The Washington Informer - March 23, 2023

Mayor Bowser Addresses Departure of Deputy Mayor Falcicchio

Falcicchio Faces Sexual Harassment Allegations, Investigation

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Days after Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio’s abrupt resignation, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) finally shed some light on the circumstances behind her administration’s most recent shake-up in leadership. Monday, March 20, shortly after presenting the 9th Street protected bike lane in Northwest, Bowser revealed that Falcicchio is the subject of an ongoing investigation that she couldn’t provide much detail about at the moment. However, she repeatedly FALCICCHIO Page 51

Mayor Bowser Presents FY 2024 Budget Proposal

Proposal Includes Elimination of Vacant Jobs, Reversal of School Resource Officer Removal

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget proposal reflects a pledge she made weeks ago, in the aftermath of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)’s revised revenue estimates, to spend prudently and invest on the District’s post-pandemic comeback.

This year, there is nearly $20 billion on the table. Human support services and public education account for the lion share of the budget, at 30% and 25% respectively. Public safety and justice accounts for nearly 10%.

Bowser had to close a $1.7 billion gap caused by what administration officials described as unavoidable expenditures. Those items were: collective bargaining agreements with District teachers, principals, firefighters and police officers; government retirement accounts; facil-

BUDGET Page 51

Gladys Knight, Johnnetta Betsch Cole Talk Presidential National Medals

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Grammy Hall of Famer Gladys Knight and barrier-breaking educator and leader Dr. Jonnnetta Betsch Cole are among the powerful lineup of artists and do-gooders President Joe Biden honored on March 21 with 2021 National Medals. As the legendary singer and former college president prepared to receive a National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal, they shared a clear message this Women’s History Month: work to empower other Black women.

“It’s amazing,” Knight told the Informer about the honor. “It gives us the courage and energy to move on up and to know that there are other things that you can do where others can benefit as well.”

Donning a flared black suit outside of the White House press

Celebrating 58 Years - Vol. 58, No. 23 • March 23 - 29, 2023

5 The first-place winner of the Prince George's County Spelling Bee held on March 17 at the University of Maryland Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in College Park's Lesly Hernandez Martin raises her trophy high. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

5 Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole received the 2021 National Humanities Medal at The White House on March 21. (Micha Green/ The Washington Informer)

2023 Prince George's Spelling Bee Champion

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Councilmember Gray Files Discrimination Charges against

the D.C. Council

District of Columbia Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) followed through on his promise to address what he described earlier this year as the D.C. Council’s violation of his human rights.

Today, Gray filed a “ charge of discrimination” with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and DC Office of Human Rights.

The charge alleges that the D.C. Council discriminated against Gray on the basis of his medical status and age when they relinquished him of his chairmanship of the D.C. Council Committee on Health.

The attorneys who are representing Gray cited Title VII of the Civil Rights and the DC Human Rights Act in their case, saying that D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) alluded to Gray’s stroke recovery as the impetus behind Gray's committee reassignment.

"Seldom have I seen a clearer act of discrimination. The D.C. Council did what no private employer could do legally in the District of Columbia. They can’t have one standard for themselves, and another standard for everyone else,” said Tim Maloney, who leads a team of lawyers from Joseph Greenwald & Laake PA representing Gray.

“Instead of asking Gray if the Council could support his return to work, Mendelson chose to lead a scheme that demoted Gray and limited his legislative authority," Maloney continued. "Not only did Mendelson violate Council rules that recognize seniority, he violated Gray's rights and in doing so discriminated against him.” WI

‘Blue’ Grapples with Realities of Police Killings

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PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Jamila Bey, Digital Content Editor Austin Cooper, Our House Editor Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation

REPORTERS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

The public is bombarded with media coverage about the aftermath of the police shooting of a young Black man. Family and friends are anguished and want answers. There are protest cries for justice. The home life and family relationships before a killing are not clearly known. Audiences grapple with this tragic, but all too common event in “Blue,” an opera at the Kennedy Center until March 25.

Composed by Jeanine Tesori, with the libretto and lyrics by Tazewell Thompson, “Blue” is a beautiful yet heartbreaking story unfolding in a production presented by the Washington National Opera (WNO). With the father a police officer, and the mother a business owner, the production is in English with projected English titles.

“It's an extremely powerful journey through many different emotions,” said Jonathan Taylor Rush, one of the conductors of the opera, during a pre-performance lecture. “From happiness to satisfaction to conflict, anger and even grief. All of these emotions are around the story of a young Black man and the reality of the life that he has to live.

With brilliant performances leading the way, hope and support are witnessed on stage as Thompson’s music accelerates Tesori’s words to a deeper interpretation of the theme of the importance of community. “Blue” was named the “Best New Opera of 2020” by the Music Critics Association of North America. The opera was delayed twice due to the pandemic.

During the performance, the lyrics for “Blue” are projected above the curtain. A short documentary about the opera is available at https://youtu.be/UqYXIOCDbfU.

For ticket information, visit the Kennedy Center website https://www.kennedy-center.org. WI

Norton Blasts GOP Colleagues for New Legislation Opposing D.C. Crime Reform

District of Columbia Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton condemned Thursday the actions of two Republican colleagues who want to pass another resolution nullifying the city’s Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act.

Reps. Andrew Clyde (R-Georgia) and Andrew Garbarino (R-New York) want to nix the bill aiming to reform D.C. policing, which was crafted in the wake of George Floyd’s 2020 death at the hands of Minneapolis police.

“I am unsure why Republicans, and Rep. Clyde in particular, have a peculiar preoccupation with overturning D.C. legislation, a district they do not represent,” Norton said. “Rep. Clyde’s constituents should be concerned with his consistent choice to director his time, attention, and resources at interfering with local D.C. issues instead of solving problems for the people who elected him and

who he represents in Congress.”

Norton said she will work to stop “the paternalistic, undemocratic disapproval resolution.”

Local legislation must be transmitted to Congress for a designated review period. If a disapproval resolution is enacted during the period, it prevents the D.C. bill from taking effect.

GOP House members, with some Democrats, successfully passed a disapproval resolution suspending the city’s criminal code reform bill and the measure passed the U.S. Senate in a bipartisan vote. WI

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

CORNER

Bel-Air Star Coco Jones Sells Out D.C.’s Howard Theatre

By WI Bridge Staff

High Standardz / Def Jam recording artist Coco Jones set the record straight on the first show of her tour on Sunday, March 12. The star of Peacock’s Bel-Air showed off her pipes at the Howard Theatre located at 620 T Street, NW Washington, DC 20001.

She was greeted with a line wrapped around the corner as DJ Farrah Flosscett started the party. If you missed it, she will be back at the Broccoli City Festival this summer. Learn more here: www.bcfestival.com. Check out the photos below and scan the QR code for the story online.

previous years.

● Taxpayers will receive a refund equal to 40% of their federal EIC as usual after their return is processed.

● The balance of the

will be paid in equal monthly installments over the next 11 months.

5 Coco Jones sells out D.C.’s Howard Theatre. (Lafayette Barnes IV/ WI Bridge)

5 The audience at D.C.’s Howard Theatre checking out Coco Jones. (Lafayette Barnes IV, WI Bridge)

3 DJ Farrah Flosscett opens for Coco Jones at D.C.’s Howard Theatre. (Lafayette Barnes/ WI Bridge).

black facts AROUND THE REGION

MAR 23 - 29, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

2009 – Historian John Hope Franklin, author of "From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans," dies in Durham, North Carolina, at age 94.

MARCH 26

1831 – Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), the first independent Black denomination in the United States, dies in Philadelphia at age 71.

1937 – William Hastie is appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the U.S. District Court for the Virgin Islands, making him the first African American federal judge.

1944 – Famed singer and actress Diana Ross is born in Detroit.

1962 – Augusta Savage, a famed Black sculptor from the Harlem Renaissance era, dies of cancer in New York City at age 70.

MARCH 27

1924 – Renowned jazz singer Sarah Vaughan is born in Newark, New Jersey.

1934 – Acclaimed dancer and choreographer Arthur Mitchell, founder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, is born in New York City.

MARCH 23

1916 – Political leader and civil rights activist Marcus Garvey arrives in America from Jamaica.

1955 – Hall of Fame basketball player Moses Malone is born in Petersburg, Virginia.

1971 – The Rev. Walter Fauntroy was sworn in as the first delegate from the District of Columbia to the House of Representatives in nearly 100 years.

1985 – Patricia Roberts Harris, the first African American woman to serve in the U.S. Cabinet, dies in Washington, D.C., of breast cancer at age 60.

MARCH 24

1912 – Civil rights and women's rights activist Dorothy Height is born in Richmond, Virginia.

2002 – Halle Berry becomes the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in "Monster's Ball."

MARCH 25

1931 – African American journalist, suffragist and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells dies of kidney failure in Chicago at age 68.

1931 – Nine Black teenagers are arrested in Scottsboro, Alabama, and accused of raping two white women on a train, a landmark case in the fight against racism and unfairness in the U.S. legal system.

1942 – Legendary singer Aretha Franklin, known as the "Queen of Soul," is born in Memphis, Tennessee.

1965 – The Selma to Montgomery marches, held in protest of segregation and voter obstruction against Blacks in the South, end after 18 days.

MARCH 28

1866 – George Alexander McGuire, founder and first Bishop of the African Orthodox Church, is born in Swetes, Antigua.

1939 – The New York Renaissance Big Five, one of the most successful all-Black professional basketball teams in the 1920s and 1930s, becomes the first allBlack pro team to win a world championship.

MARCH 29

1904 – Granville T. Woods patents the first of two improvements on railroad brakes.

1918 – Award-winning actress and singer Pearl Bailey is born in Southampton County, Virginia. WI

DIANA ROSS

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Renowned celebrity stylist Law Roach made headlines when he announced his retirement from the fashion industry due to industry politics, rousing a broader conversation about the glass ceiling and second-rate treatment of Blacks in the fashion world. What are your thoughts?

KRISTAL HICKMON / MIAMI, FLORIDA

I can’t wait to see what’s next. I know it will be impactful.

DAPHNE BUSBY / NEW YORK

Zendaya is always styled to perfection. He will be missed, I’m sure!

TERRI DUKES / WASHINGTON, DC

Thank you to Law for making the decision to give back to your community while you are at the top of your game. You are blessed, and now you are going to do God’s work by giving back to others. I just love it!

MICHELE RICKS / SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN

He felt disrespected, but I hope he rethinks his decision.

BETTY PINKERTON / LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Good for you, Law. To thy own self be true.

DC Housing Authority Attempts to Build Public Trust

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

For more than a decade, public housing resident Paulette Matthews has made it a point to attend monthly meetings hosted by what was then known as the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) Board of Commissioners.

In 2019, Matthews moved from what used to be Barry Farm in Southeast to housing in Northwest. Long before then, Matthews, along with activists and other Barry Farm residents, challenged a redevelopment plan that would eventually displace them and scatter them throughout the D.C. Metropolitan area.

Once she settled into her new dwellings, Matthews saw problems similar to what she and other public housing residents experienced at Barry Farm, particularly building managers’ failure to address the crumbling infrastructure. Matthews recalled contractors doing patchwork repairs on floors and furnaces, rather than replacing them.

Though she would eventually get her problems addressed, Matthews said it took a lot of persistence.

In the aftermath of the dismantling of the Board of Commissioners last year, Matthews continued to maintain a presence at meetings that have since been conducted by the Stabilization and Reform Board, also known as the STAR Board. She

along with other public housing residents weigh in on issues of concern and their comments become part of the public record.

Even so, Matthews said that board members’ assurances that residents’ qualms get addressed don’t inspire much confidence in her that DCHA will do its job properly, especially when it comes to low-income and middle-income residents.

“The mayor picked and chose who she wants, but the shenanigans continue,” said Matthews, who still serves as vice president of the Barry Farm Tenants and Allies Association. “The work orders aren’t being completed. They just [put a] band-aid [on] things. I will just be persistent. I’m not settling for that craziness. I go to board meetings and they’re talking about the same things from the last meeting.”

The STAR Board Gets to Work

In April, the STAR Board is scheduled to approve policy changes recommended in a report the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released last year.

DCHA Chief Operating Officer Rachel Joseph said that the policies serve as the starting point for eventually ensuring that DCHA is held accountable in strengthening business processes for voucher participants and making public housing units habitable.

This upcoming resolution follows other moves made by the STAR Board since the new year.

In March, the STAR Board unanimously approved a resolu-

tion to accept an additional $27 million from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development that supports the redevelopment of Barry Farm. STAR also approved a contract with Solution Guidance Corporation of Chantilly, Va., one of eight candidates for the provider of a project management information system for DCHA’s portfolio of construction and development projects.

These developments happened around the time that D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At large), chair of the D.C. Council’s Committee on Housing, requested that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) dedicates $100 million per year toward the repair and maintenance of public housing units.

Last year, White counted among the nine council members who approved legislation dismantling the DCHA Board of Commissioners and replacing it with the STAR Board, a temporary entity that’s providing oversight of the agency’s plan to address the findings of the HUD report.

Before Bowser and the D.C. Council moved forward with the STAR Board’s installment, DCHA’s board of commissioners consisted of 13 members, including the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development, six members appointed by the mayor, one appointed by the D.C. Council, and a housing advocacy representative. WI

@SamPKCollins

Read the full article on www. washingtoninformer.com.

5 Paulette Matthews, vice resident of the Barry Farm Tenants and Allies Association. (Courtesy photo)

National Cherry Blossom Festival in Full Force, D.C. is Open

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Featuring five weekends of food, fun, culture, entertainment and the theme, “Spring It On,” the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF) is all about embracing the beauty of the District’s spring full throttle.

“It really is about going all out and really celebrating those iconic blossoms and so we really do invite people to come out,” said Meg Cohen, NBCF’s director of Marketing and Communications, at the event’s Pink Tie Party on March 16.

One of the festival’s few ticketed and paid events, the Pink Tie Party is an annual event that serves as a way to ensure other NBCF programming remains free and open to the public.

“This is a fundraiser event, all proceeds go towards supporting our mission, but it’s also a really fun night of food, fun and fashion,” Cohen told the Informer. Just four days shy of the spring equinox, the Pink Tie Party was the perfect way to kick off spring in the District.

Donning pink and cherry blossom-inspired ensembles, guests were able to make grand entrances into the extravaganza, by strutting their stuff on the runway, and then checking out the many activations throughout the affair. There was so much to take in, such as aerial artists, painters, a fabulous fashion show, drag queens, activations from the likes of Artechouse. As guests experienced exciting moments, they also were treated to cocktails, mocktails and food samplings from restaurants including Dovetail Bar and Restaurant, Planta and many more.

FESTIVAL OFFERS D.C. PRIDE AND PLENTY TO DO

Jennifer McClennan, noted it particularly feels good to live in the DMV during cherry blossom season.

“I love when the cherry blossoms bloom because it feels like such a Washington insider thing. You have to be here in town when

the peak bloom happens so I think it’s a wonderful thing to celebrate,” said McClennan.

For Gerren Price, director of the District’s Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), the Pink Tie Party and the entire NBCF is a symbol of the District’s strength, vitality and beauty of its offerings.

“Being here tonight is all about celebrating this festival, it’s celebrating the fact that we’re back. D.C. is open, businesses are open and we’re seeing more and more people flocking to downtown, which is a huge win for the whole city,” Price told the Informer.

Cohen said the festival offers “something for everyone.”

“We work with over 35 organizations, to put on over 60 events, so whether you’re looking for something learning more about Japanese culture, particularly since the gift of trees is from Japan. If you’re looking for something that is an outdoor event, or something like an Artechouse, there’s so many options.”

There’s the Tidal Basin Welcome Area and Ana Stage, hosted by the National Park Service running until April 2; the opening ceremony and Blossom Kite Festival on March 25; Petalpalooza, a day packed with entertainment on April 8; and the NCBF Parade on April 15 from 10 a.m. to Noon.

GEM FOR WASHINGTONIANS

Price noted that Washingtonians should definitely enjoy the festival’s offering, “because it’s in our backyard.”

“People come from around the world, they plan their entire vacations around enjoying this cultural asset,” he said.

If going to the festival, Cohen reminds locals and visitors alike: “To help take care of the blossoms, do not touch or climb the trees.”

“We want them to last for generations and so we want to protect them,” she added.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from now until April 16. For more information visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. WI

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5 The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from now until April 16, featuring fun programming for District residents and visitors of all ages. (WI File Photo/ Robert R. Roberts.

AROUND THE REGION

The Newsletter

– Ida B. Wells

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Eyone Williams and Gemetiua Ballard-Bey read the Washington Informer. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”

The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s 12th annual Black Women’s Roundtable “Women of Power” National Summit was held March 15-19 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Participants of Black Youth Vote pose with the convenor of the Summit, Melanie Campbell. (Cleveland Nicholas/The Washington Informer)

Tony Lewis Sr. Free After Decades Incarcerated

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

After serving more than three decades incarcerated for a non-violent drug offense, on the first day of the Spring Equinox, Tony Lewis Sr. will get to smell the cherry blossoms as a free man. His son, Tony Lewis Jr., who has dedicated his career and activism fighting against mass incarceration, emphasizing prison reform and working to reverse his father’s life-sentence, took to social media to share the good news. The often used hashtag #FreeTonyLewis is no longer necessary– Tony Lewis is free.

“Thanks for all the prayers and support. I’m going to pick my father up today to bring him home,” the elated son and activist tweeted in all capital letters. “God is the greatest.”

For years, people have been following Lewis, Jr. 's fight for his father, the Free Tony Lewis movement. However, Lewis Jr., whose father went to prison when he was 9 years old, hasn’t just been fighting for his dad. He has worked diligently to raise awareness about the statistics of mass incarceration in the United States.

According to a recent study by the Prison Policy Institute, the U.S. incarcerates more people per capita than any other nation— 565 per 100,000 residents— with more than 1.9 million individuals confined in cells throughout the country.

Further, Black families are particularly affected by mass incarceration statistics, with the study revealing that African Americans make up 38% of incarcerated residents, despite only representing 12% of the U.S. population.

WHY TONY LEWIS JR. FIGHTS THE FIGHT?

In a 2021 interview with this reporter for AFRO News, Lewis Jr. explained that his passion about mass incarceration roots from seeing his father and other family members serve prison sentences.

“They’ve guided my work, informed my work and held me ac-

countable,” he said in April 2021, as he prepared to host a Free Tony Lewis rally— one of many events Lewis Jr., has held over the years to raise awareness about mass incarceration statistics and to garner more support surrounding his dad’s case.

Almost two years later, on Monday, March 20, Lewis Jr., posted photos of him and his family reunited with the patriarch. The photos featured Lewis Sr. and Jr. posing together, as well as other matchings such as the now grandfather with his grandchildren.

THOUSANDS JOIN THE FIGHT TO FREE

TONY

LEWIS SR.

With more than 50,000 followers on Twitter and Instagram combined, thousands have fought alongside Lewis Jr. and followed his quest to free his dad over the years.

Hosting and collaborating on events and initiatives locally and nationwide, the Free Tony Lewis initiative captured the hearts of many.

“Tony Lewis Sr. is a good man who happened to grow up in the

worst circumstances of extreme poverty and violence. It led to him making certain decisions and today he understands the severity of his decisions and takes full accountability for his actions,” according to the Free Tony Lewis website, which added that he hoped for freedom in order to encourage young people with similar backgrounds to take a more promising path.

Garnering thousands of congratulatory comments, many longtime supporters celebrated in the news that Lewis Sr., was no longer behind bars.

“Just rode past Hanover, and felt an emotion like my own dad was on his way home,” one Twitter user wrote, referencing the area of D.C. where Lewis Jr., grew up. “You’re [an] example for us all to never stop fighting,” the social media user said to Lewis Jr., “It was Free Tony Lewis now Tony Lewis free.”

