWed Jun 29 13:21:31 EDT 2016 COPYWRITER MARKETING COPYWRITER Carroll Community College has a full-time, 12 month position available as a Marketing Copywriter.Additional information may be obtained at www.carroll.edu.

EOE/M/F TYPESET: Wed Jun 29 15:38:41 EDT 2016

REQUEST FOR GENERAL CONTRACTING SERVICES Eastside Community Development Corporation is seeking qualified General Contractors in connection with the rehabilitation of a two story home located at 204 Center Street, Turner Station, Maryland 21222. For additional information please contact: Wendy Blair, 301 W. Franklin Street, Suite 100, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, (410) 630-1240 x2 voice, (410) 630-5300 fax, wendy@crelogic.net, email

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The Afro-American, July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016

Celebrating Black Rock Musicians

AP photo

Unlocking the Truth, the nation’s hottest new heavy metal band is made up of three Black teens.

By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com

based on the race of the performers.

As a result, rock music – whether contemporary, hard, or metal – also moved unceremoniously in and out of Black culture.

Influenced heavily by the riffs and tempos of blues and gospel, by the 1960s, rock music had taken a backseat culturally, to the soul music factories that were Motown, Stax, and Philadelphia International Records. In short order, some of the most prolific Black rock bands left the business, moved to Europe, or changed their styles. In the 80’s and 90’s Black rock acts such as Living Colour and Ice T’s Body County led a resurgence of Black rock bands.

“Race and sometimes racism played a part in shifting the rock genre out of Black hands. A lot of times, as soon as a Black face was

associated with a particular sound that Whites enjoyed, record labels, radio stations and club owners, pulled back from it,” retired radio personality Sanders told the AFRO. “Today, it is the same way, except there are certain unwritten rules about where Black musicians and singers belong. If you see a Black country and western singer, you take pause, if it is metal, like the teens in New York, you do a doubletake.”

Juliette Harrison, a Marylandbased blogger whose work examines the intersection of race and music told the AFRO that while there was an overwhelming fear, years ago, that integrated airwaves would lead to full-scale racial integration, too often, Blacks do not feel comfortable listening to,

performing, or supporting musical genres that are considered ‘White’.

“I loved classical country music as a child growing up in PG County, and I mean the George Jones, Hank Williams sound, but in a space where go-go was king, I felt obliged to keep that to myself,” Harrison said in an interview. “This is Black Music Month, and the reality is that every type of music Black people put their hands to becomes, by proxy, something they own. We are country, we are rock, we are metal, we are classical -- if you don’t believe me check out Mickey Guyton sounding like an incarnation of Patsy Cline, or Noelle Scaggs with the group Fitz & the Tantrums giving classic rock a new tone. This year, try embracing the other parts of your heritage through music.”

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It’s not enough that three preteens from the Bronx have played the mainstage with metal performers at Coachella or fell into a $1.7 million record deal with Sony Music after only months of playing in and around Times Square.

But, the group -- Unlocking The Truth -- has taken the music industry by storm. From the stereotypical look of the band – sharp fades, wiry afros, and a kick ass attitude – the group has made such an impact on the industry that a new documentary based on their rapid ascension, “Breaking A Monster,” was featured in movie theaters nationwide on June 24.

Unlocking The Truth, features vocalist/guitarist Malcolm Brickhouse, bassist Alec Atkins and drummer Jarad Dawkins, all 7th graders and “Breaking A Monster,” the documentary, will chronicle their leap from weekend street performers to professional musicians. Rather than simply mimicking the behind the scenes docs, “Breaking A Monster” is a coming of age tale that allows viewers to witness both their personal and professional growth.

