The Washington Informer - March 10, 2022

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District's Ward 7 Residents Address Issues of Concern with Mayoral Candidates James Wright WI Staff Writer Six of the candidates registered for the June 21 Democratic primary appeared before hundreds of residents and virtually at the Ward 7 Democrats mayoral forum on March 5, expressing their views on issues affecting the ward and the city.

The forum, held at the St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Southeast, featured D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Councilmembers Robert White (D-At Large) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8) and political activists James Butler, Andre Davis and Leland An-

dre Core. Former D.C. Council Chairman Kwame Brown served as the moderator.

The mayoral debate served as the second of two candidates’ forums held over two recent Saturdays. On Feb. 26, the candidates for the Democratic at-large seat and council chairman debated.

Before the mayoral forum, the D.C. attorney general hopefuls verbally sparred.

“This is the first hybrid mayoral candidate forum in the city,” said Wendell Felder, chairman of the Ward 7 Democrats, on March 5. “It is important that

FORUM Page 42

Vol. 57, No. 21 • March 10 - 16, 2022

5 Mayor Muriel Bowser (right), Councilmember Trayon White (left) and At-Large Councilmember Robert White speak during the Ward 7 Mayoral forum on March 5 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Southeast. (Abdullah Konte/ The Washington Informer)

Students Receive Newly-Minted Maya Angelou Quarters

Alsobrooks Endorses Wes Moore for Md. Governor

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

William J. Ford WI Staff Writer In a surprise announcement, Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore received an endorsement from Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

Alsobrooks, who leads the state’s second biggest jurisdiction and one of the biggest majority Black coun-

MOORE Page 13

5 Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsbrooks, second from right, joins Maryland gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore at the podium March 5 to celebrate the opening of his campaign field office in Largo.

Joining them are Moore’s wife, Dawn, right, and his running mate and former Del. Aruna Miller of Montgomery County. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Though banks are expected to circulate newly-minted Dr. Maya Angelou quarters within the next few weeks, a group of youth counted among the first to receive the coinage during a private ceremony that commemorated their participation in a financial literacy program.

On Thursday, March 3, officials at Skyland Town Center’s Chase Innovative Branch honored 15 students from Maya Angelou Public Charter School with quarters bearing Angelou’s likeness.

The hour-long ceremony brought together stu-

MAYA Page 21

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COMPILED BY WI STAFF WRITERS

Norton Calls for Capitol to Reopen to Visitors, Notes Success of Vaccines Noting the success of vaccinations in reducing the risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 and the security improvements at the U.S. Capitol, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) recently called for the Capitol to reopen to visitors.

“It is time that the U.S. Capitol open once again to visitors,” Norton said. “The Capitol was closed because of the pandemic and because of security concerns stemming from the January 6th attack. Restrictions due to COVID-19 are disappearing in the District of Columbia and nationwide because vaccines work and there is no reason to believe visitors in the Capitol would imperil security.”

“Given the importance of the Capitol to D.C.’s tourist economy, it is time for the Capitol, like the rest of D.C. is already doing, to reopen to visitors. I urge the Capitol to follow D.C. and safely reopen,” she said.

WI

Belinda Queen Resigns from Prince George’s School Board

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, Copy Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Tatiana Moten, Social Media Specialist Angie Johnson, Circulation REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Timothy Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Writer), Hamil Harris, Curtis Knowles, Daniel Kucin, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman

4 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

5 Belinda Queen. (Photo courtesy PGCPS)

Belinda Queen officially resigned from the Prince George’s County School on Monday, March 7 to focus on her campaign to represent County Council’s District 6 region. Voters elected Queen to the board in 2018 after she made her position clear to focus on “kids first.”

Queen becomes the third school board member in about three months to step down from the board to seek a higher office. Former longtime school board member Edward Burroughs III won in a special election last month to represent County Council’s District 8 area in the southern part of the county.

As he’s replacing former council member Monique Anderson-Walker whose terms expires in December, Burroughs must run again in the June 28 primary to obtain a four-year term. Raaheela Ahmed, elected to the school board in 2016, resigned Feb. 19 to run for the Maryland Senate and represent the 23rd Legislative District.

