Washington-Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper July 9 2016 by AFRO News

Volume Volume 124 123 No. No. 49 20–22

July 9, 2016 - July 9, 2016, The Afro-American A1 $1.00

www.afro.com

$1.00

JULY 9, 2016 - JULY 15, 2016

Inside

Washington • Pepco Proposes Rate Increase for Residents

We Have the Power to Save Lives By Rep. Elijah Cummings

Black Lives Matter - Still

• Lor Scooter Laid

Cam’ron Scheduled to perform in Baltimore

to Rest

Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate via AP

People gather in protest outside of the Triple S Food Mart on N. Foster at Fairfields Avenue in Baton Rouge, La., July 5 and July 6, after the officer-involved fatal shooting of Alton Sterling on July 5.

Louisiana Officer Fatally Shoots Another Black Man The Associated Press

664k That’s how many people have liked the AFRO Facebook page. Join last week’s 1,400 new fans and become part of the family.

Your History • Your Community • Your News

afro.com

By Zenitha Prince Senior AFRO Correspondent zprince@afro.com

Join Host Sean Yoes Monday-Friday 5-7 p.m. on 88.9 WEAA FM, the Voice of the Community. 13

47105 21847

A Louisiana police officer shot and killed a Black man during a confrontation outside a Baton Rouge convenience store, authorities said, prompting hundreds to protest at the site where the man died. An online video that surfaced purporting to show the killing of Alton Sterling, 37, of Baton Rouge on July 5 added to protesters’ outrage. The protest lasted into the night, with people chanting and holding up signs. The Associated Press has not been able to authenticate the video. The Advocate reported the crowd that gathered late Tuesday afternoon at

the store where Sterling died grew to more than 200 people. They chanted “Black lives matter” and “hands up don’t shoot” and waved signs late into the night, according to the newspaper. An autopsy shows Sterling died of multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and back, East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner Dr. William Clark said. Officers responded to the store about 12:35 a.m. after an anonymous caller indicated a man selling music CDs and wearing a red shirt threatened him with a gun, Cpl. L’Jean McKneely said. Two officers responded and had some type of altercation with the man and one officer fatally shot the suspect, McKneely said. Both officers have

been placed on administrative leave, which is standard department policy, he said. The store’s owner, Abdul Muflahi, told WAFB-TV that the first officer used a stun gun on Sterling and the second officer tackled the man. Muflahi said as Sterling fought to get the officer off of him, the first officer shot him “four to six times.” The owner said Sterling did not have a gun in his hand at the time but he saw officers remove a gun from Sterling’s pocket after the shooting. McKneely said late Tuesday that he could not confirm Muflahi’s description of the event or any other details of the investigation.

AME Church Celebrates New York Times Bicentennial at 50th Quadrennial Failed to Capture Conference in Philadelphia

Listen to Afro’s “First Edition”

Baltimore

Two centuries ago, former Delaware slave Richard Allen and other Black worshippers formed the African Methodist Episcopalian Church in Philadelphia, fleeing discrimination in the segregated Methodist Church. Today, the AME Church has membership in 20 Episcopal Districts in 39 countries on five continents. And, from July 6-13, thousands of those AME congregants will return to the birthplace of their denomination to celebrate its bicentennial during the 50th Quadrennial Session of the church’s general conference. “It is a significant moment for us to gather in Philadelphia,” said the Rev. Ronald Braxton, senior pastor of Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C. “Two hundred years for an African-American institution to survive but to also be thriving is pretty significant.”

The bicentennial milestone will be a key focus of the conference and has already been celebrated at preconference activities, including the dedication of a Richard Allen statue at founding church, Mother Bethel AME in Philadelphia, a torch run from Delaware to Philadelphia and a Bicentennial Banquet at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts on July 5. Beyond the anniversary festivities, luncheons, worship services and other opportunities to fellowship, the general conference is the forum where much of the church’s business is conducted. A chief part of that business is legislating new church by-laws, debating religious, community and even political issues and deciding on official church positions on those matters. This year, conference delegates—who are chosen at the annual district conferences—will have to grapple with 402 pages of legislation. “I’m hoping that the church will make good decisions as it relates to

Continued on A3

Problems Facing Black Press By George E. Curry Editor-in-Chief EmergeNewsOnline.com

WASHINGTON – Sunday’s front-page story on the Black Press failed to accurately portray the accomplishments of and the depth of the problems facing Black-owned media, according to scholars, Black media owners and editors. The Times story was published under the headline, “Pillars of Black Media, Once Vibrant, Now Fighting for Survival.” Linn Washington, Jr., a professor of journalism at Temple University, said one of the most glaring shortcomings of the article was that of approximately 200 Black-owned newspapers in the United States, no Black editor or publisher was quoted. Nor were any of the leaders of their trade organization, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). “The failure to note legacies of the historic Black Press in an article purportedly about pillars of Black Media is yet another omission by commission cited as a major failing of mainstream media as far back as the 1968 Kerner Report on race relations in America,” Washington said. “Such Continued on A3

Judge: Police Records Can’t Be Used in Next Freddie Gray Trial The Associated Press Baltimore prosecutors are facing mounting obstacles in their manslaughter case against the highest-ranking officer charged in the death of Freddie Gray. Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams ruled July 5 that prosecutors can’t enter into evidence 4,000 pages of documents involving the training of Lt. Brian Rice, the fourth of six officers — three black, three white — to be tried in the young black man’s death. Gray died after his neck was broken inside the metal prisoner compartment of a police van. Prosecutors say the officers were criminally negligent when they bound Gray’s hands and feet with handcuffs and shackles, but left him unrestrained by a seatbelt, thus vulnerable to injury. Prosecutors are expected to argue that the 17-year Baltimore Police veteran knew or should have known that he and the officers he commanded were violating orders by intentionally leaving Gray unbuckled. Examining his in-service training records in court might have helped. After three trials, Williams has yet to rule that the officers committed any crimes. The first, heard by a jury, ended in a mistrial. The next two officers let Williams alone decide their fates, and he acquitted both. Now Rice wants a bench trial as well, on charges Continued on A3

The Afro-American, July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016

Baltimore Office • Corporate Headquarters 2519 N. Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218-4602 410-554-8200 • Fax: 1-877-570-9297 www.afro.com Founded by John Henry Murphy Sr., August 13, 1892 Chairman of the Board/Publisher - John J. Oliver, Jr. President - Benjamin M. Phillips IV Executive Assistant - Sallie Brown - 410-554-8222 Receptionist - Wanda Pearson - 410-554-8200 Director of Advertising Lenora Howze - 410-554-8271 - lhowze@afro.com Baltimore Advertising Manager Robert Blount - 410-554-8246 - rblount@afro.com Director of Finance - Ronald W. Harrison - 410-554-8242 Assistant Archivist - Shelia Scott - 410-554-8265 Director, Community & Public Relations Diane W. Hocker - 410-554-8243 Editorial Managing Editor - Kamau High Washington D.C. Editor - LaTrina Antoine Associate Editor - James Bentley Editorial Assistant - Takiea Hinton Production Department - 410-554-8288 Baltimore Circulation/Distribution Manager Sammy Graham - 410-554-8266

NATION & WORLD

Venus and Serena Back in Wimbledon Semifinals By The Associated Press

In some ways, making it to a Grand Slam semifinal is rather been-there, done-that for VenusWilliams. She is, after all, already the owner of seven major titles, including five at Wimbledon. This one, though, is different. She’s 36 now, a half-dozen years removed from her last such run. And, in the interim, she has been through the daily struggles of dealing with a disease that can sap energy and cause joint pain. Williams made it to the final four at the All England Club for the first time since 2009, and at any Grand Slam tournament since the year after that, playing mistake-free to beat Yaroslava Shvedova 7-6 (5), 6-2 in the

quarterfinals Tuesday. “Semifinals feels good. But it doesn’t feel foreign at all, let’s put it that way,” said Williams, whose firstWimbledon title came in 2000 and whose most recent came in 2008. Asked to compare her current level of play to that of the past, Williams shook her head, shut her eyes and laughed. “I don’t remember. Six years ago is ages ago,” she responded. “I was most likely kicking butt six years ago, if I was in the semis or the finals. You have to be.” Just like in the old days, Williams will be joined in the semifinals by a familiar face — younger sister Serena, who moved closer to equaling Steffi Graf’s Open-era record of 22nd Grand Slam championships by defeating 21st-seeded Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4, 6-4, taking the last three games of each set.

Washington Office 1816 12th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009-4422 202-332-0080 • Fax: 1-877-570-9297

Famed Tuskegee Airman Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. Dies at 94

(Washington Publisher Emerita - Frances L. Murphy II) General Manager Washington Circulation/Distribution Manager Edgar Brookins - 202-332-0080, ext. 106

By Herb Boyd Special to the AFRO

Director of Advertising Lenora Howze - ext. 119 - lhowze@afro.com Advertising Account Executive Vetta Ridgeway - ext. 1104 - vridgeway@afro.com Office Administrator - Mia Hayes-Hawkins - ext. 100

Customer Service, Home Delivery and Subscriptions: 410-554-8234 • Customer Service@afro.com Billing Inquiries: 410-554-8226 Nights and Weekends: 410-554-8282

Serena hit 11 aces, including one at 123 mph to end it. This, then, is the latest chapter of the remarkable Williams sister tale: a pair of siblings from Compton, California, who rose to the top of tennis. It’s the 11th time they’ve reached the semis at the same major; in all previous 10, one took home the trophy. That includes four all-in-the-family finals at Wimbledon, with Venus winning in 2008, and Serena in 2002, 2003 and 2009. On Thursday, they will try to set up another title match when No. 1 Serena faces unseeded Elena Vesnina, while No. 8 Venus meets No. 4 Angelique Kerber. “It just means that she has a lot of perseverance. She’s a real fighter,” Serena said about Venus, the oldest woman in a major semifinal since 1994, when Martina Navratilova was 37 at Wimbledon. “Like I always say, it’s super inspiring for me.”

AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

Venus Williams, left, and Serena Williams celebrate a point during their women’s doubles match on day nine of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, July 5.

“I pulled up at him in a fifteen degree climb and fired three long bursts at him from 2,000 feet at eight o’clock to him,” Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. said, recalling an air fight as a Tuskegee Airman against a German jet during World War II. “Almost immediately, the pilot bailed out from about 24,000 feet. I saw

Saturday, June 4 thru Saturday, August 27

AFRO CLEAN/GREEN BLOCK CAMPAIGN

2016

“OUR COMMUNITY – OUR RESPONSIBILITY” “The Clean Block Campaign (1934-Present) was a program established by the Baltimore AFRO American newspaper in 1934 as a community clean-up effort sponsored by the AFRO Newspaper. Teacher Frances L. Murphy created and ran the project. The Clean Block Campaign is one of the oldest urban environmental programs in the United States. In 2007 the program began a partnership with the city of Baltimore and the initiative for a cleaner greener Baltimore.” Now in 2016 we are reinvigorating this truly successful legacy project.

IMPORTANT DATES Saturday, July 30, 2016 Meet n’ Greet – AFRO Clean/Green Block Captains and Community Servant Leaders. 2nd Annual Easterwood Community Cook-Out & Health Fair 1540 Bentalou Street @ Baker Street – Troy Brailey Easterwood Park. 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. FREE ADMISSION, FUN AND FOOD!

Saturday, August 20, 2016

DC/BALTIMORE AFR0-AMERICAN

HONORARY AMBASSADORS Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke Councilman William ‘Pete’ Welch•Councilman Carl Stokes Delegate Antonio Hayes•Delegate Cory McCray Mrs. Diane W. Hocker – Director, Community & Public Affairs –Afro American Newspaper – DHOCKER@afro.com Dr. Marvin L. ‘Doc’ Cheatham, Sr. – Coordinator – 410/669-8683 – civilrights@verizon.net – www.mahna.co Sen. Larry Young – LY Morning Show – WOLB 1010 AM – Honorary Co-Chair

flames burst from the jet orifices of the enemy aircraft.” That report by Brown after the encounter is part of military lore, and so now it is Brown who died, July 2, at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx. He was 94. “Two weeks ago he fell and broke his hip,” said former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, “That’s why he was in the hospital. He’s my hero and I always call him my ‘Fighter Pilot.’” Dinkins also reflected on Brown as an educator, particularly during his tenure as president of Bronx Community College and as a professor at New York University. “The doctorate he received, unlike mine, was not honorary,” Dinkins joked. “He earned his. He was a smart rascal.” Born March 9, 1922 in Washington, D.C., Brown was the younger of two children. His father, Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Sr., a member of FDR’s “Black Cabinet,” worked as a public health specialist and his mother was a teacher. After graduation from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, he received his bachelor’s degree from Springfield College in Massachusetts in 1943. At a very early age Brown wanted to fly planes after visiting the Smithsonian museum and seeing Charles Lindbergh’s plane. He was in his 20s when he joined the Air Army Corps and began his illustrious stint as a Tuskegee Airman. There are several historic photos of 1st Lt. Brown seated in the P-51 Mustang adorned with red tails. It was equipped with six .50 caliber M2 machine guns with which he was the first of the Black pilots to shoot down a German jet. Another photo shows him in gear atop a plane discussing strategy with 1st Lt. Marcellus G. Smith and Col. Benjamin O. Davis in Ramitelli, Italy in March 1945. That photo was taken shortly after Brown, was one of three members of the 332nd Fighter Group, credited with shooting down a Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter. Subsequently, Brown was promoted to captain and squadron commander and later received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Eight Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Presidential Unit Citation. Home from the service, after flying 68 combat missions, Capt. Brown attended New York University, where he earned an M.A. in 1949 and Ph.D. two years later. With a freshly minted master’s degree, he was employed as a social investigator with New York City Department of Welfare. He was an instructor in physical education at West Virginia College until 1948. While working on his doctorate in 1950, he was appointed director of the Institute of Afro-American Affairs and a professor of education at NYU. Brown would be in this post for the next 27 years. “I was named president of Bronx Community College in 1977,” Brown told The Historymakers. He would be at the helm of the college until 1993. After leaving the college, he served as director of the Center for Urban Education Policy at the Graduate School and University Center of CUNY.

#47

AFRO Clean/Green Block Campaign 2016 ‘Salute to Block Captains, Organizations & Volunteers’ @ Muslim Community Cultural Center of Baltimore Community Event – Druid Hill Park – Hours and Events to Be Announced for this Free and Exciting Event – Hours and location coming soon!

Courtesy Photo

Tuskegee Airman Roscoe C. Brown, Jr.

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

ALL.SLP.0709.WASHBALTAFAMER

The Afro-American Newspapers

3 COL. (5.42") X 10"

Your History • Your Community • Your News

SAT 7/9

The Afro-American, July 9, 2016 - July 9, 2016

July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016, The Afro-American

Black Press Continued from A1

omissions perpetuate the misunderstandings underlying the persistence of the ‘race problem’ in America.” President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed an 11-member National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, chaired by former Illinois Gov. Otto Kerner, Jr., in July 1967 to examine the racial rebellions that erupted in major cities for several years and to make recommendations for improvement. The commission’s report found, “The journalistic profession has been shockingly backward in seeking out, hiring, training, and promoting Negroes. Fewer than 5 percent of the people employed by the news business in editorial jobs in the United States today are Negroes. Fewer than 1 percent of editors and supervisors are Negroes, and most of them work for Negro-owned organizations. The lines of various news organizations to the militant blacks are, by admission of the newsmen themselves, almost nonexistent.” The Black Media, on the other hand, is more trusted by African Americans. “Black newspapers service large numbers of the Black community each week with viable and late breaking news,” said John “Jake” Oliver, publisher of the Baltimore-based Afro Newspapers and a former president of NNPA. “Such service is provided across this country in the latest mediums (electronic etc.) our rapidly changing community can absorb.” According to Jet magazine [Nov. 2, 1998], a study conducted by Ketchum Public Relations’ African-American Markets Group (AAMG) and Florida A&M University’s School of Business and Industry found that 87 percent of Blacks place their highest trust in Black magazines, closely followed by Black television news and Black newspapers at 80 percent; Black radio news was trusted by 70 percent of African Americans. By contrast, Consumer Reports was the only non-Black media resource with a trust level of 81 percent. A 2012 study by Nielsen found, “The average income for African-American households nationwide is $47,290 with 35% earning $50,000 or more.” Ten percent of Black households earn $100,000 or more