Embracing the artists connected with the sound, proved an entirely different issue. According to Morton Sanders, who spent 12 years at KROX-radio in Clarksdale, Mississippi, music executives have historically moved the goal post delineating rock from other genres

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July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016, The Afro-American

WASHINGTON-AREA

Former D.C. Congressional Del. Fauntroy Arrested & Released

Pastors Concerned: Bike Lanes Threaten Limited Church Parking

D1

D.C. Public Libraries Test Positive for Lead Contaminated Water

By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com

Customs and Border Patrol via AP

Walter Fauntroy is a former congressional delegate for D.C. who has been wanted since 2015 for fraud charges.

By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com Civil rights icon and former D.C. Del. Walter E. Fauntroy returned to the U.S. June 27 after a 4-year selfimposed exile in Dubai. He was promptly arrested upon landing at Dulles International Airport but, according to news reports, he was released June 28 after a Maryland judge recalled his arrest warrant.

Fauntroy, who helped Martin Luther King, Jr. plan the 1963 March on Washington, courted legal troubles after failing to appear at a court hearing to answer charges that accused him of bouncing a check of about $50,000 that was meant to cover a 2009 inauguration event for President Barack

“I have my ticket. I have my passport.

Without question, it’s over.”

–Walter E. Fauntroy Obama. A Prince George’s County court judge subsequently issued a bench warrant for Fauntroy’s arrest.

Fauntroy reportedly fled the country for the United Arab Emirates in 2012, leaving his wife of nearly six decades in deep debt and facing foreclosure on their home.

Concerns grew that the 83-year-old, had taken ill, was being held against his will, or had fallen into poor mental health after he missed both the funeral of long-time friend former D.C. Mayor Marion S. Barry and the 50th anniversary of the SelmaMontgomery March.

In his first interview since leaving the U.S., Fauntroy told the Washington Post, that he was eager and prepared to return home. The Post reports that Fauntroy began using the alias “Shahid Sarkar” in his emails, but signing his correspondence “The Congressman,” and began speaking of conspiracies and spies blocking his emails, and ‘rogue elements’ within the U.S. and international intelligence communities Continued on D2

Fifth Street Northwest, just one block removed from the area of contention for the new bike lane, already has a dedicated bicycle lane.

By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com The handful of Black churches in the Shaw neighborhood surrounding the Convention Center have a combined history in the District of nearly 500 years. Long considered the lifeblood of a largely working-class community – offering much needed social services to seniors, the dispossessed, and youth populations – now face a growing disconnect from city leaders and developers seeking to acquire their properties. Pastors from several of the churches are claiming racial, cultural, and economic bias from the placement of a bicycle lane along a congested side street in the city.

First Rising Mount Zion Baptist church sits at one end of the 600 block of N Street NW, with the United House of

Photo by Shantella Y. Sherman

Prayer anchoring the block at M Street NW. Between the two establishments, neither of which offers private parking, Sunday services can begin as early as sunrise, and last late into the evening. The compromise between the city and churches was initially to allow double parking on Sundays, and in recent years, to permit angle parking on Sundays for a set number of hours. But, dedicated bike lanes would force a restructuring of 6th Street, which many church leaders fear would increase congestion, eliminate necessary parking spaces, and eventually drive the churches from the area.

“We understand that bike lanes are essential for the city’s future, and for a great number of District residents, it is their only mode of transportation,” First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist church Deacon Harold J. Gilliard told the AFRO. “We want bicyclists to be safe, but we also believe that the city has Continued on D2

Council New Faces

White Wants to Use Seat to Enhance Small Biz

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

In one of the first interviews since winning the Democratic At-Large council primary, presumptive council candidate Robert White, who grew up in D.C., talked to the AFRO about being on the District’s legislative body and the upcoming Nov. 8 general election. White, former legislative counsel to D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) and the prior director of community service for D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine (D), defeated veteran D.C. Council member Vincent Orange (D-At Large) and political newcomer David Garber by getting 39.48 percent of the vote.