One Instagram user commented: “This has got to be one of the most beautiful stories I’ve witnessed about family, love and perseverance. Much love and respect to you [Tony Lewis Jr.].” WI

6 Tony Lewis Sr. (left) and his son Tony Lewis Jr. (right). After serving more than 30 years in prison and his son’s longtime fight to reverse his life sentence, Tony Lewis Sr. is now free. (Courtesy Photo)

4 Tony Lewis Sr. reunited with his family on March 20. (Courtesy Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Angela Alsobrooks Delivers State of the County Address

By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) delivered the State of the County address at the University of Maryland College Park on March 16, presenting a $5.4 billion budget.

“Our budget is focused on residents today and ensures that our county can prosper together tomor-

row,” she said as she began her presentation. She announced new initiatives, projections for new revenue, and new allocations in affordable housing, economic development, public health and youth development.

This budget represents a 6.6% increase over the prior year. With new funding mandates implemented by the Kirwan Commission’s Blueprint on Education, $2.79 bil-

lion is being invested in education.

“62% of all funding must go to Education and 19.7% must go to public safety and policing, so we have 82% just to public safety and the school system. I’m here to talk today about the remaining 18%,” she said early in the press conference.

While investments into public

safety and education have risen, she also notes that new revenues are coming in and that her goal is to prevent services from being cut or taxes from rising on residents.

“We cannot balance the county on the backs of residents and we cannot put the future on a credit card,” she said. While many residents compare Prince George’s to Washington D.C., Alsobrooks noted that D.C. has a significantly higher budget, a smaller population, and has been increasing their commercial base for a longer time than the bordering Maryland county has.

The Blue Line corridor stretches from Largo to Seat Pleasant and redevelopment proposals aim to build a new amphitheater, add tens of thousands of housing units, increase access to healthy food, and preserve housing affordability.

“We have $769 million in private investment by Black developers,” touted Alsobrooks during a recent press conference in Capitol Heights.

Prince George’s has secured private investment along with state and federal support, with the long-term goal of increasing the commercial tax base so the county is less reliant on property tax. In 2021, Prince George’s residents had a 1% real property tax rate and a 2.5% personal tax rate, among the highest in the state.

CJ Hall, a high school sophomore with a passion for art and member of the Alsobrooks Youth Leadership Institute, introduced Alsobrooks at the press conference. He is a member of the Inaugural cohort of the Youth Leadership Institute, a 27-member body of high school students with an

interest in government and civics.

“County Executive Alsobrooks, a proud lifelong Prince Georgian, knew from an early age she wanted to give back to her community and give voice to those who might not have one,” he said introducing her. Alsobrooks gave applauded the student, adding she was “Prince George’s proud,” of him.

The first speaker, University of Maryland President Darryl Pines, spoke highly of Alsobrooks and her commitment to the county’s growth.

“County Executive Alsobrooks has been an outstanding partner for University of Maryland, College Park and the entire region,” he said. “The University of Maryland is one of your largest employers. We employ 10,000 people at the university, and over 2,200 live in the County. In 2022, we admitted the largest number of students from Prince George’s County in our history.”

Angeline Perry, President of Temple Hills’ Barnaby Valley Park Homeowners Association, spoke next. “Alsobrooks’ administration has been working to improve quality of life for those who call our great county home,”she said. “We deserve access to the services and resources we need to thrive. That is why this budget is so important to not only me, but all of us. We need quality schools and affordable housing, to reduce violent crime, quality behavioral health services, to be environmentally friendly and reduce the impact of climate change and flooding. We need all these things and so much more. This budget invests in that.” WI

5 Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks presents the proposed FY24 budget during the State of the County Budget Address held at the Hotel at UMD on March 15. (Courtesy photo/Office of the County Executive)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Wala Blegay Works to Improve Nurse to Patient Ratio

By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay (D- District 6) has introduced legislation to address high nurse to patient ratios in Prince George’s County.

“In our County, emergency rooms are crowded, wait times are too long, and there are concerns about the impact of inadequate staffing of nurses and other health professionals, on the patient’s overall experience and care. I am committed to ensuring significantly improving working conditions for nurses and patient health outcomes in Prince George’s County.”

Blegay, an attorney who has represented the D.C. Nurses Association, represents a central county district. Her district includes the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center. Since opening, this hospital has faced

long wait times and low customer reviews. Health care workers at the medical center protested staffing shortages last year.

“Other hospitals are experiencing short staffing but I believe it's not in the way [as] it is here at Capital Region,” 1199SEIU Vice President Taren Peterson said.

Council Bill 13 would authorize the Board of Health, run by the County Council, to collect data on nurse-patient ratios, submit findings to the County Council and reporting said findings to legislative leaders such as Governor Wes Moore (D) and Speaker Adrienne Jones (D) to use Prince George’s County as an example of how to reduce nurse-patient ratios.

According to a hospital review, the average wait time in a Maryland emergency room ( three hours and 48 minutes) are the longest wait times in the nation. WI

Bowie Residents Protest

Pointer Ridge’s 24/7 tobacco store

By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Citing concerns about public health and business and property values, a group of Bowie residents are organizing to protest a 24/7 tobacco store that recently opened in the Pointer Ridge Shopping Center.

In her latest newsletter, longtime community resident Patrice Murray forwarded a statement from the Collington Station Homeowners Association that advocated for closing the Pointer Ridge Tobacco Store and to keep Pointer Ridge Elementary School open, and sent a template to provide local residents the opportunity to speak against the tobacco store. In her template letter for the Bowie City Council, she desires that they ban these businesses from Bowie entirely.

The County Council has zoning authority over the entire County excluding the City of Laurel and has major sway over the direction of commercial and housing development countywide.

Four bills, described by Bowie activist Milly Hall as “pro-resident zoning bills,” were brought before the Council recently. CB-2 will limit text amendments in zoning practices, which can significantly increase density in a proposed project; CB-3 will require compliance with local Master Plans for development rather than using them as a guide; CB-5 will limit the addition of new gas stations; and CB-9 will better regulate tobacco and liquor stores.

Councilmember Edward Burroughs (D) said that the county will next take action to address clusters of gas stations and self-storage facilities across the County.

CB-9 passed the County Council unanimously, restricting tobacco shops to hours of 10a.m.to 8 p.m., limiting the amount of lighting they can use and restricting their usage to industrial zoning. No one testified against this ordinance, according to WUSA9.

Glenarden Councilwoman Erika Fareed (D) testified in support of this ordinance saying, “This is

a problem in our community. Across the road from our municipal center there are three tobacco stores.”

During the hearing, some residents acknowledged their convenience and accessibility as a plus.

“They are there when you need them. I love this store,” said Glenarden resident Cassandra Nipper. WI

5 Bowie residents are organizing a protest to prevent the Pointer Ridge Tobacco Store from remaining open for 24-hours each day. (Google)

5 Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay (D) introduced legislation to address the nurse to patient ratios in the area. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Washington Informer Hosts Competitive 2023 County Spelling Bee

By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

With a crowd of more than 300 family members, teachers and special supporters, 25 students competed for the title of winner at the 2023 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee presented by the Washington Informer and Washington Informer Charities, hosted at the University of Maryland’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on March 17. Eighth grader Lesly Hernandez Martin walked away as the champion and will be granted automatic entrance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

This year’s Scripps competition is being held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Fort Washington, Maryland, a mere 30 minute commute from The Clarice.

Washington Gas, Pepco, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, Comcast, Safeway, the Prince George’s County Chamber

of Commerce, Merriam-Webster, Silver Spring Signarama, the Clarice Performing Arts Center, the Scripps National Spelling Bee and the Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education (FAME) were the sponsors of the 2023 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee. The Educational Systems Federal Credit Union provided shirts for the contestants and judges.

Tracye Funn, of Washington Gas, which has sponsored the scholastic event for more than 10 years, said, “the Spelling Bee is a fun, interactive, challenging way to remind youth about the importance of spelling.”

“I write speeches and information for press releases, and internal and external releases, and spelling is critical,” added Funn, who has been with Washington Gas more than 35 years, and is currently manager of Corporate Contributions.

Despite the birth and evolution of autocorrect, Tami Watkins, director of Regulatory Affairs with Comcast, said spelling is still key.

“Even in a digital age, there is still some reward in natural talent and ability. That character is important and it's important that we are still instilling good spelling in young people,” she said.

Pepco Senior Corporate Specialists Tamica Jones and Ralph Bolton

both emphasized why spelling is integral even today.

“Spelling and e-mail etiquette is extremely important, as it's one’s non-verbal line of communication,” said Jones.

PREPPING FOR THE EVENT

The students gathered behind the stage to get snacks, tea, water, advice and reassurance before the Bee began. Ronald Burke, the Informer’s director of Advertising and Marketing, asked who was going to win. Several of the students raised their hands quickly.

“There are no winners and losers. You’re a winner just by getting here,” Burke told contestants as they mentally prepared to compete.

The sponsors offered encouraging words that emphasized the strength each student possessed.

Funn guided the students through a deep breathing exercise.

“This will help you to clear your mind and focus,” she said. “No matter what happens tonight, you are a winner because you had to compete to get to this spot.”

Jones and Watkins told the students of the services their businesses provide to County residents.

A. Toni Lewis, the CEO of FAME, told the students that her program offers free music and aca-

demic tutoring as needed.

“The children are the most important thing in hosting the spelling bee.” said Chauka Reid, the Prince George’s Spelling Bee Coordinator. “I have been doing this for over 10 years, and the most has had 35 or so spellers.”

Longtime broadcaster and Bee moderator Dave Zahren said hosting the bee takes a lot of work.

“First and foremost, you do your homework. Get as much information as you can so you can ask intelligent questions. Have enthusiasm for what you’re doing. I’ve always had the attitude that if I'm having a good time, others are too. It’s important to make the people in the audience feel comfortable. Have empathy and read the room.”

In the tunnel just before the event started and while Zahren introduced each contestant and fun facts about them, several of the contestants said they had seen the classic film “Akeelah and the Bee,” starring Keke Palmer.

Zahren offered to use the word in a sentence, provide the definition and repeat the word if requested. “But I won’t spell the word for you. Someone asked me that last year,” he said to laughter. He also declined to offer root origin.

Miriam Keita, a 6th grader at

5 Winner Lesly Hernandez Martin and runner up Cameron Pointer alongside Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark-Barnes. (Anthony Tilghman / The Washington Informer)

5 There were 25 participants in the Spelling Bee, representing elementary and middle schools from across Prince George’s County. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

BEE from Page 14

Cooper Lane Elementary who enjoys math and science, had participated in the Prince George’s County Spelling Bee before and lasted 12 rounds.

“I remember being on stage. People were pretty nervous, so we would push through and encourage each other. Before our turns, we would calm ourselves down.”

DURING THE COMPETITION: THE INS AND OUTS

Several of the students employed tactics to keep themselves on track, particularly spelling out words on the palms of their hands or forearms. Keeping calm and spelling slowly was essential to their performance.

Kenson Okah, an 8th grader at Accokeek Academy who enjoys gaming, was up first. The first word was “magician” and he spelled it correctly to the applause of the crowd. The first word to cause an out was “ozone,”followed by “nationalism,” and “yippee.” During the delay between the first and second round, another speller was disqualified as the panel did not hear the proper spelling.

The second round had outs with words like “periwinkle,” and “buffoonery.” After “dynamite” and “vegetarian” were misspelled, only eight contestants remained to begin the fourth round.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

The fourth round ended with just four spellers left: 5th grader Nico Natividad of Heather Hills Elementary; 5th grader Cameron Pointer of National Christian Academy; 7th grader Johan Pereira of St. Mary of the Mills School, and winner 8th grader Hernandez Martin of Kenmoor Middle.

All four contestants misspelled their respective words in the next round, giving all of them a chance again in the fifth round.

After all four contestants returned to the stage for round six, Hernandez Martin successfully spelled “pollutant” to survive to the next round but as the sole fifth round contestant, she misspelled “umbrage” in round seven and the four returned to the stage for round eight. Hernandez Martin spelled “cantankerous” correctly and Pointer spelled “berserk” correctly, securing their spots in the ninth round and a chance at victory.

More than 10 rounds continued with joint misspellings that kept Pointer and Hernandez Martin from winning outright. Hernandez Martin, who is part of her school’s National Honor Society, won by correctly spelling “quintessential.”

“This hard work was worth it! It was so worth it.” she said on the mic shortly after her victory. “I have so many classmates and teachers rooting for me. You guys are so supportive, I love you guys,” she said while gesturing to the audience. Her father later acknowledged her hard work and dedication.

5 Lesly Hernandez Martin, a 8th grader at Kenmoor Middle School, won the Spelling Bee by correctly spelling “quintessential.” She thanked her teachers and family after her victory, with whom she is pictured. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

5 Kenson Okah of Accokeek Academy was the first participant called up in the Spelling Bee. He correctly spelled “magician” to begin the contest. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer )

Both Hernandez Martin and Pointer were given large trophies and rounds of applause at the conclusion of the Spelling Bee. All finalists were given goodie bags that included trophies and Safeway gift cards. WI

5 Winner Lesly Hernandez Martin and Spelling Bee runner-up Cameron Pointer pose with their trophies and corporate sponsors representing Pepco, Washington Gas, Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education, and Comcast shortly after the Spelling Bee’s conclusion. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

BUSINESS

Staff Writer

ADVANCED GROOMING SHAPES UP VIRGINIA MALLS

For many African American males, going to the barbershop consists of sitting in a grimy room while being served and listening to and participating in animated conversations on subjects such as politics, sports, and the opposite sex while barbers cut hair.

briefs

The clipping and cutting of the hair usually are the services male customers partake in, with an occasional shampoo. However, Le’Vance Bell, the owner of Advanced Grooming located in Virginia malls Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington and Woodbridge’s Potomac Mills, wants the customer experience to be more professional and pleasant.

“Men are beginning to pamper

themselves,” Bell, 39, said. “We offer our customers more than just haircuts. We offer grooming

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

General Contractor

Two Rivers PCS is soliciting proposals from licensed general contractors to renovate existing spaces in school facilities. To request a copy of the RFP, email Gail Williams at procurement@tworiverspcs.org. Proposals are due by April 11, 2023.

as far as their face and head is concerned. In addition to haircuts, we offer facials, shampoos, shaves and treatments for conditions such as hair loss.”

Bell said he intentionally doesn’t follow the traditional barbershop model.

LIERMAN TO SPEAK AT PRINCE GEORGE’S CHAMBER WOMEN’S BREAKFAST

Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman will serve as the guest speaker for the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Women’s History Month Breakfast on March 29.

The event will be held at the Oak Creek Country Club located at 600 Bowieville Manor Lane in Upper Marlboro, Maryland starting at 8:30 a.m. The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Development Committee is a partner in the breakfast.

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Technology Equipment

Two Rivers PCS is soliciting price quotes to acquire 11-inch Chromebooks and Google enterprise management licenses. To request a copy of the RFP, email Gail Williams at procurement@tworiverspcs.org. Proposals are due by April 11, 2023.

“When you come into our place, it doesn’t resemble a barbershop,” he said. “We have a grooming lounge where you can sit back in comfortable chairs and be served. We have a laid-back, mature atmosphere. Our customers and barbers talk about sports and other subjects in a quiet, dignified atmosphere, no loud talk or crazy music in the background. I have had women who bring their sons to my shops and say they do so because they feel comfortable.”

Bell, a native and resident of Woodbridge, said he started barbering at the age of 12, but formally started his training as an apprentice. He has been grooming hair fulltime for over 15 years.

Bell primarily works out of his Pentagon City location. He credits the Simon Property Group for working with him on both of his locations.

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Before/After-School Programming

Two Rivers is seeking to procure the services of an organization capable of conducting before- and after-school programming for preschool through fifth grade. For a copy of the RFP, please email Liz Riddle at procurement@tworiverspcs.org.

“The leasing agent told me about the opportunity to come to the Fashion Centre and we worked it out,” Bell said. “We are one of a dozen Black businesses in this mall. I like it here because we are close to D.C. The potential for growth is amazing and there are great opportunities for economic growth.”

The honorees for the event are Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, Training Source Executive Director Kim Rhim and Bowie State University President Dr. Aminta Breaux. For more information, call the chamber at 240-770-2427 or email CReid@pgcoc.org. WI

ROBUST RETAIL CITYWIDE GRANT PROGRAM

The District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is sponsoring the Robust Retail Citywide grant program.

The program supports existing District-based retail businesses in maintaining operations and viability during the ongoing small business crisis, department officials said. The grants are $5,000. To qualify for a grant a business must have 25 employees or fewer and a licensed location in the District.

Professional service industry, home based and nonprofit businesses, and 2022 awardees are not eligible for this grant opportunity. The application deadline is April 10 at 2 p.m.

Questions regarding the 2023 Robust Retail Grant can be emailed to dcmainstreets@dc.gov. For information sessions and office hours, visit bit.ly/DSLBDeventbrite. To learn more about the program, visit dslbd.dc.gov/ robustretailgrant. WI @JamesWrightJr10

James Wright / WI

5 Le’Vance Bell is the owner of Advanced Grooming located in the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Mall in Arlington, Virginia, cuts the hair of Jerry Carter.

Black-Owned Cereal Bar Opens a Springfield Town Center

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Eating cereal has long been considered a breakfast activity, but D.C. area author and entrepreneur Brandi Forte and her partner, Noel Warner, have taken the morning meal to an all-day experience with the opening of the Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar at the Springfield Town Center in Springfield, Virginia.

“We have always wanted to invest in something radical, fun, cool, and innovative—it was as if Day & Night Cereal Bar was calling our name,” Forte, 44, said. “We are thrilled about opening at Springfield Town Center, and we look forward to delivering quality food and a nostalgic experience with a personal touch to our new customers.”

The Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar (The Bar) was founded in May 2020 in Los Angeles during the coronavirus pandemic by co-owners Karmon DuPree Jr. and Michael Castillo. The

company has 10 franchises nationally. The Springfield location is the second in the DMV area, with a franchise operating in Clarksburg, Maryland.

The Bar is located next to the northern entrance of Target. On the wall are replicas of popular cereals such as Boo Berry, Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops and Trix. The eatery also offers cereal waffles and cereal shakes. In front of the eatery are three tables with two chairs for customers. The restaurant is closed on Mondays but open from 11-8 p.m. the rest of the week except Sunday, which has 12- 5 p.m. hours.

When asked why she selected a cereal bar instead of another type of cuisine to offer to the public, Forte, a resident of Capitol Heights, Maryland, said she wanted to try something different.

“A cereal bar is more economical and more innovative,” she said. “It is unique. When I first learned about it, I thought it was a phenomenal idea and I decided to try it in the DMV.”

Forte explored setting up her shop

in the District, near Howard University and in the Georgetown neighborhood. She said the space she wanted in the Howard vicinity wouldn’t be available in three years and the Georgetown area didn’t work out for her. She decided to look at setting up at the town center because she had a vending machine in the mall.

“I spoke to the property management at the town center, and they told me they had one spot left and I jumped at it,” she said. “It made perfect sense. The great thing about this space is that we didn’t have to do a lot of renovations.”

The Bar has eight employees, mainly family and friends. Forte’s son and daughter also work there.

The author and entrepreneur noted that one of the managers is a product of the Amala Lives Institute, a culinary arts, hospitality and business vocational school for adults in the District, where she serves as CEO.

Forte said her target audience ranges from infants to 50-year-olds.

“We are focused on the generation where people would watch cartoons in the morning and eat cereal,” she said.

Warner, 38 and a resident of Capitol Heights, also, said he is happy about the venture. Warner and Forte have had a business relationship since 2016.

“This is a great idea and I love it,” Warner said. “This is something new and working here is fun.”

Warner also serves as the CEO of FiveStar Powerwashing & Cleaning Services.

Officials with the town center management are pleased with the new establishment.