we have lost the desire to value each year. The study noted, and strengthen our institutions.” “The Black population and Brian Townsend, publisher its aggregate buying power is of the Precinct Reporter in overall more geographically San Bernadine, Calif. and widespread and more diverse former chairman of the NNPA than other ethnic and racial Foundation, said, “The influence segments.” of Black media on Black The study observed, “Since consumers is diminishing solely 2000, the total U.S. population because of reduced advertising only increased by 11.3%, resources, not because of reduced while the Black population demand. Our readership is still increased by 17.9%, a rate that vibrant and appreciative of our is 1.6 times the greater overall efforts.” growth.” The report noted Some of the problems facing that the U.S. Black population Black Press, such as dwindling is larger than 163 of the 195 circulation, are industry-wide countries in the world, including Courtesy Photo concerns. Argentina, Poland, Canada and George Curry According to the 2015 “State Australia. of the News Media” study A 2013 Nielsen study conducted by the Pew Foundation, Black (“Resilient, Receptive and Relevant: The newspapers “are hard to measure as a group, African-American Consumer 2013 Report”) though, because few have audited audience found that although annual Black spending figures. Among the five larger Africanwas projected to rise from $1 trillion to $1.3 American newspapers that do, four saw sizable trillion by 2017, advertisers allot only 3 declines in total paid circulation (which percent of their $2.2 billion yearly budget to includes both print and digital) from 2013 to media aimed at Black audiences. 2014 – ranging from 7% for the New York Cloves C. Campbell, Jr., publisher of Amsterdam News to 19% for the Chicago the Arizona Informant and immediate past Defender. chairman of the NNPA, said: “The interesting “Only one of the five papers examined, The point to note is that Black media outlets are Philadelphia Tribune, saw an overall increase continuing to be bought up by White media in circulation in 2014. The total growth was conglomerates. Only then is there advertising 40% – though all but 2% of this is attributed support. The White agencies start to show up. to 5,200 copies of their digital replica edition When Blacks own the media outlets, as is the distributed as a part of the Newspapers in case with Black newspapers, White agencies Education Program.” try to dismiss and diminish our value.” Pluria Marshall, Jr., who owns both Dorothy R. Leavell, publisher of the newspapers and television stations, said Black Crusader newspapers in Chicago and Gary, media should become more adept at exploiting Ind., argues that Blacks are too accepting social media. of insults from companies they support as “Advertisers don’t, in large part, respect consumers. the general market daily papers,” said “As Blacks we have never capitalized on Marshall, publisher of the Los Angeles our buying power and the White media has Wave Publications Group. “So we are at a now convinced advertisers they don’t need disadvantage when we pitch business. We are to advertise in our media and many of our no longer in the print business, we are media consumers think that there is some prestige in companies that happen to use print to deliver identifying with White,” explained Leavell, a former president of NNPA. “More importantly a message. We have to better embrace the web. Online is just one component that should as a race of people somewhere along the way

be incorporated with print, across the board. Clients want it and we have to deliver it.” Like Marshall, Rev. R. B. Holmes owns a Black newspaper, the Capital Outlook in Tallahassee, Fla., and broadcast properties, including two radio stations. “I think it is important that Black media must find a better and creative way to survive and thrive in these days,” he stated. “When all Black institutions are struggling for relevance and revenue, including HBCUs, the Black church and our historic civil rights groups, this should be a clear call to find our collective voice. Blacks are great consumers but very few leaders have been able to rally us to overcome the Black economic drought in the Black Press.” Dorothy Leavell feels some African Americans may have grown too comfortable under a Black president for nearly eight years. “More than anything many of the Black magazine owners forgot their mission and were too anxious to emulate the White magazines,” she said. “They were and are pretty much like they thought that with the election of Barack Obama that we were living in a post- racial America. Many of the owners were and are too consumed in their personal wealth, so many sold their products and ran to enjoy the good life.” With dramatic changes in demographics, Black media outlets will be under increasing pressure to sell their businesses to Whiteowned companies, just as BET and Essence did. In doing so, they may be giving up the thing that distinguished them from their White competitors – their unique perspectives. Jake Oliver, publisher of the Afro, is convinced that the digital platform will allow the Black Press to remain vibrant. “Times are tough, but the changes occurring in the news environment will continue to level the competitive playing field in this industry like never before,” he said. “I’m personally optimistic that, in time, such changes will once again produce positive results to those who have been historically serving our community and who have earned this community’s trust.”

Freddie Gray Continued from A1

that also include assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment. In a final pre-trial hearing Tuesday, Williams denied a defense request to dismiss the charges, but he also denied the use of Rice’s training documents, saying the state failed to share them with the defense in time. Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Michael Schatzow said prosecutors had been seeking the documents from police “for months and months,” and gave copies to the defense on June 29, the day after they got them. “Why would you expect the court to allow you to drop 4,000 pages on the defense a few days before trial without repercussions?” the judge countered. “You’ve said it’s been difficult for you to get the documents from the police department. Ok, then go up the chain. Talk to people. Go to the court. You didn’t do that.” Later Tuesday, police spokesman T.J. Smith said the department received a written request for the documents on June 18, and worked overtime to produce them just 10 days later. City Solicitor George Nilson said the state requested Rice’s

training records in May and October 2015, and were given a single six-page document in response. The state broadened the scope of its request on June 18, yielding much more voluminous results, he said. The dispute shows how difficult it is to prosecute police officers, said University of Baltimore Law School professor David Jaros, who has observed the trials. “Given that the state was already facing a serious uphill battle, the inability to bring in any evidence of Lt. Rice’s inservice training on how to secure a suspect made their case that much harder,” Jaros said. But Schatzow’s explanation — that the police department was reluctant to turn internal documents over to the state — will be viewed quite differently on each side of society’s divide on criminal justice issues, Jaros predicted. People who believe criminal trials are unwarranted in Gray’s death could see this as yet another example of incompetence or bad motives in the prosecutor’s office, he said, while those who believe a crime occurred will likely instead blame the police instead. Rice, who has been suspended without pay, has troubles of

AME Church Continued from A1

our role in our communities, that we become that instrument of change and the motivator of a new order so our communities can become stronger,” said Rev. Braxton, who heads the Second Episcopal District’s delegation. With a presidential election underway, conference attendees will also likely address political matters such as get-outthe-vote efforts and new impediments to voting—although the church does not make official candidate endorsements. Candidates have been invited to address the gathering, however. And, while none have confirmed their attendance, Rev. Braxton said, “We have never had a conference where the Democratic candidate has not accepted our invitation.” Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the quadrennial session,

Identification Statements

Baltimore Afro-American – (USPS 040-800) is published weekly by The Afro-American Newspapers, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602. Subscription Rate: Baltimore - 1 Year - $45.00(Price includes tax.) Checks for subscriptions should be made payable to: The Afro-American Newspaper Company, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602. Periodicals postage paid at Baltimore, MD. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: The Afro-American Newspapers Company, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602.

The Washington Afro-American & Washington Tribune – (0276-6523) is published weekly by the Afro-American Newspapers at 1816 12th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009-4422. Subscription Rate: Washington - 1 Year - $45.00(Price includes tax.) Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: The Washington Afro-American & Washington Tribune, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602.

however, is the election of bishops and other officers. The elections process can be intense, with heavy campaigning leading up to the vote and much wheeling and dealing, sometimes to the last second. This year, five bishops are retiring, including Bishop William DeVeaux, presiding prelate of the Second Episcopal District, which covers the MarylandD.C.-Virginia area and Senior Bishop John Bryant, a native son of Baltimore. And, currently, 31 persons are vying for those five slots, including the Rev. Dr. Frank Reid III of Baltimore and the Rev. Dr. Harry Seawright of Prince George’s County, Md. Of particular focus will be the dearth of women on the council of bishops. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, another Baltimore native who made history in 2000 when she became the first female bishop of the AME Church, is currently the denomination’s only female presiding prelate. “The church is concerned about that and will be looking at that during the conference,” Braxton told the AFRO. For a full conference agenda visit: http://ame-church. com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Official-2016-GeneralConference-Agenda.pdf For a full list of candidates, visit: http://ame-church. com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2016-ELECTIONSCOMMISSION-REPORT-FOR-THE-50th-QuadrennialSession.pdf For a full list of 2016 legislation, visit: http://ame-church. com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2016-Proposed-LegislationFINAL-2.pdf

his own in his personnel file: He was hospitalized over mental health concerns and twice placed on administrative suspensions. In 2012, police confiscated Rice’s official and personal firearms after fellow Baltimore police officer Karen McAleer, the mother of Rice’s child, requested a welfare check. A police union attorney attributed Rice’s 2013 suspension to a protective order filed by McAleer’s then-boyfriend, and said such issues “had nothing to do with his ability to perform his duties as a Baltimore police officer.” Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby vowed to bring justice to an aggrieved citizenry when she announced the charges last year. But she has yet to find success in court, and is being sued for defamation by five of the officers. Officer William Porter faces a retrial in September after his mistrial. Edward Nero and the van’s driver, Caesar Goodson, were acquitted of all charges. The judge has yet to rule on motions to dismiss the cases against the other two, Sgt. Alicia White and Officer Garrett Miller. Race hasn’t been cited as a direct factor in the death of the 25-year-old black man, who was arrested after trying to run from Rice, a white officer. The judge, chief prosecutor, mayor, and then-police commissioner are African-American. Still, his fatal injury in police custody in April 2015 fueled the Black Lives Matter movement, which decries the treatment of black Americans by people in power. None of the parties involved in the case can comment due to a gag order issued by the judge.

The Afro-American, July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016

July 9, 2016 - July 9, 2016, The Afro-American

Zika Virus Feared Sexually Transmitted Among Health Officials By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com Concerns over the Zika virus have World Health Organization officials thinking that the Olympic games in Brazil this year may only be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to latent transmissions and susceptibility. The mosquito-borne virus has already hit at least 61 countries and territories, and is feared now to be largely transmitted through sexual intercourse. A Zika infection can lead to symptoms as mild as a rash, fever or joint pain. The virus has also been linked to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby has an abnormally small head and may struggle throughout their lifetime with a series of health issues ranging from vision problems to intellectual disabilities and seizures. Zika may cause Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can lead to paralysis or death. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention physician Alexandra

M. Oster said infections passes from males to either male or female sexual partners when condoms are not in use. Men with Zika who never develop symptoms may also be able to pass the virus to their sexual partners because it remains in the semen longer than in blood. “Men and their non-pregnant sex partners (couples) who want to reduce the risk for sexual transmission of Zika virus should use condoms consistently and correctly during sex or abstain from sex,” Oster writes. “Based on expert opinion and limited but evolving information about the sexual transmission of Zika virus, the recommended duration of consistent condom-use or abstinence from sex depends on whether men had confirmed infection or clinical illness consistent with Zika virus disease and whether men are residing in an area with active transmission.” The WHO has not declared a general restriction on trips to Zika-affected areas, but in February, the organization said the spread of the virus was a worldwide emergency, and it recommends that pregnant women

avoid traveling to locations where there are outbreaks. “One thing that’s become challenging for the business and leisure traveler is that Zika has spread to a lot of areas where people travel, including the United States, and avoiding it is becoming more and more difficult,’’ says Daniel Durazo, spokesman for Allianz Global Assistance, USA in a statement, which provides travel insurance and other travel assistance to businesses as well as other clients. “I think people need to become aware of what the risks are and plan accordingly.’’ For travelers who are particularly vulnerable, or anyone who simply wants to be extra careful, there are precautions that can be taken. “It’s a deep concern for travelers obviously, because any time you are in an area with poor sanitation or standing water, which is very common through Latin America, you’re potentially going to be subjected to this particular species of

mosquito,’’ Brian McNary, vice president of the global risk group at Pinkerton, a corporate risk management firm, said in a statement. “First avoid areas of standing water -- mud puddles, slow, sluggish moving rivers, public square fountains that are not really active and aerated. All of these present breeding grounds for the mosquito. That’s probably the first and foremost concern.” Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas said the best way to do avoid Zika is to take preventative measures seriously. “You are going to have to go into community health centers and clinics and in everybody who has a fever and a rash you are taking a blood sample and testing it for Zika,” Hotez said. “It’s not like Ebola, where people will be dying in the streets. It’s what I call a delayed epidemic. The nightmare scenario is we miss it and seven, eight, nine months from now we see microcephaly cases showing up in the obstetric wards.”

Mississippi Republican Fails to Strip Rep. Lewis’ Name from New Navy Ships By Stephen K. Cooper Special to the AFRO A new class of Navy ships will still be named after U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) after a Mississippi Republican failed in late June to strip the honor from the civil rights icon. Rep. Steven Palazzo (R) was unable to win approval from a House panel for a vote on the House floor on legislation to stop the Navy from naming vessels after politicians who have not served in the U.S. military or as president. Palazzo wanted to prohibit the Navy from using

federal funds to name ships for any living or deceased Congressional lawmakers. If the amendment to the fiscal 2017 Defense Department spending bill had become law, Lewis would have been ineligible for the honor. In a press statement, Palazzo said his amendment did not target Lewis. Instead, he argued, Navy ships should only be named after former presidents, war heroes and veterans. “We have 76 living recipients of the Medal of Honor. I would suggest that the Secretary of the Navy start there,” he said. A senior staffer for

Courtesy Photo

Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) Lewis told the AFRO that the naming of the new class of Navy ships goes beyond just being an honor for

the Georgia lawmaker, it also recognizes the social consciousness of the entire nation. The Naval honor “recognizes the hundreds and thousands of nameless people who sacrificed their lives for the Civil Rights Movement, and whose names will never be known.” U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus announced in early January that the new class of fleet replenishment oilers will be named after Lewis, who has served in Congress since 1986. Mabus said the USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205) will begin construction in 2018. “Naming this ship after John

Lewis is a fitting tribute to a man who has, from his youth, been at the forefront of progressive social and human rights movements in the U.S., directly shaping both the past and future of our nation,” Mabus said in a statement. Lewis, often called “the conscious of the Congress,” spoke at the historic 1963 March on Washington and nearly died leading protestors across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. Most recently, Lewis led a 26-hour sit-in on the floor the U.S. House of Representatives to protest

Congress’ lack of action to combat gun violence. “T-AO 205 will, for decades to come, serve as a visible symbol of the freedoms Representative Lewis holds dear, and his example will live on in the steel of that ship and in all those who will serve aboard her,” Mabus said. The Navy also plans to name ships after former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D – Michigan). The Navy has only rarely named ships for living persons, according to a recent study by the Congressional Research Service published last month.

ONE DAY SALE SAT, JULY 9, 9AM-1OPM ALSO SHOP FRI, JULY 8, 9AM-1OPM

HOURS MAY VARY BY STORE. VISIT MACYS.COM AND CLICK ON STORES FOR LOCAL INFORMATION.

5O%-8O% OFF STOREWIDE

FREE SHIPPING ONLINE AT $25 VALID 7/8-7/9/2016. PLUS, FREE RETURNS. U.S. ONLY. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS

DEALS OF THE DAY

SPECIALLY SELECTED ITEMS PRICED SO LOW YOU DON’T NEED A SAVINGS PASS! AVAILABLE ALL DAY, BOTH DAYS!

OR, USE THIS SAVINGS PASS FRI ’TIL 2PM OR SAT ’TIL 2PM EXTRA DOLLARS OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE CLOTHING & HOME ITEMS

2O OFF

YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER.

VALID 7/8 ’TIL 2PM OR 7/9/16 ’TIL 2PM

CANNOT BE USED ON DEALS OF THE DAY OR SPECIALS Excludes ALL: cosmetics/fragrances, Deals of the Day, Doorbusters/web busters, electrics/electronics, Everyday Values (EDV), furniture/mattresses, Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, rugs, specials, super buys, All-Clad, Breville, Dyson, Fitbit, Frye, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Kate Spade, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, Marc Jacobs, Michele watches, New Era, Nike on Field, Sam Edelman, Samsung watches, Shun, Stuart Weitzman, The North Face, Theory, Tumi, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wüsthof, athletic clothing, shoes & accessories; Dallas Cowboys merchandise, designer jewelry, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, select licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, tech watches; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: baby gear, kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA, Tommy Bahama. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $50 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

ONE DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 7/8-7/9/2016. OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible. N6060014 N6060014A.indd 1

6/27/16 3:21 PM

July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016, The Afro-American

COMMENTARY

We Have the Power to Save Lives

Most Americans already grasp this truth, but it bears repeating. Our families will not be as safe from gun violence as they should be until our National Days of Action for Gun Violence Protection are translated into more effective legislation that better protects us every day of the year. Reflecting their support by the National Rifle Association and gun manufacturers, Republican House leaders have resisted demands for action by House Democrats and the overwhelming majority of Americans. “People, not guns, kill people,” the Republicans declare. Yet, they have been unwilling to do what is reasonably required to prevent dangerous people from acquiring the means to terrorize our communities and kill our neighbors. After 49 dead Americans in an Orlando, Florida, nightclub joined the victims of mass gun violence in Charleston, San Bernardino, Newtown, and too many other American Rep. Elijah communities, a national consensus for more protective laws was Cummings inevitable. National polling confirms that 92 percent of Americans support expanded, universal and effective background checks for prospective gun purchasers. Moreover, 87 percent of us support keeping guns out of the hands of convicted felons and those with severe mental health illnesses — and 85 percent favor preventing people on “terrorist watch lists” from buying a gun. Even more controversial proposals — like an outright ban on assault rifles and high-capacity ammunition — now gain the support of a 54 percent majority. I am convinced that this clear and growing national consensus against allowing dangerous people to acquire deadly weapons will remain a lasting force in our national debates. It is driven by the reality of American children gunned down in their elementary school, the faithful slaughtered in their church, community workers executed at their office gathering, young people murdered in Orlando — and the human slaughter that, increasingly, is occurring in our daily lives. Consider, if you will, this chilling comparison. In 2015, 38,300 Americans died in highway fatalities, spurring public demands for safer roads, vehicles and drivers. By comparison, 32,514 Americans die annually as the result of gun violence — while, here in Baltimore, we suffered more than 300 shooting homicides in 2015 (and another 123 thus far in 2016). With every funeral, every weeping loved one, every makeshift street corner memorial, my determination to halt (or, at least, limit) this carnage becomes more compelling. That is why I joined my Democratic colleagues for a 26-hour sit-in on the floor of the United States House of Representatives last month. Our demand was both straight-forward and compelling. We asked only for an immediate up or down vote on two bipartisan, common sense gun violence prevention bills to help keep guns out of dangerous hands: the bipartisan King-Thompson legislation to expand and strengthen our background check system and the bipartisan ‘No Fly, No Buy’ bill to keep guns out of the hands of suspected terrorists. Despite our effort — and the clear will of the American People — Republican leaders adjourned the House early for the Fourth of July recess, leaving Washington without bringing these bipartisan gun violence prevention bills. Now, it appears that the American People will see whether the Republican House Members are prepared to support our more extensive “No fly, No buy” proposal — or whether they will seek to placate the nation with a more limited version supported by the NRA. Whatever the near-term result, I remain confident that our struggle to make our nation a safer place will not be defeated by the arbitrary and irrational actions of the gun lobby and those who do its bidding. Last week, I joined Representatives Van Hollen, Ruppersberger and Sarbanes, Maryland Attorney

General Frosh, Police Commissioner Davis, and Health Commissioner Wen at the Cathedral of the Incarnation for Baltimore’s contribution to the National Day of Action for Commonsense Gun Violence Prevention. At the request of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and Marylanders for the Prevention of Gun Violence, we were there to show our support for the survivors of gun violence, the families of victims and the faith leaders who have helped to make Maryland a national leader in common-sense gun reform. “It is time for Republican lawmakers to treat gun violence like the scourge on our country that it is,” I told the assembled Maryland leaders. “The American people have had enough, and so have I.” We have had enough headlines about lone wolf shooters, enough stories of the tragic deaths of our children, enough fresh memorial balloons on our city streets. We have had more than enough moments of somber silence — and we will not be silent any longer. We will march, sit in and organize, as we must, for the safety of our communities until we achieve reasonable and constitutional gun reform. In the words of Dr. Leana Wen: “… I have no doubt that gun violence is a public health crisis. Yet, unlike so many medical ailments that do not have a cure or a vaccine, with gun violence, we have the power to make change, prevent injury, and save lives.” Congressman Elijah Cummings represents Maryland’s 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.