By law, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks can appoint their replacements. Those interested can submit a cover letter via email to CountyExecutive@co.pg.md.us. WI

Bowser, DCPS Announce Registration for Summer Acceleration Program This summer, Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Public Schools [DCPS] are inviting all DCPS students enrolled currently in pre-K4 through 4th grade to be part of DCPS Elementary Summer Acceleration program. The five-week program will take place on weekdays, July 5 – August 5, and offer a full-day of learning, fun and friendship.

Registration for the program will open on Wed., March 9 at 9:00 a.m. at dcpsreopenstrong.com/ summer/#ESA. Space is limited and families will be directed to the school in their assigned neighborhood feeder pattern when registering online.

“This summer is going to be a critical moment for keeping our students engaged by offering them fun learning opportunities,” Bowser said. “We are excited to provide DCPS elementary families this convenient option at their own neighborhood school, and we encourage families to sign up starting this week.”

Families can join a Parent University workshop on March 15 at 5:30 p.m. to learn more about elementary summer offerings. Current students in grades 5-8 can explore their career interests through the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Enrichment program and can grow their math skills through the Algebra Accelerator program, both slated for July 5 – August 5. Registration opens March 14. Rising 9th grade students can start their DCPS high school experience by attending Summer Bridge at their school from August 8 – August 12. And rising 11th and 12th graders in DCPS IT CTE programs can participate in an IT Dual Enrollment and Internship program, taking either a computer science or cybersecurity course at Bowie State University. Both the course and internship will take place virtually Monday – Friday from June 27 through August 5. Apply

by March 31.

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Melvin Stackhouse: A Soldier for Nonviolence and Unity

Apply Now: bit.ly/RJnextgeneration

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Toward the end of his life, Melvin Stackhouse, 33, exuded passion for nonviolence and unity as a member of the burgeoning No Slide Zone movement. For nearly a year, he and other volunteers made the rounds at events where he connected with other activists and community members committed to stopping the killings of young men and women.

As Stackhouse’s mother, Cynthia Stackhouse explained, her son’s propensity for helping others mirrored acts of kindness he often showed her and other family members. And while she acknowledged knowing about No Slide Zone, she said she didn’t grasp the impact of his advocacy until his funeral on March 2 when people of various backgrounds came to pay their respects.

“I was really proud of Melvin. He was an activist and the person who would help you as best as he could and as long as it would take,” she said.

“He would help you get there through the good and bad. That was him – his volunteerism and preaching about getting guns off the streets.”

Stackhouse, a Ward 7 resident and alumnus of Eastern High School, died Feb. 18. The cause of death has not been announced.

For months, Stackhouse traveled throughout the District as an ambassador for No Slide Zone, a movement to end gun violence by addressing youth apathy and expanding spheres of influence throughout all eight wards. At the time of his death, No Slide Zone had at least 50 committed volunteers and nearly 1,000 people in the D.C. metropolitan area signed on as supporters.

After connecting with fellow community organizers, Stackhouse often attended their events and explored the potential for collaboration. Other activities included canvassing local stores and landmarks to pass out literature about the No Slide Zone Street Commandments, holding anti-violence signage near monuments, working on No Slide Zone’s social media team, attending community marches and supporting others’ endeavors.

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5 Melvin Stackhouse (Courtesy photo)

Last fall, Stackhouse assisted Howard University students during the Blackburn Takeover, at times providing security near the tents where female students slept overnight. Stackhouse’s mother said his actions garnered him recognition by members of the New Black Panther Party.

Weeks before the Blackburn Takeover, Stackhouse and other No Slide Zone members participated in a peace walk in the Brightwood community. The peace walk took place several days after Stackhouse’s cousin, Johnny Joyner, and two others, died in a shooting on Longfellow Street in Northwest.

At the event, Stackhouse called for all government agencies and residents to collaboratively prevent future incidents. He also questioned how the community could best help young people reeling from low self-esteem and trauma.

Gelinda Allen, who Stackhouse often called his CEO, recounted his fearlessness in engaging people in conversation, oftentimes while wearing his No Slide Zone shirt and hat.

“Melvin had a level of dedication

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and commitment to go out and talk to people,” said Allen, a rollout and engagement manager with No Slide Zone.

