May 2024 Health, Wellness and Nutrition Supplement

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STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor

Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC

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REPORTERS

Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright

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Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja’Mon Jackson

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Greetings and happy May– also known as National Physical and Sports Month!

Boasting barrier-breaking athletes, legendary coaches, visionary trainers, and game-changing athletic programs, the DMV area has a long history of positively influencing the sports and fitness fields. As May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, The Washington Informer is emphasizing the importance of bodily wellness, and celebrating some of the local people and programs that have paved paths in sports and fitness, not only in the DMV, but throughout the world.

Highlighting fitness and sports is not just about noting impressive statistics and achievements, but acknowledging and celebrating the effort and discipline it takes to become an athlete or simply prioritize physical wellness.

“Sports and physical fitness reflect the best of the American spirit: hard work, collaboration, and big dreams,” said President Joe Biden in a 2024 declaration for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. “You do not have to compete in organized sports to benefit from physical activity — being active in any way helps to improve your health, clear your mind, and make our nation stronger.”

This edition will emphasize why it’s important to exercise and work toward an active lifestyle as well as showcase some history-making and current athletes, artists, fitness experts and programs who further the narrative of the DMV as a game-changing area for fitness and sports.

In addition, physical fitness is important to respiratory, mental, cardiovascular, and overall health and wellness. As African Americans face several health disparities including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, various cancers and unaddressed mental health challenges, it is particularly important to promote physical fitness in the Black community.

This special edition dives into the importance of staying active in order to combat health challenges and promote overall bodily wellness.

Further, considering people like history-making tennis athlete Lucy Diggs Slowe, current basketball star Kevin Du-

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month: Highlighting DMV Fitness and Sports

rant, and people in the community promoting wellness, this edition celebrates local fitness and sports game-changers, and their contributions to the DMV and world.

Moreover, this month and beyond, The Washington Informer hopes to inspire readers to maintain active lifestyles in order to push toward overall wellness.

Staying active doesn’t mean hitting a gym daily, but rather prioritizing movement. Free in-home workouts–from low impact to high intensity— that require little to no equipment can be found on streaming platforms such as YouTube. Or perhaps try self-guided workouts such as walking and running in place, squats, lunges, jumping jacks, push-ups and crunches, while catching up on a favorite television show— and voila, that’s a 30-minute sweat with entertainment on the side.

The purpose of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is not only about celebrating achievements, but promoting progress in overall wellness for all Americans.

“We can all come together, feel better, and live longer if we stay active, exercise, and keep moving. It makes us healthier, and that is good for our families, our economy, and our nation,” said Biden in his declaration for the month-long wellness celebration.

As Washington Informer founder Dr. Calvin Rolark often said, “If it is to be, it is up to me.” It is our responsibility to prioritize our individual health and through our own actions, promote the importance of doing so to those around us. So spread wellness, it’s contagious.

5 WI Managing Editor Micha Green. (Courtesy Photo)

5 Managing Editor Micha Green teaches a Zumba class at Elizabeth Seton’s summer camp in June 2023. (Courtesy Photo)

Dave Bing: A D.C. Native, NBA Hall-of-Famer, Former Detroit Mayor

By Micha Green and Ed Hill WI Managing Editor and Contributing Writer

Native Washingtonian David

“Dave” Bing is not only a hallof-fame basketball player, but has proved that one’s career goals don’t have to end after they hang up their jersey.

Born in Washington, D.C. in November 1943, Bing was the second of four children in a working-class family.

Bing explored sports such as basketball and baseball, but eventually stopped the former when told he was too small to play the game.

As a student at Spingarn, Bing played baseball. While at Spingarn, where NBA legend Elgin Baylor also attended years before, he was encouraged to pick up basketball again and went on to lead his team with MVP honors, and earn titles and accolades including making the All-American team.

He went on to play for Syra-

cuse and thrived there, turning the university into a basketball powerhouse.

“Syracuse was 0-32 the year before Dave Bing came here and he changed everything ,” said Jim Boeheim, former Syracuse basketball coach and special assistant to the university’s athletic director.

Bing went on to become an NBA hall-of-famer who played for the Detroit Pistons, the Washington Bullets (now Washington Wizards), and the Boston Celtics.

During his distinguished career, Bing was a seven-time NBA allstar, who won the Rookie of the Year award in 1976.

After basketball Bing, 80, went into business and politics, serving as Detroit, Michigan’s mayor from 2009-2014.