Act on Your Independence and Vote Now that Independence Day, the 4th of July, has passed, what are our thoughts about it? Are they how much fun was had and how great a time we enjoyed? Are our thoughts about what we did not do and wish we had done? Maybe we are wishing the weather was better, not so unpredictable or that we should have made different plans. Yes, I am feeling all of those thoughts; but, from my foxhole, I can’t help thinking about why and how the 4th of July -“Independence Day” -- all came about and why so many (given not all) Americans look forward to the day with anxious anticipation given our nation’s history and current state. July 4th as a day of celebration has its origin in the Congressional approval of the United States of America’s Declaration of Independence after much debate and revision on July 4, 1776, although the legal separation of the original American 13 colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776. As usual in American history, the date of July 4th is in dispute by some historians claiming August 2, 1776 as the true date; even though writings by Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams all attest to the signing taking place on July 4, 1776. All of

John R. Hawkins III

that is “…well and good;” however, what does the 4th of July -“Independence Day” -- really mean, today? It is fair to realize that this is an American patriotic day of recognition; however, different from Veterans’ Day, when we recognize those who served their country and Memorial Day when we remember the ultimate selfless-sacrifice of those who gave their lives so that we may enjoy this day called “Independence Day.” Celebrating our national independence and our form of selfgovernance is a good thing. Even though the U.S. government is full of fallacies, inequities and some injustices, having travelled over most of this planet, it is the best country and government in which to live (if you don’t think so, just ask some of the millions from every country on the planet who want to call the USA home). Technically, the word “Independence” is defined by MerriamWebster’s Dictionary as: “…Freedom from outside control or support; the state of being independent” (so much for the rule, never describing a word by using its root word). It sites an alternate definition as: “…the time when a country or region gains political freedom from outside control.” It seems the operative inertia behind each definition is the idea of “…free will;” something virtually all walks of life and even religions say we have. Now the question becomes: what are you going to do with it?

Well, from my foxhole, I say let’s start by enhancing our individual and collective independence by voting for those who we wish to guide the policies and resulting actions that will continue to guarantee the “independence” we enjoy. Decide to vote for those who will enable those things you “independently” believe are important and valuable to your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those you hold dear. Support those who guarantee what freedoms and opportunities you enjoy; while, participating in your independence to gain those policies, laws and treatment you may feel you lack but demand as Americans. From my foxhole, it is important to leverage the independence you possess. Actively practice and exercise, not just watch, the governance for the people and by the people you have and desire to enhance. Actively participate in determining your American future and exercise your independence, every day.

to Society when an innocent young man was maliciously shot. In the song, he cold-heartedly raps, “[I’ll] shoot you in the back like [you’re] Ricky.” When it is “normal” for rappers to boast about everything from killing their fellow “brother,” to sleeping with as many women as humanly possible, (I’ve even heard one rap about not caring if he “had rubber or not”) I believe it is safe to say that rap music is currently in a “state of emergency.” Although it might appear to be a very discouraging period in rap music, I am so happy to say that there is still hope, and rapper Echelon Knoxx is an artist that is using his craft to uplift people who are in dire need of some good music that is also good for the soul. He undoubtedly touched the hearts of many, and started becoming a household name when his song, “Concrete Roses,” began getting heavy rotation on D.C.’s gospel station, 104.1. I remember first hearing it, and it giving me a feeling that I rarely get when I turn on the radio these days. I didn’t feel ashamed of my struggles, and I felt proud of everything that I had overcome. When it seemed as though I’d lost virtually all hope in rap music, hearing that song by Knoxx helped me to believe again. Unlike a lot rap songs that degrade women, calling them derogatory names and making only sexual references to them, “Concrete Roses” speaks to so many Black women who overcame oppressive circumstances, and still managed to come out as a “rose.” In the song he raps, “And she knows that she’s a rose... roses don’t compete with daisies….she ain’t focused on being the

baddest...she’s content with being a lady.” At first glance you might think Knoxx was your typical rapper, he can be seen rocking the latest clothes and kicks, and just enough gold jewelry. However, unlike many artists who don’t want to be recognized as role models, Knoxx willingly takes on the task. The true genius of Knoxx’s music is that it’s not only uplifting, but he makes great music that will have you “bobbin’ your head” and moving your feet.” On his song “Nervous,” he raps over a beat that can bang with any other hot radio hit of today, saying, “If you ain’t with the grindin’ do not bring the skates out...good vibes over here...keep the fake out...I ain’t have to be in the Garden of Eden for God to show me what them snakes ‘bout.” He doesn’t use profanity to get his point across, and he is living proof that you don’t need to. Some people have told me that my concern with the current state of rap music is a bit “over the top,” and that I need to “chill” a bit. Well, when my seven year old son is constantly going around the house singing, “I got two phones,” and “You need to cut it,” I have every right to be worried. Both of those songs are about selling drugs, and although I have never listened to either, somehow and someway my son has been exposed to these lyrics. I would personally like to thank Echelon Knoxx, Lacrae, and all of the rappers out there who making music that not only makes us want to dance, but makes us think, while uplifting and empowering us. You are appreciated!

Maj. Gen. U.S. Army (ret.) John R Hawkins III, JD, MPA is president and CEO of Hawkins Solutions Intl., a government relations and lobby company. His last military assignment as a “two-star” was Director, Human Resources Directorate for the Army world-wide and prior to that deputy chief public affairs for the Army, world-wide.

There’s Hope for Hip Hop I once heard the question asked: “When did you first fall in love with hip hop?” For me, it was when I heard “Reminisce,” by Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth. I will never forget that feeling I felt when I heard C.L.’s “smooth” delivery of those nostalgic lyrics about growing up in a close knit working class Black family and that infamous saxophone and bass sample in the background. There were no curse words, no violent references or misogynistic metaphors, just some good old hip hop. “Reminisce” went on to become a staple of classic early 90s Hip Hop, and reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap track list some 25 years ago. It was a time when many rap songs seemed to reflect the realities of everyday Black life, and while rappers brought light to the “struggles” of their people, they also used songs like “Keep Ya Head Up,” and “U.N.I.T.Y” to empower their communities. According to Billboard, today’s number one spot on the Hip Hop charts belongs to new comer, Desiiigner, for his first “hit” single, “Panda.” In the song, the artist boasts about his “violent” lifestyle and glorifies murder. In one verse he raps, “[I] know niggas, [they’ll] come and kill you on the camera.” At a time when the murder rate for Blacks is said to be four times higher than the national average, it is absolutely absurd that some of today’s “hottest” rappers are bragging about “murder,” as if taking a precious life is something to boast about. In his new song, “Lowlife,” chart-topping rapper Future goes as far as making a reference to that unforgettable scene in Menace

Crystal J. Nunn

Crystal J. Nunn is an intern for the AFRO’s Baltimore office.

The Afro-American, July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016

REAL FUN. REAL MONEY.

PLAY ALL FIVE SCR ATCH-OFFS! TOP PRIZES FROM $1,000 TO $1,000,000!

mdlottery.com

Please play responsibly. For help, visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 18 years or older to play.

The MONOPOLY name and logo, the distinctive design of the game board, the four corner squares, the MR. MONOPOLY name and character, as well as each of the distinctive elements of the board and playing pieces are trademarks of Hasbro for its property trading game and game equipment. Â© 1935, 2016 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Licensed by Hasbro.

July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016, The Afro-American

WASHINGTON-AREA

Pepco Proposes Utility Rate Increase for D.C. Residents

District’s General Election

Butler to Challenge Gray for Ward 7 Council Seat By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com Former D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray handily won the June 14 Democratic primary over D.C. Council member Yvette Alexander. However, former Ward 7 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Gary Butler wants to make sure residents have an option in the general election. Butler recently resigned his position as a

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

Photo by Rob Roberts

Rising star Omari Hardwick speaks with “Icon Talks” Co-Founder John Burns about the key to Black success during the “Icon Talks” Empowerment Tour June 30 at the Arena Stage in D.C. See story on C1.

Free Summer Meal Program Bridges Gap in Student Food Insecurity Courtesy Photo

Gary Butler is a former advisory neighborhood commissioner. commissioner for singlemember district 7B03 in Ward 7 to run as an independent against Gray on Nov. 8. In an interview with the AFRO, Butler said that he wants to be a “change agent” in the ward. “I want to be a catalyst for change in Ward 7,” Butler said. “There needs to be someone who steps up and makes a change. I also want to improve the image of the Black male in public service in this city.” Butler is a native Washingtonian who graduated from Anacostia High School in Ward 8 and attended the

“I want to be a catalyst for change in Ward 7.” – Gary Butler University of the District of Columbia. He is a real-estate broker and lives with his family in the Twining area of the ward, located near the John Sousa Bridge. Butler and Ward 2 resident Bruce Majors are the only independent candidates running for ward seats in the general election. D.C. Council member Brandon Todd (D-Ward 4) and Trayon White, Democratic candidate for the Ward 8 council seat, have no opponents in the general election at AFRO press time. D.C. Council member David Grosso (I-At Large) is seeking re-election and has attracted two independents, Jimmy Calomiris and Drew Franklin, the Republican nominee Carolina Celnik, and the Statehood-Green hopeful G. Lee Aiken as opponents in the general election. The other at-large spot will go to Democratic Party nominee Continued on B2

By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com The District of Columbia continues to rank first in the nation for reaching low-income children with summer meals. According to Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation, an annual analysis by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), more than 22,000 low-income children in the District received summer meals on an average day in July 2015 – a decrease of 10.1 percent from the previous summer. Summer meals reached 51.9 low-income students for every 100 low-income children who received school lunch in the 2014–2015 school year, outpacing that national rate of 15.8:100. “We can’t rest on our laurels,” said Beverley Wheeler, director of D.C. Hunger Solutions. “More must be done this summer to reverse the decline in participation in the summer nutrition programs. By doing so, we can ensure more children at risk of hunger across the District return to school in the fall healthy and ready to learn.”

The D.C. Free Summer Meals Program, administered locally by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), provides children and teens with healthy meals and snacks during the summer months. Efforts to increase the number of meal sites, conduct outreach to parents and students, and increase public knowledge of the Free Summer Meals Program have all served to increase participation. A driving factor in D.C.’s top national ranking is the commitment of D.C. Parks and Recreation, the city’s leading sponsor, with more than 200 sites across the city that connect thousands of children each day to healthy meals. The D.C. Free Summer Meals Program helps to fill the nutrition gap for low-income children who depend on free and reducedprice school lunches and breakfasts during the school year by providing nutritious meals and snacks to low-income children (ages 18 and under) during June, July, and August at hundreds of sites across the city, including various schools, community programs, faith-based programs, and recreation centers. The summer food program is paid for by federal funds, which are available for every child who is eligible. Continued on B2

Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright The Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright, a Prince George’s County minister, is seeking to become a bishop in the AME Church at its 50th Quadrennial Session. The AME denomination is meeting in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from July 4-13 and it is in the process of selecting its leadership, primarily bishops. Rev. Dr. Seawright, who is the pastor at Union Bethel

AME Church in Brandywine, Maryland wants to be elected by his denomination peers to be in next round of bishops. “I am running because I received my first calling from God to serve and I want to continue to do that,” Rev. Dr. Seawright told the AFRO. Quoting Luke 12:48, he said “whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required.” Seawright is a graduate of Benedict College in Charleston, South Carolina and holds master’s and doctoral degrees from the Howard University School of Divinity. He accepted the call to ministry in 1977 and has pastored churches in the District and in Prince George’s County before matriculating to Union Bethel in June 1986 where he has been since. Rev. Dr. Seawright is

“D.C. consumers shouldn’t subsidize Exelon’s out-ofstate holdings.” – Andy Litsky However, Donna Cooper, region president, said she understands the uneasiness the increase may cause some customers. “We realize that a rate increase has a direct impact to our customers and so we will continue to work with our customers to identify ways to reduce their energy usage and manage their bills,” she said. “The reliability and infrastructure upgrades that we have made have reduced the number and length of power outages, while delivering improved service to our valued customers.” The typical bill for a District residential customer would increase by $4.36 per Continued on B2

Metro Transit Officer Fatally Shoots Man in Northeast D.C.

Who’ll Be the Next AME Bishop? By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com

The utility that supplies residential and commercial customers in the District recently decided to apply to the city’s public service commission for a rate increase. Residents aren’t happy about it. Pepco, now affiliated with Chicago-based energy giant Exelon, filed for an $85.47 million rate increase with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia on June 30. A Pepco press release said it has been three years since a rate increase has been requested.

By The Associated Press

Courtesy Photo

The Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright is the pastor of Union Bethel AME Church in Prince George’s County. also the treasurer of the Washington Conference, the AME’s Second Episcopal District, and Second Episcopal District Religious, Education and Charitable Non-Profit Board. In order to become a bishop, Rev. Dr. Seawright must be elected as one of the top six candidates in terms of votes out of a field of 31 candidates, who are also

Authorities say a Metro Transit Police officer fatally shot a man who fired at officers near a Metro station in northeast Washington, D.C. D.C. police said, in a statement, July 5 that Metro Transit Police officers investigating a large crowd setting off fireworks near the Deanwood Metro station late Monday spotted a man holding a weapon. They identified themselves as officers and police say the man fired multiple rounds at them. One officer returned fire, striking the man, who later died at an area hospital. Police recovered the man’s weapon and will identify him publicly once relatives are notified. Authorities did not release the races of the people involved. Metro spokeswoman Sherri Ly says the officer who returned fire, a 12-year veteran, is on routine administrative leave.

ministers and denomination leaders. The election of bishops will take place on July 11. Rev. Dr. Seawright wants to see the AME Church flourish and said he has the

energy to make things happen. “I want to be a change agent,” he said. “I want to make a difference in the lives of people through encountering, empowering and enabling.”