“We are very excited to welcome Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar to Springfield Town Center,” said the facility’s marketing director Justin Roth. “This unique offering further diversifies our mix of restaurants and food offerings in the center—plus, who doesn’t want a bowl of cereal at all hours of the day?” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5 Brandi Forte, a D.C. area author and entrepreneur, co-owns the Day & Night Exotic Bar at the Springfield Town Center in Springfield, Virginia.

Member FDIC. Sandy Spring Bank NMLS # 406382. Sandy Spring Bank and the SSB logo are registered trademarks of Sandy Spring Bank. © 2023 Sandy Spring Bank. All rights reserved.

NATIONAL

State of the Black Press Address, Breaking News and App Take Center Stage

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

After Black Press Week culminated with National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., delivering the State of the Black Press, it’s safe to say the State of the Black Press in America in 2023 is strong, resilient, and getting stronger day by day.

More than 30 NNPA publishers and journalists followed up the address with a special White House visit in which Shalanda Young, the director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre spoke exclusively to the group.

Young, the first Black woman to lead the White House budget

office, detailed the importance of the President’s fiscal plan to communities of color.

Jean-Pierre engaged the NNPA in her office, where she promised that the administration has continued to push for equity and equality for Black Americans.

“I would happily argue with anyone that this administration has done more for Black people than any other administration in history,” Jean-Pierre proclaimed. Though she acknowledged there’s still more work needed legislatively, Jean-Pierre noted what the Biden-Harris administration has accomplished through executive orders and legislation like the American Rescue Plan, the Child Tax Credit, a historic more than $6 billion to HBCUs, and other measures.

“The president,” she said, “ensured that our community didn’t get left behind.”

Before the trip to the West Wing, Dr. Chavis delivered a searing message about where the Black Press stands as the institution celebrates its 196th year.

The March 17 luncheon at the National Press Club included remarks from Mississippi Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson, who highlighted the crucial need for a thriving Black Press and

Seeking Skilled Laborers

broke the kind of news sure to go viral.

Thompson, who deftly led the Congressional investigation into the January 6, 2021, insurrection, told the large Press Club gathering that he expects a federal special counsel to hand up indictments in the coming weeks.

“As for January 6, what you saw with your eyes is the absolute truth,” Thompson remarked.

“Don’t believe [Fox Host] Tucker Carlson. Who are you going to believe, him or your lying eyes.”

Thompson reminisced about America’s history of settling political differences at the ballot box.

“But lo and behold, that president [Donald Trump] convinced everybody that [he] would be President for life,” the congressman said.

“If it weren’t for the Black Press that kept raising the issue all along about how much of a fraud that person happened to be [the outcome may have been different].”

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Thompson continued: “Most of you know there is a double standard in America. No person of color with [Trump’s] history could have run for dog catcher and got anything. It’s that double standard that you fight every week in your newspapers.”

The Congressman emphasized the importance of holding all people, including elected officials, accountable.

Dr. Chavis, master of ceremonies the Rev. Mark Thompson, NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards, and other NNPA Board members presented Thompson with the 2023 NNPA Global Newsmaker of the Year Award.

In his state of the Black Press Address Chavis declared: “In the growing digital age, the Black Press of America today, in 2023, is advancing and making steady progress to engage in the necessary technological innovations to ensure the future viability and sustainability of the Black Press of America for the next 100 years.”

During his address, Dr. Chavis unveiled the new NNPA World News app, which contains global news items of interest to African Americans.

“With that foundational understanding of the evolution of the Black Press, we are much better able to explain and to understand why the Black Press in 2023 remains the trusted voice of Black America,” Dr. Chavis added.

“Trust is something that you cannot buy or something that you cannot fabricate. Trust, especially for African Americans, is genuine and authentic. You cannot fake it. Trust for us is deeply rooted in the social fabric of our families and the communities we serve and represent.” WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5 Black Press Week culminated with the State of the Black Press Address by NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. (pictured); some breaking news from Mississippi Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson; and a visit to the White House. (Courtesy Photo/ Mark Mahoney, Dream in Color)

Consumer Rage Reaches

All-Time High, Businesses Feeling It

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

According to a new study, second-rate customer service efforts have led to more consumer rage than ever, and patrons have become more belligerent when complaining.

Customer Care Measurement & Consulting (CCMC) and the Center for Services Leadership, a research center at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, conducted the National Consumer Rage Survey.

It found that “the alarmingly high rate of rudeness by customers was linked to things that have become normal in business settings.”

The survey found that businesses risk losing $887 billion in future sales because they handle customer complaints poorly.

That figure is up from $494 billion in 2020.

In addition to charting the trend of customer satisfaction with complaint handling over the past two decades, the study authors said the latest release of the rage survey breaks new ground by exploring the alarming incidence of customer incivility tied to what has become commonplace in everyday business settings.

“Customer rage explores the experi-

ence of complaining about a product or service problem,” the authors wrote in a news release.

They said that customer incivility looks at the growing problem of rude, disrespectful, and violent behavior in the marketplace that comes from social and political conflicts between customers and businesses, such as disagreements about politics, sexuality, culture, and faith.

“This first foray into customer incivility reveals that unseemly customer behavior tied to clashes in values between businesses and their customers may be the new normal, as nearly one of every two Americans encountered two or more acts of customer incivility in the past year,” the authors found.WI

@StacyBrownMedia

Read the full article on www. washingtoninformer.com.

5 Customer complaints and rage are at record high levels. (Courtesy Photo/ Iowa Attorney General’s Office.)

Help Button Should Go Where You Go!

5 The United Kingdom’s Home Secretary, Suella Braverman and Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Vincent Biruta address journalists after signing the agreement in Kigali on Saturday, March 18. (Courtesy Photo/ Craish Bahizi)

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

UK and Rwanda Migration Deal Expanded

United Kingdom Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Biruta, on Saturday, March 18, signed an addendum that will expand the scope of the existing UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper, reported on Sunday, March 19.

Braverman made the announcement at a press briefing in Kigali, but did not reveal details about the addendum.

“Today, we have signed an addendum to the Migration and Economic Development Partnership, which will expand the provision of support to people being relocated to Rwanda,” she said.

In April 2022, UK and Rwanda signed a migration and economic development partnership that seeks to give a dignified life to people who leave their countries to seek asylum in European countries. Under the deal, some of these people will be relocated to Rwanda, where they will be empowered through different initiatives.

“There is a global migration crisis. Many countries around the world are grappling with unprecedented numbers of illegal migrants and I sincerely believe that this world leading partnership between two allies and two friends, the United Kingdom and Rwanda, will lead the way in finding a solution which is both humanitarian and compassionate and also fair and balanced,” said the UK Home Secretary.

Earlier, she visited Norrsken Africa, a regional tech hub based in Kigali and Bwiza estates to assess the skills, services and the welfare program the migrants would be accorded upon arrival in Rwanda.

“I've been incredibly impressed with my visit today, both to meet local innovators and entrepreneurs and to see the job and wealth creation going on in the vibrant economy of Rwanda,” she said. “Also, I have been impressed with Bwiza estates; its extensive construction work, some of which (the estates) will be used for the resettlement and integration of migrants coming from the UK.”

Biruta believes the partnership between the two countries will contribute to addressing the global migration crisis.

“This innovative partnership represents an important development in our efforts to address irregular migration and we are glad to be working closely with the UK on this. The UK is investing in Rwanda's capability to offer better opportunities for migrants and Rwandans as well,” he said.

In 2022, the UK received 45,000 migrants which reflected a 60 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

United States Donates 10 New SUVs to Royal Bahamas Police Force

A fleet of 10 new SUVs outfitted with the latest technology was donated to the Royal Bahamas Police Force on Friday, March 17, 2023 by the United States to aid in the fight against crime in The Bahamas

Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings told reporters at the Police Headquarters that the vehicles will be utilized in the Operation Ceasefire Department. She explained the new fleet of police SUVs will allow officers to have a more “aggressive” style of policing.

5 Ten new SUVs DONATED to the Royal Bahamas Police Force by the United States on display on Friday, March 17. (Courtesy Photo)

“With these vehicles we're going to see more of an aggressive style of policing,” Skippings said.

“We're going to be intentional in our approach to criminals. And so, to criminals, I want you to know that we are coming to get you because we are going to ensure that this Bahamas will remain safe for everyone who lives in this country,”

The 10 SUVs are a part of the 20 vehicles donated by the United States in February. Skippings said the additional donated vehicles are expected to be released at a later date.

The SUVs have been equipped with the latest technological communications to assist officers in their saturation patrols and crime-tackling efforts. Each vehicle is estimated to be worth $150,000, Skippings said.

HEALTH

The Minister of Wellness Motivating African Americans to Eat Healthy

By Barrington M. Salmon Special to The Washington Informer

Known as the “Minister of Wellness,” Nathaniel Jordan said there is evidence all around us that African Americans face an existential crisis be-

cause of eating habits and poor food choices. Some people, Jordan said, are addicted to food in much the same way others are addicted to heroin or opioids.

While this crisis is reversible, Jordan explained, there is a war against Black health and considerable barriers that make it extremely difficult for

people to change.

“We’re in a terrible position. We have no clue about what to eat according to our species,” said Jordan,

a noted health and wellness speaker, nationally certified health coach and nutrition fitness specialist with the American Council on Exercise. “We have a food addiction to overcome but people have no desire to change. People are eating junk food, fried chicken, Chinese fried rice and fried hard greasy foods.”

Jordan – who characterized what’s happening to Black people as “genocide” – said he’s on a crusade to help to spread the knowledge which has helped propel him to excellent health. Regardless of race or income level, a critical part of his organization’s mission is to reduce health disparities by informing and motivating the Black community as it relates to the healing power of lifestyle and nutritional medicine.

The Minister of Wellness brought his healing message to the DMV region on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the free Community Health Fair and Seminar at Union Temple Baptist Church at 1225 W Street, S.E. in Washington, D.C.

CONFRONTING GENERATIONAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

He’s been a personal trainer and certified health specialist since 2015, fueled by watching awful eating habits decimate his family.

“I was called to do this while mourning my dad, Pastor Eddie Jordan, Jr.,” Jordan recalled. “He was taught by white pastors that he could eat anything he wanted – ham, chicken sandwiches and pork chops – as long as he blessed it in Jesus’ name. He ended up having nine strokes and went from being a strong, powerful man to tak-

ing 25 different medications and my mom changing his diapers.”

LEARNING HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

So Jordan, a husband and father of two, said he began the hard work of living a healthy lifestyle.

“In October of 2011, after reaching a body weight of 260 pounds and 30 percent body fat. I utilized moderation and portion size control combined with vigorous exercise to lose 75 pounds by April of 2012,” said Jordan on his website

What makes his approach stand out, the ‘Minister of Wellness,” said is that he embraced Biblical teachings.

“I started digging into the original scriptures and I am teaching the Biblical way of eating,” Jordan explained. “People lived long by eating fruits, grains, figs – everything natural and from the earth. I talked to doctors including Dr. Sebi and Dr. Laila Afrika, as well as Dick Gregory and the Hon. Elijah Muhammad. I went to school and read hundreds of books.”

“I have to put people on plants to cure cancer, diabetes and other diseases.”

INSPIRING THE MASSES

Celebrated boxing promoter and talk show host Rock Newman said he’s a huge fan of Jordan’s.

“I’ve known Nathaniel since 2018. On MLK’s birthday, I flew him from St. Louis to D.C.,” said Newman, who is perhaps best known for guiding Reddick Bowe to the undisputed world heavyweight championship. “I was determined to be healthy. He was just beyond outstanding. Those six months were some of the strongest I’ve ever been.”

“I’m a fan of Nate and a proponent of what he’s doing. I’ve seen it up close. I’ve struggled with weight all my life and I’ve seen the results when I’m as disciplined as possible,” said Newman, a Howard University graduate and trustee and a television and radio talk show host.

Jordan concentrates on helping to educate clients and the public about the human body, food addiction, and the power of plant-based foods.

“This is my calling. I will spend the rest of my life warning people that this is a genocide. COVID served as a wake-up call. The next one may be more deadly with a hantavirus or a mutation of Ebola which could result in 30 percent to 40 percent mortality.” WI

5 Nathaniel Jordan, also called the Minister of Wellness, works to help African Americans reverse health challenges by promoting healthy eating from a spiritual and holistic context. (Courtesy Photo)

Federal Researchers Find Sudden Unexplained Deaths Rose for Black Infants

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A new study has shown a huge racial difference in infant deaths.

Researchers found that babies born to African Americans had the highest rate of sudden unexpected deaths in 2020.

The authors concluded that Black infants die nearly three times the rate of white babies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released research on Monday, March 13, that found a 15% increase in sudden infant deaths among babies of all races from 2019 to 2020.

In the United States, SIDS is the third leading cause of infant death after congenital abnormalities and premature birth.

SIDS is also the most common cause of infant death in the United States.

The authors attributed the rise in SIDS cases to diagnostic shifting, where causes of death are reclassified.

They said the rise in deaths among Black infants happened at the same time the coronavirus pandemic started in late 2019.

The virus disproportionately affected Black communities.

“Evidence does not support direct or indirect effects of the pandemic on increased rates of sudden unexpected infant death, except for non-Hispanic Black infants,” the study authors stated.

They have called for more research, but also noted the many ways in which the pandemic wreaked hav-

oc on African Americans.

The study found that SIDS deaths increased by 15%, from 33.3 deaths per 100,000 babies born in 2019 to 38.2 per 100,000 babies born in 2020.

In data collection, both SIDS and incidents of accidental suffocation or strangulation fall under the umbrella term SUID, or sudden unexplained infant death.

Unlike SIDS, the rates of SUIDs are categorized by race and ethnicity, and researchers found an increase in unexplained deaths in Black infants. They didn’t find an increase among any other group.

The study's author, Sharyn Parks Brown, told NBC News that the finding was absolutely a surprise. She is a senior epidemiologist for the CDC's Perinatal and Infant Health Team.

“The racial and ethnic breakdowns of such deaths had been consistent for decades,” she said.

Reasons for the jump are unknown, NBC reported.

The authors said that the increase could be a statistical anomaly. They said they would check the data for several more years to see if the increase was real or not.

It could also reflect adjustments the National Association of Medical Examiners made in 2019 to how sudden infant deaths are classified on death certificates.

According to NBC News, the guidance said finding babies on or near soft bedding was not enough to say the deaths were caused by suffocation, because there was no evidence the airways had been blocked.

Those cases, according to the recommendations, should be classified as SIDS.

“If the new guidance was followed, this could have led to increased reporting of SIDS,” the study authors wrote. WI @StacyBrownMedia

LEE MONTESSORI PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Lee Montessori Public Charter School (PCS) is seeking proposals from companies to provide summertime renovation and repairs at our SE campus. Please reach out to Joshua McComas (joshua@ leemontessori.org) for the full RFP.

Proposals are due by Friday, April 28 at 5:00pm ET. Responses should be emailed to joshua@leemontessori.org and procurement@leemontessori.org

5 Sudden infant death syndrome and sudden unexpected infant death syndrome plague Black babies. (Caption/ iStock)

EDUCATION

New Legislation Tackles Teacher Retention Problem

By Sam P.K. Collins

WI Staff Writer

Legislation recently introduced by D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D- At large) aims to boost teacher retention by providing District teachers with two mental health days and establishing a coordinator to lead wellness programs.

If passed, the bill, titled the Educator Retention for Student Success Act of 2023, would also require the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to establish a flexible scheduling pilot program and launch a taskforce that addresses compensation of teaching paraprofessionals.

DCPS would also have to conduct and release the results of

an exit survey to determine why teachers are leaving.

White introduced the bill on Wednesday, more than two weeks after teacher retention organization EmpowerEd released a study touting the benefits of flexible scheduling and requested a $10 million budget allocation for the launch of nearly 25 flexible scheduling pilot programs.

His co-introducers are: D.C. Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5), Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8).

In expressing his support for these efforts, White said that investments in teachers’ well-being will compel more teachers to stay in the profession.

“There’s a cost to teachers leaving our system,” White said.

“Teachers don’t have the flexibility to [leave early or take the day off to care for their children] so they feel like they have to leave [the classroom] because their profession doesn’t provide the flexibility for a balanced life," he added. "This pilot program will see the flexible sched-

uling that teachers need.”

A report released by OSSE showed that 30% of District teachers left their school last year. Among the members of that group, nearly two-thirds left the D.C. public education workforce while 9% transferred to another school. Meanwhile, 26% of District principals left their school, with nearly 85% of those who left either changing roles or leaving the D.C. public education workforce.

DC Public Schools (DCPS) experienced higher retention levels than the public charter sector. In both sectors, teachers who were deemed ineffective left at higher rates than their effective counterparts.

Though Black teachers account for the largest portion of the District’s public school teacher workforce, they experienced loss in greater numbers than their white, Asian and Latino counterparts, according to the data OSSE compiled.

In years past, teachers have organized around improving aspects of the job, including classroom conditions and the evaluation process. Since the pandemic, there has been more discussion about improving teacher mental wellness and fostering work-life balance.

Last year, the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and DCPS solidified the 2019-2023 teachers' contract that includes a 12% pay raise, 4% retention bonus, the inclusion of vision, dental and legal benefits, and a $1,500 stipend for social workers, school psychologists, special education instructors and other in-demand employees.

During budget season, there have been talks of how to ensure that the public charter sector secures matching funds received through the WTU contract.

In preparation for a new round of contract negotiations scheduled to start in June, WTU circulated a teachers' survey and continues to conduct listening sessions across the city. WTU President Jacqueline Pogue-Lyons said that she welcomed At-large Councilmember White's legislation, describing it as a push toward ideal working conditions for teachers.

She pointed out however that the latest survey results show that more needs to be done.

"I would also like [us] to look into and make changes to IMPACT (The DCPS effectiveness assessment system for schoolbased Personnel). I hope the council takes that on," Pogue-Lyons said. "That's why we're losing teachers. We're excited about this bill coming on the heels of us getting a contract. It shows that the city is nervous and upset about us losing teachers." WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Council member Robert White introduced the Educator Retention for Student Success Act of 2023 more than two weeks after teacher retention organization EmpowerEd released a study touting the benefits of flexible scheduling and requested a $10 million budget allocation for the launch of nearly 25 flexible scheduling pilot programs. (WI File Photo/ Roy Lewis/ The Washington Informer)

“Teachers don’t have the flexibility to [leave early or take the day off to care for their children] s o they feel like they have to leave [the classroom] because their profession doesn’t provide the flexibility for a balanced life," White said.

Special-Needs Families Tackle School Placement, Out-of-School Time Quandaries

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

For Genie Dawkins, ongoing bus delays and scheduling changes for Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE)’s Division of Transportation represent a small portion of her fight to guarantee her special-needs child a quality education.

Years ago, Dawkins, a Northwest resident and special-education and lifestyle consultant, secured a placement at a private school in Montgomery County with the hope that her son-- who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder-- would have access to teachers and resources needed to excel academically.

Instead, what Dawkins recalled encountering were administrators more adamant about controlling her son’s behavior than helping him build his skill set and preparing him for the next stages of his academic career.

She said that teachers often confused her son’s penchant for asking questions with insubordination, and kept him on a behavior track that would relegate him to a course selection similar to what she tried to avoid in District’s public and public charter schools.

Even after a functional behavior assessment deemed her son cognitively prepared for the academic track that he would eventually dominate, Dawkins said that instructors at the Rockville, Maryland-based private school continue to designate him as “below grade level” on his report cards.

She told the Informer her situation is indicative of a larger problem special-needs families have in their efforts to secure suitable academic and extracurricular accommodations for their children.

“They’re forcing high-functioning autistic children into institutions that prioritize behaviors, not academics. When I talk to schools that used to accept our vouchers and I ask them why they don’t [anymore], they say the goals conflict,” Dawkins said.

“Once a child makes academic progress [at the placement school], DC Public Schools says they no longer want them placed there. Some schools don’t allow a child to graduate with a diploma. They funnel D.C. students to the workforce because they’re not academically strong.”

