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Vol. 57, No. 33 • June 2 - 8, 2022
District Parents Still Reeling from Uvalde Mass Shooting Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer For Ward 4 parent Amber Golden, the mass shootings at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and the Buffalo massacre days before which left nearly a dozen Blacks dead, evoke memories of smaller, yet similarly tragic events that have rocked her and her family over the last few decades. In the 1980s, while a student at what was then known as Wilson Senior High School in Northwest, Golden learned that someone had shot and nearly killed her friend at the bus stop they frequented. A few decades later, after a Florida jury’s acquittal of George Zimmerman drove her to tears, Golden tightly hugged her son upon his return home shortly after a sniper killed four people near the Van Ness Metro Station. When it comes to the issue of school safety, Golden said
SAFETY Page 49
5 Members of the Buffalo Soldiers of Maryland along with their Buffalo Thunder head on U Street to the African American Civil War Memorial for an annual ceremony held every Memorial Day. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
D.C. Residents on Edge About Gun Violence U.S. Mass Shootings, Homicides Fuel Jitters James Wright WI Staff Writer As District residents observed the recent mass shootings by individuals with firearms in Buffalo and Uvalde, Texas and continue to see a soaring homicide 3 The community in Ward 8 gather to protest gun violence. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
rate due largely to gun violence, many remain anxious about whether their lives are secure in the city. “This city is not safe,” said Shekita McBroom who represents advisory neighborhood commission 8E01 in Ward 8. “Honestly, no city is safe these days
considering what is taking place,” she said. “Innocent people in Buffalo and babies in Texas were killed for no reason at all. People are telling me that their children are afraid to go to school and their parents are afraid to send them there. It's very scary now.” The Gun Violence Archive (GVA) in Northwest reported 227 mass
DC GUNS Page 9
Teens Talk Safe Spaces at Creative Suitland Arts Center William J. Ford WI Staff Writer
Mykai Matthews-Nell enjoys playing basketball and dancing to hip-hop. While she said her family’s love matters more to her than anything else, the 13-year-
old middle school student also values her bracelets. “I have 12 bracelets on my right arm and 38 bracelets on my left arm,” she said Saturday, May 28 at Creative Suitland Arts Center. “The ones on my right arm are pearls.
The ones on my left arm are beads. Just something I like.” Mykai and other teenagers, ages 13 to 17, will spend part of their Saturdays for the next 20 weeks participating in a
TEENS Page 40
SPELLING BEE Page 12 Celebrating 57 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area
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CONTENTS LIFESTYLE
BLACK FACTS
6
EDUCATION
24
34
LIFESTYLE
32
Around the Region........................................................................4-11 Prince George's County........................................................... 12-13 Business.......................................................................................... 14-15 National..........................................................................................16-18 International.....................................................................................20 Health............................................................................................ 22-23 Education..................................................................................... 24-25 WI Voter Guide..................................................................... Center OpEd..............................................................................................27-29 Lifestyle........................................................................................30-37 Capture the Moment.................................................................... 38 Religion................................................................................................ 41
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Prices Effective Friday, June 3 thru Thursday, June 9, 2022 Unless otherwise noted, offers in this ad are in effect at 6 a.m., Friday thru Thursday midnight at your local Safeway stores. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER ITEM PER DAY PER HOUSEHOLD. Prices and savings vary among store locations. Not all items or varieties available in all store locations. Quantities limited to inventory on hand and subject to availability. Sales in retail quantities only and we reserve the right to limit quantities sold to per customer. While supplies last. Unless otherwise noted, transactional limits may apply. On Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) offers, customer must purchase the first item to receive the second item free. BOGO offers are not 1/2 price sales. If only a single item is purchased, the regular price applies. Manufacturers’ coupons may only be used on purchased items, not on free items. All rebate offers are subject to applicable manufacturer’s additional terms. Customer pays for applicable taxes, bottle/can deposit and bag fees, if any, on purchased and free items. We reserve the right to modify or cancel offers and/or correct typographical, pictorial and other ad or pricing errors. Prices for products ordered online generally are higher than in our physical store locations and may vary by fulfillment method chosen. Online promotions, discounts and offers may differ from those in our physical store locations. Offers are void or restricted where prohibited or limited by law and have no cash value. No cash back will be given. GL00181105_SWY_Washington Informer_060222 weekly ad_9.85x5.5
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Life of Artist Norman Parish, Jr. Featured in New Documentary A documentary honoring the life and work of artist Norman Parish, Jr., will be previewed at City Tavern Club in Northwest, June 6 – 7, at 7 p.m. on both nights. “Walls of Respect: Norman Parish and the Parish Art Gallery,” will tell the story of an African-American-owned gallery in the Georgetown community. Viewers of the documentary will learn about Parish’s impact on artists and D.C. culture. The director, Susan Ericssom and executive director, Norman Parish III, have gathered powerful reflections about the talented and dedicated artist through interviews with family members, colleagues and curators. WI
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D.C. Library Board Names Branch in Honor of Ward 5 Activist Lillian Huff
In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com
PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Senior 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 Angel Johnson, Admin. Asst. REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Aja Beckham, Ed Hill, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Editor), Hamil Harris, 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 D.C. Public Library Board of Trustees voted May 25 to name its newly-rebuilt Lamond-Riggs branch in Northeast in honor of a longtime Ward 5 resident and public library advocate, Lillian J. Huff. Huff served as president of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association and was a member of the Democratic National Committee. She helped secure federal funds to build the original Lamond-Riggs branch and held several positions in the support of public libraries. D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5), who introduced a bill to designate the library in her name, said, “[she] stepped up to the plate for the Lamond-Riggs community in a way that is unmatched and worked tirelessly for decades to ensure that the idea of building a library in Lamond-Riggs became a reality. So, it is fitting that we honor her legacy by renaming the library after her.” WI
Process Moves Ahead to Remove PGCPS Board Chair, Dr. Juanita Miller The Maryland Board of Education recently voted to issue a notice of charges against Prince George’s County public school board chair Dr. Juanita Miller. Maryland spokeswoman Lora Rakowski said May 28 that Miller may request a hearing before an administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings. However, the judge rules, the state board will still be responsible for making a final decision. Since Miller’s appointment to the board in January 2021 by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, the relationship between her and most of the elected members has been turbulent. Shortly into her tenure, she canceled a school board meeting to request an audit to assess alleged ethical issues among some of the elected members, all of which would be proven false. Elected members, led by former vice chair and now County Council member Edward Burroughs III, filed a petition asking for the state to intervene. State lawmakers approved for the school board to start the process to convert into an all-elected board by 2024. The current structure operates in a hybrid format with nine elected members, four appointed and one student member from a high school. WI 3 Dr. Juanita Miller. (Photo courtesy of PGCPS)
4 JUNE 2 - 8, 2022
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AROUND THE REGION District Bond Program Benefits Small Black-Owned Businesses Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
For 20 years, Innovative Recordings, LLC has not only provided a platform for musical acts but launched a school of performing arts and explored entry into the snack food industry. With its inclusion in a D.C. government-supported bond program, Innovative Recordings LLC will soon expand its operations, much to the benefit of Ward 7 and 8 residents. Through the DC Rebuild Bond Program, Innovative Recordings, LLC and at least seven other local businesses have issued small business bonds, for as low as $10 a piece, to customers and community members in the District and around the country. Those who purchase these bonds immediately receive monthly payments on the principal and interest. For months, Innovative Recordings LLC, based in Southeast, has been well on its way to raise $500,000 through the DC Rebuild Bond Program. Innovative Recordings LLC founder Charles “Shorty Corleone” Garris said the endeavor, which wraps up in a couple of weeks, has already expanded the visibility of the Capital Kidds musical group and his snack brand, Crank Chips. “There are investors around the country participating in the bond program,” Garris said. “It’s exciting that our story is compelling enough that it reached the core of some investors who want to support us. This is a great opportunity. They will support some of the things we want to do and what we’ve done for years. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for workforce development.” Research shows that the size of their business and lack of knowledge about the intricacies of the loan process often hinder entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalized communities, from acquiring small business loans. The problem exacerbated at the height of the pandemic when a significant number of small Blackowned businesses struggled to access funds from the Paycheck Protection Program.
The DC Rebuild Bond Programs represents a collaboration between the DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and SMBX, a first-of-its-kind global marketplace that connects small businesses directly with everyday investors. Program coordinators said they want to spur $5 million in investments. Since launching last September, the businesses involved in the program have raised nearly $800,000. Qualifying businesses must show an ability to repay loans that carry interest rates of between 4 and 10 percent. Other participants include Triune Solutions, a Southeast-based provider of IT services and Trini Vybez Food Truck, based in Northeast, which recently joined the DC Rebuild Bond Program to raise funds for the purchase of equipment. “Small businesses don’t have to go to the Small Business Administration,” said Peter Barden, SMBX’s director of communications. “They can have a loan at a reasonable interest rate that they’re paying back to their community. And there are no unpredictable payments. The real focus is on Wards 5, 7, 8 and areas that have been discriminated against in the financial system,” Barden said. Innovative Recordings’ future programming will build upon educational content centered on the Capital Kidds. The group has more than 80 songs recorded and one completed season of the YouTube series, “Cooking with the Capital Kidds.” As Capital Kidds reaches a larger audience, fans and new listeners alike will also become familiar with Crank Chips. A unique QR code on the snack package will allow purchasers to listen to newly-released go-go songs. Another piece of the puzzle, as described by Stan Jackson, involves the development of buildings where entrepreneurs like Garris can interact with creatives and community members. Jackson, president and CEO of the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation, spoke about the potential of developing Parcel 8 of St. Elizabeths East Campus.
5 Through the DC Rebuild Bond Program, Charles Garris (center) of Innovative Recordings, LLC can expand programming that features Capital Kidds (left). (Photo courtesy of SMBX)
This project, he said, follows ongoing efforts to connect residents east of the Anacostia River with economic opportunities that boost their ability to provide jobs for others.
“We have to begin to recognize the value of the creative economy and what opportunity does to marginalized communities,” Jackson said. “It’s a simple process [centered on] how we create the
outcome that allows the leverage of creative investments for the sustainability of small businesses that pour into the community to enrich our residents.” WI @SamPKCollins
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 5
AROUND THE REGION
black facts
JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB
and recorded a string of successful duets with Johnny Mathis before her breakout pop hit, "Let's Hear it for the Boy." 2008 – Barack Obama clinches the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first Black candidate to lead a major party into a campaign for the White House.
JUNE 4
1961 – Soul crooner El DeBarge, who became a star with his siblings in the early 1980s before enjoying a successful solo career, is born. 1972 – Angela Davis, famed civil rights activist and Black Panther Party affiliate, is acquitted by an all-white jury in San Jose, California, of conspiracy charges stemming from a 1970 courtroom shootout.
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1875 – James Augustine Healy is consecrated as Bishop of Portland, becoming the first African-American consecrated a Catholic bishop. 1951 – Kenneth Chenault, CEO and chairman of American Express, is born in Mineola, New York. He is the third Black CEO of a Fortune 500 company. 1989 – Freddie Adu, soccer player and former member of D.C. United, is born in Tema, Ghana. In January 2004, he became the youngest American ever to sign a professional sports contract after be was selected by the United in the Major League Soccer draft.
JUNE 3
1906 – Josephine Baker, the world-renowned American-born French singer, dancer and actress, is born. In 1934, Baker became the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture ("Zotuou"). She also became an avowed civil rights activist, speaking out against the racism and segregation she faced as a performer in the United States. 1942 – Curtis Mayfield, famed singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer, is born. Rising to prominence as a member of the Impressions, Mayfield penned the R&B group's politically charged "People Get Ready" at the height of the civil rights movement before going on to a successful solo career. He is perhaps best known for creating the soundtrack for the seminal blaxploitation film "Superfly." 1949 – Wesley A. Brown becomes the first African-American graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. 1950 – Deniece Williams, Grammy-winning R&B and gospel music star, is born. Known for her four-octave range, Williams sang backup for Stevie Wonder
6 JUNE 2 - 8, 2022
1945 – John Carlos, a Black American track and field athlete best known for raising a Black gloved fist alongside Tommie Smith at the 1968 Olympics during the American national anthem after winning a bronze medal, is born. 1973 – Doris A. Davis is elected as mayor of Compton, California, making her the first-ever African-American woman elected mayor of a metropolitan city.
JUNE 6
1966 – James Meredith, the first African-American student admitted to the segregated University of Mississippi, is shot in Mississippi by a white man during a civil rights march. 2004 – Phylicia Rashad (below) of "The Cosby Show" fame becomes the first Black actress to win a Tony for a leading dramatic role for her turn as Lena Younger in "A Raisin in the Sun."
JUNE 7
1943 – Nikki Giovanni, renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist and educator, is born in Knoxville, Tennessee. 1958 – Music legend Prince, who released 39 albums, won seven Grammy Awards, an Oscar and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is born in Minneapolis.
JUNE 8
1953 – The Supreme Court rules that restaurants and bars in Washington, D.C., are required to serve African-American customers. WI
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The school shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, where an 18-year-old murdered 19 children and two teachers with an AR-15, has reignited the gun reform debate in America. What are your thoughts on the tragedy?
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Stubbornness against gun control keeps this crime ongoing! How many more must die because of abstract refusal to change?
LOUISE MARVEL /
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
He [shot] his grandma first, then went to the school. This is on the governor and the other Republicans in power in Texas. Those children and the teachers’ blood is on all of your hands. And don’t send those lame thoughts and prayers because they mean absolutely nothing.
DAVID WILLIAMS / WASHINGTON, D.C.
These poor children were heroes, and these alleged “good guys with guns” didn’t do their jobs. With that said, these mentally ill gun lovers out here pretending as if there is a purpose outside of war for these semi-automatic weapons. I choose children over semi-automatic rifles!
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The World According to Dominic D. Kevin McNeir / WI Senior Editor
We All Have the Right to Be Proud, Even if You’re Gay
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The month of June is upon us and with it will come a host of activities related to Pride Month. For those who may be unaware, Pride Month represents that time each year when Americans celebrate the lives and contributions of those who represent the LGBTQ community. And while cities like D.C. will finally get the chance to hold those highly-anticipated parades, parties, high heel races and other activities, the reality remains that many Americans, behind closed doors, would prefer that gay folk just disappear. Of course, the same could be said about Black people too, given the level of recent efforts to turn the clock backwards. Still, as an advertisement for Virginia Slims cigarettes proclaimed back in the 70s, “we’ve come a long way, baby.” And indeed, for those who are part of the LGBTQ family, there are many reasons to celebrate. Gone are the laws that forced gays and lesbians to live in the closet with fear. Medical advancements have made it possible to contract the HIV virus and still anticipate enjoying decades of a full and fruitful life. In some parts of the nation, it’s even possible for same-gender couples to marry or adopt children. But like our nation’s sickness of
Some members of the LGBTQ community still cannot freely worship in the churches, synagogues or mosques that have long empowered and sustained their families because of discrimination. racism that has been on our shores since America’s founding, there remain many Americans who look down on those who chose to live their lives and follow their destinies with alternative lifestyles. Challenges and threats lodged against those who are transgender have increased, often including heinous acts of violence. Despite the parades and well wishes, it’s still not safe to be gay in America. Some members of the LGBTQ community still cannot freely worship in the churches, synagogues or mosques that have long empowered and sustained their families because of discrimination. That’s why Pride Month and its related activities was first proposed decades ago. And that’s why they are still important and necessary, particularly for younger Americans who wrestle with their sexual
identity and seek to embrace the person they feel they were born to be. As a little boy, I remember my mother, an elementary school teacher, sharing a song with me and her pupils which said, “I’m proud to be me. But I also see. You’re just as proud to be you.” I have always believed that this song and its lyrics were almost prophetic. After all, we all deserve the right to be “ourselves,” no matter how different that choice may be from the choices made by others. If James Brown could lead us in shouting, “Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud,” then why can’t those who are part of the LGBTQ community shout similar refrains? Make no mistake. Being gay is not an easy path to follow or lifestyle to embrace. Sometimes, it’s far easier to stay in the closet, clinging to our shirts or skirts. And yet, despite the ridicule, the rebuke, the dangers, the hatred, the ostracizing that are often part and parcel to being LGBTQ, men, women and children who live that reality refuse to be deterred. That’s what Pride Month has long represented – lifting up those rare tales of victory amidst a much larger narrative of hatred, sorrow and death. So, happy Pride Month to all. Let’s not forget, we’re all God’s children and are all worthy of being respected –even if the flag you wave is one that’s rainbow-colored. WI
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AROUND THE REGION
DC GUNS from Page 1 shootings in the U.S. this year as of May 31. GVA defines a mass shooting as an incident where at least four people have been shot. In the District, the Metropolitan Police Department reported on May 27 that 79 people have died due to homicide so far this year, an 8% increase from 2021. The shooting and killings have become such a problem that Salim Adofo, the chairman of the 8C advisory neighborhood commission, submitted written testimony to the D.C. Council’s Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety on May 26 saying many of his constituents “have expressed great concern for the amount of gun violence in the community.”
D.C. RESIDENTS RESPOND TO GUNS AND VIOLENCE
Amber Jones walked out of the Safeway located in the East River Park shopping center in Northeast on May 28 with a few bags of groceries. She said while she knew about the killing of 10 Black people and the injuring of three others at the Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo she had no problem going to Safeway. “I felt safe coming here,” said Jones, who lives in Ward 7. “You have to keep on living. We have some pretty tough gun laws here in D.C. but the guns just keep on coming.” Jones said it would be tough to stop illegal guns from being brought into neighborhoods “because they are accessible in the streets for anybody that wants one.” However, she said assault weapons should be outlawed and background checks taken for people who want to purchase a gun. Shaquan McLean, who also lives in Ward 7, agrees with Jones. McLean said she felt safe shopping at the Safeway and realizes that those who want access to guns
will find a way to get them. “The criminals can get guns,” she said. “They will always find a way. I don’t think there is much our city leaders can do about it. They can ban certain types of guns and do the background checks but how long will that be effective in stopping people from being shot?” David Miller, an author and an anti-crime activist who lives in Ward 8, participated in a public safety forum sponsored by the 8C commission on May 25. He said steps need to be taken to assure residents of their safety and that the police have the best interests of underserved neighborhoods in mind. “There needs to be a reimaging of police in Ward 8,” Miller said. “Oftentimes, law enforcement is punitive against the citizens here in the ward. There should a change in how we look at law enforcement. Many times, an officer should not respond to a call to deal with a person experiencing a mental health episode. A mental health professional should respond to diffuse the situation.” Miller said the District government should create a comprehensive strategy to deal with the problems many Black men continue to face. “Young Black males start getting into trouble around the third grade,” he said. “That is when intervention is needed. We have a culture where boys are groomed at 9- or 10-years-old to be shooters. These things are happening because boys aren’t getting the services they need from the city.” Kathy Henderson, a former Ward 5 advisory neighborhood commissioner running in the June 21 Democratic primary for her ward’s council seat, said “giving people jobs or benefits won’t solve the problem of gun violence in the city.” “We just have to be frank and admit there are some people who are sociopaths,” Henderson said. “You cannot force people to get mental health treat-
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ment just like you can’t force people to get drug treatment.” Henderson said no one in the District should feel safe due to the number of homicides and the growing sentiment that gun violence “is out of control in this country.” However, on whether residents should arm themselves with guns, dis-
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agreements occur. “I am not a gun advocate,” Henderson said. “I know there are some who say if the people who were killed in Buffalo had guns, they could have defended themselves or if the teachers in Texas were armed, lives could have been saved. I don’t know about that. I think a blood bath would have taken
place in both instances.” McBroom said residents should buy guns to protect themselves if they want to. “Hell yeah everybody needs to get a gun,” she said. “These shootings are spontaneous. You don’t know when it could happen. Nobody is safe.” WI @JamesWrightJr10
JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 9
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Founder and CEO Karen Alston hosted The Spectrum Circle Awards Luncheon on May 20 in the District where she celebrated eight women for their excellence in career achievement. Over 180 attendees were present to celebrate the accomplishments of these women from around the country. NBC4 Shawn Yancy emceed the event and former Deputy Assistant to Joe Biden and former Senior Adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris Symone Sanders attended as a guest at the event. Pictured (L-R): Karen Alston, founder and CEO of The Spectrum Circle, Franchon Crews-Dezurn, Sharnita Jackson, Minyon Moore, Maggy Francois, Tanya Lombard, Terri Hines, Karen Friedman, Nicole Fisher Roberts and Meedie L. Bardonille. (Courtesy photo)
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WORDS TO LIVE BY “It is utterly exhausting being Black in America – physically, mentally and emotionally. While many minority groups and women feel similar stress, there is no respite or escape from your badge of color.” – Marian Wright Edelman
“The Measure of Success.” Edelman, born in Bennettsville, SC, June 6, 1939, became the first female African American lawyer in Mississippi and founded the Children’s Defense Fund.
10 JUNE 2 - 8, 2022
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D.C. Residents Mull Over New City Budget James Wright WI Staff Writer District residents are contemplating what the new fiscal year 20222023 budget passed by the D.C. Council on May 24 means for them as far as its impact on their lives. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, who shepherded the budget during the months-long deliberation process, complimented his council colleagues for passing the city’s spending plan with what he viewed as key priorities and said it “changes the game for funding schools.” “With this budget, we’ll finally start getting funding to schools with the greatest need to support their at-risk students,” he said. “Coupled with Schools First in Budgeting Act – which I plan to move in the coming months – our schools not only will be stabilized but also be able to grow.” The council voted for the 2023 local budget and took its first vote on the Budget Support Act (BSA) on May 24, which includes statutory changes necessary to implement the city’s financial plan, such as the legal authority for specific revenue changes. The next vote on the BSA takes place June 7. When the BSA gains approval, the budget will go to Mayor Muriel Bowser for her backing. Then, the budget will be transmitted to the president who will submit it to the U.S. Congress. If there are no objections on the federal level, the budget will become effective Oct. 1.
MENDELSON CITES BUDGET PRIORITIES
The chairman said the new budget adds $41.6 million for new funding in the uniform per-student funding formula for schools in the District’s public and charter systems whose populations include more than 40% of at-risk pupils. Additional funds have been earmarked for schools whose at-risk student populations exceed 70%. Regarding the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), he said it has received more funding by increasing the fundraising match by $500,000. UDC’s Higher Education Incentive Fund Scholarship program received an increase by more than $1.7 million. The university’s budget
includes a $51 million increase over the next five years to its Capital Improvement Plan. Mendelson also noted the substantial allocation of funds to the Access to Justice Initiative with an additional $11.6 million to a program funded at $31.7 million. The Initiative assists low- and moderate-income residents with legal representation. In addition, more than 400 affordable housing vouchers have been added to the budget for families facing eviction from rapid rehousing.
LEADERS, RESIDENTS WEIGH-IN ON BUDGET
Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At Large) lauded the budget for funding the DC Diaper Bank Grant Program with $500,000. “These funds are the first local government dollars the District will allocate towards diaper access for families,” Henderson said. “A sufficient supply of diapers for one child can cost a family between $75 and $100 a month but 1-in-3 mothers run out of diapers every month.” Henderson said diapers aren’t covered by federal assistance programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Women, Infants and Children thereby justifying the need for the bank grant. She also extolled the $118,000 funding of the Perinatal Mental Health Task Force that will study the psychological well-being of new mothers and families. Other measures she praised included $6.4 million to have a mental health provider in each school, two weeks of paid leave for all District government workers at the cost of $4.4 million and $6 million for a school nurse in every public education building. Bowser, who has fought with councilmembers over funding the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), appeared to be pleased with the budget permitting the hiring of 347 new officers. "My commitment to the men and women at MPD and to our community is that I will keep working to make sure we have a fully-staffed and fully-resourced Metropolitan Police Department,” Bowser said. The Fair Budget Coalition, an
AROUND THE REGION
umbrella organization of groups focused on aiding low- and moderate-income Washingtonians, said its “wins” with the city’s new financial plan include 260 permanent supportive housing vouchers for families and 500 vouchers of that kind for individuals. “Thanks to our collective advocacy, the budget preserves the mayor’s proposed investments to end chronic homelessness for 500 individuals and 260 families,” said the leaders of the coalition in their weekly e-newsletter. Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, the CEO and executive director of Capital Area Asset Builders, applauded the council for expanding the DC Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to undocumented adult workers in the city. “This is a major public policy victory for the benefit of low-to-moderate income undocumented individuals and families in Washington, D.C.,” Leitmann-Santa Cruz said. “Now, undocumented D.C. workers and their families can also benefit.” WI JamesWrightJr10
5 Phil Mendelson serves as the chairman of the D.C. Council. (WI File Photo)
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 11
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Cory Booker Encourages Maryland’s Democrats to ‘Stay Faithful’ William J. Ford WI Staff Writer For the first time in two years, the Maryland Democratic Party hosted its annual gala in hopes of boosting enthusiasm for the upcoming primary election which they consider critical in their goal of regaining control of the governor’s mansion. This year’s gala also marked the first time it has been held in Prince George’s County since 2015. As of April, the state Board of Elections shows the majority Black jurisdiction has the state’s highest number of Democrats at 462,550. “Energy is very high and people
are excited about being together again,” Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said Thursday, May 26 at the Camelot by Martin’s in Upper Marlboro. “All of the other issues that are emerging across the country are also causing Democrats to come together to be united and very motivated to get our residents to the polls to make sure our agenda and our values are on the ballot,” she said. And while Democrats outnumber Republicans in the state by a 2-to-1 ratio, the majority of voters chose Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, whose final year in office ends in January 2023, for two consecutive terms.
5 Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (center) poses for a picture with Maryland gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore (right) and his wife, Dawn. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer) Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (center) poses for a picture with Maryland gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore (right) and his wife, Dawn. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
His upcoming departure from office serves as the reason that nine candidates have emerged with hopes to secure the Democratic Party’s endorsement. The candidates, each of whom spoke briefly during the gala, included: retired research scholar Jerome Segal; Comptroller Peter Franchot; former U.S. Education secretary John King, Jr.; former President Barack Obama administration official Ashwani Jain; former U.S. Labor and state labor secretary Tom Perez; former Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler; former
nonprofit executive and military veteran Wes Moore; former nonprofit executive Jon Baron; and former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III. When King took the stage, more than a dozen supporters cheered and hoisted signs showcasing his name and that of his running mate, Michelle Siri. King said the party “needs to stop acting like Hogan Democrats . . . and replace the era of status quo with an era of hope, ambition and real progress.” Party leadership invited Sen.