The Afro-American, July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016

D.C. Male Commission Holds Hearing on Substance Abuse By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com The Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commission charged with studying the problems of males in the city recently met to discuss how substance abuse is negatively impacting the lives of boys and men. The discussion is one of many being held to form an action plan early next year. The goal is to provide solutions to many of the situations that plague men and boys in D.C. The Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys met June 29 at the Wheatley Education Campus in Ward 5. Tony Dugger, executive director of the commission, said the use of marijuana in the District is at a high level and that has an adverse impact on the lives of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s male population. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are in a city where many, many people use cannabis,â&#x20AC;? Dugger said to an audience of 20 people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have decriminalized marijuana in this city and there is now access to medical marijuana. Marijuana is a problem for Black men in D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many Black men have problems passing employment drug tests because of the marijuana in their system. We know that Black men have the skills to perform in the job market but we need to do make sure that they are drug free.â&#x20AC;? The commission was established in 2014 by the D.C. Council to address issues such as substance abuse. Other areas explored include improving educational outcomes for males, their employment prospects, and their interactions with law enforcement. With the legalization of marijuana spreading across the country this year, George Garrow, chairman of the commission

said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marijuana use is placed these days in the category of alcohol.â&#x20AC;? The National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Health have published a brochure, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marijuana Facts for Teens,â&#x20AC;? that says one in six people who start using marijuana and 25-50 percent of those who use it every day become addicted.â&#x20AC;? Numerous studies show casual marijuana use has adverse effects on the body and mind and impairs

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many Black men have problems passing employment drug tests because of the marijuana in their system.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tony Dugger judgment and motor skills. Alcohol abuse is also a problem for men in the District. The District of Columbia Youth Risk Behavior Survey, released by the Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department of Health in 2012, shows that more middle school students reported current use of alcohol (13 percent) than marijuana (9 percent). The report also said more middle and high school students used marijuana than tobacco products. Even so, the substance that concerns many District officials is synthetic drugs. Synthetic drugs, colloquially known as Scooby Snax, Spice, K2, and Bizarro, arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t scientifically tested as products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration;

therefore the contents and their safety have been questionable to many health and government officials. During the meeting, there was a panel discussion of community and government leaders who are well-acquainted with the negative affect that substance abuse has on men of color in the District. Juanita Price, CEO of the Hillcrest Children & Family Center on Rhode Island Avenue, said substance abusers have problems finding and keeping jobs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many workplaces will not employ anyone who is using drugs,â&#x20AC;? Price said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is why both the federal and District laws mandate that drug testing for businesses that contract with them and/or do any type of interaction with government.â&#x20AC;? According to Charles Thornton, director of the Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office on Returning Citizens, about 57 percent of residents enrolled in the Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency have tested positive for marijuana use. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Synthetic marijuana is not different from PCP and it is just as bad. Synthetic marijuana is dangerous because you can become a zombie from it,â&#x20AC;? he said. Price said the push to legitimize marijuana in the District isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t coming from Black people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is middle-class Whites who are professionals that support marijuana legalization,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is part of the national campaign to support the marijuana industry. The majority of the people in favor of decriminalization are White, many of them White women.â&#x20AC;? Tristan Wilkerson, a member of the commission and a millennial, said the panelists and some of his commission members are missing the point. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kids and young people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that smoking marijuana is inherently bad,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Substance abuse needs to be addressed as a public health issue and the focus should be on healing, rather than one of public safety.â&#x20AC;?

Pepco

Continued from B1 month, the press release said. Exelon would contribute $25.6 million to offset the proposed increase, with the entire amount applied to residential and apartment customers who share a common meter. Exelon also gave customers a one-time residential credit of $54 in April. The commission approves or denies a rate increase through a public process that includes public testimony and input from the Office of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Counsel (OPC). The OPC is charged with advocating for District consumers to keep rate increases as low as possible, to ensure reliability and to educate consumers about the actions of utility companies before the commission. If the rate increase is approved, it

will not go into effect until summer 2017. The request for an increase isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t supported by Andy Litsky, chairman of advisory neighborhood commission 6D in Ward 6. He said he was â&#x20AC;&#x153;appalledâ&#x20AC;? at Pepcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I received an email on July 1 from Pepco that all chairs of the ANCs got requesting that Pepco representatives be on the agenda at the next meeting,â&#x20AC;? Litsky told the AFRO. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told them that I would not allow them to use my commission as a public relations opportunity.â&#x20AC;? The rate increase request didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t surprise Litsky but he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect it so soon after the public service commission voted to support the merger. Litsky wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in support of the merger, saying that it â&#x20AC;&#x153;was forced up on [D.C.

ratepayers].â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;D.C. consumers shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t subsidize Exelonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out-ofstate holdings,â&#x20AC;? he said. Sandra Matavous-Frye, the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Counsel said, in a June 30 press release, that the rate hike will be the largest ever filed in recent memory. â&#x20AC;&#x153;OPC will be vigilant in examining this monumental filing to ensure that any rate increase is based only on the expenses necessary to keep the lights on and not those associated with Exelonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lengthy journey to merge with Pepco,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is alarming that the cost of living and housing trends in the District unfortunately have widened the gap between the haves and have nots. These trends demand that OPC double-down on its mission to protect District

residents in every ward in every utility case. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must guard against decision-makers imposing policies that are dismissive and insensitive to everyday residential consumers.â&#x20AC;? OPC also announced a

Appeals a recent commission decision denying OPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request for reconsideration of the merger. A spokeswoman for D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) said that the administration is committed to protecting

the interests of District ratepayers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Public Service Commission is charged with evaluating utility rate increases,â&#x20AC;? Interim Communications Director

Christina Harper said on behalf of the mayor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They should limit the Pepco/ Exelon request to the mere requirements of the law. And they must apply the $25.4 million that Mayor Bowser negotiated, and they redirected, toward shielding D.C. residential ratepayers from any increase for three years.â&#x20AC;? Charles Gaither, a resident of Ward 4, told the AFRO the rate increase didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t surprise him and agreed with Litsky that the request took place very quickly after the merger. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are raising the rates because they can,â&#x20AC;? Gaither said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pepcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation is on the line with this. When the power goes out and there is a personal emergency, people will measure Pepco by the way they respond.â&#x20AC;?

city.â&#x20AC;? The AFRO approached the Gray campaign regarding Butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidacy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We encourage all candidates who have positive ideas about Ward 7 to run,â&#x20AC;? Chuck Thies, Grayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign spokesman, told the AFRO in an email. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Informed, thoughtful candidates who run dignified campaigns add to the democratic process. When voters have choices, more people get involved. Vince is determined to increase civic engagement in Ward 7. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re

confident Mr. Butler has the same values.â&#x20AC;? While many Ward 7 Democrats will support Gray in the general election, there are some who are willing to listen to Butler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gary Butler is welcome to run and that is part of the political process,â&#x20AC;? Cinque Culver, a resident from the River Terrace section of the ward, told the AFRO. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to support the Democratic nominee for council but I want to sit down with both of them to hear what they have to say.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told them that I would not allow them to use my commission as a public relations opportunity.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Andy Litsky merger compliance team to measure whether the promised benefits of the Exelon-Pepco merger have materialized and whether to appeal to the D.C. Court of

Butler

Continued from B1 Robert White because of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 to 1 registration among Democrats. Petitions to be on the ballot as an independent seeking a council seat are due on Aug. 10. Butler said he will focus on issues such as more affordable housing in Ward 7, closing the wealth gap in the District, fighting

homelessness, the need for better transportation in Ward 7 through the use of bike lanes, and better coordination with the always-busy I-295 corridor and government transparency. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Homeless people use to be only in downtown and now they are making their way over here,â&#x20AC;? Butler said. Butler realizes no

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is too much corruption and too much â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pay-to-playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Gary Butler independent candidate for a ward seat has been elected to the D.C. Council. However, political empowerment for people who live east of the Anacostia River is the most important thing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is too much corruption and too much â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pay-to-playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? he said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will work on the council to get some of that out.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are almost 150,000 people who live in Ward 7 and 8,â&#x20AC;? Butler said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need another voice east of the river on the D.C. Council. That would bring Ward 7 a level of respectability around this

Meal Program Continued from B1

Ward 8 community advocate Stacey Collins-Bates, said without city resources many young people fall into a cycle of food insecurity and eventually develop health-related illnesses such as iron deficiencies, malnutrition, obesity, and diabetes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Especially among teenagers, I see a lot of cheap, processed junk food that contributes to them developing high blood

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rest on our laurels.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Beverley Wheeler

% & ! # $ ! ! !

! "

pressure and obesity. The weight gain is from empty calories that are high in sugar, starch, and salt and have little to no nutritional value,â&#x20AC;? Collins-Bates said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When young people are afforded the ability to sit down and eat a wholesome, cooked meal, it makes all the difference in the world.â&#x20AC;?

July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016, The Afro-American

City Settles on Name “New Columbia” as Statehood Referendum Nears Vote By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com With the potential for a new President that strongly supports statehood for the District of Columbia – both Clinton and Trump are supporters – as well as a new Congress expected in November, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has begun priming the pump to reinvigorate the D.C. Statehood movement. Following a meeting of the Constitutional Convention June 29 Bowser, and a five-member commission, including Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), D.C. shadow Sens. Paul Strauss, Michael D. Brown, and Rep. Franklin Garcia (D), endorsed “New Columbia,” as a potential new state name. A moniker dating back to 1982, New Columbia, instead of being celebrated, has sparked a backlash that many old settler Washingtonians consider silly, but increasingly commonplace. In a recent Washington Post poll, of more than 8,000 respondents, a majority was opposed to the name, with random comments labeling New Columbia everything from “corny” to “boring.” More than half of the poll respondents said they didn’t like the name, but had no concrete alternatives. “We decided to keep what had been part of the statehood legacy since 1982,” Strauss said in a statement. “If the voters of the new state want to change it, that’s going to be a great thing they can do as a free state.” The name Douglass Commonwealth, named for Frederick Douglass was also offered as a possibility, which would allow the new state to keep its D.C. abbreviation. “It demonstrates the level of commitment many of our newer residents have to statehood that the name becomes such a trivial piece of contention to debate,” Ward 7 resident Michael Artist told the AFRO. “We have fought tirelessly for sovereignty, for selfdetermination, and pride in a city where we are wholly invested, so most people with common sense, are not concerned about the name,” he said. The last time District residents weighed in on a state name was during a 1982 referendum when New Columbia beat out Potomac and Anacostia. For more information about the process and the Constitutional Convention, visit statehood. dc.gov.

WASHINGTON AREA

COMMUNITY CONNECTION Washington, D.C

Natalie Williams Breast Cancer Foundation March The Natalie Williams Breast Cancer Foundation will hold a march in honor of Natalie Williams, a breast cancer survivor, on July 9 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The march will begin at the new Macedonia Baptist Church, located at 4115 Alabama Ave. SE and proceed to Capitol Hill/Upper. At 1 p.m. the “Welcome to Washington” Rally will begin on Capitol Hill/Upper in Senate Park. The NWBCF and Natalie Williams Encourage organizations and supporters of the cause to join the movement! To learn more or join, visit supportbreastcare.org. The Capitol Press Club Hosts ‘The Business of Communications’ The Capitol Press Club will host an informative evening about “The Business of Communications: Succeeding as an Independent Writer” on July 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The

NOW OPEN in

event will be located at the Thurgood Marshall Center. The event is free and open to the public. Learn techniques from experienced journalists and further you’re knowledge in the spectrum of communications. For more information and/or to register, visit evenbrite.com and search for The Business of Communications. Raben Group Presents March on Washington Film Festival The Raben Group will produce The March on Washington film Festival from July 13 to July 23. The opening event, “Songs of the Civil Rights Movement,” will occur on July 13 from 6:30 p.m.- 9.p.m. at Metropolitan AME Church, 1518 M Street, NW. Each day consists of something new and enticing in a different location of the city. Through film, music, and the arts, the event increases awareness of important events during the civil rights era. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit marchonWashingtonfilmfestival.org.

Homicide Count 2016 Total

66 4

Past Seven Days Data as of July 6

BELTSVILLE

Non-appointment, walk-in urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses. 365 days a year, 8 am to 10 pm. Staffed by board certified physicians

•

X-rays, lab tests, and prescription drugs on-site

•

66 locations in the mid-Atlantic region

•

Most major insurance plans accepted – your claims filed for you

•

Less costly than the ER

•

495

sid

d e Is la n d

nny

Beltsville 10424 Baltimore Avenue (240) 542-5987 prbelt061516post

eA ve

Rho

Ave.

lti

– Dr. Faranak Moghadam Board-Certified, American Board of Family Medicine In practice since 1998 With Patient First since 1998

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

The Afro-American, July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016

Kristen Savali with Morgan State University faculty , administrators and Board of Visitors

Kristen West Savali received the second annual Vernon Jarrett Medal of Journaltic Excellence June 28 from Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism and Communication. The honor is bestowed on a journalist who conducts exemplary reporting on Black life in America.The award was presented to Savali at the National Press Club in Northwest D.C. Savali also received a $10,000 check. Savali’s son and managing editor accompanied her when she received the award.

Hamilton Fish, publisher, The New Republic

Wade Henderson, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and counsel to the Leadership Conference Education Fund

DeWayne Wickham; Kirsten West Savali; David Wilson, Morgan State University President and Gloria Gibson, provost, Morgan State University

K rsten West Savali, her son Dash Savali and Lyne Pitts, former managing editor “The Roots”

Recipient of The Vernon Jarrett Medal for Journalistic Excellence, Kirsten West Savali, and AFRO D.C. Editor LaTrina Antoine

Photos by Rob Roberts

Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority held its annual Jazzmatazz at Martin’s Crosswinds in May of 2016. Jazzmatazz is a joint venture between the Chapter and the Montgomery County Delta Foundation. The fundraising goal for the event was $30,000, which would support the chapter’s on going public service activities and scholarships. About 500 people attended. (standing) Joe Shelton, Brenda Shelton, Barbara Williams and Robert Williams (seated) Adrienne B. Hatchett, Beverly McLee and Loretta Hawkins

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Katherine Van Hollen, Brenda Wolff and her husband

LaTonyia Wade, president of the Montgomery County chapter

Mistress of Ceremonies Natalie Tucker

Mary Grant and Venida Hamilton Wilma V. Holmes

Betty Brown, Carl Dunn and Rosa Dunn

Tyren Sutton, Adrienne Sutton, Bim Lawrence and Clyde Lawrence

Linda Payton, Thelma Harrington and Brenda Wolff

Gina Harrell, co-chair and Lynne Miller Rowe, Montgomery County Delta Alumnae Foundation Board chair

Reginald Moss, Cheryl Prada and Diane McFarland

Members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

(standing) Edward D. Gaines and Edna Taylor-Capers. (seated) Valerie Gaines, Dorothy Ritchie and Desirees Sterling

LeStancia Spaght; Gloria Fuller; Leandra Thomas; LaTonyia Wade; Patricia Ruth and Crystal Barrett

Photos by Rob Roberts

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

July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016, The Afro-American

ARTS & CULTURE

Cam’ron – Harlem’s Most Popular 21st Century Celeb By Maliik Obee Special to the AFRO Cam’ron will be performing in Baltimore on July 12 at Rams Head Live. New York’s Harlem neighborhood has birthed & housed some of the world’s most prominent Black figures. In terms of entertainment, there are few places whose residents compare, with names like James Baldwin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Sean “Diddy” Combs. But arguably Harlem’s most popular homegrown celebrity of the 21st century is Cameron Ezike Giles, better known as Cam’ron. Harlem is renowned for its rich culture in arts and entertainment (Harlem Renaissance) and the area has played a major role in the evolution of Hip-Hop and R&B. Artists like Doug E. Fresh and Kurtis Blow established Harlem as a force in the early days of hip-hop and acts like Combs and Big L that followed the success throughout the 1990’s. But it was Cam’ron whose charismatic style and alluring sound set the hip-hop world ablaze throughout the 2000’s. Cam’ron has left a lasting impact on rap, from his music to films to fashion, but his success came through trial-and-error. As a teen, Cam’ron enjoyed a propitious high school basketball career at the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics teaming with friend and rapper Mase. The fastpaced run-and-gun squad found success in a crowded market of good teams, even defeating former NBA All-Star Stephon Marbury’s Lincoln High School in 1992. The team went undefeated in 1994, before losing on a last-second heave by Cam’ron against Louis D. Brandeis High School in the New York PSAL Playoffs. Cam’ron enrolled at Navarro Junior College in Texas, before injuries and off the court issues forced him to leave the school. Despite his hoop dreams deflating, Cam’ron quickly established himself in the underground New York rap scene. Along with childhood friends Mase, Big L, Mcgruff and cousin Bloodshed, the Harlem super group Children Of The Corn was formed. While the group generated buzz on the streets, Mase was blowing up on Bad Boy Records. Mase introduced Cam’ron to the late The Notorious B.I.G., who helped land him his first deal at Epic Records. After receiving a Gold plaque for his 1998 debut Confessions of Fire, Cam’ron’s 2000 follow up S.D.E (Sports, Drugs & Entertainment) failed to duplicate the success despite reaching Number 2 on the Billboard Hip-Hop charts.

Courtesy Photo

Cam’ron After a falling out with Epic and Mase, Cam’ron sought a fresh start, signing to Roc-A-Fella Records in 2000. Cam’ron reinvented himself at Roc-A-Fella, losing weight and adapting a more flamboyant style of dress. He also brought along The Diplomats, a group of childhood friends featuring acts like Jim Jones and Juelz Santana. After bombarding the mix tape scene, Cam’ron scored two Top 5 Billboard Hits in 2002 with “Oh Boy” and “Hey Ma.” 2002’s Come Home With Me album is his most successful to date, peaking at No.1 on the Billboard Hip-Hop charts and being RIAA Certified Platinum. The success of the album propelled Cam’ron to new heights, as his superstardom caused a riff with label mate and boss Jay-Z. In 2003, Cam’ron introduced The Diplomats to the world, scoring another Platinum album with Diplomatic Immunity Vol.1. The group released the sequel in 2004, selling over 500,000 copies, while Cam’ron’s Purple Haze went Gold. A big contributor to Cam’ron’s success was his image, fearlessly endorsing the color pink, an anomaly in the hiphop community at the time. With his unconventional flow and persona, Cam’ron challenged top-tier rappers like Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and T.I. for the crown of hottest rapper.