“We had other volunteers but not everyone could commit the time that Melvin committed. He would take the initiative during his free time and do that needed outreach. That was inspiring for me. That was something we needed and I was so appreciative of him doing it,” Allen said.

Stackhouse’s fervor for eliminating gun violence sparked in the aftermath of Makiyah Wilson’s murder in 2018.

Years later, as a No Slide Zone vol-

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The Next Generation Leadership Institute is a paid two-year fellowship that serves as a formal pipeline for training young students, of all identities, from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to become Reproductive Justice leaders. The Next Generation Leadership Institute trains fellows in several areas: Reproductive Justice Advocacy Leadership Strategic Communications Campus Organizing Public Policy

Learn More and Apply bit.ly/RJnextgeneration unteer, he would attend peace walks with affiliates of the Makiyah Wilson Foundation and speak to young people at the foundation’s events.

Tynika Jackson, the community outreach coordinator for the Makiyah Wilson Foundation, recounted attending the peace walk along Longfellow and Kennedy streets with Stackhouse. She also reflected on the conversations she had with him, particularly as they related to giving young people more outlets and allowing them to speak their minds.

Jackson, 30, said she considered Stackhouse a mentor because of his

ability to connect with young people which he recently did during the Christmas holiday at a youth event the Makiyah Wilson Foundation hosted in Georgetown.

“The youth really loved Melvin and loved that he was open. He would talk about what they went through,” Jackson said. “They would listen and collect the things he said and get an idea about how to go about different situations. Melvin’s legacy is pushing the stop-the-violence movement throughout the city. He was definitely a great person I could connect to [because] he was willing to help.” WI

MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 5

AROUND THE REGION

black facts

MAR 10 - 16, 2022 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

Government of Grenada until 1983, when he is overthrown and executed.

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1794 – Eli Whitney receives a patent for the cotton gin.

1933 – Famous music producer and composer Quincy Jones is born in Chicago.

1977 – Fannie Lou Hamer, voting rights activist, civil rights leader and philanthropist, dies in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, of complications from CHARLIE "BIRD" PARKER hypertension and breast cancer at 59.

1999 – Chess player Maurice Ashley beat Adrian MARCH 10 Negulescu to become the first Black International 1849 – Hallie Quinn Brown, an African Grandmaster.

American educator, writer and activist, is born in Pittsburgh.

1913 – Iconic abolitionist and escaped Harriet MARCH 15 Tubman dies of pneumonia in Auburn, New 1947 – Ensign John W. Lee Jr. becomes the first AfriYork. can American with a commission in the regular Navy 1969 – James Earl Ray pleads guilty to the and serves on board USS Kearsarge (CV 33). assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and is 1988 – Eugene Antonio Marino is named Archbishsentenced to 99 years in prison. op of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, becoming the first Black Catholic archbishop in the United States.

MARCH 11 1959 – African American playwright Lorraine Hansberry (below) opens "A Raisin in the Sun" MARCH 16 at Barrymore Theatre in New York.

1827 – Freedom's Journal, the first African American-owned and -operated newspaper published in the United States, is founded by Rev. Peter Williams Jr. MARCH 12 and other free Black men in New York City.

1791 – Benjamin Banneker is commissioned by 1869 – Hiram R. Revels makes his first speech in the President George Washington as part of a team to Senate, opposing the readmission of Georgia without survey the District of Columbia. adequate safeguards for Black citizens. This was the 1955 – Influential bebop saxophonist Charlie first official speech by a Black in Congress.

"Bird" Parker dies in New York City of compli1956 – Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome, the cations from lobar pneumonia and other health first African American to serve as general manager of issues at 34. an NFL franchise, is born in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

1964 – Malcolm X announced the establishment WI of Muslim Mosque, Inc., four days after his departure from the Nation of Islam.

1982 – Playwright Charles Fuller wins the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "A Soldier's Play," a story of a Black captain's search for the murderer of a Black sergeant on a Louisiana army base during World War II.

MARCH 13

1972 – Rapper and actor Common is born in Chicago.