“Everything that I’ve ever done, I’ve attacked it,” Bing said, according to the Detroit Free Press in November 2020. “I have not been a guy that would lay back and just hope something happens. You made things happen.” n

Join us throughout the month of May for a variety of FREE and low-cost sports and fitness programs that will support your path to wellness, including:

CALM, COOL, AND COLLECTED

COLOR RUN at Woodberry Forest Park, May 15, 2024

YOUTH

CROSS COUNTRY RACE at Southern Regional Technology and Recreational Complex, May 18, 2024

SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY at Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Area, May 22, 2024

Visit pgparks.com or scan the QR code to view the complete list of May is National Fitness & Sports Month offerings!

• The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register a minimum of two weeks prior to the program start date to request and receive a disability modification.

• Customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call Maryland Relay 7-1-1.

• Language interpretation is available at all facility front desks. Please ask for assistance.

5 Native Washingtonian David “Dave” Bing is not only a hall-of-fame basketball player, but, as former mayor of Detroit, Michigan, has proved that one’s career goals don’t have to end after they hang up their jersey. (Courtesy Photo/OrangeHoops.org)

Helpful Tips to Achieve and Maintain Physical Fitness

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

While a balanced diet and nutrition are imperative to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, physical activity is one of the best ways to preserve or improve overall health and well-being. Below are a few helpful tips to boost your physical fitness.

Did You Know... that practicing easy resistance and strength training exercises can encourage muscle mass in older adults, greatly improve mobility, and reduce the severity of several health risks that are commonly associated with aging?

According to the National Institute on Aging, one of the biggest factors that influence loss of our physical abilities as we age is the loss of muscle mass and strength, also known as sarcopenia. Resistance or weight training is critical as we age, particularly past age 35, as it builds muscles and reduces the loss of muscle mass.

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Did You Know...

that in order to see considerable health benefits, health experts recommend that adults do “moderate-intensity” exercise for at least 150 minutes a week, with roughly 75 minutes of “vigorous-intensity” high-impact physical activity per week?

Did You Know... that you can still manage physical exercise through simple daily activities, even when you do not have time for the gym or exercise classes?

Walking: Walking is an optimal form of exercise that you can conveniently fit into your daily schedule. A few simple ways to incorporate extra steps into your day are: taking the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator, walking for 30 minutes in place watching television, or going for a brisk walk after dinner.

OR Yard work: Maintaining your yard or home can be a great way to engage your muscles. Whether mowing the lawn, planting, raking leaves, or even gardening, these activities will get your blood flowing and help you break a sweat while doing so.

5 Physical activity is one of the best ways to preserve or improve overall health and

(WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

The Important of Physical Fitness In the Black Community

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month highlights the importance of physical activity to achieve and maintain a balanced well-being. While good health is a standard goal for all, health statistics show that African Americans suffer alarming disparities of several chronic conditions, underscoring the importance of educational resources and access to physical fitness and training in Black communities.

Black Americans have some of the highest risks of developing several chronic diseases in comparison to their white counterparts, specifically regarding heart disease, stroke, asthma, and various types of cancer.

Further, Black women represent a disproportionate percentage of health diagnoses including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

“Notwithstanding the enormous benefits of physical activity, Black/African-American women are more likely to be less physically active than their white counterparts,” according to the National Library of Medicine.

As a consequence, this population is burdened with high risk and prevalence of chronic diseases.”

The adverse pattern of inactivity has even affected today’s youth as experts show young people are more occupied with technology than exercise and playing outside.

“Due to the increasing rate of industrialization and the emergence of sophisticated technology, there is a relative decrease in physical activity and an overwhelming increase in sedentary lifestyle, chronic disease morbidity, and mortality,” the National Library of Medicine reported.

In addition, childhood obesity has become a more common concern among Black American youth, with juvenile obesity rates nearly doubling that of their white counterparts at 24.8%, compared to 16.6% of non-Hispanic white children.

BARRIERS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

While popularized sports like

5 It is particularly important to promote physical fitness in the Black community as a means of preventing disease, as African Americans face many health disparities. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

basketball or football are a significant part of physical leisure and entertainment in many Black communities, rates of inactivity often rises among adults as they age out of high school or college leagues.

Often, barriers to physical activity prevent many people from exercise.