EXPLORING CONDITIONS THAT SPECIAL-NEEDS STUDENTS FACE

Children and young people between the ages of 3 and 21 receive special education and related services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), federal legislation that mandates eligible students with disabilities receive a “free appropriate public education.”

OSSE coordinates the placement oversight process to ensure that special-needs students can be educated alongside their peers in the general population of District public and public charter schools. Additionally, the agency works to boost academic outcomes for special-needs students through special training for educators, access to support and resources for special education data systems, and the allocation of funds for the newly formed Special Education Hub, a partnership OSSE entered with the DC Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education.

Since before the pandemic, special-needs families have embraced oth-

er means of educating their children, due to what some have described as environments that traumatize their children and ill-prepare them for future academic pursuits.

During the latter part of 2020, five parents filed a civil suit against DCPS alleging the physical abuse of special-needs children at River Terrace Education Campus, Walker-Jones Education Campus Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School. Some of the parents in the suit had since enrolled their children in other schools, including St. Coletta of Greater Washington, a public charter school in Capitol Hill for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Families experiencing similar situations may petition for placement in what are called nonpublic schools and programs. OSSE works with the child’s school and family to facilitate admission into those programs. .

As of February, nearly 40 D.C.-area schools have been approved as sites providing the “least restrictive environment” for children in need of an education outside of the District public and public charter schools. During FY-2022, OSSE reviewed and made

recommendations on student placements for 132 students.

Out of that group, 82 of those students received placements at nonpublic schools.

An OSSE spokesperson told the Informer that the aforementioned schools and programs specialize in meeting a variety of needs for students,

and are required to accommodate special-needs students as they embark on the journey to attaining their diploma, GED or alternative certificate of completion.

However, parents who spoke with the Informer on background mentioned challenges navigating OSSE’s school placement process, including a requirement that the school that OSSE approves for them needs to accept their child within seven days of that approval.

Other parents have even alleged collusion between the placement schools, DCPS and the charter schools to send the special-needs children back to a public or public charter schools so that those schools receive the funds attached to that student.

During the earlier part of March, the D.C. Policy Center released its State of D.C. Schools 2021-2022 report which showed the incremental decline in public and public charter school enrollment among special-needs students in District since the start of the pandemic. WI

@SamPKCollins

Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com

5 Genie Dawkins, a Northwest resident and special-education and lifestyle consultant (Courtesy Photo)

Nature Forward Shows Off Stunning Photography Project at Annual “Taking Nature Black” Conference

By Kayla Benjamin Climate & Environment Writer

In an expansive and high-ceilinged auditorium in the Silver Spring Civic Center, a small collection of images hung unobtrusively on the wall in a front corner of the room. The images came from a project called “Belonging: The Black Americans in Nature Photography Project.” The project, released along with an accompanying ebook last spring, aims to increase Black representation in nature imagery and help reclaim Black narratives in natural spaces.

Despite the exhibit’s small place in the auditorium’s corner, the pictures—and their theme—took center stage on March 10, the in-person day of Nature Forward’s four-day “Taking Nature Black” conference.

“This conference, and all of you, are reigniting an appreciation for the land and a deep love for each other [and] our communities, to create places where we unapologetically know we belong,” said Jalonne White-Newsome, Senior Director for Environmental Justice at the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

White-Newsome served as the keynote speaker during the in-person part of the conference. She joined a packed lineup of in-person and virtual conference speakers that included federal environmental officials alongside local grassroots activists, scientists and artists. Many of the event’s local speakers and panelists also appear in the “Belonging” pictures.

The “Belonging” project, created through a collaboration between Taking Nature Black and the U.S. Forest Service, shows off natural spaces in the DMV region. Participants could choose where they wanted to have photos taken. WI

5 Dr. Samuel Ramsey at Ward 7’s Kingman & Heritage Islands. (Benjamin Israel / Taking Nature Black & U.S. Forest Service)

5 Kevin Lukusa at Sligo Creek Trail in Takoma Park. (Benjamin Israel / Taking Nature Black & U.S. Forest Service)

3 Queen Shabazz and Melchisedek Messiah Shabazz at Forest Hill Park in Richmond, Virginia. (Benjamin Israel / Taking Nature Black & U.S. Forest Service)

5 Stefan Lockridge at Oxon Run Park in Ward 8. (Benjamin Israel / Taking Nature Black & U.S. Forest Service)

6 Alex and T.J. Sturdivant at Billy Goat Trail, C&O Canal, Maryland. (Benjamin Israel / Taking Nature Black & U.S. Forest Service)

D.C.’s Allergy Season is 20 Days Longer Now than in 1970, Study Finds

By Kayla Benjamin Climate & Environment Writer

This week marks the beginning of “peak bloom”—the time when most of the Yoshino cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin and throughout the city will start showing their delicate pink blossoms. That’s exciting news for many tourists and District residents, both of whom will show up to the Mall in droves until the petals have all turned to green leaves.

But while lots of people are celebrating, some are too busy sneezing. The blooming of the cherry blossom trees aligns with the flowering season for other plants and trees in the D.C. region. Those who suffer from springtime pollen allergies may start to feel the familiar onset of congestion and itchy eyes.

Over the last century, the cherry blossoms’ “peak bloom” date has gotten earlier on average. That’s because temperatures have gotten warmer as fossil fuels have increased the levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. And earlier blooms mean longer allergy seasons.

The District’s allergy season has lengthened by an average of 20 days since 1970, according to a study released by Climate Central March 8. Nationally, the report found, U.S. cities have seen about 15 days added to their allergy seasons.

Another report released this month—the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s “2023 Allergy Capitals” report—actually lists D.C. as one of the best U.S. cities when it comes to seasonal allergies. The organization uses pollen counts, number of allergy specialists and amount of over-the-counter allergy medicine used to make its determinations. In a ranking of 100 cities where number one was the worst, the District came in 96th place.

But that statistic may be little comfort to Washingtonians stocking up on tissue boxes and antihistamines this week. On average, D.C.’s allergy season—defined as the time of year when no days fall below freezing— lasts around 236 days.

WHAT DOES CLIMATE CHANGE HAVE TO DO

WITH MY RUNNY NOSE?

Experiencing warmer temperatures for longer periods causes increased exposure to both pollen from growing trees and spores from outdoor mold, both of which are common triggers for seasonal allergies.

The mold that forms in soil and decaying plants releases tiny airborne spores into the air, and some kinds can cause allergic reactions. Most types of mold thrive in summer and fall but go dormant in colder temperatures. Longer growing seasons and milder winters may mean more exposure to mold spores.

Additionally, higher levels of carbon dioxide in the air—which is what causes climate change and warmer average temperatures—can enhance plant growth, according to Climate Central’s report. Several lab-based studies have found that higher levels of carbon dioxide, or CO2, sometimes boosts the amount of pollen or spores produced by certain allergenic plant and mold species.

ALLERGIES ARE ANNOYING, SURE, BUT WHY IS THIS A BIG DEAL?

Many people experience seasonal allergies as a nuisance. But for asthma sufferers, especially children, they can become dangerous. The most common trigger for asthma is allergens.

In general, people experience allergies when the body responds to an unknown substance as if it’s a threat. The immune system creates antibodies that identify the substance and react to get rid of it next time the person gets exposed, which is what causes symptoms like itchiness, congestion and fatigue.

For people with allergy-triggered asthma, that same reaction happens in the lungs and airways. They may experience shortness of breath, chest pain and wheezing in addition to typical allergy symptoms. In some cases, allergens may trigger full asthma attacks, which can be dangerous—particularly among children, whose smaller airways become more easily blocked.

If you’ve been here on the Our Earth page before, you’ll recognize a theme: Climate change will cause out-

sized harm to people and communities of color, not just globally but right here in the District. In the U.S., Black and brown folks will disproportionately face impacts like flooding, extreme heat and air pollution.

And this is true for allergies, too, because asthma impacts Black residents of D.C. at far higher rates than white residents. According to CDC data, about 9% of white adults in the District have an asthma diagnosis, while about 14% Black adults here have one. Meanwhile, at least 15,900 D.C. children suffer from asthma, and more than 72% of them are Black, according to a study published in the Journal of Asthma last year. Thus, even though everyone will experience a longer allergy season, Black families in the District will be more likely to face the most serious consequences of the lingering pollen and mold.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Ultimately, the world needs to limit greenhouse gas emissions and slow

down climate change in order to keep allergy seasons from getting lon ger and more forceful, the Climate Central report said. But in the meantime, fam ilies can take some concrete steps to limit the impact of allergy symptoms, especially for children and adults with asthma:

Before walking outside, check online for allergen forecasts and air quality reports

Close windows and doors to lim it pollen and spores from entering the home

Keep humidity low inside homes to prevent mold from growing

Make sure kids with aller gy-triggered asthma can ac cess an inhaler or other med ication if they will be playing outdoors during high-pol len days

WI

D.C. Environmental Film Festival Returns in Person, With Big Names on the Lineup

By Kayla Benjamin Climate & Environment Writer

The D.C. Environmental Film Festival returned to in-person screenings this year, after being online since 2019, with more than 100 films shown at venues all across the District. It kicked off on March 16 at the Naval Heritage Center with a sold out evening showing of “Deep Rising,” a documentary about destructive extraction in the ocean depths narrated by Jason Momoa.

Over the course of the ten-day festival, more than 20,000 people are expected to view the collection of short films and documentaries about nature, environmental justice and activists working to preserve our planet. The last day of the conference features another big name: Angela Bassett narrates “Good Night Oppy,” a film about a Mars rover robot that lasted 15 years longer than NASA expected. It is showing at the Naval Heritage Center at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 26.

Well-known political leaders like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) (who features in “The Smell of Money” to talk about the harms of factory farming) also make appearances in many of the films.

The festival’s schedule includes a number of Black stories about justice, including “Freedom Hill,” a short film about environmental racism in Princeville, North Carolina, and “After Sherman,” a documentary about African American history and connection to the land in the Black Belt. Another film focused on justice and equity, Lawrence Green’s “Trashman,” stands out as a D.C. story. The short examines the trash pollution problem in Ward 8 and what community activists are doing about it.

Interested viewers can buy tickets to individual films, most of which are just under $12 each, at dceff. org. WI

5 A sold out showing of “Deep Rising,” a documentary about destructive extraction in the ocean depths narrated by Jason Momoa, kicked off the D.C. Environmental Film Festival on March 16. (Schmidt Ocean Institute / The Film Collaborative)

D.C. Needs Paid Post-Secondary Public Service Program

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has proposed an idea that could substantially change the options for Marylanders exploring post-high school options. For many graduating seniors, the choice for the next step in their lives are going straight to college, joining the military service or going to work. Moore offers another choice: utilize the year after high school for paid public service primarily through nonprofits within the state.

Moore’s plan calls for participants to receive career development counseling, earn a $15 an hour wage and qualify for a $3,000 stipend at the end of the service year. This is a program the District should offer its graduating seniors, also.

A Nov. 11, 2022, article “The Pros and Cons of Gap Year After High School” on the Goabroad.com website reported benefits of waiting a year before going to college or joining the workforce include getting a sense of what direction one wants to go before making a commitment, trying something different, a chance to try a new skill and the time to properly prepare financially for what lies ahead. Some District high school graduates aren’t prepared to seek higher education because they lack the finances, maturity or the academic preparation. Some don’t want to commit to the military due to its travel requirements and strict discipline. Going into the workforce after high school could be financially beneficial, but the chances for advancing are slim because many companies and public agencies require some level of higher education to advance.

The District is full of nonprofits seeking help in carrying out their mission. A District-government funded post-high school paid public service position will provide nonprofits the manpower they need to carry out their mission and give young people the chance to gain valuable skills and contacts. While the District manages the summer youth employment program that has served as a model for the country, a paid public service job initiative specifically for high school graduates during the gap year can focus more intensely on helping participants reach their goals. Members of the D.C. State Board of Education and the D.C. Council should be contacted by residents to support this idea that Maryland seems ready to embrace. WI

If You’re Stuck in a Hole, Stop Digging

President Joe Biden officially approved a permit for an enormous oil project on federal land in Alaska last week. Run by oil company ConocoPhillips, the Willow project sits on land leased to the corporation for oil development decades ago, in the 1990s.

We know a lot more now than we did then.

For instance, we know that climate change, caused by burning carbon-rich fossil fuels like oil and coal, has already harmed millions. Just last month, first lady Dr. Jill Biden visited Kenya and witnessed the destruction caused by severe, long-lasting drought in east Africa. She called for increased international aid for the region: “People are starving,” she said.

We also know that climate disasters today and in the future will be deeply unjust and racist, harming low-income communities and people of color far more severely and widely than richer, whiter populations. The people most harmed by climate change are also those who have contributed least to global emissions.

Finally, we know that, in order to mitigate even more devastating crises, we need to stop burning fossil fuels now. Really, we needed to stop decades ago; scientists, including some at Exxon, correctly predicted climate change as far back as the 1970s. But right now is the only option we have.

Which is why President Biden needed to stick to his 2020 campaign promise: “No more drilling on federal lands, period.”

To be clear, there are reasons the Willow project got approved. The Biden administration said its hands were tied legally, since ConocoPhillips already had the lease. And the project has widespread support in Alaska, including from some—though not all—Alaska native leaders, many of whom see it as an economic lifeline. ConocoPhillips says Willow could create as many as 2,500 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs.

Those are important considerations. But they can’t outweigh the fact that we have to stop building new fossil fuel projects. There’s no other way to save our children’s futures.

We know a lot more today than we did two decades ago, both about how dire the situation is and about how to fix it. Climate change is already contributing to drought and starvation in a region whose people contributed almost nothing to the emissions problem—and that’s just one of thousands of similar crises.

Our world is stuck in an incredibly deep climate change hole. At the very least, we need to stop digging it. WI

Royal Ride

What an awesome picture on last week’s cover of Michael “Polo King” Roane by Dee Dwyer. While I think ATVs and the like should be regulated in the District, it’s still cool to see the interest and passion of our youth.

Lem Person Washington, D.C.

TO THE EDITOR

Recognize Greatness

Congrats to Hampton alum Ruth Carter for making history at the Oscars! She is a legendary costume designer. I was delighted to see her receive flowers for her work for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

Tamra James Washington, D.C.

Readers' Mailbox The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

The

The Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the 16th largest bank in the United States, failed because its leaders used poor judgment in making ill-advised investments. They invested heavily in long-term Treasury bonds that had low-interest rate returns. As interest rates rose (which meant SVB was losing money), they didn't have the required reserves to cover their outstanding loans. Instability in the tech industries, where they were heavily invested, contributed to the bank's denouement. While the

Julianne Malveaux

SVB Bank Failure — What's 'Woke' Got to Do With It?Rates

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation usually insures deposits up to $250,000, President Biden agreed that the federal government would cover deposits "at no cost to taxpayers." Because SVB primarily served startups and heavy hitters, about 85 percent of its deposits were uninsured. Ordinary Americans don't get the bailout that SVB depositors got, but Biden and others justified it by saying they wanted to avoid further instability in the banking industry. While the president says that taxpayer dollars

Guest Columnist

Still Fighting for Families

If you want to change the world, you change the world of a child.

Rep. Patricia Schroeder

When former Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder passed away March 13, many people were quick to remember the Harvard-educated lawyer who became the first woman member of Congress from Colorado as a trailblazing feminist politi-

cian. As a founding member and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues (now known as the Congressional Women's Caucus), she was a leading champion for children's, women's and family issues who correctly understood that policies that benefit children and their caregivers benefit everyone.

During her 24 years in the House of Representatives, Rep. Schroeder helped pass the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, National Child Protection Act, Violence Against Women

Guest Columnist

won't be used in the SVB bailout, that remains to be seen.

Financial experts will examine the reasons for the SVB failure for months, if not years. Daft Republican legislators, with absolutely no facts, have concluded that the failure of the bank is a result of "woke" business policies. They've not defined what they mean by such policies, but some see their vacuous rhetoric as a swipe at diversity practices to which most banks adhere. The intellectually

challenged Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green (R-Ga.) wrote, "the fools running the bank were woke and almost because broke ."Donald Trump, Jr., the business icon whose daddy's companies have regularly declared bankruptcy, also weighed in on this matter. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is pinning his presidential hopes on making anti-wokeness a national mantra, said the bank was "so concerned with DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) that they got diverted from their core mission."

Marian Wright Edelman

Act, and legislation requiring federally funded medical researchers to include women in their studies, among many others. As the first woman on the House Armed Services Committee, she was a consistent and often lonely voice asking whether military spending budgets were unnecessarily large and could be shared with other priorities that were desperately underfunded; as she said, "When men talk about defense, they always claim to be protecting women and children, but they never ask the women and

Rosonja Seay

children what they think." One of her hardest won victories was the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which now guarantees eligible workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a family member.

Until its passage, family leave was another issue many people had pigeonholed for years as "just" a mothers' issue. In fact, FMLA helps men and women care for newborns, sick children and spouses, older parents, and other family members, and take care of their own health challenges

Wall Street Journal writer Andy Kessler suggested that the SVB board, primarily white male, may have failed because its 12-persin board — 45 percent women, with one African American and one GBLTQ+ member — was diverse.

Florida's DeSantis is a leader among those who decry consciousness. His 2022 "Stop Woke Act" prohibits instruction on race or diversity that makes white folks

MALVEAUX Page 53

and serious illnesses. Rep. Schroeder fought for FMLA's passage for nine years and saw it vetoed twice by President George H.W. Bush before President Bill Clinton signed it into law in one of his first significant acts after taking office. But as Rep. Schroeder later explained in an interview with the House historian, "The bill that I introduced was very different than what we finally got passed, because we obviously had to water it down a lot and it took a lot

EDELMAN Page 53

We Need to Discuss the Prevalence of Colon Cancer Diagnoses, Deaths Among Younger African Americans

On Aug. 23, 2021, my daughter, Shundra Massey Brown, posted for the last time, “At the age of 29, I never would’ve thought that I would be diagnosed with colon cancer.” Approximately two months after her diagnosis, my daughter passed away. Her son was only 22 months old.

Shundra’s Instagram account, BrownMommyDiary, radiated positivity. Her brilliant style, adorable son, and doting husband took center stage in most of her photos.

In the captions, she selflessly shared experiences with others, urging her followers to live healthy and fulfilling lives, just as she had.

A DELAYED DIAGNOSIS AND MORE Young-onset colon cancer patients are often diagnosed with more advanced cancer, which is more difficult to treat and younger patients, especially women, are more likely to have their concerns dismissed by their doctors.

This was Shundra’s experience — an experience that started with back pain that remained uninvestigated, even when blood tests showed abnormal results. It ended with a devastating colon cancer diagnosis that would take my daughter's life approximately two months later.

Unfortunately, cases of young-onset colon cancer, affecting patients under the age of 50, are increasing by 1.5% each year, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The numbers are

increasing for younger people, and we are just standing idly by. It is so unfair it almost seems criminal, especially since colon cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in the U.S. and the most treatable cancer if detected early.

DISPARITIES AFFECT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

To make matters worse, colon cancer disproportionately affects

African Americans, as we are 20% more likely to get colon cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it. That is more than any other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S., according to the ACS. The reasons behind the disparities are numerous and include tumor characteristics and comorbidities. But they also include treatment delays, even when patients have similar socioeconomic backgrounds.

With the recent passings of

E. Faye Williams

Our Humanity?

As a human being, I am always appalled when I observe or learn of events of inhumanity. Without fail, the first questions which come to mind are, "What experience(s) could have motivated an act(s) of such heinous cruelty?" and "What values or ethical principles can the assailant use to justify his/her acts?" As an ordained Christian minister, my personal distress is no less, and my questions do not change. I am,

however, even more perplexed when these acts of inhumanity are perpetrated by those professed to hold religious fervor and who use their distorted belief systems to relegate, subjugate and brutalize others.