Orange Line Closure Forcing Commuters to Change Course ARETHA By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer
DISTRICT24
5 A Metro shuttle bus at the New Carrollton Metro station May 28. The free service will be provided for commuters while platform work gets conducted there and at four other Orange Line stations. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
12 JUNE 2 - 8, 2022
Tijan Glover’s shift at 4:30 a.m. as a barista at Starbucks often provides him a less crowded ride on Metro’s Orange Line train in Prince George’s County, Maryland. However, the 22-year-old college student of Lanham will join other commuters forced to use alternate routes because three Metrorail stations in Prince George’s and two in D.C. will be closed through Sept. 5 as workers conduct renovations along and near station platforms. Metrorail service stopped Saturday, May 28 at New Carrollton, Landover and Cheverly in Prince George’s and Deanwood and Minnesota Avenue in the District. “I don’t have many problems when going on the train. It has a homey feel to it,” said Glover, who will divert his
“train riding” on the Green Line starting at the Greenbelt station. “[Metro] should’ve done this during quarantine when no one was riding. During the summer, a lot more people are going to be moving around.” Fortunately, commuters can park for free at those stations and receive free shuttle bus service between New Carrollton and Stadium-Armory in southeast D.C. No Metrorail Service will be offered on Saturday and Sunday on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines between Benning Road and Stadium-Armory. All commuters can ride on shuttle buses and travel on those lines west of Stadium-Armory. The transit agency, formerly called the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), marks this work as the final phase of
METRO Page 13
Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) to help boost confidence as campaigning efforts begin to hit their peak less than two months before the state’s July 19 primary election. In March, Booker gave passionate remarks during the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for now U.S. Supreme Court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. His words brought Brown Jackson to tears. Although his fellow Democrats in Upper Marlboro didn’t cry, many applauded, cheered and waved their hands throughout Booker’s 24-minute speech which had elements that bore striking similarity to a minister’s sermon. “We stand up for women’s rights. We stand up for Roe v. Wade. We’re the party of compassion. We’re the party of love. We’re the party that looks out for one another. We’re the party of we and not the party of me,” Booker said. Even after Tuesday’s elementary school shooting in Texas and the unprecedented cat fights between members of Congress that have emerged along party lines on Capitol Hill, Booker urged Maryland Democrats to remain diligent. “Faith without works is dead, so we’ve got to work today. We’ve got to work tomorrow,” he said, raising his voice a little louder. “If we have that kind of faith . . . we will win, again. Stay faithful, Maryland. Stay faithful.” An additional six candidates, also seeking the Maryland governor’s seat, include four Republi-
BOOKER Page 13
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BOOKER from Page 12 cans, a Libertarian and a registered Independent ahead of the Nov. 8 general election. Republican Gov. Larry Hogan has thrown his support behind former Department of Commerce secretary Kelly Schulz. Del. Daniel Cox, who represents parts of Carroll and Frederick counties, has received support from former President Donald Trump. The other two Republican candidates include former state Del. Robin Ficker of Montgomery County and Joe Werner of Baltimore County. Because only registered Democrats or Republicans can vote in the primaries, two other people will be on the ballot for the gen-
METRO from Page 12 its platform improvement plan. Metro identified 20 stations in need of repair such as Addison RoadSeat Pleasant that reopened after three months of work in May 2021 with brighter LED lights, slip resistant tiles, large digital screens to provide real-time travel information and outlets to charge cell phones and other devices. “It would be a worthy project [for people] to charge cell phones…while waiting to ride the train,” said Andres Urbina, 34, who has special needs and commutes from the New Carrollton station to his job as an usher/ticket taker at the Warner Theater in Northwest. While recovering last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19, Urbina said he may have to spend money on the Lyft driving service “which could be pretty expensive for me.” He works two to three days a week. “Closing the Metro stations will not only affect me, but everyone else who has to work, especially on weekends,” he said. Meanwhile, Metro officials will have other station maintenance, elevator and escalator work to correct based on a safety audit released by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. The audit highlights water problems throughout various stations in the D.C. region. For instance, auditors observed water seeping in escalator and elevator areas at Pentagon City in Northern
eral election: Libertarian candidate David Lashar of Annapolis and Independent candidate Kyle Sefcik from Montgomery County. But Maryland’s Democrats have made it clear that they want a member of their party to lead the state and follow in the footsteps of Martin O’Malley, who served from January 2007 until January 2015. “We have a cabinet that’s running for the Republican ticket that will take us down a terrible slope,” said Sen. Joanne C. Benson (D-District 24) of Landover. “We’ve got to come together to put aside all foolishness, unless we don’t want the state of Maryland to continue to prosper.” WI @WJFjabariwill Virginia that services the Blue and Yellow lines. Although Metro issued work orders to temporarily remove water, it didn’t have a “long-term fix to address the cause of the water intrusion.” At the Glenmont station in Montgomery County, which runs on the Red Line, a bucket caught water possibly dripping from a system in the elevator machine room. The transit agency provided the commission a list of 11 stations with known water problems: Tenleytown-AU, Woodley Park, Stadium-Armory, McPherson Square, Anacostia, Shaw-Howard U and Georgia Ave-Petworth in D.C.; Medical Center, Bethesda and Forest Glen in Montgomery County, Maryland; and Largo Town Center in Prince George’s County. One of the nine corrective measures required by Metro to complete under its Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP): “develop and implement a comprehensive water intrusion and remediation program for stations, elevators and escalators that identifies and mitigates hazards and evaluates those mitigations.” The commission did note WMATA has some “positive practices” such as the Metrorail Elevator and Escalator apprenticeship program providing a pipeline for future journeymen, implementation of a structural inspection manual and long-term funding plans to replace and refurbish escalators and elevators. WI @WJFjabariwill
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BUSINESS Generation Z Sparking ‘Great Resignation’ as Employers Face Shortages Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred the Great Resignation phenomenon and it’s still going on. Many workers have continued to resign and switch jobs and the pandemic reportedly has changed what matters to employees and what they want from their jobs – leading to a disconnect between leaders and workers. GenZ and younger Millennials continue to speak up about what
they want their workplace to look and feel like – something that no other generation has done. “Many GenZ workers got their first job during the pandemic, so they expect flexibility and remote work as the standard option. In addition, they view jobs as ‘experiences’ that they can end if they no longer need or feel connected to them,” said Dr. Ximena Hartsock, founder of BuildWithin. The D.C.-based company identifies, trains and manages tech-related apprentices.
Elementary School Principal Employment Opportunity Position: St. Augustine Catholic School/Archdiocese of Washington Elementary/Middle School Principal Position Type: Full Time/Exempt/Salary Reports to: Pastor Hours: 8 hours (Hours may increase depending on job demands): • 7:30a.m. to 3:30p.m. (School hours) • 3:30p.m. to 6:00p.m. (After School programs) The elementary/middle school Principal serves as the educational leader of the school. The applicant must be a practicing Catholic. Requirements and skills · Previous experience as a principal or a similar role · Knowledge of school administrative processes and ADW policies · Hands-on experience with education management systems · Attention to detail · Great presentation and communication skills · Crisis management (demonstrate good decision making) · Ability to coach and inspire · A teaching license is preferred · Degree in Education; Master’s degree is a pluss For further information or to submit resumes please email: skallen09@gmail.com
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“And they have always been presented with a ‘buyers’ market’ in terms of jobs which has led to job-hopping which is unlikely to go away and puts pressure on employers to lead with an employee-centric and value-driven culture,” Hartsock said. “This new generation is putting needed pressure on employers to make the workplace more empathetic. Perhaps the Great Resignation will transition to the Great Enlightenment.” Mark Pierce, CEO of Cloud Peak Law Group, said he believes employees aren’t feeling valued or that their working location puts them at a disadvantage. He said that’s a primary contributor to the Great Resignation. “Whether employees are working in-person, fully remote, or hybrid, it’s important to ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued in their roles,” Pierce said. “It can be easier to focus on employees who work in the same way that you as a leader do most often. If you’re in the office a lot, you’ll likely be more in touch with employees who work in-office frequently and vice versa if you work remotely.” He added that micromanagement becomes amplified when performed remotely, making it even more bothersome for employees than when they worked in the office where employers did so in person. “Giving employees autonomy shows that you as a leader trust them to do their work without needing to intervene,” Pierce said. “It also frees you to focus on the most important tasks at hand, rather than simply monitoring employees.” A Pew Research Center survey found that low pay, a lack of opportunities for advancement and feeling disrespected at work represent the top reasons Americans quit their jobs last year. Released in March 2022, the sur-
5 GenZ and younger Millennials are speaking up about what they want their workplace to look like - and feel like - something that no other generation has done. (Photo courtesy Jacob Lund, stock.adobe.com)
vey also found that those who quit and are now employed elsewhere remain more likely to say their current job has better pay, more opportunities for advancement and more worklife balance and flexibility. “A few factors are driving the Great Resignation but one that stands out is that most workplaces simply aren’t doing as much as they could to support the health and wellness of their employees,” said Logan Mallory, vice president at Motivosity. “This means offering support for mental health and workplace options that support overall health and wellness, such as flexible working hours or the ability to work remotely,” Mallory said. “When employees see that their employers truly care about them as individuals, they’ll be much happier, more engaged and less likely to resign.” Pavel Stepanov, the CEO of Virtudesk, added that COVID-19 confronted many workers with the question of what it means to have
meaning in their lives. Stepanov said Generation Z has entered the workforce with a distinctly different mindset and culture. Meanwhile, increases associated with cost of living and homeownership have made housing more unattainable for young people. “So many factors are contributing to the Great Resignation. However, this isn’t just a brief trend anymore. What’s looking to be a long-lasting shift is changing culture and economic environment,” Stepanov said. “Also, the culture of Gen Z has also proven to be very different from Gen X and Millennials, where they strive to attach more meaning to what they do and strive to have a strong impact on the world,” he said. “This, coupled with the hardship of COVID in the last two years, is having people demand greater job fulfillment . People want to stand out, be different and make change where they are [but] many jobs have not been designed to deliver that feeling of purpose.” WI
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0011-2022 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES FOR HVAC AND WATER TREATMENT The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires professional contractors to provide Preventive Maintenance and Repair Services for HVAC and Water Treatment throughout various DCHA properties. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Tuesday, May 31, 2022 on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”. SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Friday, July 1, 2022 at 12:00 PM. LaShawn Mizzell-McLeod, Contract Specialist at
LMMCLEOD@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information. THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
BUSINESS HBCU Streetwear Clothing Brand Lands in Major Retailers Unique Designs and Affordability Makes it a Standout Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer When Ashley Jones, a graduate of Norfolk State University (NSU), first launched Tones of Melanin in 2017, she had the goal of filling a gap in the fashion industry and on HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) campuses. When she went to the bookstore at NSU, she didn’t feel like any of the paraphernalia represented her style. With that in mind, she set out to create an HBCU-centered streetwear brand that featured her alma mater and all Black institutions, including the Greek-letter fraternities and sororities known as the Divine Nine. Tones of Melanin offers licensed HBCU apparel including jerseys, hats, shorts, t-shirts, joggers, hoodies and sweatshirts in trendy,
one-of-a-kind designs. Prices range from $20 to $100. Jones said within months of launching, the idea proved to be fruitful as major retailers began to call. Today, Tones of Melanin products can be found at Fanatics, Belk, Dick’s Sporting Goods and 18 HBCU bookstores. “Tones of Melanin’s goal is to keep infiltrating a collegiate fashion market that concentrates on your much larger institutions, such as Duke, Harvard, Yale and others,” Jones said. There’s also a philanthropic angle to the clothing brand, she added. Tones of Melanin aims to provide career opportunities for HBCU students and graduates while also being philanthropic. Jones said to date, they have donated over $50,000 to HBCU causes. “Tones of Melanin is more
5 Products fromTones of Melannin. (Photo clourtesy Ashley Jones)
than just a t-shirt or hoodie,” she said. “We’re committed to keeping HBCUs open. Through ap-
parel marketing, we’re helping HBCUs further their marketing and we’re doing it in style. Giving
you high-quality, licensed HBCU clothing at an affordable price is our mission.” WI
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NATIONAL Politicians Take off Gloves with Expletive-filled Rants After School Shooting Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer As adults grapple with talking to their children about the latest school massacre where 19 elementary school students and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas,
were shot and killed by a crazed gunman, finger-pointing among members of Congress appear to have reached its zenith. “Just be clear, f— you [Ted Cruz], you f—ing baby killer,” Arizona Democratic Congressman Ruben Gallego tweeted at the Re-
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publican Senator. Gallego had replied to Sen. Cruz, whose comments following the May 24 massacre only served to upset many on social media Cruz, who will serve as keynote speaker at a pro-gun event in Texas this week, rebuked calls for changing gun laws. “We know from past experience that the most effective tool for keeping kids safe is armed law enforcement on the campus,” Cruz stated. Later, a video surfaced of former Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke crashing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s press conference about the shooting. “Let him speak,” some in the auditorium chanted at Abbot’s security detail, who escorted O’Rourke out of the room. The former congressman, running against Abbott, attempted to challenge the governor about his controversial laws that allows just about anyone in Texas to carry a gun without a permit or background check. “This is totally predictable,” O’Rourke stated. “This is after El Paso and you are doing nothing. This is on you until you choose to do something.” After Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin railed against reporters and rebuked questions about getting rid of the filibuster to pass gun legislation, fellow Democrat Nina Turner, who lost her Congressional bid earlier this month, took him to task. “Joe Manchin says he’ll do
5 Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego. (Official photo)
anything to get gun legislation passed, then clarifies that he won’t eliminate the filibuster to do so,” Turner observed. “Not only is it something he can do but he did also do to pass the military budget in December. Priorities.” When Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert tweeted that “you can’t legislate evil away,” Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez quickly fired back. “Why even be in Congress if you don’t believe in doing your
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job? Just quit and let someone who actually gives a damn do it instead of acting like a useless piece of furniture when babies are shot with AR15s. We let teen boys impulse buy before they can legally have a beer,” Ocasio-Cortez replied. Twitter users littered their timelines with photos of Boebert and the congresswoman’s family, including young children, displaying automatic weapons. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden reflected on the victims. “There are parents who will never be the same. To lose a child is to have a piece of your soul ripped away forever,” Biden said. “I am sick and tired of it. We have to act and don’t tell me we can’t have an impact on this carnage.” “I’ve spent my career working to pass common-sense gun laws. We know that mass shootings went down when we passed the assault weapons ban. We know that gun manufacturers have spent two decades marketing assault weapons, making them the largest profit. We must have the courage to stand up to the industry and the lobbies.” “It’s time to turn this pain into action for every parent and every citizen of this country. We have to make it clear to every elected official in this country that it’s time to act. It’s time for those who obstructed the way, who have blocked the common-sense gun laws, to know we will not forget,” Biden said. WI
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Cheh, Norton on Russia’s No-Visitation List James Wright WI Staff Writer
The Russian government recently released a list of 963 Americans no longer allowed to visit the country with two D.C. residents – one serving on the local legislative body and the other representing the District in the U.S. Congress – among the names. D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) and D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton have been banned from traveling to Russia by the presidential administration of Vladimir Putin. When Cheh learned she had been blacklisted by the Russians, she expressed surprise. “Somebody texted me and said, ‘congratulations for being on Putin’s hit list,’” said Cheh, who has represented Ward 3 on the council since 2007, WTOP reported. The list became public on May 21 and largely had national figures including President Joe Biden,
Vice President Kamala Harris, former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, as well as congressional leaders like Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (D-Calif.). In addition to Norton, dozens of members of the Congressional Black Caucus count among those listed: House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Kwesi Mfume D-Md.) and Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.). District residents with jobs in the Biden administration such as Susan Rice, director of the Domestic Policy Council of the
United States, and Reta Jo Lewis, president and chair of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, are also listed. Cheh speculated her listing has to do with her advocacy for Boris Nemtsov, a pro-democracy activist in Russia. Nemtsov died of fatal gunshots in Moscow in 2015. The councilmember said Nemtsov protested Russia’s then aggression against Ukraine at an event and “days later he was assassinated.” Cheh led the effort on the council to rename a portion of Wisconsin Avenue NW in front of the Russian embassy after the slain activist. She said when flowers or other mementos would be placed in front of the embassy in Nemtsov’s honor, they quickly disappeared. The council officially renamed that portion of the avenue, Boris Nemtsov Plaza, in January 2018. Cheh, who will retire from council service in January, said she has no plans to visit Russia. “One of the last places on earth
NATIONAL
5 D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)
I would want to go is Russia,” she told WTOP. “I get something more . . . I get the honor of being on Putin’s list.” “I am one of the members of Congress, along with some administration officials, pleased to be
on it,” said Norton, a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “It shows the role Congress is playing in helping our friends against Russia’s inhumane interference.” WI @JamesWrightJr10
Proven Leadership Matters.
MURIELBOWSER.COM
Delivering for us: • Stood up to Donald Trump • Opening the first new grocery store in Ward 7 in two decades • Building a new, state-of-the-art, full-service hospital in Ward 8 Fighting for a fair DC: • Committed $1 billion for affordable housing • Created 1,000 new childcare seats • Cut property taxes for our seniors Making us safer: • Using every resource, from violence interruption to mental health to job training • Muriel is the only candidate committed to hiring more police, including more women and DC residents
RETURN YOUR BALLOT TODAY OR VOTE BY JUNE 21 Paid for by Reelect Muriel Bowser Our Mayor 2022, PO Box 29175, Washington, DC 20017. Jodi Ovca, Treasurer. A copy of our report is filed with the Director of Campaign Finance of the District of Columbia Board of Elections.
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NATIONAL New Grant Promises to Boost Digital Literacy through Intergenerational Relationships Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer The COVID pandemic has shed light on a technological divide that has, in part, prevented segments of the U.S. population from accessing opportunities. That’s why organizations across the country, with the financial backing of Centri Tech Foundation, will take the mantle in addressing this issue over the next few months. In the District, a group of young people will spend the summer gaining the tools needed to teach elders at Martha’s Table how to navigate the internet and tend to daily tasks on digital platforms. These GenZers, who are affiliates of Urban Alliance, will acquire their knowledge from Byte Back, a well-regarded adult tech education program. “We’re identifying 15 caretakers and 15 young people between 10
and 18 years old who will participate in the pilot program,” said Joe Paul, CEO of Byte Back as he explained what’s known as the 360 Digital Navigators Program. “We’ll train the youth and send them off to support Martha’s Table,” Paul said. “They’re learning how to teach seniors how to access banking and telehealth services and recognize misinformation and scams. We’re getting seniors to participate in the digital economy.” Though people over the age of 65 remain less likely to use the internet than their younger counterparts, that gap has been narrowing over the last few years with elders’ embrace of mobile apps. During the pandemic, elders used video conferencing apps to tend to their health needs and maintain contact with loved ones. Some elders even established a social media presence to join online communities cen-
tered on their interests. All the while, nonprofits like Centri Tech Foundation have focused on increasing digital literacy among working-age people and helping elders better access online resources. In carrying out this mission, Centri Tech Foundation spent more than a year cultivating relationships with people and organizations dedicated to helping communities become more digitally advanced. In its first year, the nonprofit’s Digital Integrators Pilot Program has awarded more than $195,000 in innovation grants to digital equity organizations in the District, Boston, Detroit, New York and Pennsylvania. “If it’s in your mission to connect people to greater economic opportunities, you can’t do it without ad-
LITERACY Page 32
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africa now
COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Acting Dean of African Ambassadors Says Africa Has Potential to be Economic Powerhouse James Musoni, Acting Dean of African Ambassadors in Zimbabwe and also Rwanda Ambassador to Zimbabwe, said Africa can be transformed into an economic powerhouse through working together with effective partnerships, The New Times of Rwanda reported on May 28. His comments came while leading fellow African envoys accredited to Zimbabwe in an event to celebrate Africa Day, held on Friday, May
27 in Harare. “We can achieve all the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that the needs of our continent are fully realized,” Musoni said. “Africa has so much potential. It has both the human and natural resources to secure a brighter future through contribution to the realization of the Africa we want as per the African Union’s vision of Agenda 2063.” He said there’s a need for Africa to work towards ensuring food security in line with the theme of this year’s Africa Day. “This year’s commemoration is unique because the theme is focused on what has remained the biggest elephant in the room on the African continent: “malnutrition and food insecurity,” Musoni said. “The theme ‘Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent’ is befitting, especially when we consider that about 346 million people in Africa are facing severe food insecurity with a big number comprising children,” he said. “As a result, they’re experiencing stunted growth due to malnutrition which prevents children from developing to their full potential mentally and physically, and is largely irreversible.” “In addition to existing malnutrition challenges, the global pandemic of COVID-19 has greatly exposed the economic vulnerability of African countries and the weaknesses of their health and food systems,” he added. Musoni said the significance of celebrating the Africa Day was to reflect on the close relationship that existed between Africans for centuries before colonial time, to appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of the pan Africanists who fought for independence including King Rudahigwa of Rwanda and others, many of whom lost their lives in pursuit of the freedom of Africa and to assess the prevailing challenges that need a unified action. WI
caribbean now Illegal Firearms Trafficking Remains a Threat to CARICOM Dr. Horace Chang, chairman of the CARICOM Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) and Jamaica’s National Security Minister, said the illicit trafficking of illegal firearms continues to be a significant challenge for the region. Addressing a committee on May 26 on Hemispheric Security at the Organization of American States by video-conference, Dr. Chang pointed out that the Caribbean “accounts for approximately 23 percent of all recorded homicides, with an average homicide rate of 15.1 per 100,000 people, which is nearly three times the world average.” The Jamaican National Security Minister told the hemispheric security officials that “the proliferation and increased access to illegal firearms account for the high level of armed violence and insecurity within our regions.” Dr. Chang pointed out that “the firearm is the weapon of choice for committing homicides and other acts of crime and violence.” “In this regard, I have to underscore the need for greater collaboration and partnership to combat the scourge of the illicit trafficking of firearms,” he said while also making reference to a disturbing surge in drug trafficking. “The UNODC reports that the number of new psychoactive substances emerging on illicit drug markets has increased six-fold in the past decade and reached a record high of over 1,000 unique substances in 2020,” he said. WI
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Juneteenth: Celebrating Its History Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of 3.5 million enslaved persons in the United States. It is celebrated on the nineteenth of June, recognizing the date in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform people still being held as slaves in the state — more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln — that they were free. Long observed as a day of celebration among African Americans, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.1
THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. It declared that all enslaved people in areas of rebellion “are, and henceforth shall be free.” The procla-
mation only applied to places under Confederate control, resulting in 3.5 out of the 4 million slaves in the United States being legally freed. However, the freedom promised depended on the Union’s victory, as the Confederates did not follow the laws of the Union. Although the Proclamation did not end slavery right away, it captured the hearts of many Americans. Nearly 200,000 Black soldiers fought for the Union and freedom for all.2
CELEBRATE IN DC
DC residents and visitors can visit the Black Lives Matter Plaza in Downtown DC. The Plaza features a mural with the words “Black Lives Matter” in bright yellow 50-foot-tall letters, as well as the flag of the District. Furthermore, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture addresses many aspects of the African American experience, covering the arts, slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, athletics, and much more.3 Juneteenth has been recognized as an official holiday in the District of Columbia since 2004, and there are many ways to celebrate. The Washing-
ton Post (www.washingtonpost.com), Washingtonian (www.washingtonian. com) and Washington, D.C. (www. washington.org) are great resources for events happening in and around DC related to Juneteenth. The information in this article is to help you learn more about this topic. It is not to take the place of your health care provider. If you have questions, talk with your health care provider. If you think you need to see your health care provider because of something you have read in this information, please contact your health care provider for an appointment. Never stop or wait to get medical attention because of something you have read in this material. Sources: “What is Juneteenth?” History, https:// www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth. “The Emancipation Proclamation,” National Archives, https://www.archives. gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation.
“Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth inWashington, DC,” Washington DC, https:// washington.org/visit-dc/ways-to-celebrate-juneteenth-washington-dc. “COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot. html. All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model
Protecting your loved ones from COVID-19 COVID-19 can cause very serious health problems. There is no way to know how the virus will affect you. And, if you get sick, you could spread the virus to friends, family, and others around you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that two things work together to offer the best protection:4 Following current public health guidelines. The CDC provides the most up-to-date information on their website. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine and/or booster. The vaccine and
#BestMe
booster help prepare your immune system so it will be ready to fight COVID-19 if you encounter it. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster at no cost to you. You can get a ride to the vaccine site by calling AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia at 1-800-315-3485. Talk with your health care provider and/or pharmacist about getting a vaccine. Ask them any questions you may have.
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 21
HEALTH Oklahoma Governor Signs Strictest Abortion Ban in U.S. Nation’s Reproductive Rights Groups Respond Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer People seeking abortions in Oklahoma will now have to go elsewhere for the medical procedure. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed the nation’s most restrictive abortion law, HB 4327, on May 25, effectively banning it from the moment of conception. The law makes performing abor-
tions in the state illegal, with few exceptions, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and rape and incest if reported to the police. Governor Stitt released a statement after signing the legislation into law. “I promised Oklahomans that as governor I would sign every piece of pro-life legislation that came across my desk and I am proud to keep that promise today,” he said in a written statement.
(Photo courtesy Natalia Bratslavsky/Fotolia/Adobe Stock.)
“From the moment life begins at conception is when we have a responsibility as human beings to do everything we can to protect that baby’s life and the life of the mother. That is what I believe and that is what the majority of Oklahomans believe. If other states want to pass different laws, that is their right, but in Oklahoma we will always stand up for life,” Stitt wrote. In response to the ban, the Center
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22 JUNE 2 - 8, 2022
for Reproductive Rights and its partners, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Blake Patton of Walding & Patton, filed a challenge in Oklahoma state court to block the total ban from taking effect. The Center said the impact of this ban would be immediate and profoundly harmful. “Research shows that women who are denied wanted abortion care experience long-lasting harm that impacts their financial security and physical and mental health,” The Center said. “Women unable to access care experience an increase in household poverty lasting at least four years and struggle to cover basic expenses like food, housing and transportation for years to come. They are more likely to stay in contact with a violent partner and experience long-term health problems,” The Center said. NARAL Pro-Choice American, a reproductive rights group for over 50 years, condemned Oklahoma’s ban on abortions and its empowering citizens to act as vigilantes against those who seek abortion care. The group said the legislation serves as the first total ban on abortion with a vigilante enforcement mechanism to be signed into law in the country, signaling a dangerous escalation of an already cruel and dystopian ban. “In the span of just a few months, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed into law multiple draconian abortion bans, making clear that anti-choice lawmakers aren’t waiting for the Supreme Court to overturn Roe before acting to eliminate abortion access for millions of people,” NARAL ProChoice America President Mini Timmaraju said. “Building on a cruel ban in Texas,
this devastating ban signals a terrifying future for reproductive freedom. This extreme law will not only harm Oklahomans but the millions of people who live in surrounding states whose options for abortion care are rapidly diminishing thanks to the relentless attacks waged by anti-choice lawmakers. It’s clear that these anti-choice lawmakers will not stop until they completely eviscerate reproductive freedom,” Timmaraju said. NARAL Pro-Choice America said Oklahoma’s ban on abortion represents part of a broader onslaught of attacks on abortion access across the country. The ban comes as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hand down a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization – a case regarding Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban – that directly challenges Roe v. Wade. A recent leak of the Court’s draft majority opinion confirmed that the Court is poised to overturn Roe and end the U.S. constitutional right to abortion. “As with all attacks on reproductive freedom, the people who will be hurt most by the abortion bans in Oklahoma are those who already face barriers to accessing abortion care including women, Black, Indigenous and other people of color, those working to make ends meet, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, young people, those living in rural communities and people with disabilities,” Timmaraju said. “If Roe fell tomorrow, 28 states are expected to take action to prohibit abortion outright. Of those, 13 states, including Oklahoma, already have “trigger bans” in place which would ban abortion automatically,” she said. WI
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HEALTH As the local energy utility regulator, we play an important role in fulfilling the District’s clean energy goals.
TRACK OUR PROGRESS AND LEARN MORE AT
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Forecasters Predict Above Normal 2022 Hurricane Season Enhanced West African Monsoon and Other Factors Set Stage Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Americans can expect to deal with more hurricanes and tropical storms this hurricane season than usual, according to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA’s outlook for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, which extends from June 1 to Nov. 30, predicts a 65% chance of an above-normal season, a 25% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. For the 2022 hurricane season, the NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has forecasted a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher). This projection includes three to six major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). The NOAA said they provide these ranges with 70% confidence. “Early preparation and understanding your risk is key to being hurricane resilient and climate-ready,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo.
“Throughout the hurricane season, NOAA experts will work around the clock to provide early and accurate forecasts and warnings that communities in the path of storms can depend on to stay informed.” The NOAA said the increased activity anticipated this hurricane season can be attributed to several climate factors including the ongoing La Niña, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and an enhanced west African monsoon. An enhanced west African monsoon supports stronger African Easterly Waves, said the NOAA, which seeded many of the strongest and longest-lived hurricanes during most seasons. Adding how “climate change impacts the strength and frequency of tropical cyclones is a continuous area of study for NOAA scientists.” “As we reflect on another potentially busy hurricane season, past storms, such as Superstorm Sandy, which devastated the New York metro area 10 years ago, remind us that the impact of one storm can be felt for years,” NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. said. “Since Sandy, NOAA’s forecasting accuracy has continued to im-
Solar panels at Nationals Park are just a few of the many installations across the District that are helping the city realize its clean energy future.
prove, allowing us to better predict the impacts of major hurricanes to lives and livelihoods,” he said. The NOAA advises that its outlook is for overall seasonal activity and does not represent a landfall forecast. In addition to the Atlantic seasonal outlook, NOAA has also issued seasonal hurricane outlooks for the eastern Pacific and central Pacific hurricane basins.
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NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center will update the 2022 Atlantic seasonal outlook in early August, just before the historical peak of the season. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said all Americans should prepare for the event of a hurricane regardless of where they live. “Hurricane Ida spanned nine states, demonstrating that anyone
can be in the direct path of a hurricane and in danger from the remnants of a storm system,” Criswell said. “It’s important for everyone to understand their risk and take proactive steps to get ready now by visiting Ready.gov and Listo.gov for preparedness tips and downloading the FEMA App to make sure you are receiving emergency alerts in real-time.” WI
JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 23
EDUCATION A History of Hate: ‘If Emancipation Came in Lincoln’s America, why was it Necessary to March in King’s America?’ Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. has long examined America’s hatred toward African Americans. He recently noted a profound
new rendering of the struggle by African Americans for equality after the Civil War and the violent counterrevolution that re-subjugated them, as seen through the prism of the war of images and ideas that have left an enduring stain on the American mind.