“Today, less than half of all Americans live within a half-mile of a park. Tens of millions of children do not have access to a playground within a 10-minute walk of their home. Cash-strapped schools are too often cutting physical education programs. Youth sports leagues can be expensive, leaving too many kids with few options. The United States of America can do better,” said President Joe Biden in a declaration for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

In addition some of the unique barriers for African Americans include family responsibilities, body image perception, and even hair care concerns, particularly for Black women, when working out. Moreover, environmental and public-safety challenges facing some Black communities, such as pollution and violence make it difficult for some people to even walk or run in their neighborhoods.

These social and intrapersonal barriers can hamper attempts at implementing behavioral changes and encouraging health and fitness progress.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY KEY TO LIFE

Whether aiming to lose weight, reduce anxiety, or improve one’s physique, a successful fitness pro-

gram requires consistency and proper knowledge to achieve our physical fitness goals.

Outside of the gym, moderate to high-intensity activities including running, walking, weight

lifting, aerobic exercises, and yoga are commonly associated with improved body weight, cardiovascular health, body mass index (BMI), and overall well-being.

The physical benefits of exercise are a true healing modality to bolstering health outcomes and strengthening the livelihood of the Black community.

While proper nutrition and diet lead as the foundation of sustainable health, physical fitness is a principal component of positive outcomes when considering healthy blood pressure levels, a balanced BMI, muscle density, and cardiovascular health, respiratory and mental health.

In 1894, Mary P. Evans, wrote in a Black women’s magazine called “Woman’s Era,” that exercise: “enables you to keep in the best condition for work with the hands or with the brain… It prepares you to meet disappointment, sorrow, ill treatment, and great suffering as the strong, courageous and splendid woman meets them.” n

Have You Checked Your Mail Lately?

Lucy Diggs Slowe: A Pioneer in Tennis, Education, Women’s Empowerment

By Micha Green and Ed Hill WI Managing Editor and WI Contributing Writer

Lucy Diggs Slowe was a barrier breaking woman of many firsts, who made integral contributions to sports, education, and women’s empowerment in the District, nation and world.

Born in Berryville, Virginia in 1885, Slowe was an orphan by 6-years-old. She grew up with her aunt and eventually moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she excelled in the segregated public school system.

Slowe went on to attend Howard University, where she graduated valedictorian and helped found Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

At Howard and beyond, she was also a 17-time tennis champion, winning the national title of the American Tennis Association’s (ATA) first tournament in 1917, becoming the first African American woman to win a major sports title.

A graduate of Columbia University, Slowe founded the first junior high school in Washington, D.C. and served as principal until 1922, when she was appointed Howard University’s first dean of Women.

“Education must fit...(African-American) women, as it must fit all women, for the highest development of their own gifts; but, whatever those gifts, they will not be able to exercise them unless they understand the world they live in and are prepared to make their contribution to it,” Slowe once said, according to the Archives of Maryland.

The innovative leader, who also founded the National Association of College Women, died in October 1937 at the age of 52.

In 2021, as part of Howard’s homecoming festivities, the institution named the 2400 block of 4th Street NW to Lucy Diggs Slowe Way.

“Lucy Diggs Slowe, my goodness,” said actress and Dean of Howard’s Chadwick Boseman School of Fine Arts Phylicia Rashad, at the street renaming.

“You sit and wonder, what was that impetus,” continued Rashad, who is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. “What was that spirit inside this young woman – this faith and belief and confidence in herself? Because you have to [those qualities] to accomplish any one of the things that she accomplished, let alone the many.”

n

5 Lucy Diggs Slowe was a barrier-breaker in tennis, academia and women’s empowerment. (Courtesy Photo/Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame)

By Lisa Valente, M.S., RD; Safeway Contributor

All fruits are good for you and nutrient rich. But if you’re watching your carbs, some are lower than others.

Fruit often gets a bad rap because it’s sweet and not low in carbs. But nature’s candy delivers more than just carbs in the form of natural sugar.

Fruits are packed with important vitamins and minerals, plus fiber. Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream so you’re less likely to experience blood sugar spikes and lows too. Plus, eating fruit is actually associated with a lower risk of diabetes. If you’re watching your carb intake, you may be wondering which fruits are lowest in carbs. Here we rank fruit based on how many carbs you’ll get.

How many carbs are in your fruit?

We’ve ranked these common fruits based on a recommended serving size, but also provide information about how many carbs there are per 100 grams of fruit (about 3.5 ounces) to give you a better understanding when you’re (literally) comparing apples to oranges. Here they are ranked from lowest-carb fruit to highest-carb fruit.