White carried the majority White Wards 2, 3, and 6, and led substantially in Ward 1 that is plurality White. In the majority Black wards of 5, 7, and 8 he came up short to Orange but in his home Ward 4, which is predominantly

Continued on D2

D.C. Man Arrested in Metro Assault

By Briana Thomas Special to the AFRO A Northeast D.C. resident was arrested June 24 for assaulting a woman aboard a Metro train, according to the Metro Transit Police. He turned himself in after authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on June 22.

On May 24, Lawrence Nathaniel Harris, 25, was aboard a Largo, Maryland-bound Blue Line train when he allegedly placed a fluid-filled condom on a female passenger’s shoulder.

Metro officials said the woman was not physically injured and she declined medical assistance.

Metro Transit Police said digital camera surveillance helped identify Harris as a possible suspect, along with the victim’s identification of the suspect. A spokesperson for Metro, Morgan Dye, told the AFRO June 28 that Harris is currently in police custody. Harris is charged with simple assault.

Continued on D2

robertwhiteatlarge.com

Robert White is the Democratic nominee for an at-large D.C. council seat in November. and 8.”

As the Democratic nominee, White is the favorite to win one of the two at-large council seats in the general election. The Democratic Party voter registration edge over the Republicans in the

“I look forward to working with him on the council.”

– Brandon Todd Black, he was edged out

by Orange by only two percentage points.

“I will reach out to those residents that didn’t vote for me,” White told the AFRO on June 27 about his plans for the general election. “I will work hard to get the votes particularly in Wards 5, 7,

Elevated levels of lead and excessive lead contamination were recently detected in water fountains at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Downtown D.C. and six other neighborhood libraries according to a report released June 22. Fountains at Lamond-Riggs and Southwest sites, as well as sinks at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library, exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency safe levels.

Library officials received the test results June 14 and shut down the seven contaminated sources that day, including a water fountain near the thirdfloor women’s restroom of the MLK Library which registered 192 parts per billion – more than 12 times the federal limit, according to D.C. Public Libraries (DCPL) spokesman George Williams.

In a statement, Williams reported filters had been installed on all seven sources,

District is 10 to 1 and no Democratic at-large candidate in a general election cycle has ever lost.

White is campaigning to be elected with a strong mandate to make “Washington, D.C. a place for everyone.”

“I want to make sure that the growth that is taking place in the city will reach everyone,” he said. “There are African Americans who don’t feel that they are full participants in the growth of the city and I want to change that. I like the fact that people want to come to D.C. and live and that hasn’t been the case in past generations.”

He said the city’s wellknown high cost of living and limited housing stock are deterrents to some who left the District but want to come back. During the campaign, Orange proposed tiny houses while others suggested District government employees live in comprehensive dormitorystyle housing. White rejected both of those ideas. “The Continued on D2

D2

The Afro-American, July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016

White

Assault

Continued from D1 land that tiny houses are on can be used for bigger houses for higher density.” he said.

“Besides, a tiny house would not be a good thing for a senior citizen to be in. Dormitories aren’t a desirable mode of living especially for young professionals.”

White said that dormitory living wouldn’t be comfortable and that city should offer rent subsidies and tax breaks for District government employees to live in the city. “Seventy percent of all District government employees don’t live in D.C.,” he said. “They don’t make the salaries that allow for that.

That needs to be changed.”

White said the city’s policy on economic development should be small business-

Continued from D1 centered instead of focusing on large corporations. He said small businesses are the key to the revitalization of struggling corridors such as Kennedy Street, N.W., and Alabama Ave., S.E. “Small businesses aren’t moving to these corridors because it is too costly to locate there,” he said. “We need to make setting up a business on Kennedy Street or Alabama Avenue financially feasible.”

White said small businesses can buttress the lack of big-box retailers. “In New York City, a large number of communities don’t have large grocery retailers but instead have smaller stores with fresh food at affordable prices and they aren’t food deserts,” he said. “If you strengthen small

businesses you don’t need the large corporations.”

White, a scholar from American University Washington College of Law, is looking forward to working with his council colleagues in

limits the power of freshman lawmakers but White disputes that. “The D.C. Council is a 13-member body and every member has a vote,” he said.