1979 – Grenadian politician and revolutionary Maurice Bishop seizes power in a coup in 1979, serving as Prime Minister of the People's Revolutionary

6 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

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She was arrested for Hashish, not CBD oil. Taking contraband to an airport is beyond stupid, and I am sure she regrets that decision. She put herself in this situation she has been in for a few weeks now. With that said, I am all for her paying a reasonable price, but her potential to get 5- 10 years in jail is unacceptable and should be unacceptable to our government. I hope she makes it back home in a reasonable amount of time, but this should be a cautionary tale to others.

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She’s been there since February. I guarantee she said something before now, so who’s been ignoring her?

MICHAEL ALVIN /

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

She did it to herself. Everyone knows you don’t travel with drugs. She’ll be alright.

CHARITA MCKNIGHT / RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

Nothing matters more than her safety. As Americans, please learn to have some compassion for your own. With the sanctions placed on Russia, it should be a concern that her detainment may be intensified. Meanwhile, may all the decent Americans who have a heart keep this young lady in our prayers.

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For as long as I can remember, writing has been one of my greatest passions.

As a child, even in elementary school, I would write poems, short stories and even plays which we showcased in different classrooms, thanks to the encouragement of a phenomenal woman who served as the school music teacher and my piano teacher as well, Oneida Lewis.

I worked on the staff of our school newspapers and yearbooks during elementary, junior high and high school.

And I loved it. But back in those days, it was all for fun – not as a means of shaping my career.

And while my mother and several aunts, all elementary school teachers, had a profound impact on my academic development and love for reading and writing, it would be a chance meeting with one of America’s greatest Black poets that set me on my path as a journalist.

But at the time, I had no idea how significant that encounter would be.

One Saturday, my mother and I,

5 Ida B. Wells

5 Dorothy Butler Gilliam

along with one of her fellow teachers and best friends, Evelyn Crane, and her son, Michael, went to the main library in downtown Detroit to meet and listen to Gwendolyn Brooks – the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (May 1,1950).

Her poetry often focused on the struggles of ordinary people in the community and was written in words that I could understand. The pictures she painted with her words resonated with my spirit and reminded me of things that I had already experienced, despite being only 10 years old.

Only a handful of Blacks were in the library that day – six in total if you added Brooks and her publisher, Dudley Randall. Brooks encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a writer. She told me if she could do it, so could I. And I believed her.

Many years later, I would learn about another trailblazing Black woman named Ida B. Wells-Barnett, a former teacher who began her career in journalism in the early 1880s in Memphis.

By 1892, she had transformed her newspaper, the Memphis Free Speech, into an important voice for Black rights.

Wells faced injury and death in order to address the scourge of lynching that had escalated to unprecedented highs in the U.S. in the later part of the century. White Americans paid little attention to the rise in the lynching of Black men and women. But Wells refused to allow Americans to put their heads in the sand.

She concluded that Blacks should resist with any means possible, including boycotts, publicity through the press – even with guns.

I was already a budding journalist, working in my hometown of Detroit and then in Chicago, when I first learned of the fearlessness that fueled the drive behind Ida B. Wells. Her resilience in the face of incredible odds led me to cast my lot with the Black Press.

As a beat reporter in Chicago for seven years, two women emerged as catalysts in my ongoing development as a journalist: Tracy Baim and Hermene Hartman.

These two women could not have been more different in their personal development, professional and philosophical perspectives and the focus of

WOMEN Page 30

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Study Reports Hundreds of Methane Gas Leaks in D.C. James Wright WI Staff Writer Hundreds of active methane gas leaks from pipes sustained by the Washington Gas Company throughout the District have been revealed, according to a study released by Beyond Gas DC. The Beyond Gas DC report said neighborhood researchers who belong to organizations such as the District’s chapter of the Sierra Club or the civic umbrella group, Washington Interfaith Network [WIN], tested air from vents in utility access caps on city streets and sidewalks using an industry-grade methane detector. The report said the exact number of leaks came out to 389. The report also said over a dozen of the leaks hovered near the point of a possible explosion. The study took a year in duration and ended in February.

The report didn’t surprise Barbara Briggs who serves as chair of the Friends Meeting of Washington Committee on Peace & Social Concerns.