5.85”
5 “The story of the abolition of slavery in the aftermath of the Civil War is familiar, as is the civil rights revolution that transformed the nation after World War II.” (Photo courtesy Lone Star College)
“The story of the abolition of slavery in the aftermath of the Civil War is familiar, as is the civil rights revolution that transformed the nation after World War II,” Gates wrote in a white paper. “But the century in between
remains a mystery,” he noted. “If emancipation came in Lincoln’s America, why was it necessary to march in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s America?” Further, 54 years after King’s assassination, white supremacy remains on the rise with the merciless Tops supermarket murders of 10 African Americans and even the heartless killings of 19 predominantly-Latino students at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. HIT Strategies, Washington D.C.’s leading millennial and mi-
nority-owned public opinion research company, issued its latest survey of Black Americans, “Reducing Racism and Discrimination.” The company said reducing racism and discrimination counts as the “number two” issue for Black voters, behind only inflation and previously COVID-19. HIT officials noted that reducing racism consistently ranks among the top three priorities. Black voters want their elected
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HATE Page 25
HATE from Page 24 leaders to address this. “[The Topps Supermarket] shooting represented racism in its most violent and craven form,” added Terrance Woodbury, founding partner at HIT Strategies. “However, Black voters have long recognized how the culture-war politics and its racist rhetoric fuel animus toward Black Americans. Black voters want their elected leaders to respond to racism head-on, not just in reaction to tragedies. This is a political and moral imperative.” One African American male told HIT researchers that “underneath the insurrection, which was the actual event, it was just white backlash. This was the same as the burning of Tulsa. This was the same as all the things.” An unidentified Black woman added: “I think with Donald Trump coming in and leaving, it woke up a lot of things that were buried, like racism – it’s still alive.” Jeremy Clifford, founder, and CEO of Router CTRL, a fast-growing website in the technology market, insisted that America’s hate problem remains deep-rooted and complex. “Several factors contribute to it, including our history, culture and politics,” he said. “America has a long history of hate. From the days of slavery to the Jim Crow era, from the Civil Rights Movement to today, America has seen its fair share of hate. And while we like to think that we’ve come a long way since then, the truth is that much of our history is still with us today.” Clifford continued, noting that “we live in a culture that is built on competition and individualism. We are a nation of winners and losers, and we often see others as threats to our success. This can lead to fear and suspicion, which can turn into hate.” “Finally, our politics also contribute to our hate problem. Our political system is based on a winner-take-all. We are a country divided between red and blue and we often see those on the other side as our enemies. This division can lead to anger and hate,” Clifford said. TEDx speaker Milagros Phillips said she believes America repeated-
ly looks in the wrong areas to solve its history of hate. “Whenever something racially charged happens, everyone turns to people of color to solve it. Racism is a problem for people of color. It is not the problem of people of color,” Phillips said. “Hundreds of years of racial conditioning, through violence, scapegoating and the dehumanization of Black and brown people have led to the anger, hatred and dysfunction we experience today. “But don’t be fooled. That hatred is not today. It’s hundreds of years in the making and practice. Proof of that is the lynching and burnings that have continued,” Phillips said. Author and human rights activist Tara Teng suggested that America has not solved its hate problem because the nation hasn’t learned how to reconnect with humanity. “We crave power more than we crave connection to our fellow hu-
mans and this same misalignment of priorities is what America was built upon,” Teng said. “It is our origin story. From colonization and genocide to slavery, segregation and Jim Crow, America has taken every opportunity to use the body as justification for oppression and cruelty.” “In the name of power and supremacy, we look to ‘the good old days,’ an idealized past in which tradition and nostalgia were built on the backs of body-based oppression – legislating racism, ableism and homophobia against anyone who was not powerful and white. “These power struggles are why Critical Race Theory is banned in schools, legislation is debated in the halls and bodies are targeted by gun violence in the streets. Our hate has become embodied within us and because some benefit from it, we refuse to spit the poison out of our mouths,” Phillips said.
EDUCATION
What can America do to ease its fears? Phillips, the TEDx speaker, said treating the trauma would help. “These horrific things happen to people of color but no one moves in with the cadre of psychiatrists to treat the trauma,” Phillips remarked. “We should also treat for justice. White perpetrators of violence are treated differently than perpetrators of color. A white mass shooter can be captured alive and not even handcuffed. Soon after they are captured, the news quickly announces they
have a mental health condition. “Meanwhile, a perpetrator of color is more likely to end up shot dead in a confrontation, and rarely is their mental health part of their defense.” Phillips concluded that self-care could help Black Americans in particular. “Because there is very little treatment for Black people’s continual trauma, we will have to learn to self-care,” Phillips maintained. “There are some wonderful exercises to help with anxiety, fear and coming down from trauma.” wi
LEE MONTESSORI PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Lee Montessori Public Charter Schools (PCS) is seeking proposals from companies to provide construction management services at their East End campus, located at 2345 R St. SE. Please email Joshua McComas (joshua@leemontessori.org), Lee Montessori Deputy Director of Operations, to request the full RFP. Proposals are due by Friday, June 17 at 5:00pm ET and should be sent electronically via email to Chris Pencikowski (chris@ leemontessori.org) and Rob Tate (rob@levelfieldpartners.com). For additional information and questions, please contact: Joshua McComas Deputy Director of Operations 3025 4th St. NE Washington, DC 20017 202-779-9740 joshua@leemontessori.org Become a Published Author with Dorrance. We want to read your book!
These tiny creatures often are hard to see but we depend upon their role in making more than half of the air we breathe. This week’s Kid Scoop page is all about Plankton. Each week, Kid Scoop brings students interactive games, activities, puzzles and more in a bright & bouncy, award-winning feature kids and their family members can enjoy together. PUBLICATION DATE HERE
Publication Date 6-9-22
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In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com
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Your Vote on June 21 is Your Voice for D.C.’s Future Dozens of candidates are seeking political office in D.C. They have similar and opposing positions on a wide range of issues impacting the lives of D.C. residents. Whether they are incumbents or new to the D.C. political scene, there’s one thing now they all have in common. It is the special appeal they make each time they engage with voters. They simply say, “Chose me and vote on June 21.” This Voters Guide intends to draw attention and action surrounding voting in the June 21 primary race in D.C. We want to familiarize voters with the candidates, not all, but those who took time to respond to questions our staff often hears voters 5 Denise Rolark-Barnes, Washington Informer ask. It also serves as a resource for voters who have questions Publisher about the voting process in D.C., from mail-in to in-person voting, important dates, and what incarcerated voters and returning citizens need to know. While we wish every candidate could have participated in this guide, we ask readers not to judge those that didn’t. Visit our digital Voters Guide at www.washingtoninformer.com. We are proud of our relationship with AARP-DC, with whom we partnered to host two candidates' forums – at-large and mayoral – and produce this Voters Guide. History has shown that seniors are the most active and engaged voters in D.C., and they are also our most loyal and faithful readers of The Washington Informer. Together, it is our pleasure to serve them. We also appreciate the League of Women Voters of D.C. and the D.C. Board of Elections officials who agreed to support this Voters Guide with additional resources and information. With voting under attack in cities and states across the country, detailed instructions and transparency are crucial to ensuring a fair voting process and that voters are assured their votes count. The outcome of this election has implications for the future direction of D.C. and how each community will be affected. It’s too important a race for those who live here not to vote on June 21. We want to extend our best wishes to each candidate that decided public service is a worthy and noble endeavor. We’ve watched your performances at candidates’ forums, covered some of you on the campaign trail, mingled with you at meet-and-greets, read about you in other publications, watched you on evening newscasts, and still receive campaign literature packed into our mailboxes every single day. We know how serious you are about winning, and we wish you the best of luck. Once again, we remind voters to cast your vote in the D.C. Primary Election on June 21, or vote early while you can. Mark your calendar for November 8, when the general election is held, and the winners will be sworn into office in January 2023. Next year also marks the 50th anniversary of D.C. Home Rule, an act signed into law on December 24, 1973. At the same time, Statehood is our ultimate goal. D.C. Home Rule was a long and hard-fought battle. It gave us the right to exercise our vote here in the nation’s capital, although our laws and budget are still subject to the approval of Congress and the President. We pay homage to those who led the battle for Home Rule and encourage those leading the fight for Statehood to stay strong. Again, share your voice and vote on June 21. WI
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Voters 50+: Our Voices Decide
Use Your Power to Decide the 2022 Election By Louis Davis, Jr. State Director, AARP DC Americans 50+ are our nation’s most powerful voters – and you will be the deciders in the 2022 elections. The District of Columbia’s June 21 primary election will determine which candidates appear on November’s general election ballot for mayor, attorney general, members of the D.C. City Council, the D.C. delegate to Congress and other citywide offices. AARP is calling on candidates to propose solutions to address the challenges facing voters 50+ and are proud to join with the Washington Informer to present this Voting Guide so you can learn where candidates stand on issues of particular interest to older Washingtonians and your families.
District of Columbia
To help those 50+ make your decision, AARP DC has heard from its members about what issues are important to you and developed questions regarding specific topics. These questions were posed to all Mayoral and At Large candidates, and you will find their answers in the pages that follow. AARP DC has worked to provide you with the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision. The issues AARP DC asked the Mayoral and At Large candidates to address, include: policies and strategies they would implement to help ensure no District senior goes without nutritious meals; how they would ensure a strong infrastructure plan is developed and executed; policies they would put forward to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in access to affordable, high-quality health care and; how they would ensure the
District is meeting the health and long term care needs of LGBTQ+ older people including older people living with HIV. Washington, D.C., and the Board of Elections has made it easy to cast your ballot, with same-day voter registration and no-excuse mail-in ballots sent to all registered voters. Here is some essential information: • Mail-in balloting: All active, registered voters should have received a no-excuse mail-in ballot for the primary election. You can return the ballot by mail or place it in a secure drop box located around the District. • Early in-person voting: You can cast your ballot early and in person at an Early Vote Center located throughout the District from June 10th-June 19th. • In-person voting on Election Day: The final day to cast your ballot in the primary is Tuesday,
June 21. Find your polling place online at the D.C. Board of Elections website. People 50+ are our nation’s most powerful voters – and you will be the deciders in the 2022 elections here in the District and nationwide. Our voices decide. But our voices won’t be heard if we don’t vote. Make the commitment now to be a Decider. Be the person who is committed to speaking up, voting, and holding elected leaders accountable. AARP DC is providing all voters 50+ in the District with accurate, up-to-date voting information to help you understand your options when it comes to how, when and where to cast your ballot. Everything you need to know to vote in the DC primary can be found online at www.aarp.org/dcvotes. Be a Decider and vote. Our future depends on it. WI
Know the when, where, and how. Then vote. Voting is your most important right. But you have to be in the know to vote. Thatʼs why AARP District of Columbia has collected all the most up-to-date election information to make sure that voters 50-plus are heard on Nov. 8. Get the latest on how to register, where to vote in person, all the key voting deadlines, and more at aarp.org/DCvotes
facebook.com/aarpdc | @AARPDC Paid for by AARP
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Incarcerated Voters & Returning Citizens If I am incarcerated, under court supervision, or residing at a halfway house; can I still vote?
I’ve just been released from Incarceration, what should I do to make sure my voting rights are intact?
The DC Board of Elections is committed to empowering all eligible voters, including those with criminal records, to exercise their right to vote. If you are incarcerated, regardless of the offense, you are able to vote. If you are under court supervision or residing at a halfway house after release, you are able to vote.
Upon your release, please contact the Board of Elections to make any updates to your mailing address. For more information visit: https:// www.dcboe.org/Voters/Register-To-Vote/Register-to-Vote
What address should I use when I am registering to vote? If you are currently a resident at the DC Jail, when registering to vote, you may use your DC home address or the address of the DC Jail if you have been a resident of DC for at least 30 days. If you are currently serving time in a federal facility, you may use your DC home address.
What if a ballot was mailed while incarcerated, but I was released before it arrived? If an Absentee Ballot was mailed and you were released from incarceration before it arrived, you may vote at any Voting Center during Early Voting or at any Vote Center on Election Day. Still have a question that we didn’t answer? We welcome your questions and feedback. Email us at press@ dcboe.org with any additional questions, and we’ll make sure you get all the information you need. WI
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VOTE BY MAIL US Postal Service Mail Ballot Drop Box Vote Center Drop Box
VOTE IN PERSON AT ANY VOTE CENTER Early Voting: June 10–19 Primary Election Day: June 21
Mail Ballot Drop Boxes and Vote Center locations may be found in the Voter Guide or on the DCBOE website at www.dcboe.org.
1015 Half St., SE Suite 750, Washington, DC 20003 • www.dcboe.org • Telephone (202)727-2525 • 711 (TTY)
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If you have not received your mail-in ballot by June 16, you should plan to vote in person during Early Voting, or on Primary Election Day. Every registered voter affiliated with one of the major parties (Democratic, Republican, DC Statehood Green, and Libertarian) may vote in the Primary Election. You can change or update your registration online or via mail up until May 31. Visit your neighborhood library to get a voter registration application or visit www.dcboe.org.
SCAN TO REGISTER OR UPDATE
at any Vote Center
Mail Ballot Drop Boxes and Vote Center locations may be found in the Voter Guide or on the DCBOE website at www.dcboe.org.
1015 Half St., SE Suite 750, Washington, DC 20003 • www.dcboe.org • Telephone (202)727-2525 • 711 (TTY)
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D.C. MAYORAL CANDIDATES ROBERT WHITE
Total number of Candidates: 5 Muriel Bowser [Democrat • teammurieldc@gmail.com] Robert White [Ward 4 • Democrat • robert@robertfordc.com] James Butler [Ward 5 • Democrat • james@butler4dc.com] Trayon White [info@traywhiteformayor.com] Stacia Hall [stacia@staciahall.com]
Ward 4 • Democrat • www.robertfordc.com What do you hope to accomplish in your first 100 days in office? In my first 100 days in office, I will create a culture change in our government. I will end pay-to-play politics and focus our government operations on the people who need us most. In addition, we will immediately get to work putting my comprehensive public safety plan into action to make our city safer, convene teachers and parents to restore trust in our education system, and make clear to developers that they are welcome to build in DC, but they have to build what we need.
JAMES BUTLER Ward 5 • Democrat • www.butler4dc.com
big developers
What do you hope to accomplish in your first 100 days in office? I WILL make DC one of the SAFEST cities in the country. by increase the number of police by 700. A) Create a special Gun Interdiction Unit to work with the Gun Recovery Unit B) Work with ATF to ensure Ghost Guns are a thing of the past C) Review with our Local and Federal Courts Deeply Affordable Housing A) rent control to all places in DC including those built after 1976. B) Discontinue using HUDs formula to calculate AMI and adopt our local formula C) end tax breaks to
How will you increase access to affordable housing throughout all eight wards in D.C.? I will begin using City Owned properties as opposed to relying on private developers for the bulk of our affordable housing. I will look at how to calculate Area Median Income (AMI) to determine what is affordable. Presently, the District uses HUDs formula which factors in neighboring counties of the District…this artificially hikes, or raises, what is affordable in the District. —and he will change the law to create our own localized formula and make housing truly affordable. What steps will you take to address high unemployment in the Black community? Modifying The Sunrise Movement’s Federal Guarantee Jobs proposal to a Localized Guarantee Jobs (LGJ) Program. Restructuring the First Source Program to work with multiple industries outside of the construction; local government, tech firms, law offices. Funding for UDC to provide FREE soft skills training for employees in the LGJ. Making the pursuit of a technical degree affordable to DC residents. Reviewing the areas to repopulate DC’s vocational education programs for children and adults. Describe your long-term recovery plan for schools and businesses still reeling from COVID-19. We will begin converting all HVAC to HEPA compliant… and follow the science. My goal is not to need to shut the schools or businesses down again. Also, we will use SBA and City funding and grants to ensure Small businesses that were hurt by Covid… Get the funding that they need. What can be done to address health-related issues that impact the quality of life in the Black community? Qualified mental health services Job placement; through local community organization,s government and private entities Complete access to the ballot box Access to affordable housing. How will you tackle gun violence in the District and concerns about police accountability? What role, if any, will MPD Chief Robert Contee III play in fulfilling this vision? Reformulating a constitutional no loitering law to make DC streets safe hubs free of criminal activity and unsafe environments. label gun violence as a public health crisis and will put the full efforts and public health funds and resources to address it as such. implement a Gun Trafficking Interdiction Unit with MPD. This Unit will specifically and solely work to target and tackle all illegal, unregistered, and ghost guns coming into the District from neighboring and other states. What will you do to address the disparities among neighborhood middle schools, particularly those East of the Anacostia River, that forces parents to seek alternatives? I will Build a racial equity incentive system for schools making leaps and bounds in addressing educational inequity. Double our foundational investments for all public and charter schools and Ward 7 and 8. Create bonuses for schools that show improvement in increasing early child literacy, mathematics, and STEM. More frequent accountability checks with school administrations Ensuring monies to schools are not used autonomously on salaries but flow directly to classrooms and teachers Do you support mayoral control of District schools? If not, what’s the alternative? YES What will you do to ensure small businesses thrive in the District? My administration is focused on seeing different Wards throughout the city become a hub for small businesses by Ward residents. Instead of focusing large grants to big-box businesses we will incentivize the collaboration between the two. WI
How will you increase access to affordable housing throughout all eight wards in D.C.? I have pushed DC government to convert vacant office buildings into affordable housing, added unprecedented transparency to development projects, and am pushing agencies to identify District-owned properties we can convert to housing. As mayor, I will continue working on creative solutions, like community land trusts and social housing, and will move rapidly to implement. I will make clear to developers that they need to meet our needs and build family-sized, affordable housing. What steps will you take to address high unemployment in the Black community?I will implement a Jobs Guarantee for DC to put people to work addressing climate change and building resiliency and sustainability in our infrastructure. I will ensure all students are leaving high school either college or career ready through the most dramatic expansion of vocational education in our city’s history. I will conduct a thorough, data-driven investigation to determine why so many workforce programs are not producing results and replace programs that are not successful. Describe your long-term recovery plan for schools and businesses still reeling from COVID-19. I’ll advance an equity-based approach that includes increasing funding for schools with large populations of students with high needs and providing wrap-around services. I’ll invest in mental health services and ensure schools are equitably resourced. The pre-pandemic reality isn’t going to return. We need to find creative ways to support businesses. I’ll convert empty office buildings into affordable housing to provide a customer base for downtown businesses while creating affordable housing. What can be done to address health-related issues that impact the quality of life in the Black community? The best care is preventative care. We need to ensure that residents have access to recreation, nutritious foods, and clean air. I will keep our streets safe so people feel confident walking or running, invest in small, reliable grocers to get food into communities that have become food deserts, and prevent pollution and environmental harm. I also will build a stronger healthcare network for communities east of the river. How will you tackle gun violence in the District and concerns about police accountability? What role, if any, will MPD Chief Robert Contee III play in fulfilling this vision? I released a comprehensive plan to focus police resources on public safety, take a proactive approach to eliminating the conditions that lead to crime, and expand violence interruption. In addition, when people do not trust the police, they do not work with officers to solve crimes. I will take a hands on approach to build trust and create a culture of transparency in MPD. I have a great deal of respect for Chief Contee and will work with him and anyone else committed to making our streets safe. What will you do to address the disparities among neighborhood middle schools, particularly those East of the Anacostia River, that forces parents to seek alternatives? At a minimum, every school must have a nurse, librarian, full-time mental health counselor, and other basic staffing and resources but equality is not enough. Our staffing and resource allocation must be based on equity. We need to increase funding for schools with large atrisk populations and provide wrap-around services for those students. We also need to work with communities to determine which programs are most appropriate to meet the needs and desires of families and implement accordingly. Do you support mayoral control of District schools? If not, what’s the alternative? I don’t support our current system - the most extreme version of mayoral control in the country. 60% of Black and Brown students are below grade level and 40% of students leave our public schools before high school. I reject the idea that we have to choose between what we did before that failed students or what we’re doing now that is failing students. As Mayor, I’ll work with the Council to create an independent State Superintendent of Education and appoint a Chancellor with a sense of urgency. What will you do to ensure small businesses thrive in the District? I will invest in incubation spaces so local entrepreneurs can become business owners, reduce red tape and bureaucracy, and bring down fees for small businesses. I will also protect local businesses from being taken advantage of and prioritize providing them with greater opportunities to compete for government contracts. I also will expand the work I’ve done on the Council assisting local businesses with buying their buildings to prevent displacement. WI
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D.C. COUNCIL CHAIR CANDIDATES ERIN PALMER Ward 4 • Democrat • Age: 40 DC Council Chair • Ethics lawyer www.erinfordc.com/
website to share materials; permanent virtual and hybrid options to testify; and hearings with day, evening, and weekend options and timed panels. If elected, will you continue to prevent freshman council members from chairing council committees? Please explain your answer. Freshman Councilmembers can be equipped to chair committees well. My DC Council Accountability Plan includes proposals to support the Council and Councilmembers, including more institutionalized support staff and a nonpartisan, objective research service. My interest in collaborative Council action means that not only will I come in ready to legislate, conduct oversight, and hold the Executive accountable, but that every Councilmember will be equipped to do so.
Why do you want to chair the D.C. Council? I am a mom, an ethics lawyer, and a dedicated public servant. I am the only candidate in this race with a plan for a more modern, more ethical, and more accountable DC Council. My DC Council Accountability Plan will empower the Council to legislate and conduct oversight well and efficiently, so our government works to the benefit of all DC residents, particularly those who have been the most underserved.
Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? I am in favor of a Council committee chair appointment process that is neutral and does not risk the appearance of impropriety (e.g., seeming to be motivated by obtaining a desired vote; punishing or rewarding Councilmembers for their vote; limiting certain Councilmembers from influencing specific issues). A neutral process could include term limits for Councilmembers serving as committee chairs, and I would support working collaboratively with all Councilmembers to make that determination.
What consideration will you give to reinstating the Education Committee? If none, then why? I have repeatedly called for reinstating the DC Council’s standalone Committee on Education with dedicated, nonpartisan support staff to bring consistent oversight of DC’s public schools. DC is the only jurisdiction where education governance is almost completely controlled by the Mayor, including our state education agency, and the only “state legislature” without such a committee. Council oversight and independent data collection are essential to ensure accountability.
Are you in favor of a nonvoting youth D.C. council member? I strongly support a youth DC Councilmember and expanding and improving our democracy to bring youth voices to the table. We already have a model for this in our State Board of Education, which has non-voting student members. Empowering young adults to weigh in on the many issues affecting their lives – like community safety, education, and climate change – brings them into the democratic process and shows them their voices matter. Let’s invest in our youth and show them they matter.
Does the current system for public testimony, i.e. length of time and schedule, provide enough opportunity for D.C. residents from all walks of life to participate? If not, what changes will you implement? I strongly believe in working constantly to make government more inclusive and accessible. Individuals who are most impacted by proposed laws, regulations, and policy should be heard and have easy access to information. My DC Council Accountability Plan includes proposals for more inclusive and accessible Council proceedings, including a centralized
Do you support legislation clarifying attorney general qualifications? Why or why not? I support legislation clarifying the attorney general qualifications. There were problems with the current Council Chair’s drafting of the existing legislation, which we’ve recently seen play out at cost to and confusion for DC residents. The question of the statute’s intent has been raised over the years.The DC Council could easily consider legislation that is more broad and does not require the practice of law, which the Council considered and rejected originally. WI
PHIL MENDELSON Ward 6 • Democrat • Age: 69 Chairman of the Council www.mendelsonforchairman.com Why do you want to chair the D.C. Council? I have the experience, skill, and progressive values. Go to my site to see my record and commitment to continue working on public safety, affordable housing, improving public education, etc. But being Chairman of the Council is more than just where I stand on issues, it is the ability to work with colleagues, forge consensus, and get things done (unlike the other legislative body in DC). I have 10 years’ experience getting important, sometimes controversial, legislation adopted.
Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? No. I believe chairmanships should be assigned based on interest and experience. Neither of those qualities are time-limited. Since the advent of Home Rule the average tenure of members has been about 8 years. Before becoming Chairman of the Council I chaired the Judiciary Committee for 8 years. My abilities got better with time and I could have gotten much more accomplished in the realm of public safety if I had remained Judiciary Chair longer than 8 years. Are you in favor of a nonvoting youth D.C. council member? No. We do get youth perspectives on legislation through the public hearing process. Moreover, the Home Rule Act would have to be changed. Do you support legislation clarifying attorney general qualifications? Why or why not? Yes. I believe the court got it wrong. I was present in 2010 when the law was written (I managed the bill through the Council) and I am certain that the Council expected that councilmembers qualified and could run to be attorney general. Yes, I support legislation to make this clear now that the court has interpreted the law the wrong way. WI
What consideration will you give to reinstating the Education Committee? If none, then why? I'll ask all members what they want at the end of this year, before we adopt a new committee structure. Currently education is in the Committee of the Whole. As a result, every member is a member of the “education committee,” and we have more professional staff dedicated to education than before. We’ve held almost as many education hearings in the past 16 months (29) than the previous Education Committee held in 24 months (33). The decision for next Council Period will be made by the Council. Does the current system for public testimony, i.e. length of time and schedule, provide enough opportunity for D.C. residents from all walks of life to participate? If not, what changes will you implement? I'm open to suggestions. However, how each hearing is structured ultimately is up to the committee chair. The hearing, for me at least, is just one way that the public can provide comments. Stakeholders can meet with me in the community, or come to my office, etc. Since becoming Chairman I've slowed down the legislative process so that there will be more opportunity for public comment, and I got the Council’s rules changed to require a public hearing on all bills (it used to be optional). If elected, will you continue to prevent freshman council members from chairing council committees? Please explain your answer. The decision will be made by the Council, but my recommendation likely will be that freshmen not be committee chairs. That would be consistent with practice under several previous Chairmen. Learning the legislative process and how best to conduct oversight takes time, and many members have told me after the fact that they appreciated having their first two years without being a committee chair. Indeed, it gave them the opportunity to participate in all of the Council’s committees more broadly.
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D.C. COUNCIL CANDIDATES
cured resources for Ward 1, including police, violence prevention, victims services and youth programming. I have passed laws to get guns off the street.