For over a year, we have witnessed the catastrophic results of aggression running rampant. On so many different levels, Russia's invasion of Ukraine is unjust and inhumane. It is the manifestation of Vladimir Putin's maniacal obsession to reestablish the power, authority and geographical footprint of the long-dead Soviet Union. For over ten-years, Russia has chosen to alter es-

tablished borders of territorial integrity and sovereignty with the use of force, and has threatened retribution upon those who oppose it.

War is bad enough when waged between combatants. Those who practice war are comfortable with, or at least accept, what they classify as "collateral damage." What has been documented and we have seen through the magic of modern telecommunication is Russia waging war against a civilian population. Mass murder, kidnapping, rape, destruction of power and water grids, and directed attacks against residential areas and cultural centers and icons are

Charlene Crowell

all hallmarks of an illegal Russian invasion.

In our own country, we are experiencing an alarming increase in the number and frequency of hate crimes and violence. According to The Voice of America (VOA), in December 2022, the FBI released its annual hate crimes statistics, which showed there were 7,262 hate crime incidents in 2021; however, the report excluded data for New York City, Chicago and most of California.

In the decades since (1991), most (reported) hate crimes have been motivated by racial bias, with African Amer-

FHA Makes Housing More Affordable for 850,000 Borrowers

ered mortgage insurance premiums.

Beginning March 20, a recent move by the Biden administration will make owning a home more affordable for current and prospective homebuyers. Arriving just in time for the spring buying season, 850,000 mortgage borrowers who used FHA financing for their homes as well as families choosing this popular mortgage program will benefit from low-

This monthly fee, paid along with principal and interest owed will be cut by 0.3 percentage points, thereby lowering regular monthly costs. The cut is also reflected in President Biden's new budget proposal. With housing affordability straining many efforts to become homeowners, the lowered costs triggered by the insurance premium deduction can be an important difference.

"For this country to truly succeed, all Americans must have access to opportunity. That means expanding access to

The Inspired Black Child

The truth is always revealed despite the lies and misinformation sometimes communicated by those in and running for office. Ignorance represents a lack of knowledge or information; therefore, ignorance is the opposite of knowledge. It is surprising how much the ignorance of voters will play a role when it comes to the GOP waging its culture war in Amer-

ica. A motivating factor behind many ambitious politicians resorting to lies and misinformation is the ignorance of those who will choose to accept and embrace the twisted truth. While access to the truth is always available, the facts will remain ignored and disregarded. The facts become irrelevant if the lie and misinformation feed an individual's prejudices and/or political beliefs. A shrewd politician will recognize when they have a receptive audience with deliberate ignorance in which their lack of knowledge is by their choosing.

wealth-building and home ownership," said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge in a recent interview. "Today, we are building on the steps we've taken to make homeownership more affordable, and HUD is acting to ensure people feel comfortable purchasing a home as they build toward their future. As we reduce housing costs for people with FHA mortgages, we continue our work to address longstanding disparities in homeownership."

Although actual dollar savings will vary by market and locale, families who borrowed at the national median

David W. Marshall

The culture war is not just a fight between conservatives and liberal ideologies. How this culture war is conducted shows it to be a fight between ignorance versus knowledge. The perfect example is the "birther" movement. Then-President Obama and the Department of Health in Hawaii approved the public release of Obama's birth certificate to finally put the questions surrounding his nationality to rest. Once the birth certificate was made public, Donald Trump, as a presidential candidate, questioned if the document was authentic. His

icans the top target. That remained the case last year in most cities studied by the research center.

VOA continues:

In New York City, the nation's largest city with about 9 million residents, police investigated 619 hate crimes, up 18% for the year and the most since 1992.

In Los Angeles, the second most populous U.S. city, police recorded a total of 643 hate crime victims in 2022, up 13% from 2021 and the highest number since 2001. In contrast to most other police

price of $270,000 for their home will see an annual savings of approximately $800. In markets where median prices are higher, higher dollar savings will apply. Conversely, in areas where median home prices are lower than the national one, savings will be smaller.

For example, in Detroit where the median-priced home is $200,000, the annual savings for FHA borrowers will be approximately $600. By contrast, FHA borrowers in Prince George's County, Maryland, where the average home price is $300,000, annual mortgage premium insurance savings

will rise to $900 each year. FHA borrowers in Austin, Texas, can look forward to an estimated $1,500 in yearly savings on the market's homes valued at $500,000. In Boston, Los Angeles and New York, where the median price of homes is even higher, so too will be those borrowers' savings.

The program's cost-cutting is made possible by the growth in recent years in the fund's accumulated reserves, now five times the amount required by Congress. This financial heft strength-

CROWELL Page 54

MAGA supporters continued to believe the lie despite the facts.

After years of stirring up controversy, misinformation, and racial division, Trump eventually acknowledged what he knew all along, that Barack Obama is a natural-born American citizen. The "birther" movement was an effective means for Trump to politically prey on the deliberate ignorance of his MAGA supporters and exploit their willingness to reject the truth. When the "birther" movement was inserted into Trump's culture war strategy, it perfectly fit as a "dog whistle"

tactic when connecting the culture war with his quest for elected office. While the "birther" movement galvanized support among MAGA voters, it was a deliberate misrepresentation of the truth, a means of disrespecting Obama and Black voters. It helped propel Trump to the White House. Now, "wokeness" has become the latest "dog whistle" and means of twisting the truth to satisfy and appeal to conservative voters.

Many GOP primary voters are pas-

MARSHALL Page 54

WILLIAMS Page 54

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

Youth Actors Bring Icons to Life in 'Blacks in Wax'

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Young performers from the Southeast Tennis & Learning Center in Ward 8 brought African American achievers in fields such as politics, the arts and sports to life as part of the annual "Blacks in Wax" production.

In its 16th year, the productions were held at THEARC in Southeast on March 16 and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millennium Stage in Northwest on March 16.

A special annual project born from former D.C. first lady Cora Masters Barry, who also facilitated the founding of the tennis center, this year’s Blacks in Wax was “Legends & Likeness: The Power of Knowing Your Black History.”

“Blacks in Wax is a huge un-

dertaking every year,” Barry said. “There is a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into putting on this production. But when I saw the transformation of the youth from themselves to an iconic figure, I know it’s worth every pain staking moment.”

Young people ages 5 to 17 transform themselves from a “wax replica” to a live portrayal of influential Black figures. The actors dress as the figure, and take on their speech patterns and mannerisms. The actors research, write and study the figures they present.

The Kennedy Center Show Hundreds of people came to the Kennedy Center to observe the Blacks in Wax showcase. Among the attendees were syndicated columnist Dr. Julianne Malveaux; Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks; former Labor

Secretary Alexis Herman; former D.C. Council member Carol Schwartz; and Council member Robert White (D-At Large).

Before the main event, 18 actors portraying Black notables ranging from the Queen of Sheba during the Biblical era to today’s entertainer Erykah Badu stood in specific areas separate from each other in the back hall of the center. The actors were still, whether standing or sitting, waiting for someone to push a white button

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to hear their presentation.

A particular favorite of onlookers was the Supremes presentation with Riley Rose as Diana Ross, Brooklyn Ashby as Mary Wilson, and Dorian Perry as Florence Ballard. The crowd at the Supremes setup seemed delighted when the girls sang and danced to the song, “Stop in the Name of Love.”

At the Millennium Stage, the actors represented their chosen figures in specific categories, with each performer reciting a two-minute speech on their notable’s life and accomplishments.

In entertainment, Jennifer Hudson, Jay-Z and Beyonce were personified by Tatum Primus, John

Madden and Kennedi Grimes, respectively. Representing D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were Kaidin Newman, Vaughn Biddix and Mazin Brake. Sports and activist figures rounded out the production.

Anti-violence activist Ron Moten and D.C. NAACP Branch President Akosua Ali were represented by actors Mason Burrs and Daley Perry.

Ali said it was “humbling” for Perry to portray her.

“This amazing young lady has set an example to follow,” Ali said. wi @JamesWrightJr10

Resetting Jet Magazine Where Everyone Can Be

‘Beauty of the Week’

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Remember “Beauty of the Week,” Jet magazine’s famous page 43, which featured Black women college students, actors, nurses, and everyday girls in swimsuits?

Now, anyone can be a beauty of the week or even grace the cover as the iconic publication resets digitally and where readers and fans can go to myjetstory.com and up-

load their photos and create a personalized Jet cover.

“Everybody has a Jet story,” Daylon Goff, the president of Jet, said during a 30-minute interview on the National Newspaper Publishers Association daily show, Let It Be Known.

“I’m always rocking Jet merchandise, and when someone finds out what I do for a living, they im-

JET Page 50

5 Young actors Tatum Primus (as Jennifer Hudson), John Madden ( as Jay-Z) and Kennedi Grimes (as Beyoncé) at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage with a projected image of Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé in the background. (Rob Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

Chuck D’s New Culture Media App Brings the Noise for Users

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

With beta testing complete, Bring the Noise is now in full effect.

Public Enemy, founder and legendary MC Chuck D, has fronted the release of a new culture media app called Bring the Noise.

“It’s a flow in its usage like a billion other apps,” Chuck promised in an impromptu 45-minute interview with the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s live morning show, Let It Be Known.

“This is just dedicated to culture. To the F.A.M. – Film, Art, and Music.”

As noted by HipHopDx.com, Chuck D’s app should come as no surprise, considering how adamantly he has pushed for Hip Hop to have a board dedicated to sorting out the needs of the culture.

The website noted that, in July 2022, Chuck D, KRS-One, Kurtis Blow, and Doug E. Fresh teamed up to establish the Hip Hop Alliance.

In January, the alliance issued a statement in response to Bow Wow claiming Hip Hop needs a “board” to discuss cultural happenings.

“Like every other aspect of society’s workforce, the artists and creators of hip-hop need protection,

support, and advocacy,” read the statement.

“From label disputes to intellectual property retrieval and the need for an overall governing body, the Hip Hop Alliance (HHA) was established.

Recent comments created a unique opportunity to bring forth a conversation that many in hip-hop and R&B have been addressing for a long time: the need for a governing body for hip-hop, the artist explained.

“H.H.A. aims to empower artists to make informed decisions about their career and ensure that their rights are respected and protected.”

A Long Island, New York native, Chuck D counts among hip-hop’s trailblazers. Born Carlton Douglas Ridenour, Chuck D attended Adelphi University in New York.

That’s where he met his wouldbe Public Enemy co-star, Flavor Flav. The group’s hit albums included “Yo! Bum Rush the Show,” “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back,” and “Fear of a Black Planet.”

Public Enemy also contributed to the soundtrack of Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” and “He

Got Game,” which starred Denzel Washington.

The new app dropped this month and is about “less of what they want where you can create more of what you want,” Chuck declared.

“History will be made for culture media being greater than social media,” he asserted.

The hip-hop legend added that social media has “everybody in a sandbox,” explaining the difference in culture media.

“One thing that culture media does is the music, the craft, and the

art, and it’s not uninviting to 35 and under if you want to give it a name, figure, or number. It engages a conversation in a room that just keeps it to the art and culture, and that’s what it is.”

Chuck concluded: “I just think social media’s all over the place. Everybody feels like they have a mic and a camera and are a superstar, so I’m just like, ‘Cool, stay there if you want to,’ but you could go to BringTheNoiseApp.com.”

WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 Public Enemy Founder Chuck D. (Kim Metso/ Wikimedia Commons)

The new app dropped this month and is about “less of what they want where you can create more of what you want,” Chuck declared.

LIFESTYLE AKA Chapter Celebrates Century of Service with a Prayer Breakfast

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

The Xi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., marked 100 years on March 18 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Northwest, D.C. at its “Centennial Prayer Breakfast: Celebrating a Century of Sisterhood and Service.” Drawing out hundreds of women and a sprinkling of men, the prayer breakfast emphasized the chapter and sorority’s spiritual legacy and roots.

“We intentionally wanted the breakfast to have a spiritual focus,” said Raven L. Hill, the president of Xi Omega. “Throughout the past 10 decades, it has been prayer that has kept us going and got us to the point where we are now.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first intercollegiate historically Black sorority. The sorority was founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University by sixteen students led by Ethel Hedgemon Lyle. Notable AKAs include Vice President Kamala Harris, former

D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt, former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, entertainers Phylicia Rashad, Wanda Sykes and Roxie Roker, Nobel-Prize winning author Toni Morrison and tennis legend Althea Gibson.

AKA officials report 300,000 members have been initiated and there are 1,024 chapters internationally.

The Xi Omega chapter was founded on Dec. 23, 1923, by 20 sorority members and is the first graduate chapter in the District. Prominent members of Xi Omega members are U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois) and D.C. Council members Christina Henderson (I-At Large) and Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4). Xi Omega officials said 700 members belong to the chapter. Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha Green also belongs to Xi Omega.

AKA MINISTERS MANAGE THE PROGRAM

The Rev. Crystal A. Kuykendall presided over the prayer breakfast. With sorority member beating drums and chanting phrases, Rev. Dr. Yolanda Pierce led a libation ceremony with the assistance of Bele Bele Rhythm Collection— Sisterhood of the Drum.

In a largely soprano tune, voices rang from the audience during the singing of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” as guests viewed the first stanza on the projection screen. The spiritual input continued as Jordyn Allen, a Howard University student and a member of the school’s Alpha chapter, read Psalms: 46: 5. The Rev. Nan A. Peete recited Galatians: 3:23-28. Haija L. Khadijah Muhammad read reflections from The Quran, while the Prayer of Remembrance was recited by the Rev. Canon Dr. Rosemarie Logan Duncan.

The Prayer of Thanksgiving delivered the Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell and the Rev. Adriane Blair Wise blessed the food. Dancers from Bowie’s Star Makers Academy of Dance performed a liturgical dance and the Xi Omega Centennial Ensemble sang, “He’s God.”

The Rev. L. Tanai White con-

veyed the Prayer of Hope while the Minister Carmelia L. Rush and Logan Peters conducted the Centennial Prayer. A highlight of the program occurred when sorority members of various generations chronologically rang bells to celebrate the chapter’s century anniversary with 100 rings. The Rev. Angelica Rowe Garner delivered the benediction.

PRAISE FOR XI OMEGA

Josephine Baker, a retired District educator, said she has belonged to the chapter for decades and stays active because of its activities.

“I wanted to belong to a chapter that was full of intelligent women and was dedicated to community service,” Baker, 92, said. “We serve this community every day and we do so enthusiastically.”

Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, the president of Tennessee State University and the former international president of AKA, served as the keynote speaker. Glover complimented the chapter’s presence in the District.

“One hundred years, that’s a long time to be of service,” Glover said.

Glover noted her past member-

ship in the chapter while studying at George Washington University for her doctorate in business, serving as the chairperson of Howard’s accounting department and as a student at the Georgetown Law Center seeking a juris doctorate.

“Xi Omega got me started,” she said. “Thank you for what you did for me on a personal level.”

Dejenee Miller, the president of the Beta Lambda chapter at the University of the District of Columbia, said she enjoyed the event.

“It was really good,” Miller, 23, said. “It was insightful and full of prayer.”

Fellow undergraduate Allen echoed Miller’s sentiments.

“This was an appropriate way to celebrate the chapter’s anniversary,” Allen, 23, said. “I really liked the ringing of the bells. It really put power into the ceremony.”

Dorothy Boggess was the oldest chapter member at the event, sitting quietly while observing the proceedings. Boggess joined AKA at the Beta Zeta chapter at Kentucky State University in 1939.

“I enjoyed it even though I could not hear some of what went on because of my hearing,” Boggess, 105, said. “I liked the dancing and the main speaker.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

“Thought-provoking, challenging and complex…it’s all that and more”

Emily Townley

Dina Soltan

Katie Kleiger

5Dorothy Boggess is 105 years old and a member of Xi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. (Rob Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

Tickets Selling Fast!

Area Filmmakers Show

The Godmother of Rock-and-Roll

March 15 - May 13, 2023

Sensitive

Portrayal of Black Life

By Brenda Siler WI Contributing Writer

With events such as the DC Independent Film Forum (DCIFF), the District is proving to be a robust film industry and environment. Four local filmmakers premiered their short films at the 2023 DCIFF, which, since 1999, has created an environment where filmmakers and their films have been supported in exploring creative stories. This year, two of the films were award-winners.

“Amor '' is about an eight-month pregnant woman managing life after her 26-year-old husband Tyrelle is murdered in Baltimore. Amor uses her music compositions to heal and move forward while instilling courage and compassion in her daughter Ari'a. The film won DCIFF’S Best Metro DC award.

“East of the River” chronicles a horrible waste dump that existed for years in D.C.’s Mayfair Mansions community. A child died during a fire, a method regularly used to dispose of the waste in that community considered an “environmental Bermuda Triangle.” The former environmental hazard site is now Kenilworth Park. Co-directors Amin El Siwi and Phil Bouknight produced the film with students at American University. This movie won the DCIFF Best Documentary Short.

“544: A Civil Rights Story” shows how 92-year-old George Sallie built and embraced his social justice mission. He marched in Selma, Alabama, during the 1960s and still walks the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of Bloody Sunday. Filmmaker was Loki Mulholland, son of civil rights icon Joan Trumpauer Mulholland.

“Freetown” tracks the history of a community in Pasadena in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Freetown’s Black residents are determined to keep this area, founded by a Black man, James Spencer, alive. Kendall Outing from Forest Hill in Harford County, Maryland is completing his BFA at Florida State's College of Motion Picture Arts.

These films are currently being shown at several film festivals around the country.

For more information on DCIFF’s program for filmmakers, visit https:// dciff-indie.org

Carrie Compere in the 2019 Seattle Repertory Theatre Production of Shout Sister Shout! Photo by Bronwen Houck.

By Cheryl L. West; Based on the biography entitled Shout, Sister, Shout!The Untold Story of Rock-and-RollTrailblazer Sister RosettaTharpe by Gayle F. Wald; Music Direction by Sheilah V. Walker; Choreographed by William Carlos Angulo; Directed by Kenneth L. Roberson; Production Supervised by Sheldon Epps

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Q&A with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s Joy Stephens

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we sat down with Joy Stephens, Market Director at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management in Washington D.C. to discuss what Women’s History Month means to her, how the firm is empowering women and her goals for 2023.

1) What does Women’s History Month mean to you and how are you celebrating?

Women’s History Month is a great time to reflect, celebrate and honor the contributions of women. I’m a woman in financial services and it’s not lost on me that it wasn’t until the Equal Credit Opportunity Act was passed in 1974 that women had the legal right to apply for a loan or obtain credit. I’m eternally grateful for the women that came before me and their contributions to our society.

2) How is JPMorgan Chase & Co. making an impact to support and empower women?

At JPMorgan Chase, we have programs aimed at helping to remove barriers for women and support them in their careers. Our firmwide Women on the Move initiative offers programs to support women’s career growth and professional development at every level.

Our ReEntry Program offers professionals who have been on an extended career break of at least two years the support and resources to relaunch their ca-

reers. The program supports women, for example, who have taken a break from their careers to raise children and want to transition back into the workforce.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is committed to empowering women of color to learn more about investing and helping them build their wealth. Our 2022 Diverse Investor Study found that the majority of women are optimistic about their financial situation compared to five years ago. We want to build on that momentum by promoting education and resources around the importance of investing.

Our team has been traveling across the country for a roadshow of local educational seminars for Black and Latina women to create spaces for learning and support.

Last year, we hosted our annual “Building a New Legacy” marquee event here in Washington, D.C., where we brought together more than 75 Black and Latina women and allies to discuss investing for

their future legacy and creating multigenerational wealth. The team will be on the road again this year to continue that important dialogue.

3) How should other companies and individuals be thinking about supporting and empowering women?

I think we can all make an effort to support and empower women at the workplace and in our local communities. Whether that’s by helping to ensure women have a seat at the table or supporting a colleague through mentorship.