Celebrities Slam Kanye West’s ‘Famous’ Video Kanye West broke the internet during the last weekend in June after striking controversy with his bizarre and provocative new music video. On June 24, the video for his song “Famous” was released on Tidal, and it featured several celebrity doppelgangers sleeping in the nude with Kim and Kanye. The look-alikes include West’s ex Amber Rose, Kim’s ex Ray J, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Donald Trump, Bill Cosby, Anna Wintour, Caitlyn Jenner, George W. Bush and Taylor Swift. West has spoken out about all of the celebrities, in the video, in the past. This includes Taylor Swift who he both bashes in the song and infamously interrupted during her acceptance speech at the VMA’s in 2009. On June 25, Kanye West announced on twitter that the video would be displayed throughout the city of Baltimore. This surprise showing occurred on North Charles Street

her defense. “Seeing a woman I love like Taylor Swift…a woman I admire like Rihanna or Anna, reduced to a pair of waxy breast made by some special effects guy in the Valley, it makes me feel sad and unsafe and worried for the teenage girls who watch this” she wrote in a Facebook post. “I know that art’s job is to make us think in ways that aren’t always tidy or comfortable. But this feels different,” wrote Dunham. Ray J, who was featured in the video, said he wasn’t pleased with being dissed by the song’s lyrics and being placed next to ex Kim Kardashian. “Man, I’m just trying to stay positive,” Ray J told ET’s Kein Frazier “I’m engaged. My marriage is all messed up ‘cause of craziness. I’m not a part of nothing crazy.” Although Ray J infamously made a sex tape with West’s wife Kim Kardashian, he just wants to put the past behind him. “Can I grow up?” he told Frazier. According to several media outlets, George Bush denied that he was in the video. “In case there was any doubt, I’ll

and West Centre Street, Art Museum Drive, Water Street and South Calvert Lombard Street and South Howard Street and Eutaw Street and West Camden Street. These pop up viewings are also happening across the country and internationally. Some say the piece was inspired by artist Vicent Desiderio’s painting “Sleep,” as simply a metaphor. West told {Vanity Fair} that “It’s not in support or anti any of [the people in the video]. It’s a comment on fame.” However, the celebrities who were exposed are less than amused. Although Taylor Swift has yet to comment about the debacle, her close friend Lena Dunham quickly came to

state the obvious: That is not President Bush. He is in much better shape,” his media spokesperson wrote in an email. Singer Chris Brown also took the video lightheartedly, joking on Instagram by posting “Why I gotta have the plumbers butt/crack showing WAX figure? This nigga KANYE CRAZY, talented, but crazy.” Although Rihanna, Caitlyn Jenner, Amber Rose, and Taylor Swift have yet to respond, many are wondering if they will be taking legal action against Kanye West. However, West does not appear to be afraid of any backlash. On June 25 he tweeted “Can somebody sue me already #I’ll wait,” but it was later deleted from his account.

By Jerica Deck Special to the AFRO

After appearing in the 2002 urban hit film Paid In Full, Cam’ron starred in his own movie Killa Season in 2006. An album of the same name was released, earning Cam’ron his third RIAA Gold plaque. Arguably the biggest rapper of the time, Cam’ron publicly feuded with several of the game’s top emcees, including his boss Jay-Z and 50 Cent. At the top of his game, Cam’ron abruptly disappeared, aborting his rap success for nearly three years. In 2009, Cam’ron made his whereabouts public, revealing that his mother had suffered three strokes in a day and he moved to Florida with her to care for her. By 2009, Cam’s and his Dipset crew had publicly fallen out, and his projects since haven’t had the impact of his earlier works. While still creating music, Cam’ron turned to business ventures, creating a clothing line (Dipset U.S.A), a web series (First Of The Month) and even his own cereal. In 2016, Reebok even released a limited sneaker for the Harlem native, specially designed to commemorate his hit album Purple Haze. Cam’Ron’s influence can be seen today in not only New York rappers like A$AP Rocky and Joey Bada$$, but in the fashion realm of hip-hop. Cam’ron’s career managed to survive several obstacles, including label disputes, multiple rap beefs, and a 2005 shooting in Washington D.C. Through it all, Cam’ron remains one of the most celebrated rap artists of the 21st century.

Omari Hardwick Tells Blacks to Banish Poverty Mentality By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com One of the entertainment industry’s hottest rising stars recently said that Blacks need to rid themselves of a poverty mentality and embrace their own individuality to be successful in life. Omari Hardwick was the guest star of the “Icon Talks” Empowerment Tour June 30 at the Arena Stage in D.C. Hardwick is best known for his current role as James “Ghost” St. Patrick on the popular Starz television network show Power. He told an audience of 200, in an interview format managed by “Icon Talks” co-founder John Burns, that Blacks have thought processes that justify lacking resources. “Too many Black people have a poverty mentality,” Hardwick said. “We think too much of our limitations and not what we can do. We think if we can just get by instead of prospering.” The “Icon Talks” is a performance-based platform that gives a platform to celebrated individuals ranging from professional athletes and music moguls to CEOs and political activists. Burns was pleased to have Hardwick as a performer. “We were excited to have a talent of Omari’s caliber to join us for this event,” he said. “His story is incredibly amazing and he will definitely inspect and inspire the audience.” Hardwick, a native of Atlanta, attended the University of Georgia on a football scholarship and studied acting and poetry, and minored in theater. After graduation, he Continued on C5

Photo by Rob Roberts

Noted actor Omari Hardwick cites poetry at the ICON Talks event on June 30.

CLASSIFIED

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

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

EDUCATION

COMPUTER & IT TRAINEES NEEDED! Train at home to become a Help Desk Professional! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Call CTI for details! 1-888-528-5549

EDUCATION TRAINING AVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-823-6729

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for the Best C.N.A.s, RNs, LPNs in Montgomery County. Immediate jobs, great pay, flex hours. Email info@elizabethcooneyagency.com, fax 410-377-4722, call 410-323-1700-APPLY TODAY!

MISC. FOR SALE

KILL BED BUGS & THEIR EGGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/ KIT Complete Treatment System. Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Delaware New MoveIn Ready Homes! Low Taxes! Close to Beaches, Gated, Olympic pool. FOUR New Homes from $90’s. No HOA Fees. Brochures Available 1-866-629-0770 or www.coolbranch.com.

Sma

AD NETWORK SERVS./MISC. Want a larger footprint in the marketplace consider advertising in the MDDC Small Display 2x2 or 2x4 Advertising Network. Reach 3.6 million readers every week by placing your ad in 71 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. With just one phone call, your business and/ or product will be seen by 3.6 million readers HURRY....space is limited, CALL TODAY!! Call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or 410-212-0616 email wsmith@mddcpress. com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com Reach 3.1 Million Readers five (5) days per week through the MDDC Daily Classified Connection Network. Place your ad in twelve (12) daily newspapers. Call 410-212-0616 TODAY – target readers throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region; email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@mddcpress. com. Place a business card ad in the Regional Small Display 2x2/2x4 Advertising Network - Reach 3.6 Million readers with just one call, one bill and one ad placement in 71 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and DC TODAY! For just $1450.00, Get the reach, Get the results and for Just Pennies on the Dollars Now...call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@mddcpress. com.

VACATION RENTALS

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-6382102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc. com

1 Col. Inch TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:25:31 EDTWed 2016Jul 06 11:25:51 EDT 2016 Up to TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:24:09 EDT 2016 TYPESET: 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. 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

TYPESET: 06/24, 07/1, Wed 7/8/16Jul 06 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 TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/24, 7/1, 7/8/2016

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

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM253 Dorcas Clark Crosby Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Syande Crosby, whose address is 2528 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Dorcas Clark Crosby, who died on February 14, 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 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 Syande Crosby Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/24, 07/1, 7/8/16

TYPESET: Wed Jul 06

06/24, 7/1, 7/8/16

TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:25:11 EDTCourt 2016of Superior Superior Court of the District of DistrictEDT of Columbia 11:24:31 2016 PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM617 Joyce Shokes Murray Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ursula Shokes , whose address is 403 South Llyod St., Ahoskie NC 27910, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Joyce Shokes Murray, who died on April 8, 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 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 Ursula Shokes Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/24, 7/1, 7/8/16

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 TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06/24, 07/1, 7/8/16

202-332-0080 410-554-8200 Buy it • Sell it Swap it • Lease it Rent it • Hire it

results AFRO Classified minimum ad rate is $26.54 per col. inch (an inch consists of up to 20 words). Mail in your ad on form below along with CHECK or MONEY ORDER to: WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN CO. 1917 Benning Road, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002-4723 Attn: Clsf. Adv. Dept.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

NAME: ________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________ TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:24:51 EDT 2016 PHONE NO.:____________________________________________ CLASSIFICATION: ______________________________________ Superior Court of (Room, Apt., House,the etc.) District of District of Columbia INSERTION DATE:_________________ PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016ADM530 Ervin Hill Abney Decedent Advertising Rates TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:21:12 EDT 2016 William A Legal Bland, Esq 1140 Connecticut EffectiveAve, October 1, 2008 NW #1100 Superior Court of Washington, DC 20036 the District of Attorney PROBATE DIVISION District of Columbia NOTICE OF PROBATE DIVISION APPOINTMENT,(Estates) Washington, D.C. NOTICE TO 202-332-008020001-2131 CREDITORS Administration No. AND NOTICE TO PROBATE NOTICES 2016ADM640 UNKNOWN HEIRS Joyce Paige Abney , Muriel I Smith TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:21:31 whose address is 620 Decedent a. Order Nisi insertion Kimberly Fahrenholz, $180.00 per 3 weeks O r l e a n s P l a c e , $N60 E , per Esq Washington, DC 20002 b. Small Estates (single publication $ 60 per insertion Superior Court of appointed personal 1801-18th Street, NW c. Notice to Creditorswas the District of representative of the Ste, 9 District of 3Columbia Washington, DC 20009 e s t a t e o f E r v i n $H60 i l l per insertion 1. Domestic $180.00 per weeks PROBATE DIVISION Abney, who died on Attorney 2. Foreign $ 60 per insertion $180.00 per 3 weeks Washington, D.C. NOTICE OF January 10, 2015 without APPOINTMENT, a will, and will serve $withd. Escheated Estates 60 per insertion $360.0020001-2131 per 6 weeks Administration No. NOTICE TO out Court supervision. All e. Standard Probates $125.00 2016ADM700 CREDITORS unknown heirs and heirs Robert Davis AND NOTICE TO whose whereabouts are AKA UNKNOWN HEIRS unknown shall enter their CIVIL NOTICES E d w a r d S m i t h , J r. , Robert Lee Davis appearance in this proceeding. Objections whose address is 162- $ Decedent a. Name Changes 202-879-1133 80.00 NOTICE OF to such appointment 3 5 t h S t r e e t , N E , b. Real Property $ 200.00 APPOINTMENT, shall be filed with the Washington, DC 20019, NOTICE TO Register of Wills, D.C., was appointed personal CREDITORS 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd representative of the AND NOTICE TO estate of Muriel I Smith, Floor Washington, D.C. COURT FAMILY UNKNOWN HEIRS 20001, on or before who died on October 5, 202-879-1212 11:23:48 EDT 2016 D e c e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 6 . 2011 without a will, and John Davis, whose adwill serve (with, without dress is 9903 Palatte Claims against the de- RELATIONS DOMESTIC cedent shall be pre- Court supervision. All un- Court, Clinton, MD sented to the 202-879-0157 under- known heirs and heirs 20735, was appointed signed with a copy to the whose whereabouts are personal representative Register of Wills or filed unknown shall enter their of the estate of Robert AKA Robert Lee with the Register of Wills a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s $ Davis a. Absent Defendant 150.00 with a copy to the under- proceeding. Objections Davis , who died on April 2016 with a will, and signed, on or before to such appointment $ 29, b. Absolute Divorce 150.00 December 3, 2016, or be shall be filed with the will serve without Court c. Custody Divorce supervision. All unknown forever barred. Persons Register of Wills, D.C., $150.00 believed to be heirs or 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd heirs and heirs whose legatees of the decedent Floor Washington, D.C. whereabouts are unknown shall & enter on Public or before To place your ad,who call do 1-800-237-6892, ext. 262, Notices $50.00 up their not receive a 20001, copy of this notice by mail January 1, 2017. Claims a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s depending on size, Baltimore Legal Notices are $24.84 per inch. within 25 days of its first against the decedent proceeding. Objections presented to the to such appointment (or publication shall so (AFRO) in- shall be 1-800 892 undersigned with a copy to the probate of deform the Register of For Proof of Publication, please call 1-800-237-6892, ext. 244will) shall be Wills, including name, to the Register of Wills or cedent´s address and relation- filed with the Register of filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the Wills, D.C., 515 5th ship. undersigned, on or be- Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Date of Publication: fore January 1, 2017, or W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:24:51 EDTAbney 2016 Joyce Paige LEGAL NOTICES be forever barred. Per- 20001, on or before Name of newspaper: sons believed to be heirs January 1, 2017. Claims Afro-American or legatees of the de- against the decedent Washington Superior Court of cedent who do not re- shall be presented to the Law Reporter the District of Ervin Hill Abney ceive a copy of this notice undersigned with a copy District of Columbia Personal by mail within 25 days of to the Register of Wills or PROBATE DIVISION Representative its first publication shall filed with the Register of Washington, D.C. so inform the Register of Wills with a copy to the 20001-2131 Wills, including name, undersigned, on or beTRUE TEST COPY Administration No. address and relation- fore January 1, 2017, or REGISTER OF WILLS 2016ADM530 be forever barred. Pership. Ervin Hill Abney sons believed to be heirs Date of Publication: 06/3, 06/10, Wed 6/17 Jul 06 11:21:12 Decedent TYPESET: EDT 2016 or legatees of the deJuly 1, 2016 William A Bland, Esq cedent who do not reName of newspaper: 1140 Connecticut Ave, ceive a copy of this notice Afro-American NW #1100 Superior Court of by mail within 25 days of Washington Washington, DC 20036 the District of its first publication shall Law Reporter Attorney District of Columbia Edward Smith Jr. so inform the Register of NOTICE OF PROBATE DIVISION Wills, including name, Personal APPOINTMENT, Washington, D.C. Representative address and relationNOTICE TO 20001-2131 ship. CREDITORS Administration No. TRUE TEST COPY Date of Publication: AND NOTICE TO 2016ADM640 July 1, 2016 REGISTER OF WILLS UNKNOWN HEIRS Muriel I Smith Name of newspaper: Joyce Paige Abney , Decedent TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:21:31 EDT 2016 Afro-American 07/1, 7/8, 7/15/16 whose address is 620 Kimberly Fahrenholz, Washington O r l e a n s P l a c e , N E , Esq Law Reporter Washington, DC 20002 1801-18th Street, NW Superior Court of John Davis was appointed personal Ste, 9 the District of Personal representative of the Washington, DC 20009 District of Columbia Representative e s t a t e o f E r v i n H i l l Attorney PROBATE DIVISION Abney, who died on NOTICE OF Washington, D.C. TRUE TEST COPY January 10, 2015 without APPOINTMENT, 20001-2131 REGISTER OF WILLS a will, and will serve withNOTICE TO Administration No. out Court supervision. All CREDITORS 2016ADM700 07/1, 07/8, 7/15/16 unknown heirs and heirs AND NOTICE TO Robert Davis whose whereabouts are UNKNOWN HEIRS AKA unknown shall enter their E d w a r d S m i t h , J r. , Robert Lee Davis appearance in this whose address is 162- Decedent proceeding. Objections 3 5 t h S t r e e t , N E , NOTICE OF to such appointment Washington, DC 20019, APPOINTMENT, shall be filed with the was appointed personal NOTICE TO Register of Wills, D.C., representative of the CREDITORS 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd estate of Muriel I Smith, AND NOTICE TO Floor Washington, D.C. who died on October 5, UNKNOWN HEIRS 20001, on or before 2011 without a will, and John Davis, whose adD e c e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 6 . will serve (with, without dress is 9903 Palatte Claims against the de- Court supervision. All unCourt, Clinton, MD cedent shall be pre- known heirs and heirs 20735, was appointed sented to the under- whose whereabouts are personal representative signed with a copy to the unknown shall enter their of the estate of Robert Register of Wills or filed a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s Davis AKA Robert Lee with the Register of Wills proceeding. Objections Davis , who died on April with a copy to the under- to such appointment 29, 2016 with a will, and signed, on or before shall be filed with the will serve without Court December 3, 2016, or be Register of Wills, D.C., supervision. All unknown forever barred. Persons 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd heirs and heirs whose believed to be heirs or Floor Washington, D.C. whereabouts are unlegatees of the decedent 20001, on or before known shall enter their who do not receive a January 1, 2017. Claims appearance in this copy of this notice by mail against the decedent proceeding. Objections within 25 days of its first shall be presented to the to such appointment (or publication shall so in- undersigned with a copy to the probate of deform the Register of to the Register of Wills or cedent´s will) shall be Wills, including name, filed with the Register of filed with the Register of address and relation- Wills with a copy to the Wills, D.C., 515 5th ship. undersigned, on or be- Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Date of Publication: fore January 1, 2017, or W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . Joyce Paige Abney be forever barred. Per- 20001, on or before Name of newspaper: sons believed to be heirs January 1, 2017. Claims Afro-American or legatees of the de- against the decedent Washington cedent who do not re- shall be presented to the Law Reporter ceive a copy of this notice undersigned with a copy Ervin Hill Abney by mail within 25 days of to the Register of Wills or Personal its first publication shall filed with the Register of Representative

WASHINGTON AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS

Payment Policy for legal notice advertisements. Effective immediately, The Afro American Newspapers will require prepayment for publication of all legal notices. Payment will be accepted in the form of chwecks, credit card or money order. Any returned checks will be subject to a $25.00 processing fee and may result in the suspension of any future advertising at our discretion.