BRIANNE K. NADEAU Ward 1 • Councilmember • Democrat Age: 41 • http://www.briannefordc.com Why are you running for the D.C. Council? I am proud of the work I have done to put more than 1,200 units of truly affordable housing in the pipeline in Ward 1, increase funding for public safety each year, improve our schools, and provide constituent services to more than 8,000 households. By working together we've made great progress in Ward 1, but there is more work to do. Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? I'm not sure I see the benefit to term limits for committee chairmanships, given that there is fairly regular turnover without them. Every two years the Council committees are reconfigured in some way, and that has allowed for a variety of committee composition, committee assignments and chairmanships. What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? The 1st bill I introduced was to strengthen our Code of Ethics and the first bill I passed was to secure affordable housing in Columbia Heights. I have passed many bills over the past 8 years, establishing the Ombudsperson for Children; strengthening the powers of the Chief Tenant Advocate; Ending homelessness for 2,400 households, increasing wages for childcare workers, establishing a basic monthly income for families; expanding public benefits; expanding services for people with disabilities. What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? Public safety is the biggest issue in Ward 1, followed by affordable housing. As a mom of two little ones, I am deeply focused on improving safety in Ward 1. I have increased spending on safety from $1.3 billion to $1.8 billion during my time in office. I have se-
What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? As Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, I have focused on our most vulnerable residents, expanding public benefits, providing permanent housing to thousands of homelessness residents, and expanding services for people with disabilities. I have increased affordable housing, passed Paid Family Leave, increased the minimum wage, improved our schools established Main Streets programs to support our small businesses, and provided constituent services to more than 8,000 households. How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? I have been focused on increasing wages and creating jobs, as well as addressing racial inequities in government structures that have led to generational poverty. Whether it's raising the minimum wage, establishing paid family leave, raising wages for front lines home care workers, increasing housing subsidies, establishing jobs for returning citizens, or providing tax abatement to longtime Blackowned businesses like Sankofa and the Jackson family's IHOP, I am working to address these gaps. As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in your ward? I have overseen the modernization of 7 neighborhood schools in Ward 1, increased per pupil funding, at-risk funding, funding for English Language Learners, mandated school librarians, funded the School-Based Mental Health Program, and established the current iteration of the Out-of-School-Time program, which is $20 million annually dedicated to tutoring, mentoring, extra curriculars, after-school and summer programs. I work closely with our school principals, teachers, parents and students. What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? I have put more than 1,200 units of truly affordable housing in the pipeline in Ward 1 with hundreds of units delivered already, passed laws to allow for more housing to be built throughout the Ward, expanded requirements for affordable housing to be built on public land, introduced a law to expand and protect rent control, and funded and held the DC Housing Authority accountable for necessary maintenance and renovations. WI friends, and the community overall.There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to end the violence in Ward 1.The only way for Ward 1 and our neighbors to truly flourish is for us all to feel safe. Read my safety plan here — https://sabelforward1.com/wp-content/ uploads/2022/04/Layers_of_Safety_Ward1_SabelHarris.pdf
SABEL HARRIS Ward1 • Councilmember • Democrat • Age: 33 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and Director of Marketing, EVERFI • https://sabelforward1.com/ Why are you running for the D.C. Council? My family came to the US in 1975 escaping a situation that would have had them killed. They worked toward better days when they would stop surviving & start thriving. I came to DC with a similar dream, but as time has passed, violence increased, rent rose, jobs have been lost, & neighbors have felt more isolated. Ward 1 needs a voice on the Council from someone who knows what it’s like to feel different and to be the active, tireless leader for everyone here. Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? For committees, I believe two terms as the chair is sufficient. I am also in favor of term limits across the board not just for committee chairmanships. We must have term limits for all of our elected officials to ensure that we are combatting complacency and inaction. What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? The first two pieces of legislation I would like to introduce would be to unify our violence interruption programs as we have two programs that currently do not work together (One from the OAG, Cure the Streets, and one from the Mayor, the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement) to expand the services District-wide. I also would like to introduce legislation that would recalculate Median Family Income (which determines affordability) and reforms on Inclusionary Zoning. What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? Safety is the most important issue for many residents of Ward 1. Violence takes lives, but also devastates and traumatizes families, children,
What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? I'm currently serving as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for U St. I've had the opportunity to help lead on the process for the Reeves Center redevelopment & I'm working on a Planned Unit Development at 1250 U St. Both of these developments will not just bring more housing, but more deeply affordable housing & safer, greener transportation options. I've successfully negotiated 10 community agreements with establishments, & have always showed up for the everyday moments for my constituents. How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? The gap between those who have a lot and those who don't have much is widening every day in Ward 1. I believe closing these gaps start with building more deeply affordable housing, creating policies around anti-displacement and reforming measures on affordable housing, like the ones mentioned above. As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in your ward? The responsibility of a child's education is with the parents. The government oversight responsibilities lie with the school Matters related to education that go in front of the Council are referred to the Committee of the Whole (COW). The COW looks at agencies that handle everything from zoning, the lottery, airports, and more. Education should never be an afterthought and grouped with this wide mix of departments. On day one as Councilmember, I will advocate for the reinstatement of the Committee on Education, which will help Council conduct the necessary oversight on our schools. What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? As mentioned above, I will take immediate steps to recalculate MFI as it is calculated for all of DC, including parts of Northern Virginia and Maryland. So someone who makes 80% of the MFI in Ward 3 is vastly different from someone who makes 80% of the MFI in Ward 8.MFI is used to determine affordable units within Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) and this also only encompasses 50-80% MFI.We need to reform both of these things and make IZ a requirement (especially for 30% MFI) instead of an incentive. WI dren can thrive. We need to elect leaders with experience, vision, and integrity, who will fight for all of us.
BEAU FINLEY
Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? I am against term limits for committee chair positions given the small size of the Council. If the Chair of the Council appoints someone who is unqualified to chair a Committee, then the Chair should be held accountable at the next election.
Ward 3 • DC Council • Democrat Age: 41 • Attorney www.beaufinley.com/ Why are you running for the D.C. Council? I believe strongly in the dignity of the person - that is the impetus for why I am running to represent Ward 3 and the font from which my proposals flow. Our government should not just be responsive to our current needs but also plan for our future needs. It must provide opportunities for all so that we, our children, and our grandchil-
What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? I'd introduce several. I would like to close the loophole that allows public charter schools to keep at-risk and other student-based funding even after a student has left for a DC public school. I will propose an Acquisition Fund to allow the District to move nimbly to acquire property for critical facilities, including housing. I will work to cut healthcare costs via innovative tweaks like reinsurance and capping
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Why are you running for the D.C. Council? I believe strongly in the dignity of the person - that is the impetus for why I am running to represent Ward 3 and the font from which my proposals flow. Our government should not just be responsive to our current needs but also plan for our future needs. It must provide opportunities for all so that we, our children, and our grandchildren can thrive. We need to elect leaders with experience, vision, and integrity, who will fight for all of us. Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? I am against term limits for committee chair positions given the small size of the Council. If the Chair of the Council appoints someone who is unqualified to chair a Committee, then the Chair should be held accountable at the next election. What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? I'd introduce several. I would like to close the loophole that allows public charter schools to keep at-risk and other student-based funding even after a student has left for a DC public school. I will propose an Acquisition Fund to allow the District to move nimbly to acquire property for critical facilities, including housing. I will work to cut healthcare costs via innovative tweaks like reinsurance and capping prescription costs. What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? Public safety is the most common answer I hear from constituents, followed by a deep concern over the lack of affordable housing. Ward 3 residents are rightly concerned about the overcrowding in our schools, a disappointing District response to climate change, and the need to improve our transit options. I have specific proposals to address each of these issues on my website.
quite a bit: I led the push on my ANC to open the Ward 3 Short-Term Family Housing. I helped found Cleveland Park Main Street. I drafted changes to the Comprehensive Plan to make more housing possible in Cleveland Park that were adopted by Council. I also led on creating the Connecticut Ave bicycle lanes, which all Democratic candidates support. This was all outside of my day job as a federal attorney working to expand internet access and making our nation's 911 networks more reliable. How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? We must end housing insecurity and close the education achievement gap. We can end housing insecurity by making housing affordable for all by building more affordable housing (those making up to $72,500 per year) and expanding rent control. To close the achievement gap, we need to prioritize funding for underperforming schools and reduce teacher turnover. We need sufficient special education teachers and social workers who are given the tools and time to work successfully with those students. As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in your ward? We lack sufficient special education teachers and sufficient language and arts teachers in Ward 3 schools, among other issues. To address this in an equitable manner means bringing these teachers to all of the District's schools. We can do so if we fully fund DCPS.
What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? I've done
What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? I have a robust, comprehensive plan on my website - www.beaufinley.com. It consists of the following: 1. Establish an Acquisition Fund 2. Invest in social housing 3. Have DC acquire a housing portfolio (reinvest profits into building affordable housing). 4. Expand rent control 5. Rezone downtown to mixed use, plus zoning for schools, libraries and grocery stores. 6. Expand IZ reqs to 10-15% 7. Use the Housing Production Trust Fund to buy units for <30% MFI housing similar to Montgomery County. WI
DEIRDRE BROWN
housing. Councilmembers can increase housing production through budgeting, legislation and request for amendments before the zoning commission. I am in favor of increasing the Housing Production Trust Fund with significantly more oversight. We need to utilize community land trust, social housing and tax incentives to reach our housing goals.
Ward 3 • Councilmember • Democrat Age: 50 • Title Company Owner Ward 3 www.DeirdreBrown4Ward3.com
What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? As the former ANC Commissioner in 3F04, I delivered solutions to Ward 3 constituents. As a member of the Soapstone & Melvin Hazen Parks & Trails Sub-Committee, I worked the environmental issues effecting Ward 3. As the ANC appointee to Mayor Bowser’s Homicide Elimination Task Force I gained the experience needed to develop common sense solutions to public safety concerns. I have two decades of experience as a housing advocate and have testifyied before the Council on housing legislation.
Why are you running for the D.C. Council? I am a third generation Washingtonian, a mother, a title company owner, housing advocate and former ANC commissioner. I received a Juris Doctor from UDC, David A. Clarke School of Law where I worked 727 law clinic hours advocating for residents. I decided to run because the way that we have done things in the past has worked for some, but not for all. Ward 3 needs a Councilmember that will lead from a place of equity and inclusion as we work together to solve the challenges facing our ward. Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? I am strongly in favor of term limits. As Councilmember I will introduce legislation to amend the Home Rule Charter so that terms are limited to two consecutive four year terms. Term limits will help eliminate the political misdeeds we have seen in the past by long term incumbants, it will ensure turnover, and encourage indpendent judgement that is free of pressures from special interst groups. What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? As the Ward 3 Councilmember, I will introduce bills that will help make the District more affordable for our residents. I will propose a bill that will eliminate real property taxes for deisabled veterans. I will introduce a bill that will exempt the first $50,000 of income for retirees 65 years of age or old from personal income tax. I will introduce legislation that gives incentives to DC businesses to hire DC residents. What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? Housing affordability is the most important issue confronting Ward 3 residents. We need more housing units for seniors, families and workforce
MATTHEW FRUMIN Ward 3 • Councilmember • Democrat Age: 63 • Attorney www.fruminforward3.com Why are you running for the D.C. Council? Through my work as an ANC commissioner and Board member for Tenleytown Main Street, the Lisner Home and as a member of numerous Council and Mayoral taskforces, over the last close to 20 years, I have worked on issues relating to education, affordable housing, seniors, health, utilities, parks and delivered real results by listening and building coalitions around creative solutions. On the Council, I will be able to put my skills and experience to work to have an even larger positive impact. Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? Against.
How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? We must increase access to traditional and vocational education. I am in support of a Vocational Track, College Track, and Entrepreneur Track in our schools. This will allow students more options, like graduating with a career certificate or licensure, so that they can earn a living wage.There are many studies that show a direct correlation between poverty, lack of opportunity, and crime. Providing residents with the ability to earn a good living will close the economic gaps. As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in your ward? I will address overcrowding, school maintenance and funding shortages in our schools. I will work to re-vamp the Special Education Program in DCPS, including but not limited to the assessment process, intervention response, IEP process and school placement. I will work to fund school-based health services in every DCPS, especially as it pertains to mental health services. We need to address the teacher retention problem with mentorships, educational support and living wages. What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? I will explore all options like community land trust, limited equity cooperatives, incentives to small landlords, social housing and small area plans. We need to identify where we can increase density, convert vacant buildings into residential or mixed use. As, the Ward 3 Councilmember I will advocate for affordable housing units at the Lord and Taylor site and the WMATA bus garage in Friendship Heights. In order to meet our housing needs we must take bold action, now. WI bill to provide $100 refillable Metro cards to all DC residents. I would move to make OSSE independent and begin to create accountability in our education space. I would push for full funding to bring pay for home healthcare workers. for example serving persons with Alzheimer's, and longterm care workers up to a level of a livable wage. We should have parity with our Birth to Three workers for those serving the other end of the lifecycle. What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? School overcrowding, public safety, affordable housing What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? I have been very active in the Ward and across the city on education issues, building a citywide advocacy organization with representatives from all eight Wards. I have led the Lisner Home in the process of securing the first ever Housing Production Trust Fund award in Ward 3 to build 93 units of deeply affordable senior housing. I have been a leader in Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) efforts to develop green jobs, support workers and attract affordable housing to Ward 3. How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? At the center of such an effort is education and investment to give all of our children the opportunities they deserve. Next is job training and the creation of well paying jobs in the new economy, including the green economy.
What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? I would join in Charles Allen's Metro for All
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What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? I am leading the As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in Lisner Home in building a 93 unit affordable housing project. I will press for additional affordable housing to be constructed your ward? The biggest school issue in Ward 3 is overcrowding and the best answer to overcrowding is to ensure that in new projects on private land and will look for ways to use public land and air rights over public buildings to create more opportunities for affordable housing. WI there are great neighborhood schools in all parts of the city. control and accountability for DC’s public schools–traditional and charter. 3) Economic development. Add housing, communal retail experiences and other amenities to better connect our neighborhoods and the larger community. Remove barriers for businesses to stay and grow in Ward 3 and throughout DC.
MONTE MONASH Ward 3 • DC Council • Democrat Age: 51 • Entrepreneur/small business owner www.MonashForWard3.com Why are you running for the D.C. Council? Ward 3 deserves a committed leader with a strong voice, who understands how to get things done in our city. I am a native Washingtonian, a 20-year homeowner in Ward 3, a long-standing civic volunteer, and an entrepreneur leading a black, woman-owned business. For over 15 years, I have built a company with a record of building trust to get things done. My intention as a councilmember is to ensure Ward 3 benefits from the city’s growth while preserving our neighborhoods’ unique characteristics.s.
What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? Service is in my blood. I served as chair of the mayor-appointed DC Public Library board of trustees, which oversees the ongoing transformation of DC’s 26 public libraries. I served on the ReOpen DC task force during the height of the pandemic and in various citywide, volunteer leadership roles with civic commissions and nonprofits supporting seniors, women and families, homeless residents and workforce development. How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? Let’s focus on housing, because its cost and availability is a citywide issue. Ward 3 should embrace more single-family housing, apartments, condominiums and rentals that are accessible to the full range of incomes and households – and residents of every race and ethnicity. Let’s subsidize more first-time home purchases, so more households have access to the benefits that come with ownership. For our settled seniors especially, I will advocate for stability in rents and property tax rates.
As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of your ward? The excellent reputation of Ward 3’s public schools makes our community a popular place for families, stretchterm limits, how many terms are sufficient? I believe the DC Council should set its own rules outside of ethics. At ing our campuses’ capacity. We must expand existing schools, review feeder patterns and increase the number of schools in present, the Council chair proposes rules for adoption every two years. This is an opportunity for the Council as a body to the ward, including a new elementary and middle school, and the build-out of the MacArthur high school site. Also, more turn over committees. I do, however, believe there needs to be a stand-alone education committee. training for teachers and a bigger budget for specialists to support children with individual learning differences or physical What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? I have four bills I would like to introduce special needs. in my first 100 days. 1) Ban single-use plastics with exceptions for items such as syringes. 2) Seniors ride free on public What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? Ward 3’s comtransportation. 3) Require a portion of DC's Housing Production Trust Fund to be spent on flexible, affordable housing mercial corridors along transit lines must play a major role in a District-wide strategy to offer affordable housing located near emlike limited equity co-ops. 4) Raise the threshold of the death tax in the District to keep our long-time residents. ployment centers. I will work to ensure that affordable housing in Ward 3 is inclusive, with priority for units and programs going to What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? 1) Neighborhood low- and moderate-income families, seniors, teachers and first responders.We can expand our housing stock by adopting proven safety. I support MPD’s request for more officers but will not sign off on reduced oversight. 2) Education. Continue mayoral models for affordability, such as social housing and limited equity co-ops. WI to build new schools to meet demand.As a former D.C. school teacher, I understand how public education works, how it can be improved, and how important it is to promote and maintain a good quality of life in Ward 3.
PHIL THOMAS Ward 3 • Councilmember • Democrat • Age: 36 Fromer Director of the Mayor's Office of the Clean City https://philforward3.com
What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? I am the only candidate in the race with community experience, government experience and proven results. I was the Ward 3 Liaison to the Mayor’s Office, where I was a problem solver and connected Ward 3 residents with District government agencies. I have served as a two term ANC commissioner and I am the current Chair of the Ward 3 Democrats. I have also fostered support for the Ward 3 Short-Term Family Housing site, helped with getting the Palisades Recreation Center and Hardy Park remodeled.
Why are you running for the D.C. Council? I am running on a platform called 3 S’s and an H. I am focused on Seniors, Schools, Safety and Housing. As Ward 3 Councilmember I want to bring a Senior Wellness Center to Ward 3, reduce overcrowding in our neighborhood schools, fight to maintain Mayoral control of our schools, drive down crime, and bring affordable housing so our teachers and public safety officers can live in the communities they serve.
How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? As the next Ward 3 Councilmember, I will increase funding around education and career opportunities. I will increase funding to focus on vocational school, work with Jackson-Reed High School to help promote dual enrollment with the University of the District of Columbia, and continue to invest in apprenticeship programs in the District. Through these programs I know the city and the workforce will benefit by increasing job opportunities, relieving college debt and having more skilled workers
Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? I am in favor of term limits when it comes to committee chairmanships. I think three terms is sufficient for the council to be proficient and also create a transition plan.
As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in your ward? As a former D.C. school teacher, I understand how public education works, how it can be improved, and how important it is to promote and maintain a good quality of life in Ward 3.As a bridge builder and having been involved in the community for over a decade, I will continue to listen to parents to understand their concerns and what they want for their children. I support reducing overcrowding in our neighborhood schools by supporting a new high school and a new Elementary school.
What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? Teacher Support Act - The Teacher Support Act would decrease teacher turnover by providing them a flexible work schedule, support the construction of workforce housing for teachers, and incentivize teachers around management training and how to further their careers in education. Senior Ride Free Act- The Seniors Ride Free Act will provide funding for seniors to ride free on Metro or Metrobus. What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? My priority will be to oppose any effort by the DC Council to reverse Mayoral control of public schools, which would take us back to the old days of underperforming schools and derelict school buildings. I will continue to push to keep Ward 3 schools great, and
What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? I support building more housing across the city and in Ward 3. It really comes down to working with the city and the residents to find realistic locations west of Rock Creek Park to put deeply affordable housing. I want to continue to invest in the Housing Production Trust Fund, ensuring that the trust fund meets its statutory requirements including passing the HPTF transparency amendment act which better allocates funding for deep affordable units. WI will uplift and encourage specifically the young people in our communities. I see my job as providing the necessary opportunities for our young people to raise their standard of living and prepare themselves to be competitive with all others for higher paying jobs. I believe if successful crime will be reduced in our communities.
ART LLOYD
Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? I am in favor of a (2) term limit requirement for all elected office. We are elected to be servants for the community, not to make ourselves comfortable in office.
Ward 5 • DC Council • Democrat Age: 71 • Retired Deputy U.S. Marshal Why are you running for the D.C. Council? Because of the low self esteem that is prevalent in many low income communities ,their is a need for a special kind of leadership who
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providing food for the homeless and picking them up off the streets & taking them to shelters in the winter.
What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? I will push for Re-establishment of mental health treatment centers for DC residence Revise Juvenile incarceration system to include education vocational job training programs , such as business entrepreneurship start up, and a 2 year college program to help provide an independent career path upon their release from prison.
How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? With the 20 dollar minimum wage increase. And the agreed upon city and landlord reduced rent program for those making low income.
What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? A minimum wage increase to 20 dollars for city employees. In addition housing that allows reduced rents for low wage earners. What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? Within the past 5 years I have worked as a mentor for previously incarcerated teenagers. I presently work part-time for shelter hot line
FAITH GIBSON HUBBARD Ward 5 • Council of the District of Columbia • Democrat • Age: 41 • Educator; Public Administrator www.faithforward5dc.org Why are you running for the D.C. Council? I am an advocate, educator, wife, mother, and public servant with a history of service to DC.I believe in the power of community.Addressing the issues facing our ward requires a responsive, accessible government, with holistic solutions that serves the needs of our ward and is informed with community-voice. I am a coalitions builder; believe the lived experiences of neighbors must be a part of solving the our pressing issues.I will always work with our community to make our ward stronger. Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? I am in support of term limits for elected officials. I believe it is important to make room for new leadership and to provide opportunity for fresh ideas and energy. What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? -Expansion of apprenticeship and CTE programs -The development of a workforce housing fund -Expansion of community based mental health support -Expansion of senior housing supports - locally funded vouchers and overhauling the single-family rehab program to support seniors abilities to age in place -Expansion of small local business growth supports - the creation of a streamlined system of support, technical assistance, peer-to-peer mentorship and incubator support, access to capital, and more. What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? Issues such as the increasing cost of housing, a need for community-centered development, environmental justice, increasing issues of safety (both gun violence and safe streets); access to equitable city services, access to high-quality educational options from birth
GORDON FLECTCHER Ward 5 • DC Council • Democrat Age: 37 • Adjunct Professor, American University https://gordonforward5.com/ Why are you running for the D.C. Council? I am a three-term Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner representing 5A08. I have dealt with many of the same issues – at the Single Member District level – that I will face on the Council: zoning, affordable housing, crime, traffic safety, etc. I want to progress to the Council and create better collaborative ties between ANCs, civic associations, and the Council to address the many issues the city faces: the lack of affordable housing, improving the local economy and crime among many others. Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? I am willing to explore term limits for Committee Chairmanships as that can bring in new viewpoints and perspectives to those committees and the Council. Two terms seems sufficient. What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? In my first 100 days I would introduce the Public Safety Community Taskforce Act to provide financial support for community-led policing. The Small Business Improvement and Preservation Act provides a temporary commercial property tax waiver for legacy and new businesses to help them thrive in this still uncertain economy. The Vocational Training and Civic Education Amendment Act will implement vocational training and civics education in DCPS and DC Charter Schools starting in the 4th grade. What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? Three important issues we face are the lack of affordable housing, improving traffic safety and reducing violent crime.
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As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in your ward? I am proposing an independent school board charged with settin up Saturday classes, night school programs and initiating summer always from home academic programs with student pay to prepare for college entrance. What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? A written agreement between landlords and city to reduce rents for low wage earners.
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throughout life, supports for small business development, expanding employment access through apprenticeship and CTE trainings, supports and resources for returning citizens, and so much more. What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? I have serve in various roles, building coalitions, working with community, to solve some of our most pressing issues. I was on the front lines - improving the quality of education in our ward; advocating with our neighbors to have two new middle schools built in the ward; secured funding to modernize our ward's libraries; a champion for student safe passage and it's connection to tackling the issues of community violence; leading our city's COVID-19 response as Director of Community Affairs. How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? Through innovative legislative action, and connecting neighbors to current resources, I believe we can close economic gaps. I will expand our universal basic income pilots/refundable tax credits for families and individuals; improve our child care/ education systems; I will work to expanding workforce development tools and programs (such as expanding apprenticeship and CTE programming); review our current tax structures; and tackle the issue of black homeownership and displacement. As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in your ward? I want to focus on the following areas: Quality early learning; connections to workforce Predictable pathways from K-12th grade, with consistency of quality, and access to resources Family partnerships/building capacity Educators in decision-making Connections from high school to post-secondary education/training, and employers Student safety – safe passage and preventing violence Increasing mental health support capacity Closing the digital divide for seniors and communities. What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? I will focus on the following: Prioritizing low-income options for affordable units for rent Strengthening Safety Net Programs to Eliminate Housing Insecurity and Displacement Enabling long-time residents to age in place The Creation of Distinct Funding for Workforce Housing Expanding first-time homebuyers programs for multiple income levels and capacities Supporting programs designed to help residents progress in their homeownership and stay in the city. WI
We need to address the formulas that determine affordability to make sure they mesh with what residents can realistically pay. Traffic violence has injured, and cost the lives of, Ward 5 residents. We need to increase traffic enforcement and initiate a traffic calming plan across the ward. Lastly, we need to increase MPD foot patrols to help reduce crime in our communities. What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? As ANC Commissioner I preserved rent-controlled housing for over 100 seniors and native Washingtonians and reestablished community-led safety patrols. I worked with DDOT and the National Park Service to improve the walkways in Fort Totten Park. In addition, I had several traffic calming measures installed in North Michigan Park and Fort Totten to make streets safer. Lastly, as Ward 5 Democrats Chair, I helped bring about the mail-in ballot system we enjoy today. How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? The District has relied too heavily on the federal government and tourism for its economic growth. The COVID pandemic hurt these segments, and movement patterns aren’t likely to return to pre-pandemic levels any time soon. We must diversify to close economic gaps across the District. To do so we must focus on supporting legacy small businesses (15 years and older) and the creation of new businesses in Ward 5. Additionally, we must incentive new jobs going to Ward 5 residents. As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in your ward? Your local school should be your best option, not a last resort. We need to provide evidence-based funding for all schools based on the school’s, and the school community’s, specific needs so that (a.) the buildings are safe to learn in and (b.) students can learn and be competitive with their peers across the city. Without equity in access to a high-quality education, we will continually fail students. What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? The key is to ensure that inclusionary zoning laws apply throughout the District of Columbia. Since the passing of inclusionary zoning, our Comprehensive Plans have allowed wide swaths of the city to be exempt from the inclusion of affordable housing in new developments. Major development zones such as NoMa are not required to include income-restricted units, while market-rate rents exclude low to moderate income renters and condominium buyers WI
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provements until you address public safety. Safety is the basic foundation of our aspirations for the Ward and our city. Many residents are working multiple jobs to make ends meet and there is an urgent need to improve employment outcomes.Health disparities, illiteracy and general inequalities continue to undermine the quality of life for many Ward 5 residents.
KATHY HENDERSON Ward 5 • Councilmember • Democrat • www.kathyhendersonfordccouncil.com
Why are you running for the D.C. Council? I am running for the Ward 5 Council seat because I have an actual record of improving the paradigm for my community, making it safer, stronger, more livable and valuable. I advocated for and delivered new sidewalks, streetlights, paved alleys, traffic signals, speed humps and trees. I fought illegal dumping, drug and gun trafficking and was featured in People and Essence magazines and won numerous awards for my work.rs. Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? I believe the Council Chairman should respond immediately when there are complaints regarding councilmembers serving as committee chairpersons.There are unresolved complaints regarding the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety chairman and he should be removed. Changing committee chairmanships during the beginning of each Council period is a good idea to improve performance. What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? I plan to assess every Ward 5 community within my first 100 days in office to address infrastructure issues such as the need for new sidewalks, pothole repair, streetlight repairs, speed humps and similar quality of life improvements. I will convene community meetings to hear from residents regarding their concerns before I introduce any legislation. What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? The most important issue facing Ward 5 is crime and the need to immediately improve public safety. You cannot credibly address the need for viable economic development throughout the Ward, including school and affordable housing im-
What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? I have served as a ten-term, effective, award-winning advisory neighborhood commissioner in Ward 5. I have advocated relentlessly and delivered safety and infrastructure improvements, making my community more valuable and sought after. Again, I am responsible for facilitating the installation of new sidewalks, paved alleys, trees, streetlights, traffic signals and resolving nuisance housing, abandoned autos and dumping issues. I facilitated the court-ordered installation of the dental suite at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services and served as a member of the DC Historic Preservation Review Board. How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? I will communicate with all Ward 5 residents regarding available resources that will improve quality of life. I will establish a public/private partnership to improve literacy for our children and adults. Mastering literacy provides residents with an essential tool to gainful employment. I will also provide vigorous Council oversight for District agencies, including the DC Office of Human Rights to ensure my constituents have equal access to resources and opportunities. I will level the playing field for Ward 5 reside As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in your ward? I will regularly visit all Ward 5 schools and monitor performance, including reviewing attendance records and regularly meet with Ward 5 parents to improve engagement. I will ensure that I am present for Council hearings to provide vigorous Council oversight and I will take corrective action when necessary. What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? First, the city has to actually facilitate the production of additional affordable housing. I will review the District Opportunity to Purchase Act (DOPA) to expand affordable housing opportunities, always support full funding for the Housing Production Trust Fund and review inclusionary zoning provisions to expand affordable housing. I will vociferously advocate for Ward 5 residents.
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of violence and trauma. We all deserve safe and clean communities that meet people’s needs by addressing the root causes of violence through trauma-informed community work and holding those who commit violence accountable. 2) Generations of Washingtonians have been displaced from this city, including members of my family. We must expand homeownership programs as well as permanently affordable housing models (such as land trusts and social housing) to build generational wealth.
