District Chronicles V14 Issue 31 by District Chronicles

SPECIAL MD HEALTH CARE ENROLLMENT EASES TAX PENALTY 4

Long awaited DC apartment building re-opens, bears Salvadoran cleric name Page 12

U.S. Embassy/Tony Webster/Creative Commons

March 26 - April 1, 2015

Book tells warm persperctive of Rosa Parks Page 8 www.districtchronicles.com

Volume 14 Issue 31

Editorial

Republicans pressuring us towards war

Gage Skidmore/Creative Commons

Arkansas Senator Cotton’s letter – approved by 47 Republicans – to Iran’s leaders has been likened to treason, looking for war.

By Bill Fletcher, Jr. NNPA Columnist

Submit

your story ideas, stories and commentaries to lkaggwa@howard.edu

Call 202-806-9401 to advertise in the districtchronicles.com District Chronicles. 2 | Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, 2015 | District Chronicles

never cease to be surprised by the racist audacity of the Republicans in Congress. In clear violation of international protocol, they arranged for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to speak before Congress. The established practice has been that this is done always in consultation with the Executive Branch. This time the Republicans decided to snub that branch. Wonders never cease. Fortyseven Republican senators then signed onto one of the strangest letters in the history of international relations. The letter is addressed to the leadership of Iran and, in essence, says that whatever agreement Iran comes to with the Obama administration will be voided by the next President of the United States. This is remarkable on so many levels, not the least being that no agreement has been reached – at the time of this writing – and that the Republicans are telling another country that there is no point in their negotiating with the incumbent administration.

Like many people, I have been curious as to whether these senators actually broke a law. I am hoping that this can be quickly clarified. Deciding that they are appendages of the Israeli state instead of representatives of the people of the United States, the Republicans are suggesting that if Iran does not surrender to the terms established by Israel that there will be war. Yes, Netanyahu and his sycophants in Congress do not use the term “war.” They speak of increasing sanctions and other pressure, but most knowledgeable observers recognize that the intent is to create a military crisis that will result in actions being taken by the United States against Iran. The results would probably be catastrophic. Let us all remember that it was Prime Minister Netanyahu who sought to assure the people of the U.S.A. that by attacking Iraq in 2003 that it would change the region for the better. Netanyahu was, of course, half right: the region has changed. He got the second part wrong, however: it changed for the worse, with the spread of Al Qaeda and, more recently, the Islamic State, and with the corresponding

instability. There are questions that need to be asked of these Republican members of Congress. Let’s start with the matter of war. Are they prepared for yet another war? These are the same people who are insisting on cutting the budget and not taxing the rich, so where do the resources come from for a war? And, of course, what happens if the Iranians, attacked by the U.S. and Israel, shut the Straits of Hormuz where so much of the world’s oil travels? What is the Republican answer? The answer for the Republicans seems to always be the same. Bully until you win … or until someone stands firm … and then start alleging anything that will discredit that government or social movement as supposedly standing in the way of peace. The longer that this goes on, the more that this feels like we are living George Orwell’s “1984,” where there is eternal war and that eternal war is considered peace. Bill Fletcher, Jr. is the host of The Global African on Telesur-English. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and at www. billfletcherjr.com.

Time for economic change in Selma, as everywhere else.

Finance

Pete Souza/whitehouse.gov

Many showed up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the March on Selma but how many left an economic impact on the struggling town?

By James Clingman (TriceEdneyWire.com) – I remember back in 1999 when my daughter came to me crying about something she had seen on TV. It was the movie, “Selma, Lord, Selma!” Even at six years old, she was distraught at the mistreatment of Black folks in Selma in 1965. My daughter related to actresses Jurnee Smollett and Stephanie Peyton in their portrayals of Sheyann and Rachel, two young girls growing up in Selma during that time. That being a teaching moment, she and I had a talk about Selma and other issues pertaining to injustice toward and mistreatment of Black people in this country. Adding to the title of that movie, by making it “Selma, Lord have mercy, Selma!” captures my effort to highlight and reemphasize not only the historical tragedy of Selma, but also its current political and economic condition in light of the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. During March 3-7, 2015, tens of thousands of people converged on Selma, including politicians, celebrities and corporate executives. Selma enjoyed the national and world spotlight for a brief time, but I wondered if those folks would leave Selma without addressing current critical issues that exist there. Daily life in Selma includes a 40 percent poverty rate, high unemployment, low median family income, crumbling infrastructure and building

facades and closed businesses. I can only pray that some of the folks who visited and made speeches also left some money there, maybe to start a micro lending fund, an equity fund, or even invested in a business in Selma. I hope the politicians who say they hold Selma in such high esteem went back to their respective offices committed to allocate funds to help the city that some refer to as, “The Third World of Alabama.” During our family visit there in 2001, former head of the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, Joann Bland, gave us a tour (even though it was past closing time). She told her personal story of being in the march at 10 years old and shared her wealth of knowledge with my then 8-year-old daughter. My eyes were opened to the history and the present state of Selma, a city still waiting for change, especially economic change. Fifty years since 1965, that famous bridge named for Edmund Pettus, a former U.S. Democratic Senator, chairman of the state delegation to the Democratic National Convention for 20 years, and Grand Dragon of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan, has even greater meaning. Back then, it symbolized the struggle for voting rights. Today, it is a guidepost for a new struggle, the struggle for economic justice and empowerment. Those who walked that bridge in 1965 won their battle. We must be as strong

and as determined as they were then to win the battle we face today. Is it enough to have gone to Selma simply because it was the 50th anniversary? Albeit a treasured occasion, for some it has become more symbolism than substantive, a photo op, just as the 50th anniversary of the famous March on Washington was in 2013. Today, our words and activities in Selma must result in progressive and appropriate action, so that next year we can celebrate the victorious culmination of that revered freedom march, rather than lamenting our continued frustration over the fact that 50 years later, as some of the dignitaries said, “Our march for justice continues.” Selma needs much more than an annual celebration. It needs economic development, businesses, employment and revitalization. That city, so important to our history, should be held in the highest esteem by Washington, D.C., the state of Alabama, and the rest of us. In addition to an annual spotlight, we must keep it on the political radar screen throughout the year, until it is given the assistance it certainly commands and truly deserves. The culmination of true freedom is economic freedom. Selma citizens and those who endured the batons, horses, dogs and those who were murdered leading up to and during the march, are certainly deserving of more than 50 more years of “We ‘shall’ overcome.”