“As a council member, to push your agenda, you have a vote,

“If you strengthen small businesses you don’t need the large corporations.”

–Robert White January 2017 and he knows he has a lot to learn.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) has a policy that freshman legislators won’t chair a committee. Some D.C. Council observers say that

a bully pulpit, the media, and a lot of tools at your disposal.”

White has pledged to work with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), who didn’t support him in the primary, and will work with D.C. Council member Brandon

According to the police, the suspect was arrested for raping a 39-year old woman, at knife point, in April aboard a northbound Red line train. He was charged with attempted first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense and second-degree assault.

“When you’re aboard a train perpetrators can isolate their target.” Jessica Raven, executive director for Collective Action for Safe Spaces (CASS), told the AFRO June 29. She said sexual harassment is a huge issue on public transit. Metro is in partnership with CASS to help prevent and stop public sexual harassment and assault.

There have been 127 sex abuse cases in D.C. in 2016 as of June 28, an 11 percent drop from this time a year ago.

Raven said online reporting portal for assault victims will be available at the end of July, along with training for Metro staff and police on how to handle harassment incidents.

Anyone can report sexual misconduct to Metro Transit Police at wmata.com/about_metro/transit_police/harassment.cfm.

Todd (D-Ward 4), his ward council member. Todd said that he will work with White as well. “Robert White is my neighbor and he is my

friend,” Todd told the AFRO at his annual “Family Fun Day” event June 26. “I look forward to working with him on the council.”

Lead

Continued from D1 and three were returned to service after a new round of testing found them to be beneath the limit of 15 parts per billion.

“If the filter doesn’t create a safe level of lead in the water, then an additional step will be taken,” Williams said, adding that officials are not sure of the cause of contamination.

Remediation could include replacing piping or fountain parts.

Milton Harvey, a regular visitor to the Southwest branch library told the AFRO that while he is disappointed with the lead results, he is pleased that DCPL administrators took proactive measures to fix the problem. “I ride my bicycle here and often drink from the fountain or fill up my water bottle

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from the fountains, so I was a bit panicked when I received an email from the library system saying contamination had been found,” Harvey said. “I commend them for alerting me to the

“If the filter doesn’t create a safe level of lead in the water, then an additional step will be taken.”

– George Williams dangers, covering the fountain, and making the public aware of additional results.”

A letter to library users from DCPL Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan said the safety of library patrons and their families was important and that re-testing would occur

periodically to ensure the lead issues were resolved. “The Library immediately shut off the sources that registered above the actionable level and posted signs informing residents not to drink from these sources,” Reyes-Gavilan said. “If a high level of lead or any other unsafe substance is found, steps are taken immediately to prevent library users and staff from drinking the water.”

Installing the filters and implementing the new limit will cost nearly $2 million initially and then $1.5 million annually to regularly test and maintain water sources, according to Deputy City Administrator Kevin Donahue. Donahue said the city plans to install filters at all public schools, libraries, and recreation centers regardless of test results by the end of the year. “Lead exposure in children is preventable, and we will be working diligently to set policy at our facilities that goes far beyond EPA standards,” Donahue said in a statement.

D.C. residents can find the results of lead testing at all D.C. public libraries at dclibrary.org/lead.

Pastors

Continued from D1 imposed various restrictions on church parking, which hinder our engagement with the communities we serve.”

Bike lanes remain a key component of Mayor Muriel E. Bowser’s much-touted Vision Zero Initiative, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities on the city’s streets and its public transportation system by 2024. Several community meetings have been held, since 2015, to discuss the options for situating the bike lanes within the Shaw community.

Four proposals have been offered by the District Department of Transportation, including: protected bike lanes in both directions on each side of Sixth Street NW, a two-way protected bike lane on Sixth Street NW, a two-way protected bike lane on Ninth Street NW, and a northbound bike lane on Fifth Street NW, coupled with a southbound one on Sixth Street NW. But according to United House of Prayer pastors, all of the proposals are considered “a threat to [their] existence.”