ZACHARY PARKER Ward 5 • Councilmember • Democrat • Age: 35 www.zacharyforward5.com Why are you running for the D.C. Council? I’m running to change systems that fail working families like mine. My oldest brother struggled with an unsupportive school system while my middle brother went through a long battle with kidney failure and a health system that treated him like a problem, not a human being. We must emerge from the pandemic without repeating cycles of violence, trauma, displacement, and corruption. My campaign is a movement to build healthy communities where the government meets the needs of our neighbors. Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? I am open to term limits, which can promote new energy and leadership in our politics. I would support term limits that would restrict a Councilmember to serving no more than two consecutive 4-year terms and no more than 4 terms total. I believe this system will promote mentorship between older and younger public servants.And I think Committee chairmanships should rotate and be more democratic, so that the Council Chair does not have all the power to appoint and decide these critical roles. What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? Healthy Communities Act - assess each neighborhood’s access to groceries and restaurants, requiring investments to achieve balance A Safer DC Act - Create a comprehensive public-health crisis team through 911, with mental health, trauma, and addiction support services Reclaim Rent Control Act - Expand rent control to buildings built after 1975, including 4-unit buildings to manage skyrocketing rent costs Black Homeownership Act - Expand HPAP and tax benefits for longtime residents to buy homes What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? 1) Stopping cycles
What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? As the Ward 5 representative and president of the State Board of Education, I fought to increase funding for Ward 5 schools and secure funding to rehab Spingarn Highschool and the old Crummell School. I distributed care packages to seniors during the pandemic, I organized neighbors to help 3,000 residents get vaccinated, and I helped sign up over 100 seniors for STAY DC to keep them in their homes. I also joined neighbors in successfully blocking Ward 5 from losing land in redistricting. How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? Equitable investments in community and generational wealth. I will work to increase access to good-paying jobs, invest in co-op businesses, and ensure Black and brown homeowners are protected. I will prioritize communities that lack core amenities: grocery stores, good schools, affordable housing, and local businesses. I will also push to reform grant-making for Black-, Native-, and women-owned small businesses and enforce hiring requirements for government contractors. As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in your ward? I’ve delivered for Ward 5 as President of our school board, and as a Councilmember I will make sure Ward 5’s school needs are met. DC’s system of school choice must start with a great neighborhood school.Therefore, I will work to strengthen our neighborhood schools by expanding trade and apprentice programs in middle and high schools, focusing on literacy instruction, expanding school-based mental health, and offering a well-rounded curriculum and low-barrier after-school options. What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? We must expand targeted affordable housing for our seniors, low-income neighbors, and LGBTQ+ youth. We must expand the HPAP program to increase opportunities for home ownership. I would also prioritize expanding investments in housing vouchers, ensuring the DC Housing Authority maintains clean and safe properties. I will also work to expand successful models of community ownership that provide permanently affordable housing, like community land trusts, social housing, and limited equity co-ops. WI Ending the requirement for barbering and other over-regulated professions. Ending the operation of the H St. Trolley Car.
NATE DERENGE
What do you consider to be the most important issues confronting your constituents? Public Safety What have you done for your ward/across the District, either as an incumbent or challenger? I own a home and take care of it. I own a condo and provide housing for 3 young professionals. I have a job and pay thousands in taxes. I pick up trash on occasion. I volunteer at my church regularly and at local organizations when asked.
Ward 8 • Chair of Council • Republican Age: 33 • Supply Chain Analyst www.nateforchair.com
Why are you running for the D.C. Council? Taxes are too high for me. The catch-andrelease for violent Dog Nappers and car jackers needs to stop. the Council needs to show more oversight on local agencies to cut the fraud, waste, and abuse. Are you in favor of or against term limits for committee chairmanships? Please explain. If in favor of term limits, how many terms are sufficient? Yes. Mix it up. 1 term is sufficient. What bill(s), if any, will you introduce within your first 100 days? Outlawing abortions after the first 31 weeks.
How will you close economic gaps in your ward/across the District? Lower taxes and eliminate regulations that present obstacles to job creators. As a council member, how will you improve the quality of education in neighborhood schools based in your ward? The responsibility of a child's education is with the parents. The government oversight responsibilities lie with the school board and superintendent. What steps will you take to ensure more of your constituents can access affordable housing? Decrease subsidized housing to free up the supply of market-rate housing to increase the quality and safety of our communities. WI
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D.C. ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATES BRIAN SCHWALB Ward 3 • Democrat • Age: 54 Attorney • www.brianfordc.com How will you balance your obligation to the D.C. government and District residents in times when their interests are not aligned? I will exercise the judgment and discretion developed over nearly 30 years of my diverse and active law practice to advise and defend the city while executing my commitment to protecting the public interest. By providing sound, constructive, practical legal advice to the executive branch, and by being an independent AG that simultaneously holds the executive branch accountable, I will lead OAG to maximize the effectiveness of the District’s agencies in serving the needs of Washingtonians. As attorney general, what priority will you give consumer rights protections? I will aggressively enforce our consumer protection, false claims & anti-discrimination laws. In addition to collaborating with other State AGs to address nationwide unfair and deceptive practices that harm DC residents, OAG will prioritize enforcement against actors that: (i) mislead homeowners (often seniors) into selling their homes below fair market value (ii) engage in predatory/ discriminatory lending and price gouging & (iii) induce residents desperate to own a home into buying “lemons.” What changes will you seek in the realm of tenants' rights and how will you tackle that issue? I will ensure that OAG (i) holds accountable slumlords who engage in illegal constructive eviction (ii) enforces laws that
BRUCE SPIVA Ward 4 • Democrat • Age: 56 Attorney • www.spivafordcag.com How will you balance your obligation to the D.C. government and District residents in times when their interests are not aligned? The AG is the lawyer for the DC government and the people of DC. By creating an independent elected AG position, the Council and District voters ensured that OAG can protect the public interest first and foremost, even when carrying out its statutory duty to defend District agencies and officials. In those instances when the Administration is failing to comply with the law, the AG must do everything in his power to ensure that the Administration is acting lawfully and in the public interest. As attorney general, what priority will you give consumer rights protections? Consumer rights protections will be one of my top priorities. I founded and managed my own law firm where I represented consumers harmed by unfair, fraudulent, or anticompetitive practices. Being a plaintiffs’ consumer lawyer is part of my DNA. As AG, I will vigorously pursue companies that harm District residents and will go after abusive debt collectors, protect residents from unscrupulous businesses, crack down on elder financial abuse, and enforce our antitrust laws. What changes will you seek in the realm of tenants' rights and how will you tackle that issue?
RYAN JONES Ward 5 • Democrat • Age: 37 Attorney • www.ryanjonesforag.com How will you balance your obligation to the D.C. government and District residents in times when their interests are not aligned? If we must advise (and even find funding for) residents to obtain outside counsel during preliminary disputes or the District Government based on considerations of conflicts of interest and cost benefit analysis, then the parties can enter into negotiations or other conflict resolutions. As attorney general, what priority will you give consumer rights protections? I believe consumer rights is an essential part of the job and office, and I will continue to prioritize it, along with the agenda items I have identified.
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require landlords to provide safe, habitable housing & (iii) pursues landlords/property managers who discriminate against tenants/potential tenants, including those who receive vouchers or other assistance. I will also ensure that (i) developers comply with contractual commitments to provide affordable housing & (ii) avoid displacement of existing tenants. What’s your position on a woman’s right to choose? I will use every statutory, constitutional, regulatory, common law and political argument available to ensure that a woman’s right to choose remains legal, safe and accessible in our city. Abortion care is a critical part of reproductive healthcare, and attacks on a woman’s bodily autonomy signal a dangerous erosion of other privacy rights. I will fight to ensure that DC remains a place that cares for patients who reside here and travel here in search of safe reproductive healthcare. What’s your assessment of the penalties given to violent offenders? The DC OAG prosecutes only crimes committed by youth. I believe that (i) rehabilitation of youth makes our city safer because it reduces recidivism & (ii) repeat violent offenders must be held accountable. My OAG will evaluate relevant facts, examine applicable recidivism rates, and if commitment is appropriate, ensure that the DYRS meets each child’s needs. I will direct resources to address root causes/interrupt cycles of violence and deploy appropriate diversion/restorative justice programs. What do you hope to accomplish in your first 100 days and how will you do so? My first priorities will be to: (i) retain/recruit the expert team of lawyers and legal professionals who carry out the vital work of the OAG, & (ii) establish a constructive working relationship with the Mayor/District agencies. Other priorities include protecting workers from wage theft, residents from slumlords, seniors from financial exploitation, the environment from pollution, borrowers from predatory lenders, and consumers from scammers.
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As Attorney General, I will be a champion for tenants’ rights. I will go after slumlords who force tenants to live in unsafe, unhealthy conditions and bad actors who cheat tenants out of their rights under DC law. I will enforce developers’ promises to build affordable housing units and newly-enacted rights for tenants in the eviction and application process. Finally, I will partner with tenants and community-based organizations to find and pursue remedies against bad actors. What’s your position on a woman’s right to choose? I strongly support a woman's constitutional right to choose. If the leaked decision becomes finalized, the DC Attorney General may well have a leadership role in protecting the reproductive rights of DC residents. I will not hesitate to use all the powers of my office, as well as the nationwide bully pulpit the office affords, both to protect the rights of DC residents, as well as those who come here to obtain a safe, legal abortion. What’s your assessment of the penalties given to violent offenders? I believe that violent offenders should be held accountable, that violent offenders should be off the streets. I also believe we need to go after ghost guns and gun manufacturers to the fullest extent allowed by law. That said, with respect to juvenile justice, we must never forget that these are our children. In discussions of crime, commentators too often suggest a choice between reforming the system and public safety. It’s simply not true. Reforming the system will increase public safety. What do you hope to accomplish in your first 100 days and how will you do so? I will focus on listening to, supporting and recruiting the professionals who staff the OAG. My experience over three decades is that you are only as good as your team. In order to accomplish my policy priorities, we must recruit and retain as many qualified, diverse, and motivated public interest professionals as possible. My biggest substantive priorities are housing justice, public safety and criminal justice reform, workers’ rights and consumer protection, and child support.
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What changes will you seek in the realm of tenants' rights and how will you tackle that issue? This is an access to justice issue. Tenants need lawyers. We must fund resources for Tenants to have access to counsel when their rights are on the line. Moreover, we must pass legislation that meet the needs of many DC tenants. What’s your position on a woman’s right to choose? It must be a woman's right to choose. And Attorneys General and legislators must use the courts and legislative bodies to reach that end. What’s your assessment of the penalties given to violent offenders? I believe punishment must be commensurate with the crime and harm done. We must specifically deter and generally deter residents from engaging in such conduct in the future by being exacting and appropriate with the punishment to balance relief for the offender and the harm caused to the victim. What do you hope to accomplish in your first 100 days and how will you do so? I would like to establish: 1) A taskforce to revise the DC Code 2) An Expungement Clinic 3) An Estate Planning Clinic 4) Have a Cybersecurity Department 5) Build out a team with a vision to execute the goals of government and public advocacy to have the District become the blueprint for using the law to keep residents safe and empowered.
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D.C. HOUSE DELEGATE CANDIDATES KELLY WILLIAMS
Total number of Candidates: 4 Rev. Wendy Hamilton [info@revwendyforcongress.com] Kelly Mikel Williams [ikellymikelfordc@gmail.com] Nelson Rimensnyder [i lmnicker@gmail.com] Eleanor Norton [icitizenstoelectnorton@gmail.com]
Ward 8 • Democrat • Age: 55 Caregiver - Entrepreneur https://kellymikelfordc.com
REV. WENDY HAMILTON Ward 8 • Democrat • Age: 53 • Counselor www.revwendyforcongress.com Why do you want to represent District residents in Congress? I’m running for Congress/ DC Delegate to represent the broad voices and diverse interests of residents across all 8 wards of our great city. I want to bring tangible solutions for our residents that will help us move beyond the status quo in our city to a new chapter that includes DC Statehood, UBI and so much more. It’s time for a representative who has the future of DC in mind and the policy platform to get us there. What do you hope to accomplish in the first 100 days of the next Congress? What can be done in the next Congress during the first 100 days will depend on the balance of power at that time. If the Democrats pick up Senate seats that would change the entire dynamic on the Hill. With an increased Democratic majority we might finally be able to get DC Statehood passed , voting rights legislation and other significant bills. I would begin working on Day 1 in the House to move DC Statehood (H.R. 51) through the chamber and secure the support needed to get it passed What will you do to ensure the funds from the president’s infrastructure bill come to the District? I would reiterate the importance of DC's funding priorities being distributed in the manner in which they were identified and work in conjunction with the Mayor's Office to deliver them. I would adamantly push back on any resistance from the GOP that would seek to see the amounts reduced or intended recipients changed. It is unfortunate that we have to be subject to this type of partisan meddling in our affairs. It makes the case for Statehood stronger. What steps will you take to close the education gap in D.C.? As a current DCPS employee I get the opportunity first hand to see the impacts of the education gap amongst our students. Their are immediate interventions needed to bring our black and brown students up to par. In Congress, I would support measures to provide investments in enhanced broadband access, increase funding for tutors/mentors and after school programming, vouchers for families to receive reduced tuition for educational based support programs and reinstate vocational education. How will you tackle gun violence in the District and concerns about police accountability? From a Federal standpoint I would support bills like the George Floyd Policing Act (H.R. 1280) which seeks to establish standards for police accountability across the country including limiting qualified immunity as a defense in brutality cases. Additionally I would support all measures to ban assault rifles (AR-15's) and get them off our streets. There are too many guns (and ghost guns) making their way into the hands of DC youth/young adults. We have to cut this plague off at the root. What is your greatest accomplishment in the last five years that has benefited D.C.? How has it helped D.C.? My work as an Attendance/Truancy Counselor with DC students/ families to help them overcome their obstacles to educational progress has been the most gratifying work I've accomplished in the last five years toward making DC stronger. I've worked to connect families with educational resources, legal services , food and shelter options, and financial assistance. I've testified on behalf of students and their families who were facing separation as well as provided emotional and spiritual support. How will you tackle gun violence in the District? As mentioned above, I believe gun violence is tied to a number of issues including the proliferation of and access to guns on our streets, lack of employment opportunities, poverty and economic instability. Let's fund more recreation centers, activities and programs for young people to attend, Let's support our violence interrupters and agencies on the ground working everyday on the front lines to reduce gun violence. Let's provide families with more trauma informed support resources. How will you advance the statehood agenda in a Republican-controlled Congress? * I would approach it with the same vigor I would in a Democratic Congress, because I don't believe Statehood is or should be a partisan issue. DC Statehood is a human rights issue, a voting rights issue and most importantly a racial justice issue. I'd secure the sponsors necessary to get it passed through the House, and I'd work to cultivate relationships with reasonable Republicans who could assist in making the case for Statehood to their Senate colleagues. . WI
Why do you want to represent District residents in Congress? Because African-Americans are being pushed, shoved & priced out of DC, we must have someone in Congress with a new vision and energy to fight for the issues impacting our daily lives like housing, jobs, education, healthcare & crime. I’ve worked at every level of government I know how to get the job done. I’ve lived on the streets; dealt with trauma & I’ve overcome. I’m the best person to address the issues of today and those coming tomorrow. What do you hope to accomplish in the first 100 days of the next Congress? I will get additional funding for homelessness. I will introduce legislation to give our AG the powers of the U.S. Attorney, allowing him to manage all crimes committed in DC. I will also bring probation under his authority in conjunction with DOC. I will expand funding to UDC for workforce development. I will reintroduce the bill for DC Statehood. Lastly, I will introduce a bill removing the 3/5 clause from the constitution and making African-Americans whole and complete citizens. What will you do to ensure the funds from the president’s infrastructure bill come to the District? To ensure our federal dollars aren’t repurposed I will fiercely advocate for the dollars that were allocated to the District. I will work with the Speaker and President to ensure there’s no deviation from the bill. If there is talk of the District losing any dollars, I will reach out to members with similar infrastructure needs and get their support for our funds. We will work with all members to safeguard and secure that our dollars are not repurposed for other jurisdictions or programs. What steps will you take to close the education gap in D.C.? DC spends the most on early childhood education. We do a great job starting but a poor job finishing. Many students drop out before they begin high school. I will seek to ensure our schools receive their full funding. I will establish more community centers with tutoring/educational programs. I will work with community groups to give every low-income student a laptop and broadband access to enable them to be able to continue to do coursework even when they arrive home. How will you tackle gun violence in the District and concerns about police accountability? I want the 32 police agencies in DC to work together as one unit & patrol the city & clean up our streets by confiscating guns & reducing crime. This will create a deterrent when traffic stops patrols in neighborhoods & arrests are made by unfamiliar agencies. I will fund CCTVs across the city to help apprehend those committing gun violence. Police will face severe penalties for not having their body cameras on or failing to report any misconduct by a fellow officer. What is your greatest accomplishment in the last five years that has benefited D.C.? How has it helped D.C.? My greatest accomplishment was seeing my son survive our time of homelessness, complete his primary education with straight-A’s from 1st to 12th grades & graduate from Eastern w/4.6gpa, & get accepted by 12 D1 Universities. Additionally, I was instrumental in: •Helping bring awareness for the $15min wage to become law •Getting CBE/SBE access to 50% of DC Govt $1B contracts •DC G.E.D Graduates receive their HS Diploma Each of these accomplishments has impacted the incomes of District residents. How will you tackle gun violence in the District? We must have an all-hands-on-deck approach to address gun violence. In the immediate, use buy-back programs & apprehension of gun offenders. I will provide life skills & vocational training in schools to prevent gun violence before it ever starts. We must attack the root issues that motivate someone to use a gun & commit a violent act. & offer mental health services for everyone to treat trauma & provide conflict resolution instead of violence. We must stop putting band-aids on wounds. How will you advance the statehood agenda in a Republican-controlled Congress? * The truth is Democrats are blocking DC Statehood & 54% of Americans believe DC should be a state. We’ll produce a documentary like a state tourism video to promote statehood across the country, outlining the unconstitutionality of taxation without representation & its economic impact on Americans. I believe that by educating the nation on the economic & constitutionality we can get voters to lobby their state legislatures to support a constitutional amendment to give DC statehood. WI
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Matthew Frumin – Ward 3 We need to pass and implement the No Senior Hungry legislation. Pursuant to it we would create an inter-agency taskforce focused on this issue, develop a senior food security plan as well as a solid communications plan to ensure that seniors are fully aware of the services that can be made available to them, take aggressive steps to increase senior participation in SNAP programs, increase adult day care where seniors can get meals and expand the EPD Waiver to include home-delivered meals.
Robert White We have an unprecedented opportunity to leverage billions of dollars in federal infrastructure funding to bring universal broadband to our entire city and make the speeds fast enough to support every facet of life from education to entertainment. I will execute on this potential and make sure all residents can benefit from this investment. I will empower local organizations that are already doing the work to support seniors who are adjusting to an increasingly technical world.
There are more than 30 government-funded services and programs to help seniors get enough food. Still, according to more than one source over 13 percent of seniors in the District are experiencing food insecurity. If elected, what policies and strategies would you implement to help ensure that no District senior goes without nutritious meals?
Sabel Harris – Ward 1 I want to introduce a program similar to one in North Carolina that will allow for seniors to use Medicare dollars to afford nutritious meals. (https://bit.ly/38Ijg2k) It also seems like these programs need a centralized place to operate out of and I will work with Department of Aging and Community Living to ensure that these are cohesive programs working together vs. separate fragments operating at random.
Mayoral Candidates James Butler I’m have a proposal to make METRO entirely free. This will help seniors in wards, east of the river, the ability to access foods and fresh Produce easily from other parts of the city. We will also work with meals on wheels, Uber eats, to ensure that every single year has easy access to food availability for food delivery. We will ensure that seniors that are aging in place are getting enough food access by supplementing any deficiencies that they may have to through a voucher program.
Faith Gibson Hubbard – Ward 5 I would use the Council's ability to have oversight of our current programs to find ways to streamline the programmatic focus and to support efforts for collaborative action. I will work closely with agencies and community based programs to find opportunities for partnership and work to determine the best ways to appropriate funding/execute implementation to directly meet the need. We must expand the thresholds for offering support to all seniors, as access to food is a need of many seniors.
D.C. Council Chair Candidates Erin Palmer I have consistently supported establishing a plan and timeline for municipal Internet. In some cases, government programs exist to help lower-income residents but are not funded or supported at the scale needed to meaningfully close the digital divide. The DC Council must require and engage in oversight to ensure coordinated government action to determine gaps in Internet access, as well as a plan for broadening municipal Internet and ensuring its reliability to meet needs.
Robert White We need to shift focus from larger grocery retailers to smaller, local ones. This strategy will help us pull fresh produce from the region and increase the number of food options for seniors while employing residents who live in these communities. I’ll expand partnerships with meal/food delivery services to assist seniors facing mobility and transit challenges. Lastly, I’ll continue to fund the community dining program to ensure that our LGBTQ seniors are well-nourished and avoid isolation.
Art Lloyd – Ward 5 Maintain records of seniors addresses phone numbers and have city workers as- D.C. Council Candidates signed to visit seniors weekly or bi-weekly. Deirdre Brown - Ward 3 We need to establish a sustainable, long-term solution that will establish low-cost, Monte Monash – Ward 3 fast and reliable internet service citywide. We can start by expanding our broadband I have some understanding of this issue from the work I do with senior organiza- infrastructure and subsidize internet costs for under resourced communities. We tions, but I would want to examine the root causes of persistent food insecurity. know that high speed internet is not a luxury it is needed in order to succeed in Some reasons include lack of access to stores with healthy food in smaller portions, schools, obtain a job and to stay connected. technological barriers to accessing financial and program assistance, in-home barriers to food storage and preparation, and stigma from accepting help. In addition Nate Derenge - Ward 8 to streamlining DC services, we need to work with private organizations as our part- There are already at least 6 internet service providers around the District, overlapners. ping each other in regards to their service area. I think that is a adequate solution.
The following questions are provided by AARP-DC
D.C. Council Chair Candidates Erin Palmer I am dedicated to ending senior hunger through increasing funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Produce Plus, and Produce Rx; expanding Community Dining Sites run by the Department of Aging and Community Living; and making permanent home meal delivery programs initiated in response to the coronavirus pandemic and expanding eligibility for these programs.The DC Council can ensure access to healthy foods in every community by better targeting incentives for grocery stores. Phil Mendelson Not only have I supported full funding for the Department of Aging and Community Living, but I proposed changes (which were adopted) to the Mayor’s proposed budget to provide 100% of the funding requested by the Fair Food for All DC Coalition. D.C. Council Candidates Deirdre Brown - Ward 3 Food insecurity rates are high for Ward 3 seniors. We need to increase outreach efforts so that seniors and their loved ones know what is available to them like SNAP, adult day care services, or Medicaid-funded home delivered meals and nutrition services. This is why I am in support of the No Senior Hungry Omnibus Amendment Act of 2021 and similarly situated legislation. This has to be a collaborative approach if we are going to effectively address the needs of our seniors. Nate Derenge - Ward 8 The Seniors have survived for decades, i won't insult their intelligence by creating programs for them to eat. Beau Finley – Ward 3 Here's my plan: - Expand Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility to include more Seniors; - Develop and implement a communications plan to let Seniors know of various nutrition assistance programs; - Lower barriers to sign up through a lead-agency approach using the Department of Aging and Community Living as a "one-stop shop" for Seniors to learn about and sign up for assistance; - Establish a Medicaid waiver for home-delivered meals and medical nutrition therapy. Gordon Fletcher – Ward 5 I would call for an assessment of the services and programs to address their effectiveness and efficiency to the need. I would also assess the senior population to determine the true scope of need in the city. Where gaps exist, I would call upon partnerships with non-profits servicing the food insecure, to address deficiencies.
Brianne K. Nadeau – Ward 1 I have been proud to support nutrition access programs for seniors such as Produce Plus, Produce Rx, Healthy Corners, food delivery programs established during the pandemic to replace the congregate meals at our senior centers, and I am working now in my committee to increase SNAP benefits. Zachary Parker – Ward 5 I support establishing a Senior Food Insecurity Task Force and expanding seniors villages to connect seniors to neighbors that can support them. We should increase SNAP food assistance under the Give SNAP a Raise Act, and simplify that application process. I would expand the number of senior wellness centers and integrate them into our rec center infrastructure. And I will work to coordinate across our many programs and services to improve senior outreach so no senior goes hungry. Phil Thomas – Ward 3 Seniors in the District struggle to obtain enough food to live a healthy lifestyle. The No Senior Hungry Act focused on better defining who are food insecure and identifying the root causes. I will address this by spearheading a brick-and-mortar senior wellness center in Ward 3. I will make sure the No Senior Hungry Act remains funded and if seniors can’t attend a senior wellness center then they would receive home-delivered meals and medical nutrition therapy to the medicaid waiver. Many nonprofit organizations, city agencies such as the DC Public Libraries, and places of worship in the District provide access to the internet in under-resourced communities. While these institutions provide a bridge, the District needs a better strategy to close the digital divide. If elected, what would you do to ensure a strong infrastructure plan is developed and executed, bringing these groups and others to the table? Mayoral Candidates James Butler My first year in office I will work to ensure that the entire city is broadband… Meaning you can go anywhere in the city and access free broadband. There are a number of US cities that has this already… And there is no reason why the nations capital should not have it today. I will bring it. I will further have courses for seniors to become more computer and Internet efficient.
Phil Mendelson I agree the District needs a better strategy to close the digital divide. With the recent federal infrastructure bill the District will receive millions of dollars and I will insist that the Mayor provide the Council with her spending plan and how she'll close the digital divide. I am especially focused on education, and in that regard I will soon mark up and move to the Council a digital access bill (Bill 24-77) for schools, requiring a plan and ensuring that the digital divide will be closed.
Beau Finley – Ward 3 I worked hard to close the Digital Divide on Tribal lands while at the FCC. Connectivity is a necessity in the 21st century. We need to make sure our low-income and fixed-income households participate in the Lifeline program. The lack of devices is the biggest obstacle to closing the digital divide, but the growth of telehealth provides us with the ability to get connected devices into homes through Medicaid and Medicare, and we should leverage that to ensure connectivity at all ages. Gordon Fletcher – Ward 5 We need to determine where the greatest need exists, then look at existing resources from the Federal Communications Commission, and service providers to connect those in need. For those that cannot afford a publicly available option, the city should be a tasked with suppling access for free based on need. As the nation’s capital, we must be an example. Therefore, we must address our infrastructure and collaborate with service providers to ensure every home in DC has access to the internet. Matthew Frumin – Ward 3 As is the goal with schools, we should strive to make tablets and hot spots as available as possible. OCTO is in the process of doing this including through providing technical support. We should also be working with internet service providers to create incentives for them to provide discounted service to low income residents taking advantage of the Biden Administration Affordable Connectivity Program. Sabel Harris – Ward 1 I believe we need to start taking steps to establishing our internet/WiFi as a public utility instead of something only the select few can access. This divide is especially impacting seniors and we must ensure they are not only brought to the table but that they have a seat and are centered in our solutions. The government can centralize this by working with private companies, making data transparent on problem areas, and providing education on technology directly to seniors. Faith Gibson Hubbard – Ward 5 I wholeheartedly agree with bringing more partners to the table to meet the need and to ensure that resources are reaching more of our neighbors to bridge the divide. I would look to some of the best practices and lessons learned from the pandemic to find ways to learn how we can continue to expand access. We learn
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be said in Wards 7 and 8 especially. I would work to support my colleagues on the Council to increase access and quality of health care citywide. Expanding telehealth – and in-home internet access – is another part of the overall solution.
so much from learning from home access for students. I would also want to explore other best practices from other jurisdictions about how we can move swiftly to meet the need. Art Lloyd – Ward 5 Monitor Libraries and agency’s working with seniors weekly setting program activi- Phil Mendelson ties which make use of computer training. I led efforts to put funding in the budget to build a new hospital EOTR, now under construction; made quality appoints to the Health Equity Commission tasked with Monte Monash – Ward 3 focusing on how to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes; with I chaired the DC Public Library board and saw how vital internet access is for everythe budget just approved we eliminated the twice-yearly in-person requirement for one. My work on the ReOpen DC task force during the pandemic reinforced the imresidents to maintain enrollment in the DC Healthcare Alliance; last fall I brokered portance of internet access for all. Digital access has become a necessity for at-home a solution to the impasse over the managed care contracts for Medicaid recipients. workers, students, virtual medical appointments and other services. I supported approval of the Street Lights project to expand access. As a councilmember, I would D.C. Council Candidates work with city agencies to ensure equitable internet access is provided citywide. Deirdre Brown - Ward 3 We need to ensuring that there is universal, affordable, and equitable health coverBrianne K. Nadeau – Ward 1 age by reducing deductiables and out of pocket cost , providing subsidized health We need reliable, affordable internet service for all in the District, and in addition plans and lower the barriers to coverage for immigrants. We must have targeted to the government hotspots throughout the District we expanded access in the beoutreach and enrollment efforts to reach the remaining uninsured. Additional ginning of the global pandemic to households with students. As part of the Tech investments in affordable housing, public transportation, early childhood develTogether initiative of the DC government, we will expand access to the internet, opment, and affordable higher education also could help reduce racial and ethnic internet ready devices and technology education to all DC residents for free. health inequities. Zachary Parker – Ward 5 Nate Derenge - Ward 8 We must recognize that high speed internet is a necessity, like housing, health, I don't think there will be an effective government solution. I think a feasible soluand food. That means ensuring all residents have access to the internet, computers tion requires the individual to make better choices in regards to their diet and other or tablets, and human-support to use them. I support using federal infrastructure behaviors. funds to extend DC’s network of publicly available wifi and making low-cost wifi available to residents with low incomes. Senior villages could be expanded to have Beau Finley – Ward 3 neighbors help older residents access and use the internet. Here's what I will do to address inequity in healthcare: - Fully fund the Birth-to-3 Act - Increase Medicaid and DC Healthcare Alliance postpartum coverage to reduce Phil Thomas – Ward 3 maternal mortality - Expand community-based healthcare options, including maAs Ward 3 Councilmember, I will address closing the digital divide by committing ternal healthcare - Have healthcare providers to connect residents with social sereducational opportunities for residents in low income areas, making sure they have vices, creating a safety net - Provide incentives for grocery stores to open in Wards 7 the proper resources they need and access to wifi, investing in capital improvements & 8 - Establish a Medicaid waiver for medical nutrition therapy. that reflect our greatest needs. I will make sure minority-and women-owned business enterprises are given an increased weight when going after District contracts. I Gordon Fletcher – Ward 5 would also make sure funding in the budget is distributed equitably per each ward. Hourly employees, dependent of every hour of work, often sacrifice their health for their paycheck, I would advocate for low-cost comprehensive health insurance for Health care spending in the District has been consistently higher per capita all residents. I would also advocate for paid leave for hourly employees to address when compared to other states. This level of spending may suggest resi- medical appointments. dents are sicker. - particularly residents of Color.We do not know how much of this circumstance is a direct result of the District’s health care system, but Matthew Frumin – Ward 3 we do know that health is shaped by many conditions of a community. Dis- The heart of it is that we need to increase opportunity and hope in our communities parities in educational outcomes, access to jobs with livable wages, access with the greatest need through education, job training, affordable housing, food seto healthy and affordable food,and environmental conditions may help ex- curity and the provision of excellent and accessible health care services. To do the latplain poor health. If elected, what policies would you put forward to reduce ter we need to do everything from dramatically increase maternal and child health racial and ethnic disparities in access to affordable high-quality health care? serves to supporting programs like PACE for our seniors. We also need to open the hospital at St. Elizabeth's and support and expand our network of clinics. Mayoral Candidates Sabel Harris – Ward 1 James Butler I will ensure that we have telehealth, doctor visit to home especially east of the river. I As I mentioned above, we can introduce a similar program like the one in North also will ensure that we no longer neglect having hospitals east of the river. Further, I Carolina with medicare and medicaid dollars. Our health is universal and if we can believe that it comes down to food access is a good great part of having good health. move beyond looking at it as "disease management" and more the preventative A Free metro will help all seniors be able to more easily tranverse to and from doctor and holistically I believe we'll see a healthier DC. appointments. Faith Gibson Hubbard – Ward 5 I would fund a broad public awareness campaign to share with residents informaRobert White The best care is preventative care. Communities that have access to healthier foods tion about the pathways, resources, and access points to health care and insurance and opportunities to participate in outdoor activities do not have as many health we have in DC. So many neighbors do not have awareness of the access and rechallenges and rely less on emergency and other medical services. I will expand sources available to them. We MUST meet neighbors where they are. Secondly, I our healthcare network east of the river by incentivizing doctors, including mental would work to implement and fund the recommendation outline the 2020 report health professionals, to open their private practices there, developing our telehealth from the Mayor's Commission on Healthcare Systems Transformation. The recommendations are robust. system, and bringing urgent care and community based clinics there. D.C. Council Chair Candidates Erin Palmer Every map of DC is the same – the result of chronic disinvestment in Black communities. Correcting for those disparities and ensuring equity will require an all of government approach and investments at every stage of life. I’m committed to building on legislation expanding access to maternal healthcare for doula services and a birthing center east of the Anacostia River to address deep disparities in maternal mortality and working to mitigate the disparate impacts of COVID-19.