24 hours a day. 7 days a week. 52 weeks a year. Visit www.districtchronicles.com.

Call 202-806-9401 to advertise in the districtchronicles.com District Chronicles. District Chronicles | Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, 2015 | 3

Neighborhood

Metro Briefs: Notable news in and around Washington Prince George’s Special enrollment period for Affordable Care Act health coverage if 2014 tax penalty is owed

special enrollment period is open now through April 30 for Maryland residents who owe a tax penalty for not having health coverage in 2014 or were not aware that coverage was required in 2014 and want to obtain health insurance coverage for calendar year 2015. Residents who enroll from March 19 to April 19 may still owe a tax penalty for the months in 2015 when they did not have health insurance coverage. However, the current special enrollment period is an opportunity to get coverage for the remainder of the year and avoid additional penalty costs. Residents applying for the special enrollment period must attest that they owe the penalty for lacking health insurance in 2014 or that they became aware of the penalty during the 2014 income tax filing season. Eligible residents who enrolled in a private qualified health plan (i.e., private health insurance) by March 18, will have coverage that begins April 1. They may not be subject to a penalty during 2015. However, this will be confirmed during

District of Columbia Grosso bill eliminates statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases

the 2015 income tax filing season in 2016. Individuals who enroll from March 19 to April 18 will have coverage that begins May 1. They may have to pay a modified annual penalty. Individuals who enroll from April 19 to April 30 will have coverage that begins June 1. All plans provide coverage through December 31, 2015. The tax penalty for individuals who did not have health coverage during 2014 is one percent (1 percent) of gross household income imposed over the federal income tax filing threshold, or $95 per individual – whichever is greater. For 2015, the penalty increases to two percent (2 percent) of gross household income over the federal income tax fil-

ing threshold, or $325 per individual –whichever is greater. Residents who are eligible for Medicaid are not affected and can apply for Medicaid at any time, as enrollment is year-round. Residents who are eligible for Medicaid may have coverage starting immediately. Find out where to get in-person sign up help at www.capitalhealthconnection.org/sign-up-locations or call 240.773.8250. More than 100,000 residents in the Capital region (Montgomery and Prince George’s counties) have enrolled in health coverage through Maryland’s health insurance exchange, the Maryland Health Connection. That includes individuals who enrolled in qualified health plans and Medicaid.

“There are few actions more depraved than sexual violence or abuse against children,” said Grosso. “Because most victims of childhood sexual abuse do not come forward until much later in their adult lives, we need to ensure that the statute of limitations is not a barrier to justice. A person who victimizes a child should never be able to hide behind time.” Currently, there are seven states that no longer have a civil statute of limitations for claims of childhood sexual abuse. Earlier this month, the Utah state legislature passed similar legislation, removing the statute of limitations for civil actions against perpetrators of child sex abuse.

Grosso hopes the Childhood Protection Act will allow victims of sexual abuse during childhood to pursue litigation years after the incident.

Tommy Wells/Creative Commons

4 | Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, 2015 | District Chronicles

D.C. City Council member David Grosso (I-At Large) has introduced the Childhood Protection Against Sexual Abuse Amendment Act of 2015 that would eliminate the statute of limitations for the recovery of damages arising out of sexual abuse that occurred when a victim was a minor. The bill creates a two-year window for individuals whose claims were previously time-barred.

The special enrollment will give some a chance to avoid mandatory penalties.

Medicare covers revolutionary new device that gives seniors freedom from lower back pain Easy-to-use high-tech back brace is now covered by Medicare. Specialists are manning the phones for the next 48 hours to assist seniors in qualifying to get the new Verta Loc back brace and regain their youth.

By Cathy Lynn Grossman Religion News Service

48 percent view science and religion as complementary. Astrophysicist and evangelical Christian Deborah Haarsma, president of BioLogos, which recognizes “God as Creator of all life over billions of years,” said what she sees in the cosmos is “a scientific description of the universe God created.” 21 percent view the two worldviews as entirely independent of one another. About 30 percent see these worldviews in opposition.

Overall, 85 percent of Ameri-

But even better news is that recently approved Medicare coverage means that most seniors with lower back pain can get the amazing Verta Loc – and much-needed relief – at little or no cost. Qualifying is fast and easy with a free phone call within the next 48 hours to the trained Medicare specialists at The Back Pain Resource Center. Comfortable, custom fit provides immediate pain relief If you are reading this, you know that lower back pain can be excruciating and debilitating. Even mild, low-grade back pain, whether chronic or recurring, robs seniors of their golden years and takes the fun out of life. The Verta Loc was designed by medical technology experts to reverse that situation, instantly. It fits all waist sizes and has no small pieces to fumble with. Your Verta Loc will arrive fully assembled and could not be easier to adjust for a perfectly custom-tailored fit and immediate relief. Verta Loc’s unique two-strap system gives you complete control over the compression you need to feel relief, offering maximum comfort and protection with just the right amount of support.

Jeff Fitlow/Creative Commons

WASHINGTON (RNS) – The sociologist who busted myths last year with her study finding that the majority of scientists are religious, not God-denying atheists, is at it again. Elaine Howard Ecklund, director of Rice University’s Religion and Public Life Program, said 70 percent of self-identified evangelicals “do not view religion and science as being in conflict.” Now, the myth that bites the data dust, may be the one that proclaims evangelicals are a monolithic group opposed to the scientific view of human evolution. Ecklund addressed 200 scientists, pastors and others at an American Association for the Advancement of Science’s event earlier this month. Last year, at an AAAS’s Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion, Ecklund presented the first wave of data that examined the beliefs of self-identified scientists. It was drawn from a survey of 10,000 U.S. adults that claims to be the largest study of American views on these issues. The headline then was that 76 percent of scientists in the general population identify with a religious tradition. This year, the news from the second wave of data in the study was the high degree of science acceptance among evangelicals. The study found:

The revolutionary new Verta Loc Back Brace is helping seniors everywhere re-discover an active and pain-free lifestyle.