“We are not going to allow someone’s pastime to destroy

our lifeline,” UHOP pastor Robert Price III said at a DDOT-community meeting in February. “We have to protect what’s ours. We are going to be peaceful, but we are going

Photo by Shantella Y. Sherman

Signs along the Sixth Street NW between M and O, allow churchgoers to park at an angle to increase the number of available parking spaces. to stand.”

While battle lines appear to be drawn sharply, pitting older Black churchgoers against White residents, developers, and city leaders, some Shaw residents said they believe much more to be

at stake. Greta Smith-Bailey, a resident of the Gibson Plaza on 7th Street, said that while the changes have been drastic for many, it is the growing sense of vulnerability among residents who supported the city at its worst. “There was a time when our Council felt compelled to know the residents of the city and they used the churches to get elected, to discuss their new plans, and to ask for citizen support. In return, voters felt they could go to their ANC or Councilmembers and discuss concerns,” Smith-Bailey told the AFRO. “I cannot tell you the last time a representative came through here. In fact, this area was redistricted without warning into Ward 6.”

Smith-Bailey said each neighborhood in the District has concerns driven by the people who live there and the elected officials who serve them. “Whether its bike lanes, schools being torn down to make way for dog parks, or a problem with garbage collection, communications has stymied between elected officials and the people who vote,” she said.

Raj Hightower said that

cyclists are not to blame for the city’s actions. Having moved into a new development on Rhode Island Avenue two years ago, he said whatever city neglect or exploitation Black churches feel they are experiencing, the city’s lack of foresight in creating bike lanes is the real issue.

“I’ve lived in 10 cities in the last 20 years and this is the only place where bike lanes appear and disappear without warning, routes are confusing or nonexistent, and the blame is being placed on motorist for running people down,” Hightower said. “It’s confusing to have a bus lane, a bike lane, and a turn lane being shared. Who has the right of way? What are the rules? As a cyclist I’ve had to move from the bike lane, to a dedicated bus lane, in and out of car lanes, and even onto the sidewalk to get around. This fight between churches and newcomers is silly – the real issue is a lack of planning on the part of the city and a lame attempt to mend things in progress.”

DDOT has not yet decided on the plan for the Shaw neighborhood.

Fauntroy

Continued from D1 working against him.

“I have my ticket. I have my passport. Without question, it’s over,” he said. “I’m coming home.”

The Post reported that Fauntroy had been living the last three months, rent-free in the guest room of an apartment with a South Sudanese family in Ajman, north of Dubai. It was there that the U.S. State Department finally tracked him down and offered to help fly him home. “[The State Department] said, ‘We’ve been asked to see if we can help you get home.’ I said, ‘Thank you.’ It was an answer to prayer,” Fauntroy told the Post. “I want to come home. It’s blistering hot, and I’ll be happy to come home for that reason, but also so I can see my wife, my son, my daughter and my new grandson. ‘New’ for me, because it’s been two years since he’s been born.”

According to a Twitter post, he saw his wife Dorothy for the

first time in nearly five years on June 28.

Fauntroy was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers after he cleared customs at Dulles. He is being held without bond in the Loudoun County Jail, WUSA9 reporter Bruce Johnson tweeted. Fauntroy has a hearing set for July 5 on the warrant.

“The family is disappointed that they’re going to have wait to see him, but we fully expect his release in due time,” Johnny Barnes, one of Fauntroy’s attorneys, said. “He went through customs uneventfully and then Homeland Security people selected him out, went through his things, and said there’s this bench warrant issued.”

Barnes, who spoke to Fauntroy by phone after his arrest, said Fauntroy was “disappointed that this has happened.”

Overall, Barnes said, Fauntroy seemed “much improved and in good spirits.”