JPMorgan Chase’s Women on the Move has a global “Men as Allies” program for men to take an active role in the effort to advance women across the firm. We can all be an ally and support our colleagues and community members.

4) Tell me about your connection to the D.C. community and how you are helping to support the community?

Washington, D.C. became my adopted home in 2003. I’ve had the opportunity to live in other places across the country but eventually came back to D.C. permanently. I love the rich history here in the district and the diversity of lived experiences of the people who call it home.

When I joined J.P. Morgan Wealth Management two years ago, I knew I wanted to help make an impact in D.C. and the surrounding regions. Our business is continuing to invest in the local market. Five years ago we had no Chase branches in the area, and today, we have advisors across more than 80 branches in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. By the end of 2025 we expect to have 140 branches open in the region.

It’s exciting to be a part of such a fast growing company that is committed to giving back to the community in so many ways. I’m proud of all my advisors and the support they are providing to our local families to help them build wealth and work toward their goals.

5) What are your goals for this year, and/or, what are you looking forward to in 2023?

At the end of December, I wrote down my guiding principles for the year: purpose, alignment and family. One of my personal goals is to create greater purpose in my local community and to volunteer more time to organizations for the support and development of young girls. I was the beneficiary of similar organizations growing up, and those early experiences have had a major impact on who I’ve become today.

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The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author's judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.

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5 Joy Stephens, Market Director at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

FRIENDS OF CARTER BARRON FOUNDATION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Where Historic Preservation for The Carter Barron Amphitheatre and Education for DMV Performing Arts Youth Counts

FRIENDS OF CARTER BARRON

Why Go Back? Carla Harris Book Offers Bosses Timely Self-Reflection

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

in

partnership with Erwin Pendergrast and DEO, CDC

Presents An Intimate Evening with The Legendary Temptations

BLACK-TIE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND AWARDS AFFAIR

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IN SUPPORT OF THE REOPENING OF THE CARTER BARRON AMPHITHEATRE

MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2023

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It’s rare that one can be introduced as a former Vice Chairman of MorganStanley, a gospel singer with a four-album discography, and a threetime author. But Carla Harris is the exception, not the rule. With her new book, “Lead to Win” out now, Harris is on a speaking tour and came to the District to share her book and message on leadership.

“There is a measure of creating the culture that happens with proximity,” Harris told the Informer,” proximity breeds familiarity, and familiarity fosters mentorship.”

The message is timely, as Washingtonians face conversations surrounding unprecedented office building vacancies, hybrid working, as well as downtown office building conversions to residential. Harris is admittedly a proponent of in-person, but not to the exclusion of hybrid working environments. “It’s not an either-or type of thing,” Harris explained.

“Leadership has transformed from oversight to insight,” Harris shared. Her philosophy marries experienced leaders, who are willing to share their hard won experience, with the future leaders who are receptive to the softskills and insights which promote career development. This is the exchange.

When asked about employees who elect to be fully remote, Harris cautioned that they may not be the right fit if they are not teachable. Conversely, Harris emphasized that an effective leader would inspire their people to come in-person. The relationship is symbiotic.

The tension between employees, preferring to work from home in sweatpants or work remotely on an island, and employers has come to a head. Some incentive must be presented to inspire employees to come into the office. The older methods, of exchanging compensation for oversight, are unattractive to today’s employees.

Harris acknowledged this tension with her assessment of leadership’s psyche, “people who are in the seats of

leadership are boomers and beyond, and they grew up in a very different leadership context.” The ‘my way or the highway’ attitude does not work for millennials and they, “demand, as table stakes, transparency, inclusivity and feedback.”

“Lead to Win,” is a concise and charismatic effort which promotes leadership reflection.

While the book stems from Harris’s experience in the financial sector, it may be applied in any sector. The principles embedded are essential for organizational development across the public and private sectors.

To learn more about how Harris achieved this outcome, secure a copy online or locally at Mahogany Books.WI

5Carla Harris’ Lead to Win,” offers a charismatic and concise take on effective leadership after the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy Photo)

“There is a measure of creating the culture that happens with proximity,” Harris told the Informer,” proximity breeds familiarity, and familiarity fosters mentorship.”

Sylvia Ruth Foundation

Hosts First Gala to Benefit Local Students Foundation Aims Offer Books, Scholarships and Hope

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

As a champion and investor in education, Sylvia Ruth Byrd, who died at age 81 in April 2021, knew the incredible importance and value of learning– a lesson she passed down to her daughter and family.

“She really pushed education in my life and anything I can do to continue her legacy is why I’m here. I am her legacy,” Byrd’s niece Beverly Lathan, a board member of the Sylvia Ruth Foundation, said at the organization’s inaugural gala on March 18 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Southeast, D.C.

As one of 15 children, Byrd’s family saw education as a key to success.

“We cherished education and passing it on,” said Lathan, whose father was one of Byrd’s brothers. “And that’s what she strove to do, was pass it on.”

Having spent much of her life donating time, resources and more to Howard University and District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), Byrd’s instincts rubbed off on her family. Her daughter, and founding board member Stephanie Byrd has worked in District schools for decades, currently serving as principal at Payne Elementary in Southeast.

As Lathan and others attested, Byrd’s love for education and literacy was infectious. She often read to DCPS students, such as supporting learning opportunities at Garnet-Patterson Middle School and tutoring at Payne.

Now the foundation is passing on its namesake’s legacy.

“Ms. Sylvia Ruth loved to read to first graders and so we’d like to continue that tradition by supplying and supporting the teachers’ rooms with a library. Also, she was an employee and student at Howard University- a Bison– so we would like to support a scholarship for a deserving student,” Lathan explained.

WI

Read the full story on www.washingtoningformer.com

How Big?

The world’s biggest bee, called Wallace’s giant bee, disappeared almost 40 years ago. Scientists thought it was gone forever, or extinct.

In 2019, scientists traveled into the forests of Indonesia. There, they discovered a living Wallace’s giant bee!

Giant Jaws

The giant bee has enormous jaws called mandibles It uses the mandibles to scrape sticky resin o trees. They use the resin to build burrows within termite nests, where females raise their young.

Does it sting?

What does a giant bee eat?

Like other bees, they feed on nectar and pollen but they don’t make honey. Follow the maze and write down the letters along the correct path to discover how much larger Wallace’s giant bee is than a typical honeybee.

The Big Bee with Many Names

How much larger is Wallace’s giant bee than a typical honeybee?

What bees are these?

Do

The Cutest Bee on Earth CTRELDNDW YKBCEHAJ

These bees, with scientific name Amegilla bombiformis, look cute and cuddly. If you want to snuggle up with one of these bees, you’re in for a treat because the male bees don’t sting. These bees live in Australia. Circle every other letter to reveal the nickname for this bee.

Unscramble One Scientists minima. the

The fairy American alone and in ____________.

The fairy less than Its entire fit on averaged-size People who bee look ground. shadow This bee easily pass of insect Standards Link: The numbers up to the number ower. Oops! Figure out which needs to numbers on number

Endangered Species

Look for articles about animals that are endangered. What is causing each animal’s endangerment? What can be done to prevent the loss?

Standards Link: Use evidence from text to support a position.

Buzzy Day

review wi book

"Lucky Medicine' by Lester W. Thompson

c.2023, Well House Books, Indiana University Press

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196 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

It didn't arrived in a package. It wasn't wrapped in fancy paper, it didn't arrive with cake or candles. And yet, the gift you got, that thing that someone gave you, was better than anything that could've come in a pretty box. It was bigger than you ever expected. As in the new memoir, "Lucky Medicine" by Lester W. Thompson, the gift was a life-changer.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Lester Thompson grew up with "rules" that his Southern-born parents instilled in him all his life. Even though Jim Crow racism wasn't entrenched in the North like it was in the South, such rules were "the frame of reference."

And that lent mystery to a very curious relationship Thompson's father had with a white Jewish man, Mr. Goodman. Cal Thompson cut Goodman's hair in the privacy of Goodman's home; Thompson sometimes accompanied his father there but he never fully understood the friendship between the two men. He says, "It didn't occur to me to wonder …"

When he was 13, he learned the truth: he was named after Goodman, who was his father's closest friend. Furthermore, Goodman was Thompson's godfather and he'd made a vow to pay for Thompson's entire college education. That he was going to be a doctor someday was another thing Thompson had known all his life. His father, an authoritarian alcoholic, never left any room to question it. And so, after high school graduation, Thompson headed to IU in Bloomington, Indiana.

It was an eye-opener, in many ways.

An only child, Thompson had to learn how to share. He had to learn to live with white people next door, and how to study for classes that seemed impossible to ace. He fell in love, and fell again. And he watched the world change as the civil rights movement began.

"I will never know what prompted Mr. Goodman to make his gift," Thompson says. "but in the end, I suppose, all that matters is that he did." Sometimes, change can come with a big ka-BOOM. Other times, it sneaks in the back door and sits quietly. That mixture's what you get with this unique memoir, "Lucky Medicine."

Unique because while racism figures into author Lester W. Thompson's story, it's not a very big part, considering the mid-last-century setting. The movement is barely a blip on the radar; only a handful of troubles with white people are mentioned, and they're not belabored. So racism is in this book, but only at whisper-level.

Instead, Thompson focuses on his relatively insulated life, his parents and friends, his studies and the mysterious, still-unsolved relationship his father had with Goodman. And that's where this story glows: Thompson's tale is nostalgic and mundane. It's not overly dramatic. It doesn't shout or beg for attention. It's just warm and happily, wonderfully ordinary.

Be aware before you share this book with an elder that there are four-letter words in here and a rather eyebrow-raising, too-much-information bedroom scene inside. If you can handle that, though, "Lucky Medicine" is a one-of-akind gift. WI

horoscopes

ARIES Ready to blow your top? Take it easy! You need to find a constructive outlet for that emotional agitation as the week begins. Look to help on the home front (from a girl, possibly? a woman?) to get you through this bumpy patch. Now is a great time to distract yourself with familial obligations and (as they say) doing the right thing. Lucky Numbers: 18, 19, 20

TAURUS Don't hold back! You might have trouble revealing your feelings at times, what with you being the strong, reliable type and all, but you shouldn't hesitate to confide in friends as the week begins. They're more ready to help than you might imagine, and asking for some friendly assistance will only strengthen those important bonds. Lucky Numbers: 36, 39, 43

GEMINI Juggling a ridiculous number of details, from shopping lists to guest lists to quarterly budgets, is kind of your specialty. That's a good thing, because you'll need all your mental dexterity as the week begins. Avoid infighting over logistics and you'll manage to get an amazing amount done. You should get the big work out of the way by Thursday, and that means more time for fun. Lucky Numbers: 15, 39, 44

CANCER Expect to explode out of the gate as the week begins! You're full of ideas and energy right now, and others will look to you to set the pace. (Just be nice and try not to kick up too much dust as you're speeding ahead.) Your intuition should also prove spot-on the first few days of this week, so set goals and be bold going after them. Lucky Numbers: 15, 23, 59

LEO Lost in thought? Your head is up in the clouds again as the week begins. (Is that where you get all your ingenious schemes and innovative ideas?) Use this burst of day-dreamy intuition to come up with something truly new, and don't forget to include others in the big plan. By Thursday, all that creativity should crest into an overpowering wave. Ride that momentum into the weekend. Thursday and Friday night see you at your confident, charismatic best. Lucky Numbers: 9, 33, 34

VIRGO The beginning of this week plays straight to your strengths. You'll have no problem getting everything (and everyone) organized and whipping your world into shape. Friends (and maybe even those who want to be more than friends) will gladly pitch in and give you a hand. By Thursday and Friday, you might start to feel overwhelmed by all the madcap action swirling around you. Lucky Numbers: 8, 25, 36

LIBRA You might have a hard time sorting fact from fiction as the week begins, but just try to be patient. A little duality (think of it as poetic ambiguity, maybe) can be a good thing sometimes as long as you're willing to relax and just let things happen. By Thursday and Friday, others can't help but be drawn to your warmth and friendliness. Lucky Numbers: 14, 21, 48

SCORPIO Set big, ambitious goals as the week begins, because you'll have no trouble getting exactly what you want provided you're willing to go after it. That sense of purpose and drive should also lead you into deep and rewarding conversations. By Thursday and Friday, you could find yourself coming into conflict, especially with someone in authority. Lucky Numbers: 28, 35, 36

SAGITTARIUS Don't count on smooth sailing as the week begins! You're in for some turbulent waters, both mental and emotional, and you'll need to keep your hands on the tiller if you hope to steer a steady course. Nautical metaphors continue to apply as the week progresses, but by Thursday and Friday your troubled voyage will become a lucky luxury cruise. Lucky Numbers: 5, 11, 30

CAPRICORN You're almost absurdly able to take care of everything as the week begins. Life will throw crazy new people and problems your way, but with your levelheaded patience you can handle each of them with ease (and even have some fun along the way). By Thursday or Friday, you might have a more difficult time juggling details and distractions, but just keep that trademark calm. If you overreact, you won't get anywhere. Lucky Numbers: 21, 42, 50

AQUARIUS You could get frustrated early in the week because your easygoing charm and friendliness might not be quite enough to get people on your side. Others could overreact to situations in unexpected ways, and you'll have trouble smoothing things out and keeping the peace. Just try to let it go, though. This is only a phase, and overthinking won't help anyone. Lucky Numbers: 23, 25, 49

PISCES Get ready for something new as the week begins. Whether it's a new project or a new romantic prospect, creativity and novel experiences are the name of the game. Expect to be energized and elated by all the action. By Thursday and Friday, conflicts could start to crop up. The smart move is to mind your own business. In any case, don't get suckered into anyone's ongoing drama. Lucky Numbers: 16, 18, 40

CAPTURE the moment

MEDAL OF ART from Page 1

briefing room, Cole shared that Black women must stand in their power and continue to fight for equal justice for all people during the month of March and beyond.

“[We] need to own [that]…we are in Women’s History and Herstory Month,” Cole said. “We as Black women, as Francis Beal said many years ago, we carry a ‘double jeopardy,’ victimized by our race, victimized by our gender. And many of us have so many multiple identities around our sexual orientation, around our ability and disability, around our religion, around our age, and yet Black

women– we have never ceased to be in this struggle. And I think when Ella Baker used these words, of course she thought about all her people, but I believe she had a particular thought about Black women, when she said, ‘we, who believe in freedom, cannot rest,’ until it comes.”

Despite having received several awards in their time, Knight and Cole discussed what this presidential recognition means not only for them, but other Black women as well.

Describing the wonderful feelings that come with such an honor, Knight, who received a Kennedy Center Honor in December

2022, explained that her hard work in music has not only been to entertain the masses, but set an example.

“I just always want to do my part,” explained Knight, who has also championed philanthropic causes such as research for AIDS.

As the former president of Spelman and Bennett Colleges, two historically Black institutions for women, Cole has a long history of building up others and igniting passion in education and justice, however she didn’t think it would get noticed by the President of the United States (POTUS).

“It is humbling and it is magical. I have been very fortunate

to be in the White House and to witness the bestowing of medals to heroes and sheroes in the arts and humanities in my country. I never thought that I would be here as a recipient in the humanities,” she said.

Having been the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art as well as instrumental in philanthropic efforts in equity and education, Cole is both a champion of the arts and humanities. She was honored POTUS recognized her many efforts over the years and, at 86, joked that perhaps the president thought it was her time.

“I think the president and his

folk said ‘Enough already. Just give her the medal,’” she said laughing. Educator and artist Hilary Daniel, who is starring as Dottie in DC Black Broadway’s upcoming production of “The Giz,” said Cole and Knight were perfect people for the president to recognize.

“I can’t think of any two stronger pillars of African-American womanism more deserving of an award of this magnitude. Dr. Cole’s work with preserving African American culture through arts and other philanthropic endeavors, and Ms. Knight’s commitment to fighting childhood

5 Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice Kristen Clarke with Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, convener, Black Women's Roundtable. (Cleveland Nicholas/The Washington Informer)

5 Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, convener, Black Women's Roundtable with April Ryan. (Cleveland Nicholas/The Washington Informer)

5 Eyone Williams, Christopher Washington, and Momula S.R. Stewart display the books they authored during the networking event presented by the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs at Culture Coffee Too in Northeast on March 17. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5 Isaiah Taylor explains an art piece to a visitor at Culture Coffee Too in Northeast during the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs networking event with small business owners, artists, and authors on March 17. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

HU Basketball Finds Hope After Loss in NCAA Tournament

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

The 2022-23 season has been a season to remember for the Howard University men's basketball program: First MEAC regular season and tournament title in 31 years; second most wins in a season since program in the Division 1 and several postseason individual and team honors.

The icing on the cake was the automatic bid to the Big Dance, the NCAA Tournament. But it would all end there as the Bison fell, 96-68 to the University of Kansas in the opening round of the tournament in Des Moines, Iowa on March 16.

MEDAL OF ART from Page 42

diabetes and AIDS make them all the more inspirational. ”

In addition to Knight, National Medal of Art recipients included: Judith Francisca Baca, Fred Eychaner, Jose Feliciano, Mindy Kaling, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Antonio Marotrell-Cardona, Joan Shigekawa, Bruce Springsteen, Vera Wang, The Billie Holiday Theatre, The International Association of Blacks in Dance. The other National Humanities Medal awardees were: Richard Blanco, Walter Isaacson, Earl Lewis, Henrietta Mann, Ann Patchett, Bryan Stevenson, Amy Tan, Tara Westlover, Colson Whitehead and Native America Calling.

Considering being honored among such a dynamite group of people and organizations the two significance of the moment was not lost on these two celebrated Black women– who are for many,

Playing before its largest crowd of almost 17,000, Howard came confident against the heavily favored number three seed and went toe-to-toe against the Jayhawks. The Bison actually took a brief 3533 lead, but then Kansas, using its talent and depth, embarked on a 17-4 run that opened a decisive lead at halftime that all but put the game away.

"The thing you learn about getting a lead in a game like this is that you can't get too high or too low because there is still a lot of game to go," said Howard Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney in the postgame press conference. "I thought they did a great job making some

sheroes in their own rights.

“I am humbled and I am so grateful,” Cole said.

“I don’t take anything for granted,” Knight declared. WI

"Dr. Cole’s work with preserving African American culture through arts and other philanthropic endeavors, and Ms. Knight’s commitment to fighting childhood diabetes and AIDS make them all the more inspirational. ”

adjustments in their game and we were not able to recover."

One of the keys to the Bison getting here was the outstanding play of freshman forward Shyheim Odom, a 6-7 native of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. This talented first year player led his team with 15 points and seven rebounds.

"I think that as a team, we learned a lot from this experience," said Odom, the MEAC Rookie of the Year and MEAC Tournament MVP, a rarity. "We left a lot of points on the table with missed free throws and turnovers and second chance opportunities. You just can't do that against a team like them."

The experience is not something that will soon be forgotten for the Bison faithful. The electric atmosphere, the raucous fans and playing before a national TV audience are things that cannot be duplicated. And again, although the team did not come out victorious, there were some positive takeaways.

In addition to Odom, Settle contributed 13 points, sophomore guard Marcus Dockery tallied 12 and sophomore guard Elijah Hawkins, a first team All-MEAC selection and one of the top point guards in the country scored 12 points and dished out 8 assists.

"I am so proud of this group and what they have done for this program," reflected Blakeney, the MEAC Coach of the Year and Finalist for the Ben Jobe National Coach of the Year. "They did a lot for this program and for the Howard brand. When you look at the exposure the program received as a result of this, it is something special. We got a chance to showcase our University as one of the best in the world."

Among the Bison supporters were renowned actor Ving Rhames, whose son Freedom is a member of the team, and none other than the Vice President of the United States and HU alum Kamala Harris, who made the trip

to Iowa

"Her coming into the locker room after the game to talk to us, was not something we envisioned," said Howard red-shirt junior forward Steve Settle III. "She talked to us about how although we were not victorious on the court today, we were winners in representing Howard University and the Howard community."