Ecklund’s study continues to chip away the idea that science, religion are at odds.

cans and 84 percent of evangelicals say modern science is doing good in the world. The greatest areas of accord were on the pragmatic side of science such as technology and medical discoveries that can alleviate suffering. Here, said Ecklund, most Americans see science and faith collaborating for the common good. However, Ecklund also noted a finding that may make the evidence-based science world uneasy: 60 percent of evangelicals said scientists “should be open to considering miracles in their theories.” The Perceptions Project had held workshops with Catholics, mainline Protestants, and with other religious communities but the focus has been on evangelical churches and seminaries. Galen

Carey, vice president for government relations for the National Association of Evangelicals, is advising AAAS on the Perceptions Project. Rather than drawing hard lines between spiritual and scientific understandings of reality, more than one speaker at the event repeated Augustine’s view that, “All truth is God’s truth.” Dorothy Chapell, dean of natural and social sciences and professor of biology at Wheaton College in Illinois, said this means all can “confidently study both the truths of faith and the truths of science.” Former U.S. Rep. Rush Holt Jr., the recently named CEO of AAAS, added that all who profess to have open minds to truth have “an obligation to listen to each other.”

24 hours a day. 7 days a week. 52 weeks a year. Visit www.districtchronicles.com.

Not avail able through retailers or over the Internet To keep costs down and to streamline and speed up the Medicare qualification process, the Verta Loc Back Brace cannot be purchased online or in stores. It is only available with a free call to The Back Pain Resource Center, and will be shipped directly to your home by our trusted supplier of quality durable medical equipment. The Center’s specialists are trained in Medicare and make it very easy for virtually all seniors with lower back pain to qualify for the new Verta Loc and obtain

one at little to no cost out-of-pocket. The specialists handle all the paperwork in a matter of minutes. Pain relief and financial relief too Many people find themselves wearing their Verta Loc for only part of the day to experience relief. Plus, when the pain subsides, many are able to reduce or even eliminate their use of pain medications, which not only eliminates unwanted side effects but also saves money. Recommended by doctors and back pain specialists Physicians agree that using a high-quality back brace like Verta Loc helps encourage safe movement, teaches good body mechanics, and restricts the motions that cause pain in the first place. Patients are able to maintain their daily activities and learn better back health practices. Medicare coverage specialists are available by phone for the next 48 hours only. Call today! Since Medicare is now covering the Verta Loc, the phone lines are expected to be flooded, but if lines are busy, callers are encouraged to keep trying. For the next 48 hours, the goal of the Back Pain Resource Center is to make sure every senior is able to experience the relief and freedom provided by having their own Verta Loc.

To get your Verta Loc please find your time zone on this map and begin calling at the time indicated.

CALL 800-943-5991 Results not typical and may vary. Not all patients qualify. Product covered in full with payment by primary and secondary insurance. Warranty and restrictions apply.

Call 202-806-9401 to advertise in the District Chronicles. districtchronicles.com

District Chronicles | Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, 2015 | 5

Cover

Counting the victims of police violence

By Jazelle Hunt NNPA Washington Correspondent

policylink.org

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – As Eric Holder ends his tenure as U.S. Attorney General, he said, “The troubling reality is that we lack the ability right now to comprehensively track the number of incidents of either uses of force directed at police officers, or uses of force by police,” he said, at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event. “This strikes many – including me – as unacceptable.” As it stands, both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Justice Department compile information on police killings, as reported by police departments themselves. But there are challenges with the reliability with this data. By law, collecting and providing this information to the government is mandatory only for police agencies that receive certain federal funds; police killings found to be unjustified are not included in the FBI’s measures; and reporting guidelines can vary from place to place, to name a few issues. Over the past few years, citizens have created well-regarded crowdsourced online databases such as KilledbyPolice.net, FatalEncoun-

ters.org and the U.S. Police Shootings Database (launched by Web sports blog, Deadspin). MappingPoliceViolence.org is the newest addition to this effort. Mapping Police Violence builds on this tally by merging and crosschecking those first two databases. It compiles a month-by-month death toll for 2013 and 2014; and by combing through media reports and other public data, the contributors have confirmed the race of every victim in 2014. Samuel Sinyangwe, a 24-yearold Ferguson, Missouri, protester and one of the project’s directors, said that this detail is missing for approximately 60 percent of the victims in the source databases. Though the project highlights the disproportionate killing of Black people, it includes all reported deaths by date, location, race, age, gender, cause of death, and medical condition (e.g. under the influence, mentally disabled, etc.). Additionally, users can compare police departments around the country by population, murder rate, and how “likely to threaten Black life” they are. “When you compare White folks and Black folks who were

Attorney General Holder cited lack of U.S. data tracking use of force against and by police. Sinyangwa (pictured) project director at MappingPoliceViolence.org hopes to change that

killed by police, there are big differences. White folks tended to be more likely to have a mental illness, to be armed, to be older … or

to be drunk or under the influence. So they were more likely to have some condition that made it more challenging for police to deal with them,” said Sinyangwe. “However, for Black folks, they were less likely to do all of these things, and then they were still more likely to be killed. You can only do that analysis if you looked at all races and were able to compare and contrast.” By Mapping Police Violence’s count, police killed at least 1,175 people in 2014. Of these victims, 302 were Black – a disproportionate rate of 26 percent – and 56 percent of these Black victims were unarmed. Most victims were shot, but other causes of death included tasing, physical restraint, being hit by cars, and in one case in New York, falling from a window. “What you can show quite plainly with this tool is that, in fact, places with the same amount of crime, the same demographics, have very different levels of police violence. So crime is not an excuse,” said Sinyangwe. “We’re hoping to really help [communities and organizers] make the case for why a given city or police department is really culpable for this and really

needs to make a change.” According to the data, Florida, Texas, and California had the highest number of Black victims last year (each responsible for between 20 and 35 deaths). Police departments responsible for the most deaths last year include Chicago Police Department (13 killed), followed by Los Angeles and New York (10 each), and Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland (five deaths). Sinyangwe points out that for the city of St. Louis, if the current trend continues, Black males 27 and younger will have a statistically greater chance of being killed by police than dying in a car accident. MappingPoliceViolence.org is run by Ferguson protesters and organizers, and is a project of the movement’s online hub, WetheProtesters.org. Volunteers around the country contribute to, sort, and verify the information. “Particularly in the Midwest, and then a little bit in the South, there really are hotbeds for police violence,” said Sinyangwe. “The question is, can we actually do something on a preventative end instead of waiting until a huge tragedy happens?”

