The Washington Informer - April 25, 2024

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Ward 8 Residents Cry ‘Foul’ in Circulator Elimination

5 The DC Circulator is proposed to be cut as part of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s fiscal year 2025 Budget. (Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Deborah Jackson lives in an apartment complex not far from the Anacostia Metro Station in Ward 8 in Southeast.

She doesn’t own a car so she uses the DC Circulator bus system—she hops on at the Anacostia Metro-- when she can go shopping, visit friends or attend church.

She will also utilize the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) buses, if

Mayor Bowser Attacks School Budget Accountability

Latest Move Follows Years of DCPS Not Following 'Schools First in Budgeting' Law

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

The D.C. Council’s Committee of the Whole will soon deliberate on D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act, which, among several other things, rolls back accountability measures that the District’s education leaders haven’t followed for two consecutive budget cycles.

If the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act is passed in its current form, such accountability measures,

originally outlined in the Schools First in Budgeting Amendment Act of 2021, would no longer exist.

The Schools First in Budgeting Amendment Act of 2021, approved without Bowser’s signature, requires, not only D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Dr. Lewis D.Ferebee’s submission of the school budget 42 days before the mayor’s budget proposal, but the funding of each public school at levels no lower than what they received during the last fiscal year.

T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project Founder Looks Back on ‘Past, Present and Future’ Office of Attorney General Funds Violence Prevention Efforts

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In the weeks leading up to Gun Violence Prevention Month (June), Tia Bell continues her longtime efforts to address gun violence as a public health matter, not one solely requiring police and incarceration.

This summer, she’s scheduled to launch T.R.I.G.G.E.R. University, through which 125 adolescents and young adults will once again engage in six weeks of project-based learning, academic support, and workforce and socioemotional development.

For Bell, this endeavor, now in its seventh year, will become a bit less cumbersome thanks, in part, to the Office

If passed in its current form, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s pending Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act will eliminate accountability measures for District education leaders, particularly regarding funds allocation originally outlined in the "Schools First in Budgeting’"Amendment Act of 2021. (WI File Photo)

Ilhan Omar’s Daughter Suspended from Barnard College Over Pro-Palestinian Protests

Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, has been suspended from Barnard College for her involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University.

Hirsi, a junior at Barnard in New York City, one of Columbia University’s four undergraduate colleges, announced her suspension on social media, stating she and two other students were penalized for supporting Palestinians.

“I’ve received notice that I am one of three students suspended for standing in solidarity with Palestinians fac-

ing genocide,” Hirsi wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. She highlighted her involvement with Columbia University Apartheid Divest and her clean disciplinary record during her time at Barnard.

“In my three years at [Barnard College, I have never been reprimanded or received any disciplinary warnings,” Hirsi wrote.

She said despite the suspension, her advocacy will continue.

“Those of us in Gaza Solidarity Encampment will not be intimidated,” she said. “We will stand resolute until our demands are met. Our demands include divestment from companies complicit in genocide, transparency of [Columbia’s] investments and FULL amnesty for all students facing repression.”

WI

President Biden to Deliver Commencement Address at Morehouse College

President Joe Biden plans to deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College on May 19, a significant event as he seeks to strengthen ties with the diverse coalition that played a pivotal role in his initial election to the White House.

The White House confirmed Biden’s participation on Tuesday, following his planned address to the United States Military Academy at West Point on May 25. The Morehouse address marks the second consecutive year Biden will address the graduating class of a prominent historically Black institution, having spoken at Howard University in 2023.

Morehouse College is renowned for its storied history and legacy of nurturing influential Black leaders, including civil rights luminary the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Georgia’s first Black U.S. Senator, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D). The institution is considered a beacon of empowerment and academic excellence.

Warnock, a Morehouse alum, said he was excited about

the president’s planned address.

“I am thrilled to see President Biden return to our great state to deliver this year’s commencement address,” Warnock stated. “His administration’s commitment to addressing the soaring costs of higher education and initiatives like canceling debt for over 4 million Americans have been pivotal in narrowing the racial wealth gap.”

President of Morehouse College David Thomas, also expressed excitement for Biden’s participation in the commencement ceremony.

“We are deeply honored that President Biden has accepted our invitation,” Thomas said. “His presence is a testament to our institution’s enduring legacy and our unwavering commitment to excellence, progress, and positive transformation.”

Henry Goodgame, a Morehouse alumnus and vice president of External Relations and Alumni Engagement, said Biden’s address comes during a pivotal moment for America. Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

Suspect Arrested After Breaking into Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s Official Residence

A 29-year-old suspect has been apprehended following a break-in at Getty House, the official residence of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (right). The incident took place at approximately 6:40 a.m. on April 21, when the suspect allegedly smashed a back window to gain entry into the Hancock Park home.

Bass and her family were present in the residence at the time of the break-in. Importantly, no injuries were reported during the incident. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) promptly responded to the scene and arrested Ephraim Matthew Hunter, a Los Angeles resident, who has since been booked on charges of burglary.

While the LAPD has not yet disclosed a possible motive for the break-in, residents expressed surprise at the audacity of the attempted intrusion.

Jud Grubbs, a Hancock Park resident, commented

on the robust security measures surrounding Getty House. “It’s got a fence, a gate, all the way around. I’m sure there are cameras, and there’s usually a lot of presence around the house,” Grubbs told KTLA 5’s Rachel Menitoff. Whether Hunter interacted with Bass or her family during the break-in remains unclear. Authorities have not released further details about the intruder.

In response to the incident, the mayor’s office issued a statement ex pressing gratitude towards the LAPD for their swift response and apprehen sion of the suspect.

Read more on washingtoninformer. com. WI

5Isra Hirsi (Courtesy Photo/X, Isra Hirsi)

D.C. Democrats Elect Delegates to Chicago Convention

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

L. Jeannette Mobley, a Ward 5 resident and seasoned political activist, spent much of April 20 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, working toward her quest to represent District voters as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago Aug. 19-22.

Mobley, targeted voters in the congressional district that consists of Wards 3, 4, 5 and 7, and offered campaign literature about the “Protecting Democracy– Ride’N With Biden,” which included Christine Warnke, Dave Donaldson and Phil Thomas of Ward 3, Charles Gaither of Ward 4, Hazel Thomas of Ward 5, joining Mobley, and Jimmie Williams of Ward 7.

With polls open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m to 8 p.m., Mobley and her slate’s efforts bore fruit as they were elected as delegates to the DNC, which will be held at Chicago’s United Center.

“I feel very honored to have the opportunity to represent the citizens of Washington, D.C. at the Democratic convention in Chicago to help place the name of Joe Biden as president and Kamala Harris as vice president in nomination,” Mobley told The Informer.

In the other congressional district– the “DC4Biden” slate– with Democrats in Wards 1, 2, 6 and 8, the Rev. E. Gail Holness of Ward 1, Monica Roche and John Fanning of Ward 2 and David Meadows and Troy Donté Prestwood of Ward 8 emerged victorious and will go to the convention as well.

“We are going to Chicago to stand for democracy,” Prestwood declared.

THE DELEGATE PROCESS

In the District, local Democrats have two levels of delegates.

First, the election process that Mobley and her slate participated in allows District Democrats to choose who will represent them at the convention. However, Charles Wilson, the chairman of the D.C. Democratic State Committee said there is another level.

“There are delegates represent-

ing D.C. who are on the Democratic National Committee, such as myself and Linda Gray, who is our party’s vice chair,” Wilson, 49, said. “The city’s national committeeman and committeewoman, Kevin Chavous and Denise Reed, are automatic delegates. D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson are automatic delegates because of the positions they hold. Plus, people like Donna Brazile are delegates from D.C. because they are appointed by the DNC.”

Wilson said D.C. Council members are not automatic delegates. He said council members must run in the congressional district they represent or if they are at-large, become a delegate candidate in the ward in which they live.

Wilson said delegates are responsible for their travel to the convention. He said the local party has a hotel in the host city set aside for the delegation. Wilson said District Democrats will have fundraisers to help some delegates with the costs of attending the convention.

Holness said she will champion President Biden and Vice President Harris while at the convention but said another cause will be advocated while in Chicago.

“We need our fellow Democrats to support D.C. statehood,” she said. “We will let our fellow Democrats know how we are disenfranchised in Washington, D.C.”

Prestwood, who leads the Ward 8 Democrats, said the Chicago convention will be his second as a delegate. He noted his participation as a delegate in 2020 but said the coronavirus pandemic prevented proceedings from actually taking place in Milwaukee, the selected site, and everything was done virtually.

Prestwood said he looks forward to traveling to Chicago and like his slate mate, Holness, advocating for the presidential ticket and D.C. statehood.

“We are going to bring D.C. values to the convention and fight for what is right,” Prestwood told The Informer. “We hope WI @JamesWrightJr10

5L. Jeannette Mobley, who was part of the “Protecting Democracy– Ride’N with Biden” slate, will represent the District as a delegate at the Chicago Democratic Convention in August. (WI File Photo/Shedrick Pelt)

AROUND THE REGION

HAROLD WASHINGTON

APRIL 25

1917 – Iconic jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is born in Newport News, Virginia.

1944 – The United Negro College Fund is founded. 1950 – Chuck Cooper is selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the NBA draft, becoming the first African American drafted by an NBA team.

APRIL 26

1892 – Inventor Sarah Boone patents an improved version of the ironing board.

1984 – Renowned jazz bandleader and pianist Count Basie dies of pancreatic cancer at 79 in Hollywood, Florida.

APRIL 27

1903 – Maggie L. Walker is named president of Richmond's St. Luke Bank and Trust Company, becoming the first Black woman to head a bank. 1927 – Coretta Scott King, civil rights leader and wife of Martin Luther King Jr., is born in Heiberger, Alabama.

1945 – Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson is born in Pittsburgh.

1971 – Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. becomes the first Black American to be selected as an admiral in the U.S. Navy.

APRIL 28

1967 – Boxing champion Muhammad Ali refuses to be inducted into the U.S. Army and is immediately

stripped of his heavyweight title. Ali, a Muslim, cited religious reasons for his decision.

APRIL 29

1899 – Famed jazz pianist and composer Duke Ellington is born in Washington, D.C. 1983 – Harold Washington is sworn in as the first Black mayor of Chicago.

1992 – Four white Los Angeles Police Department officers are acquitted of excessive force in the videotaped beating of Black motorist Rodney King, touching off six days of violent rioting throughout South Central Los Angeles that caused more than $1 billion in damages.

APRIL 30

1983 – Journalist and publisher Robert C. Maynard buys The Oakland Tribune newspaper from Gannett Company Inc., becoming the first African American to gain a controlling interest in a major daily newspaper.

1992 – The final episode of top-rated sitcom "The Cosby Show" airs on NBC, concluding a successful eight-year run for the show.

MAY 1

1867 – Howard University opens its doors to the first students.

1939 – Max Robinson, the first African American broadcast network news anchor in the United States, is born in Richmond, Virginia.

1946 – Emma Clarissa Clement, an African American theological educator, becomes the first Black woman to be named National Mother of the Year.

1950 – Gwendolyn Brooks wins the Pulitzer Prize for "Annie Allen," a book of poetry, making her the first African American to receive the award. WI

THE COSBY SHOW

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Red Lobster, a once-popular American chain, has been facing difficulties in recent years due to changes in the economy and societal trends. There are reports that the company is considering filing for bankruptcy. What do you think led to the decline of the well-known seafood restaurant?

MARKETA D. / BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

KEITH JAMES / WASHINGTON, D.C.

They increased their prices and decreased their food quality for cheaper options.

They are struggling because the food isn’t high-quality, and the customer service is subpar. I haven’t eaten there in years. I used to love Red Lobster and Applebee’s. It was semi-luxe dining at a reasonable price.

S. HAYES / NEW YORK, N.Y.

They didn’t update anything over the years, except for the prices. It looks gloomy and like a haunted mansion inside.

CHANDA MCPHERSON / DETROIT, MICH.

Someone suggested that they update the menu and begin serving seafood boils.

SHAYNA PETERSON / DETROIT, MICH.

They just need a good old-fashioned rebrand.

AROUND THE REGION

Attendees Travel Near and Far for the National Cannabis Festival’s ‘Good Vibes’

Wu-Tang Clan, Thundercat, Devin the Dude, Backyard Band, Black Alley Band Among Talented Lineup

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Though he had never heard of the National Cannabis Festival until the second day of the event on Saturday, April 20, Michael Blowe, who currently lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, made a convoluted trip to D.C.’s The Fields at RFK Campus to see what all the fuss was about.

“I came to visit my sister, she’s working the event and I had no clue that this event even existed until a few hours ago,” Blowe, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, told The Informer. “I got on the road at 4 a.m. I drove up to New York to pick up my son… So I literally just got down here from New York. After I leave here I’m going back to Virginia Beach, and it was worth every minute of the drive.”

Since its inaugural event at RFK in 2016, National Cannabis Festival (NCF) has created entertaining and educational experiences centered around advocacy and to celebrate federal and local progress in the cannabis community and culture. For its eighth annual festival April 19-20, NCF, curated a cultural cannabis extravaganza, featuring acts such as Black Alley, Thundercat, Devin the Dude, DJ Farrah Flosscett, Backyard Band and the legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan featuring Redman. Blowe wasn’t the only person who

5Kacey Williams of Black Alley Band performs at the National Cannabis Festival at The Fields at RFK Campus on April 19. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer) drove from Virginia’s coastal region to take in the NCF festivities on April 20– the day recognized by many marijuana enthusiasts and advocates as a holiday celebrating all things cannabis culture.

“I’m here because I tried to come a couple of times before COVID kicked off… and I kept missing it,” said Adrianne Butler on the second day of the festival “I had to drive from Hampton to see Wu-Tang today.”

As she jammed to the Wu-Tang Clan live, she told The Informer, the trip to D.C. was “way worth it.”

“[The festival] is so much better than I expected,” Butler continued. “I’m excited to be here.”

During the two-day festival, attendees were able to visit hundreds of booths, attend discussions, learn about various cannabis advocacy, engage in conversations about voting, purchase from vendors, and enjoy the many entertainers.

Prince George’s County resident Candice, who preferred not to use her last name, said she came specifically to check out Wu-Tang clan, but was impressed with the festival overall.

“It’s been pretty good. Good food, good times, good vibes,” said Candice, who told The Informer she was already making plans to bring a chair and get closer to the stage at next year’s festival.

“Good vibes,” seemed to be the universal experience for those attending and working the event.

“When I started to look into the

festival and what it was about… everybody’s just getting along… vibing out having a good time,” Blowe said. “Seems like that’s rare nowadays, so it’s good to have something like that.”

Butler also emphasized that the overall positive environment added to the National Cannabis Festival’s appeal.

“The vibe is super chill. You don’t have to worry about people fighting or doing anything crazy. Everybody is chill and showing love, and it’s fun to be around,” she explained, adding that she will “absolutely,” be back next year.

Dorald Hemsley, an event staff security officer at The Fields at RFK Campus, told The Informer that there were “no incidents, no problems at all,” during the two-day festival, emphasizing that “it’s a safe environment.”

Hemsley also noted he particularly appreciated Wu-Tang Clan’s more than hour-long performance, featuring back-to-back jams and highlighting various members including Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, and a tribute to the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

As people threw their legendary “Ws,” in the air, in honor of the WuTang clan symbol, Method Man told the crowd what the DMV area has meant to the group since its inception in the early 90s.

“Our best markets [have been] New York, Philly, and the whole DMV,” he said. WI

Read more on

washingtoninformer.com.

In His Second Re-Election Bid, Ward 8 Councilmember White’s Legislative Record Under Scrutiny Voter Apathy a Huge Concern, Some Residents Say

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Earlier this year, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) launched his re-election bid amid questions of whether he could effectively legislate on behalf of an increasingly socioeconomically diverse ward that’s grappling with violent crime, housing insecurity and other quality-of-life issues.

However, White remains resolute in his ability to take Ward 8 to new heights, recently telling voters at a candidate forum at Living Word Church on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue in Southwest that, without him on the council, Ward 8 loses legislative experience and two years of committee chairmanship.

In speaking to The Informer about his opponents, White, a millennial and two-term council member, didn't mince words.

“I have the strongest base out of any candidate in the race,” he said. “I led with integrity. We got six recreation centers in the pipeline. We have a senior wellness center being built now.. I created the Dream Grant and Ward 8 Investment Fund that gave money to businesses east of the Anacostia River. People can make promises but I've been delivering on my promises day in and day out.”

This budget season, White said he wants to restore funding for emergency rental assistance and the Home Purchase Assistance Program, also known as HPAP. Earlier this year, he turned his sights toward ticket amnesty, introducing legislation intended to tackle what he calls predatory ticketing.

In the realm of public safety, White told The Informer that, despite the prevalence of crime across the ward, the violence interrupter and credible messenger programs that he secured funding for has improved the violence prevention landscape.

White said, if re-elected, he wants to continue focusing on affordable housing for seniors. Other priorities include residents' financial literacy and economic empowerment via career-based mentoring, youth peer mentoring, and ensuring that Ward 8 residents can easily rent out Department of Parks and Recreation facilities to conduct com-

munity programming.

These efforts, he said, will build upon his ongoing endeavor to form a partnership between Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Johnson Middle School and Ballou Senior High School. The council member touted his work in connecting students at Anacostia High School with DAVIS Construction for a couple of months of weekend training and facilitating the launch of a mentorship program at Kramer Middle School and Johnson Middle School.

“I got a vision to be more inclusive about career-based mentoring with youth and young adults and the thriving industries we have in D.C.,” White said, stressing that community and career development is a matter of public safety. “We have a large advantage as a major city with major corporations. We have to build a bridge for young people to get career and business opportunities.”

THE WARD 8 DEMOCRATS GEAR UP FOR VOTER MOBILIZATION

On June 4, Ward 8 Democratic primary voters will decide once again whether to re-elect White or replace him with one of the contenders -Salim Adofo and Rahman Branch.

At one point, former state board representative and Bowser administration personnel Markus Batchelor counted among those vying for the Ward 8 council seat. However, he announced the suspension of his campaign in March after an unsuccessful attempt to appear on the ballot.

Whoever wins the June 4 Democratic primary will face Nate Derenge who is running as a Republican. Given the significant number of Democrats in Ward 8, it’s assumed that the Democratic nominee will clinch the Ward 8 council seat.

White, in office since 2017, won re-election in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, amassing 58.22% of the vote in the Democratic Primary, compared to Mike Austin, Yaida Ford and Stuart Anderson who secured 27.32%, 7.54% and 4.66% respectively.

During the 2020 general election,

White defeated independent candidates Fred Hill and Christopher Cole, and Republican candidate Nate Derenge, securing 78.84 of the vote.

In this go-around, White has re-

WARD 8 Page 11

4Earlier this year, Ward 8 Democratic Councilmember Trayon White launched his re-election bid, running against Salim Adofo and Rahman Branch in the June 4 primary. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

U.S. Department of Education Deputy General Counsel Phil Rosenfelt reads The Washington Informer. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer) Who’s Reading the Informer?

“If you use weapons of war to bring about peace, you're going to have more war and destruction.”

https://www washingtoninformer com/calendar/ #/

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) revealed three Earth Day themed buses on April 22, designed by DMV students ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade. Randy Clarke, WMATA CEO, poses with student artists, including: the District’s Annika, Eleanor, Evelyn, Kyndall, and Natalie; Maryland’s Carina, Indrayudh, Lenna Ouim and Wayne; and Virginia’s Aadhya, Ani, Callie, Dhilan and Vanya. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

ceived an endorsement from the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU).

In the weeks and days leading up to spring break, WTU members participated in a nominating process where they heard from Ward 8 council candidates and deliberated among themselves about the candidate they would endorse.

Nadia Casseus Torney, WTU’s treasurer, said the union’s support for White stemmed from his advocacy for a standalone D.C. Council education committee. She also called him a trailblazer when it came to speaking out against IMPACT evaluations long before an American University study deemed the evaluation system biased toward teachers of color.

Torney said that White always carves out time to attend WTU events and support WTU causes, the most recent of which being contract negotiations. She also recounted to The Informer instances when the Ward 8 council member gave civics lessons to District public school students.

“He’s volunteering to bring his expertise, which is real-world experience, to his students,” said Torney, an instructional coach at Kimball Elementary School in Southeast. “I’m struggling to find another council member who can do that. Councilmember White’s reliability, consistency and support for us is unmatched. There was no afterthought on my part.”

For Torney, a third council term looks like White continuing his advocacy and helping secure the removal or replacement of the IMPACT teacher evaluation system.

“Even though other [candidates] have merits, we can’t deny Councilmember White’s constant support and loyalty to the WTU,” she told The Informer. “We want to honor that and continue on what he’s started to support us on and his future initiatives.”

Even with his incumbency and support from teachers, White faces some hurdles, one of which is the Office of Campaign Finance (OCF).

OCF issued fines against White’s campaign committee totaling $20,500 for a haphazard start to his mayoral run and improper documentation of how the council member used $58,900 in public funds received through D.C.’s Fair Election Program in 2022.

Fred Cooke, the attorney representing White’s campaign, told The Informer on Tuesday that the campaign will soon reach a settlement with OCF, though he didn’t specify a date.

AROUND THE REGION

He said that, without his enrollment in the Fair Election Program, White is currently pursuing traditional campaign funding.

On May 18, the Ward 8 Democrats are scheduled to host an in-person candidate forum at Sycamore & Oak’s main pavilion in Southeast. This event will follow the circulation of an annual budget survey in which respondents ranked public safety, access to healthcare, and affordable and safe housing as the top three issues of concern.

The Ward 8 Democrats included that data in a letter that went to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and the entire D.C. Council.

Troy Donté Prestwood, president of the Ward 8 Democrats, told The Informer, on May 18, residents will have ample opportunity to ask candidates questions about the aforementioned issues, their campaign platform and record of service.

He said that the political organization is leaning toward conducting a straw poll that won’t result in an endorsement.

“The candidates should be able to express their vision for our ward and our city,” Prestwood told The Informer, emphasizing ongoing efforts to boost civic engagement in Ward 8. “Our message has always been that local elections matter. Your council election matters because those people represent your values and interests. It's so important to be engaged in matters that affect our community.”

SALIM ADOFO WANTS TO GO BACK TO THE BASICS

Adofo, who currently serves as the chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8C, jumped into the race during the latter part

of 2022, shortly after the end of elections. His decision, he told The Informer, came out of a desire to go beyond making recommendations as a commissioner and take Ward 8 in a different direction in the realms of infrastructure, food access, and education.

Councilmember White, Adofo said, falls short in advancing those goals.

“The incumbent is passionate but a lot of what we need comes from understanding the budget and developing the type of legislation that helps get us there,” Adofo said as he criticized White’s “present” vote on the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act in February.

“We don’t get a lot of legislation produced out of the incumbent and I think larger things need to happen that aren’t happening,” Adofo continued. “We have St. Elizabeths but that’s in large part through the mayor. We have development but I haven’t seen where the incumbent has made his presence known in those spaces to help develop the ward from an economic standpoint.”