1. Watermelon

Perfect for a hot summer day, water melon is one of the lowest-carb fruits on this list. It can help quench your thirst and is an excellent source of vitamin C. You may be surprised to learn that watermelon has more beta carotene than berries. Beta carotene is the pigment that gives the melon its red color.

Low-Carb Fruits Ranked from Lowest to Highest Carbs

3. Cantaloupe

If you don’t regularly enjoy it already, canta- loupe is worth a spot in your eating pattern. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, which help support healthy immune function and promote heart and muscle health. Eat cantaloupe in slices or cubes, or add it to your favorite smoothie.

1 cup chopped watermelon: 11 grams carbs, 46 calories.

100 grams: 8 grams carbs, 30 calories.

2. Strawberries

Strawberries are low in carbs, but they also provide 163% of your daily dose of vitamin C. Research has shown they can help promote heart health and stabilize blood sugar levels as well.

1 cup sliced strawberries: 13 grams carbs, 53 calories.

100 grams: 8 grams carbs, 32 calories.

1 cup cubed cantaloupe: 13 grams carbs, 54 calories.

100 grams: 8 grams carbs, 34 calories.

4. Peaches

Peaches taste like the epitome of summer. With only 15 grams of carbs per one medium peach, these delectably sweet and juicy fruits are quite low in carbs. Enjoy them alone or add them to a leafy green salad.

1 medium peach: 14 grams carbs, 58 calories.  100 grams: 10 grams carbs, 42 calories.

5. Raspberries

Don’t underestimate these tiny berries. Raspberries are a nutrition powerhouse, providing close to 10 grams of fiber and two-thirds of your daily requirement of vitamin C per cup. Their tanginess is perfect for adding flavor to your morning oatmeal or parfait.

1 cup raspberries: 15 grams carbs, 64 calories.  100 grams: 12 grams carbs, 52 calories.

Bottom line

It’s recommended that you eat 2 cups of fruit per day as part of a healthy diet. And variety is important to get the health benefits of each fruit. Certain colors provide certain benefits— orange for eyesight and purple for brain health, for example—so choose your favorite fruits but mix them up. Fruit is a good carb and the kind you should be eating. And skip fruit juice if you’re worried about carbs. Just 1 cup has 25-plus grams of carbohydrates and none of the beneficial fiber.

© Meredith Operations Corporation. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied on as medical advice. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, evaluation, or treatment of a qualified health-care provider. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition, or if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Each individual’s dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual. You should consult a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns, before starting a new diet or health program. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate. If you have or suspect you may have allergies or medical issues which may be affected by certain foods, find you may have or be experiencing side effects, you should promptly contact your health care provider. Statements within this article have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

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As the spring and summer seasons emerge, parents often find themselves helping their children combat allergy season. It’s important to take steps to help your child manage the symptoms of seasonal allergies so that they can be healthy and thrive.

Managing your child’s seasonal allergies

For many children, spring and summer bring not only sunshine and play but also an increase in pollen exposure, grass, and other allergens. An allergic reaction can manifest as coughing, sneezing, hives, rashes, itchy eyes, a runny nose, or a scratchy throat.1 Managing allergies in children goes beyond easing their symptoms; it involves active measures to create a healthy and supportive environment, such as:

• Creating an allergy-friendly home. To reduce allergen exposure,

Managing Your Child’s Seasonal Allergies

keep windows closed during high pollen periods, invest in air purifiers, and regularly clean and vacuum your home. You should also consider using allergen-proof covers for pillows and mattresses to create a comfortable environment for your child.

• Monitoring outdoor play. Kids wait all winter long to bask and play in the warm spring weather, but you must be mindful of high pollen counts. Plan activities during times of lower pollen levels, such as early morning or late afternoon. Encourage your child to wash their face and hands after outdoor play to minimize allergen exposure.

• Watching and addressing symptoms. If your child shows signs like continuous sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes, speak with their primary care provider. Addressing symptoms early can prevent discomfort and longterm issues.

• Scheduling well-child visits. The spring and summer months are a great time for well-child visits. These rou-

tine checkups ensure that your child is up to date on vaccines and play an important role in monitoring their growth, development, and overall health.

Managing allergies with well-child visits

Use well-child visits as an opportunity to discuss any allergy symptoms your child may be experiencing. The pediatrician can tell you whether their symptoms are seasonal, recommend allergy testing if necessary, and offer personalized strategies for allergy management.