Obama considers mandatory voting Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from NorthStarNewsToday.com

Call 202-806-9401 to advertise in the District Chronicles.

districtchronicles.com

6 | Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, 2015 | District Chronicles

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - President Barack Obama recently called for mandatory voting in America. “Other countries have mandatory voting,” President Obama said. “It would be transformative if everybody voted — that would counteract money more than anything.” The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank for black elected officials, reported that although African Americans out vote whites in federal elections, black turnout in local elections is dismally low, averaging 27% and in some cases less than 10%. It was not clear if President Obama was discussing federal or local elections. Pew Charitable Trusts reported that in the 2014 midterm elections

in which Republicans captured the U.S. Senate and strengthen their position in the House, the national voter turnout fell below 37 percent. “That means nearly 2 in 3 eligible voters, or approximately 144 million American citizens — more than the population of Russia —chose to sit this out,” Pew reported. Some 26 countries require citizens to vote or they will be fined. In Belgium and Australia, if person doesn’t pay his or her fine, he or she could go to jail, according to the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance, which supports sustainable democracy throughout the world. Institute officials added that at one time Venezuela and the Netherlands practiced compulsory voting but have since abolished it. Compulsory voting was introduced in Belgium in 1892, according to the International Institute.

‘Black Lives Matter’ vote could swing some key elections By Charles D. Ellison Special to the NNPA from The Philadelphia Tribune

AMG | PHOTOGRAPHY Fibonacci Blue/Creative Commons

(NNPA)—There are now five presidential battleground states in 2016 that could be heavily impacted by the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Of course, it depends on a variety of factors and where the political winds blow. And many observers are in wait-and-see mode over the exact status of a scattered, yet burgeoning “Second Civil Rights Movement” some experts perceive as lacking needed political teeth. That status, also put on slight hiatus by a much more frigid than normal winter, just got complicated with last week’s shootings of two Ferguson, Missouri, police officers during an otherwise peaceful protest marking the resignation of Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson. Yet, despite the challenges, there are signs the movement could dramatically shake up the political landscape in several key states. Location, it seems, is everything. The five battleground states identified are also the same spots where tragic shootings of unarmed Black men have taken place in recent years: Florida, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Three of these states are already launching pads for three prospective Republican presidential candidates. All five states are also places where Democratic presidential primaries, statewide gubernatorial and senatorial races and general elections find campaigns occasionally declaring all-out electoral war when wooing Black voters. With the tragedies in each of these states sparking massive social justice protests – from the genesis of #BlackLivesMatter in Ferguson to the spawning of Young, Black and Gifted in Madison, Wisconsin – there is evidence the movements could mobilize Black voters into action for 2016. That comes at a time when many activists and voter advocates are concerned African-American turnout will be substantially depressed in the next presidential election without President Barack Obama’s name on

Politics

Some speculate whether recent race, police brutality protests will affect elections in 2016.

the ballot. However, issues such as police brutality and violence could help galvanize voters. In Florida, the African-American community is still uneasy and upset over the needless so-called “stand your ground” defense slayings of Black teens Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis, in which the former’s killer, a troubled George Zimmerman, was acquitted. But, the Sunshine State is also a wellknown political bellwether greatly influencing presidential primaries and the general election cycle. It just recovered from a caustic gubernatorial election in which the state’s controversial Republican Gov. Rick Scott won a second term and one of its U.S. senators, Republican Marco Rubio, is openly mulling a 2016 presidential bid. The state is also 20 percent African American. In Missouri, Black protesters are still smarting over the killing of Black teen Michael Brown and the non-indictment of Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. Upcoming city council protests in April could be a preview of what the Black electorate, 13 percent of Missouri’s population, could do in 2016. Ohio is also home to two extremely tragic cases: the case of 12year old Tamir Rice in Cleveland, and John Crawford in Beavercreek. In both instances, White police officers wrongly assumed Black males were armed and dangerous when they were not, killing both within seconds of seeing them and without stopping to assess either

situation. Out of all five states identified, Wisconsin could be the ugliest. A perfect firestorm of political factors are converging on that state, still shaking off the hangover of a nasty recall election triggered by labor unions against Badger State Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.). Walker won, but the wounds are visible as Walker continues pressing forward with state right-to-work laws perceived as an existential threat to the state’s public sector workforce. Making the situation even more politically caustic is the recent fatal shooting of unarmed Black teen Tony Robinson in the state capitol, Madison, Wisconsin, by a White city police officer. Washington, D.C.-based attorney and former District of Columbia Democratic Party Committee Chair A. Scott Bolden is also skeptical. “I would be leery of the notion that these incidents will resonate beyond the protesters,” Bolden argued, suggesting movement platforms could inadvertently alienate white voters. “People who don’t look like you and me have a much different and much more positive view of police.” “Historically, these types of [police brutality] movements or protests haven’t translated into political impact,” added Bolden. “This angst against police has always been present. The difference, obviously, is social media since we now have immediate access to the events.”

24 hours a day. 7 days a week. 52 weeks a year. Visit www.districtchronicles.com.

We photograph concerts, birthdays, weddings, sporting events, portraits and more. E-mail amgunited@ymail.com to receive a free quote on your next event. Messiah and Friends at G2 Lounge 10-21-11. See more photos at flickr.com/amgunited.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAW Win...No Award / No Fee

All Cases Considered

Applications/Hearings/Appeals Immediate Access to Experienced Personnel

We Strive For Quick Claim Approval

Free Consultation

CALL TODAY FOR IMMEDIATE HELP!