In March, Adofo secured the most votes at the end of a candidate forum conducted by the First Friday group. Though more than 70 people attended the virtual event, those present by the end of the forum winnowed down to 22 people, nearly half of which voted for Adofo.

As of April 23, Adofo has secured endorsements from the DC Latino Caucus, DC Voters for Animals,and SigmaPAC1914.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

WI

@SamPKCollins

5In the June 4 primary, Salim Adofo is running for the Ward 8 Democratic seat, against current Councilmember Trayon White and Rahman Branch. (WI File Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

PGCPS CHANGES SCHOOL START, CLOSING TIMES

EFFECTIVE 2025

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) leaders approved changes to school start and closing times, consolidated some busy routes, and made amendments to walking distances.

“As part of my 90-day plan, we conducted a comprehensive transportation audit to identify opportunities for improvements in operations. The audit yielded several recommendations, and I am pleased to inform you that we are taking immediate action to implement solutions that we believe will have a significant impact,” said PGCPS CEO Dr. Millard House II. “For the 2024-2025 school year, you can expect to see changes aimed at ensuring the safe, efficient, and punctual transporta-

tion of our students to and from school.”

School start times have been standardized to 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., or 9:30 a.m. In addition, students from neighboring schools may end up riding the same bus, and school walking distances will be roughly doubled to nearly half a mile from their respective school.

In a Facebook post, Board of Education Member Jocelyn Route recommended that students who plan to walk to school opt-out of the bus option, which would better reflect student ridership and assess the effect of the time transition.

There will be town halls to discuss transportation changes on the following dates:

Tuesday, April 23 from 6 p.m. - 7: 30 p.m. at Oxon Hill High School

Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. - 11: 30 a.m. at Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Monday, April 29 from 6 p.m. - 7: 30 p.m. at Walker Mill Middle School

Tuesday, April 30 from 6 p.m. - 7: 30 p.m. at Kenmoor Middle School WI

J. FRANKLYN BOURNE BAR ASSOCIATION HOSTS SCHOLARSHIP TEA

The J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association hosted its 17th Annual Scholarship Tea in the MGM National Harbor’s Grand Ballroom on April 14, honoring women in both politics and the judiciary and presenting scholarships to rising legal minds.

The tea featured an opening speech from Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D) and Florida Congresswoman Sheila Chefilus-McCormick (D) served as the keynote speaker.

The three scholarship awardees were Oluwatobi Ajimoko and Josephina Nimarko, both attending the Howard University School of Law, and Katiah Scott, who attends Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law.

Vanita Taylor, who is assigned counsel for Parental Defense with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender and served as the Bourne Bar Association’s president, was given the Mabel E. Houze Hubbard Legacy award.

The Bourne Bar Association are National Bar Association (NBA) affiliates and their organization proudly claims to be the largest and most active specialty bar association in Maryland.

"The J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, Inc., Women's Committee established the annual tea as a scholarship opportunity,” said Nuria Grant, a supporter of the organization. “Now in its 17th year, the proceeds from the tea continue to be used toward scholarships for law students." WI

PRINCE GEORGIANS STEP UP TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

To celebrate Earth Day, many government and local organizations are working to help beautify Prince George’s County.

On the actual Earth Day holiday, April 22, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D) and Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin visited the Bladensburg waterfront and Cheverly to present checks, courtesy of the federal budget, to address stormwater maintenance issues in the respective towns.

Cottage City secured $670,000 and Cheverly secured $1,688,000, which will also help the town develop a flood mitigation plan. The leaders also presented $225,000 to the Anacostia Water Society for efforts to improve the notoriously dirty river and improve the health

of native fish and vegetation.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Upsilon Tau Omega Chapter is planning a shredding and electronic recycling event on April 27 at Jacob’s Ladder Youth Foundation in Fort Washington, Maryland. At the same time, the chapter’s Social Action Committee will host a voter registration drive.

“We want to empower our communities to protect the environment and utilize their voices to advocate for issues at the local, state, and national level,” said Upsilon Tau Omega Chapter President Quindella Fletcher.

The Prince George’s government is also making environmental efforts easier to access. Free mulch, derived from trees recycled after Christmas, was distributed at the Prince George’s County Organics Composting Facility in Upper Marlboro on April 20.

“Mulching provides nutrition and protection to the soil and is one of the most beneficial things a homeowner can do for their landscape,” said Department of the Environment Director Andrea Crooms. “It gives your lawn a clean and finished look, is environmentally friendly, and helps beautify your lawn and community.”

The county government also sent an email outlining the remaining electronic waste collection dates: the next are April 27 at Bowie Baysox Stadium and May 4 at Surrattsville High School, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. WI

5 The J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, Inc., Women’s Committee hosted its 17th Annual Scholarship Tea, where three rising legal minds were awarded scholarships and longtime lawyer Vanita Taylor was honored. (Courtesy Photo/Nuria Grant)

5 The Blink manufacturing headquarters recently opening in Bowie is a sign of investment for Maryland’s tech future and the state’s commitment to clean and renewable energy. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Political Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

SENATE DEBATE RECAP, NEW ENDORSEMENTS UNVEILED

In possibly the only televised debate of Maryland’s competitive Democratic primary, both Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) and Rep. David Trone (D-) sought to show themselves as not only the best Democrat for the job, but also as contenders to defeat former Governor Larry Hogan (R) in the general election.

While Maryland’s has reliably sent Democrats to the Senate for decades, Hogan is currently leading in head to head polls against both Trone and Alsobrooks and national Republicans helped fund a $ 1million dollar ad buy to support his campaign .

One of Alsobrooks’ biggest points was that she supports campaign finance reform and that “money can’t buy you love, and it can’t buy you Maryalnd” in regards to Trone’s outsized personal spending on the race. Campaign finance reports show that Trone has spent over $40 million total.

5

a bill that would allow commercial business owners to request juvenile curfew zones, if their application is accepted by the police chief and County Councilmember. The bill may be voted on before summer recess. (WI

Trone acknowledged this spending to help Democrats across the country and to open an abortion clinic in rural western Maryland that would also help West Virginians.

During the debate, Alsobrooks touted support from Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Rep. David Raskin (D), while Trone was proud to announce fresh endorsements from Attorney General Anthony Brown (D), Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D), and Prince George’s County Councilmembers Krystal Oriadha (D) and Ed Burroughs (D).

Outgoing Senator Ben Cardin has not endorsed a candidate, and stated that he does not plan to unless the race gets divisive.

International Issues that the candidates tackled were Tik Tok and the war in Gaza. Alsobrooks did not support a Tik Tok ban and cited Israel as an ally that needs accountability and restraint without widening Middle Eastern conflict. Trone voted to change the ownership of Tik Tok to an American company in a House vote, viewing the social media app as a national security risk, and said he urges international cooperation in partnership with the United States to relieve tensions.

It is expected that more polling will be conducted prior to the May 14 primary.

Many Maryland primary voters have already received their vote by mail ballots, and early voting will begin on Thursday, May 2. WI

COUNTYWIDE JUVENILE CURFEW BILL INTRODUCED

Prince George’s County Councilmember Edward Burroughs (DDistrict 8) introduced a bill that would allow retail, entertainment, and dining business owners to request juvenile curfew zones.

With this legislation, applications would be submitted to the police chief and would require the approval of the County council member and two/ thirds of other store owners within the proposed zone. Violators of the curfew would be subject to a fine.

This bill may receive a vote before the council adjourns for sum-

mer vacation.

Burroughs told The Informer that this bill doesn’t fully solve the problem of juvenile crime, an issue he has focused on during his tenure on the council. While Burroughs admitted that he was hesitant to introduce the bill, he believed that some remedy needed to be done to improve safety.

“At best, [these zones] are a bandaid to a much larger problem,” said Burroguhs. “If we don’t significantly invest in young people and their ability to do productive things and have productive activities, we’re not going to get very far on the issue of juvenile crime.”

In 2022, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks implemented a youth curfew to address a perceived rise in crime, particularly carjackings.

County Councilmember Krystal Oriadha (D) also introduced a bill to clamp down on ghost guns in Prince George’s.

“We need to give all the tools possible to the police and prosecutors when it comes to getting guns out of the hands of young people,” she said.

WI

5 In likely the last debate before the May 14 primary, Congressman David Trone and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsbrooks (pictured) made their cases on electability, authenticity, and representation to Maryland Democrats.

County Councilmember Edward Burroughs introduced

File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

JACKSON LEADS HOLLAND & KNIGHT D.C. OFFICE

The law firm of Holland & Knight announced on April 11 that Janene Jackson will serve as its executive partner of the District office.

As executive partner, Jackson will oversee the day-to-day management of the 190-plus lawyer office, while continuing to manage her local government practice. Jackson replaces David Whitestone, who began his term as managing partner on the firm’s executive leadership team this month.

“We are proud to have Janene as our new executive partner,” said Holland & Knight Chair and CEO Bob Grammig. “Since joining Holland & Knight in 2014, Janene has continuously proven herself to be a tremendous asset to the firm. Her record of leadership in the D.C. community is truly remarkable, and she will lead our Washington office with enthusiasm and wisdom.”

Jackson has worked in all branches of the District government. She uses her experience to help clients navigate the legislative and regulatory aspects of local government.

With her variety of experiences, Jackson has brought a 360-degree approach to assisting clients with their government relations and lobbying needs, business development interests and legal representations in administrative proceedings.

In the community, Jackson serves as

briefs

president of the DC Bankers Association and on the board of directors of the DC Chamber of Commerce, the District of Columbia Building Industry Association, the National Building Museum, the DC Fire and EMS Association, the Golden Triangle, the Federal City Council, the Economic Club of Washington, D.C. and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C.

Holland & Knight’s District office is one of the firm’s largest offices and features the bipartisan Public Policy & Regulation Group, as well as lawyers with extensive experience in real estate, white collar defense and investigations, federal and regulatory litigation, national security and defense, international trade, healthcare transportation, wealth planning, tax and corporate practice matters.

Jackson has served as committee counsel to the D.C. Council Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary which was chaired by then At-Large Council member Phil Mendelson. She has served as the executive director of the State Complaint Office of the District of Columbia Public Schools where she conducted investigations into violations of the Disabilities Education Act. Jackson has worked as an assistant corporation counsel in the Office of Corporation Counsel, where she represented the District government in class action lawsuits.

She is a former law clerk to Donald L. Ivers of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and Reggie B.

Housing Discrimination Based On Color Has No Home

Housing discrimination on the basis of skin color of a hAousehold member is prohibited in all aspects of the housing market. If you believe a landlord or management company is discriminating against you or giving you different treatment because of the skin color of a member of your household, please speak up! Contact Housing Counseling Services at 202-667-7715 to report discrimination and to find out more about your fair housing rights.

5Janene Jackson, president of the DC Bankers Association, has been named as executive partner for the law firm of Holland & Knight’s District office. (Courtesy Photo)

Walton, formerly of the D.C. Superior Court.

Jackson is a graduate of American University, Washington College of Law, and The City College of New York.

MEDICAL CANNABIS SALES TAX HOLIDAY

The District’s annual medical cannabis sales tax holiday ends on April 28.

During the tax-free holiday, the 6% sales tax on medical cannabis products, excluding paraphernalia, will not be assessed when purchased from the city’s licensed retailers. Additionally, medical cannabis Patient and Caregiver valid registration period for District residents has been extended to

six years.

Applicants can register and self-certify online, allowing for immediate purchase using the digital registration provided upon successful submission. Registration fees are waived until Aug. 1.

Patients and caregivers may take advantage of the medical cannabis sales tax holiday which extends to licensed retailers. In Ward 7, the license retailer is Cannabliss, located on Sheriff Road, NE, and in Ward 8 at Anacostia Organics on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

Non-District residents can also participate with a valid patient registration from a state or U.S. territory extended reciprocity.

Inquiries may be directed to ABCA. CannabisInfo@dc.gov.

5The District’s annual medical cannabis sales tax holiday ends on April 28. (Micha Green/The WashingtonI Informer)

FEMA, OPERATION HOPE SIGN AGREEMENT

The Federal Emergency Management Association and Operation HOPE, an organization that provides free financial information and guidance to people and businesses that are affected by major disasters and emergencies, signed an agreement recently to continue assisting communities in their recoveries.

This partnership will enable more effective and efficient recoveries by amplifying the role of nonprofits as key collaborators to help people understand the value in learning about financial recovery.

“Operation HOPE’s mission to expand economic opportunity and promote financial resilience is a critical facet of helping people and communities jumpstart their recoveries,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Our partnership has flourished over the past two decades and today’s signing means it will grow even stronger in the coming years.”

FEMA and Operation HOPE recently collaborated on aiding people during the Maui wildfires crisis.

Some of the joint efforts to help communities across the country recover effectively after an emergency include sharing financial assistance and guidance on recovery best practices, providing information on FEMA mitigation programs and conducting disaster preparedness seminars in Community Disaster Resilience Zones. These services and many others are always provided to individuals, families, and businesses free of charge.

“We are honored to continue our longstanding partnership with FEMA and thanks to Administrator Criswell for her incredible leadership responding to people in times of unforeseen disasters,” said John Hope Bryant, founder, and CEO of Operation HOPE. “We are proud to have been associated with FEMA for the past two decades, along with the American Red Cross and so many countless other partners. By joining with other front-line organizations like the members of the National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), we are able to support people with the long-term implications from a disaster, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to rebuild and recover.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

J.P. Morgan Chase Expert Says Succession Planning Ensures Business Continuity and Family Legacy

By Angela Swinson Lee, Special to The Washington Informer

Five days before Wilhelmina Bell-Taylor passed away in 2008, she signed a letter of intent to sell BETAH Associates, a communications management consulting firm that provides event management, peer review and other professional support services, to alleviate her daughter, Michelle Taylor, from what she thought would be a burden.

However, Michelle Taylor decided not to go through with the sale. “Because my mother thought she was helping me by selling BETAH, there wasn't a succession plan in place, so I had to really figure things out quickly,” said Taylor, who is now CEO of the company.

Her advice to business owners is to begin with the end in mind.

Fredric Walls II, D.C. market team lead for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, agreed that the lack of a plan is one of the key challenges he sees with families regarding succession.

“We regularly see business owners start the succession planning discussion too late. It’s better to have a simple plan that needs a little or even a lot of editing later on versus no plan at all,” Walls said. “Succession planning is not just about the business aspect, there is a human element to the discussion. Oftentimes these are tough conversations to have, but they are import-

ant. It’s not just a business. It’s someone’s livelihood.

Walls said business owners should know which of their heirs would want to take over the business.

“Your plans should consider every scenario, for example if you have three children and only one or two would like to take over the business, how will you still provide for equitable distribution for the next generation,” Walls said adding that buy-sell agreements and insurance are great tools to have in place.

Michelle Taylor was quick to assume the leadership role in the company her mother started in the basement of their home in 1988.

Today, Taylor said that when she speaks to emerging business owners, she stresses the importance of determining early on what their

exit strategy will be.

“I had to scramble very quickly to figure things out to keep BETAH going forward, because my mother was BETAH. I mean, she really was the driving force, and so that is something that I believe is very critical.” Taylor added that she has put a succession plan in place because she wants to continue to grow the company.

She agreed that such protection as keyman insurance is important to have in place.

“If something should happen to you as the leader, you need something in place. This way, if there isn't a full-on documented succession plan at least you have some type of protective measures in place as a stopgap resource and an interim measure to help the leadership team move things forward,” Taylor said adding that that its also important to have clear lines of signing authority documented.

Walls said some tips businesses can use to help set up the next generation for success include for-

malizing roles as a chief financial officer and general counselor. A financial advisor, CPA and trust attorney should also be a part of the process, Walls said. “So many owners take on a lot themselves, but when planning for your succession, it is a requisite to map out ownership of these responsibilities.”

Walls said, a financial advisor can analyze wealth and taxes and how much of an estate will go to heirs.

Most of all, Walls said it’s important to plan.

Planning should also extend to non-heirs who might be a good fit to succeed in company leadership but may not inherit the company.

“Take careful consideration of how the company will continue as a go-

ing concern given the human element involved between your heirs and non-heirs,” Walls said.

A succession plan should also be in place for retirement.

Once a plan is in place, Walls said it should be reviewed on a regular basis.

“It’s not a “once and done.” If you had a conversation with your children three years ago and they were interested in taking over the family business, sit them down again and see if that’s still the case, because their answer might have changed, fortunately however- you will be able to plan accordingly.”

Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

5Fredric Walls II, D.C. market team lead for J.P. Morgan Private Bank

NATIONAL

Dr. Melina Abdullah Reflects on Historic Third-Party Presidential Ticket Political Pundit Says Current Affairs Boost Appeal of Third Party Candidates

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

More than a week after independent presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West announced her as his running mate, Dr. Melina Abdullah said she remains committed to Black liberation, regardless of the outcome of the election.

In speaking about her goal during this election, Abdullah paid homage to Charlotta Bass, a Los Angeles-based newspaper publisher and activist who, in 1952, became the first African-American female vice presidential nominee in the United States.

Abdullah said, like Bass, she plans to use the national election to amplify and bring to the forefront issues of significance to Black people and other marginalized communities.

“It’s to put out a platform for what justice looks like,” Abdullah said,

later emphasizing that a West-Abdullah White House would deviate from the Biden-Harris administration in the realms of economic, social, and foreign policy. “If we were to win, we would have a vastly different approach [to governance] which would require a restructuring of how the U.S. works.”

West and Abdullah represent the first African-American presidential ticket in U.S. history. They are running under the Justice for All Party, which West formed earlier this year after initially declaring his run with the People’s Party and later attempting to run on the Green Party’s ticket.

As of April 19, the Justice for All Party has gotten on the ballot in Alaska, Oregon, South Carolina, and Utah. Attempts to produce similar results are ongoing in nearly two dozen other states, including Abdullah’s home state of California.

On April 10, West revealed Abdullah as his running mate on “The Tavis Smiley Show” on KBLA TALK 1580. He commended what he described as Abdullah’s record of centering poor and working-class people. He also said that she would “put a smile on the face of Fannie Lou Hamer and Martin Luther King, Jr. from the grave.”

Abdullah, a Pan-African studies professor at California State, Los Angeles, hosts “This is Not a Drill” on KBLA TALK 1580 every Saturday. She co-founded the Los Angeles chapter of the Black Lives Matter and Black Lives Matter Grassroots, the latter of which she sits on as a board member.

On Wednesday, Abdullah told reporters that, before West contacted her, she never gave any thought to any electoral office, other than the school board. She said that the campaign wouldn’t interfere with her work with Black Lives Matter Grassroots, nor will the organization endorse a candidate.

Abdullah also countered a narrative about third-party candidates spoiling Biden’s chances of winning.

“It’s an opportunity to raise a vision in truth, love and justice where we recognize that when this country spends money on genocide, it’s not on our people,” Abdullah said. “This is to advance an agenda empowering Black people and everyone else.”

Read more on washsingtoninformer.com

WI

@SamPKCollins

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Drumming Instruction

Two Rivers Public Charter School is seeking a company or companies to provide drumming instruction to our middle school students. Proposals are due Monday, May 6, 2024. For a complete RFP, email Mary Gornick at procurement@tworiverspcs.org.

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Dance Instruction

Two Rivers Public Charter School is seeking a company or companies to provide dance instruction to our elementary school students. Proposals are due Monday, May 6, 2024. For a complete RFP, email Mary Gornick at procurement@tworiverspcs.org.

U.S. Coast Guard Promotes Zeita Merchant as First Black Female Admiral

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Zeita Merchant has made history as the first Black female admiral in the service’s 233-year history. Admiral Merchant, previously the commander of Sector New York, will now lead the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center in Washington, D.C., where she will oversee recruitment and scholarships.

Merchant said she initially joined the Coast Guard with the intention of financing her medical school education. “I always had this passion for service, but I never thought it would be in the form of military service. I really feel like this is God’s plan and not my plan,” she told the Clarion Ledger newspaper in Jackson, Mississippi. Officials said the promotion highlights the Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In a column for the Coast Guard “First to serve, first to fight and first to sacrifice– African Americas in the U.S. Coast Guard,” historian William H. Thiesen wrote that African Americans have played a pivotal role in the Coast Guard’s history since its inception in 1790.

“From the earliest days of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, Black sailors served alongside their white counterparts, with many making significant contributions during conflicts such as the Qua-

5U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Zeita Merchant has made history as the first Black female admiral in the service’s 233-year history. (Courtesy Photo/ U.S. Coast Guard)

si-War with France and the War of 1812,” Thiesen explained. He noted that the Coast Guard’s rich and illustrious history of African American service is filled with bravery and accomplishment milestones. From Aaron Carter, the first African American to die in combat defending the Cape Florida Lighthouse in 1836, to “Hell Roaring” Mike Healy, the first African American commissioned officer and ship’s captain, Black Coast Guard members have consistently broken barriers and paved the way for future generations.

5Dr. Melina Abdullah, independent presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West’s running mate, said she remains committed to Black liberation, regardless of the outcome of the election. (Courtesy Photo)

Supreme Court Eases Path for Discrimination Claims in Job Transfers

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a female police sergeant from St. Louis, making it easier for workers to pursue employment discrimination claims related to job transfers. The court sided with Sgt. Jatonya Clayborn Muldrow, who alleged she was reassigned to a less prestigious role within the St. Louis Police Department because of her gender.

Muldrow, a Black woman, sued the department under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act after being transferred from the intelligence division in 2017. In her previous role, she had been deputized as an FBI agent, worked a steady weekday schedule, and was involved in investigating public corruption and human trafficking cases. However, her new assignment lacked

the same prestige and benefits.

Despite maintaining her pay, Muldrow lost her FBI privileges, had to work patrol, and was assigned weekend shifts. A male sergeant who had previously worked with Muldrow’s male supervisor took over for her.

The central issue before the justices was whether Title VII protects against all discriminatory job transfers or requires employees to demonstrate that the involuntary move resulted in a ‘significant disadvantage,’ such as harm to career prospects or changes in salary or rank.

In a crucial clarification, Justice Elena Kagan, in her opinion piece for the court, pointed out that some lower courts had used the incorrect higher standard. She stated that while an employee must demonstrate some harm from a forced transfer to succeed, they

need not meet a ‘significance test.’ Kagan emphasized that Muldrow’s allegations met the court’s new standard “with room to spare” despite her rank and pay remaining unchanged, and her ability to advance to other positions.

Although the court’s judgment was unanimous, Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr., and Brett M. Kavanaugh each wrote separately to explain their differing views on the decision’s impact.

Justice Alito doubted that the decision would make a meaningful difference, suggesting that lower court judges should continue their current practices. Justice Kavanaugh indicated that he would not require any separate showing of harm, stating that “the discrimination is harm” under federal law. Thomas also asserted there was “little practical difference” be-

tween the court’s new test and the current practice of appeals court judges.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Muldrow not only clarifies that Title VII does not require courts to differentiate between job transfers causing significant

disadvantages and those causing lesser harm, but also significantly strengthens protections against employment discrimination based on sex and other protected characteristics.