Brianne K. Nadeau – Ward 1 As a member of the Committee on Health, I have focused on medicaid access, nutrition programs, pre-natal and postpartum care, and early interventions such as home visiting programs that have a proven impact on health outcomes. I suppor the new Cedar Hill Hospital Center, and also community-based clinics, midwives and other independent practitioners who are building out the continuum of care. I am proud to have Howard University Hospital here in Ward 1, and have supported its redevelopment. Zachary Parker – Ward 5 While most DC residents have health coverage, we have massive racial health care disparities. As Councilmember, I will strengthen community-based mental health, trauma-informed, and maternal health care services. I would require all hospitals to provide comprehensive services and work to bring these back to Providence Hospital. We must focus on the social determinants of health: community support, affordable housing, nutritious and healthy food, and recreation and economic opportunities. Phil Thomas – Ward 3 I would pass legislation to enact a District Alzheimer’s Plan. According to a GWU study, 10% of people over 65 in Ward 3 have Alzheimer's, but unlike all 50 states, DC currently does not have an Alzheimer's Plan. I support implementing a plan by raising awareness and supporting caregivers. The current budget includes $250,000 for DC Alzheimer's Public Awareness Campaign and DC Health unveiled a brain health website, but as a legislator I would enact policies to expand on health care disparities. The Older Americans Act requires the Department on Aging and Community Living to engage in outreach to LGBTQ+ older people, to collect data on their needs, and to collect data on how they are meeting they are needs. DC law also says that both LGBTQ+ older people and older people living with HIV are to be prioritized, so that we don’t leave them behind. Some states have LGBTQ+-targeted senior centers, LGBTQ+-targeted housing, and other home and community-based services and supports for LGBTQ+ older residents. How will you ensure that the District is meeting the health and long term care needs of LGBTQ+ older people including older people living with HIV – two frequently underserved populations? Mayoral Candidates James Butler I will ensure that DC has LGBTQ housing LGBTQ affirming housing providers, healthcare practitioners and therapist would that work in these facilities. Further, we will budget out additional housing through earmark funds for specifically lgbtq seniors. Robert White I have prioritized fighting for LGBTQ seniors who too often are isolated. I co-authored the LGBTQ Health Data Collection Amendment Act to ensure the District understands the health needs of our LGBTQ+ community, funded a senior community dining program so LGBTQ+ seniors have a safe and affirming space, and funded housing vouchers specifically for LGBTQ+ seniors and youth. I will continue the work I've started to make DC a comfortable and inclusive place to age. D.C. Council Chair Candidates Erin Palmer I am committed to meeting the needs of our older LGBTQ+ neighbors and seniors living with HIV by implementing a Community Health Team model, which brings health services to individuals with greater health needs, rather than making them travel out of their communities; having the DC Auditor look into the services provided by the new Cedar Hill Hospital to ensure they match community needs; and expanding the number of targeted vouchers for housing for LGBTQ+ beyond the 20 currently authorized.
Phil Mendelson Art Lloyd – Ward 5 Require landlords to maintain clean building weekly and inspect housing units Most recently I responded to requests from the LGBTQ+ community for more funding, specifically for grants, through the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs; I fully funded monthly their request in the budget. The budget also fully funds the requests for LGBTQ+ Monte Monash – Ward 3 subsidized housing (e.g., vouchers). On this issue I look to the advocacy community Health care access influences outcomes. My focus as councilmember will be to for recommendations and then I try to be responsive fully. ensure that hospitals in Ward 3 continue to be widely available for anyone in DC. Our ward is fortunate to have top-notch in-ward medical facilities, but the same can’t
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AARP from Page 16 D.C. Council Candidates Deirdre Brown - Ward 3 LGBTQ+ older people need safe and affordable housing, affordable and reliable transportation, legal services, healthcare, support groups and social events to ward off isolation and depression. Ward 3 does not have a Senior Wellness Center with a physical permanent location and does not have dedicated LGBTQ+ targeted senior center or housing. As the Ward 3 Councilmember I will work to address the needs of all of our seniors by locating opportunity in the ward to provide these locations. Nate Derenge - Ward 8 I don't believe in spending on special interests. I only support spending on public goods only. Beau Finley – Ward 3 I am proud to receive GLAA's highest rating in Ward 3. Our Seniors should be able to age with dignity. I will establish a full-time healthcare coordinator within the Mayor's Office on LGBTQ+ Affairs to address health access issues among our LGBTQ+ seniors. I will also create more LGBTQ+-centered housing for low- and fixed-income Seniors. Gordon Fletcher – Ward 5 I would advocate for the establishment of more LGBTQ+ targeted centers in every ward. However, the District also needs to do more dedicated outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, in multiple languages, across the city. Where do seniors live? How close are their healthcare providers? Are providers culturally competent? Are seniors insured? These basic questions must be addressed during the planning process if we are to properly address underserved populations. Matthew Frumin – Ward 3 I will work with and support the LGBTQ+ Advisory Group as well as work with groups like Whitman Walker and Mary's Center which have been on the
Tap. Shop. Done.
perity. We owe it to them to support them as they age and manage health challenges. Data collection and outreach are ways to meet these community members’ particular needs, and there is much to learn from other cities and local organizations whose services and models could be scaled up. I have relevant experience serving on nonprofit boards supporting DC seniors and preventing homelessness with LGBTQ+ residents as a focus. Brianne K. Nadeau – Ward 1 As a champion of LGBTQ+ issues, I am proud to have received the highest rating of any candidate from the GLAA as well as the endorsement of the Stonewall Dems. I have championed LGBTQ+ senior housing, secured funding for Joseph's House in Ward 1, which provides respite care to those w Sabel Harris – Ward 1 HIV/AIDS, have done rigorous oversight of the HAHSTA administration at DC We need to ensure that we are collecting this data in DC and surfacing it on a Health, and worked alongside partners like the Whitman-Walker Clinic to Ward-level basis, so Councilmembers and other elected officials can identify ensure that we are meeting the needs of our aging LGBTQ+ residents. if there are gaps. From there, I believe we then need to bring these groups to the table and ask what their needs are: Do they have access to healthcare? Zachary Parker – Ward 5 Are they getting the services they need? The data will show the gaps, but it Many LGBTQ older adults face social isolation and limited access to aging may not show us exactly what is happening, which is why we must conduct services. As Councilmember, I will work to ensure that an equitable share of DC’s Housing Production Trust fund serves LGBTQ+ seniors, ensure our consistent outreach to these groups. aging services include opportunities for community building between genFaith Gibson Hubbard – Ward 5 erations, and ensure access to culturally competent health services, includA few areas of focus, but more is on my website: - Expand funding for HIV/ ing quality-of-life treatments for those with HIV. I will also work to fund and AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA) - Expand funding op- expand programs like those provided at Whitman-Walker. portunities for community based organizations serving LGBTQ+ neighbors, persons with HIV/AIDS, communities at high-risk of HIV infection - Requires Phil Thomas – Ward 3 housing agencies to conduct an annual census of LGBTQ+ residents partici- As Ward 3 Councilmember I will support dedicated housing for LGBTQ+ sepating in publicly-funded/subsidized housing programs - Expand the access niors including older people living with HIV. What we have seen once older adults lose their partner and some have fear of being out and vulnerable. and funding to supportive housing for LGBTQ+ youth/seniors As Ward 3 Councilmember I work with my colleagues to ensure the District Art Lloyd – Ward 5 is doing everything possible for the LGBTQ+ community. I will also support Required physical check ups every 3 month by health officials establishing equitable overdose and drug prevention facilities across the District. Monte Monash – Ward 3 WI LGBTQ+ residents contribute so much to DC's vitality, dynamism and prosfront lines on these issues. There is one LGBTQ+ senior housing project in the works, but there is room for others, including in the Dupont Circle area. I would be a strong supporter of such a facility which serve both as a place for housing and for service delivery and socializing.
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The DC League is a chapter of the national organization and is also 102 years old. We called ourselves the “voteless League of Women Voters” in 1921 and have been working to gain full rights for DC citizens since then. What does “full rights” mean? It means joining the rest of the United States by becoming a state, fully equal to the other 50 states. We would have two Senators like the other states, and representatives according to our population (right now we are entitled to one). It also means that we would have full control of our laws, our judicial system, our budget. It means that our governor could call up the DC National Guard whenever it is
needed, without having to wait for presidential approval like we did on January 6th. The United States would still have a national capital in a smaller federal district. The district would hold the Capitol building, the Supreme Court, the Mall, White House, monuments and congressional office buildings and Congress would have total control over it. Our neighborhoods—our fire stations, hospitals, schools, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and homes where almost 700,000 of us live and work would all be in the new state of Douglass Commonwealth. We have never been closer to gaining statehood than we are right now. The House has passed the Washington, DC Admission Act twice and we have record co-sponsors in the Senate. To help expand the visibility of our efforts for statehood, we launched Quilts4DC, a nationwide quilt challenge, asking quilt makers to make small quilts about DC Statehood. We very much appreciate the participation of several local African American quilt guilds! You can see the more than 60 quilts from 15 states and DC at lwvdc.org/quilts4dcgallery. You are also welcome to invite us to talk to your community group (on Zoom for now) by writing to statehood@lwvdc.org The DC League is also holding three zoom sessions on Envisioning Statehood, discussing what kinds of changes DC residents would experience when we become a state. The first one on Taking Back Our Justice System has already taken place and can be viewed on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=XgAvnZvHBMg. The next zoom session, Envisioning Statehood: Government By the People will be held on June 16th, 7-8:30 PM and the third, Envisioning Statehood: What’s it Worth? will be held on July 21, 7-8:30 PM. A one-day conference on The State of DC Statehood is planned for September 17th. Visit www.lwvdc.org to register for the discussions which are open to the public. We invite you to join the League while you are there! We want to have all our DC communities represented on our member rolls. We welcome anyone over 16 years old. WI
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EDITORIAL
‘Go For It’ Class of 2022 Summer officially begins on June 21 but the summer spirit has already started with the advent of college and high school graduations on the calendar for family and friends of the Class of 2022. This class will mark their final two years of school with a host of social protests across the country, some even taking place on their campuses, and a COVID pandemic shutdown that kept them mostly alone and isolated with nothing much to focus on but their academics and their physical and mental health. Today, the pandemic has weakened and school is over. Now what? Much has been talked and written about the mental health impact of the past two years. Mass shootings and the uptick in gun violence compounded by a struggling economy and high consumer costs are increasing everyday stresses with which the public, in general, is contending. But new graduates are hopeful while still feeling the afterglow from the pomp and circumstance of one of the most important days of their lives. Marching across the stage in person and receiving what many refer to as the ticket to the future – a degree or a diploma – is unforgettable. And, who knows? Maybe the speaker or the valedictorian delivered a memorable message that also inspired and motivated them to look positively towards their future. But what’s next? With a “hot” jobs market and job openings at a record high and unemployment experiencing a record low, the potential for this year’s graduates seems clear. What a time to be in the job market when the average salaries are increasing. According to a survey by the National Association of College and Employers (NACE), college hiring continues to surge as employers report that they plan to hire almost one-third (31.6%) more new college graduates from the Class of 2022 than they hired from the Class of 2021. NACE also reported that employers expect to boost their intern hiring by 22.6% for the 2021-22 academic year. So, in addition to congratulating the Class of 2022, we say, ‘Go for it.’ You’ve made it through some tough times, now go out and become the change-makers you want to see and be. WI
Memorial Day 2022 – A Weekend to Remember for All the Wrong Reasons With Americans finally getting a chance to celebrate a holiday without being forced to do so virtually, you would have thought that we’d be sure to make it a three-day weekend worth remembering. And remember it we will. But for all the wrong reasons. During the recent Memorial Day weekend, America recorded 14 mass shootings – that is the shooting of four or more people – which left innocent citizens dead or injured because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Once again, the proliferation of guns that dominate the American scene and the ease with which one can purchase a gun or make one from unassembled parts, have resulted in massacres reminiscent of films that showcase a time in our nation’s history when folks rode on horses, carried guns on their hips and used those guns without reserve. But that was over a century ago. Haven’t we advanced? Not when it comes to the way we treat both members of our community or the stranger within the gate. Are we that angry, that troubled, that demented or just plain evil? It’s hard to tell. Clearly, the madness can jump off for the slightest of reasons and on days, or in this case, weekends that once served as a time of national celebration and pride. Something must be done but no one seems to have an answer. One thing’s for certain – if we continue along this path, other nations may look for ways to build a wall around America. Because it will be clear that we have truly lost our minds. WI
TO THE EDITOR Congrats to Class of My Body, My Choice ‘22! Hands off my reproductive rights! RepubCongrats to all of the graduates and proud parents and family members! The next generation of doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers and professionals have made their entrance. Thank you to The Informer for always showcasing the best of us! Ruby Bright Washington, D.C.
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licans are obsessed with what happens in a woman’s body and don’t give a hot damn about children once they are here! They say if you can’t feed your baby, you shouldn’t have had it. But then they want to force people to have unwanted children. The consequences will be endless. Pro-life? More like pro-AR-15s! Gail Holmes Suitland, Md.
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 27
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
Julianne Malveaux
Summer Vacation, Reconsidered
Students everywhere are anticipating, or already experiencing, their summer vacation. It means freedom from daily classes and the opportunity to break, "chill," and perhaps attend a summer program for many. We know, however, that there is knowledge erosion over the summer, especially for students who don't continue to read or learn. Race matters here. Lower-income parents often can't afford summer programs. In other cases, they count on older children to be caretakers
for their younger siblings, which means they may have to forego opportunities for continued learning. There are year-round learning or staggered learning opportunities in a few school districts. However, students are "off" from late May or early June to August or September. Some parents aggressively seek summer programs to keep their children intellectually engaged. Others face significant barriers to keeping their children involved in the learning process. Parents must be encouraged to find summer learning experiences for their children. More importantly, we need to reconsider this notion of summer with-
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out learning. Some schools assign summer reading lists, but to the extent that learning is interactive, reading in a vacuum may not be optimal for enhancing education. It's better than nothing, but why such a low bar? Why aren't school districts more forcefully providing summer opportunities? The achievement gap is real, and it starts before children are enrolled in school and continues through higher education. Upon preschool enrollment, data (sometimes disputed) suggest that young white children are exposed to 30 million more words than young Black students. Other exposure gaps are cultural (who goes to museums, cultural
performances, or libraries), physical (involvement in sports), and social. These gaps show up when students take standardized tests or are measured against prevailing cultural "norms." Learning has to be both year-round and lifelong. This isn't just about students but also about the adults who guide them. When was the last time you read a book, checked out a museum, or expanded your horizons? You can't encourage your children to be lifelong learners unless you are one yourself. Still, it is time for us to think about these summer vacations. The notion of having summer off comes from an
agricultural model where young people had the summer off to help their parents harvest crops. With the number of family farms plummeting, children aren't needed to work in agriculture. From my perspective, they are needed to be in classrooms, libraries and museums. Rethinking education means spending money, though, and as our national student body has become more diverse, there seems to be less interest in spending money on education. Higher-income parents can pay for the supplemental education programs that their
MALVEAUX Page 49
Kay Cole James
Lincoln Memorial Anniversary Recalls Description of African-Americans as established; African American doc- ing banks and insurance companies, People of 'Industry, Integrity and Thrift' On May 30, 1922, thousands gathered on the National Mall to dedicate the Lincoln Memorial. President Warren Harding, Chief Justice William Howard Taft and Dr. Robert Russa Moton offered remarks and remembrances honoring the life and legacy of the slain emancipator. A native of Amelia County, Virginia, Dr. Moton was born
shortly after the Civil War ended. He knew better than any of the other speakers the importance of America fulfilling its great promise. The most prominent African American leader of the day, Dr. Moton was the president of Tuskegee Institute. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated only 57 years after the nation took up arms to end slavery. Think of the significance. A mere 57 years earlier, it was legal for one man to
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subjugate another to bondage and servitude because of his race. In that short period, Dr. Moton played a significant role in helping America take considerable steps to truly begin fulfilling its promise of being one nation under God, where all men rested under the warm shade of freedom. By 1922, African Americans saw great hope and promise. Over 80 historically black colleges had been
tor Daniel Hale Williams had performed the first open-heart surgery; African American inventor Garrett Morgan had invented the gas mask saving thousands of soldiers' lives during World War I. In Dr. Moton's remarks, he spoke of the "industry, integrity, and thrift" of African Americans who, in the 57 years since the end of the Civil War, had acquired "Twenty-two million acres of land, six-hundred thousand homes, and, in addition, to own and operate business enterprises, includ-
with a combined capital amounting to more than one-hundred and fifty million dollars." Dr. Moton went on to say, "a race that produced a Frederick Douglass in the midst of slavery and a Booker Washington in the aftermath of reconstruction has gone far to justify its emancipation." For all the progress in those years, Dr. Moton stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow African Americans bearing the heartache of the
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Marc H. Morial
Biden's Executive Order on Policing a Necessary Step Forward
"Our criminal justice system must respect the dignity and rights of all persons and adhere to our fundamental obligation to ensure fair and impartial justice for all. This is imperative — not only to live up to our principles as a Nation, but also to build secure, safe, and healthy communities. Protecting public safety requires close partnerships
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between law enforcement and the communities it serves. Public safety therefore depends on public trust, and public trust in turn requires that our criminal justice system as a whole embodies fair and equal treatment, transparency, and accountability." — President Biden, Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety In the two years since Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd,
police have killed more than 2,000 people in the United States — even more in 2021 than in 2020. Black Americans remain nearly three times as likely as whites to be killed by police. Yet many in Congress still refuse to act. President Biden's executive order on policing, issued on the anniversary of Floyd's murder, incorporates several elements of 21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring
Community Trust, the National Urban League's own plan for enhancing public safety and restoring trust between communities and law enforcement. The executive order, which directly impacts about 100,000 Federal law enforcement officers, sets forth a model for state and local law enforcement agencies and uses carrots and sticks and incentives to encourage those agencies to make the same kind of reforms. It represents a
measure of meaningful change and a critical acknowledgment of the pervasive systemic racism that has shattered the trust between police and communities of color. But it is no substitute for the broad federal legislation we have sought, or for the full implementation of our 21 Pillars in every community across the nation. On June 9, I'll join Gwen Grant,
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
E. Faye Williams
Murder, Again
Last week I opened my column with these words: "I was shocked! I was appalled! I was infuriated by the callous attack on innocent Black people at the Tops grocery store in Buffalo, N.Y.!" I would not have guessed that, once again, this week I would be proclaiming the same outrage against gun violence – this time in Uvalde, Texas. If it is possible, I am even more angry this week at the murder of 19 innocent fourth
graders and two of their teachers by another gun-wielding degenerate. I am overwhelmed by the present and future loss attributable to this senseless act. The talents and potential of nineteen blossoming minds and bodies are lost forever. The light that these children brought to their families, friends and communities is extinguished forever. For good or bad, the tangibles and intangibles of their lives will never be realized for no good reason. Once again, the pleas for responsible gun safety legislation rings loudly from the ranks of Democrat-
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ic political leaders. These same pleas are heard after each of the ever-increasing number of mass shootings we now experience. Once again, we are left waiting in futility for corrective action by our federal legislators. While necessary, the redundancy of these appeals and the resulting inaction are a stain upon the soul of our nation. Republicans, who profess a "pro-life" commitment, have been absent in their demonstration of the same. In the days since this massacre, their response has been laughable. Their "thoughts and
prayers" and "there's insufficient information to discuss this event now" rings hollow against the pain of this loss of life. They attempt to deflect attention from the real cause of this travesty to more manageable talking points. They attempt to explain this event with a focus on mental illness. I passionately believe that while hatred and disdain for other human life can be called an aberration of thought and judgment, labeling it as mental illness cannot and does not provide a clinical excuse or cover for these heinous acts.
Rather, I see these self-same Republicans who sponsor intolerance and racial/cultural/"tribal" divisiveness as sponsors of these tragedies. Their hypocrisy becomes more obvious as they try to explain-away the reasons for gun violence. While they legislatively support a loosening of gun laws and promote increased general access to firearms, they shed crocodile tears and claim to lament the loss of life. In the wake of such tragedy, they show their support to grieving families by attending
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Ben Jealous
Gun Safety and Public Safety: We Should Not Tolerate Continued Inaction
The mass killings at the elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, 10 days after the white supremacist killings in Buffalo, New York, are further evidence of how deeply our society is broken, and how urgently we need to figure out how to begin fixing it. The slaughter of so many young children and two of their teachers is shocking at a human level.
It is absolutely gutting to me as a parent of school-aged children. Millions of us send our kids off to school every day, trying to set aside the knowledge gnawing at our insides that our school and our kids could be next. It should be unimaginable, and in most countries it is. But it is not unimaginable in our country. It is so not unimaginable that we subject our young children to the trauma of live shooter drills. We make teachers responsible for preparing students to deal with what too many of our
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policymakers have decided is not worth trying to prevent. A decade ago, after the slaughter of elementary school students and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, most Republican senators used filibuster rules to block passage of a bill to require background checks for all gun purchases. That is about the least we could do to try to limit gun violence. It is supported by huge majorities of Americans, including most gun owners. We see similarly misplaced priorities at the state level. According to news
reports, the killings in Uvalde were the fifth major mass shooting in the state during Gov. Greg Abbott's tenure. After previous mass killings, Texas Republicans have weakened gun regulations. In 2015, Abbott urged Texans to buy more guns, tweeting that he was "embarrassed" that the state was falling behind California in gun purchases. Just last year, Abbott signed legislation to loosen gun restrictions, making it possible for Texans to carry handguns without any license or training. This is a virtual invitation to in-
creased gun violence. These recent shootings come at a time when violence is increasingly being normalized and justified by irresponsible leaders. This column was written one day after the murders in Uvalde, on the two-year anniversary of the police killing of George Floyd, a reminder that Black Americans are all too familiar with the threat that "routine" interactions with police can turn deadly. In response to widespread pro-
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Marian Wright Edelman
'What Are We Doing?'
The funerals for the 10 Black community members who were murdered while grocery shopping in Buffalo on May 14 are not even over — but it happened again. This time, children. Thursday should have been the last day of school and the start of summer vacation for teachers and students at
Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Instead, on May 24, 19 fourth graders and two of their beloved teachers were shot to death in their classroom. They were murdered by a shooter who had legally purchased two AR-style rifles and 375 rounds of ammunition starting on May 17, the day after his 18th birthday. As our colleagues at the Children's Defense Fund-Texas put it, “The only thing extraordinary about yesterday's tragedy in Uvalde
is how ordinary it is.” What a shameful indictment of our nation's failure to act and protect children. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) struck a chord with millions of Americans as he spoke passionately on the Senate floor hours after the shooting. Sen. Murphy was the Congressman representing Newtown, Connecticut when 20 first graders and six adults were shot to death at Newtown's Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012, so he
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is no stranger to responding to indescribable tragedies. He is also no stranger to watching many of his colleagues respond to gun tragedies by defiantly refusing to take action to protect children, not guns. On Tuesday, Senator Murphy asked all of them: “What are we doing?”: “Just days after a shooter walked into a grocery store to gun down African American patrons, we have another Sandy Hook on our hands. What are we doing? There were
more mass shootings than days in the year. Our kids are living in fear every single time they set foot in the classroom because they think they're going to be next. What are we doing? Why do you spend all this time running for the United States Senate? Why do you go through all the hassle of getting this job, of putting yourself in a position of authority, if your answer is that as the
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LIFESTYLE Sounds of Blackness Marks 50th Anniversary as America’s Voice of Protest
New Single, ‘Juneteenth Celebration,’ Continues Group’s Tradition of Excellence D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor Sounds of Blackness have long been hailed as a group known for their stellar contributions in the gospel music world, due in part to the ensemble’s hit song, “Optimistic,” released in 1991 and which some view as their signature piece.
And while they have won a host of awards including three Grammys and four Stellar Awards, specifically for gospel music, “Optimistic” actually peaked at number 3 on America’s R&B and hip hop charts. The vocal and instrumental ensemble from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, formed in 1969
America Celebrates Black Music Month
June is already upon us which always excites music lovers who cherish the sounds and genres made famous by African American artists. June serves as Black Music Month in the U.S., created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to celebrate the African-American musical influences which have become an integral part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage. Readers of The Washington Informer will hear from a diverse group of musicians representing, go-go, gospel, R&B and much more. This week, we begin our coverage with Sounds of Blackness who recently released the single “Juneteenth Celebration,” which honors America’s newest national holiday and educates listeners on its particular significance to the Black community. by Russell Knighton before he passed the baton to one of the original members, Gary Hines, in 1972, recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. And yet despite their decades of success, some fans still occasionally engage in friendly debates over the best genre with which to label Sounds of Blackness – gospel, R&B, soul, jazz or something else. However, if you’re anxious to know the “gospel truth,” it’s best to go to the source – the current musical director and producer for Sounds of Blackness, Gary Hines, who’s also the only original member still with the group.