(800) 991-9385

Bill Gordon & Associates is a nationwide practice limited to representing clients before the Social Security Administration. Bill Gordon is a member of the Texas & New Mexico Bar Associations. The attorneys at Bill Gordon & Associates work for quick approval of every case. Results in your case will depend on the unique facts and circumstances of your claim.

District Chronicles | Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, 2015 | 7

Arts and Entertainment

‘Our Auntie Rosa’ looks at familial side of Rosa Parks

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

nce, many years ago, your grandmother chased your grandpa out of the house. Nobody remembers why or what happened afterward; the particulars are lost, and they aren’t important anymore, really. The laugh-tilyou-cry telling, the knee-slapping, each embellishment as years go by – that’s what truly matters. Family stories are the glue that holds you all together. In the new book, “Our Auntie Rosa” by Sheila McCauley Keys (with Eddie B. Allen, Jr.), you’ll read one family’s recollections of an icon. For much of their early lives, Sylvester McCauley’s children didn’t know who their favorite aunt really was. Sure, they’d read about the woman who launched the civil rights movement. They’d heard her name said with pride. But for most of them, it took awhile to make the connection: the woman on the bus that day in Montgomery was their Auntie Rosa Parks. Even after she moved north, after she and her husband and mother came to live with the 11-

member McCauley family in Detroit, their Auntie Rosa didn’t much speak of her actions. The nieces and nephews asked her sometimes, but she usually waved questions away. The past wasn’t important to her then. Family was. The Parks never had any children themselves, so the McCauley kids were happy to absorb any extra love. Their Auntie Rosa was a good cook who loved to entertain. She was steady, supportive, and resourceful but she encouraged independence. An elegant, sharp dresser, Parks was never showy in manner or accomplishment – although she did save all her hate mail. To the children of her beloved brother and to those she enfolded in her circle, Parks embodied strength and fearlessness. She made sure there was food on tables more than once, and clothes on young backs. Through her mistakes, she taught the power of apology. She counseled them not to judge as they’d been judged, but she showed them that there’s a limit to forgiveness. In her latter years, they say, she was the same

calm, determined person she’d always been. And even well into her eighties, she vowed to keep doing what needed done. With the approaching 50th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ famous act of defiance, you’re likely to hear a lot about her in the next year. But when was the last time you thought about Mr. Parks? Yeah, same here. That’s why “Our Auntie Rosa” is so important. Filled with memories of the Parks’ lives within the raucous, loving McCauley family, this book offers things history doesn’t tell you. Author Keys and Allen weaves her siblings’ memories into a treasury of life, not politics or action. We meet people important to Rosa Parks and, through them, we’re warmed by tales of a real person – tales that, if you never met Parks, will make you mourn for it. I absolutely loved this memory-filled delight, I loved its balance and I think you will, too. If you’ve ever wondered about the quiet, tiny giant behind the act, “Our Auntie Rosa” is a book to chase down.

New Mahalia Jackson biopic to be filmed in Chicago By Oretha Winston Special to the NNPA from The Chicago Defender

8 | Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, 2015 | District Chronicles

Embassy of United States in New Delhi/Creative Commons

(NNPA) – Bill Duke brings his years of talent and experience to direct and executive produce “The Mahalia Jackson Story,” a music biopic chronicling the life of the woman who rose from her poverty and obscurity to become the world’s greatest gospel singer and a music icon and legend. “Getting her story to the screen has been a passion project of mine for many years,” said Duke, who has more than 60 features, TV shows and TV movies to his credit. The “Mahalia Jackson Story” was written by Ruth L Ratny, based on “Just Mahalia Baby,” Jackson’s seminal biography and augmented by personal stories revealed for the first time by her former accompanists, friends, relatives and pastors. The full-length feature film

will feature 20 of Jackson’s classic songs, including “Move on Up a Little Higher,” her first million album seller and Thomas Dorsey’s “Precious Lord,” which Mahalia, as Dorsey’s song-plugger introduced in Detroit in 1940. Precious Lord would become a favorite of Mahalia’s friend, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When she sings “How I Got Over,” it helps us all to believe that we can get over, too, said Duke. “The Mahalia Jackson Story” will be filmed in Chicago and is endorsed by Chicago’s civic and religious community. Jackson was a very active citizen of Chicago who, along with Thomas Dorsey, Roberta Martin and Sallie Martin, helped make the city the Gospel music capital of the world, said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a letter of support for the film. Chicago is considered the birthplace of gospel and its annual Gospel Music Festival is the largest in the world.

The biopic will follow famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and it will be shot in Chicago, the city considered the birthplace of gospel.

Classifieds JOBS…AUTOS…REAL ESTATE…COMPUTERS…AND MUCH MORE…

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD CALL 202 806-9401 CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PREPAID

Adoption

Employment

Miscellaneous

Considering Adoption? Loving, Secure, Happy Couple Looking to start a family through the miracle of adoption. Legal/ Expenses Paid 800-476-1819 Online at www.timandtoniadopt.com

The path to your dream job begins with a college degree. Education Quarters offers a free college matching service. CALL 1-800-375-6219

Struggling with DRUGS or ALCHOHOL? We care! Call The FREE Addiction Hope & Help Line 800-793-1951 CASH FOR CARS, Any Make or Model! Free Towing. Sell it TODAY. Instant offer: 1-800-864-5784 Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888-909-9905 18+. DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $34.99 Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877-477-9659 DISH TV Retailer. Starting at $19.99/ month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-800615-4064 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 866-453-6204 Looking for a fun job! 18-24 people needed. Travel resort locations. Paid training and travel expenses. $500 Signing bonus 877-646-5050 !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! Gibson,Martin,Fender,Gretsch. 19301980. Top Dollar paid!! Call Toll Free 1-866-433-8277