5 The U.S. Supreme Court sided with Sgt. Jatonya Clayborn Muldrow, who alleged she was reassigned to a less prestigious role within the St. Louis Police Department because of her gender. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

African American Farmer David Robinson Creates Sustainable Coffee Business in Tanzania

By David Robinson WI Contributing Writer

The light was still gray from a sun not yet fully risen. A slight mist blurred the line of 16 men as we walked single file along the trail leading into the forest on the outskirts of the village.

From my position at the end of the line,

I could half see and clearly consider the diversity of people before me. We were men of five Tanzanian tribes, and my son and I were from the African American diaspora.

Carrying axes, picks, shovels, and hoes, we of different origins walked towards a single place and purpose: to clear the forest and establish my family’s farm.

Both the sights and the feel of that morning inspired our farm’s name, Sweet Unity. The year was 1990.

In 1947, my father, Jack Robinson, broke the stranglehold of segregation in the American national pastime of baseball, creating progress for his family, his race, and the American society as a whole. His victory empowered generations of African Americans to expand our vision for survival and development into all aspects of society.

Twenty years later, in 1967, when I was 15 years old, Jack and Rachel Robinson created the unique opportunity for their son to travel to Africa to see and experience the continent of our ancestors and the homeland of our race’s great human and material wealth.

In the 1980s, as the African American struggle began to expose the international nature of some of our problems and potential solutions, I returned to Tanzania in an effort to utilize the gift my parents had given me and the po-

tential of our African resources.

Coffee became my focus.

After long months of discussion, a community of third generation Tanzanian coffee farmers invited my family to join their village and their efforts in developing sustainable and profitable farming initiatives.

Although coffee originated in Africa, farmers of African descent have been excluded from and exploited by the billion-dollar coffee industry. We invest our land, expertise, and labor to grow coffee but are isolated from the tables of business where coffee prices and profits are determined. We have not invested in the production facilities where our raw coffee is turned into finished coffee products with the value added to generate developmental income and economic growth. While others dominate the international coffee industry, we remain laborers and consumers only.

One of the objectives of our initiatives in Africa has been to explore and learn the potentials and challenges in agricultural production and global processing of goods for sale to the international community.

We intentionally established ourselves as medium/small-scale farmers, as are 95% of Tanzania’s annual coffee crop producers.

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0031-2024 TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE STAFFING SERVICES AGENCY WIDE

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires qualified professional temporary staffing agencies to supply the DCHA with Temporary Employee Staffing Services Agency Wide.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, April 22, 2024 on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”.

SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM.

Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist at lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

We work strategically as members of cooperatives and in partnership with our neighbors because such cooperatives hold the organizational potential to consolidate the production of Tanzania’s over 400,000 family-owned farms and prepare such production in the volumes necessary to enter the international coffee trade.

In the 1990s, our coop grew from its initial 47 members to several hundred. In 1998, we purchased hand-powered coffee pulping machines to be shared by members. In this new century, we have imported and operated two diesel-driven coffee pulping machines and built the related facilities to collectively process the highest-quality coffee grown on small—and medium-scale family-owned farms.

As the decades passed, our next generation grew. Our children began to study and work in America. They were rooted in their African upbringing and absorbed an understanding of their

American history and community.

Today, our daughter Meta Robinson leads our U.S. operations, and our daughter Rachel Robinson brings international expertise to our cooperative’s coffee consolidation and export administration.

Working in America as coffee roasters and sellers of finished coffee products, we offer our coffee products to corporations and individual consumers through E-commerce.

We have launched a new initiative to seek wholesale/retail partnerships with social, civil, and faith-based organizations to broaden the number of people enjoying fine African coffee and the number of American institutions engaging in and benefiting from global direct trade with African and African American farmers.

To learn more about our work, please visit www.sweetunitycoffee.com.

WI

Rwanda Kwibuka: Remember, Unite, Review Washington Pauses to Reflect on the 30th Anniversary of the Rwanda Genocide

By Austin R. Cooper, Jr. WI Staff Writer

It’s been three decades since the April 7-July 19, 1994 Genocide in Rwanda, when armed Hutu militias murdered close to 1 million members of the Tutsi minority ethnic group, as well as some moderate Hutu and Twa people. In a 30th anniversary commemoration, more than 100 people gathered at the U.S. Capitol Visitor on April 16, to remember the many victims, uplift resilience, and emphasize the importance of progress.

The commemoration was organized by Her Excellency Mathilde Mukantabana, the Republic of Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States.

“The blood of the innocent ran unregulated down the streets of Rwanda because much of the world watched and did nothing. Today, we remember the victims and honor the courage and sacrifice of the survivors,” said Democratic Illinois Rep. Jonathan Jackson.

While reflecting on Kwibuka 30, Rwanda President Paul Kagame said, “Today, our hearts are filled with grief and gratitude in equal measure. We remember our dead and are also

5

16. (Shedrick Pelt/The Washington Informer)

grateful for what Rwanda has become. To the survivors among us, we are in your debt.”

Shanta Bryant Gyan, president of ContentFrontiers, who also attended the event on Capitol Hill, noted the commemoration as “a day of remembrance, profound hope, and [offering] the grace to forgive.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

WI

5David Robinson (rear center) with his seven children, mother Rachel Robinson (front left) and wife Ruti Robinson (front right), taken in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. (Courtesy Photo)

Congressman Jonathan Jackson speaks during the 30th Commemoration of the Rwanda Genocide Against the Tutsi on April

Ukraine War Impacts African Students, Many Find Aid From Local Community

By Nassir Ashford and Macire Aribot WI Contributing Writers

Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine has amassed global support in its fight for freedom and sovereignty. The U.S. has sent nearly $75 billion dollars of security and financial aid to Ukraine, with $1.6 billion allocated to humanitarian assistance.

When news broke of African students facing racism and discrimination by Ukrainian border patrol and security forces, it was distressing to discover that the racial justice and human rights that African Americans fought for in the U.S. and abroad were being blatantly violated in the country desperately in need of our help.

African students have had a long history in Ukraine, dating back to the Soviet Union as early as the 1920s. With higher education extremely limited in Africa due to a legacy of colonialism, African students often look outwards to Europe for opportunities to further their studies.

In 1957, the Soviet Union formally began recruiting African students, starting in Ghana after they gained their independence. At the start of the war in 2022, approximately 16,000 students were studying in the country.

Reckoning with the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II, the European Union enacted a temporary protection directive to welcome the arrival of Ukrainians displaced by the war. African students, however, faced a different reality.

Because of the color of their skin, students, women, and children were

pulled off of trains and buses and denied entry at border crossings of Poland. Forced to walk long hours to the border, several students reported waiting days in segregated lines in excruciating cold weather.

Students used social media apps such as X (formally known as Twitter), Telegram, and WhatsApp to raise awareness and share information on which border crossings were safe, and other resources to assist them as they sought safety.

SUPPORTING AFRICAN STUDENTS AFFECTED BY WAR IN UKRAINE, NOIRUNITED

As young, Black, emerging global leaders and graduate students at the Yale School of Public Health and Columbia School of International and Public Affairs, we identified with the shared struggle against racism and were compelled to action.

In 2020, we co-founded NoirUnited International, a global development and humanitarian organization dedicated to community-based interventions to support Africa and the diaspora.

Leveraging our academic and professional experiences, we launched NoirUnited’s Ukraine Response. Through collective advocacy and fundraising, we supported thousands of displaced students with transportation, food and housing assistance, mental health, and legal support. With the help of Ukrainian translators, we coordinated the evacuation of over 40 students from Kherson, Ukraine.

We traveled across Europe to Poland, Hungary, Germany, and France

to confirm the horrific stories of racism and emphasize our commitment to humanitarian equity and transnational solidarity.

We learned that African students from Ukraine faced a double trauma: the psychological impact of war and racism. Despite being legal residents displaced from the same conflict as Ukrainians, Africans were categorized as ‘third country nationals,’ limiting their access to aid and temporary protection in Europe. This barrier affected the most important concern to students: their education.

Unable to work or continue university in the EU, students also reported being forced to pay thousands of dollars to receive their Ukrainian transcripts or risk being expelled from the institution.

With Ukraine aiming to deepen its ties with the African continent, we must ensure that the plight of African students does not go unaddressed.

As Americans, we have an opportunity to leverage our resources, knowledge, and community to build

5Macire Aribot and Nassir Ashford pose outside the Kyiv Medical School satellite branch in Bytom, Poland, after a student gathering where they distributed 50 laptops and tablets. (Courtesy Photo/NoirUnited)

cross-cultural connections and make an impact on the global stage. By providing educational opportunities through scholarships and career development,

we can secure pathways for them to continue their ambitions and mitigate disruption to Africa's future talent pipeline. WI

5Students in Berlin, Germany, after NoirUnited hosted an art therapy and mental health empowerment workshop commemorating the first anniversary of the War in Ukraine. (Courtesy Photo/NoirUnited)

Rwandans residing in Egypt, alongside several high-ranking officials from the Egyptian government, convened on April 20 in Cairo to pay tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Not only a commemoration, the event urged the international community to be vigilant against genocides and ensure they are either prevented or stopped from ever happening again, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper reported on Sunday, April 21.

Among the attendees were distinguished military officers from the Egyptian army, ambassadors, attachés, and representatives from various multilateral organizations. Deputy Assistant Minister for Nile Basin Countries Ambassador Saafat Ahmed, attended the event, noting that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi "stirs grief in our hearts, yet also instills hope that such tragedy can be prevented through collective learning from past mistakes."

Ahmed underscored Rwanda’s remarkable journey toward recovery, commending the resilience and unity demonstrated by its people under the leadership of President Paul Kagame.

He remarked that Rwanda has transformed into an inspirational success story and a model of progress admired worldwide. Highlighting the growing relations between Egypt and Rwanda, he mentioned Egypt's oversight of the construction of a cardiac hospital, a testament to the strengthening ties between the two nations.

However, Ahmed cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that the echoes of the genocide still reverberate across the region three decades later. He called upon the international community to redouble its efforts to prevent violence and hatred wherever they may arise, echoing the sentiment of collective responsibility to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.

Dr. Mohamadou Labarang, the dean of African Ambassadors in Egypt, also paid homage to the victims of the 1994 Genocide and praised Rwandans for their commitment to unity and the construction of an inclusive and peaceful society.

He emphasized that 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi people was not an isolated event but rather a culmination of deep-seated ethnic divisions exacerbated by historical colonial legacies and divisive politics. WI

Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali has urged Guyanese not to look at local content as a way of accelerating their growth in the local economy alone, but also in the region and beyond, The Guyana Chronicle reported on Sunday, April 21.

With Guyana’s transition, Ali said it requires an “all hands-on deck” approach. While delivering his feature address at the second annual Local Content Summit at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre last Tuesday, the president underscored that the nation’s transition requires a change in “our” mindset and repositioning for growth.

“Because if we believe local content is about achieving local things or participating only in the local economy, then we will be limiting ourselves and our growth,” he said. He also highlighted that local content is aimed at building local capacity to compete anywhere else in the world while positioning local companies to be number one in the region.

“But how do we position every sector to be number one,” the head of state asked hypothetically.

Local content, Ali said, paves the way for this goal while bolstering local growth and development to meet regional and international needs.

Ali said he does not hold the view that any discussion on local content should be around what the local opportunities are, but instead how the country moves forward with what it has now.

“When you look at 2024 and compare the period between 2022 and 2024, you will see that there was a 20 percent increase in value through local participation that came to local companies,” he said. “That is an increase of US$84 million in 2024.” WI

By Louis Davis, Jr. AARP DC State Director

Americans over the age of 50 are our nation’s most powerful voters – and you will be the deciders in the 2024 elections. The District of Columbia’s June 4 primary election will determine which candidates appear on November’s general election ballot for members of the D.C. Council, including an At-Large seat and seats in Wards 2, 4, 7, and 8, the D.C. delegate to Congress and other District-wide offices.

Voters 50 Plus: Our Voices Decide

Voters aged 50 plus know they can count on AARP for nonpartisan information about when, where and how to vote, and the candidates’ positions on their policy priorities. We don’t tell our members or anyone else who to vote for. But we are committed to making sure all voters have the information they need to make their voices heard in the 2024 elections. We provide the information so you can cast your ballot!

Washington, D.C., and the Board of Elections has made it easy to cast your ballot, with same-day voter registration and no-excuse mail-in ballots sent to all registered voters. Here is some essential information and key dates:

• The deadline to register in advance is May 14. You can also same-day register when you cast your ballot.

• Mail-in balloting: All active, registered voters will receive a no-excuse mail-in ballot for the primary election. You can return the ballot by mail or place it in a secure drop box located around the District.

• Ballot drop boxes are open from May 10-June 4.

• Early in-person voting: You can cast your ballot early and in person at an Early Vote Center located throughout the District from May 26-June 2.

• In-person voting on Election Day: The final day to cast your ballot in the primary is Tuesday, June 4. Find your polling place online at the D.C. Board of Elections website, https://dcboe.org/.

The voices of people over 50 will decide this election. But our voices won’t be heard if we don’t vote. Make the commitment now to be a Decider. Be the person who is committed to speaking up, voting, and holding elected leaders accountable. AARP DC is providing all voters 50 and over in the District with accurate, up-to-date voting information to help you understand your options when it comes to how, when and where to cast your ballot.

Everything you need to know to vote in the DC primary can be found by scanning the QR code, or visiting www.aarp.org/dcvotes.

Be a Decider and vote. Our future depends on it.

Alcohol

Awareness Month:

Examining The Ills of Alcohol Use Disorder

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that alcohol-related deaths have spiked by 30% over recent years, causing a daily occurrence of nearly 500 U.S. deaths by way of liver disease, car accidents, or numerous other risks. As April is Alcohol Awareness Month and with the growing rate of illness and fatalities from alcohol use disorder (AUD), wellness experts are working to address the underlying causes of this potentially fatal health challenge.

The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that 29.5 million people ages 12 and older experienced AUD within the past year, including: 17.4 million males age 12 and older; 12.2 million women ages 12 and older; and 3.6 million Black or African American people aged 12 and older across the United States. Further, an estimated 178,000 people die from excessive alcohol use in the U.S. each year,

The dangers of alcoholism are copious, as alcohol impairs the brain’s communication pathways, and excessive alcohol use can consequently affect the way the brain looks and functions. Ultimately, these disruptions can change behavior and mood, complicating the ability to think clearly and move with proper coordination.

The health implications of alcohol use disorder vary from moderate to severe, significantly altering the quality of one’s life. Excessive drinking over long periods of time or even too much on a single occasion can damage the vital organs and cause life threatening health complications such as cancer, and affect the heart, liver, pancreas and immune system.

Cancer: The National Cancer Institute reports a “strong scientific consensus that alcohol drinking can cause several types of cancer” including esophageal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Heart: With heart challenges, one is at risk of strokes, high blood

“Alcohol-related problems continue to take a heavy toll on individuals, families, and communities. More than 200 disease and injury-related conditions are associated with alcohol misuse,” as reported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

MERCHANT from Page 16

Modern times have seen African Americans reach even greater heights within the Coast Guard.

Vince Patton became the first Black Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard in 1998, followed by Erroll Brown, the first Black flag officer, in 2002. Jeanine McIntosh earned her wings as the first African American female aviator in 2005, and in 2009, Felicia Thomas became

5 As April is Alcohol Awareness Month and with the growing rate of illness and fatalities from alcohol use disorder, wellness experts are working to address the underlying causes of this potentially fatal health challenge. (Courtesy Photo) pressure, arrhythmias (irregular heart beat), and cardiomyopathy (the stretching and drooping of the heart muscle).

Liver: Heavy alcohol use takes a dangerous toll on the liver, exacerbating inflammations including fibrosis, alcoholic hepatitis, or fatty liver.

Pancreas: Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to a dangerous inflammation causing pain or swelling, and impairing its ability to make hormones or enzymes to guide proper digestion.

Immune System: Heavy drinking is prone to weakening the immune system, making the body more susceptible to contracting disease like tuberculosis or pneumonia compared to people who do not drink much.

FINDING PATHWAYS FROM ADDICTION TO RECOVERY

According to statistics offered by

the first Black female to command a cutter.

Merchant's distinguished career features key roles such as Special Assistant to the 27th and 28th Vice Commandants of the Coast Guard, Congressional Fellow for the Committees on Oversight and Reform and Transportation and Infrastructure, and Executive Strategic Planner for the Coast Guard Flag and Senior Executive Service Corps.

When a reporter asked what

she would tell her teenage self, Merchant had some words of wisdom that can resonate with others.

“We get in our own way because we think we don’t deserve the best based on where we’re from,” the barrier-breaking admiral said. “I would tell my younger self that you got to get out of your head, get out of your own way and the world is truly yours to conquer.” WI

@StacyBrownMedia

DC Health’s MyRecoveryDC program, one in 10 residents in the District suffer from AUD, amounting to twice the regional and national average.

In tandem with DC Health’s efforts, the Department of Behavioral Health “certifies a network of community-based providers to provide substance use disorder services including detoxification, residential and outpatient services based on individual need.”

While District agencies work to address addiction issues across the city, recovery advocates like Ahmar Mustikhan, are working directly with the community to combat AUD in the District.

Mustikhan, is a peer recovery coach and founder of Open Mic for Anacostia, a monthly community event to address the addiction and recovery landscape in Washington, D.C.,

The coach and entrepreneur emphasized how the dependence of alcohol in daily occurrences can obscure the potential dangers of excessive use.

“When you are actively drinking, you don't [focus] concentration on anything else. You become beholden to the bottle, it becomes your master and you are just craving for that,” Mustikhan, 64, told The Informer.

“I was in denial about being an alcoholic because I thought, I only drink after sunset, I don't drink 24 hours. I thought an alcoholic is [only] someone who drinks [throughout the day] and since I only drink after sunset, I'm not an alcoholic. Although, I [actually] used to abuse alcohol.”

Falling victim to alcohol use disorder from an adolescent age, Mus-

tikhan’s struggle to openly claim his sexuality amid an unaccepting family and culture led to his extended bout with alcoholism following him into adulthood.

He emphasized the interconnectedness of mental health, identity issues, and substance use, underscoring the importance in addressing dual diagnosis, stigma, and spreading empathy to those grappling with the disease.

“I'm in the recovery field myself, so I understand that people can have alcohol or drug use disorder, but at the same time, some of us can have some mental health issues, which is as common as other physical ailments. I don't know why these mental health issues still carry a lot of stigma to it, but so many of us do have dual diagnosis.”

Mustikhan aims to bolster community resources and support for residents who are suffering at the hands of addiction across the District.

Held every first Friday at the Anacostia Library, the recovery advocate encourages local health leaders, policymakers, community activists, and residents to join the conversation during Open Mic for Anacostia. Through discussions, speakers and more, he said these events lessen the gaps of available resources to address AUD, and work to combat socioeconomic disparities.

“I don't mind sharing my story because sharing helps others. Because if I don't share, people with the same kind of challenges or issues [may] never know that it happens [to other people as well],” Mustikhan said. “We are all humans and we all have so many stories.” WI

Racial Bias Uncovered in Kidney Transplantation System: Thousands of Black Patients Prioritized After Years of Waiting

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Five years ago, Arlette Ebanks experienced severe kidney pain that she believed suggested a criminal need for a transplant. Her doctors disagreed, but the 52-yearold Northeast, D.C., resident, and mother of two who worked for the Department of Transportation for more than half of her life until her deteriorating health landed her on permanent disability, had grown ever more anxious as health care providers attempted various measures of maintenance.

Recently, physicians at George Washington University Hospital told Ebanks that she should have been on the transplant list, and understandably, Ebanks wondered why previous doctors hadn’t done so. Now, Ebanks knows why.

“All this time, all this stress and worry, was all because I’m Black,” Ebanks told The Informer.

A once widely used test proved to be problematic as it overestimated how well Black people’s kidneys were functioning.

An automated formula calculated results for Black and non-Black

patients that were far different from those of others, delaying organ failure diagnosis and proper evaluation for a kidney transplant.

The disparity only exacerbated existing inequities, with Black patients being more susceptible to needing a new kidney but less likely to receive one.

“On the one hand,” Ebanks remarked, “I have not only been put on the waiting list, but moved up to where I am now more confident that I will get a new kidney. On the other hand, it’s infuriating that we keep seeing how racism in medicine, bias in healthcare, is causing unnecessary pain and suffering among African Americans.”

The U.S. organ transplant network has now ordered hospitals and care facilities to use race-neutral test results only when adding new patients to the kidney transplant waiting list. Further, the National Kidney Foundation and the American Society of Nephrology told laboratories to transition to race-neutral equations when calculating kidney function.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 After a widely used test proved to overestimate Black people’s kidney health, the U.S. organ transplant network has now ordered hospitals and care facilities to use race-neutral tests when adding new patients to the kidney transplant waiting list. (Courtesy File Photo/ Baltimore.gov)

Chase to Bring ‘The Experience’ to D.C. Business Owners on May 8

Signature event with informational sessions to provide local business owners with best practices to help grow their business.

Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

The nation’s capital may be best known for its historic monuments, museums and galleries, but it’s also a thriving marketplace for ideas and innovation making it a popular destination for entrepreneurs. In fact, the D.C. metro area has one of the top 10 best startup ecosystems in the United States with over 1,000 startups and enterprises.

To help support these local business owners as they start, run and grow their businesses, Chase for Business is inviting D.C.-area business owners to attend a complimentary, all-day expo packed with learning and networking opportunities. The event will take place at Dock5 at Union Market District (1309 5th St NE) on Wednesday, May 8 from 2-7:30 p.m. Attendees will hear directly from leading business experts and be able to network with other entrepreneurs. Activities and topics include:

• DURING

THE DAY

(2 P.M. TO 6 P.M.) –Participants will have the chance to sign up for personalized marketing workshops with industry experts, network with fellow business owners at The Chase for Business Octagon and hear from local experts and market leaders in insightful talk and panel dis-

•

cussions. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to snap a professional headshot and stop by the local Chase for Business Marketplace with giveaways from:

o Colada Shop

o Sew Creative Lounge

o Nelson Staffing Group

o Brix Fitness

o Mahogany Books

o Bay Dog

o Union Kitchen

ENTERTAINMENT AND NETWORKING (6 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.)

– Following the mainstage programming, The Experience: D.C. will continue with an evening of entertainment and networking, including food, drink and music.

“Washington D.C. is home to some of the most creative and inventive business owners in the country,” said Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business. “They are showing up big for their customers and we want to do the same for them. We hope that they walk away from the Experience: D.C. with a renewed and energized focus, in addition to the tools and knowledge necessary for pushing their business forward.”

The Experience: D.C. is the second of three signature events being held in major small business marketings across the U.S. this year (the others are Atlanta on May 1 and Philadelphia on May 14). These signature events are intended to bring Chase’s national business resources to select cities in a way that is convenient for business owners, allowing them to learn

helpful tips and gain access to the resources they need for growing their business.