“In 2014, there was a report that said 6,000 leaks were in the city,” Briggs said. “The D.C. Department of Energy and the Environment has conducted surveys done that have been consistent with our numbers. So-called natural gas from the pipes crumbling under our streets is contributing to climate change and gas burned presents a threat to health.”

Rosa Lee lives in the River Terrace neighborhood in Ward 7. Lee decided to get involved with WIN and participated in measuring leaks throughout the city.

“I also did River Terrace,” Lee said. “We did all of the streets over here and checked the water and gas meters. We found leaks, some small, some large. This was interesting to me because I have lived in this area for over 30 years and didn’t think this was taking place.”

Lee expressed surprise at the high level of methane near Varick Memorial AME Zion Church, located in River Terrace. She said while neighborhoods east of the

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5 Volunteers measure methane gas leaks in front of Varick Memorial AME Zion Church in the River Terrace neighborhood of Ward 7. (Photo courtesy Barbara Briggs)

Anacostia River have been affected by the leakage of methane gas, “so have places like Connecticut Avenue and Georgetown.”

“These gas pipes were installed 100 years ago,” Lee said. “I know Washington Gas is looking into doing repairs. Our city leaders need to talk about that.”

The report said poor and Black children remain disproportionately affected by indoor air pollution, which may consist of methane gas.

Children in Ward 8 remain 10 times more likely to go to the hospital because of an asthma attack than children in wealthier parts of the city.

Lee knows of the statistics dealing with poor young people of color.

“They know our children are getting sick but to them they don’t matter,” she said.

Mark Rodeffer of the Sierra Club said the District needs to transition away from pipes that contain methane gas to cleaner energy fuels.

“We need to move away from using fossil fuels and focus on cleaner energy sources such as solar and wind power,” he said.

“We want the D.C. Council to begin the process of replacing gas a source of energy. I realize it will take more than a piece of legislation to do that. We have to work on all fronts, such as with the Public Service Commission to make that happen.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

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full-throated endorsement as your biggest cheerleader. She will be deeply missed,” Prestwood said.

Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White, and Democratic mayoral candidate, spoke of Cuthbert in a Facebook post saying, “to a Ward 8 legend, you will be truly missed Ms. Mary Cuthbert.”

At-Large D.C. Councilmember Robert White, also a Democratic primary candidate for mayor, recently reflected on Cuthbert on Twitter.

“Rest in eternal peace Mary Cuthbert, a Ward 8 stalwart who didn’t take nonsense from any-

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Mary Cuthbert, a former Ward 8 advisory neighborhood commissioner known for her gritty assessment of District politics and sometimes its participants, died on March 3, much to the dismay of city leaders and residents.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of longtime Ward 8 civic leader Mary Cuthbert,” Troy Donte Prestwood, the president of the Ward 8 Democrats, said in a statement. “Mary was a fierce community advocate who fought to bring economic justice, equal employment and educational opportunities to Ward 8.”

Cuthbert, 77, retired as a union employee with the American Federation of Government Employees. She volunteered as a member of the Ward 8 Democrats executive committee and vice president of the club and represented the ward as a committeewoman on the D.C. Democratic State Committee. Civically, Cuthbert served as the president of the Congress Heights Community Association, the 7th District Citizens Advisory Council and served on the board of the Opportunities Industrialization Center of Washington.

She became a member of the St. Elizabeths East Redevelopment Initiative Advisory Board through a mayoral appointment. Cuthbert served in elected office as a commissioner for the Congress Heights neighborhood of Ward 8 for 34 years.

Prestwood said Cuthbert could be tough on people but love them at the same time.

“She served as a mentor to many elected leaders and residents alike through the District,” he said.

“Mary had a way of getting your attention whether you were a willing participant or not. If she had something to say, you were going to hear it.”

“I can certainly attest to being on the opposing side of Mary’s ire and living to tell the story. But just as soon as you conceded all was lost, like a lioness protecting her cubs, she surprised you with a

one,” he tweeted. “No one can fill her shoes.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said, “D.C. just loved her.”

“Mary Cuthbert was a fighter for Ward 8,” the mayor told the Informer on March 5. “She did what had to be done to move Ward 8 forward. We will truly miss her.”

D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) didn’t represent Cuthbert but knew her and the contributions she made to the ward and the city.