SAMPLE

AD NETWORK

l ad

Washington

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

A F R O

C2 The Afro-American, July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016

July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016, The Afro-American TYPESET: Wed EDT 2016 TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:20:24 EDT 2016 TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:21:55 EDT 2016 TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:19:01 EDT 2016 TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:20:45 EDT 2016Jul 06 11:22:34 TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:18:38 EDT 2016 LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 07/1, 07/8, 7/15/16

TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 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

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

07/01, 07/8, 07/15/16

Superior Court of Superior Court of Superior Court of Superior Court of the District of the District of the District of the District of District of Columbia District of Columbia District of Columbia District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION PROBATE DIVISION PROBATE DIVISION PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 20001-2131 20001-2131 20001-2131 Administration No. Administration No. Administration No. Administration No. 2016ADM263 2016ADM494 1988 ADM1355 2016ADM710 Esther Lowe Viola D Delespin Lucretia A Smith Elaine T. Sykes Decedent Decedent Decedent Decedent NOTICE OF NOTICE OF NOTICE OF Theodora H. Brown, APPOINTMENT, APPOINTMENT, APPOINTMENT, Esq NOTICE TO NOTICE TO NOTICE TO Law Office CREDITORS CREDITORS CREDITORS of AND NOTICE TO AND NOTICE TO AND NOTICE TO Theodora H. Brown, UNKNOWN HEIRS UNKNOWN HEIRS UNKNOWN HEIRS PLLC Aurora L. Delespin- Seth T. Lowe, III, whose 3127 Cherry Rd, NE, Donna F Roberts White , Jones , whose address is a d d r e s s i s 5 7 5 0 W a s h i n g t o n , D C whose address is 4075 1 7 N S t r e e t , N W , Windsong Ct., New Mar- 20018-1611 Coho Lane, Lake Washington, DC 20001 ket, MD 21774, was ap- Attorney Oswego Or 97034 was was appointed personal pointed personal repreappointed personal reNOTICE OF representative of the sentative of the estate of presentative of the estate APPOINTMENT, estate of Viola D Deles- Esther Lowe, who died of Lucretia A Smith, who NOTICE TO pin, who died on Novem- on June 10 , 1998 without died on April 10, 1988 CREDITORS ber 27, 2015 with a will, a will, and will serve with with a will, and will serve AND NOTICE TO and will serve with Court Court supervision. All unwith Court supervision. UNKNOWN HEIRS supervision. All unknown known heirs and heirs G l o r i a D R a y m o n d , All unknown heirs and heirs and heirs whose whose where-abouts are whose address is 7200 E h e i r s w h o s e where-abouts are un- unknown shall enter their Spring Street, Landover, whereabouts are unknown shall enter their a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s known shall enter their MD 20785, was approceeding. Objections pointed personal repre- a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment sentative of the estate of proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or shall be filed with the Elaine T. Sykes , who to such appointment (or to the probate of de- Register of Wills, D.C., died on June 4, 2016 to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd without a will, and will cedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Floor Washington, D.C. serve without Court su- filed with the Register of 20001, on or before pervision. All unknown Wills, D.C., 515 5th Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor January 8, 2017. Claims heirs and heirs whose Street, N.W., 3rd Floor against the decedent whereabouts are un- W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . 20001, on or before shall be presented to the known shall enter their 20001, on or before November 20, 2016. undersigned with a copy a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s January 8, 2017. Claims Claims against the de- to the Register of Wills or proceeding. Objections against the decedent cedent shall be pre- filed with the Register of to such appointment (or shall be presented to the sented to the under- Wills with a copy to the to the probate of de- undersigned with a copy signed with a copy to the undersigned, on or be- cedent´s will) shall be to the Register of Wills or Register of Wills or filed fore January 8, 2017, or filed with the Register of filed with the Register of with the Register of Wills be forever barred. Per- Wills, D.C., 515 5th Wills with a copy to the with a copy to the under- sons believed to be heirs Street, N.W., 3rd Floor undersigned, on or besigned, on or before or legatees of the de- W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . fore January 8, 2017 or November 20, 2016 or be cedent who do not re- 20001, on or before be forever barred. Perforever barred. Persons ceive a copy of this notice January 8, 2017. Claims sons believed to be heirs believed to be heirs or by mail within 25 days of against the decedent or legatees of the delegatees of the decedent its first publication shall shall be presented to the cedent who do not rewho do not receive a so inform the Register of undersigned with a copy ceive a copy of this notice copy of this notice by mail Wills, including name, to the Register of Wills or by mail within 25 days of within 25 days of its first address and relation- filed with the Register of its first publication shall publication shall so in- ship. Wills with a copy to the so inform the Register of Date of Publication: form the Register of undersigned, on or be- Wills, including name, Wills, including name, July 8, 2016 fore January 8, 2017, or address and relation07/01, 07/18/16 address and relation- Name of newspaper: be forever barred. Per- ship. Afro-American ship. sons believed to be heirs Date of Publication: TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:23:24 EDT 2016 Washington Date of Publication: or legatees of the de- July 8, 2016 Law Reporter May 20, 2016 cedent who do not re- Name of newspaper: Seth T. Lowe, III Name of newspaper: ceive a copy of this notice Afro-American SUPERIOR COURT OF Personal Afro-American by mail within 25 days of Washington THE DISTRICT OF Representative its first publication shall Law Reporter Washington COLUMBIA Law Reporter Donna F. Roberts White so inform the Register of PROBATE DIVISION Aurora L. Delespin- TRUE TEST COPY Personal Wills, including name, Washington, D.C. REGISTER OF WILLS Jones Representative address and relation20001-2131 Personal ship. Administration No. Representative 07/08, 07/15, 07/22/16 TRUE TEST COPY Date of Publication: 2016ADM723 REGISTER OF WILLS July 8, 2016 TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:19:26 EDT 2016 Estate of TRUE TEST COPY Name of newspaper: Sonny Burgess REGISTER OF WILLS 07/08, 07/15, 07/22/16 Afro-American Deceased Washington Superior Court of NOTICE OF Law Reporter the District of STANDARD 05/20, 05/27, 06/3/16 Gloria D. Raymond District of Columbia PROBATE Personal PROBATE Notice is hereby given TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:18:15 EDTDIVISION 2016 Representative Washington, D.C. that a petition has been 20001-2131 filed in EDT this Court 11:22:14 2016 by TRUE TEST COPY Administration No. Bruce E. Gardner for Superior Court of REGISTER OF WILLS 2016ADM682 standard probate, includthe District of Charletta T. Woodard ing the appoint-ment of District of Columbia 07/08, 7/15, 7/22/16 Decedent one or more personal rePROBATE DIVISION TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:19:57 EDT 2016 NOTICE OF presentative. Unless a Washington, D.C. APPOINTMENT, complaint or an objection 20001-2131 NOTICE TO in accordance with Administration No. CREDITORS Superior Court Probate SUPERIOR COURT OF 2016ADM731 AND NOTICE TO Division Rule 407 is filed John Lewis Mahone THE DISTRICT OF UNKNOWN HEIRS in this Court within 30 Decedent COLUMBIA Brenda Smith Hester, days from the date of first Lisa Smith Sanders, PROBATE DIVISION whose address is 2420 publication of this notice, Esq Washington, D.C. the Court may take the 14452 Old Mill Road, Corning Avenue Apt 104, 20001-2131 wasappointed personal action hereinafter set Suite 101 Foreign No. representative of the forth. 2016FEP61 Upper Marlboro, MD 0 estate of Charletta T. In the absence of a will 20772 Date of Death Woodard who died on or proof satisfactory to Attorney June 29, 2011 May 15, 2016 with a will, William Scott Davis Sr. the Court of due execuNOTICE OF and will serve without Decedent tion, enter an order deterAPPOINTMENT, Court supervision. All unmining that the decenNOTICE OF NOTICE TO known heirs and heirs dent died intestate APPOINTMENT CREDITORS 0 whose whereabouts are appoint an supervised OF FOREIGN AND NOTICE TO unknown shall enter their personal representative PERSONAL UNKNOWN HEIRS Register of Wills Betty Dingess and Jean- a p p e a r a n c e i n t h i s REPRESENTATIVE Clerk of the nie Gray, whose ad- proceeding. Objections AND Probate Division d r e s s e s a r e 4 0 2 to such appointment (or NOTICE TO to the probate of deDate of First Publication CREDITORS Daughters Drive, NewJuly 1, 2016 port, NC 28570 and 421 cedent´s will) shall be Dorothy Baines Davis filed with the Register of Names of Newspapers: whose address is 116 Hardy Road , Newport, Wills, D.C., 515 5th Washington Robert E Lee Lane, BluffNC 28570 were apLaw Reporter pointed personal repre- Street, N.W., 3rd Floor t o n , S o u t h C a r o l i n a Washington 29909 was appointed sentative of the estate of W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . AFRO-AMERICAN John Lewis Mahone, 20001, on or before personal representative January 8, 2017. Claims B r u c e E G a r d n e r, of the estate of William who died on March 28, Esq1101 Penn Ave., NW, 2016 without a will, and against the decedent Scott Davis, Sr. , deSuite 600 will serve without Court shall be presented to the ceased by the Beaufort Washington, DC, 20004 supervision. All unknown undersigned with a copy County Probate Court for Signature of heirs and heirs whose to the Register of Wills or Beaufort County, State of Petitioners/Attorney whereabouts are un- filed with the Register of South Carolina on Auknown shall enter their Wills with a copy to the gust 17, 2011.Service of undersigned, on or be- process may be made appearance in this 07/01, 07/18/16 proceeding. Objections fore January 8, 2017, or upon Aimee D. Griffin, be forever barred. Per- Esq, 5335 Wisconsin TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 11:23:04 2016 to suchEDT appointment shall be filed with the sons believed to be heirs A v e , N W, S t e 4 4 0 , Register of Wills, D.C., or legatees of the de- Washington, DC 20015 SUPERIOR COURT OF 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd cedent who do not re- whose designation as THE DISTRICT OF Floor Washington, D.C. ceive a copy of this notice District of Columbia COLUMBIA 20001, on or before by mail within 25 days of agent has been filed with PROBATE DIVISION January 8, 2017. Claims its first publication shall the Register of Wills, Washington, D.C. against the decedent so inform the Register of D.C. 20001-2131 shall be presented to the Wills, including name, The decedent owned the Administration No. undersigned with a copy address and relation- f o l l o w i n g D i s t r i c t o f Colombia real property: 2016ADM735 to the Register of Wills or ship. 1301 Delaware Avenue, Estate of filed with the Register of Date of Publication: July 8, 2016 SW, #N705, WashingSteven E. McPherson Wills with a copy to the Name of newspaper: ton, DC 20024 Deceased undersigned, on or beAfro-American Claims against the deNOTICE OF fore January 8, 2017 , or Washington cedent may be preSTANDARD be forever barred. Persented to the underPROBATE sons believed to be heirs Law Reporter Brenda Smith Hester signed and filed with the Notice is hereby given or legatees of the dePersonal Register of Wills for the that a petition has been cedent who do not reRepresentative District of Columbia, filed in this Court by Alma ceive a copy of this notice Building A, 515 5th L. Banner-McPherson by mail within 25 days of Street, NW, 3rd Floorand Steven McPherson its first publication shall TRUE TEST COPY Washington, D.C. 20001 for standard probate, so inform the Register of REGISTER OF WILLS within 6 months from the including the appoint- Wills, including name, 07/8, 07/15, 7/22/16 date of first publication of ment of one or more per- address and relationthis notice. sonal representative. ship. Dorothy Baines Davis Unless a complaint or an Date of Publication: Personal objection in accordance July 8, 2016 Representative(s) with Superior Court Pro- Name of newspaper: TRUE TEST COPY bate Division Rule 407 is Afro-American REGISTER OF WILLS filed in this Court within Washington Date of first publication: 30 days from the date of Law Reporter July 8, 2016 first publication of this noName of newspapers tice, the Court may take Betty Dingess and/or periodical: the action hereinafter set Jeannie Gray The Daily Washington forth. Personal 0 Law Reporter In the absence of a will Representative The Afro-American or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execu- TRUE TEST COPY 07/08, 07/15, 07/22/16 tion, enter an order deter- REGISTER OF WILLS mining that the decendent died intestate 07/8, 7/15, 7/22/16 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

AFRO.COM •Your History

07/01, 07/18/16

•Your Community • Your News

CAREER CORNER

TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 14:04:02 EDT 2016

Fannie Mae, Applications Development Analyst, Reston VA Architect and Design enterprise software applications using Java/J2ee platform and TIBCO platform. Req’d: Bachelor’s in Comp Sci, EE or related + 5 years’ exp. To apply: fanniemae.com/careers #46261. EOE TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 14:04:25 EDT 2016 Fannie Mae, Financial Economist, Washington, DC Apply advanced financial or economic analytical methods and models to valuation of assets, projection of pricing or risk under varying economic scenarios. Req’d: Master’s in Econ or Social Science. To apply: fanniemae.com/careers #46288. EOE

AFRO. COM

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

To advertise in the WASHINGTON AFRO Call 202-332-0080

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

Your advertising resource: local touch, infinite reach

Biggest Value In Advertising

Call Today!

(855) 721-6332 x5

PRESS SERVICES

CLASSIFIED

AD NETWORK

AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS

BUSINESS SERVICES

To advertise in the BALTIMORE AFRO Call 410554-8200

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for the Best C.N.A.s, RNs, LPNs in Montgomery County. Immediate jobs, great pay, flex hours. Email info@elizabethcooneyagency.com, fax 410-377-4722, call 410-323-1700-APPLY TODAY!

LEGAL NOTICES

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 24, 2016 *DIVERSITY AND LABOR COMPLIANCE SYSTEM(S) B50004537 August 31, 2016 *JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR AREA A B50004603 THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWN LOADED BY VISITING THE CITY’S WEB SITE: www.baltimorecitibuy.org

LEGAL NOTICES - APARTMENTS

410-554-8200

Buy it • Sell it Swap it • Lease it Rent it • Hire it

results AFRO Classified minimum ad rate is $26.54 per col. inch (an inch consists of up to 20 words). Mail in your ad on form below along with CHECK or MONEY ORDER to: BALTIMORE AFRO-AMERICAN CO. 2519 N. Charles Street Baltimore, Md. 21218-4602 Attn: Clsf. Adv. Dept.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

NAME: ________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________ PHONE NO.:____________________________________________ CLASSIFICATION: ______________________________________ (Room, Apt., House, etc.) INSERTION DATE:_________________

BALTIMORE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER Legal Advertising Rates Effective October 1, 2008 PROBATE DIVISION (Estates) 202-332-0080 PROBATE NOTICES a. Order Nisi $ 60 per insertion b. Small Estates (single publication $ 60 per insertion c. Notice to Creditors 1. Domestic $ 60 per insertion 2. Foreign $ 60 per insertion d. Escheated Estates $ 60 per insertion e. Standard Probates

CIVIL NOTICES a. Name Changes 202-879-1133 b. Real Property

$180.00 per 3 weeks $180.00 per 3 weeks $180.00 per 3 weeks $360.00 per 6 weeks $125.00

$ 80.00 $ 200.00

FAMILY COURT 202-879-1212 DOMESTIC RELATIONS 202-879-0157

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

COMPUTER & IT TRAINEES NEEDED! Train at home to become a Help Desk Professional! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Call CTI for details! 1-888-528-5549

1 Col. Inch Up to 20 Words

TYPESET: Wed Jul 06 12:05:49 EDT 2016

Place your ad on Facebook;Twitter; LinkedIN and Google Ads Words through MDDC’s Social Media Ad Network; Call today to find out maximize your presence on Social Media; 410-212-0616; or email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@mddcpress. com

EDUCATION

l ad

Baltimore

Place a business card ad in the Regional Small Display 2x2/2x4 Advertising Network - Reach 3.6 Million readers with just one call, one bill and one ad placement in 71 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and DC TODAY! For just $1450.00, Get the reach, Get the results and for Just Pennies on the Dollars Now... call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or email wsmith@ mddcpress.com

Drive traffic to your business and reach 4.1 million readers with just one phone call & one bill. See your business ad in 91 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia for just $495.00 per ad placement. The value of newspapers advertising HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER....call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 today to place your ad before 4.1 million readers. Email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@mddcpress. com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com.