“D.C.’s growing business community is the perfect representation of what happens when you mix passion with opportunity,” said Kristina Sicard, Senior Business Consultant at Chase. “Our goal is to show up and support business owners at whatever stage of the journey they’re in. We’re honored to be a part of their business journey and look forward to their continued growth.”

Registration is required to attend the event.

For more information about the tools and resources Chase for Business has available for D.C.-area business leaders, visit www.chase. com/business.

Business owners interested in attending The Experience: D.C. can register at Chase.com/dcevent.

The testimonials on this page or provided via linked videos are the sole opinions, findings or experienc-

es of our customer and not those of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or any of its affiliates. These opinions, findings or experiences may not be representative of what all customers may achieve. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or any of its affiliates are not liable for decisions made or actions taken in reliance on any of the testimonial information provided.

We’re proud to support the people, businesses and neighborhoods of Greater D.C. for over 50 years. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more inclusive economy for generations to come.

EARTH OUR

Five DMV Creeks Do Just Okay on New “State of the Streams” Report Card

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

At most press conferences, it might be a bad thing to hear children playing in the background during speeches—or to have an attendee get showered with dried grass from a bird building its nest overhead.

But the crowd gathered in Meadowbrook Local Park for Nature Forward’s State of the Streams report launch on April 18 had few complaints. In fact, the kids shouting and the birds nesting at the Silver Spring park supported one of the event’s key messages: habitats around streams like Rock Creek, which burbled past nearby,

provide crucial services for people and animals alike.

“A lot of times our streams are one of the first things that connect us to nature as kids,” Lydia Lawrence, Nature Forward’s director of conservation, said in an interview. “It's so important that we care for our streams because that directly affects our health. Whether it's our kids playing in streams, or us fishing in streams like Rock Creek, or eventually that water going to the river—all of those things affect what is outside and inside our body.”

For the 2024 State of the Streams report, Nature Forward partnered with five smaller organizations to highlight the specific DMV waterways they repre-

sent—Accotink Creek, Little Falls Branch, Rock Creek, Seneca Creek and Sligo Creek. All five received “fair” grades.

“Our streams need our help— they may say a fair score, [but] if we chose letter grades, it might not look as good,” Lawrence said in remarks during the event.

The streams were scored using 14 specific indicators that fit under four criteria: water quality, biodiversity and habitat, climate resilience and access to parks. Partner organizations associated with each

of the measurements, drawing on data from

own citizen science monitoring efforts.

During remarks at the launch event, Sarah Morse, founder of Little Falls Watershed Alliance, said that she was “grateful” for the partnership with Nature Forward because the creation of a detailed report card would be too expensive for her small organization to take on by itself.

“People love our creek. You can't walk in the park without seeing people there, and the most important question we get, and [the most] frequent question, is, ‘Is it safe? What's the water like?’” Morse said. “And now we have something to show them to answer that question, and also to give them a baseline and to see where we can improve.”

Morse and other advocates say that, despite the streams’ “fair” scores, more work remains. Challenges include climate change, invasive plant growth and the increase in concrete and asphalt surfaces, which allow warmer, dirtier water to flow into creeks faster after it rains.

The health of streams in our region has a major impact on bigger water bodies, including the Chesapeake Bay and the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers—where much of the D.C. area sources its drinking water.

“People know a lot about the rivers, but the smaller water-

ways… often get overlooked,” Morse said. “We can't clean up the Potomac or the Chesapeake Bay without knowing what's going on upstream. And since we only work on our local creeks, to have a report like this gives us the data that we need to do the type of planning that's essential to maintaining and improving the waterways.”

This is Nature Forward’s second iteration of the streams report; in 2022, the nonprofit studied Holmes Run, Northwest Branch and Oxon Run. Lawrence said that the group changes the streams being examined in each report because many of the indicators would likely remain similar over the two-year span between studies. In choosing streams, Lawrence said Nature Forward seeks to make sure D.C., Maryland and Virginia are all represented. The organization also looks for creeks that already have groups dedicated to their protection, which, Lawrence said, allows Nature Forward’s report to amplify the work of smaller partners and direct concerned citizens toward ways to get involved in their community’s creek.

“[The report card] just gives us some better tools, for advocacy reasons—especially with all the data that we're getting for all different watersheds,” said Landrum Beard, senior community engagement coordinator for Rock Creek Conservancy. “It’s a big tool in our tool belt.”

WI

5Nature Forward held a launch event on April 18 for its new “State of the Streams” report at Rock Creek, as seen from Meadowbrook Local Park in Silver Spring, Maryland. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer) stream provided many

their

5Landrum Beard of Rock Creek Conservancy (front left) and Gregg Trilling of Nature Forward (front right) lead a group of environmentalists in a walk along Rock Creek as part of the launch event for Nature Forward’s 2024 State of the Streams report April 18. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Racial Disparities in Environmental Concerns Highlighted in New Gallup Survey

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A new Gallup survey has revealed that Black Americans are more likely to express concerns and experience an environmental crisis where they face challenges in relocating. Gallup found that Black Americans are notably more likely than other racial or ethnic groups to express concerns about environmental threats and to experience acute ecological crises.

According to the survey, 53% of Black adults are “very” or “fairly concerned” about exposure to air pollution in their communities. The concern is significantly higher than that among Hispanic adults, at 46%, and white adults, at 35%. Further, concerns about drinking water contamination among Black Americans are 15 percentage points higher than the national average and 20 points higher than among white Americans.

Black adults also reported elevated levels of concern about exposure to land or soil contamination (42%) and exposure to toxic building materials (39%) compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

While urban residents across racial and ethnic groups generally express higher levels of concern about local environmental threats, racial disparities persist across all community types. In suburban areas, for instance, 54% of Black adults express concern about air pollution, compared to 49% of Hispanic adults and 33% of white adults.

The survey also highlighted disparities in experiencing acute en-

vironmental crises such as water boil advisories, chemical spills, radiation leaks, and failed residence safety inspections. One-third (34%) of Black Americans reported experiencing one or more such events in the past five years, compared to 28% of Hispanic Americans and 28% of white Americans.

Despite heightened concerns, Black and Hispanic Americans face challenges in relocating to avoid environmental threats. Over half of Black (52%) and Hispanic Americans (55%) stated they could not afford to move, either permanently or temporarily, if harmful pollution or contamination occurred in their local area, compared to 45% of white Americans.

The study authors noted that the findings underscore the significant impact of environmental pollution and contamination on Black and Hispanic communities, leading to temporary or permanent relocations for millions of Americans.

“While concerns about exposure to environmental pollution and contamination are similar by race/ethnicity among Americans living in urban centers, they diverge among Americans of different racial/ethnic backgrounds living in towns, suburbs and rural areas,” the study authors wrote.

Organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Lung Association have acknowledged the role of racial and ethnic disparities in exposure to environmental hazards, the authors noted. They have linked those inequalities to high-

er rates of chronic diseases and mortality among minority populations.

The authors concluded that the elevated concerns among Black and Hispanic Americans are not unfounded but are rooted in real and ongoing health risks, and ad-

dressing the disparities remains crucial for ensuring environmental justice and public health equity across the nation.

“The latest findings from the Gallup Center on Black Voices indicate that environmental pollution and contamination are dis-

placing a substantial number of Black Americans,” they asserted.

The authors added that the EPA reported that “historical conditions such as segregation and redlining,” have exposed African Americans to polluted environments. WI

EDUCATION

Leaders Gather for HBCU STEAM Days of Action on the Hill

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

For the sixth year in a row, Democratic Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) engaged House members from both sides of the aisle to invest in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and empower students to pursue science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education. “HBCU STEAM Days of Action,” a twoday event, not only encouraged bipartisan support for HBCUs, but emphasized the importance of these historic institutions in building future world leaders.

“HBCUs produce over a quarter of African American STEM/ STEAM graduates in the United States, and it has never been more important to make sure every talented student has access to a world class science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education,” said Adams, founder

and chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus.

According to the Congresswoman’s office, HBCUs produce 27% of all African-American STEM graduates and 40% of all African-American engineers. The North Carolina representative emphasized the importance of HBCU STEAM Days of Action in promoting equitable access to federal funds.

“It’s a time when HBCUs come to Capitol Hill to advocate for more equitable federal resources – and they don’t come alone,” she continued. “They are joined by industry leaders who have made a commitment to creating strategic and sustainable partnerships with HBCUs.”

The annual event included educational conversations with Janet McCabe, deputy administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Cindy Marten, U.S. Department of Education deputy secretary, and Rep. Su -

zanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Congressional STEAM Caucus chair.

McCabe spoke passionately about the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program that provides grants to institutions looking to cut carbon emissions by using electric vehicles for student transportation.

She mentioned that although the initiative is geared towards K-12 schools, others are welcome and encouraged to apply.

“Our administrator has always got his eyes out for HBCUs that are interested in partnering,” she shared. “I would encourage you to make sure that you know the person at your EPA regional office; their job is to be connected to the MSIs (minority serving institutions) in their region. If

there was an HBCU interested in converting their fleet from diesel to electric, there are a wide variety of funds available to them.”

McCabe presented to more than 70 HBCU representatives, including Dennis Shields, president of Southern University, Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College and Hacene Boukari, a professor of physics at Delaware State University– representing three schools with the same vested interest.

Each school is working to obtain R1 status, a term used by the Carnegie Foundation to categorize doctoral granting universities with the highest performance in key areas associated with Research and Development (R&D).

“A lot of HBCUs are in a race to be an R1 institution and we have a lot of work to do. But it’s nice to hear what the Department of Education deputy secretary and EPA deputy secretary are saying,” said Boukari.

Currently, no HBCU has qualified for the R1 category. But that’s a mission Adams, Marten and other government agencies are working to change.

Marten said when she first began working for the Department of Education, the agency understood the importance of equitable access to STEM education and resources.

“It needed to be about investment in the STEM teacher pipeline to make sure we had a more

diverse STEM teaching workforce to invest in classroom experiences, training and development for teachers,” said Marten. Despite efforts to encourage young learners to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills, such as the Department of Education’s YOU Belong in STEM national effort, equity in STEM education nationwide remains a challenge.

Last year, the Department of Education announced that $5 million would be allocated to Hampton University, Southern University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Tennessee State University to improve the schools’ research facilities and infrastructure.

“We have made a lot of progress with research centers funded by federal agencies, but I think there is more to do. We are not getting our fair share amount and I appreciate that the representatives present acknowledged that,” Boukari told The Informer. Adams taught more than four decades at North Carolina A&T, the nation’s largest public HBCU. While her discipline was focused on the arts, the congresswoman shared that funding secured by an institution can benefit the entire college’s community.

“When equipped with a STEAM education from an HBCU, the sky is the limit for our students,” Adams said. WI

5Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Congresswoman Alma Adams at the 2024 STEAM Days of Action. (Courtesy Photo/Rep. Alma Adams)

Conservatives Continue to Pose Monumental Threat to DEI Programs; Could Target D.C. Schools

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

As the conservative movement gains momentum in targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs nationwide, institutions of higher education across the country face the risk of closures and restrictions. The wave of opposition may impact universities in the District of Columbia, including Howard University, Georgetown University, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), and American University.

The University of Florida recently made headlines when it eliminated all DEI positions and closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer due to new state regulations imposed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Similarly, Tennessee State University (TSU), the only public historically Black college and university in the state,

faces an uncertain future after its board was dissolved—a move supported by conservative lawmakers but denounced by educators as an attack on DEI and a setback for higher education.

Despite these challenges, some universities have tried to forge ahead with their commitment to DEI. Michigan Technological University (MTU) and UDC recently signed a memorandum of understanding focused on DEI values. The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration through student exchanges, faculty collaborations, and joint funding proposals.

“We honor the academic strength and value UDC and other HBCUs bring, not only to Michigan Tech but to global research and the global economy,” said Wayne Gersie, vice president for diversity and inclusion at MTU.

In the District, universities

have implemented various DEI programs to support their diverse student populations. Howard University offers the Strategic Diversity Equity and Inclusion Executive Certificate Program at the School of Business, preparing leaders to implement high-impact DEI and cultural transformation initiatives.

Georgetown University has the Office of Student Equity and Inclusion (OSEI), which leads efforts to connect academic and social support for first-generation students and students of color.

“Addressing diversity and inclusion within congressional staffing is not just about representation,” LaShonda Brenson, senior researcher at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, stated in a release that emphasized the importance of diverse representation in congressional staffing.

“It’s about dismantling systemic barriers that perpetuate economic

5 Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and institutions of higher education nationwide face the risk of closures and restrictions that can affect local institutions such as Howard University (pictured), Georgetown University, the University of the District of Columbia and American University. (WI File Photo)

inequality at large.”

UDC provides cultural responsiveness mentorship and collaborates with institutions like MTU to promote DEI values. Meanwhile, American University hosts programs like Underrepresented Students in STEM (USS) and Women in Science (WIS), offering support, mentorship, and opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM fields.

Organizations like the Black

Innovation Alliance (BIA) are at the forefront of advocating for the protection of DEI programs.

“You cannot innovate without sustainable equity,” Dr. Kelly Burton, CEO of BIA, said in a release. The BIA has called on the Biden-Harris Administration to enforce Executive Order 13985 to safeguard DEI programs in educational institutions nationwide. WI

Learn about pre-construction planning, tips for seeking a contractor, and much more at dob.dc.gov. SCAN HERE

From Columbine to Rockville, Youth with Mental Illness Continue to Cry out for Help EDITORIAL

When older Americans look back at their days in school, their thoughts inevitably focus on things like their first crush, playing games during recess, preparing for the prom and the anticipation of graduation. But times have changed – often enhancing youth’s ability to learn and access information much easier than in previous generations with gadgets that include calculators, laptops, tablets, social media and artificial intelligence.

However, there have been negative developments as well whose results we cannot ignore. Since the rise and rapid increase of new age phenomena including drive-by shootings, cyber bullying and the harassment of youth because of their nontraditional gender orientation, youth are experiencing a disturbing surge in poor mental health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data Summary & Trends Report, there are trends related to the mental health of U.S. high school students that demand our immediate attention. Some might even say what has taken us so long – and they would be correct in their assessment.

In 2021, more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless while nearly one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health.

Meanwhile, gun violence and school shootings have become what some experts describe as a uniquely American epidemic whose causes have been linked to things like abuse or neglect; discrimination and stigma, including racism; social disadvantage and poverty; severe or long-term stress; social isolation; and homelessness or unstable housing.

Several of these factors were undoubtedly at play, based on comments from Montgomery County Police Department Chief Marcus Jones, who recently led a press conference to announce the arrest of an 18-year-old Rockville, Maryland resident, Alex Ye – charged with threatening mass violence.

After a witness came forward, an investigation conducted over several months by a team of law enforcement officials that included, but was not limited to, Jones’s staff, the Rockville Police Department, the FBI and mental health professionals from Montgomery County Public Schools, uncovered highly disturbing posts on Ye’s social media pages.

In addition, they discovered a 129-page manifesto, allegedly fictitious according to Ye, which described plans to shoot up two local schools – a high school and an elementary school both located in Rockville.

Ye, now in custody, faces charges that could land him in prison for at least 10 years. But local officials, from Chief Jones and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich (D) to the County’s State’s Attorney’s office and Councilmember Will Jawando (D-At-large), all say they are committed to securing the mental health assistance that Ye and his family so sorely require so that healing may occur.

In this instance, collaborative efforts, fortunately, prevented what could have resulted in a tragic outcome and we all owe a debt of gratitude to the witness who came forward to alert officials about Ye’s threats and other signs of mental instability that he had long exhibited.

But 25 years ago, on April 20, 1999, our nation was not so fortunate.

It has been a quarter-century since the massacre at Columbine High School when two teenage gunmen shot and killed 12 students and a teacher in Littleton, Colorado, before turning their guns on themselves. That heinous crime served as the start of a modern era of school shootings – one in which parents now fear that their children are in danger when they go to school.

In those 25 years, the number of people killed with guns on school property has climbed to at least 493, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database, with more than 138 of those people killed in active shooter incidents on school grounds.

Further, on Friday, April 19, five teen males, ranging from ages 16 to 18, were injured in a shooting in Greenbelt, Maryland’s Schrom Hills Park, where 500-600 students were gathered for a senior skip day event.

Locally and nationally our young people are at risk.

Our children are crying out for help. Isn’t it time we respond?

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Earth Day’s Over, But Plastic is Still Here — And It’s Mostly in Our Communities

The Informer argued last week that the 2024 Earth Day theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” really should’ve been “People vs. Plastics,” given that microplastics already reside in our bodies and humans are the only ones that can do much about it.

In actuality, based on who is most harmed by the plastic industry, the theme could also

The street vendor story and learning about the pending legislation that has caused many to be in limbo from either pursuing or continuing their businesses was a very interesting read. I had no idea that this was even a thing, but glad to know now and can hopefully find alternative ways to support the entrepreneurs.

Gayle Houston Washington, D.C.

have been “Black People vs. Plastics.”

Consider the basic life cycle of a single-use plastic product: extracting and refining oil, turning it into plastic, transporting it, dealing with it as waste. Each step involves exposing Black communities to unjust levels of pollution connected to asthma, heart disease and cancer, among other health harms.

As of 2017, Black people were 75% more likely to live across the fence line from toxic oil and gas facilities than the average American. Highways, where diesel trucks transport a ceaseless stream of single-use products, tend to cut through Black, brown and low-income neighborhoods. Communities of color and low-income communities house a disproportionate number of U.S. landfills and nearly 80% of America’s large trash incinerators. On a local level, Wards

TO THE EDITOR

I must admit, I didn’t anticipate enjoying the Environmental Supplement as much as I did, but it truly left a mark. It was brimming with valuable information and perspectives that have impacted my habits and choices. What a powerful reminder that we all have a part to play in caring for the environment.

Jeri C. Talley Washington, D.C.

5, 7 and 8 deal with illegal dumping and plastic litter far more commonly than Wards 2 and 3.

Globally, the cost of plastic—for environments, economies and health—is about 10 times higher for low-income countries than for high-income ones, according to a recent study by the World Wildlife Fund. Low-income countries consume about three times less plastic per person than high-income ones.

Plastic production and plastic waste are civil rights issues, though we might not always think of it that way. If we want a livable planet and a fairer world for ourselves and the generations that come next, we need to address our collective single-use plastic addiction—and we can’t afford to wait until the next Earth Day.

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Faith Ringgold

"Anyone can fly. All you need is somewhere to go that you can't get to any other way. The next thing you know, you're flying among the stars."

— Faith Ringgold, "Tar Beach"

When Faith Ringgold passed away on April 12, she left behind an extraordinary legacy as an artist and activist. She was a painter, mixed media sculptor, printmaker, and performing artist,

and well known for her signature story quilts. The story quilts combine painting, quilt making, and storytelling, and extend the legacy of generations of Black women quilters and storytellers, including the ancestors in her own family. Much of that earlier creativity and artistry was never featured in museums or bookstores, but it was part of the heritage they passed down to their children and grandchildren. Ringgold's story quilts then led directly to her work as a children's book author and illustrator, where she shared that legacy with new generations.

Guest Columnist

Marian Wright Edelman

Ringgold grew up in Harlem surrounded by Black creativity. Her neighbors were musicians, writers, and artists, and her own mother was a dressmaker who became known as the fashion designer Madame Willi Posey. She had severe childhood asthma that led her to be primarily homeschooled for several years, and while home, she had hours of extra time that she spent drawing and creating art. Ringgold later worked as an art teacher in New York City public schools for nearly 20 years, and her deep respect and love for children's innate creativity never

AIPAC Is an Enemy of Humanity

Netanyahu bragged about annexing Palestinian land. While decrying the loss of life from Oct. 7, one might also look at the provocation that prompted extreme action by Hamas.

Let me begin with the obligatory statements. What happened on Oct. 7, 2023, was horrible. Hamas launched an attack on Israel that some describe as "unprovoked." But at an AIPAC (American Israel Political Action Committee) conference during the 2020 presidential campaign, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin

There is another obligatory statement. Israel has a right to exist. But under what terms and on what land?

When the prime minister encourages Jewish settlers to occupy Palestinian land, that's an act of aggression. No wonder there are so many angry Palestinians, victims of Israel, who demand self-determination but deny self-determination to others. And if

Guest Columnist

anyone dares question these tactics, they become a target for AIPAC. This rabidly pro-Israel organization refuses to recognize that Palestinians are human beings who also have rights. The organization has gone after those calling for a cease-fire and peace in the Middle East. They are raising $100 million to defeat progressive members of Congress who do not toe the narrow Israel line. And they are indifferent to the fact that as many as 13,000 children have been murdered by Israel's aggression.

AIPAC and its co-conspirators

Staying on the Right Side of History

I know I am not alone when I say I never heard of Mike Johnson before he became the 56th speaker of the House. After learning how the hardline conservative from Louisiana opposed the certification of the 2020 elections, I saw him as just another rubber stamp who is afraid to stand up to Donald Trump. As House speaker, the staunch

Trump supporter followed the example of his predecessor in becoming an enabler to the former president. In what would have been the first major overhaul of asylum and immigration law in a generation, President Biden had agreed with many of the Republican demands in the most conservative immigration bill in years. Ultimately, Speaker Johnson fell in line with Trump and his allies in the effort to kill the bipartisan border security package. Johnson stated the Senate deal would be "dead on arrival" in

left her.

As an artist Ringgold was always willing to fight for her own creative vision. Even her initial interest in working with fabric had a practical element of creative autonomy: before she began designing on fabric, she said she always needed to rely on her husband or someone else to help her move her own work from one studio space to another. Once she began making art she could roll up and carry herself, it gave her a new measure of freedom — and freedom was a recurring theme throughout her art and life. Her deci-

sion to incorporate text in her quilts was also part of a fight for freedom. She wanted to publish an autobiography, but could not find a publisher; and so she chose to bring her stories to audiences herself by writing them directly on her art.

An editor who saw an exhibit poster featuring Ringgold's "Tar Beach" story quilt reached out to ask whether she might be interested in transforming the art into a children's book. Tar Beach was published in 1991, and the

EDELMAN Page 57

spent nearly $7 million to defeat progressive Donna Edwards because she was not sufficiently pro-Israel. Instead, in a safe Democratic district, AIPAC supported the more moderate Glen Ivey, who was the state's attorney for Prince George's County. Except for his blind support of Israel, Ivey and Edwards are politically similar, though Edwards' positions are often to the left of Ivey's. AIPAC's political interference meant that Maryland's congressional delegation is now entirely male.

AIPAC is up to its old tricks in this election cycle. They've targeted

New York Congressman Jamal Bowman, Pennslyvania Congresswoman Summer Lee, and Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush because they aren't pro-Israel enough for them. These are all African American members of Congress who have the best interest of the Black community at heart. AIPAC has placed itself in direct opposition to the African American community, but why should it care about the African American community?

Lee, Bowman and Bush aren't the

MALVEAUX Page 57

David W. Marshall

the House.