Your child’s primary care provider can provide guidance on effective allergy management strategies tailored to your child’s age and health status. This may include the use of antihistamines, nasal sprays, or other allergy medications. Understanding these options help ensure you can handle allergy season with confidence. Embrace the warmth of spring and summer and help your kids fight allergy season.

Nurturing Mental Health in Low Income Communities Best Me

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting an important aspect of our overall well-being that can sometimes be overlooked, especially in low-income communities. Factors such as lack of resources, economic stressors, and social disparities can have a significant impact on mental well-being.1

Mental illness affects millions of people in the United States. One in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.2

Understanding how to improve mental health in underserved, low-income communities begins with understanding the barriers that exist. Some key barriers include:

• Lack of insurance coverage. Many people in low-income communities do not have health insurance or have limited coverage. Having substantial insurance coverage can help lower the cost of mental health services.3

• Finances. Having limited financial resources can prevent individuals from getting the mental health care they need, such as therapy sessions, certain medications, and other costly mental health services.

• Geographic barriers. Rural low-income communities can sometimes have limited access to mental health services due to a lack of healthcare facilities nearby.

• Mistrust of the health care system. Historically, systemic biases within the health care system have led to mistrust of it by some individuals in low-income communities.4

If you and your family live in a low-income community, there are options available for you to access necessary mental health care.

Use local resources. Begin researching mental health resources available in your community. These resources can be community health centers, clinics, nonprofit organizations, and programs with mental health support.

• Access telehealth services. AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees who are age 21 or older can chat with a trained behavioral health coach through the Headspace Care (formerly Ginger) app found in the Google Play store or Apple App Store. Enrollees ages 13 through 20 can text 886-886 and use the referral code “AmeriHealth” during enrollment to start texting with a MindRight support coach. Enrollees can receive support for life challenges 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Talk to your primary care provider (PCP). If you have a PCP, they may be able to give you referrals to mental health professionals or services.

Improving mental health in low-income communities requires many different approaches including raising awareness, building support systems, and eliminating barriers to make these resources accessible. For additional advice on how to improve your mental health, read the AmeriHealth Caritas DC Mental Wellness Guide.

Sources

1. “Allergy Facts and Figures,” Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-facts/#:~:text=In%20 2021%2C%20approximately%20 81%20million,(14%20million)%20 of%20children.&text=Seasonal%20 allergic%20rhinitis%20is%20 an,trees%2C%20grasses%2C%20 and%20weeds.

2. “What Are the Benefits of Sunlight,” Healthline.com, https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/benefits-sunlight#benefits

All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

Local Churches Add Health, Exercise, Wellness as Part of Ministries

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

While Beltway Church of Christ and Zion Church are known as places of worship, they’re also creating a space for overall health and that includes physical wellness.

On Saturday, May 4, the fellowship hall and classrooms of the Beltway Church of Christ were filled with

several hundred people from around the area when the Camp Springs, Maryland church hosted a Community Mental Health Awareness Day.

“It was necessary to have this particular event now because we’re just fully getting out of COVID, and some people are still dealing with things that hadn’t been dealt with,” Le’Andre Johnson, minister at Beltway Church of Christ,

“It was necessary to have this particular event now because we’re just fully getting out of COVID, and some people are still dealing with things that hadn’t been dealt with,” Le’Andre Johnson, minister at Beltway Church of Christ, told The Informer.

A healthy mind matters!

This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, MedStar Family Choice District of Columbia (MFC-DC) encourages you to be the source of better health by prioritizing your mental wellness.

Remember, a nourished mind is key to a nourished life. Renewing your benefits is an important step to ensure that you live well and long. Don’t wait to update.

told The Informer.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Bruce McClure, a licensed counselor and minister at Prince George’s Church of Christ.

“It’s the same gospel, but how do we adapt it to mental health, physical health, behavioral, financial, relational,” McClure told The Informer. “It’s more than here; believe, confess, and be baptized.

The event emphasized combating mental health challenges with therapy, wellness practices such as exercise and through faith-based work.

Similarly to Beltway Church of Christ, Zion Church in Greenbelt, Maryland is using faith as entrance into wellness work and practices.

“Exercise, rest, and proper nutrition are critical to our well-being,” said Zion’s Pastor Keith Battle.