Sma

A F R O

C4 The Afro-American, July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016

a. Absent Defendant b. Absolute Divorce c. Custody Divorce

$ 150.00 $ 150.00 $150.00

To place your ad, call 1-800-237-6892, ext. 262, Public Notices $50.00 & up depending on size, Baltimore Legal Notices are $24.84 per inch. 1-800 (AFRO) 892 For Proof of Publication, please call 1-800-237-6892, ext. 244 AD NETWORK MISCELLANEOUS

MISC. FOR SALE

KILL BED BUGS & THEIR EGGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/ KIT Complete Treatment System. Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Delaware New MoveIn Ready Homes! Low Taxes! Close to Beaches, Gated, Olympic pool. FOUR New Homes from $90’s. No HOA Fees. Brochures Available 1-866-629-0770 or www.coolbranch.com.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

SERVS./MISC. Want a larger footprint in the marketplace consider advertising in the MDDC Small Display 2x2 or 2x4 Advertising Network. Reach 3.6 million readers every week by placing your ad in 71 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. With just one phone call, your business and/ or product will be seen by 3.6 million readers HURRY....space is limited, CALL TODAY!! Call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or 410-212-0616 email wsmith@mddcpress. com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com Reach 3.1 Million Readers five (5) days per week through the MDDC Daily Classified Connection Network. Place your ad in twelve (12) daily newspapers. Call 410-212-0616 TODAY – target readers throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region; email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@mddcpress. com.

VACATION RENTALS

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-6382102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc. com

AFRO.COM

•Your History •Your Community • Your News

July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016, The Afro-American

Mental Health Awareness

SPORTS

Sweetney Rebounds From Depression And Failed NBA Career By Mark F. Gray Special to the AFRO The summer of 2003 were the best and the worst of times for Michael Sweetney. The Georgetown forward declared himself eligible for one of the greatest drafts in NBA history following his junior year and was selected ninth by the New York Knicks. But Sweetney’s life was shaken by a real life crossover similar to what former Hoya guard Allen Iverson did to defenders. Prior to the start of training camp Sweetney lost his father and the grief took over his life. It was an unexpected turn that would ultimately derail his career and he nearly committed suicide. “That’s why my NBA career didn’t go the way I thought,” Sweetney said. “I suffered in silence and didn’t get any help and it ended up costing me my career.” The perfect storm converged on Sweetney as he tried to work through the grieving process and meet the expectations that came with being a top 10 draft pick. This was the same draft that produced LeBron

James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony who have eight NBA championships and 10 Olympic gold medals combined. He was also under the media scrutiny of the New York press that put Patrick Ewing size expectations on him to help restore credibility to the storied franchise. When he didn’t deliver it only compounded his problems. “I was considered a bust

and that was the hardest thing to deal with next to losing my dad,” Sweetney said. “It got

and grief. He couldn’t push himself through the emotional anguish to prepare himself

years. He was traded to Chicago and the change of scenery did little to change his mindset. His weight ballooned to 320 pounds. He was a shell of the Georgetown all-American. After two disappointing season with the Bulls his career was over. In his day, the perception of mental illness was not as compassionate as compared to now. Players facing psychological issues were seen as being in violation of the proverbial “man code” that permeates professional sports locker rooms where the perception of being soft was associated with depression. Sweetney openly admitted that he wasn’t honest especially with New York general manager Scott Layden who drafted him. “Back then mental health was not a popular thing to

“I suffered in silence and didn’t get any help and it ended up costing me my career.” – Michael Sweetney to a point where I didn’t want to live anymore.” He was insulated in his own world of depression

mentally and physically for the grind of the NBA. So, he fell out of shape and was branded as lazy after two

talk about but now there are commercials advising people to get help,” Sweetney said. “I was scared of teams

thinking I was crazy or cutting me. If you’re in the limelight as an NBA player it’s something you really don’t want to talk about.” He said his basketball family helped him recover from attempting to overdose using pills. However, it was his girlfriend India – now his wife – who helped him push through his suicidal time and gave him the motivation to get help. “She was the only person who knew what I was going through at the time,” he said. “She was all alone trying to help but I was too far gone”. Sweetney is now a spokesman for mental health through UMTTR – your life matters. Founded after the 2013 suicide of Winston Churchill basketball player Evan Rosenstock, UMTTR strives to create compassion and awareness for the symptoms of depression and support to families of suicide victims. The basketball family will rally around him again June 8 for the first Michael Sweetney Celebrity Basketball game at the University of the District of Columbia as a fundraiser for UMTTR.

Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems, A look at NBA Free Agency in 2016

By Andre Galiber Special to the AFRO

Early winners and losers in NBA free agency may be pretty cut and dry. The salary cap went up $24 million and this gave every team in the league an excuse to spend money on players who will helm their mediocrity for the next five years. At the end of the day, either you have acquired a tier one, superstar, NBA player, maintained your ability to acquire one or surrounded the one you have with much needed help. Let’s take a look at some early winners and losers. In the Western conference, let’s be frank, everyone not named Golden State lost. Golden State signed Durant and now every achy knee veteran is willing to pay Golden State to be on their roster. San Antonio is still Golden State’s toughest foe but they lost to Durant sans the league’s MVP and company, so their prospects might be hopeless enough to send Duncan into retirement. They added Pau Gasol to help replace and dare I say, upgrade their frontline, in case Duncan moves on. Outside of the Spurs and Memphis, no team in the western conference has actually gotten significantly better. The Eastern conference is far more interesting. The Indiana Pacers improved their roster through trades before free agency started. With the additions of Thaddeus Young and Jeff Teague, they’ve improved the offensive prowess of a team that struggled to score consistently, last year.

The Bulls are no longer an interesting destination for tier one free agents, but the addition of Rajon Rondo gives them the potential to be more potent offensively. There are also rumors that Dwayne Wade is in play to join his hometown team for $25 million for two or three years. Good luck with that. The Atlanta Hawks lost Al Horford, but added hometown product, and habitual dimwit, Dwight Howard. They traded Jeff Teague to open up the clear starter role for Dennis Schröder. The signing of Kent Bazemore (4 yrs/70 million) was important to their growth. I believe Howard finally realizes he has something to prove as opposed to his previous mindset that everyone owed him something. This could spell trouble for teams in the East and make for a much needed makeover for the Hawks. The New York Knicks rolled the dice on oft injured players in hopes of tapping into their elite abilities. Trading for Rose, signing Noah and Brandon Jennings, gives the Knicks punch in their starting lineup and off the bench. The Knicks, like most teams, were unable to lure tier one free agents, but arguably made smart low risk, high reward moves. If he’s healthy, the Knicks should be in the playoffs making noise. The Boston Celtics grabbed their guy in Al Horford and improved their prospects by only a smidge. He’s a solid player with all the tools, but by no means a game changer, evidenced by the Hawks’ lack of game when it counted the most. My sense is Ainge isn’t done on the

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File

In a May 30, file photo, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts during the second half of Game 7 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif. Durant announced July 4, that he is joining All-Stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson with the Golden State Warriors. Durant made the decision public on The Players’ Tribune but he can’t officially sign until July 7.

trade market either. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Pat Riley may have been reading his good press about being an awesome recruiter and got ahead of himself. The Heat resigned Hassan Whiteside, lost Deng, lost Tyler Johnson and managed to anger Dwayne Wade, in their pursuit of Kevin Durant. The Heat already had a relatively bad off season but if they lose Wade...disaster. Finally the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors have been quiet. Toronto lost Bismack Biyombo (4 yrs/72 million) to the Orlando Magic’s need to collect big men who play the same position. His loss will sting. Toronto is the type of team that is one hiccup away from being in the lottery. I hope that wasn’t it. The Cavs are riding high, but their cheap, “I want to play with LeBron”, talent might be looking for a pay day. The Cavs do not have the cap space to make many signings. Their core is intact regardless and they’re the best team in the East, as long as James and Kyrie are there. Everyone else is fighting for second place.

Omari Hardwick Continued from C1

attempted to play for the San Diego Chargers but was cut from the team. Hardwick pursued his artistic talents and as a struggling actor, he was homeless and worked odd jobs to make ends meet. He is now a well-known poet and actor who has played in Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls, Spike Lee’s Miracle at St. Anna’s and BET Network’s Being Mary Jane. Hardwick said Black people need to change their mindset so good things will come their way. “We also think in a mediocre type of way,” he said. “God sends you angels who will help you. These angels will tell you that you are a lot more than this. But these people will tell you not to get too high and mighty.” Hardwick said anyone that tries to be successful will never be alone. “There is always somebody who cares and you never really know who is watching you,” he said. “You will be surprised at the handouts that you will get. When I talk about handout I’m not talking about a government program but

someone who will help you reach your goal. “Take risks and you will get help from someone you least expect from. My best piece of advice, don’t quit.” Hardwick used Muhammad Ali as an example of striving for greatness. He found it interesting that while Blacks rooted for Muhammad Ali in the ring, other races were for his opponents, most notably Joe Frazier. “People would go chant to Ali, G-O-

don’t want to be successful just famous. But at the end of the day, everybody wakes up in the morning and just wants to matter.” The “Icon Talks” honored the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Radio One founder and chairwoman of the board Cathy Hughes. Hughes thanked the Icon Talks leaders for special recognition and said “we need to get Hardwick on TV One.” “He’s on the wrong channel,” Hughes, who owns TV ONE, said half-jokingly. Jackson, founder of the – Omari Hardwick Rainbow-Push Coalition and Democratic presidential nomination candidate in 1984 and 1988, noted that “dignity is non-negotiable” and being of service is dignified. “All of us can’t be famous but all of us can be great because of all of us can serve,” he said.

“My best piece of advice, don’t quit.” A-T and he would respond, I-AM-PRE-TT-Y,” he said. Hardwick said that like Ali, people who are successful should be true to themselves. “We are in a dark time,” he said. “We are also living in a microwaveable society and people

The Afro-American, July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016

“IT’S CRABS, OUTDOOR CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS TIME”

Hello folks! My goodness gracious, it has been a helluva week, in a good way. First of all I want to thank all my “Facebook friends”, my readers and fans for your prayers for my sister Maxine Pryor who has been in hospice between her home and Johns Hopkins Hospital. Prayers are a mighty powerful thing, and I believe with all my heart that the doctors do not have the last words. My sister has gotten much better, so much so they removed her from hospice, but yet not allowed her to go back to her own home to live alone. So, instead of letting her go to a facility, Shorty and I are now her caretakers. She is now living with us and so far she is doing very well. Please continue to keep all of us in your prayers.

Ms. Maybelle will present her comedy show at the “4th Annual All Open Crab Feast” hosted by Brian Keith of D.O.T. Sport, Promotions, & Entertainment July 10 at the Patapsco Arena starting at 5 p.m. For more information, call 410-929-1360.

It will be sometimes difficult to attend all the crab feasts, outdoor concerts and festivals you invite me to cover, because of my other duties now, but I promise you I will do the best I can. This past weekend I did attend the “Classic Soul Saturdays Event” given by Don Jones at the Prince Hall Mason and it was awesome. All the groups did a great job of entertaining us. The group called “Heat” was off the chart considering Dwayne “Big Shorty” Morris, an up and coming they have only been back comedian, is due to go together for a few months. Their four part harmony was national. He has been tight and their choreography performing for twenty years. He has performed was on the money. The all over the East Coast Intruders were also good and starting at 18 years old, the headliners singing some winning a talent show at of my favorite tunes such as the Pennsylvania Avenue “Miss you, Miss you”, and “I Market and has performed Don’t Love You Anymore” at Open Mic Nights all over brought back old memories. Baltimore. He has worked Nice Show Don Jones! at the Baltimore Comedy I stopped by the Avenue Factory, the Lyric Opera Bakery on Pennsylvania House and the Bethesda Blues Supper Club just Avenue and Baker Street to name a few. He can be before I went to the Soul contacted at 410-202-5138. Concert and had a ball. The court yard was full and the band was jumping with some great live entertainment. It was a beautiful day. My dear friends, it is “Steamed Crabs time” and Brian of D.O.T. Entertainment is starting it off with an “All Open Crab Feast”. All you can eat crabs served from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Patapsco Arena July 10 from 5 p.m-9 p.m., including a lot of dance music by several DJs and a comedy show by our one and only Ms. Maybelle. Also included with your ticket is an open bar and buffet, but you still can bring your own food. Call 410-929-1360 for more information.

SOAC Media & Entertainment is also hosting a Crab Feast, July 9 from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. at Tall Cedars, 2501 Putty Hill Avenue in Parkville, Maryland with DJ William Ruffin entertaining you. For more information, call 410-340-8879. As far as festivals, I believe the DipNic Festival is at the top. Hosted by our own Charles Faison and Carlos Hutchins, you can’t get two better promoters. This is a one of a kind festival for adults -- no children are allowed. It will be held at the Elks Camp Barrett, 1001 Chesterfield Road in Crownsville, Maryland. Mannnnnnnnnnnnn! I tell you this place and event is out-of-site. Bring your: swimwear or wear it, your jazz concert gear, canopy, your folding chairs and tables, sun umbrella, your grill and charcoal, bring your basket of food and drinks; yes it is BYOB and BYOF, bring your playing cards and your dancing shoes. It is a wonderful place to relax and have fun while you listen to continuous live entertainment and DJ music and shop to your heart’s content from the many vendors. The indoor dance hall is available if you want to cool off in air condition. Rain or shine this event will be “The Bomb”. For ticket information, call Carlos at 443-963-5711, Faison at 443-801-1100 or Millie Battle at 410-448-0033. “The Randallstown Liberty Live Outdoor Concert Series Festival” started with a Bang! Last week the live entertainment and the wide selection of vendors including the food and wine vendors was a great part of its success. This week make sure you bring your folding chairs to the Kings Point Square, 9900 Liberty Road, (rain or shine) to this free event starting at 6 p.m. every Friday thru August. I will see your there. The Liberty Road Business Association presents a Randallstown Farmers Market in the Liberty Court Shopping Center near the Library every Wednesday from 1p.m.-5 p.m. (rain or shine). They are also still looking for vendors. They have vendors space available for arts & crafts, jewelry, clothes, food, vegetables and fruits. Flowers and desert vendors are also welcome. Call Kelly at 410-6557766. Well, my dear friends, I have to go take care of my sister and get ready for a book-signing at Liberty Live. Remember, if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.

investing in Jevaugh Anderson and Kayla Washington shoot video during their Johns Hopkins internship.

Good neighbors create meaningful job opportunities for young people. This year, Johns Hopkins is hiring more than 300 city residents ages 15 to 21 through our Summer Jobs Program, a partnership with Baltimore City’s YouthWorks and Hire One Youth programs. Paid internships across the university and health system will provide up to eight weeks of hands-on learning along multiple career paths. Giving these young adults a feel for the working world in their own backyard is important to us because when Baltimore thrives, we all do.

Johns Hopkins. Investing in our community.

Send your news tips to tips@afro.com.

July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016, The Afro-American

BALTIMORE-AREA

Who’ll Be the Next AME Bishop?

Race and Politics

Increased Attacks on Mosby Reflect Vast Power of FOP

Rev. Dr. Frank Reid By Demetrius Dillard Special to the AFRO The Rev. Frank M. Reid III, one who has used his religious clout to climb the ranks of popularity among Baltimore City’s Black church community, is the senior pastor of the widely recognized Bethel AME Church, located on Druid Hill Avenue in West Baltimore. As the African Methodist Episcopal Church celebrates its 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference and Bicentennial, Reid is a candidate for Bishop in the church. “God just made it clear to me that I was called to run for Episcopal service, and if I get elected I will go where the [AME] Bethel A.M.E. Church church Rev. Dr. Frank sends me Madison and will Reid, III is a give the candidate for church Bishop at this good day’s year’s 50th service,” Quadrennial Reid told Session of the AFRO. the General “If I don’t Conference get elected, and I’ll come Bicentennial back to of the A.M.E. Bethel Church. and grow Bethel to even greater heights.” Reid’s campaign theme promotes sound and effective leadership, particularly in Baltimore City. He has resided in Baltimore for 28 years. “Our theme is ‘It’s Time to Lead with Reid’… It’s a time to lead change – it’s time to lead change in our communities. It’s time to lead change in our churches. It’s time to lead change in our city. It’s time to lead change in our nation,” he

“…I’ll come back to Bethel and grow Bethel to even greater heights.” –Rev. Reid said. Reid, 65, was born in Chicago and raised in St. Louis, where he attended school. As a fifth-generation minister, Reid has been preaching for more than 40 years. He said there isn’t a region in particular where he thinks or hopes he’ll be assigned, and highlighted that the Episcopal Committee makes those assignments. “My focus right now is on getting elected, and once that happens, I still believe in the will of God. And if it’s God’s will that I get elected, the district they assign me to will be in the

Continued on D2

Photos by Anderson Ward

To begin the celebration of its 125th anniversary, the Afro-American Newspapers held a quaint VIP reception in Baltimore June 30 with staff and supporters at the house built by Carl Murphy, who was an AFRO publisher from 1922 to 1971. See more event photos on B4.

Baltimore Students to Study African Diaspora in Cuba By Maliik Obee Special to the AFRO While youth in Baltimore are working summer-jobs or fending for themselves during the summer break, a group of students from Frederick Douglass High School will get an opportunity to study abroad in Cuba. The opportunity has been afforded to these youth by the Muse 360 Arts initiative in partnership with The African Diaspora Alliance, an initiative dedicated to enlightening Black youth about the African Diaspora in comparison to America. The group will take more than a dozen youth to Cuba. Muse 360, an organization that provides Baltimore youth with artistic training and experiences, has worked to educate students from Frederick Douglass for nearly a decade, introducing them to arts and culture from a Black perspective. Morgan State University graduate Sharayna Christmas spearheads the movement, incorporating music and dance into studies of the African Diaspora to challenge students to break out of their comfort zone. Alongside Christmas is Bashi Rose, who helps prepare curriculum for students dealing with African and African-American history and has introduced youth to various activities such as yoga.