As a result, the president was denied a win on an issue Trump plans to use in the 2024 campaign. Thanks to Johnson and other MAGA lawmakers, Trump is free to effectively center his presidential campaign around the "Biden's border crisis." Whether you like him or not, Trump is in control of the Republican Party. He knows exactly what he is doing. In following the examples of racial politics from George Wallace, Richard Nixon and Barry Goldwater, Trump took

matters to a higher level in his remaking of the Republican Party. Trump recognized the dynamics behind the Southern Strategy from the 1960s. He rose to power in rallying political support among White voters by exploiting their fears and prejudices toward people of color.

Despite being from New York City, the real estate mogul understands the mindset of the rural White working class voter, and how to effectively press the race button. He fed them the Birther

issue which targeted the first president of color. He gave them "The Wall" to appease their anxiety against southern immigrants. Trump understands their passion for guns and the Constitution while becoming their 2nd Amendment champion. In doing so, he is selective with the Constitution by rejecting the 14th Amendment which authorizes the government to punish states that abridged citizens' right to vote. He understands

MARSHALL Page 57

Julianne Malveaux

Guest Columnist

Let's Talk About It!

There are many things in life to think about daily, but there's one we often don't think of that's really important. It's selfish not to think about it just leaving the details of what we want our families or friends to do for us when it comes to our end-of-life decisions and we become unable to make those choices. I know we don't like to talk about it, but we should recog-

nize we sometimes get to a point where we're unable to make choices. Someone has to make them for us.

April is National Minority Health Month. It's a time when we try to bring awareness about health disparities that persist among racial and ethnic minorities. Every group of people may experience health challenges; however, I don't think any community experiences more than the African American community. Much of it has something to do with the lack

Guest Columnist

of health care or a poor quality of health in our community. Even if we're not personally impacted, our community has many challenges and we should listen to how we improve our health care.

Let's not wait every year until April that's set aside as National Minority Health Month. Let's bring awareness about disparities that persist in our community all the time.

National Healthcare Decisions Day occurs every April 16 and has recently passed. It's not the most

Stupid Is as Stupid Does. C'mon, People!

from doing something else I loved doing.

In March of 2018, after 25 years of doing so, I submitted my final Blackonomics column to the members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

The article was titled "The Last Dance," and I wrote it because I could no longer use my computer. ALS had made its way to my arms and hands, preventing me

An

Since that time, I have gotten back to writing, only now with my eyes on my eye gaze computer. You can check out my work on ALS News Today online.

But this is not about me. It's about us, Black people. So I humbly ask the NNPA and all Black news outlets (I don't think this will appear in The New York Times or The Washington Post) — whether print or online — to indulge me one more time because

Guest Columnist

I really have to speak to my family.

While our overall political status leaves much to be desired, I want to home in on one slice of it: The slice called DEI. Trump and others of his ilk are constantly railing against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In my opinion, it's the new N-word.

Let's take a different look at these issues. It's hilarious that Trump thinks DEI is bad when he uses it to boost his popularity. Diversity? Inclusion? He has insulted Hispanics by calling them rapists

E. Faye Williams CLINGMAN

Disunified Black Folks Under Serious Attack

admittedly way too small number of Black people in the USA strongly believe that we put ourselves in ongoing cultural, economic and political danger by not being more unified. Those who don't believe in the urgent need for strong Black unity should understand that their

position bears responsibility for some of the negative and hostile actions taking place today. Three recent columns in The Washington Informer newspaper will help to explain this position.

The first one, written by Marc H. Morial, is titled "Discriminatory Laws Have Driven Black Voters From The Polls." In it he states that "…. since 2020, at least twenty-nine states have passed nearly one hundred laws making it harder for eligible citizens to exercise their constitu-

tional right to vote."

Another column, attributed to the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC), noted the following: "As of last week GSA Administrator [Robin] Camahan has ignored the March 18, 2024, request for the meeting to discuss accelerated deliverables to remedy the continuous discrimination against Black American contractors in federal contracting…"

Equally notable is a column titled "The Battle Over Social

pleasant day to think about for some, but I often tell people it's necessary to talk about our end-oflife choices, and that talking about them doesn't kill us! It makes a lot of sense to educate and empower ourselves about the importance of advance care planning.

Compassion & Choices is a group I met a few years ago and one of the things I learned from the group is the importance of advance care planning. This year the group stopped by the Black Barbers Doc to discuss the impor-

tance of advance care planning! Director of Priority Populations and Faith Engagement Zeena Regis and African American Engagement Director Dr. Elisha Hall shared their thoughts on equitable end-of-life care in the "Fades, Fish Fries and Funerals" podcast available now for National Healthcare Decisions Day. I know Grandma doesn't know anything about all this fancy technology, but if she's your grandma, help her to see the WILLIAMS Page

and criminals. He said they are poisoning the blood of this country.

He insults women in so many ways, questioning their intelligence and competency when it comes to what they think is right for their bodies. He insulted Muslims when he issued a ban against their entrance to this country.

He insulted Jews by questioning their beliefs and saying those among them who vote for Democrats are not Jewish. He insults Christians in a variety of ways, the

latest of which includes hawking overpriced bibles but can't recite one verse from it. He says he gets forgiveness by drinking a little wine and eating a cracker. He insulted Puerto Ricans by throwing paper towels to them after they suffered one of the worst hurricanes in their history. He insulted veterans by calling their dead "suckers and losers." He asked his general what's in for them (soldiers and sailors).

Security" by David W. Marshall. It includes his belief that "Social security is especially important to people of color because they are less likely than white Americans to have pensions or retirement savings. As a result social security is the sole source of retirement income for 33% of Blacks compared to 18% whites based on a National Association of Insurance study …"

In each of the conditions above and numerous others, a unified Black people would be in a much

better position to protect ourselves from the actions of hostile or paternalistic white folks. Because our refusal to become more unified, we share at least some of the responsibility for what is happening to most of us in this country today. Black unity is not an option; it is an absolute necessity if we want to be in a strong position to protect and promote our health, economic, cultural, political, educational, and technological interests.

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James Clingman

A. Peter Bailey

LIFESTYLE

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Contributing Writer

DMV residents are in for a treat with a weekend of enchantment, mystery, and musical adaptations.

Thursday honor jazz and the legacy of Duke Ellington with Tomeka Reid, or celebrate Earth Day with a movie screening at The Yards.

Music is a theme of the weekend with Californian rapper KYLE coming to Union Stage, and University of Maryland (UMD) chamber singers performing at Spring Choral Showcase.

Empowerment and motivation are on the ticket as guests can register for the Finding Your Voice class. Tap into your inner detective with Covert City and Tysons Corner Maggiano's Murder Mystery Dinner Event; or if you’re looking for a magical night out, end the weekend with a production by The Illusionists.

Remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit-- and social life-- lit. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

Tomeka Reid, Celebrating Ellington

7 p.m. | $33.00+

Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566

Described as a “New Jazz Power Source” by the New York Times, cellist extraordinaire Tomeka Reid presents her groundbreaking new work inspired by Duke Ellington. Be among the first to witness this Kennedy Center

co-commission as Reid seamlessly captures the essence of Ellington, all while propelling jazz into bold new territories.

Covert City

6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Free International Spy Museum, 800 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Take a deep dive into the secret operations, corruption, crime, and spies that made Miami a crucial Cold War hot spot through the book “Covert City.”

Join Dr. Vince Houghton, director of the National Cryptologic Museum at the National Security Agency, and Eric Driggs, congressional liaison for United States Southern Command, for a conversation exploring Miami as a hub for secrets and ideologies.

Covert City will be available for sale and signing after the conversation.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Earth Day at the Yards

8 p.m.- 10 p.m. | $5.00+

The Yards Sundeck, 355 Water Street S.E., Washington, D.C., 20003

Join The Yards for a screening of Pixar’s Elemental on April 26 at 8 p.m. on The Sundeck.

See how much the elements have in common with an adventure through Element City to celebrate Earth Day. Bring blankets and chairs and stop by your favorite Yards restaurant on the way to pick up dinner for a night under the stars. Ice Cream Jubilee will be selling scoops onsite and a deluxe topping bar will allow guests

5“The

to customize their movie treat.

Tickets include a $5 donation to Anacostia Watershed Society to celebrate Earth Day.

Tysons Corner Maggiano's Murder Mystery Dinner Event

6:30 - 10 p.m. | $88.00+

Maggiano's Little Italy, 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA 22182

Keith and Margo's Murder

Mystery presents "Motive, Means and Maggiano's."

Enjoy the atmosphere and fabulous cuisine of Maggiano's Little Italy, but remember, you could become the leading suspect.

Ticket price includes dinner, one drink ticket for house beer or wine and entertainment.

Seating will be limited per table. For group seating or requests or dietary restrictions, please email the banquet office no later than Thursday, April 25, 2024. WI

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

KYLE: Smyle Live Again

7 p.m | $27.50

Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

Now known mononymously as KYLE, the chart-topping, multi-platinum rapper’s sophomore studio album, “See You When I am Famous!!!!!!!!!!!!” is named in honor of his high school yearbook quote.

The Ventura, California native skyrocketed to stardom with the 8X RIAA platinum-certified breakout single “iSpy” featuring Lil Yachty, which to date, has amassed over two billion streams and 500 million video views.

After releasing his latest studio album “SMYLE AGAIN “on March 8, KYLE is going on tour and bringing some of that versatility to Washington, D.C.

Finding Your Voice

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Pay What You Can Virtual Event

This class explores what it means to have a voice – in society, in a meeting room, in artistic practice, in public speaking situations, or in personal relationships. Students will use techniques drawn from The Theatre Lab’s award-winning Life Stories methodology to discover exactly what they have to say and to gain power and confidence in saying it. Each student will focus on the communication scenarios most important to them, with the dual goal of empowering the self and gaining concrete skills.

To remove barriers to access, this class is being offered as PayWhat-You-Can. Please submit the brief form on the website to begin the registration process

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SUNDAY, APRIL 28

Spring Choral Showcase

7:30 p.m. | $25.00

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, 8270 Alumni Drive College Park, MD 20742

The UMD Chamber Singers present a thought-provoking performance to bring healing amidst difficult times. “Weather: Stand the Storm,” a new composition by Rollo Dilworth, is a featured piece, along with works by Lotti, Gabrieli, Buxtehude, Robles and more. With this program, UMD Choral Activities invites audiences to reflect on how actions impact others.

Led by choral conducting alumnus Jason Max Ferdinand, UMD's choral program is internationally regarded and offers students a wide array of choral experiences with music encompassing all styles and eras.

The Illusionists

1:30 p.m. | $56.00+

Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20566

The Illusionists is the world’s biggest-selling magic show. This nonstop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions featuring the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth.

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Illusionists” is a nonstop show packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions featuring the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on Earth. (Courtesy Photo)

Jazz Musician Corcoran Holt

Leads Tribute to Music Educator

Davey Yarborough

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

As a celebrated musician and arts educator, still making strides in teaching jazz to young musicians, Davey Yarborough, will be honored during “Ellington at 125: The DC Collective in Concert,” a concert on April 28 at Arena Stage.

Yarborough taught jazz education for 40 years at the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA).

Though retired from DESA, Yarborough and his wife Esther Williams are co-founders of the Washington Jazz Arts Institute (WJAI), a nonprofit that offers free jazz performance training for young students from elementary school through early college. In its 26th year, WJAI, has an astounding track record of fostering young mu-

sicians and preparing them to enter college, many with scholarships.

Former DESA and WJAI students have moved to performing in their own bands.

The upcoming concert at Arena Stage is presented by the DC Jazz Festival, under the Ellington 125 theme, commemorating what would be jazz great Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday on April 29. The show is curated by D.C. native Corcoran Holt, bassist and DESA alumnus.

Holt, a composer, band leader and professor at Arizona State University, assembled a group of Ellington School alumni to create the DC Collective.

Holt met Yarborough at age 12 and studied under him in high school at Ellington. He credits his teacher and mentor with shaping his path from the beginning of his music training.

“He saw something in me that he nurtured. He pushed me to achieve some level of professionalism early in life,” Holt said in an interview. “I want to honor him and make sure he knows what he means to me.”

To show his gratitude, Holt has organized the upcoming DC Collective concert as his first project with his twoyear artist-in-residence appointment announced by the DC Jazz Festival a few months ago. Making up the group are fellow Ellington alumni percussionist Jabari Exum, pianist Janelle Gill, drummer Kweku Sumbry, tenor saxophonist Brian Settles, and trumpeter Al Strong.

“They were all down to do a dedicated concert to honor him,” said Holt about Yarborough.

“Ellington 125: The DC Collective in Concert,” is one of the many projects that has kept Holt, a family man with a wife and two kids, busy. In addition to being an assistant professor of jazz at Arizona State University, he performs around the country in a band headed by National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master Kenny

Mary J. Blige and A Tribe Called Quest to Be Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2024

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Mary J. Blige and A Tribe Called Quest are among the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2024. The Rock Hall has announced one of its most significant inductions yet with the R&B queen and hip-hop legends joining a prestigious roster that includes Kool & The Gang, Cher, Foreigner, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Frampton, and Ozzy Osbourne.

“This diverse group of inductees each broke down musical barriers and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps,” John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said.

Blige, a multi-talented inspiration from the Bronx, New York, has long cemented her place in music history. Many said her journey is a testament to transformation and empowerment. A global superstar, Blige has eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards, two Academy Award nominations, and a SAG nomination to her name.

Blige entered the scene at 18 when she signed with Andre Harrell’s Up-

town Records in 1989, and introduced a unique blend of hip-hop, soul, and raw, honest lyrics by drawing inspiration from music legends like Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight. Her 1992 debut album, “What’s the 411?”, featuring chart-topping hits like “You Remind Me” and “Real Love,” marked the beginning of her storied career, captivating audiences worldwide.

Meanwhile, A Tribe Called Quest, formed in 1985 in St. Albans, Queens, New York, has been hailed for their revolutionary contributions to hiphop. Comprising Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White, the group reshaped the genre with their innovative sound and socially conscious lyrics.

5Mary J. Blige is among the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2024.

Garrett and other jazz talents.

“I’m able to chop my touring schedule, but my students have been very supportive of what I am able to do,” said Holt.

He said his work as an artist-in-residence with DC Jazz Festival is another way of sharing his love for jazz and celebrating District arts and culture.

“I'm centering my residency around generations of D.C. and paying respect to those that have paved this way for me and my generation,” he said.

To secure tickets for “Ellington at 125: The DC Collective in Concert,” go to the DC Jazz Festival website at https://www. dcjazzfest.org WI

Throughout the 1990s, A Tribe Called Quest delivered a series of iconic tracks, including “Can I Kick It,” “Check the Rhime,” and “Scenario,” solidifying their place in music history. Despite facing challenges, including the tragic loss of Phife Dawg in 2016, the group continued to push boundaries, releasing their final album, “We Got It from Here… Thank You

4 Your Service,” in 2016. A year later, they received the 2017 Brit Awards for International Group before officially disbanding.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 induction ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 19 at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Fans can catch the event live on Disney+, with an airing on ABC to follow and availability on Hulu the next day. WI @StacyBrownMedia

5DC Collective, a jazz band of alumni from the Duke Ellington School for the Arts, will perform “Ellington at 125: The DC Collective in Concert” on April 28 at Arena Stage. (Top Row, L-R) Bassist/band leader Corcoran Holt, pianist Janelle Gill, and drummer Kweku Sumbry. (Bottom Row, L-R) Trumpeter Al Strong, percussionist Jabari Exum, and tenor saxophonist Brian Settles. (Courtesy photo/DC Jazz Collective)

(Courtesy Photo/Mary J. Blige.com)

‘Fire Shut Up in My Bones’ at Strathmore Will Leave Audiences Inspired Barrier-Breaking Composer Terence Blanchard Talks Work, Mission

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

When Terence Blanchard read New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow’s 2014 memoir “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” he was immediately inspired by the writer’s tale of strength and resilience despite life challenges and early traumas.

“I thought that [Blow] was probably one of the most brilliant voices in our community right now,” Blanchard, a six-time Grammy-winning musician and composer, told The Informer “I knew he was a bit of a homeboy because he's from Louisiana, but when I read the book, I was floored at what this very successful man had gone through in his childhood.”

In his book, the journalist and author reveals he was sexually assaulted by a family member as a young person.

“Anybody else would crumble and could be just totally destroyed by those experiences. But [Blow] came through that, and

he's become a shining example of what it means to persevere,” said Blanchard, who was recently named as part of the 2024 class of NEA Jazz Masters. “ I kept thinking, that, in itself, was enough reason to do his story as an opera.”

From its premiere in St. Louis, Missouri in 2019, to becoming the first opera by a Black composer on the Metropolitan Opera House stage in 2021, “Fire Shut in My Bones,” has inspired audiences nationwide. An upcoming performance at Strathmore on April 26, presented in partnership with Washington Performing Arts, is an opportunity to see a new, re-imagined version of the barrier-breaking work.

Blanchard and his group E-Collective, David Balakrishnan and the two-time Grammy-winners Turtle Island Quartet, visual artist Andrew F. Scott, soprano Adrienne Danrich and baritone Justin Austin, breathe new life into this captivating tale. Balakrishnan condensed the three-hour opera into a 45-minute piece that maintains

the story’s powerful narrative and Scott’s video projections add multimedia images that dive deeper into Blanchard’s artistic vision and furthers the mission to move viewers.

“For me, ‘Fire Shut UpIn My Bones’ is a major musical and cultural statement of magnum opus proportions, and Terence asking me to do this put me into high gear,” Balakrishnan said in a recent interview with WETA’s Classical Score blog. “Terence was gracious in allowing me to rearrange the sections he had asked me to include in such a way that the story ends in a different place, and Andrew Scott does a masterful job in visually magnifying this statement.”

The message of overcoming obstacles, even in this re-telling of the narrative, is at the production’s core.

“[I want audiences] to witness Charles' story and his amazing growth, and his strengths. That's the first thing and hopefully to be inspired by that,” Blanchard told The Informer.” I didn't go through what he went through, but I was a kid, wearing glasses, carrying a trumpet to the bus stop on the weekends, going to a trumpet lesson… [It] wasn't one of the most popular things to do in my neighborhood and I caught a bit of teasing because of it. But seeing his story energized me to do better and be better as an artist and as a person.”

Blanchard explained Blow's story encouraged him to push beyond his own trials and he wants the opera rendition of the production to do the same for audiences.

“I don't have any excuses, and he didn't use any of [what he went through] as an excuse,” Blanchard continued. “Hopefully people can be inspired by his story just to be better and to do better.”

In addition, he said those who have experienced trauma can be transformed from witnessing the operatic version of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” Blanchard shared with The Informer Blow’s reaction

to the opera after seeing a premier in St. Louis.

“‘This made me realize 'I'm not that person anymore,’” Blanchard recalled Blow telling him. “And then when we brought it to the Met in New York, I was standing in the lobby talking to some people… and I'll never forget, this gentleman walked up to me in tears. And he just simply said 'Thank you. I'm a survivor,' and walked away.”

SFJAZZ, FOSTERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF JAZZ ARTISTS, NEW MUSIC

The two-time Oscar-nominated Blanchard is busy, and doesn’t plan on slowing down artistic endeavors anytime soon. In addition to composing operas and film scores, touring with his band E-Collective and iconic musicians like Herbie Hancock, Blanchard has taken on a new role as executive artistic director at San Francisco, California’s SFJAZZ.

“Terence Blanchard is an ex-

traordinary artist whose experience and accomplishments make him an ideal creative leader for SFJAZZ, building on the incredible legacy that Randall Kline has worked to create over the past 40 years,” Greg Stern, SFJAZZ CEO, said in a statement.

Joining the organization in its 40th anniversary season, Blanchard told The Informer he hopes to use this opportunity to continue building on SF Jazz’s decades of artistic excellence, while also helping other artists expand their careers.

“[I’m] really excited about what I have an opportunity to do there in terms of helping musicians with their careers, and bringing beautiful talent, and also bringing it to the world through our streaming on-demand service that we have,” Blanchard said.

The New Orleans, Louisiana-born musician, 62, also said he realizes the magnitude of his new appointment as it relates to continuing to push jazz forward.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

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5Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated musician and composer Terence Blanchard, whose piece “Fire Shut Up in My Bones: Opera in Suite,” is coming to Strathmore on April 26. (Courtesy Photo/Facebook, Terence Blanchard)

Art Meets Politics at the 'Art Olympics': The 60th Venice Biennale

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

Affectionately dubbed the "Art Olympics," the Venice Biennale is where the world’s cultural athleticism is put to the test, showcasing the pinnacle of global contemporary art. As artists and aficionados converge on Venice, the event's significance as a premier international art exhibition is unmistakably clear.

This year, the Biennale features a groundbreaking presentation by Jeffrey Gibson, the first Native American to represent the United States, through his presentation “The Spirits Are Laughing.” His inclusion highlights a broader commitment to reconciling historical cultural narratives within the U.S.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Pavilion, surrounded by armed guards, remains closed, bearing a sign that pledges to open only when a cease-fire and hostage release agreement in Gaza is reached, illustrating the deep intersections between art and global conflicts.

Activism colors the Biennale with the Artistic Native Generational Alliance (ANGA) protests outside the U.S. Pavilion, critiquing American foreign policy in Gaza and calling for reflection on America's international roles versus its domestic reconciliations.

While the advocacy is palpable, many arts professionals are hesitant to speak on record due to the prospect of being terminated or losing employment opportunities.

“[I’m] not comfortable sharing with people I don’t know personally [but] you can find more info on the ANGA Instagram,” one curator and scholar explained.

“Maybe I’d say something after I had a few drinks in me,” joked another gallery employee. However, the reality for many is that the anonymity that the protest provided is the only foreseeable outlet until the industry reconciles its stance on its messaging.

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Are You Ready for the June 4, 2024 Primary Election?

Primary Election: June 4, 2024

Hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Early Voting: May 26 – June 2, 2024

Hours: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm

Early Vote Centers are closed May 27, 2024 for Memorial Day.

What Voters Need to Know:

• For the June 4, 2024 Primary Election, all voters registered with one of the major parties (Democratic, Republican, or DC Statehood Green) will be mailed a ballot.

• Voted ballots can be returned to a Mail Ballot Drop Box, via US Postal Service, or to any Vote Center.

• Locations for Vote Centers and Mail Ballot Drop Boxes are available at www.dcboe.org

• Ballot tracking via BallotTrax is available at www.dcboe.org

• If voting in person, you can cast your ballot at any Vote Center, regardless of your residential address.

Qualified non-citizen DC residents may vote in local elections. Specifically, non-citizen DC residents may vote in elections for Mayor, Attorney General, members of the DC Council, members of the State Board of Education, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners. They may also vote on initiative, referendum, recall, and charter amendment measures. To learn more, visit www.dcboe.org/noncitizenvoter

2024 NEA Jazz Masters Share Artistic Journeys Through Celebratory Programming

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Each year, honoring the new class of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Masters is a big deal, as it celebrates the musicians and educators who are keepers of jazz, a specifically American-created art form. The 2024 NEA Jazz Masters class honorees are Gary Bartz, Terence Blanchard, Amina Claudine Myers, and Rockville, Maryland resident Willard Jenkins, recipient of the 2024 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz Advocacy.

ing us to our family’s African American groups and culture.”