“This is a sad time for the city,” McDuffie said. “She cared so much for D.C. residents. She cared so much about her community and was not bashful about speaking her mind. D.C. is a better place because of Mary Cuthbert.”

John Fanning, a Ward 2 commissioner, said Cuthbert’s no-nonsense yet caring reputation had become known throughout the city.

“She was a beautiful lightning rod,” Fanning said. “She had a beautiful heart. Mary also was known for getting things done. I admit she cursed me out one time but I loved her.”

Former Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander said Cuthbert stood up for Ward 8.

“She was my heart,” Alexander said. “I remember her at D.C. Democratic State Committee meetings. When we discussed an issue, she would stand up and say, ‘Ward 8 wants this or Ward 8 wants that.’ She did that because she cared for her community.

She left a large legacy. She will be missed.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

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Ward 8’s Beloved and Tough Mary Cuthbert Praised by D.C.

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Proposed Legislation Seeks to End Criminalization of Cannabis in Maryland William J. Ford WI Staff Writer ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Tahir Johnson recalled when he drove to Ocean City, Maryland, with his younger brother and teenage cousin to relax during his summer vacation.

Johnson, a college student who attended Howard University in D.C. in the early 2000s, got pulled over by

police while driving a Lexus. When threatened by law enforcement that a police dog would “tear up” his vehicle to look for any marijuana, Johnson told police he had a nickel bag of marijuana in his car.

“I haven’t been back to Ocean City since,” Johnson, of Upper Marlboro, said Thursday, March 5, after he testified before the Maryland Senate Finance Committee. “I was on pro-

5 Lupe’ Hawkins of Upper Marlboro testifies March 3 before the Maryland Senate Finance Committee in support of legislation to end the criminalization of cannabis. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Jill Carter (D-Baltimore City). (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

bation for a year over a nickel bag.

Fortunately, I am here and working for the Marijuana Policy Project to stop this criminalization of marijuana and fight for equitable and inclu-

Returning Citizens Prioritized during Prince George’s Forum William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

5 Wala Blegay. (Photo courtesy of Wala Blegay for Prince George’s County)

12 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

Prospective Prince George’s County candidates running for County Council received various questions strictly focused on how they would help ex-offenders, or returning citizens, if voters elect them to the 11-member body.

Three candidates – Wala Blegay, Michael Esteve and Jolene Ivey – participated in the online forum Tuesday, March 8 organized by Progressive Maryland’s Reentry Work Group, which became established in 2019 to advocate for housing, jobs and other social services to help formerly incarcerated Prince George’s residents coming home from jail and prison.

The work group hosted the first forum Feb. 25 for candidates running for lieutenant governor and two more last week featuring candidates running for Prince George’s state’s attorney, county executive,

county sheriff and County Council Districts 1, 2 and 3.

Tuesday’s forum featured candidates seeking seats to represent council districts 4, 5 and 6.

The term limits will expire in December for council members Todd Turner (D-District 4) of Bowie and Derrick Leon Davis (D-District 6) of Upper Marlboro.

As of Tuesday, Esteve and three others filed paperwork to the state Board of Elections to seek Turner’s seat.

Blegay joins three other Black women wanting to represent District 6. Although Belinda Queen’s name isn’t listed on the board of elections website, she resigned from the county school board Monday, March 7 to focus on her campaign for District 6.

Ivey, of Cheverly, has represented District 5 since December

PG FORUM Page 18

sive policies for this industry.”

Johnson and others testified at a more than one-hour public hearing on comprehensive legislation sponsored by Sen. Jill Carter (D-Baltimore City) which seeks to create a legal recreational marijuana market.

It focuses on making sure underserved communities heavily affected by the war on drugs policies can benefit from the cannabis industry.

For instance, the state would create a Cannabis Regulation Fund to benefit and offer grants for small, minority, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses in the cannabis industry in the state.

At least 50% of money collected would support those businesses in communities surrounding “a video lottery facility.” Personal amounts of cannabis would not exceed four ounces with fewer than six cannabis plants for those ages 21 and older.

One of the most important features in the legislation, Carter and supporters say, it would eliminate criminal penalties for cannabis-related offenses.