July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016, The Afro-American

Sigma Pi Phi Honors Black Cabinet Officers former UN Ambassador Andrew Young, the late W.E.B. DuBois, American Express President and CEO Kenneth Chenault, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) and former U.S. Rep. and president and CEO of the NAACP, Kweisi Mfume.

Sigma Pi Phi is open to all races even though its membership is predominantly Black. It also has an elitist reputation that was popularized by Lawrence Otis Graham’s book “Our Kind of People: Inside America’s Black Upper Class.”

The Boule’s business sessions were closed to the public but there were workshops on such topics as “Personal Finance from the 40s through the 60s”, “The World of Franchising” and

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com Sigma Pi Phi , the first Black Greek-letter fraternity, on June 28 honored Blacks who have served in presidential cabinet-level positions.

Sigma Pi Phi, a Blackoriented professional and business fraternity that is popularly known as The Boule, held its 53rd national convention at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. from June 25-29.

The Boule was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1904 by three Black doctors and a dentist for the purpose of social and cultural engagement. During the time of its founding, Blacks weren’t allowed in many majority White professional associations.

The fraternity currently has over 5,000 members and 126 chapters in the U.S. and in the West Indies.

Even though The Boule doesn’t have an undergraduate component, many of its members also belong to the main Black collegiate Greek-letter organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi and Phi Beta Sigma.

Prominent members of The Boule include Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder, former presidential advisor Vernon Jordan,

“Creating the Next Disruptive Business Model.”

Michael Fauntroy, a political scientist at Howard University, said that 545 people have served in the presidential Cabinet and

WASHINGTON AREA

COMMUNITY CONNECTION Washington, D.C.

Hyattsville, Md.

The John F. Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, is scheduled to feature acts, in collaboration with the 2016 Smithsonian Folklife Festival “Basque: Innovation by Culture” and “Sounds of California” from July 1–3 on the Millennium Stage. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit kennedy-center.org or call 202-467-4600.

Don’t miss another year of Prince’s George’s County’s best kept secret. The 7th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival will be held at the Prince George’s Cultural Arts Foundation, 6525 Belcrest Rd # 132, July 9 from noon to 8 p.m. This year’s event features a line-up of local, regional and national jazz artists, including Elan Troutman, Brian Simpson, Art Sherrod, Jackiem Joyner, I&I Riddim Reggae Band, Phaze II and more. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lakearborjazz.com.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival at The Kennedy Center

four percent or 21 have been Black.

The event honoring the Black secretaries was billed “Salute to Secretaries” and it was sponsored by the Epsilon Boule chapter that is based in Washington, D.C. with an attendance of 400 people. Fauntroy, talked about Robert Weaver, the first Black to serve in the Cabinet as the secretary of housing and urban development appointed by President Lyndon Johnson.

James Mitchell talked about Patricia Roberts Harris, the first Black woman to serve in the Cabinet as secretaries of housing and urban development and health and human services. Mike Espy, a member of Sigma Pi Phi and the first Black to lead the Agriculture Department in the Clinton administration, credited another Black Cabinet member for his success.

“Commerce Secretary Ronald Brown was the

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7th Annual 2016 Lake Arbor Jazz Festival

godfather in the Clinton administration,” Espy said.

Brown, a beloved figure in Black America and the first Black chairman of a major political party, the Democratic Party and the first African American to lead his department, was killed in an airplane crash in 1996 in Croatia.

Another Clinton appointee, Alexis Herman who served as secretary of labor, urged attendees to get involved in the political process. Herman is an Archousa, the women’s group affiliated with Sigma Pi Phi that met at the same time but had separate business activities.

“We have some people who say let’s make America great again. They want to go back to a time when America wasn’t great for everyone,” she said, referring to the fact that it is necessary for Blacks to participate in the political action this year. “This country is greater than ever. Go back to your homes and work your butt off to keep it that way.”