At a Kennedy Center concert honoring the Jazz Masters, NEA Chair Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, remembered her childhood approach to jazz “My father introduced my brother and me to the sounds and importance of jazz and jazz musicians,” Jackson said. “He did this as a way of connect-

Embracing jazz by listening, learning, and educating us builds on Jackson’s sentiments, which were heard through free events sessions with this year’s Jazz Masters.

JAZZ MASTERS IN CONVERSATION

Jenkins, artistic director for DC Jazz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Harry Schnipper executivedirector@bluesalley.org

WINNER OF THE ELLA FITZGERALD JAZZ VOCAL COMPETITION

Washington, DC (April 2024) The Blues Alley Jazz Society is pleased to announce the winner of the 7th annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition – Dani Assis (New Canaan,CT) 2nd Place Winner is Aviana Gedler (West Des Moines, IA), and 3rd Place Winners are Angelina Kolobukhova (Minsk, Belarus), Arvin Ma (Shanghai, China), and Tina Hashemi (Charlottesville, VA). The competition included some of the most musically versatile student vocalists from around the globe and has attracted submissions from continents and countries as expansive as the “First Lady of Song’s” enormous repertoire from her past century of music. This year’s submissions hail from countries as culturally diverse as China, Belarus, Canada, Germany, Mexico, and across the United States of America. Founded in partnership with the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, to honor the centennial of Ms. Fitzgerald’s birth, the competition has grown exponentially as we continue to pursue her inimitable legacy.

The competition’s theme this year is “Ella Loves Cole” featuring songs from the great Cole Porter. Cole Porter’s name resonates as one of the defining song stylists of the 20th century. Many of his compositions have been recognized as unforgettable jazz standards. This year’s judges were the members of the New York Voices - Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader, and Kim Nazarian The judges rated our five finalists based upon style, musicality, and technical skills to determine our winner.

The life and legacy of Ella Fitzgerald is so immense and expansive that it encircles the globe. She was born in 1917 and the competition was launched one hundred years later to honor the centennial of her birth. Ms. Fitzgerald’s life has transcended race, poverty, culture, gender, class, and creativity. She was an award-winning vocalist, musician, bandleader, spokesperson, actress, and humanitarian. Each aspect of her eight decades has defied the odds and reflects the compassion she brought to people around the world. She is a 14-time GRAMMY award winner, the recipient of the National Medal of the Arts, and the NAACP’s President’s Award. All told she has recorded over 200 albums worth over 40 million dollars ($40,000,000.00). Despite time and distance, the name Ella Fitzgerald continues to resonate throughout the four corners of the globe which is why we continue to honor her today.

Registration for the 2025 Ella Fitzgerald Competition will begin on November 1, 2024

Please sign up on our mailing list and get further details at www.EllaFitzgeraldCompetition.org

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Festival and editor of the book “Ain’t But a Few of Us: Black Music Writers Tell Their Story,” led a discussion with music performance students at Howard University. “Music Careers, Beyond the Bandstand” offered ideas for students to pursue other skills in their profession beyond performing. For example, Jenkins talked about working as a jazz writer, a researcher, and in radio, which he still does today at WPFW-FM in D.C.

“I started writing record reviews. As I started writing reviews, promotional copies of records started coming to our address for review,” Jenkins told The Informer on WIN-TV, recalling his time with the “Black Watch” student newspaper. “Opportunities to attend performances as media writers became available, where students could write performance reviews.”

In addition to Jenkins’ discussion, a National Public Radio (NPR) listening session allowed attendees to hear about the career paths of the Jazz Masters. Freedom was a key connecting thread with musicians Bartz, Blanchard, and Myers. Jazz has no restrictions. You can compose and say anything.

Sunny Sumter, president and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival, led an audience at NPR through enjoyable conversations preceded by recorded music by honorees. The chat with saxophonist and composer Bartz started with his recording “Celestial Blues” (2015), a collaboration with his group NTU Troop and vocalist Andy Bey.

Bartz spoke about social justice, advocacy, and spirituality in his music.

“At this point in my life, I have come to realize that music is nature’s

gift to humans as a religion,” said Bartz. “It’s not a man-made religion, it’s nature’s religion.

THE ART OF COMPOSING

Jazz Master Myers is a pianist, organist, and vocal and instrumental music composer. She brings in her roots from blues, gospel, and jazz. Her supportive upbringing in rural Blackwell, Arkansas, plays heavily in her compositions. Myers talked about providing space in music by improvising, which she advocated with opera singers who perform in a stringent musical form.

“When you start improvising, you find out what you can do,” Myers said. “Don’t be afraid to play, and don’t be afraid to try something that’s right.”

Trumpeter, composer, and band leader Blanchard began his career at 19 with drummer and NEA Jazz Master Art Blakey. He has gone beyond jazz to compose hip hop, gospel, and opera and to score over 40 film and television productions, with one of his most recent scores for the movie “The Woman King.”

“Woman King was special. It was the most beautiful thing I had seen done on African culture,” said Blanchard, who applied his opera composition to the score. “We brought in six African American opera singers, then we brought in NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves. She looked on the screen and began improvising, and the opera singers lost their minds.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

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5An all-star female jazz band closes out the 2024 Jazz Masters concert on April 13, at the Kennedy Center with a tribute celebrating “Ellington 125.” The band included pianist and D.C. native REDWOOD, vocalist Charenée Wade, saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, bassist Katie Ernst, and drummer Camille Gainer.

(Courtesy Photo/Jati Lindsay)

Art and Advocacy: The Second Nigerian Pavilion at Venice Biennale and Its Echoes in the DMV

By Andrew S. Jacobson

As the Venice Biennale prepares to open its doors this April, the Nigerian Pavilion, titled “Nigeria Imaginary, is set to be a focal point for its exploration of national identity, diasporic experiences, and the powerful intersections with LGBTQ politics. Curated by Aindrea Emelife, the exhibition will feature a diverse group of artists, including Toyin Ojih Odutola and Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, whose works boldly traverse the realms of personal history and socio-political commentary.

The Nigerian community in the DMV area, particularly its vibrant LGBTQ members, finds a resonance with the themes at Venice. Ojih Odutola's work, often centered on Black identities and queer narratives, challenges both Nigerian and global audiences to rethink traditional boundaries and embrace inclusivity.

"LGBTQIA hate is global," Ojih Odutola noted, pointing out the unfortunate reality of intolerance both in the United States and Nigeria. Her work in the pavilion, titled “Ile Oriyaku,” is a homage to her grandmother and is designed to be a sanctuary that celebrates the right to personal change and freedom of expression.

Shonibare CBE RA presents a major sculptural installation that draws on the historic artworks created in the Kingdom of Benin. His installation challenges viewers to consider the impacts of colonial histories on contemporary identities and encourages a dialogue about restitution and cultural reconciliation.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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5The artwork is “Monument to the Restitution of the Mind and Soul, 2023” by Yinka Shonibare, a dynamic terracotta sculpture that intricately weaves figures and architectural forms into a city-like structure, exhibited against the raw textures of a rustic space.(Courtesy Photo/Museum of West African Art(MOWAA))

By Grant Czubinski, Anacostia Community Museum

The Anacostia Community Museum recently reopened to the public with a new exhibition, A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000. It offers a who’s who of educators who used art to inspire generations of students at Washington’s public schools, colleges, and universities.

One of the artists featured is William N. Buckner (1888-1984), who in 1907 graduated from the M Street School, the predecessor to the renowned Dunbar High School, where he discovered an affinity for woodworking and developed his skills in drawing, painting, and silversmithing. After graduation from the Miner Normal School, Buckner became a teacher in the then-segregated DC Public School System. His first job was at Lincoln Elementary School as a woodworking teacher. Over the course of his career, Buckner came to serve as an industrial arts teacher, art teacher, counselor, and principal. He also taught art, mechanical drawing, and industrial arts for seven years (1917-24) at Howard University, while also serving in the Army in 1918 to instruct soldiers in carpentry. He retired as principal of Armstrong Technical High School in 1957.

While a student, Buckner was immersed in the arts curriculum developed by Thomas Hunster (1851-1929), the Director of Drawing for the segregated African American public schools since 1875. During a 47-year career in education in Washington, DC, Hunster implemented a rigorous and progressive art curriculum for all grade levels from kindergarten through teacher training at the Miner Normal School. He included both manual and industrial arts, and encouraged students to draw from observation, bringing plants and live animals into the classroom and challenging them to observe the built environment, including the Washington Monument. Hunster’s own landscape paintings are on display in the exhibition. He influenced generations of Washingtonians through his instruction and curriculum, cementing his legacy as the “Father of Art” in Washington, DC.

5Figure 1 Slippery

5Figure 2

William Bucker’s early art education followed Hunster’s curriculum, and Hunster himself taught him at the Miner Normal School for teachers in 1910. A marionette created by Buckner is on view in the exhibition. It is intricate and detailed, and demonstrates Buckner’s craftsmanship with its lifelike features, painted facial expressions and jointed limbs. We do not know if Buckner modeled his puppets on real people, but it is easy to imagine him observing people on the streets of DC to create them. We can also envision the marionette coming to life in a staged production, moving as it pleases, exhibiting its unique character and personality. The markings and wear on the marionette’s controller attest that it was used and its movements lively.

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3

William Buckner likely created this marionette with the intent that it be used in local productions. The 1930s saw a glut of interest in puppetry in Washington as marionette clubs popped up in schools and local community centers staged puppet shows. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) even created theatre programs including puppetry to employ artists during the Depression. Alma Thomas, another renowned artist and career educator in DC public schools, studied under master puppeteer Tony Sarg while a teacher at Shaw Junior High School. She gained acclaim locally for her staged productions with educators and students alike.

On view in the exhibition, Thomas Hunster’s landscape paintings, Alma Thomas’ paintset, and William Buckner’s marionette invite us to think about their work developing skills and interests in their students. What can we learn and apply from our observations? By taking a closer look, we, too, can become pupils of Hunster’s and Buckner’s and learn from them.

A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 is now on view at the Smithsonian’s

Morning by Thomas Hunster. Anacostia Community Museum. (Photograph by Susanna Raab)

Marionette created by William N. Buckner, Anacostia Community Museum. (Photograph by Alex Jamison)

Figure

Alma Thomas's painting tools, Anacostia Community Museum. (Photograph by Susanna Raab)

anacostia.si.edu.

5This image captures an exhibition of artworks by Toyin Ojih Odutola. On the left is “Nwanyeruwa (Aba Women’s Rebellion), 2023-2024,” the center is titled “Congregation, 2023,” and on the right is “Onye ututu (Morning Person), 2023.” These pieces seem to explore themes of cultural identity, history, and personal narrative, employing a rich, detailed style.(Courtesy Photo/Museum of West African Art(MOWAA))

LIFESTYLE

At Washington Gas, safely and reliably meeting the energy needs of our customers are our highest priorities. Please read the information below and share it with others.

NATURAL GAS SAFETY

What to Do If You Smell Natural Gas

If you suspect a natural gas leak or other gas emergency, evacuate the area immediately and, from a safe location, call 911 and then the Washington Gas Emergency Leak Line at 844-WASHGAS (Select Option 1). Never attempt to locate the source of the odor.

RECOGNIZE

What does natural gas smell like? Natural gas is non-toxic, colorless, odorless and combustible. For safety and detection, Washington Gas adds an unpleasant odorant called mercaptan to the natural gas delivered through our distribution system. Call 202-624-6092 for a "Scratch & Sniff" brochure. Government agencies and officials, schools, businesses, property managers and others are invited to request multiple copies of the brochure for public educations and awareness purposes.

Other Signs of Natural Gas

Because gas traveling through a small portion of our transmission pipelines is not odorized, you should also familiarize yourself with visible and audible signs of a possible leak.

Follow the same precautions described below if you are outside and smell gas; hear hissing or blowing noises; see dirt being thrown into the air; see fire coming from the ground or appearing to burn above ground; see water bubbling or being blown into the air at a pond, creek or river; or see a dry spot in a moist field or dead or dying vegetation on or near a pipeline right-of-way.

REACT

If you smell natural gas, do not attempt to locate the source of the odor. Evacuate the area immediately and, from a safe location, call 911 and then the Washington Gas Emergency Leak Line at 844-WASHGAS (Select Option 1)

If the odor is very strong, or you hear a blowing or hissing noise, vacate the building or area immediately, leaving doors unlocked as you go. Warn others as you exit, if possible. Do nothing that could create an ignition source. Do not light a match or use any type of phone or battery-powered equipment. Do not turn electrical equipment or light switches on or off. Do not start a car or any type of motorized equipment. Call 911 and the Washington Gas emergency numbers listed above, only after you are a safe distance away from the building or area.

Gas Migration

Natural gas is distributed through a network of underground pipes and service lines. If a leak should occur, it is possible for gas to migrate into buildings, including those without natural gas service.

RESPOND

Washington Gas responds 24 hours a day, seven days a week to address natural gas leaks and other emergencies. If a leak poses an immediate threat, the company takes quick action to make the area safe. If a natural gas leak does not pose an immediate threat, corrective action may be scheduled for a later date.

5Rakim, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Ravi Coltrane performing at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, April 19. (Tim Cox/The Washington Informer)

Rakim, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Ravi Coltrane Rock Kennedy Center Concert

Celebrating Hip-Hop, Jazz

By Timothy Cox WI Contributing Writer

PREVENT PIPELINE DAMAGE - CALL MISS UTILITY AT 811 BEFORE YOU DIG

Digging related damage is a major cause of pipeline accidents. 811 is the national Call Before You Dig/Miss Utility telephone number that initiates the process of marking the underground utility lines in your yard or on your job. Your call to 811 will be routed to your local One Call Center - in the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia. Local One Call Center personnel then notify member utilities, such as Washington Gas, to mark the approximate locations of underground utility lines with high-visibility safety paint and/or flags. The service is free

Everyone, including homeowners and construction companies, should always call Miss Utility at 811, at least two full business/working days - excluding weekends and holidays - before you are scheduled to begin any digging, regardless of size or depth. When using mechanized equipment, it is required by law to call 811 before you dig. Do not begin digging until the lines have been marked or confirmed as "no conflict." If you are unsure whether the underground utilities have been marked in your yard or on your job, check back with your One Call Center to make certain there are no underground utilities where you plan to dig.

Most importantly, dialing 811 can help avoid serious injury and even fatalities, as well as property damage and significant expense that can occur when underground utilities are damaged. Always call 811 before you dig, each dig, every dig

To learn more, visit washingtongas.com

A standing room only, sold-out throng of hip-hop and jazz enthusiasts filled the seats of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Northwest, D.C., on Friday, April 19, for a show featuring celebrated artists Rakim, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Ravi Coltrane, one of the three children of legendary musicians John and Alice Coltrane.

Accompanied by a quartet of live musicians, Ravi and his long tenor saxophone melodically complemented the funky beats by DJ Jazzy Jeff, who provided most of the sounds, while Rakim rocked on his solo microphone at the Kennedy Center’s “Hip & Jazz Festival.”

According to the show's producer, Jill Newman, of the New York City-based Jill Newman Productions, the jazz and hip-hop collaboration was the brain-child of Simone Eccleston, director of Hip Hop Culture and Contemporary Music at the Kennedy Center.

“We are so excited to launch our “Hip Hop & Jazz Festival,” celebrating the deeply interconnected and symbiotic relationship between hip-hop and jazz,” said Eccleston. “As two of America’s greatest art forms and vital genres within the Black Music Continuum, they have transformed global culture.”

DJ Jazzy Jeff, 59, Rakim, 56, and Ravi Coltrane, 58, provided a combined musicality that wowed and entertained the diverse audience.

While jazz and hip-hop were the predominant musical styles during the evening, '70s funk music also made its presence. Mixing Eric B. and Rakim classics like "I Ain't No Joke (Pass the Peas),” "Move the Crowd," "I Know You Got Soul," "Paid In Full" and "Know the Ledge,” DJ Jazzy Jeff perfectly highlighted the songs’ influences and samples from artists such as Kool & The Gang, James Brown, Bobby Byrd, and Dennis Edwards.

DJ Jazzy Jeff is a legitimate handler of the wheels of steels, with at one point in the show, having a solo moment to truly showcase his skills. Rakim also got a chance to go solo, featuring his syncopated lyrical flow that has garnered him Hall of Fame status. Coltrane offered audiences a glimpse of his legendary father’s mastery of the tenor and soprano saxophones, and highlighting his improvisational skills.

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Ground Rules for Safe Digging

Submitted by Washington Gas

Spring is a time for home improvement projects, so it’s no coincidence that April is National Safe Digging Month. Even shallow digging—think planting a rosebush—can damage utility lines that may be located only a few inches underground.

If you’re planning any residential or commercial digging project, always contact 811 first. It’s a free, easy way to make your experience safe and hassle-free. From homeowners to construction crews, everyone is required by law to contact 811 before scheduling any digging.

https://call811.com/Start-Here/Excavators

https:/call811.com/Start-Here/Homeowners

You can also create an 811 notification ticket online. For Maryland and D.C., visit MissUtility.net; in Virginia, visit VA811.com. Click the Homeowner links to get started.

When you contact 811, local utility experts like Washington Gas will step in. They'll visit your property and mark the location of underground utilities. This critical step is your best defense against hitting gas, water, electric or other buried lines, which can lead to dangerous situations and costly repairs.

For smaller projects, current regulations require that you use only manual hand tools to dig within two feet of each side of marked utility locations. For larger-scale contractor excavations, use extra caution because the markings may not indicate specific digging areas.

Your diligence matters! Third-party utility strikes create public safety hazards and cost billions of damaged utilities annually. The 2022 DIRT Report from Common Ground Alliance (CGA) confirms that failure to notify before digging continues to be the most persistent cause of damage. More than 230,000 reports were filed across the United States in 2022 alone.

From small homeowner projects to full-scale construction, failure to contact 811 before digging remains the most significant single root cause of all third-party strikes, per CGA. YOU are the first line of defense in keeping people and property safe.

Have you wondered if those colored flags and marks in yards and alongside roadways have special meanings? They do!

After contacting 811 and receiving a confirmation email, you can access the Washington Gas Enhanced Positive Response system. Our online safety tool provides detailed information about your proposed digging site, including photos, mapping, and a copy of the 811 ticket.

We proudly provide this industry-leading technology to improve safety as you complete your projects. We also offer free damage prevention training. To schedule a session, contact the Washington Gas Damage Prevention Training at 703-750-5128.

A frequent reason for not contacting 811 is, “This is a small project. I won’t hit anything.” However, depending on local guidelines, utilities such as cable and telecom conduit lines may be buried only about a foot deep. Factors such as erosion, runoff and subsidence—settling and sinking of the Earth’s surface caused by subsurface movement— reduce original soil margins even more.

Many home gardening projects can easily strike buried utilities. For example, consider the following recommended planting depths from the University of Florida: 5-6” for garlic, 6-8” for daffodils and 16” for a tree with a 1” diameter trunk.* While some wires and cables may be encased by protective conduits, a shovel blade or pick can still crack or penetrate this material and create potentially life-threatening damage.

A FOCUS ON FUTURE SAFETY

Contacting 811 and following careful digging practices can prevent accidents and damage today, but they’re only part of a much larger underground safety story. Washington Gas is pursuing a thoughtful, risk-based approach to pipeline replacements throughout the DMV. Our work enhances safety, reliability and affordability.

For example, Washington, D.C. depends on 400 miles of cast iron—or one-third of its mains—to meet its energy needs. This infrastructure must be replaced in the coming years to support safety and reliability.

Our three large-scale accelerated pipe replacement programs—PROJECTpipes, STRIDE and SAVE—replaced almost 40 miles of pipelines in 2023 alone.* It’s part of our strategic investment of $1.7 billion over the next five years in pipeline modernization. Our long-term goal is to maintain the safety of our pipeline systems as part of a commitment to reliably serving our customers now and for years to come.*

Happy National Safe Digging Month! Thank you for practicing safe digging every day and helping to keep our communities safe.

5Mary J. Blige is among the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2024. (Courtesy Photo/Mary J. Blige.com)

needed.

CIRCULATOR from Page 1 She shared the plans for the buses through next spring, and explained how the District will work to expand Metro’s public transportation services once losing The DC Circulator.

When Jackson heard that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser proposed shutting down The Circulator system, she wasn’t happy.

“That was a bad decision,” Jackson,68, said at the DC Circulator’s Anacostia Metro’s stop on April 20.

The proposal to shut down the Circulator is in order to close a $700 million gap in Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. However, residents like Jackson and others– particularly those living east of the Anacostia River– are concerned that lawmakers aren’t taking into account just how critical the bus is for transportation.

“The Circulator is more reliable than the WMATA buses,” Jackson told The Informer. “They are more convenient for me.”

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE CIRCULATOR

The Circulator bus system was born out of a desire of city governmental and business leaders in the mid1990s to have a small transit system that could get residents and tourists around the downtown areas quicker than WMATA buses.

The District-based Circulators began running in 2005 and are generally identified by their red, yellow and silver colors, although there have also been special cherry blossom themed and LGBTQIA+ pride buses in the past.

Initially starting with two routes, The Circulator presently runs five routes that go across the city, including the Union Station-Congress Heights line that Jackson rides.

The Circulator costs $1 to ride, while WMATA buses charge $2.

D.C. COUNCIL HEARING

The Circulator came up as a major topic of a hearing of the D.C. Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment, chaired by Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) on April 11. Allen discussed the fate of The Circulator as the first major item of the mayor’s budget with Sharon Kershbaum, acting director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) .

“We had to make some compromises and are focusing on those programs that we believe will add the most value to our transportation network,” Kershbaum told the committee in regards to cuts. “Perhaps the biggest change will be The Circulator program.”

“We are proposing to operate the network through March 2025, at which point we will transition to WMATA and implement an augmented Metrobus service to replace Circulator service, Kershbaum explained. “Mobility is a strategic goal because this is the heart of operating in an urban environment, offering multimodal options [so] all residents and visitors can easily and safely travel on foot by transit or by bike.”

Kershbaum admitted the DC Circulator has provided reliable customer service and “has done much to get District residents and visitors around the city.” However, she said ridership has not rebounded since the coronavirus pandemic era as much as other modes of transportation and the cost to operate the network is unsustainable.

The acting director of Transportation said the Bowser administration will work with WMATA to see if the shuttered Circulator routes can be absorbed so ridership won’t be impacted or have minimal impact.

The D.C. Council, which votes on Bowser’s budget in May, has the power to restore full or partial funding to the Circulator, as well as go along with the mayor’s proposal to close it.

‘KEEP THE CIRCULATOR GOING’

Jackson said she likes riding The Circulator because she finds it is a pleasant experience.

“The drivers are on time with their stops, and they are more courteous than the regular Metro drivers,” she said.

When asked if the council should restore funding to the program, she said “most definitely.”

Shakira Darden was on her way to the Congress Heights station from the Anacostia Metro, taking the Circulator, when she shook her head, learning about the possible closing of the system.