A few weeks ago, three dozen men gathered at Zion for the last session of an eight-week Bible study, health

Scan the QR code for more information about renewing your MFC-DC benefits.

and exercise class that was all part of a faith-based boot camp.

“When you can get men together in large groups to encourage and support one another in their health and wellness [it’s powerful],” explained Battle.

Augustus Jones, the trainer in charge of the boot camp at Zion, explained how the program helped participants not only physically, but overall.

“This was a way for men to incorporate health and wellness into their everyday lifestyle,” Jones told The Informer.

Jones, 37, said that the program also offered students tools to be more active with their families.

“My son and I go walking, and he is only eight months old,” Jones said.

He also explained that such faithbased fitness programs allow men to create a support system, while prioritizing health all at once.

“A lot of men don’t have anyone to check on them,” Jones said. “We have brothers going through divorces, custody of their children, and often, men are more comfortable exercising with each other.” n

John Thompson Jr.: A Leader in Sports who Inspired Many

By Ed Hill and WI File WI Contributing Writer

Born in Washington, D.C. in 1941, John Thompson Jr. was a game-changer in local, college and professional basketball, who turned Georgetown University into a global basketball treasure.

Thompson grew up in Southeast, D.C. and went on to play in the NBA for the Boston Celtics.

He worked as a guidance counselor and head coach at St. Anthony High School in Washington, D.C. from 1966 to 1972, compiling a 122–28 record.

From St. Anthony’s, Thompson went on to become a Georgetown legend and NCAA barrier-breaker.

Thompson served as head coach for the Georgetown Hoyas from 19721999, winning the NCAA Championship in 1983-84, the first African American to win the national title.

He led the Hoyas to three NCAA Final Four appearances in the 1980s, won seven Big East Conference titles,

and helped shape NBA stars such as Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo, and Allen Iverson.

“This is a person that, when I came to college, I was 18, helped me to grow,” Ewing said in an interview with ESPN. “Even though my mom and dad were always there, he was always a person I could pick up the phone and call if I had a problem or if I had a question.”

Thompson also coached the U.S. national team to a bronze medal in the 1988 Olympics.

The basketball icon’s family remembered his influence on and off the court, as they reflected on his life when he died September 2020 at the age of 78.

“Our father was an inspiration to many and devoted his life to developing young people not simply on, but most importantly, off the basketball court. He is revered as a historic shepherd of the sport, dedicated to the welfare of his community above all else.” n

5 John Thompson Jr. in September 2015 when the United States Basketball Writers Association announced him as the first winner of the Dean Smith Award, named in honor of the legendary North Carolina coach (Courtesy File Photo/ Georgetown University)

Jimmy Jenkins Captures Prince George’s Rich Athletic History Through Art

Prince George’s Continues to Produce Game-Changing Athletes

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

From superstar athletes, such as basketball phenoms Kevin Durant and Len Bias, to 1980s “Boxer of the Decade’ Sugar Ray Leonard, Prince Georgians have made a noted impact across sports.

DMV native Jimmy Jenkins, co-founder and co-owner of GoldStreet Productions, has made it a personal mission to document the rich athletic history of Prince George’s County, both to inform and inspire rising generations of athletes.

“Some of the best athletes in the world have come from our county, in every sport. Frances Tiafoe in tennis, we have success stories in football, soccer, basketball; we just had a track record broken this week by a local,” Jenkins told The Informer.

Jenkins has a number of film and stage directorial credits including the film “Sinners Wanted” (2018) and the plays “Black Boy Blues,” (2016) and “Poor Man, Rich Soul” (2023). For his sports documentaries, Jenkins was heavily inspired by “The Last Dance” and ESPN’s 30 for 30 series.

“I have a plethora of documentaries, including ‘Basketball County: In The Water,’ (2020) on Showtime and ‘Comeback Kids,’(2023) available on all platforms. I’m also working on a documentary about Alabama’s football team,” Jenkins told The Informer. “What inspired them is being able to tell true and authentic stories that can inspire our communities to action in their lives.”

His first documentary, “Basketball County,” outlines the history of Prince Georgians in basketball leagues from the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), to the highest levels of the NBA. Jenkins’ second documentary, “Comeback Kids,” is about a Prince George’s County Public School’s (Thomas G. Pullen) middle school boys

basketball team and their pursuit for a 2018 championship.

“On my high school team, we had five guys make the NBA”, says DeMatha alum and professional basketball player Quinn Cook in “Basketball County: In the Water,” which he co-produced.