Odom noted the moment felt particularly special knowing the Vice President took notice and cared about the team win or lose.

"That was very special to have someone of her stature come and provide encouragement in that situation. It meant a lot to the team.

To tell us how proud she was of us is something that we will never forget."

The future appears bright for the Howard program. All five starters return next season along with two key reserves.

"This is without a doubt a great accomplishment," noted Blakeney. "Winning is hard and getting back to this point again is a challenge. Moving forward, we will try to build on what we have here and try and get back to this." WI

5 Vice President Kamala Harris met with the Howard University men’s basketball team after their loss to the University of Kansas during the NCAA Division 1 tournament. (Courtesy photo/HBCUGameday)

"That was very special to have someone of her stature come and provide encouragement in that situation. It meant a lot to the team.

To tell us how proud she was of us is something that we will never forget."

At Zion One Church, Many locations

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

It’s Sunday morning, and as soon as people exit the 8 a.m. service of Zion Church in Greenbelt, Maryland, another group is filling a renovated K-Mart building for the 9:45 a.m. worship service. In an hour, people will gather for the 11:30 service.

“Fifteen minutes into our service, I am up,” said the Rev. Keith Battle, founder and pastor of Zion Church, a congregation of more than 22,000 registered attendees weekly online– called “Zion Anywhere,” and four locations across the Greater Washington area, including: three in Maryland: Greenbelt, Landover and Fort Washington and one in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Zion Church also airs a weekly radio broadcast called “Weekly Wisdom” every Sunday morning on WPGC 95.5 FM and Majic 102.3 FM in Washington and 92.3 FM, and 106.1 FM in Baltimore.

Founded in 2000, Zion Church has more than 100 full-time and part-time employees that serve across the organization, in the community and across its campuses. Helping keep it all together is Joshua Davies, Global Experience Director, who has been a musician and director at Zion for many years.

Battle always knew he wanted to impact the masses, but didn’t know exactly how he would make that happen. As a student in Fairmont Heights High School, Battle struggled between going into ministry or being a clean comedian like Sinbad.

With a chuckle, he said, “I guess God had other plans.”

Jason Jones, 44, a resident of the District of Columbia, started attending Zion shortly after the church began.

“Pastor Battle was my youth minister at New Psalm Bible Fellowship. He was very downto-earth and very kind. When he started a new congregation, I came,” said Jones, who eventually became a pastor at Zion before leaving to serve another church.

Jones explained it was Zion’s welcoming environment and great worship experience that attracted him so many years ago, and still sets an example for churches all over.

“Being organized is part of being welcoming,” said Jones, co-pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Northeast, D.C. “Pastor Battle is still my pastor. I would also say that online ministry is also important to make people feel part of the service and to meet them where they are.”

WHO IS KEITH BATTLE?

Battle, a Prince George’s County native who went on to attend Washington Bible College, even with his casual and laid back style, has become a nationally known leader.

First, he’s a family man, calling his wife “Vicki,” his best friend.

“I am extraverted. I enjoy being around people, laughing and having fun, and I am wired to be around people… but my wife is introverted,” he said.

The couple has three children: Asha, Asa and Kendall, and one grandchild, Carsen.

In addition to pastoring Zion, Battle serves as the chaplain to the Washington Wizards, as the President of Sagacity, LLC, a com-

5 Keith Battle is the pastor of Zion Church.

pany through which he provides executive coaching for business owners, entrepreneurs, and other church leaders and is a writer, having authored: “Side Chickology: Why Men & Women Cheat,” and “A Second Chance: Grace for the Broken.”

While he’s a busy man, Battle still finds time to lift weights in a local gym, play pinochle with men in the Largo, Wegmans and even join First Baptist Church of Glenarden for the annual Christmas production.

ZION’S SUCCESS

Zion Church’s mission is: “to help people Experience God, Engage in Connections, Be Equipped through training, and be Empowered to Serve,” but Battle said the challenge is to make that experience accurate for everyone.

“Ninety-Six percent of the people who come to the church come because of a personal invitation, not because of flyers. My responsibility is to keep the message practical and to keep it quick. We want to create an environment where no one feels like a changer.”

When talking about the success of his ministry over the last two decades, he said, “I would equate it to eating at a great restaurant. The food is good; you want good and friendly service,” Battle said. “The conversation changes if the food comes out late. But if everything is good, you want to come

back; you want to tell others.”

Zion Church’s four campuses each have a lead and co-pastor team. The church’s online component was birthed in 2010 and now serves the most significant number of attendees out of all Zion campuses. Battle said the online presence, which is more than 15,000, has been critical to the church’s growth during and after the global pandemic.

Angela Anderson and her two daughters attended the Landover campus of Zion, but since the pandemic they have worshiped online.

“I enjoy the praise music and sermons,” Anderson said. “I love how Pastor Battle brings the word of God into everyday life, and he has a passion for reaching souls.”

Anderson added that while she never intended to attend a large congregation, she was attracted to Zion because of Battle’s messages.

“We tell church people, ‘We don't want you to rush God, but we also don't want you to be there all day,’” Battle said. “But I guarantee if you come to Zion, you will have a practical message that will apply to your life.”

ZION IN THE COMMUNITY

Since 2000, Zion has served more than 50,000 families with food. The church’s food pantry serves nearly 350 families month-

ly with healthy food and fresh produce.

In addition, more than 6,200 people have received life-saving information and education through the community town halls, health assessments and vaccinations at all Zion campuses.

Zion’s Prison Ministry began in 2012 in the DC Jail and currently provides music ministry, sermon messages, and small group opportunities to incarcerated individuals.

Zion Church partnered with Bowie State University in 2021, providing fresh fruit, healthy snacks, hygiene products and toiletry kits every week to student-athletes and anyone else needing the supplies.

In October 2022, Zion Church launched its Z-Fest Community Wellness Day, a free, family-centered health and wellness festival at different Zion campus locations. Z-Fest is a grant-based partnership between Zion Church and local health-based organizations that offer on-site health screenings, testing and vaccinations, and prize giveaways.

Zion Church also hosts mission trips and provides financial support to churches in Haiti, Kenya, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua.

To learn more about Zion Church, please visit www.zionchurch.org. WI

(Courtesy photo)

The pandemic continues to affect so many lives. It has stressed our physical, emotional and financial health to the point where some feel they've reached a breaking point. And because women are the traditional backbone of the family, they are more inclined to bear the heavy weight of keeping everyone and everything together.

With this in mind, DC Democratic Women's Club President Jeannette Mobley felt the need to empower women with self-care tips during its annual Women's History Month program. This year, the topic is "Women, Wellness and Wealth," featuring a panel of national and distinguished panelists who will discuss physical, mental, spiritual and financial road maps to protect and improve outcomes in these challenging times.

On Tuesday, March 28, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m., the DC Democratic Women's Club will recognize Women's History Month at its virtual program. Registration for the free program is available by visiting the club's website at https:// dcdemocraticwomensclub.org/ events/.

The National Women's History Alliance — the recognized steward of the holiday — selects a new theme each year for the celebration. The theme for Women's History Month this year is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Stories."

religion corner

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Women, Wellness and Wealth

The DC Democratic Women's Club will focus its storytelling on themes affecting women's health and wellness.

Mobley says the annual event is an opportunity to not only celebrate women's contributions to the political, social and economic strides in our country, but also an opportunity to educate and inform the community on ways to ease and manage stress.

"Our program theme this year revolves around health," Mobley said. "We will focus on physical, mental, spiritual and financial health. An open discussion about these topics is critical to our whole being as individuals and communities.

"In order to be efficient influencers on the political landscape, we must honor our bodies, mind and spirit," she said.

This year's program will also focus on wealth management.

As a member of the DC Democratic Women's Club, my fellow program chair Valca Valentine and I invite you to attend what we expect to be a dynamic discussion on tips to improve your all around health.

The distinguished panel of local and national experts includes a physical health panel moderated by Doris Browne, a retired medical oncologist and past president of the National Medical Association. Browne, who is also a member of the DC Democratic Women's Club, has testified before the U.S. Congress on the impact of health inequities of African Americans and the vast disparities leading to preventable deaths.

A second panel will feature tips on maintaining spiritual health. World-renowned spiritual mentor Sister Dr. Jenna

of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum has appeared alongside Oprah Winfrey and Marianne Williamson and implemented many wonderful programs to ease stress and improve "best life" techniques. She and other invited ministers will discuss spiritual life practices and offer a guided meditation.

The third panel features Keva Sturdevant, a nationally recognized wealth manager who will provide tips on steps towards maintaining financial health. Sturdevant will emphasize how financial health is a key component of total health.

After a successful career in the corporate world, Keva became a financial educator for the Society of Financial Education and Professional Development, a leading nonprofit where she has taught financial literacy skills to more than 45 historically Black colleges and universities across the country. In addition, she heads a financial planning practice, Sturdevant Investment, with a base of 100-plus clients.

To register and learn more about the panelists as well as the Club, please visit the D.C. Democratic Women's Club at https:// dcdemocraticwomensclub.org/. A Zoom confirmation will be sent to you upon registration. WI

RELIGION

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”

Blessed Word of Life Church

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 E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Campbell AME Church

Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020

Adm. Office 202-678-2263

Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study

Wednesday: 12:00 Noon

Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM

“Reaching Up To Reach Out”

Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

Turning Hearts Church

Virgil K. Thomas, Sr.

Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032

Phone: 202-746-0113

Fax: 301-843-2445

Service and Times

Sunday School: 10:15 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM

Children’s Church: 11:15 AM

Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment”

Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org

Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

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

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler

Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494

Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times

Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr.

Senior Pastor 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

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

11:00 AM

Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

Street

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

Bishop

Sr. Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times

Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM

Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net

Mt.

Zion

Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion 10 a.m. 4th Sunday

Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.)

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

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

Bishop

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

Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

headline and photo for LIF - MALCOLMXDAY

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

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders,

Third

Church of God

Lanier C. Twyman,

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Alfred A. Owens,

Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors

Zion Baptist Church

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

St. Luke Baptist Church

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis

Pastor

1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851

P: (202) 726-5940

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun.

Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

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

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

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"

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Eastern Community Baptist Church

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

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

Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor 2001 Brooks Drive  District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am

Sunday School: 9:00am

Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning

Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm

Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm

Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com

Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor 621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032

P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM

1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM

Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

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.

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

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”

Promised Land Baptist Church

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

Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 Fax 202-678-3304

Service and Times

Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM

New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM

Church School: 9:45 AM

Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study

Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM

Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM

“Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace 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

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

“The Loving Church of the living lord “

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor 602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480

Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times

Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

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 “

Christ Embassy DC

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday

“…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

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

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM

Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Rev.

Dr.

Rev.

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000011

Bessie L. Davis

Decedent

Mark G. Griffin Griffin, Murphy & Wiggins, LLP

1912 Sunderland Place, NW Washington, DC 20036

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Janet A. Wilson, whose address is 24 Danbury Street, SE #2, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bessie L. Davis who died on May 10, 2022 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 9/9/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/9/2023, 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: 3/9/2023

Janet A. Wilson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 120

Mervin A. Snead

Decedent

Iris McCollum Green,Esq. 1714 15th Street, NW, Suite B

Washington, DC 20009

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Kimberly Thorpe, whose address is 4020 20th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mervin A. Snead who died on November 13, 2022 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 9/9/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/9/2023, 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:

3/9/2023

Kimberly Thorpe Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001388

Michele Jeffery aka Michele Alloyce Tucker

Decedent

Ethel Mitchell Wills and Trusts LLC

8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jason Jeffery, whose address is 6505 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michele Jeffery aka Michele Alloyce Tucker who died on 6/20/2022 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 9/9/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/9/2023, 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:

3/9/2023

Jason Jeffery Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2021 ADM 0000097

Helen Y. McWilliams

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq.,whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of Helen Y. McWilliams who died on April 24, 2018 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/9/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/9/2023, 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: 3/9/2023

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000156

Magdalene J. Renfrow aka Magdalene Juanita Renfrow Decedent

Tabitha R. Brown, Esq. Law Offices of Tabitha R. Brown 1200 G Street SE, Suite A Washington DC 20003

Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Angela Renfrow Brown, whose address is 6804 Pamela Lane, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Magdalene J. Renfrow aka Magdalene Juanita Renfrow who died on 11/20/2022 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 9/9/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/9/2023, 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:

3/9/2023

Angela Renfrow Brown

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 000023

July 27, 2020

Date of Death

Randolph Theodore Oldes Sr.

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Angelia O. Powell whose address is 10007 Edgewater Terrace Ft Washington MD 20744 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Randolph Theodore Oldes Sr., deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on December 12, 2022.

Service of process may be made upon Priscilla Burch 811

4th Street NW #120 Washington DC 20001 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 property.

2800 Buena Vista Terr. SE #1 WDC 20020; 318 Channing St. NE WDC 20002; 5176 Jay Street NE WDC 20019. 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:

March 16, 2023

Angelia O. Powell

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000199

Barbara Hill Whitlock

Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW Suite 440

Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Carlton Whitlock, whose address is 409 Oakwood Street SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara Hill Whitlock who died on February 10, 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 9/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/16/2023, 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:

3/16/2023

Carlton Whitlock

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

1999 ADM 001582

Estate of Jimmie L. Ward

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Sahiah Dubel and Paul M. Toulouse 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: 3/16/2023

Esward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150

Washington, DC 20006

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2020 ADM 000280

Deborah A. Clark Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Nicole C. Clark, whose address is 4272 East Capitol Street, NE #202, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Deborah A. Clark who died on May 13, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/16/2023, 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: 3/16/2023

Nicole C. Clark Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000201

Willie Warren Shubert Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jacqueline Michelle Alston, whose address is 3131 Q Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Willie Warren Shubert who died on December 20, 2019 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 9/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/16/2023, 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: 3/16/2023

Jacqueline Michelle Alston

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 205

Kenneth S. White Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Gertie L. Hurley, whose address is 14417 Dolbrook Lane Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kenneth S. White who died on 1/14/2023 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 9/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/16/2023, 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:

3/16/2023

Gertie L. Hurley

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 000146

Renee M. Pringle

Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq.

5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Andrea D. Pringle, whose address is 5811 Edson Lane, #T1, North Bethesda, MD 20852, was appointed Personal

Representative of the estate of Renee M. Pringle who died on October 16, 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 9/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/16/2023, 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: 3/16/2023

Andrea D. Pringle

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001150

Herlene G. Kennedy Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Cathy H. Somers, whose address is 113 Rock Creek Church Rd., NW, Washington DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Herlene G. Kennedy who died on April 17, 2022 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 9/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/16/2023, 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:

3/16/2023

Cathy H. Somers

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001378

Leroy Brown Jr. Decedent

Robert P. Newman, Esquire Law Office of Robert P. Newman 801 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Verita Brown Gerald, whose address is 5556 Blackhawk Way, Denver, CO 80239, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leroy Brown Jr. who died on 3/17/2022 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 (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 9/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/16/2023, 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: 3/16/2023

Verita Brown Gerald

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000178

David F. Dowdell Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Crystal Davis, whose address is 6070 Allen Parkway, Olive Branch, MS 38654, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David F. Dowdell who died on March 9, 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 9/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/16/2023, 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: 3/16/2023

Crystal Davis Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000240

Akira Khalijah Wilson

Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq.

1825 K Street, NW

Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO

UNKNOWN HEIRS

Toni R. Cole, whose address is 2537 18th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Akira Khalijah Wilson who died on 11/19/2022 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 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, 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:

3/23/2023

Toni R. Cole

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000261

Martella W. Pollard aka Martella Pollard Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Derek Pollard, whose address is 5308 Chestnut Manor Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Martella W. Pollard aka Martella Pollard who died on 10/11/2022 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 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, 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: 3/23/2023

Derek Pollard Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 000239

Gary K. Wilson Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Lakeisha Wilson, whose address is 1028 Mondrian Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20904, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gary K. Wilson who died on April 26, 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 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, 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: 3/23/2023

Lakeisha Wilson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 001307

Leonder L. Lee, Sr. aka Leonder Leopold Lee, Sr. Decedent

Glenda M. Wheeler Allen, Esq. Law Office Glenda M. Wheeler 808 E. Street, NE Ste A Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Lorna Washington, whose address is 403 Rexburg Ave., Fort Washington, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leonder L. Lee, Sr. aka Leonder Leopold Lee, Sr. who died on 10/29/2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, 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: 3/23/2023

Lorna Washington Personal Representative TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 000217

Angela D. Brailsford-Saunders

Decedent

Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Road Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Wayne O. Saunders, whose address is 1015 8th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Angela D. Brailsford-Saunders who died on September 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 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, 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: 3/23/2023

Wayne O. Saunders Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000236

Valerie G. Wheeler

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Nathan A. G. Wheeler, whose address is 66 New York Avenue, NW #401 Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Valerie G. Wheeler who died on July 26, 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 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, 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:

3/23/2023

Nathan A. G. Wheeler

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

2023 NRT 12

Julia E. Frane

Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Julia E. Frane whose address was 3100 Connecticut Avenue, NW #401, Washington, DC 20008 created a revocable trust on October 24, 1997, which remained in existence on the date of her death on September 25, 2022, and Steven A. Mansbach, whose address is 159 Poverty Hollow Rd., Newtown, CT 06470, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. at Tobin O’Connor Concino, PC 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #400, Washington, DC 20015.

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 9/23/2023 (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) 9/25/2023, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2), 9/23/2023 (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: 3/23/2023

Steven A. Mansbach

Signature of Trustee

Nicole Stevens

of Wills Washington Informer

50 MARCH 23 - 29, 2023

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2023 ADM 000228

Frank I. Benion Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Ahsaki Benion, whose address is 1295 5th Avenue, Apt. 26D, New York, NY 10029, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frank I. Benion who died on 8/5/2022 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 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, 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: 3/23/2023

Ahsaki Benion Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 0075

Parthia Brown Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Shonetta Brown, whose address is 3500 South Foster Edge Road, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Parthia Brown who died on March 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 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, 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:

3/23/2023

Shonetta Brown Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

JET from Page 32 mediately give me their Jet story. Unprompted.”

For Goff, that’s all the fuel he needed to help in what he calls the reset of Jet.

“It’s super exciting for me to be able to take this on,” Goff insisted. “When you hear ‘Beauty of the Week,’ you don’t have to even say Jet beauty of the week. It’s synonymous. I get those conversations from both men and women at least three times a week.”

Founded in 1951 by John H. Johnson, Jet proved a mainstay in primarily Black households across America.

Like Ebony, founded six years earlier, Jet chronicled Black life in America and provided a lens into the African American community that mainstream media either ignored or misrepresented.

Goff recalled the disturbing but necessary images Jet published in 1955 of Emmett Till’s body after he was lynched and tortured.

“We had to be bold because you have that full ownership and understanding of the significance of that story,” Goff related.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000235

Lolly G. Berry Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Richard Poindexter Berry, Jr. and Steven Douglas Berry, whose addresses are 7154 Presley Rd., Lanham, MD 20706 & 6100 Westchester Park Dr. #1619, College Park, MD 20740, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Lolly G. Berry who died on 1/6/2023 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 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, 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: 3/23/2023

Richard Poindexter Berry, Jr. Steven Douglas Berry Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF DEFAULT & NON RESPONSE

Notice To Agent is Notice To Principle; Notice To Principle Is

Notice To Agent

This is a Notice of Default & Non Response to SSA OIG, SSA Commissioner, HHS OIG, Secretary, OCSE Commissioner, Westchester/Yonkers County family clerk, who have failed to respond to my Public ads, Commercial Affidavits letters sent via certified mail, as well as a Notice of Default via certified mail in the event of your dishonor through non-performance and/ or non-response or due to reasonable neglect, by default you are deemed to be in bad faith in a contractual agreement with Charles Samuel and are in estoppel by your failure to respond.

have extended all commercial grace period of 65 days to rebut any allegations by sworn testimony point by point you have tacitly agreed to my 3 three Commercial Affidavits.