City Council New Faces

Bullock Runs for District 9 Council Seat By Deborah Bailey Special to the AFRO New blood is finally circulating in Baltimore’s District 9. Democratic candidate John T. Bullock is poised to deliver a major transfusion of new leadership to a district that has struggled both politically and economically in recent decades. Bullock said he hopes to restore hope to a John T. Bullock is community that he says has lost faith running for the in government. District 9 Council “Hitting the ground and Seat. looking around I see one of the Courtesy Photo biggest challenges is service delivery. I learned while working in government that returning phone calls, coming to meetings, following up are some of the most important things,” he said. “Lack of attention to basic services by the city started to become evident in the physical environment within the community.” “You can see places where trash is dumped consistently, places where there has not been repaving of streets. I am a transportation guy so I think about that,” he continued. “Trash in alleys. You may think it’s a small thing but it’s not. You can go back to the AFRO clean block campaign and things that were done in the past about taking pride in the community.” He said when those things are gone and no one returns your phone calls from City Hall, that’s a problem.” District 9 embodies the paradox of expectation and despair. Music, culture and art still resonate in the community that was the childhood home of jazz and ragtime artist Eubie Blake. The promise of the future looms with the University of Maryland’s Biopark, funded in part through a $17.5 million TIF subsidy (Targeted Incremental Fund) approved by the City Council in January. But the district is also home to communities where the merger of poverty and municipal neglect have taken their toll in the Rosemont, Sandtown, Harlem Park and Poppleton areas. Continued on D2

“We have eight principles of the program: pride, individuality, perseverance, intelligence, growth, collectiveness, substance and passion,” Rose said. University of Maryland graduate Moriah Ray is the brainchild behind the African Diaspora Alliance. Jasmine Hall, a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, has been friends with Ray since childhood. They studied in Cuba together. Seeing the plight of people of color across the world along with the problems in the United States forced the duo to create the African Diaspora Alliance, Ray said. “Let’s create a space where Black lives really do matter,” said Hall “that’s why we are here.” Despite lack of help from the city of Baltimore, the groups have managed to raise the money necessary to constantly travel abroad with students. Shakura Shird is a recent graduate of Frederick Douglass and will be attending Full Sail University in the fall. “It has helped me love myself, and given me a different outlook on my future on what I might do and made me look at Black people in general different,” she said. During the excursion, students will partake in courses for two weeks at Casa de Africa, attending lecturers on Afro-Cuban descent during their time in Havana, Cuba.

The trial of Baltimore City police Lt. Brian Rice, the fourth trial (another bench trial) of the six Sean Yoes officers Senior AFRO charged in Contributor the death of Freddie Gray began earlier this week. So far, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby is winless -- there has been a mistrial and two acquittals -- in her search for justice in the death of Freddie Gray last April, which was ruled a homicide. At the end of the last trial, for Caesar Goodson, the van driver the prosecution accused of delivering the so-called, “rough ride,” which allegedly led to Gray’s ultimate demise, Mosby was seen in the courtroom shaking her head after the, “not guilty,” verdicts of Judge Barry Williams were rendered. Clearly, the pressure to deliver a guilty verdict in one of these trials continues to mount on the State’s Attorney. However, added to Mosby’s burden is the egregious specter of threats on her life. According to WBAL-TV (as reported recently in the AFRO), there have been a litany of threatening emails (the news organization obtained through a Public Information Act request) directed at Mosby and her husband Baltimore City Continued on D2

Baltimore Police Arrest Man in Death of Infant Son By Shell Richardson Special to the AFRO A man has been arrested in the death of his infant son June 27, according to Baltimore City Police. The police were called to an apartment in the 5600 block of Sinclair Lane at 10:20 a.m. June 27. When police arrived, they found Darrow Coady, an 8 monthold infant boy, unconscious and being treated by members of the Baltimore City Fire Department. The infant was transported to a hospital where he died a short time later. Homicide detectives were called to the scene and began an investigation pending an autopsy. On June 28, the autopsy was performed and the cause of death was ruled a homicide by blunt force trauma. “There was some visible bruising on the victim’s body,” said Baltimore City Detective Jeremy Silbert in a media briefing. On June 29, an arrest warrant was issued for the father of the baby, 22-yearold Darrow Keith Coady, charging him with second degree murder, assault, and child abuse. At exactly 8:30 p.m., officers from the Northwest

Continued on D2

Courtesy Photo

Baltimore Bids Farewell to Lor Scoota By Demetrius Dillard Special to the AFRO On July 1, nearly 1,000 family members, friends and other Baltimore residents, gathered at the Empowerment Temple on Primrose Avenue to mourn the untimely death of local rapper Tyriece Watson, better known as “Lor Scoota.” There were several prominent local figures in attendance, including Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby (D), social activist PFK Boom, and the Rev. Jamal Bryant, who delivered the eulogy. “I am tired of folks talking about the content of his music or his background. Let’s talk about where he was going,” Mosby told WBAL-TV 11, referring to Watson as a “hood poet.” Photos of Watson were placed throughout the lobby of the sanctuary. In addition, a lot of the youth in attendance had on Lor Scoota t-shirts and “YBS” apparel, which is the name of Watson’s team. Bryant lauded Watson as a young Black man who was an emerging, impactful figure in his community. “But history will Continued on D2

Past Seven Days

141 2016 Total

Data as of July 6

The Afro-American, July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016

Bullock

Continued from D1 Bullock understands that the litter lining the streets of many of District 9’s neighborhoods must be addressed immediately. He heard this concern raised repeatedly during the year he and his team knocked on doors throughout the community while campaigning. He said it is a concern he heard while earning his community stripes as a leader of the Evergreen Protective Community Association. The other, more long range priority, is removing the blight and abandoned properties scattered throughout the district that create an eyesore for neighbors and attract a host of other problems. “You have vacant housing. You have lots that are overgrown, weeds that are not cut. You have trash and rats. Eradicating that, means I’m working with our city agencies to be responsive,” Bullock said. “I know my job as councilman is to follow-up with those agencies. What happened over the years is that people have lost trust in government. They say, why should I call if no one is going to come.” Ashley Valis, executive director of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement at the University of Maryland at Baltimore said that the campus is looking forward to collaborating with Bullock. “Mr. Bullock has already met with our President Dr.

Jay Perman. We expect that through his office, we will be able to engage and serve more residents in need. Additionally, we hope to work with him to help support community redevelopment projects in Southwest and West Baltimore, particularly revitalization projects along the West Baltimore Street commercial corridor that extends west of our UM Biopark campus” she said. Bullock said his deep commitment to the community was nurtured by his West Philadelphia upbringing. “It was me going to Catholic school that has a lot to do with my walk. I am a faith driven person but also the social justice teachings of the church. The influence of Black Catholics has been pivotal,” Bullock said. Both Philadelphia and Baltimore have sizeable contingents of Black Catholics. Baltimore’s history as a haven for Black Catholics began in 1863, when St. Francis Xavier Parish in East Baltimore was founded as the first official Black Catholic parish in the United States, according to the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Bullock, his wife and two sons Thomas and George, attend St. Edwards Church, where Bullock serves as president of the Parish Council. He said he imagines a different future right outside of the church doors. “I looked at what that community was like before. Today, you

can look outside of that church and see trash and vacant housing. It seems like a lost community in many ways,” Bullock said. Current 9th District City Council Member William “Pete” Welch also attends the church. Bullock said that it was “heartbreaking” to see property next to the church exist in such poor conditions. Bullock is a first generation college student. “My freshman year, one of my professors said ‘you can get a PhD.’ I’ve never met anyone with a PhD, much less a Black man with a Ph.D. They planted that seed and it came to fruition,” Bullock said. He went on to earn his doctorate in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). Bullock said that he looks forward to giving back to the community elders who have given him “so much” since he called the 9th district home. As for the youth, Bullock said he knows what it feels like to imagine more for your community. “I grew up in a neighborhood where folks had limited opportunities. I saw family and friends involved in addiction, unemployment and incarceration. I always wondered why my neighborhood looked the way that it did. In many ways West Philadelphia is like West Baltimore,” he said.

Reid

Continued from D1 will of God and I will accept wherever that might be,” he said. Reid added the person who will succeed him as the pastor at Bethel, if possible, is “rooted in the bishop who makes the appointment.” The official Reid was referring to is the presiding bishop of the AME Church’s second district, including churches in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Virginia and North Carolina. The second district’s presiding bishop, who will also be appointed at the general conference, will consult various officials and parishioners at Bethel to base his decision on what is in the best interests of the church. The Rev. William DeVeaux, Sr., who currently serves as the bishop for the second Episcopal district, sponsored Reid’s candidacy. Reid has received a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a master’s of divinity degree from

Harvard Divinity School and a doctor of ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. A number of influential Black intellectuals and religious leaders have made appearances at Bethel AME, including Cornel West, Terry McMillan, Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), Dick Gregory, Marian Wright Edelman and the Rev. Al Sharpton. In 2004, Reid ran for Bishop, but withdrew. “Because my father would have retired in 2004, I kept my name off the ballot… I did not run a campaign. I did not go to any of the meetings. I just wanted my name to stay on the ballot. And then after the first [round of] votes, then I would’ve pulled my name out, which I did anyway,” he said.

Race and Politics Continued from D1

Councilman Nick Mosby. One anonymous emailer sent a fake news account of Marilyn Mosby’s murder. “Marilyn Mosby was gunned down in cold blood walking into the courthouse. Not one officer came to assist. A police statement simply read, `Sucks to be her.’ Nobody will miss that (expletive),” the account reads. To be clear, I’m not suggesting the cowardly trolls who spew this venom are somehow connected officially or unofficially to the FOP nor do I believe the union condones their actions. But, I do believe their bunker mentality and often unwavering position when it comes to plausible charges of police brutality and misconduct gives some cover to those who would unleash this type of hate-

20% off

Food the Entire Month of July with this ad Not good with any other special

filled vitriol or worse. “You are out of your mind,” another emailer wrote. “When the violence starts and they turn their anger on you, maybe the officers will be a little slow to react. You are a cop hater. Marilyn Mosby is nothing but a (expletive) Black Panther (expletive). She should be hung.” The position of FOP unions across the nation is united and unequivocal; either your with us or against us. And indicting police officers for, “fulfilling their duties,” means you’re against us. “Not one of the officers involved in this tragic situation left home in the morning with the anticipation that someone with whom they interacted would not go home that night,” wrote FOP President Gene Ryan in a letter to Mosby, which asked her to recuse herself. The letter was released moments before she announced charges against the six officers. “As tragic as this situation is, none of the officers involved are responsible for the death of Mr. Gray,” Ryan continued. Yet, the fact remains, Gray entered that police wagon last April alive, when he exited his death was imminent. When Mosby announced charges against officers Porter, Nero, Goodson, Rice, White and Miller on May 1, 2015, she launched an almost unprecedented salvo against Baltimore police. In 30 years prior to her action, only five officers had previously been indicted for killing a suspect while on duty in Baltimore, only one was convicted and that conviction was overturned on appeal. Mosby had effectively become Public Enemy Number One of the Baltimore Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge Number

Three, and many members of the rank and file and they have acted accordingly ever since. The truth is the Fraternal Order of Police is one of the most powerful political lobbies in the country. And Maryland’s FOP is among the most potent and their Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights is the oldest and most expansive in the nation. And although the Black Lives Matter movement has received significant media coverage in the wake of Ferguson (Michael Brown), Cleveland (Tamir Rice), Staten Island (Eric Garner) and now Freddie Gray, there are millions of Americans still invested in the “traditional” role of American law enforcement rooted historically in the practice of antebellum slave catching. They are emboldened by the fact that no officers were indicted in the cases of Brown, Rice or Garner. And they are enraged by the fact Mosby would even try in the case of Freddie Gray. Sean Yoes is a senior contributor for the AFRO and is host and executive producer of, “First Edition,” which airs Monday through Friday, 5-7 pm on WEAA, 88.9.

Lor Scoota Continued from D1

remember Tyriece Travon Watson in Baltimore,” Bryant said. “He died in these streets trying to make life better...” Throughout his sermon, Bryant compared Watson to biblical figures such as Joseph and Jesus Christ and towering Black figures such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., asserting repeatedly that “you can kill the messenger, but you can’t kill the message.” In addition, Bryant spoke against the actions and tactics of the U.S. and local

Brilliant Food. Brilliant Wine. Brilliant Company.

Infant

Continued from D1

Executive Chef Brian Boston “2011 Chef of the Year” by the Restaurant Association of Maryland

Open for lunch Monday through Friday, dinner every evening and brunch on Sundays 14833 York Road, Sparks, MD 21152 p 410.771.4366 f 410.771.4184 www.miltoninn.com

governments as he addressed a number of immense issues facing Baltimore’s Black population. “It’s rigged for us to always come up last,” he said. “They will take money away from Baltimore Public Schools, but don’t mind building new prisons for your sons and your daughters to live in.” Immediately following the service, there was a community block party among other festivities to further celebrate the life of Watson on Pennsylvania Avenue in West Baltimore, the neighborhood where he grew up.

Homeownership is important. We’re here to help first-time homebuyers navigate the mortgage process and make buying a home affordable, even if you have: • Little money for a downpayment • Little or “less-than-perfect” credit history • A recent job change To get started, call 1-888-253-0993 or visit mtb.com/mortgage.

Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to make a mortgage loan. Certain restrictions apply. Subject to credit and property approval. ©2016 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. NMLS# 381076 Baltimore Afro American: 3.55” x 5”

District received a tip that Coady was at the Mondawmin Metro Station. Coady was arrested there. Maria Roman, a resident of the neighborhood, was shocked upon hearing what happened. “It’s so quiet around here, it’s peaceful,” she told a local television station. “I didn’t know that something like that would happen around here. I’m really shocked, I’m sorry to hear that.” It is not known if Coady obtained an attorney. According to Case Search, he has no bail and will spend his 23rd birthday waiting for his preliminary hearing, scheduled for July 27.

T:11”

July July 9, 9, 2016 2016 -- July July 15, 15, 2016, 2016, The The Afro-American

S:10”

B3 D3

FREEDOM TO SAVE FREEDOM FROM INTEREST FREEDOM TO CHOOSE

FORD CREDIT

PLUS

O N S P E C I A L LY TA G G E D V E H I C L E S

Not all buyers qualify for Ford Credit limited-term financing. Supply of vehicles with Ford SmartBonus is limited. See dealer or go to ford.com for qualifications and complete details. For all offers, take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 8/1/16.

T:19.5”

S:18.5”

ON A HUGE SELECTION OF CARS, TRUCKS AND SUVS

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

The Afro-American, July 9, 2016 - July 15, 2016

AFRO Family, Friends and Board Members

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) Meta Williams

A VIP Reception was held at the beautiful home of Andre and Rev. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper in the community of Morgan Park in Baltimore, Maryland June 30. Entertainment was provided by the Guy Bragg Duo. The food was provided by Class Act Catering. Hostess Dr. Draper talked about the history of Morgan Park and AFRO Publisher Jake Oliver spoke about the 125 year history of the AFRO-American Newspapers.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby

Dr. Adegbola Tosin

Dr. David Wilson and Diane Hocker, AFRO Director of Community and Public Relations Alex Dixon

Beverly and John Carter

Andre and Dr. Draper

Jeanne Hitchcock

Robin and Dr. James Wood

Diane BellMcCoy

Martin Resnick and Jake Oliver, AFRO CEO/ Publisher

Jeffrey Hargrave and Calvin Mims Sr.

Chineta K. Davis, Jerome Stephens, Paula Stephens and Jerry Britton

Eddie Brown

Tiffany and Kweisi Mfume Ron Harrison, AFRO CFO and Frank Hocker

Cynthia and Stanley Tucker

Joe

Vivica A. Fox

Laura Byrd and Marcella Holland

Morgan Peck and Dejah Crooke

This was the 40th year for the African American Festival in Baltimore. Over 250,000 people attended the two day African American Festival at M&T Bank Stadium. A series of interviews and speakers, including author Zane, Alfred Edmond Jr. of Black Enterprise Magazine, Rev. Jamal H. Bryant, Matthew Knowles, Tara Wallace, Jonathan Ruff Endz Slocumb, Nicola Jackson and others were held at the Empowerment Pavilion from July 2-3. There were interactive displays by the U.S. Army. Entertainers included Goapele, Joe, Angie Stone, Mary Mary, Anthony Brown and Group Therapy, Estelle, Ruff Endz, Common and others. Lil Black was the emcee July 2 and Vivica A. Fox was a celebrity 92Q’s Lil’ Black host July 3.

Photos by Anderson R. Ward

Anthony Brown & Group Therapy

Freeway

Mary Mary

Goapele Ro James

Angie Stone

Blushhh

Alfred Edmond Jr. Common Author Zane Photos by Anderson R. Ward

Rev. Jamal Bryant

VH1’S Tara Wallace