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

The Afro-American, July 2, 2016 - July 8, 2016

Past Grand Master John T. Doles Sr. and Prostate Cancer Chair Stephen L. Jefferson

Howard University Cancer Center Outreach Director Clinton Burnside

In celebration of Prostate Cancer Month, The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, under the leadership of Norman L. Campbell, Most Worshipful Grand Master, held its third Annual 5K Prostate Cancer Walk at Haines Point in East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. on March 19. The Walk was also supported by the Georgiana Thomas Grand Chapter under Worthy Matron Asya Heatley, Worthy Matron Renata the leadership Clinton, Worthy Matron Tanya of Grand Worthy Slaughter, Grand Worthy Patron Albert Pope, Princess Matron Venecia Matron Alaina Wheeler, C. Bessellieu.

Grand Worthy Patron Albert Pope, Associate Grand Associate Grand Matron The event is the Matron Patricia L. Young, Most Worshipful Grand Patricia L. Young, Worthy Master Norman L. Campbell, (right) Worshipful Matron Michelle Coates, only 5K Walk Associate Grand Matron Patricia L. Deputy Grand Master Phillip David and Right Worthy Patron Patrick Coates, Young, Howard University Cancer that focuses on Worshipful Senior Grand Warden Quincy G. Gant and Worthy Matron Hackney Center Outreach Director Clinton Prostate Cancer Burnside and Most Worshipful awareness in the Grand Master Norman L. Campbell United States.

Approximately 100 walkers and runners participated in this event. All proceeds will go to the Members of Electa Chapter #6 and Howard University Victory Lodge #23: Past Matron Shari L. McCoy, Past Matron Andrea Johnson, Cancer Center for Past Master Ulysses Barnes, Past Matron prostate cancer Kelli J. McCoy-Burkett, Susan Travers and Masonic Family walkers Worshipful Masterresearch.

Jeffrey Johnson Photos by Shari L. McCoy

The National PanHellenic Council of Northern Virginia hosted its annual Black Scholars Awards program May 15 at George Mason University in Fairfax, Jeryl Payne, president, NPHC, Virginia. The program Northern Va.; Shawn Lacey, president, NPHC, Loudon County provides a platform to and Kim Vamer, president, NPHC, recognize and support Washington D.C. Black high school graduating students from the Northern Virginia community for their academic achievements. To date, over 5000 Black students have been honored.

Deborah Foreman, NOVAC DST NPHC representative; Norman Jones III, guest speaker and Jeryl Payne, president, NoVA NPHC

Photos

by Rob Roberts

Margueria Taylor and Kimberly Higsmith, AKA Sorority and Tameka Tunsil, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Recipients from Osbourn Park High School: David Annan, Dove-Anna Johnson, Caleb Howard, Taylor Cason, Alexis Moton, Joslin Davidson, Kasey Thomas, Matthew Seymour and Aaron Lugo

Recipient from Wakefield High School: Nia Brockman

Recipients from C. D. Hylton High School: Bruce Clark, II, Brendan Harrington, Kelsey Langham, Michelle Abban, Brandon Gibson, Brea Williams, Kennison Vanhook, Rashawn Sanders and Gabrielle Huckaby

Recipients from Manassas Park High School: Maraucz Mallijham, Samyra Barbour, Afsani Moore, Kayla Washington and Mikayal Brook

Recipients from Patriot High School: Tremain Young, McKenzie Hill, Sarah Goode, Gregory Pickett and Joshua Cauthen

Recipients from T.C. Williams High School: Adiga Karam, Auvareeon Dyson, Iesha Kenney, Daizha Brown, Destine Hooker and Shayla Brown

Marvin Chisolm, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Dale Warfield, Kappa Alpha Psi; Darryl Sharps, president, Alpha Lambda Chapter, Prince Williams County Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Moultrie T. Gloven, Jr., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Cedric Howard, Ista Phi Theta Fraternity

Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Northern Virginia

Recipients from Edison High School: Bintou Doumbia, Keiron Fontaine, Ammar Idris and Judy Beauvais

Hess Moore and Jace Moore