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

A Common Law Commercial Lien has been LAWFULLY established between myself Charles Samuel and the individuals who accepts liability for the names (Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra , OCSE Commissioner Tanguler Gray ), 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201. Social Security Administration Commissioner Kilolo kijakazi, 6401 Security boulevard Ste. 300 Baltimore, Maryland 21235. Westchester/Yonkers family court Chief clerk Stephen G. Byrnes, 131 Warburton Avenue third floor, Yonkers, New York 10701.

The reason for this Lien is that I have been the subject of a wrong (i.e a tort) at the hands of the “Tortfeasors” and my remedy IN LAW is to be able to place Lien on their property, until the wrong has been set aright. Thus I am LAWFULLY able to seize goods and assets that belong to the “Tortfeasers”, up to the amount of the Commercial Lien which is $100,000.00 each USD Dollars.

This notice is to inform whomsoever may be concerned that the creditworthiness of this “Tortfeasers” is henceforth, highly suspect, until the Lien lapses or is, buy some other means removed. 3/30/2023

“Jet was to the Emmett Till story what Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook live was to George Floyd. It started a movement. It wasn’t like little Black boys and men weren’t getting killed in Mississippi in 1955, but when you saw it on those pages, you felt you had to do something,” he said.

“The same way when you saw on social media George Floyd’s murder, you had to do something about it because it wasn’t as if before that moment, Black men weren’t getting killed by the police,” Goff continued.

While Jet told real stories about real people, most readers began with page 43.

With the reset, Goff said one shouldn’t expect an immediate return of the Beauty of the Week.

“It was relatable and owned by our community,” Goff explained. “The Beauty of the Week was a college student at Fayetteville, a nurse, secretary, or actress. Relatable people that we all thought were attainable. But how can we be relevant to our audience in a world that’s different and the way we consume information and get information?”

For instance, Goff wondered what would happen if Rihanna were chosen as the first beauty.

“Then Lizzo fans could say, what about her? And if we choose Lizzo, RuPaul could say, what about me?” Goff stated. “People would have every right to say that Jet is saying ‘I’m not beautiful.’”

Indeed, Jet was social media before Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Going viral in pre-social media days meant being on the cover of Jet.

Goff, whose background is brand marketing, understands that the Jet reset is a challenging assignment. But he’s thrilled to take it on.

“I call this being re-fueled by Jet. We can be relevant to our audience in a world that’s different, and the way we consume information and get information is different,” he stated.

“I also have to be relevant to an audience in a way that Ebony isn’t cannibalized. And we can do that.

If we compare Ebony and Jet to iconic television characters, Ebony is Claire Huxtable, and Jet is Martin [Lawrence]. They both speak to the Black experience but in a different way.” WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5 Jet President Daylon Goff (C,ourtesy Photo/ Jet)

ities maintenance; Medicaid, and debt service to support planned capital investment projects.

To balance the budget, Bowser tapped into the fiscal stabilization reserve, eliminated 749 vacant D.C. government positions, funded most District programs and services at pre-pandemic levels, shifted use of federal Recovery Plan investment, and worked with the OFCO to certify $578 in anticipated revenue from traffic cameras that had been approved since 2021.

As a Bowser administration official explained, Bowser also took a unique approach to providing the public charter sector with funds matching what the Washington Teachers’ Union secured in its retroactive contract with D.C. Public Schools (DCPS).

“The [public charter school match for] the collective bargaining agreement will go through the workforce investment account and that money will give the same percentage pay raise for charter school teachers that D.C. Public School teachers get,” the administration official said on background. “But they will have to get through a grant program and provide information on the teachers they employ and pay scales.”

On Wednesday morning, Bowser presented her FY 2024 budget proposal before the D.C. Council. Below are some key investments:

Education: $145 million to

support the 5.05% increase in per-pupil funding; $5 million to plan and launch the “My AfterschoolDC” central online hub for families to peruse after-school programs; $1.6 million for a teacher apprenticeship program; $6.8 million for a special education enhancement fund for childcare and out-of-school time slots for special-needs children; $222 million to convert the old Banneker Academic High School to Center City Middle School, renovate and expand MacArthur High School and renovate Winston Education Campus.

Recreation: $750,000 for the conversion of underutilized tennis and basketball courts to pickleball courts; $2.95 million for summer recreation programs and accelerated learning opportunities; $400,000 for additional summer camp slots for students with disabilities; $1.9 million for expanded pool hours at Ballou High School

Public Housing: $31 million for the Housing Production Trust Fund; $8 million to increase available down payment assistance through the Home Purchase Assistance Program; $1 million to expand the Strong Families, Strong Futures program.

Health & Human Services: $42 million to increase rental assistance through the Family Re-Housing Stabilization Program; $2.2 million to support homeless preven-

HVAC preventative maintenance to non-DCPS facilities.

said the investigation, and Falccichio departure, wasn’t related to questionable business dealings.

“This investigation doesn’t involve any allegations of impropriety connected to business transactions. There is no reason for business to slow down,” Bowser said. “There were allegations of wrongdoing the day before [Falcicchio resigned]. I was notified by my lawyer… With any investigation, it can go any way but I want to be clear that [impropriety in business transactions] is not the

To balance the budget, Bowser tapped into the fiscal stabilization reserve, eliminated 749 vacant D.C. government positions, funded most District programs and services at pre-pandemic levels, shifted use of federal Recovery Plan investment, and worked with the OFCO to certify $578 in anticipated revenue from traffic cameras...

Transportation Safety & Mobility: $7.4 million to install 342 new automated traffic cameras, $258 million to redesign dangerous roadways, $36 million to continue building more protected bike lanes, $19 million for temporary and permanent traffic-calming measures

formation about the additional costs that the program could incur. For one, if the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) were to provide free Metrobus service in the District, it would have to provide free access to MetroAccess for paratransit riders.

tion and outreach; $1.7 million to support housing case management services for behavioral health service clients; $900,000 to eliminate medical debt for nearly 90,000 District residents.

Public Safety: Repealing the incremental removal of school resource officers; funding the Second Chance Amendment Act, $6.7 million in grants for victim services, $4 million to support Department of Corrections inmates with special-education needs; $1.2 million for a new paramedic school; $277 for a new annex to the Correctional Treatment Facility; $5.4 million in ongoing investments in police recruitment and conversion bonuses for new hires

Government Services: $2.5 million toward recruitment of 911 operators, social workers and other hard-to-fill positions; $4.2 million to enhance cybersecurity protections; $4.5 million to expand

scope of the investigation.”

On Monday, attorneys Debra S. Katz and Kayla Morin released a statement on behalf of their client, a female D.C. government employee who alleges sexual harassment at the hands of Falcicchio.

In their statement, Katz, recognized as one of the #MeToo Movement's most feared lawyers, and Morin encouraged other alleged victims of Falcicchio to come forward.

"It is our understanding that this behavior is longstanding and our client is cooperating fully with the investigation, which Mayor Bowser initiated immediately," the statement read. "Our client is courageous. She came forward to ensure accountability and protect other women. Given the gravity of our client’s allegations – which

In addition, a six-year capital budget of $19.3 billion finances HVAC upgrades in District schools, adds new school modernizations, keeps recreation center modernizations on track, and ensures roadway redesigns under Vision Zero. Other significant investments include: the launch of a full-service grocery store at the East Capital Gateway and a $9.8 million to improve Farragut Square Park.

Over the last few weeks, the D.C. Council collected several hours of testimony from agency leaders during oversight hearings. Council members also submitted nearly 500 budget requests totaling more than $2.5 million.

In the coming weeks, the D.C. Council will deliberate on Bowser’s budget proposal. One issue area that’s likely going to encourage debate will be the free bus fare program that the council approved last year.

Since the OCFO’s revised revenue estimate called into question the likelihood of a free bus fare program, Bowser learned new in-

involve unwelcome advances and sexual contact – we ask the media to respect her privacy."

Falcicchio, a longtime fixture in the Bowser administration, served as deputy mayor for planning for nearly four years. He fulfilled that role while also serving as Bowser’s chief of staff, a position he held since she first entered office in 2015. Previous roles within the D.C. government include D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty’s senior advisor from 2003 to 2011. Falcicchio’s departure came days after Bowser revealed the FY-2024 budget.

For now, Lindsey Parker now serves as Bowser’s chief of staff while Keith Anderson, former head of Department of General Services, has taken on the role of deputy mayor for planning and

Additional considerations include how free bus fare would affect planned reduced fares for SNAP recipients, whether the funds from the Kids Ride Free program could offset the cost of the free bus fare program, and the need for WMATA to enter a multiyear financial agreement with the District.

In her March 16 letter to District Chief FInancial Officer Glen Lee, Bowser requested an updated analysis. She said that wanted to give her council counterparts, and District residents, the full picture of how much the free-bus program would cost.

“Given the uncertainty of the total costs required to provide these fully subsidized transit services, it is unlikely I will be able to fund them in my FY2024 budget proposal,” Bowser wrote to Lee on March 16. “However, because several council members have stated their support for this proposal, it is important to understand the true and complete cost of launching and maintaining the program. I ask that your office expedite this financial analysis and share it with our residents.”

WI @SamPKCollins

economic development. Bowser said announcements about leadership changes within her administration are forthcoming.

Meanwhile, Maia Ellis, associate director of the Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel, said that the findings of the investigation will not be made public. She went on to add that criminal behavior will be referred to either the Office of the Inspector General, the Metropolitan Police Department and other involved parties.

"The investigation is based upon sensitive matters," Ellis said. "There are privacy concerns. We follow our standard policies and procedures, which includes confidentiality and integrity to the witness and anyone who can come speak." WI

@SamPKCollins

FALCICCHIO from Page 1

3 The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), John Falcicchio, resigned his position last week. (WI File Photo/Robert Roberts)

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feel "remorse or guilt." The law prevents employers with more than 15 employees from mandating diversity training. DeSantis has rejected the Advanced Placement Black Studies curriculum for Florida public schools. These aren't dog whistles but outright shouts of racism and anti-Blackness. These rabid Republicans will blame anything — bank failures, derailed trains, and more — on so-called "wokeness," and non-critical thinkers are perfectly willing to go along with those distortions. Would a bank with all white male directors have acted differently than the current directors of SVB did? One might argue that an all-white male board might have performed even worse. The

EDELMAN from Page 30 to make it through. … We had to take out the paid part, which breaks my heart. We still haven't gotten the paid part." In another interview she put it this way. "It is still so watered down, I'm almost embarrassed to say that's my bill. … I do not think there is a capital in the world that talks more about family values and does less."

Thirty years after FMLA was signed into law, President Clinton returned to the White House last month to join President Biden at a ceremony celebrating its anniversary. But despite the critical protections FMLA did put into place, our nation still has not accomplished paid family and medical leave. This was one of the priorities President

SEAY from Page 30 Chadwick Boseman, the talented actor best known for portraying Black Panther, who succumbed at the age of 43, and Quentin Oliver Lee, Broadway actor, who passed away at the age of 34 to colon cancer, it is imperative that we highlight this issue and focus on efforts to solve disparities to prevent more in our communities.

I am committed to educating others about prevention and urging earlier colon cancer screenings to prevent diagnosis and treatment. I am also encouraged by The American Cancer Society and historically Black colleges and universities’ (HBCUs) focus to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in

financial press offers many reasons why SVB failed, and throwing "wokeness" into the equation is a distraction.

Though I get the concept, I've never been fond of "woke" rhetoric. It's been used as shorthand to describe conscious, racially and politically aware people, who are often progressive. A dear friend and diversity consultant, Howard Ross, says, "It doesn't matter whether you are woke or not; it's what you do when you get out of bed." In other words, anyone can mouth the rhetoric, but actions speak louder than words. It is unfathomable that a profit-making, predatory-capitalist bank led by white men can be described as mistakenly "woke" after its failure.

Marjorie Taylor Green and her ilk are looking for excuses in the face

Biden laid out again in his State of the Union address in January, and now, in the recently released fiscal year 2024 budget proposal. As the White House says: "The vast majority of America's workers do not have access to paid family leave, including three out of four private sector workers. Among the lowest-paid workers, who are predominately women and workers of color, 92 percent have no access to paid family leave through their employers.

The budget proposes to establish a national, comprehensive paid family and medical leave program, providing up to 12 weeks of leave to allow eligible workers to take time off to care for and bond with a new child; care for a seriously ill loved one; heal from their own serious illness; address circumstances arising from a

the cancer research field.

I believe we can make a huge difference if the age for Colonoscopy Screenings is changed for average-risk people to 25 years of age, and for first-degree relatives of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) to 30 years or 20 years before the age of diagnosis of the youngest relative diagnosed with CRC, in the medical and insurance communities.

LOST, BUT NOT IN VAIN

After Shundra's death, I researched colon cancer in earnest and learned about the increasing rate of young-onset CRC. Yale Medical doctors warn that people as young as 20 need to be aware of the warning signs.

of their stumbles, which include the loosening of Dodd-Frank regulation that might have prevented the SVB bank failure.

"Woke" has nothing to do with recent bank failures (New York's Signature Bank also failed at the same time as SVB did). Still, racist Republicans have carefully honed their rhetoric that even common decency is described as "woke." Don't believe the hype, folks. While our nation remains majority white, it is rapidly diversifying, and denial will not stop demographic change. DeSantis and his anti-Black cronies would like to turn the clock back to the "good old days" and erase history by denying it. Despite DeSantis' efforts, neither the past nor diversity will be erased.

loved one's military deployment; or find safety from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking."

Paid family and medical leave joins permanent expansion of the Child Tax Credit, increased investment in early care and education, and other budget priorities that have the potential to make a key difference to America's children and families. It will be up to today's congresswomen and congressmen to show us which members only want to talk about family values and which ones are ready to add real value to families' lives. As Pat Schroeder also reminded us, you can't wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time. We need elected officials committed to working for children.

WI

Nobody in their 20s, 30s, or 40s gets colorectal cancer, right? Wrong. The truth is that colorectal cancer is on the rise in young adults and has been for years. That's why Yale Medicine surgeons who treat it are urging people younger than 45 - even college students to talk to their doctors about any suspicious symptoms, such as constipation, rectal bleeding, or sudden change in bowel movements.

I am believing, hoping, and fighting for change.

Today, my daughter’s Instagram account remains active, with faithful updates and pleas for earlier colon cancer screenings, awareness and education. I hope young African American adults get screened so their families do not ever experience our heartbreak. WI

WILLIAMS from Page 31

agencies, the Los Angeles Police Department counts hate crimes by the number of victims rather than incidents.

Other major cities that saw multidecade highs in reported hate crimes include Chicago, Illinois; Houston, Texas; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Austin, Texas.

All who look to these statistics as being "conclusive" must acknowledge

CROWELL from Page 31

ens the program's financial stability and was accomplished by multiple factors. Administratively, HUD updated underwriting policies that enabled lenders to include both rental history and student loan debt in determining mortgage applicants' creditworthiness. Also, HUD's mortgage loan modification practices resolved delinquencies for financially-challenged borrowers, allowing them to keep their homes. Yet another policy change offered expanded housing counseling that prepares first-time buyers with knowledge and information gleaned from 4,000 HUD-certified counselors working in 1,500 HUD-approved community agencies across the country. These reforms, combined with key market measures like stable home appreciation, low foreclosure rates, and significant refinance volume, generated improved loan performance and savings that could be passed on to con-

MARSHALL from Page 31

sionate about wanting their presidential candidates to embrace and defend culture war issues. Therefore, it was no surprise that former South Carolina Gov. and U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley declared war on "wokeness" while giving her speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). "I am running for president to renew an America that's proud and strong, not weak and woke," she said. "Wokeness" is a virus more dangerous than any pandemic, hands down." The Republican presidential candidate was not done. During the same speech, Haley spoke about "election integrity" and the fact that as governor, she enacted a voter ID law. While hitting all the talking points that typically resonate with Republican voters, many within the CPAC audience still may be unable to state the true meaning of CRT. The same is now true about the definition of the term "woke." Most of the CPAC audience will unlikely support her candidacy for president, but most will embrace her

that too many incidents of hate crimes occur without being reported. My "street sense" informs me that growing intensity in expressed interpersonal animus and cultural exclusion is predictive of an even greater increase in incidents of violence.

In this season of Peace, we seek the enlightenment, redemption and renewal that is concomitant in all religions.

As we observe Ramadan, Passover and Easter, I pray for a renewal and rebirth

sumers.

For low- to moderate-income consumers, these developments ensure that this long-standing, federally insured program will remain an available, affordable and sustainable path to homeownership. More than 80% of first-time homebuyers and 25% of buyers of color who secured these government-backed loans will benefit from the lowered fees.

In its recap of 2021 FHA lending to Blacks, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, found that 40% of Black mortgage borrowers were FHA-insured, including 42% of Black millennials.

Public and private sector housing stakeholders applauded the action.

"The Biden-Harris administration is providing needed breathing room in the tight budgets of families who use FHA mortgages, many of whom are first-time homebuyers, people of color, or individuals with lower incomes," said Mitria Spotser, vice president and

misinformation regarding the threat of being "woke."

Why is the term, which began to gain popularity at the start of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2014, rejected by many within the Republican Party? To be "woke" politically in the Black community means that someone is informed, educated, and conscious of social injustice and racial inequality, Merriam-Webster Dictionary states. To be "woke" means a person chooses knowledge over ignorance. It means the same individual accepts what can often be painful facts and, with empathy and compassion, chooses to dismantle the injustices impacting Black and brown communities. Haley made it clear this version of "wokeness" is more dangerous than the pandemic and its million deaths. The war against "wokeness" is to marginalize people and racial ideas that don't align with their own. Since this is their rallying cry out of CPAC, what is the response from knowledgeable people?

The CPAC speech is a rallying cry on both sides. A big part of being

of our humanity, even among non-believers. The fact that we share the values of allegiance to a Supreme Being, different in our characterizations, but who is the singular source of our strength and survival, should provide a greater reason for us to attempt a harmonious coexistence. We must face the reality of our co-existence with the understanding that, isolated as we are on a single spaceship, we must learn to live in peace or we will surely perish together. WI

federal policy director at the Center for Responsible Lending. "By reducing the cost of mortgage insurance premiums, the administration is putting money back into people's pockets. This move helps families strengthen their financial backstop and manage unexpected financial events while maintaining homeownership. The administration has been working to make our housing system more equitable, sustainable and healthier and this is an important step in that journey."

Kenny Parcell, president of the National Association of Realtors, concurred.

"Mortgage rates have doubled over the past year and home prices have increased more than 30% in some counties. In this competitive market, new and low- to moderate-income buyers are often left behind," Parcell said. "This reduction will help alleviate some of the financial stress those potential buyers encounter when purchasing a home."

WI

"woke" means we are to be motivated to ensure Black children remain inspired. An inspired child is less likely to steal, kill, and destroy. An inspired child is more likely to embrace the ideas and examples of Black empowerment from our Black history. Where states such as Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have passed so-called "anti-critical race theory" bills that limit how race is taught, this becomes a rallying cry to protect the interests of Black students everywhere. Jessica Kibblewhite is a sixth-grade social science teacher in Chicago. Sixth graders are at a vulnerable age. As a white teacher who works with Black students, Kibblewhite said it's important for students to see themselves in history books. "Students don't learn anything unless they're deeply engaged," said Kibblewhite. "If students don't see themselves in characters in text or [instead] historical figures that look different from them, they'll be less likely to be engaged."

A less engaged child is a less inspired child. WI

We celebrate the commitment of our employees with initiatives like Sharing Success, which awarded 96% of colleagues additional compensation this year, nearly all in stock. This is the sixth time teammates received this award, totaling more than $4 billion.

We are committed to being a Great Place to Work for our teammates in the DMV and around the globe. This includes providing leading benefits, minimum wage at $22/hr on track to $25/hr by 2025 and opportunities to build a career with us. These are key reasons we’ve been named America’s Most JUST Company.

Rita President,

Bank of America Greater Washington D.C.

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