“That is crazy,” Darden, 22, said. “Tell them not to do it. You see people use it.”

Ritiya Hudson said the Circulator goes places where the WMATA often miss.

“The Circulator does different routes,” Hudson told The Informer at the Anacostia Metro station. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

TRIGGER from Page 1

of the Attorney General’s “Leaders of Tomorrow” youth violence prevention grant.

In March, Bell’s organization, T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, counted among nearly a dozen nonprofits that received tens of thousands of dollars for youth development and violence prevention.

“We’re at a turning point. I’m claiming it,” said Bell, founder and executive director of T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project. “Prevention is being publicized. It’s finally being magnified.”

Since 2017, this local organization, which stands for “True Reasons I Grabbed the Gun Evolved from Risks,” has worked to destigmatize gun violence and provide a safe space for those who have and will likely experience what Bell calls the disease of gun violence.

The $50,000 grant awarded to T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project opens the door for Bell to apply for another grant, in the amount of $35,000, through the Washington Community Foundation. It also allows T.R.I.G.G.E.R. University, taking place at Digital Pioneers Academy Public Charter School in Southeast, to operate full time, instead of two hours per day as has been the case in years past.

Bell also expressed plans to not only hire a prevention counselor and mothers who lost their children to gun violence, but expand T.R.I.G.G.E.R. University’s offerings to include a student health and resource center. Funds will also go toward expanding the age of eligibility for T.R.I.G.G.E.R. to include pre-teens and adult adolescents up to the age of 24.

“We’ve been operating so long, our reputation and impact exceeds our resources,” Bell said. “We’ve worked from mini-grant to mini-grant. I had to take attendance, fill out timesheets, do the curriculum and meet with my team of volunteers… Now there’s none of that. We’ll be able to expand. And I’m beyond proud to finally invest the resources into our youth.”

THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION

On April 4, several community members, including the Rev. Anthony Motley, Jenise “Jo” Patterson of Parent Watch, and D.C. Shadow Senator Michael D. Brown (D), joined Bell in celebrating T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project’s developments at the Anacostia Art Center’s

Black Box Theatre on Marion Barry Avenue in Southeast.

This event, themed “The Past, Present and Future of Gun Violence Prevention,” provided guests, many of whom wore orange in honor of family and friends they lost to gun violence, the opportunity to explore the circumstances of T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project’s launch.

That evening, they watched a documentary about Bell’s upbringing around 7th and Taylor Streets in Northwest. In the film, Bell, a former college athlete, took viewers back in time to her childhood to when she first embraced basketball as a protective measure.

Sports, she said, attracted her to the Washington Mystics. She also recounted how it exposed her opportunities at Deal Middle School in Northwest, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Academy, where she played under Frank Justice Oliver, Jr., and later H.D. Woodson before matriculating to North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Guests also learned about Bell’s late uncle, Doug, whose murder during her senior year of high school significantly affected her life.

On April 4, what would’ve been her uncle’s 39th birth anniversary, she paid homage to him by wearing his Solbiato sweats along with her orange blazer and brown cowboy boots.

Bell told The Informer that her story of loss allowed her not only to empathize with young people who she later encountered as a schoolbased counselor, but ultimately take the leap to build an institution that tackles gun violence from a public health standpoint. Such resources, she said, stand to benefit young people like Lyric Angel, a songwriter who performed at “The Past, Present and Future of Gun Violence Prevention.”

“Lyric Angel writes songs every

day and that needs to be celebrated,” Bell said. “ It’s not often that a baby girl like that picks up a gun but she can fall victim. We need to uplift that when she’s the absence of the disease [of gun violence].”

ATTORNEY GENERAL SCHWALB REFLECTS

T.R.I.G.G.E.R.

PROJECT’S IMPACT

The Office of Attorney General’s initial announcement about the “Leaders of Tomorrow” youth violence prevention grant program led to a partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation, and ultimately $1.5 million in grant funding that’s spread between the two entities and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement.

Other recipients of the “Leaders of Tomorrow” youth violence prevent grant include: Access Youth, which serves more than 250 girls at eight schools with programming geared toward self-esteem and violence reduction; the Anacostia Coordinating Council’s Building Futures Program; Horton’s Kids; Life Pieces to Masterpieces, which serves 100 boys in a Saturday academy; Mothers Outreach Network, which is launching a pilot program to support youth and families involved in the Child and Family Services Agency; and Network for Victim Recovery.

More than 200 local nonprofits applied for the grant.

In speaking about T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project and other grant recipients, Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb told The Informer that they stand on the frontline of prevention, which aids in his office’s work to comprehensively curb violent crime.

Read more on

washingtoninformer.com

WI

5Tia Bell with students as part of a T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project event on April 4 at the Anacostia Arts Center in Washington, D.C. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

dams. When Buddy looks up at this tall tree, he

He

Busy beavers from this

…

down a big tree can seem like an awfully big goal for a little beaver.

the big job as a series of small jobs

Buddy shows us how to reach a big goal by breaking it down into smaller steps.

Jobs that start as taking small bites of the tree, one at a time.

Be Like Buddy: How to Reach a Goal

Sometimes there are things you want in life that are not possible right now. For example, maybe you want to buy something that is expensive. If you are serious about that purchase, make buying it a goal

In order to reach that goal, be like Buddy. Make a list of small steps or small goals that would help you reach your big goal.

Replace the amazing

Buddy’s

EXAMPLE: Angie wants to buy a new coat. The coat costs $50.

Angie decides that instead of trying to earn $50 all at once, she will make ten goals that will help her reach her big goal. She makes a goal of earning $5. If she earns $5 ten times, she will reach her big goal of $50!

How can Angie earn $5? Put a check in the box next to each of Angie’s jobs. If you checked the right boxes, they add up to exactly $5.

Beavers are builders. Look through the newspaper for examples of things people build. What are the kinds of jobs people do to build things?

Build a Sentence

Using their beavers water as to other a predator Beavers but using they are A beaver for up to Beavers like to eat wood of eat pondweed

Adult beavers feet long to _________ Females than males Beavers in the wild. The beaver animal of Canadian

Select a headline from today’s newspaper. Expand the headline into a longer, complete sentence by adding adjectives and other words. Diagram your sentence to show all of the parts of speech.

If Angie can earn $5 per week and save the money, how long until she will have enough money to buy the coat?

Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

the tree topples over! Buddy takes the tree to a nearby stream and builds a home for his family.

chews and chews away at the tree trunk, until nally …

cozy home is built of trees and branches. He strips the bark o the tree and stores it to feed his family. Home sweet lodge!

sees food and housing for his family.

review wi book

"The

Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning

That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now"

By Bakari Sellers

c.2024, Amistad

$29.99 / 192 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

You have one last nerve, and somebody's on it.

Honestly, some folks don't know what you deal with every day, or how tired you are. They're lazy or ignorant or misinformed, they think they know but they don't. Some haven't even tried to open their eyes. You can deal with some of them, but most, well, You. Just. Can't. And in the new book, "The Moment" by Bakari Sellers, you'll see how we can change that.

Every now and then, Bakari Sellers says he pulls out a black-andwhite photograph that was taken decades before he was born.

In it are seven young Black men, including a future congressman, two performers, members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee … and Sellers' father, who was also deeply involved in the civil rights movement. Sellers still calls some of those men "Uncle," and he says he learned about them and activism in general because, when he was a boy, he was his father's "shadow."

His father says that things are worse now than they were sixty years ago, but Sellers disagrees. A lot of action toward equality goes unnoticed, but work still needs to be done — lots of it, and it's going to take "perseverance … [and] utilizing the mediums available." As he was his father's "shadow," Sellers hopes, for instance, to teach his own son through example so that the boy will have "freedom to dictate how [he] will change the world …"

In the meantime, the rest of us have much to acknowledge, starting with inequality within our justice system and the police. We must recognize that COVID deaths among Black Americans can be traced to an epidemic of racism, and we must insist that doctors do better for Black patients. Black churches and church leaders need to renew their place in the community and we need to acknowledge facts about "white terror," on- and offline.

And finally, let's reexamine these issues again, together. Says Sellers, we can only deal with them when they are "fully exposed."

Yet another book on fixing racism? Yes, please, because eventually, something's got to give. Maybe "The Moment" will be the catalyst for change.

Author and South Carolina legislator Bakari Sellers takes each point in the national discussion, and he turns it this way and that to better shed light on it. By showing readers how issues of inequality and today's racism are tied somehow to the civil rights movement, we can see where problems endure and why. Politics, of course, figures into this examination, and Sellers makes that plain to follow, all the way back to the mid-1960s, to the White House and in several states. This book is also partly biographical which, as readers will note, makes it more relatable and deepens the need for each "prescription" he advises.

"The Moment" is a book for anyone who's good and well done with racism and ready to make it stop. It's a thought-provoker, and its clearcut, no-nonsense sentiment is perfect for white understanding, too, so find this book and get on it. WI

horoscopes

ARIES You could find yourself feeling exceptionally curious, wanting to put your head down and learn as much as possible about a hobby or side hustle early in the week. Keeping busy and gathering as much information as possible now could pave the way for exciting collaborations down the road. Later, there are good chances for sharing specia moments with loved ones. Make the most of this by planning a memorable family meal, which you can all pitch in to cook, or taking an evening walk with your partner or dear friend. Lucky Numbers: 3, 24, 26

TAURUS At the start of the week, you'll be stirred to make pragmatic moves around your finances, such as exploring new moneymaking opportunities. Doing research and taking action steps now could set the tone for growth down the road. Later, you're urged to reflect on aspects of your inner wiring and motivations that might be less than comfortable to look at. But getting clear on what drives you to seek power and, perhaps even more specifically, recognition can lead to a realization that could help you to move past old wounds and put an even more effective game plan in place. Lucky Numbers: 16, 44, 50

GEMINI You'll have an opportunity to meditate on new ways you'd like to present yourself and pursue your goals early in the week. Astral influences indicate that sudden opportunities could crop up. The more willing you are to get out of your comfort zone the greater the possibilities! Later, your tendency to daydream is strong, and you might want to brainstorm big-picture proposals. Ground these ideas in pragmatism and you could have a winning pitch. Lucky Numbers: 30, 39, 56

CANCER Early this week, you could be taking more time to yourself to practice deep breathing techniques, journal, take long walks around your neighborhood, and just generally look backward in order to move forward. This is a period of rest and reflection, but it's not a total snoozefest, given that the realizations you come upon now could help inform power moves. Later, circumstances could require you to take hard look at the roots of your most intimate relationships. Insights can make for more fulfillment. Lucky Numbers: 3, 10, 13

LEO If you've been meaning to touch base with a higher-up about taking on more responsibility you'll do well to get the ball rolling early in the week. Later, it's time to go beneath the surface of your health routines and figure out what's ighting a fire beneath you. If your motivations feel dark or off in some way, this period of time can be productive for pulling those weeds from your garden and planting new seeds that will allow you to transform yourself inside and out. Lucky Numbers: 1, 14, 22

VIRGO Connecting with new and old colleagues is at the front of your mind early in the week. Vibrant, intellectual conversations could be happening more organically than usual. Fostering these relationships can have you feeling truly supported. Later, trading information or brainstorming with a close colleague or significant other could lead to ambitious professional plans. Do your best not to take on more than what feels reasonable and legitimately manageable. Lucky Numbers: 3, 5, 10

LIBRA You'll be opening your eyes to exciting opportunities to hone your skill set and advance your career. Whether that looks like a retreat or a class you can take online, welcoming new experiences and information can prove enlightening. Later, you'll want to reflect on your most intimate love relationships and what brings you pleasure. If you've been suppressing your needs it could be time to switch gears on behalf of your emotional well-being. Lucky Numbers: 9, 10, 36

SCORPIO You could be compelled to connect with your significant other on a more spiritual level at the start of the week. Opening up about your most heartfelt emotions could ultimately help you take your bond to the next level. Later, look once more at the foundation of your most intimate relationships and the things that bring you a sense of security. If there's a psychological aspect of your home life that could use a deep clean, now's the time. Lucky Numbers: 5, 26, 37

SAGITTARIUS Early this week, you'll do well to join forces with a dear friend or colleague. You could be putting your heads together to tackle an issue that has cropped up at work or to design a game plan for achieving a shared goal. Either way, oneon-one collaboration allows your individual strengths to shine. Later, you have more opportunities to feel more connected with your significant. Being more willing to share your soul now can set a bond-bolstering tone. Lucky Numbers: 38, 45, 54

CAPRICORN At the start of the week tune in to your underlying motivations for pursuing particular moneymaking opportunities. If it feels like the thing that's driving you isn't actually in line with your values, you might want to rethink how you're going about pursuing your professional path. Later, the stage is set for a heartfelt moment with your significant other. You'll benefit from embracing emotional vulnerability and letting the moment play out. Lucky Numbers: 40, 42, 45

AQUARIUS

Early in the week, you'll feel confident and joyful about your closest connections-from a romantic relationship to your closest platonic bonds. The mood sets the stage for sharing your dreams and wishes with your VIPs. Later, it's tough for you to determine concrete facts while tackling a group project. You might need to allow this confusing wave of energy to pass before finalizing any specifics. Lucky Numbers: 7, 38, 55

PISCES

Setting a new tone with loved ones comes naturally early in the week. It's a time for tapping into your intuition to explore the aspects of home that bring you a sense of security. This could mean carving out more time to connect with relatives or devoting more time to ensuring that the aesthetics of your home reflect your sense of style. Later, you feel more vital and ready to dive into any opportunity that will allow for more self-expression. Lucky Numbers: 13, 20, 27

SPORTS

Howard Finds Tennis Gem in Freshman Imani Jean

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

From the late Althea Gibson, to retired legendary players such as Serena and Venus Williams and Zina Garrison,to Naomi Osaki, Sloane Stephens, Ora Washington, and Coco Gauff, Black women have been barrier-breakers and powerhouses who have made their marks on professional tennis courts.

Now, Imani Jean, a freshman member of the Howard University women's tennis team, is getting lots of attention for her early success on the court. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Jean currently has an 11-3 record in singles matches with a streak of seven straight wins, and is also a member of the Bison doubles team. In addition, Jean is a shoo-in for Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

Rookie of the Year after having been named six times this season.

Jean has an interesting journey to her current journey. It all started as a six-year-old.

"I saw Serena playing at the U.S. Open when I was like six years old and told myself that was who I wanted to be like," recalled Jean. "My mother decided to enter me into a USTA tennis program and that is how it started for me."

Her serious competitive days began at age 13, when Jean began dividing her time between Brooklyn and College Park, Maryland, where she trained at Junior Tennis Champions Center. She attended an online high school.

Jean was a part of an intensive program that put a great emphasis on high-level training. She was on her way to the type of exposure that interests recruiters.

But things took a sudden turn and quickly changed momentarily for the aspiring teenager.

"I suffered an injury in my junior year," explained Jean."Now I was being recruited by some high-level [Division 2] schools as far away as California, but Howard offered, and I decided I wanted to come here because I wanted to be amongst people who look like me and shared some common interests."

Jean said she is shocked by how quickly she’s been able to thrive at Howard.

This has all been surprising to me. I did not expect this kind of success this early,” she said.

However not everything has been smooth sailing for the college freshman.

"The biggest adjustment has been in academics. I did classes online. The training was very intense, and we averaged about four hours per day. The rest of the day was spent studying and with tutors. It's changed dramatically,” Jean told The Informer. “Now we train for about two hours and the rest of the time is spent with my studies. It has been an adjustment for me. The biggest thing is that I am learning time management."

Jean is classified as a walk-on at Howard, which has helped push her to work harder toward her student-athlete goals.

"Coming to Howard as a walkon has definitely motivated me,"

said the finance major. "My goal is to earn a scholarship. I have something to prove."

Howard Associate Tennis Coach

Zach Tobias, a local standout who attended St. Anselm’s in Northeast, D.C. weighed in on Jean’s success as a student walk-on.

"I am not at all surprised that Imani has had this early success," Tobias told The Informer. He explained that there are two key factors that have enabled Jean to compete at a high level.

“First, she is very experienced in terms of her training regimen before she came to Howard," said Tobias, who has been at Howard for two years and is highly respected in the tennis community, "Number two, she is super driven. That is a great combination for such a young player at this level. She has had some hard matches this season as a true freshman and has weathered the storm. Again, it is her incredible drive that she has to be great."

Jean said she truly enjoys competitive tennis.

“I love competing in general,” she said. “When you and your opponent are going at it and you’re both trying your best, you both respect each other, it gives you an idea of how good you are and it forces you to be better.”

While her dream is to become a professional one day, Jean told The Informer that she has a backup plan.

"What I have learned at Howard is the value of the experience. I would love to play professionally one day– that would be great. But being in the School of Business gives me different options. I plan on doing internships starting this summer,” Jean shared.

Despite going through the regular season undefeated in conference play at 6-0, Jean said that she realizes that the upcoming tournament presents a different challenge.

"We have played each other, and they know some of our tendencies and styles and vice versa," she noted, referring to conference opponents in the upcoming tournament. “I just have to stay focused and humble. The goal is to win the championship as a team."

No matter what happens in the tournament, Tobias said this has been a fruitful first season for the freshman.

"She has learned a lot this season and still managed to be successful. In addition to her skill development, Imani also has some things that she does well on the court that allows her to be successful. Her future is bright,” Tobias declared.

Howard begins play on Thursday as the No. 3 seed against Norfolk State at 11 a.m. in Cary, North Carolina. The championship will be played on April 27 at 9 a.m. and will be aired on ESPN+.

WI

5Imani Jean, a freshman member of Howard University’s women's tennis team is getting lots of attention for her early success on the court. (Courtesy Photo)

5A native of Brooklyn, New York, Howard freshman Imani Jean currently has an 11-3 record in singles matches with a streak of seven straight wins, and is also a member of the Bison doubles team. (Courtesy Photo)

CAPTURE the moment

35Randy Clarke, CEO for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and Dr. Tracy Hadden Loh, a principal director with WMATA, present a certificate of achievement to kindergartner Kyndall Beaner and fourth-grade student Wayne Smith. Kyndall and Wayne were two of the 15 students from around the DMV area who helped create art for three specially designed buses in celebration of Earth Day. (Ja'Mon

5Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge’s Glenn N. Ruffin welcomes seniors to the Masonic Temple in Northwest, D.C. for a special luncheon on April 19. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

3Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau with a few of the seniors during a special celebration at the Prince Hall Masonic Temple on U Street NW on April 19. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5American poet and author Nikki Giovanni reads selected works for a National Poetry Month celebration to a packed house at Busboys and Poets in Anacostia. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5People flocked to Anacostia’s Busboys and Poets to witness a reading from celebrated writer Nikki Giovanni. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Community Faith Walks with MPD Promote Peace

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

As the city peaked with the highest death toll in two decades, 2023 forced D.C. leaders and residents to come together and take action. With over 274 homicides, gun violence continuously plagued the District, particularly affecting numerous households in Southeast.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief of Police Pa-

mela A. Smith is working to unite and lead the city out of its pain and into purpose, but not without the community’s help.

“We need you to stand up, we need you to be strong, we need you to open up your church doors, we need you to be a breath of fresh air for our young people,” Smith, the first Black woman to hold her position, said after officially being appointed last year.

District Commanders have followed her charge by encouraging

more engagement with those they serve through community faith walks in partnership with local churches. Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Greater First Baptist Church and John Wesley A.M.E.

obtaining critical resources is a mandatory goal,” said Karen Gaal, chairwoman of the Third District’s Citizen Advisory Council. “Allowing the community to see and get to know MPD and to have MPD get to know the community is critical during this social climate. The walks and hopefully real connections should be a big benefit for the social betterment of the District of Columbia.”

Since the walks have started, crime has gone down. There have been 20 less homicides compared to this time last year and a 105 decrease in assaults with a dangerous weapon.

Zion Church have all hosted events over the past three months to bridge a growing gap between officers and neighborhood teens.

The most recent walk made a direct impact in the Shaw-Howard neighborhood after Smith, MPD’s Commander James Boteler and Pastor Kevin Hart of Christian Tabernacle Church, which has a location on 11th Street NW, teamed up to stroll the streets.

“This community faith walk took us through the Historical U Street neighborhood, where we prayed, sang hymns and reflected on our faith, public safety and community efficacy,” said Boteler who heads MPD’s Third District. “It was so great to see so many of our various places of worship who joined us in support of a greater cause. We are stronger together.”

His message was echoed by local leaders who showed up in hopes of making a difference.

Many believe these walks will spark more empathy and compassion between all parties.

“Rebuilding the core community resilience in the foundation of faith and responsibility while

“[This faith walk] promotes joining together with our neighbors and making some noise for peace,” said resident Gabriella Savelli. “One Wednesday a month, a different church or temple in the area invites everyone from the community to walk together while escorted by police.”

The faith walks are organized by community officer Randy Rogers and pastors in the area, and welcomes all residents.

The most recent faith walk included Bishop George Holmes Jr., who alongside other participants, stopped to meet with Ben’s Chili Bowl co-founder Virginia Ali, affectionately called the “mother of D.C.,” during the community stroll.

Stopping at Ben’s Chili Bowl as part of the faith walk was critical in furthering the mission of connecting with local community leaders to develop plans and engage with residents to promote positive change.

“When citizens of our nation's capital come together as one voice, united for the well-being of all people, remarkable things happen. Our recent community walk… demonstrated the power of unity, with diverse participants from across the city,” said Holmes, who serves chairman of the Religious Caucus of the DC Democratic Party. WI

5 Third District Commander James Boteler leads a community faith walk. (Courtesy Photo/Metropolitan Police Department)

Every time you fly, I'm sure you've noticed before the takeoff, airline hostesses always say, "put your oxygen mask on first." Why! You cannot help your child or your elderly parents if you can't breathe. Take care of yourself first, so you can "be all you can be."

It all goes back to the quote by Samuel Butler — "self-preservation is the first law of nature" — which encapsulates the innate instinct within every living being to protect and preserve oneself. This is our reminder that survival, in its various forms, is a major priority in our daily living.

I heard Jim Rohn say this so many times, but obviously, I needed a refresh. We can be someone who has no money because of being stupid, when we don't help ourselves first. When you put others ahead of yourself, you are liable to run out of breath, energy and determination before you can help yourself. Then once you realize that you need to help yourself, it could take quite a bit or regrouping. In this column, let us talk about the oxygen we have to improve our walk with God.

In 2nd Timothy 1:13-14, there are three things you can do, shown in Paul's advice that we, too, can use to keep the oxygen flowing in our walk with God — in fact, we will not run out of oxygen. The first thing we can do is improve our "communication abilities in relationships." Men and women, we need to talk to each other. Really talk. It could be through a letter, a text, a phone call or an email. But the best means is through time spent together, such

Self-Preservation: The First Law of Nature the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

as over a meal, on a hike, fishing, or some other activity. Let's remind, encourage, challenge and counsel each other. In doing so, we will help each other stay the course.

Next is our attitude of faith and love, "… in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." This is the attitude with which we guard our hearts — with which we keep the pattern of sound teaching. We do it with faith and love.