Protect your family with term life insurance – free quote – Rates are at all time lows. Shop your current plan and save $$$. $250,000 Or more in coverage available. Smokers rates too. Call 866 519 8376 Join the gold and silver rush. Invest in gold and silver coins. Free investors kit and dvd. 800 978 3903 Do you need advice? Got a relationship problem? Talk to a Psychic advisor. 10 Minutes of talk time is only $10. Call 24/7. 800 568 8299

Buried in debt? Now you can get out of high credit card debt And save thousands. Free consultation. 800 617 5145 Got water problems in your basement? Make it dry and a great Place to live in. Get your free dry basement science book now. Call for details. 800 515 4035 Are your student loan payments too high? You can lower your Payments and save money. Call now for a free student loan Reduction review. 800 291 2865 DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $32.99 Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877-451-6721

Announcements Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800-4107127 for FREE DVD and brochure. DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-800-895-7416 Get CABLE TV, INTERNET & PHONE with FREE HD Equipment and install for under $3 a day! Call Now! 844-9031394 Got an older car, boat or RV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1- 800-758-2204 Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-419-3684 Reduce Your Past Tax Bill by as much as 75 Percent. Stop Levies, Liens and Wage Garnishments. Call The Tax DR Now to see if you Qualify 1-800-8412298 Sell your structured settlement or annuity payments for CASH NOW. You don’t have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 1-800-391-0460 SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-208-6915 to start your application today!

Auto TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any Car/Truck, Running or Not. Call for INSTANT offer: 1-800-454-6951 CASH FOR CARS: Cars/Trucks Wanted! Running or Not! We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Instant Offer – Call: 1-800-569-0003

Business Advertise to 500,000 Homes with a business card size ad. You choose the area of coverage in free community papers…we do the rest. Call 800-4507227 or visit macnetonline.com Buying classifeds just got easier. Log on to districtchronicles.com and click “Classifieds.” Earn FREE print classifieds when you purchase online. Call (202) 806-9401

Events Holding a Carnival! Fair! Festival! Jubilee! Promote it to over 1 Million readers for only $200!!! Visit www.midatlanticevents.net for more details or call 800-450-7227.

For Sale Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 1-800-9063115 for $750 Off

Health VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 1-866-3126061 VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 40 tabs +10 FREE, $99 includes FREE SHIPPING. 1-888-836-0780 or MetroMeds.net Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-254-4073, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

Insurance Need Car Insurance Now? Lowest Down Payment - Canceled? State Letter? Accidents? Tickets? DUI? Instant Coverage! INSUREDIRECT. COM 1-800-231-3603

Lots & Acreage CONTRACT FELL THRU! 5 acres – $19,900 or $254/ month! 70% below market! Gorgeous woods 5 miles to Cooperstown! G’teed buildable! Twn rd, utils. Call 888-738-6994 or go to newyorklandandlakes.com UPSTATE NY WATERFRONT! 11 acres – $69,900 Beautiful woods on bass lake 5 mi to Cooperstown! Private setting for camp, cabin or yr round home! Terms avail! 888-431-7214 NewYorkLandandLakes.com

DC Photo Needs

Wanted to Buy CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800-371-1136 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 CASH for sealed, unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS/STOP SMOKING PRODUCTS! Free Shipping, 24hr Payments! Call 1-877-588-8500, Espanol Available www.TestStripSearch.com.

REAL WORLD

ONLINE

John Smith

• Expert on autism • Loving father and husband • Award winning philanthropist

• SEC Investigation • Angry Customers • Poor Ratings

HOW DOES THE INTERNET SEE YOU?

Adoption Autos Business Education Jobs Real Estate

• Suppress misleading or inaccurate search results • Protect yourself or your business from online attacks • Increase your online credibility and authority

CALL FOR FREE ASSESSMENT

24 hours a day. 7 days a week. 52 weeks a year. Visit www.districtchronicles.com.

800.357.5843

Buy classifieds at districtchronicles.com

District Chronicles | Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, 2015 | 9

Classifieds Legal Notice

Exclusive Offers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Switch to

Samuel Shields Name of decedent Billy L. Ponds, The Ponds Law Firm 1250 24th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20037 Name and Address of Attorney

Personal Representative Regina M. Shields 202-333-2922 TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Name of newspaper and/or periodical: District Chronicles 525 Bryant Street, NW Washington, DC 20059 Tel. 202-806-9401

$$$ $$ $$$$$ $$$ $$$ $$$ $$ $$ $$ $$ $ $$$ $$ $$$ $$$$ $$$ $

Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

Date of first publication 3/26/15

SAVE 37 YOU CAN

Administration No. 303

Regina Marie Shields, whose address is 215 Adams Street, N.E., Apartment 2, Washington, DC 20002 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Samuel Shields who died on June 17, 2014, without a will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington D.C. 20001, on or before 9/26/15. 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 9/26/15, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Exclusive Offers

Keep your phone number for FREE Unlimited1 calling to U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico

Call now & you can SAVE 37%!

Reduce Your Tax Bill by as Much as 75% or More! ARE YOU BEING AUDITED? ARE YOU FACING A LEVY ON YOUR WAGES, YOUR BANK ACCOUNT OR YOUR PROPERTY? DID THE IRS SEND YOU A FINAL NOTICE OF INTENT TO LEVY? The Tax Doctor, in association with National Tax, has reduced some of our customers’ tax bills by as much at 75%. Why pay more than you should to the IRS?

PUT THE MONEY BACK IN YOUR POCKET. Our experts will fight for you using IRS guidelines, to stop any actions... like bank levies or wage garnishments. Plus eliminate penalties and interest… and reduce your past tax bill so you pay the IRS less.

CALL NOW TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY!

800-585-3970 Call Monday-Friday 9 am-9 pm EST

10 minutes of your time could save you THOUSANDS. If you owe $10,000 or more in back taxes, don’t fight an IRS audit alone. The Tax Doctor is here to help you negotiate a lower tax bill…

You can SAVE an average of 37% over competing home phone plans of traditional phone and cable companies*

Order Vonage today: 1-800-490-8609 1Unlimited calling and other services for all residential plans are based on normal residential, personal, non-commercial use. A combination of factors is used to determine abnormal use, including but not limited to: the number of unique numbers called, calls forwarded, minutes used and other factors. Subject to our Reasonable Use Policy and Terms of Service. In-plan calls may exclude calls to mobiles, depending on destination.*Savings claim is based on the published monthly recurring charge for unbundled unlimited nationwide calling plans from leading phone and cable providers. Comparison excludes promotional pricing, fees, surcharges or taxes and assumes a customer already has broadband service. Check your phone bill to determine the savings that would apply to you. High-speed internet required.