“I always had KD (Durant) and Jarrett Jack, Nolan Smith, Michael Beasley, Jeff Green to watch growing up. I always had these guys to remind me of the goal.”

More Prince George’s Talent Making Waves in Sports

This pipeline of local talent is only continuing to gain steam and national attention.

Bowie native Caleb Williams was drafted by the Chicago Bears as the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, only the sixth Black quarterback to be taken first overall.

DeMatha alum and former No. 1 overall NBA pick Markelle Fultz, whose career started with injuries and unmet expectations, has resurrected his career with the Orlando Magic by assisting the team to their first division title appearance and first winning season since 2019.

Green, who Cook noted as someone he looked up to growing up, says: “Prince George’s packs a lot of power, and a lot of character,” in the trailer for Jenkins’ 2020 documentary. His notion on the power of athletes in the county goes beyond basketball.

Morissa Hall and Maize Wimbush continue to achieve in horse racing and competitive bicycling respectively. Hall has won countless awards, including first in the Washington International Horse Show, and Wimbush aims to be the first Black woman to compete for Team USA’s cycling team in 2028.

Further, lobbyist Juwan Blocker has taken to social media to spread a message of physical fitness and accountability to one’s health.

Beginning May 13, Blocker will launch “Movement Mondays,” demonstrating several quick and easy workouts that can

be done within 30 minutes before the workday in the comfort of one’s own home.

“I knew I needed to be healthy to live long enough to raise my kids,” Blocker told The Informer. “My advice to busy parents is to try to get in at least 30 minutes of some type of cardio in and do other calisthenics exercises at home if you can’t make it to the gym. Turn your home into your gym when you can’t physically go to a gym. It’s a hard journey, but it’s not impossible, and your results will be so well worth it.” n

4 The movie poster for the Jimmy Jenkins’ 2020 film “Basketball County: In The Water,” which is available on Showtime for viewing. (Courtesy Photo/ Jimmy Jenkins)

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Recess and Fitness is Key for Student Health

Prince George’s Advocates, Leaders Push Youth Physical Fitness Mandates

By Richard Elliott and Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Contributing Writer and WI Health Writer

Schools can contribute to positive youth health outcomes by ensuring students have ample time for socializing and moving their bodies beyond lunch and physical education classes.

Recess plays a critical part in bolstering a student’s academic success, as it improves: “ their memory, attention, and concentration,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also reports recess encourages staying “on-task in the classroom, reducing disruptive behavior… [and] improving their social and emotional development.”

While Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) require at least 20 minutes of activity, preferably before or after lunch, a June 2018 testimony by advocate Lori Morrow stated that many schools were not meeting that mark.

Morrow, who is now a parent member on the State Board of Education, also contended 20 minutes isn’t enough.

• Boot Camp

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• Swimming (Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced)

• Life Guard Training

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• Personal Trainer

• Community Health Educator

• Community Fitness

• Drugs and Alcohol Educator

• Community Outreach Coordinator

• School Health and Fitness Educator

• Youth Outreach Coordinator

• After School Recreation Coordinator

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• Nutrition Services Coordinator

• Fitness Instructor

“I would love to see the administration and the Board of Education do more to encourage all principals to provide 30-minute recess,” Morrow explained in 2018. “The framework is there and the principal has the authority to make it happen… I would love to see some of them experiment with schedules that give middle school students a mental break from their hour–long classes.”

As school leaders still work to promote recess as a way to promote positive student outcomes overall, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) is also prioritizing education, and one of his key goals has been ensuring the best health and wellness standards for students.

Moore, in collaboration with state legislative leaders and President Joe Biden’s administration, has been focused on implementing and properly funding Blueprint for Education, a plan to improve equity and student performance in Maryland. Part of the plan includes ensuring favorable student wellness, particularly as it relates to mental health.

“ [The Biden-Harris] Administration has worked to improve mental health in our schools and has gone to the mat for our educators and school staff—and we are here to work in partnership to drive the next chapter in this work,” said Moore in a statement in January. “We’ve made big strides here in Maryland, but we will not slow down. We owe it to our students to build an education system that nurtures their dreams and our state is ready to work with the Biden-Harris Administration to realize that pledge.”

Boot Camp Provides Health and Fitness

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

When Michael Lightfoot embarked on a journey in 2005 to create a program for himself that would address his health concerns, little did he know that it would turn into one of the most successful health and fitness programs in the DMV.