What is an attitude of faith? Faith is the assurance of things we hope for and the conviction of things we don't see. As Hebrews 11:1 says, faith is believing God anyway in the face of impossible circumstances.

In the Scriptures, we all know how this subject is summed up: "Love one another as Christ has loved you" (John 13:34-35), "Do everything in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14) and "Three things will last forever: faith, hope and love — and the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).

As we are following what we've been taught, we are to approach our relationships and circumstances with an attitude of faith and love.

Finally, the third point is we need the help of the Holy Spirit: "By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you." First, notice the word "us."

When we pray the Lord's Prayer, we don't say, "My Father in heaven, give me this day my daily bread, forgive me my sins, keep me from evil,

don't let me yield to temptation." Scripture says our Father — and it's us. "Us" is the ethos of the Christian life.

We can do a lot with our own human strength to the best of our ability. And we can do even more together. But when the Holy Spirit becomes part of the equation, it's a total game-changer. The Holy Spirit is called many things in the Scriptures, such as the advocate, counselor, helper, and comforter. And that same Holy Spirit dwells within us! Just as Jesus told His disciples, the Father has sent the Holy Spirit to remind us of everything we've been taught.

Get rid of toxic energy drainers. However, we tend to not listen and we ignore those signs! People who try to kill your dream are always reminding you of your past failures. Ask yourself, "What kind of person have I become because of the relationships that I have allowed with this person?" There's a saying: "Birds of a feather, flock together." Ask yourself, "Does this person bring out the best in me, or is it bringing out the worst in me? Do they inspire me, make me stretch?

There's an old African proverb that says, "If there's no enemy within, the enemy on the outside can do you no harm." Take care of yourself first, then when you are at your best, you can help others.

WI

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook

Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Phone: 301-350-2200

Fax: 301-499-8724

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM

Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon

Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com

Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com

Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

Service and Times

Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM

5th Sundays: 9:30 AM

3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion

Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001

Phone (202) 842-3411

Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times

Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM

Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM

Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM

Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM

themcbc.org

All Nations Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002

Phone (202) 832-9591

Service and Times

Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM

Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM

Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM

Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM

Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge

Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com

All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Church of Living Waters

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

4915 Wheeler Road

Oxon Hill, MD 20745

301-894-6464

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Communion Service: First Sunday

www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. / Senior Pastor

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301.899.8885 – Fax 301.899.2555

Service and Times

Sunday Early Morning Worship 8:00 AM

Sunday School 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM

Tuesday: 7:00 PM – Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday:  12:30 PM – Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday:  7:00 PM – Evening Bible Study

Baptism 3rd Sunday – Communion 4th Sunday

Free Food Giveaway – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

“We are One in the Spirit” www.ssbcmd.org | secretary@ssbcmd.org

Crusader Baptist Church Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002

202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

Service and Times

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:45 AM

Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM

Computer Classes: Announced

Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net

www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Third Street Church of God

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor

1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM

Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM

Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM

Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!”

Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org

Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.

Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE

Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM

Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services

Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM

Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round

Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday

The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

John F. Johnson

Reverend Dr.

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

Service and Times

Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday

“Friendliest Church in the City”

Website: mountolivetdc.org

Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Senior Pastor

Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland Assistant & Youth Pastor 12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:15 am

Sunday Church School 11:00 am

Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047#

Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm

“A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday

Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM

Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM

www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church Campbell AME Church Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day

Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor

5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782

Phone: 301 559-5262

Service and Times

Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom

Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Wednesday Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Web: shiloh7thday.org

Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com

"A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

623 Florida Ave.. NW WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday

Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM

Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM

Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM

The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday

Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Bible Study: 7:30 PM

Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM

A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011

Phone (202) 722-4940 Fax (202) 291-3773

Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service

Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study

7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study

Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday

Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert

Imterim Pastor

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018

(202) 269-0288

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton

Senior Pastor

1636 East Capitol Street, NE

Washington, DC 20003

Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM

Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org

Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Rev. Richard B. Black

Interim Pastor

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E

Washington, D C 20002

202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org

www.lpumcdc.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM

Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Damion M. Briggs Pastor

8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785

Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

Service and Times

Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM

Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

“Real Worship for Real People”

Website: www.easterncommunity.org

Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor

3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020

202 581-1500

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM

Prayer Service

Bible Study

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

5606 Marlboro Pike

District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services

11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM

Communion and Feet Wash

4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012

Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm

Communion Every First Sunday

"Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Website: Theplbc.org

Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Youth/Young Adult Sunday School 12:00 PM

Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM

Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

RELIGION

Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor

2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020

Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times

Worship Service: 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM

School: 8:15 AM Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

“Where God is Praised, Christ is Obeyed, and People are Loved” Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell

712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836

Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM

School: 9:00 AM

Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

“The

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000371

Estate of Doris Handy Fleming aka Doris Handy

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Shari Kleiner, Esq. for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 4/11/2024

Shari Kleiner, Esq. 5614 Connecticut Ave., NW #107 Washington, DC 20015

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

2024 ADM 000341

Eliza Yvonne Baskerville aka Yvonne Baskerville Decedent

Steve Larson-Jackson, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Janel Baskerville Turner, whose address is 114 Anthem Avenue, Herndon, VA 20170, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eliza Yvonne Baskerville aka Yvonne Baskerville who died on December 2, 2023 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., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/11/2024. 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 10/11/2024, 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.

Adam S. Abramowitz, Esq. Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC 1101 Wootton Parkway,

Hayriye Ercin, whose address is 1740 Hickory Station Cir., Snellville, Georgia 30078, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mehmet Bajin who died on November 27, 2022 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., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/11/2024. 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 10/11/2024, 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

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000369

William W. Spriggs aka William Winston Spriggs, Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Kimberly Jeannine Spriggs Wicker, whose address is 5268 Heron Bay Blvd., Locust Grove, GA 30248, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William W. Spriggs aka William Winston Spriggs, Sr. who died on April 11, 2020 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., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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 first publication:

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Cassandra Yarborough for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of 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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000374

Adelaide W. Robinson aka Winfred Adelaide Robinson Decedent

Kathy Brissette-Minus, Esq. Law Office of Kathy Brissette-Minus, LLC

9701 Apollo Dr., Suite 230

Largo, MD 20774 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Kathy Brissette-Minus, Esq., whose address is 9701 Apollo Dr., Suite 230, Largo, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Adelaide W. Robinson aka Winfred Adelaide Robinson who died on October 10, 2023 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., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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 first publication: 4/18/2024

Kathy Brissette-Minus, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

2/16/2021

Date of Death

Cynthia L. Green

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Anitra W. Linzy whose address is 7976 Cross Creek Dr., Glen Burnie, MD, 21061 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Cynthia L. Green, deceased, by the Register of Wills/Orphans Court for Montgomery County, State of Maryland, on 1/5/2022.

Service of process may be made upon Andre O. McDonald, Esq. 2101 L Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 4/18/2024

Anitra W. Linzy Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

of the estate of Clifton L. Jackson who died on May 30, 2023 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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2024 ADM 000005

David Sitomer aka David Jonathan Sitomer Decedent

Donald Marlais, Esq. 411 10th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Suzanna

Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/18/2024. 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,

to the undersigned, on or before 10/18/2024, 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

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 000402

Don Antonio Coleman Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Deborah Louise Williams, whose address is 92 Elmira Street, SW, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Don Antonio Coleman who died on October 12, 2023 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., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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

Keva Bates, whose address is 4924 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Diantha E. Moody who died on 11/5/2020 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., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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 first publication:

Dallibeth Estevez Checo, whose address is 2348 Mystic Shore Dr., Cedar Hill, TX 75104, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Pedro Estevez Nunez aka Pedro Estevez who died on July 9, 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., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/25/2024. 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 10/25/2024, 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 first publication:

Christina Teresa Jeter, whose address is 1841 Tobias Drive SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Daniel Jeter who died on 10/27/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs

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 10/25/2024, 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 first publication: 4/25/2024

Christina Teresa Jeter Personal Representative

COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C.

filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/25/2024, 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

Clifford Thomas whose address was 6222 North Dakota Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20011 created a revocable trust on October 24th, 2012, which remained in existence on the date of his death on December 2nd, 2020, and Meauvell E. Tate, whose address is 7413 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Meauvell E. Tate at 7413 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012.

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 10/25/2024 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1), 12/2/2021 (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) 10/25/2024, 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification.

This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d).

Michael W. Fletcher whose address was 1800 Sudbury Road NW, Washington, DC 20012 created a revocable trust on March 17, 2023, which remained in existence on the date of his death on 11/22/2023, and Quindella Fletcher, whose address is 1800 Sudbury Road NW, Washington, DC 20012, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Quindella Fletcher at 1800 Sudbury Road NW, Washington, DC 20012.

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 10/25/2024 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1), 11/22/2024 (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) 10/25/2024, 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification.

This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d).

Date of First Publication: 4/25/2024 Quindella

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Kimberly G. Anderson for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the

SCHOOL BUDGET from Page 1

On Monday, Bowser, without hesitation, said that the Schools First in Budgeting Amendment Act was illegal because it impedes on the powers bestowed upon her as the District’s top executive.

“It has everything to do with what the Home Rule charter gives the mayor and what powers it gives the council,” she told The Informer.

She said the Schools First in Budgeting Amendment Act threatens what she describes as progress made under mayoral control of schools.

“It’s highly irresponsible to gut DCPS’ central office,” Bowser said.

“I think it’s also folly to think that the progress that we achieved in our schools isn’t directly related to innovations at DCPS. We have tremendous schools, communities and principals, and they have the benefits of innovations we created at DCPS.”

EXPLORING THE LEGALITY OF THE SCHOOLS FIRST IN BUDGETING AMENDMENT ACT.

As outlined in the Home Rule Act,

LEGAL NOTICES

the responsibilities of the D.C. mayor include the “proper execution of laws” relating to the District, and the “proper administration of the affairs of the District” under their jurisdiction or control.

The mayor also administers laws related to the appointment, promotion, separation and other conditions of employment for Executive Office of the Mayor personnel. Additional rights include directing the activities of administrative boards, offices and agencies, enforcing administrative orders, and reorganizing offices, agencies and other entities within the executive branch of the DIstrict government.

On Tuesday, the Office of the Attorney General declined to comment on the legality of the Schools First in Budgeting Amendment Act and whether it would pursue legal action should the law survive this budget season.

Hours earlier, The Informer spoke to Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, who expressed confidence in the legal sufficiency of the law that he intends to keep intact at the end of the budget season.

“We reviewed that when the bill was adopted in 2022 and we had our general counsel determine it legally sufficient,” Mendelson said. “It doesn’t violate the Home Rule Act or the Constitution… I’m convinced Mayor Bowser and Chancellor Ferebee have neither read or understood the law, because it’s completely sustainable. Schools east of the river need more, not less.”

During an April 11 DCPS budget oversight hearing, Mendelson asked Ferebee what it would take for him to observe the budget submission deadline outlined in the Schools First in Budgeting Amendment Act.

Mendelson went on to cite several schools -- including Anacostia High School, Ballou High School, Johnson Middle School, Kelly Miller Middle School, and Ketchum Middle School -- would receive an additional $25 million under the Schools First in Budgeting Amendment Act.

Ferebee later described the Schools First in Budgeting Amendment Act incompatible with the current system that allocates dollars to students needing support and follows that student if they transfer to another school.

Mendelson rebuffed the latter point, citing teachers and staffing cuts at some of the aforementioned schools.

Days after the hearing, Mendelson continued to suggest some nefarious plans at hand.

“I'm convinced the chancellor wants to cut schools over time,” he

said. I’ve asked him several years for his plan for Anacostia and I get deflection at the hearings.”

DCPS CENTRAL OFFICE’S THREE BUDGETS: A SUBJECT-MATTER EXPERT WEIGHS IN

Investments in Fiscal Year 2025

DCPS’ budget include reading clinics, a Dream Center where students, teachers and parents receive support, and math tutoring. Even with that, Ferebee contends that DCPS’ Fiscal Year 2025 budget cuts the central office budget via cuts to central office support roles, including COVID support, health technicians, and high-impact tutoring.

On April 11, D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) questioned Ferebeee about whether the central office was in fact shrinking. Before requesting staffing numbers from Ferebee, Parker cited data compiled by lawyer and education finance analyst Mary Levy that showed an increase in central office staffing over the last four years.

Later on in their exchange, Parker suggested that DCPS reduces central services and transfer those funds over to each school. Ferebee pushed back, saying that such a move would jeopardize services coming out of the central office, including substitute teachers.

Weeks earlier, while speaking to The Informer, Ferebee said the current budget situation was part of “a year of right sizing” that requires principals and Local School Advisory Teams being strategic about using the schoolbased funds allocated to them.

“We’ve been communicating that with our families proactively for some time and anticipating this day would come with no ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) dollars in our budget,” Ferebee said. “Even with reduction of full-time positions, we do see schools recognizing populations that need higher levels of support and budgeting accordingly… If we see an increase beyond projected enrollment, that’s something that we reconcile throughout the school.”

A council staffer with knowledge of the budget told The Informer that how DCPS officials present the $1.1 billion school budget makes conversations about school funding all the more difficult.

Read more on

washinhgtoninformer.com WI

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EDELMAN from Page 32

beautiful story narrated by 8-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot, who dreams of complete freedom and realizes she can fly, became a beloved Coretta Scott King Award Winner, Caldecott Honor Book, and New York Times Best Illustrated Book. Ringgold went on to write 20 more books and continued to share Black history, culture, and the timeless message that creativity makes us free with children everywhere.

Ringgold's work has long been a favorite for scholars in the Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools®

MALVEAUX from Page 32

only targets of AIPAC's ire. They've gone after "The Squad," especially Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (Minnesota) and Rashida Talib (Michigan). And they attempt to define anti-Semitism broadly so that even the slightest criticism of Israel is considered objectionable. But members of Congress abdicate their responsibility to raise budget issues if they don't question why, even before the April 20 congressional action sending more weapons to Israel, our country allocated $3.3 billion to Israel's so-called "self-defense."

I object to my tax dollars being used to murder Gazan children. Those members of Congress who are raising questions are doing the right thing. Those calling for a cease-fire are responding to a moral imperative about the value of human life. Israel is using food as a weapon, blocking supplies to Palestine and killing innocent relief

MARSHALL from Page 32

program. In 2003, Ringgold joined Nikki Giovanni, Beverly Lowry, Joyce Carol Oates, Alice Walker, John Edgar Wideman, and 28 other renowned authors in graciously contributing to Dream Me Home Safely: Writers on Growing Up in America, an anthology celebrating the Children's Defense Fund's 30th anniversary. Ringgold's essay, "The Boy Nobody Knew," centered on Kenneth, a nonverbal young neighbor with multiple sclerosis who had spent his life inside his parents' quiet apartment until the summer evening a fire alarm forced everyone out of the building and onto the Harlem street. In simple terms, Ringgold

workers and people who are simply trying to provide food for the hungry in Palestine.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, Jewish himself, described AIPAC as a "platform for those who express bigotry and oppose basic Palestinian rights." He has described Netanyahu as a "reactionary racist." Many in Israel oppose Netanyahu's strong-arm tactics and would love to topple his government. He has cynically used the war with Hamas to maintain his political position. And Gazan children are dying. While many embrace the notion of an eye for an eye, Netanyahu wants twenty Palestinian eyes for every lost Israeli eye. He has vowed to eliminate Hamas. In practice, he is attempting to eliminate Palestine with his aggressive policies toward settlements and his ruthless land grabbing.

Negotiations about a cease-fire and hostage exchange continue, but children are dying, and AIPAC is blatantly indifferent. Conscientious

described how Kenneth's joy at being out with everyone else was a turning point, and how from the next day on Kenneth spent his days outside the building in the sun: "People in the neighborhood now knew him and loved him too. Everybody going to work and to school stopped by to see him. Just like that, Kenneth Mullen, Jr., was no longer the boy whom nobody knew." Faith Ringgold's visions of childhood freedom, and her descriptions of the loving communities all children need, were essential and universal. Her work will always be an inspiration.

WI

members of Congress — Bowman, Lee, Bush, Talib, Omar, and others — are targeted because they dare ask questions. AIPAC's bullying may help, not hurt, these progressive legislators as their supporters are rallying around them. Summer Lee raised more than a million dollars in response to AIPAC's attacks, and they've decided to stop targeting her. Voters are concerned about the carnage in Gaza, some so concerned that they may withhold support from President Biden, potentially causing him the 2024 election.

I consider AIPAC and its affiliated groups enemies of humanity and decency. Their take-no-prisoners support for Israel ignores the humanity of the Palestinian people. Their fatwa against those who criticize Israel amounts to censorship. As the conflict continues to rage and more children die, Israel has much to be ashamed of. They are aided and abetted by the powerful AIPAC lobby that believes that Israel can do no wrong. WI

Trump to do whatever he wants despite his long trail of corruption.

In May 2022, the House passed a $40 billion emergency funding bill for Ukraine. Mike Johnson, the little-known conservative from Louisiana was one of the 57 Republicans who voted to oppose the funding. Six months later, the unlikely House speaker had a "Mike Pence moment" by pushing through a $95 billion funding package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. In a demonstration of political courage and legislative skills, the speaker put his own job at risk by doing the right things at the right time. It was a major rebuke to Trump who has often criticized Ukraine while he repeatedly sympathized with Russian President how to press the pro-life button with White evangelicals by giving them their conservative judges concerning the issue of abortion.

At the same time, Trump and many of his Christian followers often reject the Biblical mandate to defend and speak up for the poor, oppressed, needy, the fatherless and the alien (immigrant). He understands the passion of the GOP establishment by giving them their tax cuts while rejecting the ideas of fiscal responsibility by means of everyone paying their fair share. By pressing the right buttons with his political base, he quickly developed a cult-like devotion from his fans. The former president once said that his supporters are so loyal that he would not lose backers even if

he were to shoot someone in the middle of downtown Manhattan: "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, OK, and I wouldn't lost any voters, OK?" Trump said this at a rally in Sioux Center, Iowa.

This deep devotion from his political base of supporters has become a political weapon used by Trump to intimidate and manipulate any GOP lawmaker on the local, state and federal level who refuses to submit to his wishes.

Trump knows the majority of the Republican establishment is afraid of him, and the RINO (Republican in Name Only) label he uses as "red meat" for his passionate base of supporters. The lack of political courage by Republicans, along with the willingness to keep Democrats from power at any cost, has allowed

MARSHALL Page 58

WILLIAMS from Page 33

film or look at it and explain it to her.

This is the first of four in a series called "Let's Talk About It" where they outline the significance of advance care planning in Black communities and explain why it's so important to make plans for our assets and health. With the month of April being Minority Monthly Health observance, these resources are especially significant as we highlight the health disparities that persist in our community. Starkfilms is a group to be thanked

CLINGMAN from Page 33

And to think some members of all those groups want him to be their president is mind-boggling to me. Some even have bowed down before a golden image of Trump, despite what happened to the ones who did the same thing under the leadership of Moses.

Now let's look at Black people, my people. Trump called for the death penalty for five Black teens wrongly accused of crimes. He insulted Obama by questioning his citizenship. Trump has insulted others like "my African American," and his water boy, Tim Scott, who then insulted himself by responding, "I just love you."

To top it all off, he insulted African countries by calling them s---hole nations, which is also an insult to our ancestors. It's obvious Trump knows nothing about African history, but even if he did it would not change his insults.

He knows nothing about the greatness of Songhai, Mali, Timbuktu, Kemet, Ethiopia and many other African nations of then and now.

He said people from Congo are diseased and a bunch of criminals.

MARSHALL from Page 57

Vladimir Putin. Johnson also ignored the angry threats from hardright Republicans who previously threaten his job as speaker.

"Look, history judges us for what we do," Johnson said. "This is a critical time right now, critical time on the world stage. I could make a selfish decision and do something that's different, but I'm doing here what I believe to be the right thing." Unlike so many in the House and Senate,

for producing this episode. You'll be able to find it and more on Spotify, and if you're like me, not knowing much about these things, ask your grandchildren to help you get to the site to see it at https://podcasters.spotify.com/ pod/show/steven-starks0.

I offer this information as an opportunity to get people to commit to taking one action that saves families and friends a lot of trouble! This can be creating a will, setting up an estate plan, naming a health care power of attorney, etc. It's important to make these decisions before it's too late. Are

It is funny that King Leopold II of Belgium and other heads of state didn't feel they were s---holes.

Leopold coveted the Congo, during which time he caused the deaths of as many as ten million Congolese and walked away with one billion dollars. He wanted the land and the free labor to work on the rubber tree plantations, but tortured the people and their children in the process. Ever heard of the Belgian Congo and Leopoldville?

What really hurts is the fact that some members of our group will also vote for the pumpkin. With black-skinned folks like Clarence Thomas, Byron Donalds, Candace Owens and Tim Scott leading the way, some pitiful Black people will follow them to the gallows.

That staged event in Atlanta was certainly one for the books. Trump plants a black-skinned stooge in a Chick-fil-A, who hugged and swooned over him, all of which was set up. Instead of paper towels, he gave the Black folks milkshakes and chicken to get their votes.

By the way, do you know how many Black workers there are in government jobs? Trump and Steven Miller have plans to downsize when they get back in charge.

Johnson had a moment where he followed his conscience despite the noise from the MAGA-wing.

Now we see another Trump enabler who is making noise. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), in a recent interview, suggested Donald Trump's being charged with 34 felony counts for allegedly falsifying documents to cover up payments to porn star Stormy Daniels is on par with a Black person being judged in court by the color of their skin. Scott is the Senate's lone Black

you planning for a peaceful end of your life? Are you ready to live knowing you have a plan for what you want friends or families to do for you what you're no longer able to do? My family and I went through celebrating the life of our mom, so I know the value of Advance Care Planning and if you've not made such plans, visit https:// www.compassionandchoices.org/ end-of-life-planning/learn/finishstrong-tools to Finish Strong on compassionandchoices.org website for free information on the subject.

WI

Black unemployment increase? You betcha.

Now, for all of you who say God sent Trump to deliver us, I simply say, may God's will be done despite my feelings or complaints, which place me in the company of Jeremiah, Job and Habakkuk. His will is perfect.

Diversity and inclusion, when used as Trump does, are despicable and evil. His insults and name-calling are as diverse and inclusive as they come. Used properly, DEI is simply a tool to assist in the repair of Black people. Long overdue.

But what about equity? Well, that simply means "The quality of being fair and impartial," something the anti-DEI crowd would do well to learn and implement. Brothers and sisters if you want an even more corrupt Supreme Court and Congress, if you want to see even more racists in public office, and if you don't mind having a king and dictator rather than a president, Trump is your guy. But please don't allow him to insult your intelligence, and please have enough pride and resolve not to insult yourself. C'mon, people. Please don't be stupid. WI

Republican and is on a shortlist of possible Trump running mates. Hopefully, the day will come where he self-reflects on his self-serving statements. It is an insult to compare the years of injustice suffered by Blacks at the hands of law enforcement and the judicial process to a wealthy former president. In the line with other Trump enablers (Mike Pence and Mike Johnson), Scott can eventually choose to evolve and decide to be on the right side of history. WI

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