Confused about your Medicare Options? Paying too much for your current Supplemental Medicare plan? Save up to 65% by comparing TOP carriers in your area! Call Now!

Get a FREE no obligation review of your Medicare options.

CALL US! WE CAN HELP

800-360-6514

LEARN about the plans, COMPARE the different types of plans, and SAVE on the plan you choice! Speak with a licensed adviser today!

:HȇOO KHOS \RX ȴ QG WKH ULJKW SODQ DQG FDUULHU IRU \RX Compare every plan in your area with the lowest rates! Compare top carriers costs and EHQHȴ WV VLGH E\ VLGH Compare your plan to current market rates!

$UH \RX DQG ROGHU" MedicareFAQ (Elite Insurance Partners) helps individuals understand all Medicare options, including original Medicare Parts A or B or any of the other Supplemental Medicare plans like; Medicare Supplements (Medigap), Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Prescription Drugs (Part D).

Friendly service, hassle free & no obligation to sign up!

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR WORLD

www.districtchronicles.com 10 | Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, 2015 | District Chronicles

This is a solicitation for insurance. Not a branch of Medicare or any other government agency.

Call 202-806-9401 to advertise in the District Chronicles. districtchronicles.com

In the Neighborhood

Metro Briefs: Notable news in and around Washington Montgomery County County budget tightens belt on spending, boosts economic development, schools and libraries

ounty Executive Ike Leggett released Monday his recommended FY16 Operating Budget of $5.1 billion for the year that begins on July 1, 2015. The budget increases county government tax-supported spending by only 1.1 percent while cutting the county property tax rate by about one cent. The balanced budget closes an estimated $238 million gap. “Over the last nine years, I have closed over $3 billion in budget gaps while putting the county’s fiscal house back in order and making the investments necessary to build a better future,” said County Executive Leggett, who was re-elected to a third term last November. “This budget signals that our hard work of fiscal responsibility is not done. We see lower-than-expected income tax revenues, a still fragile national economic recovery and the prospect of less state funding. While my FY16 budget is, essentially, a ‘same-services’ budget, I have strategically looked for opportunities in it to improve job growth and expand our tax base. “Although carefully constrained in some areas, this budget continues the county’s significant investments in our schools, the creation of good jobs, transportation, affordable housing, public safety, our Positive Youth Development Initiative, our seniors, and in help for the vulnerable in our midst. “We are increasing our investment in biotech, expanding our focus on cybersecurity business and making sure that job-creating projects that are ready to go will receive needed permits within 30 days. This new initiative will get our buildings built, more jobs created, and will make the county’s tax base larger far sooner than before.”

Montgomery County Proposed FY16 Budget Highlights A tax-supported county government budget of $1,405,714,273, a 1.1 percent increase over this year. A total county budget of $5,067,834,958 – a $72.1 million, or 1.4 percent, overall increase. Funding for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) of $2.2 billion – the Maintenance of Effort level required by State law. That represents a $30.7 million increase over last year, or 1.4 percent and is nearly 98 percent of the Board of Education’s request. The County Executive’s budget also includes $27.2 million for future health care and retirement benefits for MCPS that makes that same amount available for funding for MCPS programs in FY16; Reduces the property tax rate by 0.9 cents per $100 of assessed valuation (from 99.6 cents to 98.7 cents). The average county residence, valued at $455,600, would pay $3,805 in FY16 – an increase of only $15 for the year; Increases staffing at the Department of Permitting Services to guarantee 30-day turnaround for permitting on ready projects, a continuation of the County Executive’s businessfriendly streamlining initiative; Reduces Solid Waste fees by 4 percent across-the-board for families and businesses; Increases funding for Developmental Disability programs by $1 million; Provides $43.9 million for affordable housing creation and preservation: Adds $7 million in funding for senior housing projects in

Silver Spring and Glenmont; Increases funding for the Department of Public Libraries by 5 percent – mostly in increased materials; Funds body cameras and new bulletproof vests for County Police;

YOU Choose The Deal!

Promotional Packages Starting At...

Commercial-Free TV

Promotional Packages Starting At

FOR 12 MONTHS

Not eligible for Hopper or HD.

Upgrade to

DISH TODAY!

Join Without a Contract!

NO Contracts. NO Credit Check. NO Commitment.

Get a Hopper from DISH and instantly skip commercials *

Not eligible for promotional pricing

Available with qualifying packages. Monthly DVR and receiver fees apply. *Feature must be enabled by customer.

CHOOSE ONE OF THESE GREAT OPTIONS!

CALL NOW - LIMITED TIME SAVINGS!

1-800-370-9350 Call 7 days a week 8am - 11pm EST Promo Code: MB0614

Offers above require 24-month commitment and credit qualification. Remote viewing requires Wi-Fi connection or use of Hopper Transfer feature. Commercial skipping feature available with qualifying packages.

Important Terms and Conditions: Promotional Offers: Require activation of new qualifying DISH service. All prices, fees, charges, packages, programming, features, functionality and offers subject to change without notice. After 12-month promotional period, then-current everyday monthly price applies and is subject to change. ETF: If you cancel service during first 24 months, early termination fee of $20 for each month remaining applies. Activation fee may apply. Additional Requirements: Hopper: Monthly fees: DVR service, $12; Joey, $7, Super Joey, $10. With Prime Time Anytime the AutoHop features available with playback the next day of select primetime shows on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC - Both features are subject to availability. Requires Super Joey to record 8 shows at once. Recording hours may vary; 2000 hours based on SD programming. Equipment comparison based on equipment available from major TV providers as of 6/13/14. Watching live and recorded TV anywhere requires an internet connected, Sling-enabled DVR and compatible mobile device. HD Free for 24 Months: Additional $10/mo HD fee waived for first 24 months. After promotional period, then-current everyday monthly price applies and is subject to change. Premium Channels: 3-month premium offer value is $165; after 3 months, then-current everyday monthly prices applies and are subject to change. Blockbuster @Home requires Internet to stream content. HD-only channels not available with select packages. Installation/Equipment Requirements: Free Standard Professional Installation only. Leased equipment must be returned to DISH upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Upfront and additional monthly fees may apply. Miscellaneous: Offers available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. State reimbursement charges may apply. Additional restrictions and taxes may apply. Offers end 1/16/15. © 2014 DISH Network L. L. C. All rights reserved. HBO®, Cinemax® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. STARZ and related channels and service marks are property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. All new customers are subject to a one-time processing fee.