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5 (Artwork Courtesy Rodney Patrick Fair)
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SOUNDS from Page 30 Hines, reflecting on their founding in January 1971 on the campus of Macalester College in St. Paul, said they wanted to represent a cultural voice which spoke for Black America – something that hasn’t changed. “Macalester is a predominantly white institution but the college’s EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) program made the commitment in the late 60s to provide educational opportunities for students of color,” Hines said. “But we needed organizations that would represent our cultural background and support our needs which often differed from those of white students. So, a group of African-American students founded the Macalester College Black Voices in 1969.” “During my sophomore year in 1971, Russell [Knighton] invited me to take over as the director and we soon decided to change our name to Sounds of Blackness. God gave me the vision to follow Duke Ellington’s musical journey during which he wrote and performed spirituals, the blues and every other sound of blackness. Our ensemble wanted to continue along Ellington’s path and they embraced my vision for us to perform the full range of Black music.” “We’re often identified as a gospel group but we actually perform every sound of blackness. It’s more than music for us – it’s a cultural institution and a movement,” Hines said. Many of the current members, 25 in total which includes 15 singers and 10 musicians, count as the children of original members who continue the tradition which their parents first embraced. They range in age from their early 20s to 70 – the age that Hines proudly embraced on his recent birthday on May 20. Hines and Sounds of Blackness recently released a new single, “Juneteenth Celebration,” which he said came about after President Joe Biden signed the legislation for Juneteenth last year that made it a national holiday. “We have been in anthem mode for as long as I can remember and we’ve addressed seminal moments in American culture that have had a significant impact on Black
Americans,” he said. “We’ve supported the mission of the Black Lives Matter movement through our music, responding to Donald Trump about six years ago when we referred to Black youth as ‘thugs.’ In that instance, we released ‘Royalty’ which reminded our youth that they come from kings and queens and that they are still kings and queens.” “When George Floyd was murdered just five blocks from the building in which we rehearse, we once again expressed our reaction through song. Like Fannie Lou Hamer, we joined the many thousands of Blacks who were sick and tired of being sick and tired. Floyd’s death was nothing new to Black people. The names may be different but the murdering of our people has been going in America for 500 years.” “When the issue of reparations began to dominate conversations last year, we wrote ‘Time for Reparations’ which was blessed with an NAACP Image Award nomination.” “Now, with ‘Juneteenth Celebration,’ we wanted to educate African Americans after we realized that there are still a lot of Black people who are unaware of the history behind Juneteenth. Sure, we wanted the song to be soulful, celebratory and fun but it also had to be an effective teaching tool. We want people to understand the importance of Juneteenth while they’re dancing to the song and celebrating the holiday.”
sentative of our roots so it wasn’t an aberration for us to return to producing the kind of song whose lyrics reflect the reason that Sounds of Blackness was initially founded,” Hines said. As for their new release, Sounds of Blackness have chosen to refer to it as a Juneteenth anthem and not just a song for the holiday. “We really hope and truly believe that it’s the kind of song that should be played all year long,” Hines said. “It’s not like a Christmas song because its theme is more than a reflection of a particular season. Liberation is a 365-days-ayear issue and an ongoing struggle for African Americans. We hope our fans will agree and will ask the radio programmers in their communities to play the song throughout the year so Blacks can celebrate what Juneteenth means each and every day.” For more information, visit www. soundsofblackness.org. WI @mcneirdk
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5 Sounds of Blackness 3 Music Director Gary Hines (Photos courtesy Karl Demer)
THE CHALLENGE OF BRINGING TRUTH TO POWER
Hines said staying true to the original mission of Sounds of Blackness has often brought the group challenges and hurdles to overcome. “Some of our anthems, while receiving critical acclaim, haven’t gotten much air play,” he said. “I can cite many program directors who have apologized for not playing our songs. They said they loved us but they didn’t want to offend their advertisers – that meant their ‘white’ advertisers. They wanted more songs like ‘Optimistic.’ But our roots are in protest songs. ‘Juneteenth Celebration,’ for us, is more repre-
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 31
LIFESTYLE
‘A Monster Calls’ Superbly Delivers While Traveling Along a Non-Traditional Path D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor
I had heard the buzz which emerged from “across the pond” about “A Monster Calls,” now playing at the Kennedy Center through June 5 and which marks the production’s U.S. premiere. And I vaguely remember seeing the movie several years which served as an adaptation of the play – with both the play and the film based on the award-winning novel by Patrick Ness of the same name. But what I witnessed during the more than two-hour production left me temporarily stunned in silence – unprepared
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for what can only be described as a “mind-blowing experience.” The story counts as a simple, yet sadly frequent tale of a teenage boy who must find a way to deal with a traumatic, life-changing situation – the pending death of his mother from cancer. Told from a child’s perspective who must somehow come to terms with issues more often thrust upon adults – life, death and grief – we walk with Connor (Anthony Aje) as he realizes that the world is far more complex than the polar opposites of black and white, good and bad or happy and sad. But what makes this play and its cast stand out is the profound level of creativity which the actors collectively employ as they tell a story that no two members of the audience will understand in the same way. We are forced to use our imagination because of a script that’s written to support a more organic means of mental processing. In other words, we aren’t force fed our meal – we must fix the plate, sam-
dressing the reality of digital equity and skills,” said Marta Urquilla, president of Centri Tech Foundation. “We spent a lot of time looking for models we can learn from and they were hard to find so we’re glad that these organizations wanted to pilot something never done before,” Urquilla said. “We hope the lessons coming out of this will be useful to people across the country trying to solve the issue of digital equity.” Martha’s Table, located at The Commons in Southeast, facilitates a social club for seniors who want to maintain a fitness regimen. Other programs geared toward community members focus on healthy food access and developing familial bonds. In this collaboration with Byte Back and Urban Alliance, seniors at Martha’s Table will have a chance to impart words of wisdom on the youth teaching them how to navigate online services. Since the mid-1990s, Urban Alliance’s offerings for high school seniors in the D.C. metropolitan area have included paid internships with skills training, one-on-one mentoring, and college and career-plan-
ple everything on the menu, chew meticulously and then evaluate how much, or little, we have enjoyed the repass. With few objects on stage and with music also organic in structure that provide for even greater amplification of the play’s themes, it’s a production that will stay with you long after you’ve left the theater. Hats off to a stellar cast which besides Aje, who portrays the lead character, also features tremendous performances by Bridgette Amofah (Mum), Greg Bernstein (Harry), Nathaniel Christian (Anton), Eleanor Kane (Lily), Tom Lorcan (Dad), Sarah Quist (Ms. Godfrey), Lauran Rae (Sully) and Keith Gilmore (Monster). As the monster tells us, “Stories are wild creatures – when you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?” While Connor must tell his own story, he must also face his worst fears. And he does. If you’re willing to shake out the cobwebs that have long occupied your mind, then “A Monster Calls” will do the trick – and a whole lot more. WI @mcneirdk ning assistance. The nonprofit has fulfilled its obligation in partnership with local banks and corporations, to the benefit of 23,000 young people. For Urban Alliance Greater DC Executive Director Mireille Lopez-Humes, the partnership and Centri Tech Foundation’s infusion of funds also provides an opportunity for young people to develop in their digital literacy and professional leadership while forging bonds with elders in their community who are reservoirs of knowledge. Lopez-Humes described the latter point as pivotal in establishing an understanding between various generations of Ward 8 residents. “We’re trying to fight systemic racism and ensure that young people have equitable access to digital literacy skills, workforce experience and professional networks,” LopezHumes said. “At times, there’s a gap in understanding about what the previous generation can bring to the youth [and] there are misconceptions about young people. This opportunity can bring together those generations.” WI @SamPKCollins
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LIFESTYLE
Damien Geter Opera Captures Sorrow Over Slain Black Americans ‘An African American Requiem’ Presented by The Choral Arts Society Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer In 2016, Damien Geter decided to compose a piece dedicated to the victims of racial violence. The deaths of Eric Garner in 2014, Philando Castile in 2016 and other Black men and women proved more than enough for Geter. His soul-searching decision resulted in the “An African American Requiem” presented by The Choral Arts Society that recently had its east coast premiere at the Kennedy Center. “I didn’t feel I was doing enough as an artist to comment on these
things,” Geter said prior to the concert. The two-part evening of music featured the combined voices from The Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus, the Resonance Ensemble and NEWorks Voices of America. The first part consisted of two movements from D.C. composer Nolan Williams, Jr.’s “Spirituals Suite for Choir and Orchestra. Williams conducted the suites that included “City Called Heaven” and “Done Made My Vow.” The second part of the program, “An African American Requiem,” conducted by Scott Tucker, artistic director of The Choral Arts Society of Washington featured
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5 An African American Requiem,” composed by Damien Geter, was presented by The Choral Arts Society at the Kennedy Center on May 23. Featured vocalists included: Jacqueline Echols, soprano; Karmesha Peake, mezzo-soprano; Norman Shankle, tenor; and Kenneth Overton, baritone. Scott Tucker, artistic director of The Choral Arts Society of Washington, was the conductor. (Photo courtesy The Choral Arts Society)
traditional Latin requiem texts with civil rights declarations, poetry and the last words of Eric
Garner, ‘I can’t breathe.’ The lyrics, known as the libretto, would be sung in both Latin and English, with the English verses taken from various aspects of Black American with a cadence evoking the Negro spirituals. Featured vocalists Jacqueline Echols, soprano, Karmesha Peake, mezzo-soprano, Norman Shankle, tenor and Kenneth Overton, baritone, gave power and emotion to the words. A striking, slightly off-key arrangement of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” featured in one movement, spoke volumes about how Geter interpreted the treatment of Blacks in America. An omission of the chord at the word “free” in the national anthem would be an intentional decision by the composer to question if freedom counts as
something everyone in the U.S. can claim. After creating his massive composition, originally scheduled to premiere in 2020 before the onset of COVID-19, Geter thought there would not be a need for another piece of work like the requiem. But he soon changed his mind. “It was a foolish thought,” he said. “Then George Floyd and Breonna Taylor happened.” Geter said in an article from “In Symphony,” the Oregon Symphony magazine. “Before 2020, I think many people were not as quick to recognize violence against Black people was actually a problem. It would be interesting to do a poll to see how many people thought the killing of Black folks was a problem two years ago vs. now,” he said. WI
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DRUMFOLK NOW PLAYING Photo by Rachel Papo for The New York Times.
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Are Black Appraisers an Answer Black Homeownership Vice President Kamala Harris, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, and Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice unveiled a 21-point plan to assist Black homeowners negatively affected by bias in the appraisal process. The event, which acknowledged the fact that Black American homeownership has been Has this ever happened to someone you know? After some repairs and redecoraunduly and illegally suppressed for decades, also announced the creation of the new tions, a house is ready to go to the market for sale. Before listing, though, an appraisinter-agency task force called Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE). er must inspect the home to determine the property’s value for the potential buyer. Homeownership is the primary way in which multi-generations of Black houseIf the seller is dissatisfied with the appraised value, they may decide to make some holds build and maintain cosmetic changes to their home. wealth. This is especially the Perhaps they remove their African case in today’s market, where art or art depicting Black people of home equity rates are rising. the diaspora. Others might remove Recent research from the their Black hair products and porFederal Home Loan Mortgage traits of melanin-drenched family Corporation, far better known members and other folks from the as Freddie Mac, analized more walls. Occasionally, someone rethan 12 million housing apmoves themselves or swaps out a praisals. The findings underpartner before getting a second apscored the growing body of repraisal search that determines racism, The stories of home appraisals plain and simple, to be the increasing - sometimes doubling cause of the appraisal indus- when Black ownership is hidden try undervaluing Black-owned have been reported in places as varhomes as compared to whiteied as Jacksonville, Florida, Marin owned ones. Freddie Mac reCounty, California, Cincinnati, Insearchers also determined that dianapolis, Ohio and elsewhere. In in terms of lowering home Prince George's County Councilvalue determinations of Black woman Monique Anderson-Walkhomes, “appraisal gaps seem er, who is running as a democratpervasive.” ic candidate for Lt. Governor of This to the tune of 12.5% of Maryland, has been open about her appraisals for home purchases personal experience of having her in majority-Black neighborown family’s home under appraised 5 Real estate appraisal form. Courtesy photo/RubyHome - https://www.rubyhome.com/blog/reasons-low-appraisals/ hoods result in a value below in that wealthiest county in the the price at which a home ultination for African Americans. Her mately sells. Compare that with only 7.4% in predominantly white neighborhoods. experience illustrates the reality that these cases of glaring bias cause millions of Answering the Demand for Black Appraisers dollars in tax revenue lost for schools, roads, hospitals and the other necessities of So then, why not are there more Black appraisers who can come into a communigovernment spending. ty and just alleviate the potential for bias when judging home value? The Appraisal Institute counts 78,000 home appraisers nationally, with less than 2 percent of apTHE UNDERVALUATION OF BLACK HOMES praisers identifying as Black. The issue is pervasive and blatant enough that a 2018 Brookings Institute report Frank Johns, Howard University alum and founder of Washington Appraisal, has found that owner-occupied homes in Black neighborhoods are undervalued by an some 30 years in the appraisal industry. He says the situation is a simple but not average of $48,000. Brookings calculates $156 billion in cumulative losses nationally. necessarily an easy fix. New blood is only part of the remedy, Johns explained. “ApThe current White House took on the issue last summer. At the centennial compraisers today are an aging group of white men. With the dearth of appraisers, banks memoration of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in which white terrorists burned and have said we have to do something about this. The problem, however, is that folks looted “Black Wall Street,” one of the most prosperous and affluent communities don’t make significant income as a trainee,” Johns said. of any race in the 20th Century. Appraisers are trained through an apprenticeship model. Johns points out that can In the process of the terrorism, cause issues because “1500 hours are required to work under a certified appraiser at least 300 Black people were plus 200 classroom hours are required to be certified.” So in addition to earning murdered, and the negative ecolittle for so much time, the certified appraiser is essentially training his or her future nomic effects of losing so many competition. lives, so much land, and so many But Johns is mostly optimistic. “The PAVE Initiative is definitely a good start. businesses are still measurable in Especially if it will send money to the states to spur the recruitment of Black apdiminished rates of home ownpraisers.” ership and property values today. By Jamilah Bey Digital Content Manager
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 35
© 2022 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 38, No. 27
What is a sea star and what is it not? A starfish is not a fish at all. Many marine biologists want to change its name to a sea star, because most of them look like stars. Sea stars are echinoderms (eh-keen-oh-durmz)—animals that lack a back bone.
he ocean is full of amazing creatures, and one that is unique is the sea star or starfish. It is a sea creature, but it lives close to the shore. Sometimes they are washed up on the beach or stranded in a tide pool, giving people a chance to see this mysterious creature up close.
Sea stars don’t have skeletons. Their spiny, tough skin gives them their shape and protects them.
One thing sea stars like to eat is clams. Once one has wrapped its rays around a clam ______, its hundreds of tentacles ________ to the shell and hang onto it as it pulls and pulls until the shell opens. As soon as it opens just a little, the sea star ________ its stomach out of its body and into the shell and __________ the clam. This can take an hour or two.
Do the math to match each sea star to its name.
25 = chocolate chip star 22 = sun star 48 = candy cane star 18 = basket star
Amaz
Sea stars d other anim star loses a another ray ray that br entirely kn a sea star i each peace new sea st
How many sea stars are hidden here? Standards Link: Life Science: Animals have structures that serve different functions.
Sea stars have arms but no legs. Their arms are called rays. Some sea stars have five rays, some have six, ten or twenty.
Sea stars have no eyes, no ears, no nose. They do have a ______ on their underside. To eat, a sea star ________ on top of, and slowly wraps its ______ around its food.
Are you a Read the the nine rewite
There are more than 3,600 different kinds of sea stars. They come in lots of different colors and shapes. Some sea stars are colored to match the surfaces on which they live. This camouflage helps them hide from predators.
5J
Sea stars have feet but no toes. If you look on the bottom of a sea star’s ray, you will see rows of soft tentacles called tube feet. The sea star slowly creeps along on these feet. These sea stars swiped some of the words from paragraphs at left. Write in each word where it belongs.
27 = cushion star 12 = fat star 32 = comb sea star 16 = sunflower sea star
How many sea stars can you find on this page in 30 seconds? Now have a friend try. Who found the most? Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.
You can create a new creature from the parts of creatures pictured in today’s newspaper. Cut out different parts of different people and animals found in today’s newspaper. Use these to create a new creature. Give your creature a name. Make up things about it, such as what it eats and where it lives. Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.
SEA STARS SKELETONS TENTACLES CREATURE PREDATORS CRAWLS RAYS SHORE TUBE CREEPS TIDE POOL ARM
E T C S H O R E S P
H I E S Y A R N N R S S E N E U O R M E
L S T D T T U B E D
W P I A E A S E A A A T E L R T C A S T
R R E A R S F L H O C K C R E E P S E R S A R M I P O O L S
Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
Little-Known Facts
Look through today’s newspaper and find three to five facts that you think not too many people know. Create a question for each fact. See how many people know these facts. Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Ask questions to demonstrate comprehension.
Summer Jokes and Riddles Send us your favorite summer jokes and riddles.
Standards Link: Life Science: Students know examples of diverse life forms in different environments; physical structure or behavior may improve an organism’s chance for survival.
KID SCOOP IS SPONSORED BY
36 JUNE 2 - 8, 2022
While sea clams, they fish or dea enough to
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… ea and s
LIFESTYLE
wi book review "Black Boy Smile: A Memoir in Moments" By D. Watkins c.2022, Legacy $27 240 pages
Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Honesty is the best policy. That's what they say, anyhow. The truth will set you free, that's another one. But then there are those little lies that get you by, social ones to avoid hurt, the-check-is-in-the-mail whoppers that avoid trouble, and you start to wonder about this policy thing. Sometimes, as in the new book "Black Boy Smile" by D. Watkins, lying is surviving. It might not've been the first time D. Watkins lied, but the lie he told when he was about to start school was the first one he remembers: he stood up for a friend whose Game Boy was stolen. When adults asked how D. got hurt, he didn't tell them that a bigger boy beat him up. Instead, he said he "fell down playing basketball." He didn't want to go away to summer camp when he was 9. He didn't want to leave his friends in his east Baltimore neighborhood, but his mother lied and said his cousins were going. At camp, he lied to get into the cabin where he thought his cousins would be, and he lied about being experienced with girls. When he left, he was overjoyed to escape, but not before lying about returning the following year. He lied for his father, when they couldn't get a "hack" to take them home on a rainy night. He denied that his father was a junkie, knowing that his Dad was shooting up. He said he was "straight" (meaning all good) when his cousin was murdered, but he was devastated inside. He omitted the fact that he was dealing drugs when he spoke with his dad later. He lied to women, he fibbed to friends, he lied to his mother, to a nurse, and to himself. And then someone left him a book that changed his life. He discovered things about himself that pointed him in a direction he wanted to go. He met a woman who loved him and taught him to love. And though he didn't totally give up sins of omission, he learned the unpolished truth about telling mistruths. The title of this book should give you one big clue about its content. That last word, it's true: "Black Boy Smile" will make you smile, too. Reading this memoir is like going through a pile of pictures with author D. Watkins. Here's a snapshot, taken when he was small. Here's a bunch, taken his summer at camp and boy, that was wild. Here he is as a teen, a friend, a drug dealer. Early tales invite readers to laugh at the typical-kid-ness of it all; later ones make us shake our heads at what might've happened and the lies that kept it all going. Each is told in a relaxed manner that lets readers know that not all lies lead to bad things. Without being a spoiler, that's something you can count on. Don't peek ahead, but "Black Boy Smile" has the sweet kind of ending you want in a memoir, and that's the honest truth. WI
horoscopes
JUNE 2 - 8, 2022
ARIES Early in the week, you'll be even more ready than usual for taking the initiative with your partner or someone special. Sharing an out-of-the-ordinary experience makes the sparks fly. Lucky Numbers: 12, 16, 34 TAURUS At the week's start, you'll be focused on how you're perceived by higher-ups and colleagues. Elevating your professional reputation is your main priority, and it's natural for you to seek out and pursue new ways to be recognized for your hard work now. Lucky Numbers: 8, 11, 35 GEMINI You'll be fired up to act on your most passionate desires with your partner or a potential match early in the week. Later, you'll want to shake up your usual routine and seek out eye-opening, intellectually stimulating, soul-fueling experiences. Lucky Numbers: 2, 17, 21 CANCER You can look forward to being a part of intellectually stimulating, exciting brainstorms with your closest colleagues or dear friends early in the week. You might be caught off guard by the brilliant ideas you come up with as a result of your collaboration. Lucky Numbers: 29, 37, 38 LEO At the beginning of the week, time spent one-on-one with your closest friend, a favorite colleague, or a significant other feels more satisfying than solo time or group activities. Together, you'll have the wind in your sails when it comes to making progress on a project or shared goal. So, you'll do well to get clear on what you both want to achieve and then dive in! Lucky Numbers: 4, 9, 41 VIRGO You'll be feeling even more powered up than usual to take on your big-picture health and day-to-day housekeeping to-dos early in the week. Identifying and trying an innovative strategy, like using an app or another form of technology, could help you make even more progress than you imagined. Lucky Numbers: 15, 36, 38 LIBRA You could be inspired to speak up about your ideas, motivations, and goals in a bolder, more direct way as the week starts. Your innate curiosity is amplified, and you'll have an insatiable urge to connect with others. Lucky Numbers: 14, 28, 40 SCORPIO At the week's start, you'll be focusing on ways you can make your domestic sphere even more comforting, secure, beautiful, and a place where you can enjoy the company of loved ones and friends. In a way, this might feel a little bit like going into hibernation mode, but really, it's a time for focusing on the relationships that feel truly supportive and emotionally satisfying. Lucky Numbers: 8, 14, 46 SAGITTARIUS You'll get a burst of confidence that fuels your sexiest, most playful desires early in the week. This could mean sharing that seemingly wild fantasy you've been keeping under wraps or rewriting that dating app profile to more explicitly reflect what you want from a connection. Either way, you're empowered to pursue the wants and needs that get your adrenaline pumping. Lucky Numbers: 11, 13, 21 CAPRICORN Your emotions are bound to be intensified and even weightier than usual early in the week. Instead of brushing them under the rug and proceeding with your work as you are often apt to do, you'll do well to get curious. While it might be more of a time to reflect than take concrete action, you'll learn quite a bit simply by giving yourself permission to look at the root of these uncomfortable feelings. Lucky Numbers: 19, 26, 45 AQUARIUS As the week begins, you'll have extra oomph to move into new territory when it comes to how you express and present yourself to the world. For that reason, if you've been wanting to pursue a new professional path or do self-exploration related to your mind and body wellness, it's a beautiful time to let your intuition guide you. Later, the Universe will have your back when it comes to pursuing your goals in an even more powerful way, so you might also need to tackle issues related to security or loved ones along the way. Lucky Numbers: 2, 10, 17 PISCES Confusion could reign supreme when dealing with higher-ups or colleagues early in the week. It might be difficult for you to identify exactly how you feel at this moment as you try to get a grip on the facts. You might even question what's real and what's not. Wait until the dust has settled and you'll gain clarity. Later, spend more time than usual meditating on your deepest-rooted aspirations and your most seemingly wild dreams. What you take away from the experience could help inform your next major moves. Lucky Numbers: 2, 11, 27
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 37
CAPTURE the moment
For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com
5 Members of the Buffalo Soldiers check out the names written on the Civil War Memorial. (Roy Lewis/ The Washington Informer) 3 Lt. Gen. Donna W. Martin, Inspector General of the U.S. Army, adjusts some of the new medals for Major Jennifer Brickwelk, aides-de camp at the Memorial Day Ceremony held at the African American Civil War Memorial on May 29 in Northwest. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
5 Buffalo soldiers stand at attention during the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Civil War Memorial. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
5 Buffalo soldiers pay tribute to their fallen comrades at the Memorial Day Ceremony held at the African American Civil War Memorial on May 29 in Northwest. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
38 JUNE 2 - 8, 2022
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TEENS from Page 1
“CreateTEEN” workshop series for students to learn creative writing, songwriting, poetry, dance and theater. The goal will be for students to create their own production. Another goal will be to create a safe space away from home, especially in light of the May 24 elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two teachers died. It has been marked as the deadliest school shooting in a decade. Two days later on Wednesday, May 26, school officials at Fairmount Heights High School locked down the school for almost two hours after a student allegedly brought a ghost gun to school. Prince George’s County Police recovered parts of the weapon and one day later, charged a male student with possession of a handgun by a minor. The county school system released a statement and a list of tips for parents and guardians to use for discussions with their children about the tragedy. Back at Creative Suitland, Mykai and Landon Turner, 13, said they’ve talked with their parents and friends about school safety. Both said they feel safe in school. Landon, who attends Ernest Everett Just Middle School in Mitchellville, joined other peers in his school to produce the “Creative Intellectuals.” “We have common interests like gaming, creating video games [and] coding – a lot of stuff that deals with computers,” he said. “We met in art class. Instead of regular art, we were creating video game sketches. We all like adventure and to explore. We always do stuff. That’s how we stay safe.” Mykai hopes to make new
5 Landon Turner, 13. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
5 Madea “Da Truth Da Poet” Bailey at Creative Suitland Arts Center. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
friends by participating in a group project. “Your personalities can match,” she said. Mykai and Landon understand their schools offer a more structured setting. That’s why they’ve enjoyed the first two weeks of the teen program which allows them the freedom to express themselves differently. For instance, instructor Madea Bailey of Baltimore asked them to jot down what color represents their current mood. The purpose isn’t to highlight a specific color. “The color doesn’t have to be specific. It’s on them,” said Bailey, who also performs spoken work under the name of “Da Truth Da Poet.”
“What we do is we speak to them on their level,” said Rina Turner, program coordinator at Creative Suitland. “School has that structure to it where it’s rigid. There’s safety and freedom here. You get to be as creative as you want. We do have rules and regulations but they also contribute to what they would like to incorporate. Think of us as like the blueprint.” For more information on the “CreateTEEN” program and other activities at the center, go to www. creativesuitland.org, or send an email at creativesuitland@gmail. com. WI @WJFjabariwill
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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT
Life-Changing Principles: Organized Planning
We're teaching the 13 principles to success researched for 20 years by the late Napoleon Hill, author of the bestselling book "Think and Grow Rich." Hill reminds us, "Richness is whatever it is you happen to want." This week, we talk about the need to move toward your goal with "organized planning." Every man needs a plan to get to his goal. Once you have that plan, you will know your next steps. You've heard the cliché: If you fail to plan, plan to fail. This is a weekly "God-given" series. It teaches success principles found in the bible, interwoven with these thirteen principles researched by Hill. Let's talk about your plans now. When God gave you the idea of your dream, just know that particular dream was meant only for you. How can anyone else know what God has said to you? Stay away from listening to others who try to guide your life. Those who are most successful follow an inner voice, as God guides them. That inner voice is the providence of God. Write carefully those thoughts given to you by the Holy Spirit. Make organized, step-by-step plans. Tweak those plans with the help of your role model or mentor, someone you're sure who knows. As you work your plan, go into action out in the world where God can inspire and put needed resources in your path, and watch miracles begin to happen. Belief/ faith will have such a strong effect on manifesting those dreams into
reality. According to Neale Donald Walsch's "Conversations With God," there are no "dues to pay" for miracles. After all, in the Word, The Savior tells us to seek and we shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to us, ask and it shall be given. As you move toward your seemingly impossible goal, keep your mind on Jesus, pray without ceasing, and renew your mind daily. Don't allow negativity to get in. Never mind what you think if those upstream thoughts do come along occasionally; never mind what "they" say either — those hideous comments that anger or hurt. Ignore the negative voices, and keep working on your plans, and go with the flow. The stream of life will take you down the river with ease! Your plans may not all work out, but those who succeed develop a new plan, with the same goal in mind. One instance was when I finally got the opportunity to go to college. It was Trinity University, in Washington. My age was mid-50s, studying and giving up my personal, relaxing time was not easy. During my first semester, everything in me said, "You must drop out, this is ridiculous, you are now too old to give up your life as you have been accustomed to this
Promised Land Baptist Church Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor
401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331 Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday
"Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ." Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org
way!" But I'm blessed that my inner voice kept me thinking more clearly. Never give up! Those who quit are sure to get what they went after, and that's nothing! Quitters never win and winners never quit! The bible has many instances where planning was of value. The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Shows how Planning and Preparation Made the Difference: Matthew 25: vs 1-13 this lesson involves a strange marriage custom we don't fully understand, but the message rings loud and clear … the wise servant of God is the one who cares enough to plan and prepare. The wise virgins were prepared for the unexpected delay of the Groom. Stay inspired! Here are some affirmations to repeat daily: "I feel good now; my worthiness is not in question; the Word says anything I desire, can be mine; I am eager, full of life; I feel fantastic, sure, unlimited, never finished, always unfolding, and I'm led by The Holy Spirit." Therefore, anything I want to know the Holy Spirit will answer. In closing, fail your way to success! What does that mean? When you create a plan as you go toward your goal, and if you should fail, just get up and create a new plan and be sure those plans are organized plans. WI
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Adams Inspirational A.M.E.Church Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness / Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland / Assistant & Youth Pastor
12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 41
RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor
9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724
700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849
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
Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
Church of Living Waters
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org
St. Stephen Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
Third Street Church of God
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Reverend William Young IV Pastor
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax
3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)
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
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 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
42 JUNE 2 - 8, 2022
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 Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org
800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax
Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org
Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net
St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... 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
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
headline and photo for Mount Olivet LIF - MALCOLMXLutheran Church DAY John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.