“I had some serious health issues, and the doctor told me that if I did not do something about it, I would not be around,” Lightfoot recalled.

He took his health matters into his own hands, which started with him developing an individual workout plan at Turkey Thicket.

“I started to work out on my own. Soon another person asked if he could work out with me. Then a woman asked if she could join us. Following the informal workout, we decided to get together again on a regular basis,” he explained to The Informer.

Thus was the beginning of Boot Camp, a health and fitness program based out of Turkey Thicket Recreation in NE Washington.

“But then we had to make an adjustment. The weather dictated that we had to move inside. So I asked the then supervisor at Turkey Thicket if we could get a workout room in the facility. The numbers grew and we finally had to move to the gym,” Lightfoot continued.

“The director there said that if I was going to do something on a consistent basis then I needed to develop into an organized class.

The growth did not stop there. The Boot Camp shared a space in

the gym with an aerobics class that ultimately became so motivated by the Boot camp that they joined them.

Now, Lightfoot’s Boot Camp meets every Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

It averages between 40 and 45 people per session, ranging from age 6 to 89.

The workouts include a number of exercises that allow Lightfoot’s students to work hard at their own pace.

The sessions are intense, but Lightfoot sets the tone with his energetic instructions.

“All you need is an exercise mat and water, although some occasionally use a jump rope,” he said, adding that for those interested in joining Boot Camp, there is a registration process under the Department of Parks and Recreation. However, he strongly advises people to come by Turkey Thicket and check out the class to see if it is a good fit for them before starting Boot Camp.

Angel Edwards is one of the veterans of Boot Camp, which she started in 2012.

“I joined because I wanted to assure health and wellness and to get fit,” says Edward, 52. “There is a myth that Blacks don’t participate in health and wellness. We are faced with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and kidney and liver diseases.”

The three day a week session can be challenging, but Edwards said that the workout is encouraging for more than just fitness.

“‘Everyone here encourages

each other. That’s why we are like a community, helping each other achieve our goals,” Edwards told The Informer. “There is an energy that goes beyond working for health and fitness. It is a real community that supports each other.”

Eric Hunt was attracted to Boot Camp following some changes he felt were needed in his lifestyle.

“When I started, I was overweight and was on high blood pressure medication,” said Hunt, 61, who has been participating in Boot Camp since 2009. “I was stagnant and needed to change my lifestyle. Once I got with Boot Camp, I began to see a difference. It motivated me to the point where they took me off my blood pressure meds. The experience itself helps remove stress levels and can make your daily life healthier.”

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5 Michael Lightfoot is the founder of Boot Camp, a successful health and fitness program that meets at Turkey Thicket three days a week. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

5 Michael Lightfoot is the founder of Boot Camp, a successful health and fitness program that meets at Turkey Thicket three days a week. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

Penny Toler: D.C. Native Becomes First Woman To Score a Basket in the WNBA

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

Before becoming the first to score a basket and free throw in WNBA history, Penny Toler took the DMV girls basketball scene to another level.

Born in Washington D.C. on March 24, 1966, Toler, the second youngest of eight siblings, learned the value of teamwork from an early age.

“We had a large family, and from that I learned how to care,” Toler said in a Swish Appeal interview. “My mom told me, ‘Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because you never know when you’re gonna need it.’”

She attended St. Anthony’s High School Northeast, D.C. and burst on the local basketball scene with such impressive skills, she gained national attention from recruiters and media.

The mercurial guard was named All-Met for three years and ultimately a Parade All-American.

Toler would go on to star at San Diego State and Long Beach State and spent the first eight years of her professional basketball career overseas before coming back to the United States for the inaugural WNBA season.

The native Washingtonian played for the L.A. Sparks from 1997-1999 and is only the second player to have her jersey retired for the franchise along with Lisa Leslie.

She also served as a vice president and general manager for the Sparks, before being fired in October 2019, after allegedly using heated language in the locker room after a semi-finals loss. She alleged she was wrongfully fired and settled with the team in 2022.

Toler continues to use her platform to empower women in sports, as one of the supporters and representatives for the company Football is Sexy, “where women talk and teach football,” founded by her friend Monica Madrid. n

5 Native Washingtonian Penny Toler took the DMV, national and international women’s basketball scene to the next level, becoming a barrier-breaker in the sport. (Courtesy Photo/Penny Toler, Facebook)

“This