Provides a $3 million increase in the County contribution for Montgomery College, a 2.6 percent increase that represents 98 percent of the College’s request. Provides a $1.8 million increase for the MarylandNational Capital Park & Planning Commission, a 1.5 percent increase and 96 percent of the agency’s tax-supported request; Increases funding for county cybersecurity business efforts; Provides a modest two percent wage increase for county employees, who sacrificed with layoffs, furloughs, a 10 percent reduction in numbers, and changes in health and retirement benefits during the Great Recession – saving county taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of millions of dollars of ongoing savings each year going forward; Keeps the county on target to attain a 10 percent county reserve fund by 2020; Maintains funding for the mandated level of funding to pay for future county retiree health benefits. The full budget and highlights are available on the county’s website at reports.data.montgomerycountymd.gov/omb

24 hours a day. 7 days a week. 52 weeks a year. Visit www.districtchronicles.com.

District Chronicles | Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, 2015 | 11

In the Neighborhood

Social club promotes Black identity, alternative culture

By Ian D. Mahon Contributing Writer

resident Wayne A. I. Frederick welcomed the freshman class at Howard University this week, but there is also a new club eager to introduce the students to a new way of being Black. In a classroom at Burr Gymnasium last semester, Jamal Jones highlighted the planned events of Label Us Black, a yet to be sanctioned Afropunk club at Howard. Dressed casually in a striped red and black shirt, his appearance belied his position of co-president as he let his audience in on future festivities. But first, he had to educate the uninitiated on what Afropunk is. Followers of Afropunk refer to it as a platform for the other Black experience, the “lifestyle path-less traveled” never seen in mainstream media, according to its official website. This year, Afropunk Fest, a free New York weekend

festival, will take place on August 23 and 24 at the Commodore Barry Park in New York City. Afropunk is described as merged punk, indie rock, alternative cultures with a largely AfricanAmerican involvement, a movement that allows African Americans to participate in music genres with typically caucasian participation. Punk rock bands, alternative rock bands and other music acts linked to the Afropunk community include Death, Pure Hell, Bad Brains, Suicidal Tendencies, Dead Kennedys, The Roots, Wesley Willis, Fishbone, Santigold, Janelle Monáe, Shinobi Ninja and many others. Of the notable bands associated with Afropunk, Bad Brains as well as punk rock icon, Henry Rollins, hail directly from the DC area. Nadia Bartholomew, who had never heard of Afropunk, expressed confusion at the name. “Afropunk? Isn’t that an artist?” She asked wide-eyed.

“Are you talking about Afrojack?” Asked Cynthia Gana responding to her question. The whole room exploded in laughter, the kind only friends, good-natured acquaintances and tight-knit families would recognize. As the laughter faded, conversation turned to esoteric topics such as itchy foreheads, lost buttons at an airport, new indie rock bands and Cartoon Network. Label Us Black concentrates on diverse “alternative” events and activities, which have so far included group thrift-shopping trips, multicultural potlucks, culture-celebration festivals, weekend music festivals and others. Besides hosting music shows, the group has attended others in the area as well, such as a punk rock show Founder and president, Sophomore Economics major Nia Johnson, described it as “an alternative social club.” “I wanted to start a club,” she said, “for people alienated by that

whole narrative that Black people or being Black is one specific way.” Johnson and Jones started the club over a mutual interest of alternative hobbies, such as listening to indie rock music, watching Japanese anime, 1990s American cartoons and other hobbies. The club has hosted one music show so far, featuring the bands Tarfu, an alternative rock, Baltimore-based band; EMPLife, an electronica instrumental band stylized as such and Gloria Adios, an indie rock band based in DC. At the show, Label Us Black raised money selling tickets, food, CDs and other merchandise provided by the performing bands. The bands, while each unique, brought to the show sounds reminiscent of well-known commercial bands such as Explosions in the Sky, LCD Soundsystem and Pearl Jam to name a few. While musically-focused on underground genres considered

“atypical” for African-American audiences, the likes of which include indie rock, punk rock, grunge, Label Us Black has no ill-will towards “typical” music such as hip-hop and R&B. One of the reasons the organization was created was to provide a place for those who do what is “alternative” but still enjoy the Howard experience. “What we’ve done is establish a place for alternative people to just meet,” said Jones. “I wanted people who liked different things to actually be able to find each other.” With a new member swaggering in every one or two weeks, the group seems to be getting more and more noticed. “Apparently the name and the idea have already mass spread,” said Jones. “Everybody who talks about it seems to be down for it. I think what we’ve done is created a separate space, a new idea on campus and I hope it progresses as the years go on.”

D.C. residents celebrate re-opening of apartment complex, honor Salvadoran religious figure, Oscar Romero

Robert Eubanks/DistrictChronicles

Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles

Robert Eubanks/DistrictChronicles

Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles

12 | Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, 2015 | District Chronicles

District residents gathered in front of a staged area near the Monseñor Oscar Romero Apartment building in Northwest D.C. to celebrate its re-opening. Residents waited years since the former Deauville Apartment burned down displacing many. They used this opportunity to honor the Late Archbishop of El Salvador, Oscar Romero, a champion of human rights and the poor during the country’s civil war. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Archbishop of D.C. Donald Wuerl, Former Ward 1 council member Jim Graham and other city and community leaders attended the event. (Photo Credit: Robert Eubanks)