901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423
1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005
themcbc.org
“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”
Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor
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
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM
Crusader Baptist Church
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
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com
Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
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
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor
2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!
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: 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
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
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
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
Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM
Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM
Rehoboth Baptist Church
Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
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"
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
Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958
Shiloh Baptist Church
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church 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 “
4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
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
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288
602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595
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 Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon
www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org
Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM
All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
Email Address: admin@pbc712.org
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor
Motto: "Faith On The Hill"
Mount Moriah Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
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 “
Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.
JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 43
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 001663
2019 ADM 615
2021 ADM 000763
2022 ADM 000385
Peter J. Caws aka Peter James Caws Decedent
Myrtleann Witherspoon Decedent
Mary Swanson Decedent
Leonard Braverman Decedent
Ronald Dixon Bynum & Jenkins 1010 Cameron Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Attorney
Gretchyn G. Meinken 616 N. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Attorney
Lauren A. Jenkins, Esq. Offit Kurman, PA 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1000W Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Nancy Ann Breslin, whose address is 2475 Virginia Ave., NW, #230, Washington, DC 20037, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Peter J. Caws aka Peter James Caws who died on 4/20/2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/19/2022. 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 11/19/2022, 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.
Johnny M. Howard Houston & Howard 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS James Welson King, whose address is 212 Hollybush Apts, Glassboro, NJ 08028, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Myrtleann Witherspoon who died on 10/6/2004 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 11/19/2022. 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 11/19/2022, 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.
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ronald Dixon, Esq., whose address is Bynum & Jenkins, 1010 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Swanson who died on July 7, 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 (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 11/19/2022. 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 11/19/2022, 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.
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Gail S. Birnbaum, whose address is 11 Emmet Avenue, East Rockaway, NY 11518, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leonard Braverman who died on January 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 11/19/2022. 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 11/19/2022, 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: 5/19/2022
Date of first publication: 5/19/2022
Date of first publication: 5/19/2022
Nancy Ann Breslin Personal Representative
James Welson King Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2022 ADM 000281
2021 ADM 000947
2022 ADM 445
2021 ADM 001454
Claudia Booker aka Claudia Denyse Booker Decedent
Lillian M. Huff Decedent
Dennis Stroy, Jr Decedent
Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew & Associate PC 7731 Belle Point Drive Greenbelt, MD 20770 Attorney
James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney
Marguerite Elizabeth Wade aka Marguerite E. Wade aka Marguerite Wade Decedent
Howard Haley, Esq. The Haley Firm, PC 7600 Georgia Ave., NW #416 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Janice Carter, whose address is 4147 Maybelle Ave., Oakland, CA 94619, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Claudia Booker aka Claudia Denyse Booker who died on 2/19/2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/19/2022. 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 11/19/2022, 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: 5/19/2022 Janice Carter Personal Representative
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS La’Monica Harrison, whose address is 124 Brooke Point Court, Stafford, VA 22554, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lillian M. Huff who died on 4/22/2021 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 11/19/2022. 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 11/19/2022, 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: 5/19/2022 La’Monica Harrison Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Date of first publication: 5/19/2022 Ronald Dixon Personal Representative
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Allen Stroy, whose address is 13300 Water Fowl Way, Upper Marlboro, Md 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dennis Stroy who died on March 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 11/19/2022. 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 11/19/2022, 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: 5/19/2022 Allen Stroy Personal Representative
Gail S. Birnbaum Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Julius P. Terrell, Esq. 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Barbara Brinkley, whose address is 6607 Lacona St., District Heights, Md 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marguerite Elizabeth Wade aka Marguerite E. Wade aka Marguerite Wade who died on 9/1/2021 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 11/19/2022. 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 11/19/2022, 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: 5/19/2022
TRUE TEST COPY
Barbara Brinkley Personal Representative
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
TRUE TEST COPY
Washington Informer
LEGAL NOTICES In God We Trust: Notice of Special Appearance: Notice of Record of Live Birth Nativity. As a result of the holy matrimony of : alexis brown who will now go by original birth name xenesis salvana smith©, Age: 21 , tribal lineage corporeal hereditament : jamaican and cuban, and, keyshawn witherspoon©, Age 21 , tribal lineage corporeal hereditament : aniyunwiya; this civil union and beget at the planet commonly called Earth, near: [ Buffalo ] [ New York ], The united states of America, States of the Union; On [Tuesday, April 19, 2022]; Time: 13:10 pm.; allah [ god of gods ] saw it fit to allow a living soul to incarnate a flesh-blood-and bone body, as a natural baby boy, in full life; Weight : 5 Pounds, 9 Ounces; Length: 18 inches. Long live the living soul to be known in this life as : rein witherspoon-smith© ; nom deguerre REIN WITHERSPOON-SMITH
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2022 NRT 000009 Anna E. Thornton Name of Deceased Settlor NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST Anna E. Thornton whose address was 1632 Lang Place, NE, Washington, DC 20002 created a revocable trust on November 14, 2012, which remained in existence on the date of death her on May 27, 2021, and Malinda Lee Green, whose address is 3803 Clark Street, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Malinda Lee Green at 3803 Clark Street, Capitol Heights, MD 20743 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 11/19/2022 (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) 5/27/2022, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) 11/19/2022, 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: 5/19/2022 Malinda Lee Green Signature of Trustee TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
44 JUNE 2 - 8, 2022
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2022 ADM 000416
2022 ADM 000338
2022 ADM 000407
2022 ADM 000417
2021 ADM 001051
James A. Blue Decedent
James Byron Davis Decedent
Lavon M. Williams Decedent
Alfred Wiley Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Northview Dr., Suite 401 Bowie, Md 20716 Attorney
Estate of Steven Anthony Brooks aka Steven Brooks
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Wilbert E. Blue, whose address is 1308 Butternut Street, Shady Side, MD 20764, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James A. Blue who died on August 16, 2021 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 11/19/2022. 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 11/19/2022, 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.
Leai Sabrina Davis, whose address is 611 W. 2nd Avenue, Franklin, Virginia 23851, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Byron Davis who died on 11/17/2014 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment 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 11/19/2022. 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 11/19/2022, 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: 5/19/2022
Date of first publication: 5/19/2022
Wilbert E. Blue Personal Representative
Leai Sabrina Davis Personal Representative
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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Taurance F. Williams, Daniel C. Mitchell Sr., whose addresses are #4 Park Terrace W.Orange, NJ 07052/ 5448 Cascades Ct., White Plains Md 20695, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Lavon M. Williams who died on 2/7/2022 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022 Taurance F. Williams Daniel C. Mitchell Sr. Personal Representative
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ruth J. Wiley, whose address is 3215 Chestnut Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alfred Wiley who died on August 4, 2017 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022 Ruth J. Wiley Personal Representative
NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Marie Y. Roberts 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: 5/26/2022 Stephanie L. Royal, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #440 Washington, DC 20015 Petitioner/Attorney: TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2022 ADM 000340
2022 ADM 000014
2022 ADM 000429
2022 ADM 000406
2022 ADM 000312
Russell E. Jones, Sr. aka Russell Ernest Jones Sr. Decedent
Andre L. Woods Decedent
Vernecia Mae Tate Roberts Decedent
Gorham Pearsall Decedent
John Phillip White Decedent
Peggy A. Miller, Esq. 5130 7th St., NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kevin Anthony Jones, whose address is 8295 Greenspring Drive, Chesapeake Beach, Md 20732, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Russell E. Jones, Sr. aka Russell Ernest Jones, Sr. who died on 2/20/2022 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022 Kevin Anthony Jones Personal Representative
Richard J. Tappan 830 Boone Blvd. Ste. 250 Vienna, VA 22182 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lisa Russell-Woods, whose address is 3702 Hansberry Court NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Andre L. Woods who died on August 26, 2021 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022 Lisa Russell-Woods Personal Representative
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Harry V. Roberts, whose address is 2700 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Apt. 2A, Washington, DC 20007, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vernecia Mae Tate Roberts who died on 1/13/2022 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022 Harry V. Roberts Personal Representative
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WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS William Britt, whose address is 323 Kentucky Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gorham Pearsall who died on 10/30/2001 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022
John White Jr., whose address is 608 Morton Place, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Phillip White who died on 12/18/2021 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022
William Britt Personal Representative
John White Jr. Personal Representative
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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 45
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2022 ADM 000475
2022 ADM 000409
Sylvester Williams Sr. Decedent
Edward Robertson Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Deborah Ann Yates, whose address is 3335 Ames Street NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sylvester Williams Sr. who died on March 3, 2021 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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.
Yvonne Robertson Simms, whose address is 120 45th St., NE, Apt. 636 Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward Robertson who died on November 20, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022 Deborah Ann Yates Personal Representative
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Date of first publication: 5/26/2022 Yvonne Robertson Simms Personal Representative
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LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘ Ronald Spencer© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ SPENCER RONALD© ’’, corp. sole Dba.: ‘‘RONALD SPENCER© ’’, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: ‘‘ Ronald Spencer© ’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘ ronald spencer© ’’. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: STATE OF ILLINOIS – DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, REGISTER FILE NUMBER : 112-50-660413, ‘‘ RONALD SPENCER© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ ronald spencer© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Ronald Spencer© ’’. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property. All property, of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit Order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: ‘‘ ronald spencer© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Ronald Spencer© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘ Ronald Spencer Trust© ’’, an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. All Attorneys with a License from the Bar Association are explicitly prohibited from administering "RONALD SPENCER TRUST©" property without handwritten consent from each and every trustee, after said Attorneys have furnished their nationality, and Principal for whom's interest they are working, pursuant to [Public Law 75-583], to Trustees in plain writing. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off etc., of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘ Wilheminia Thompson© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ THOMPSON WILHEMINIA© ’’, corp. sole Dba.: ‘‘WILHEMINIA THOMPSON© ’’, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: ‘‘ Wilheminia Thompson© ’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘ wilheminia thompson© ’’. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA – DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, STATE FILE NUMBER : 139-49-056866, ‘‘ WILHEMINIA THOMPSON© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ wilheminia thompson© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Wilheminia Thompson© ’’. All property, of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit Order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: ‘‘ wilheminia thompson© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Wilheminia Thompson© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘Wilheminia Thompson Trust© ’’, an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. All Attorneys with a License from the Bar Association are explicitly prohibited from administering "WILHEMINIA THOMPSON TRUST©" property without handwritten consent from each and every trustee, after said Attorneys have furnished their nationality, and Principal for whom's interest they are working, pursuant to [Public Law 75-583], to Trustees in plain writing. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off etc., of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 001181 Herman Chesley Decedent Aimee Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Brenda Nesbitt, whose address is 16607 Medinah Ct., Ashton, MD 20861, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Herman Chesley who died on 4/9/2021 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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: June 2, 2022 Brenda Nesbitt 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
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2022 ADM 000251
2022 ADM 000452
2022 ADM 000387
2022 ADM 000231
2022 ADM 000539
Mary T. Mallory Decedent
John Combs Decedent
Samuel Mathis Decedent
Clint A. Lauderdale Decedent
Estate of Dominic J. Monetta NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney
Matthew F. Shannon 1420 N Street, NW #203 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Dorothy Bell and Barbara Myles (aka Barbara Miles), whose addresses are 727 Kennedy St., NE, Washington, DC 20011 & 3418 Highwood Dr., SE, Washington, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Mary T. Mallory who died on 6/18/2021 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 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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: 6/2/2022 Dorothy Bell Barbara Myles Personal Representative
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46 JUNE 2 - 8, 2022
Damani Ingram 5457 Twin Knolls Rd. Suite 301 Columbia, Md 21045 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Nikki Combs, whose address is 1611 Frazier Ridge Lane, Mebane, NC 27302, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Combs who died on November 6, 2021 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 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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: 6/2/2022 Nikki Combs Personal Representative
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Larry Dewitt Mathis, Sr., whose address is 2332 13th Place NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Samuel Mathis who died on November 28, 2010 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 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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: 6/2/2022 Larry Dewitt Mathis, Sr. Personal Representative
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Maria T. Lauderdale, whose address is 3827 Albemarle Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clint A. Lauderdale who died on December 11, 2009 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 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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: 6/2/2022
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Maria T. Lauderdale Personal Representative
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
TRUE TEST COPY
Washington Informer
Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Christopher Monetta and Michael Monetta 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. Admit to probate the will dated June 19, 2020 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise Date of first publication: 6/2/2022 Valerie J. Edwards Antonoplos & Associates 1725 DeSales St., NW, Ste. 600 Washington, DC Petitioner/Attorney: TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
Andre O McDonald, Esq. 10500 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 420 Columbia, Md 21044 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Erik L. Hodo, whose address is 9167 Balaton Lake Lane, Bristow, VA 20136, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary E. Hodo aka Mary Estelle Hodo who died on 2/3/2022 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 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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: 6/2/2022
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2022 FEP 000059
2022 ADM 000450
October 14, 2021 Date of Death
Janie Lee Simmons Decedent
Kurt E. Zwilling Name of Decedent
Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office LLC 4201 Northview Drive, Suite 401 Bowie, Md 20716 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Kathy Gayle Lay whose address is 1216 Hillcrest Lane, St. Charles, MO 63301 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Kurt E. Zwilling, deceased, by the 11th Judicial Circuit Court for St. Charles County, State of Missouri, on February 25, 2022. Service of process may be made upon Joshua Branson 1615 M Street, NW, Ste. 400, Washington, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. Decedent has cause of action in DC. 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: 6/2/2022 Kathy Gayle Lay Personal Representative
Erik L. Hodo Personal Representative
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
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Washington Informer
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Solomon Stewart Simmons, whose address is 125 Windhaven Court, Stockbridge, GA 30281, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janie Lee Simmons who died on 1/14/2021 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 12/02/2022. 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 12/02/2022, 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.
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Date of first publication: 06/02/2022 Solomon Stewart Simmons Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
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2022 ADM 000446
Madonna W. McCullers Decedent
Askia Charles Muhammad Decedent
Patricia Koh Friedman, Esq. 3 Leonard Court Rockville, Md 20850 Attorney
James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Clinton McCullers, whose address is 327 Possum Court, Capitol Heights, Md 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Madonna W. McCullers who died on 11/6/2021 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 12/02/2022. 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 12/02/2022, 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.
Alverda Ann Muhammad, whose address is 15312 Biltmore Street, Detroit, Michigan 48227, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Askia Charles Muhammad who died on February 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 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 12/02/2022. 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 12/02/2022, 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: 06/02/2022
Date of first publication: 6/2/2022
Clinton McCullers Personal Representative
Alverda Ann Muhammad Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
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In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘ Charles Ray Thomas II© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ THOMAS II, CHARLES RAY© ’’, corp. sole Dba.: ‘‘CHARLES RAY THOMAS II© ’’, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: ‘‘ Charles Ray Thomas II© ’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘ el charles thomas II© ’’. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: STATE OF NEW YORK – DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, STATE FILE NUMBER : 156-84-107908, ‘‘ CHARLES RAY THOMAS II© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ el charles thomas II© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘ Charles Ray Thomas II© ’’. All property, of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit Order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: ‘‘ el charles thomas II© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘ Charles Ray Thomas II© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘ Charles Ray Thomas II Trust© ’’, an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. All Attorneys with a License from the Bar Association are explicitly prohibited from administering " CHARLES RAY THOMAS II TRUST© " property without handwritten consent from each and every trustee, after said Attorneys have furnished their nationality, and Principal for whom's interest they are working, pursuant to [Public Law 75-583], to Trustees in plain writing. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off etc., of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.
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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
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Mary E. Hodo aka Mary Estelle Hodo Decedent
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
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2022 ADM 000333
LEGAL NOTICES
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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
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SAFETY from Page 1 she continues to research the gun lobby’s impact in public policy. However, she has stopped short of calling for a stronger police presence in schools, as she said it would exacerbate the tenuous relationship between law enforcement and young people. Golden has instead chosen to expand her focus on what she describes as the United States’ unwillingness to create an environment that prioritizes people’s mental and emotional wellbeing. “Now that it’s [young] adults on children rather than children on children who can’t get relegated to thugs and criminals, it’s getting more publicity,” Golden said. “Violence and shootings are not new in this country, whether you go to organized crime, or the ‘Wild, Wild West.” “It’s just a matter of where it happens and where it’s acceptable. I think about how little we pay attention to overall mental health and wellbeing as a driver. We need to help people learn to live healthy lives and make shifts societally to help everyone’s mental health,” she said.
FOR SOME PARENTS, IT’S BIGGER THAN GUNS
The mass shooting at Robb Elementary on May 24 resulted in 21 fatalities – 19 students and two teachers – and 17 injuries. Over the next several days, as reports about the sequence of events surfaced, teachers, parents and students in Texas, and around the U.S., lamented the lack of safety from COVID, mass shooters and other phenomena that have ravaged schools over the last year. Last week, members of the Principal Recovery Network, a group of school leaders who have experienced school shootings, wrote a letter imploring Democrats and Republicans to tackle the issue of gun violence in the form of legislation. In the District, students and teachers in public and public charter schools recounted undergoing safety drills on the day following the mass shooting in Uvalde. Toward the end of the week, middle school students at Washington Latin Public Charter School in Northwest reportedly held an early morning protest in a show of solidarity
with community members at Robb Elementary School. Southwest mother and safe passage advocate Tara Brown said after the events of the past week, she remains even more resolute in keeping her child enrolled in Friendship Collegiate Academy’s virtual program. Months before the mass shooting at Robb Elementary, Brown’s child, who battles depression and other socioemotional issues, entered Friendship Collegiate Academy’s virtual program out of concern about COVID and on-campus bullying. Even with her child at home, Brown often worries about the gun violence that unfolds in her community and compels her to not allow her young one to play outside. The ideal solution, Brown said, centers on mayoral leadership that cedes control of the public schools to other elected officials, like members of the State Board of Education and residents. “My child wants to desperately go back into the building even with the threat of bullying but I’m pretty sure I’m not going to let that happen,” Brown said. “We’re talking about the physical, emotional and psychological safety that children don’t have in schools. Safety is just a fantasy. This is a scary time to raise children.”
AN ELDER SPEAKS
Last week, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw outlined the events of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary, including the 45-minutes that authorities waited before killing the identified shooter, the school district officer’s decision to not enter the classroom at the time of the shooting and numerous 911 calls that came from the classroom during the massacre. Ahmad Nurriddin, a Southwest resident and great-grandparent of children who attend a local charter school, said that District school officials must take precautions to ensure a similar situation doesn’t unfold locally. “It’s clear that those children were not valued,” Nurriddin said. “I’m not sure what the local police were doing that held them up from going in for that length of time. I just hope and pray that that kind of tragic mistake doesn’t occur again for any child’s family.” WI
MALVEAUX from Page 28 children need. Lower-income parents scramble for opportunities and have to balance their economic situation with their children's learning needs. There are lots of objections to reconsidering summer vacations. Parents with several students worry about coordinating schedules if calendars are changed, and different children are off at different times. Teachers, who savor their summers off, wonder about the financial implications of a more extended school year. And culturally, we
JAMES from Page 28 continued struggle for freedom. The Lincoln Memorial dedication took place exactly one year after the Tulsa Massacre, and the once-prosperous community known as Black Wall Street was leveled by hatred. In the shadow of Tulsa, Dr. Moton understood that there was work yet to do. He was the obvious choice to give the keynote address because his life was dedicated to doing the work. Dr. Moton's actions had always been governed by his belief that freedom is "the lifeblood of the nation." In fact, no nation had ever laid out in its founding documents the fundamental principle of freedom as a right-handed down by God and not a right gifted by man. Although
MORIAL from Page 28 president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, for the latest stop in our 21 Pillars Tour, which already has included events in Louisville, Kentucky, Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago. In each of these cities, trust between the police and the communities they serve was broken. In Louisville, the officers who shot and killed Breonna Taylor in a botched raid escaped consequences after prosecutors misled a grand jury. In Columbus, police used physical violence, tear gas and pepper spray against peaceful protesters without provocation in what a federal judge called "the sad tale of officers, clothed with the awesome power of the state, run amok." A recent study of Chicago Police found that their misconduct is a group phenomenon, involving more than 1,000 "deviant, even criminal" officers, that inflict outsized harm in communities of color. And in Kansas City, officers are accused of excessive and deadly force against Black and Brown Kansas Citians, constitutional violations, and discriminatory
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are all used to the model of "summer off," and it will take some adjustment to change that. Other countries do more with education and achieve better results. Nearly everyone (98%) 15-24 years old in Costa Rica can read. That country spends 8% of its GDP on education, compared to 6.4% in the United States. Worldwide, students spend between 175 and 220 days a year in school, with the United States hovering at the lower end, with about 180 days a year. Our K-12 education is often lacking, especially for students of color. Why aren't
more people speaking up more forcefully about educational access? The hybrid education introduced by COVID could be a model for summer education. At the very minimum, it provides us with some of the alternatives we need to consider if our nation is educationally competitive. The traditional model isn't working, and it exacerbates the achievement gap. If we genuinely believe that "children are our future," we must reconsider the concept of a two- or three-month summer vacation and implement year-round learning. WI
some contradicted it in their lives, in their writings, our founding fathers recognized that slavery violated the principles of the Declaration of Independence. In 1935, Dr. Moton retired to Holly Knoll, a Georgian-style manor house on the banks of the York River in Gloucester, Virginia. Until his death in 1940, Dr. Moton continued the work of helping America fulfill its promise. Today, Holly Knoll is the home for The Gloucester Institute, a non-profit organization I founded with my husband Charles in 2007. As in Dr. Moton's day, Holly Knoll remains an intellectually safe environment where ideas can be discussed and transformed into practical solutions that produce results, a peaceful place
to restore and refresh leaders, and to train and nurture emerging leaders. We are proud to continue Dr. Moton's legacy. Holly Knoll became the cradle of the civil rights movement. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) idea was born at Holly Knoll. The late Congressman John Lewis fondly remembered Holly Knoll as a place where the young Civil Rights activists could safely retreat. Perhaps the full circle of Dr. Moton giving the keynote address at the Lincoln Memorial came when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. retreated to Holly Knoll before delivering his famous "I Have A Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial. WI
patterns and practices. The 21 Pillars centers on five key themes that are fundamental to the protection and preservation of life, dignity, trust, and safer communities: collaboration, accountability, changing divisive policies, transparency, and elevated standards for hiring and training police. The Tour is aimed at familiarizing communities with the plan's objectives, amplify the issues and concerns relevant in each city, and advocate for policy solutions. With the incorporation of several elements of the 21 Pillars into President Biden's executive order, the plan already is having an impact. Key provisions of the order include: • Bans on chokeholds and carotid restraints by federal law enforcement officers except where deadly force is authorized. (Pillar 10) • New federal standards and training for use of force. (Pillars 4, 9, and 20) • Restrictions on the use of noknock entries by federal law enforcement officers. (Pillar 10) • Creation of national law enforcement accountability database. (Pillar 14)
• Requirement for the use and activation of body-worn cameras by federal officers, and policies that provide for expedited release of footage. (Pillar 15) • New models and federal funding available to innovate new responses to persons in crisis, as an alternative to police intervention (Pillars 4, 9, and 21) • Restrictions on the transfer of the weapons of war to police departments (Pillar 12) • New screening and training tools to counter bias, and strengthen investigations of law enforcement agencies that violate civil rights … so that all persons can have faith and confidence in the equity and fairness of the criminal justice system (Pillars 18, 19, 20, and 21) Social parity, economic empowerment, and civil rights cannot be achieved in a world of unjust policing, President Biden's Executive Order, guided by the principles outlined in 21 Pillars, can be the basis for safer, more effective, and community-centered law enforcement across the nation." WI
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WILLIAMS from Page 29 an NRA function 300 miles away from the slaughter. The light at the end of the tunnel are students — the targets and victims of school violence. They cannot vote yet, but they are expressing their contempt for legislative inaction. They are out of the schools and on the streets demanding the change which is obviously needed. They proclaim that they will no longer accept their victimhood or allow their futures to be sacrificed on the altar of the status quo and inaction. It is regrettable that we cannot
JEALOUS from Page 29 tests against Floyd's killing, extremists mobilized armed mobs with false fearmongering claims that "antifa" and Black Lives Matter activists were planning to ransack suburbs and small towns. Far right-wing activists also insist that the Second Amendment allows private ownership of even the most powerful military weapons, so that they can be turned against a "tyrannical" government. We are also just days away from congressional hearings on the violent Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. We will hear about extremists in the so-called
EDELMAN from Page 29 slaughter increases, as our kids run for their lives, we do nothing. What are we doing? Why are you here if not to solve a problem as existential as this? This isn't inevitable. These kids weren't unlucky. This only happens in this country. And nowhere else. Nowhere else do little kids go to school, thinking that they might be shot that day. Nowhere else do parents have to talk to their kids as I have had to do about why they got locked into a bathroom and told to be quiet for five minutes just in case a bad man entered that building. Nowhere else does that happen except here in the United States of America. And it is a choice. It is our choice to let it continue . . . “What are we doing? Why are we here? What are we doing?” What are we doing? Politicians who immediately say things like “now is not the time to politicize this” almost inevitably actually mean “it will never be the time.” Too many of these leaders have no
believe or assure that those currently holding political office will do the right things for our children, our future. However, our children have made it clear that when they can, they will force the necessary change with their votes. As I stated last week, "They were significant to all who knew and loved them, and they will be dearly missed. They are also significant to those of us who respect their lives and what they represent to our communities. Our fight to save our lives is never-ending and must be vigorous and successful." WI
The light at the end of the tunnel are students — the targets and victims of school violence. They cannot vote yet, but they are expressing their contempt for legislative inaction.
Stop the Steal movement who threatened civil war if Trump did not stay in power. In spite of Republican efforts to sabotage the investigation, we will learn more about the crimes that led to that day's deadly violence. And the violent rhetoric goes on: Trump himself recently used his own social media platform to amplify a self-identified MAGA activist's prediction of — or call for — civil war. That is utterly irresponsible. Scholars have identified the kind of polarization taking place in our country, and the kind of diminished commitment to democracy we have seen among Trump Republicans, as predictors of a coun-
try's vulnerability to civil war. For families who lost loved ones in Buffalo and Uvalde, and for the many communities that have been scarred by mass murder, it may feel like that war has already arrived. That suffering would be multiplied beyond measure if the extremists calling for civil war in our country get their wish. We should not tolerate the slightest encouragement for that kind of catastrophe from political leaders, including the former commander in chief. And we should not tolerate continued inaction on the violence that stalks our streets and schools. WI
intention of taking any steps to prevent this. They do not want to act. They are not going to stand up to the gun lobby. They are not willing to protect children instead of guns. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz had both been scheduled to join former President Donald Trump among the featured speakers for the National Rifle Association (NRA)'s national convention in Houston on May 27. In 2015, Governor Abbott said on Twitter: “I'm EMBARRASSED: Texas #2 in nation for new gun purchases, behind CALIFORNIA. Let's pick up the pace Texans.” Following the mass shootings at a Texas church in 2017, a Texas high school in 2018, and the back-to-back mass shootings in El Paso and the Midland-Odessa area in August 2019, Texas lawmakers responded by making it easier rather than harder to buy and carry guns in their state. Texas has now been the site of four of the nation's 10 deadliest mass shootings, including the deadliest mass shooting at a place of worship, the deadliest mass shooting at a military institution, and,
after the murders of these 19 children and their teachers, the second deadliest school shooting. Does this make Governor Abbott proud? Or will this shooting finally be enough to lead some of our elected politicians to new choices? Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in our nation. A child or teen is killed with a gun every two hours in America. More preschoolers under 5 are killed with guns than police officers in the line of duty each year. In a nation where nearly all voters support common sense gun safety legislation like universal background checks and two-thirds of voters support a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons, it doesn't have to be this way. What are we doing? *** O God, forgive our rich nation where toddlers and school children die from guns sold quite legally. O God, help us never to confuse what is quite legal with what is just and right in Your sight. WI
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