“It sets up civil penalties, not criminal,” said Carter, who admits she doesn’t like the marijuana odor. But “this bill is a large step to ending the mass incarceration of Black people.”

Sen. Brian Feldman (D-Montgomery County), who’s also sponsoring a similar House of Delegate version of cannabis regulation, asked about certain language in Carter’s

bill pertaining to law enforcement not being able to search or detain a person simply based on the smell of cannabis, possession, or suspicion of having cannabis.

“If you found a dead body in the truck [of a vehicle] . . . would law enforcement be able to do anything?”

Feldman said. “I just put that out there.”

Elizabeth Hilliard, assistant director of government relations with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, summarized her response “with a lawyerly answer.”

Hilliard said if a police officer stops a driver and solely searches a vehicle based on marijuana and happens to find a dead body, a police officer could use “inevitable discovery” and point to the behavior of a driver as justification of a search.

“It would be a very fact dependent circumstance that the judge would have to make a decision,” she said.

Meanwhile, the House of Delegates approved legislation last month to allow voters to decide in the November general election to legalize recreational marijuana use and would take effect in July 2023.

A fiscal and policy note highlights a possession of fewer than 10 grams would constitute a civil offense and a fine up to $100. The fine increases to $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third offense.

If a person caught for a fourth offense, or if the person is younger than 21 years old, three measures must occur: the court summons the individual for a trial; order that person to attend a drug education program approved by the state Department of Health; and refer him or her to an assessment for a substance abuse disorder. After that review and if necessary, the court must designate that person to substance abuse treatment.

A person who possesses 10 grams or more of marijuana, the offense would be declared a misdemeanor and a penalty of up to six months in jail, or a fine of no more than $1,000.

The House bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee but a public hearing hasn’t been scheduled.

Carter said just presenting a referendum without a comprehensive answer to “solving the problem . . . to repair the damage done to Black and brown communities, and if we don’t put that as a priority, there is really no reason to move forward with recreational legalization.” WI @WJFjabariwill

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MOORE from Page 1

ties in the country, said she met with all the candidates to determine their vision for Prince George’s.

“I met with Wes several times.

It really felt his vision for our families in Maryland and here in Prince George’s County was really the vision that I also share – one that is all inclusive,” she said Saturday, March 5.

“I was also really drawn to his humility, as well as his integrity.

When you meet with him, you just get from him this sense that it was beyond politics. That he sees us in a way that it is unique . . . and has a plan to elevate every family,” she said.

The Alsobrooks’ endorsement happened during the opening of

associate degree at Valley Forge Military College in Pennsylvania.

Jerry Ravenell of Oxon Hill said Moore’s background, which includes serving as CEO of the anti-poverty nonprofit Robin Hood Foundation in New York City, makes him the perfect candidate for voters to choose him as Maryland’s first Black governor.

“He has everything a governor would need,” Ravenell said. “He has a presence. He has scholarship. He has experience. He has creativity and a proven track record that he is successful in his efforts.”

Other Prince Georgians support Moore and lieutenant governor candidate, former Del. Aruna Miller of Montgomery County, such as state Sen. Obie Patterson (D-District 26)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

“Wes Moore’s intellectual prowess allows him to command the room. That’s important for a politician in this day and time."

Moore’s campaign field office in Largo, just down the street from Alsobrooks’ office inside the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building.

Alsobrooks joined Moore’s family, elected officials, supporters and Prince George’s County residents outside the suite on property owned

by Keller Williams Preferred Properties.

Emerick Peace, owner of Keller Williams, compared Moore’s presence to Curry, the late county executive of Prince George’s.

“Wes Moore’s intellectual prowess allows him to command the room,” Peace said. “That’s important for a politician in this day and time. In order for us to get something different, we have to do something different.”

The field office in Largo represents the campaign's second, which opened its first one last month in Moore’s hometown of Baltimore City.

The run for governor marks Moore’s first foray into political office.

Although he’s a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, Moore praises his start where he earned an

of Fort Washington, Prince George’s State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy and Bowie Mayor Pro Tem Adrian Boafo.

Del. Nicole Williams (D-District 22) of Greenbelt led a raucous chant for the crowd, “Fired up! Ready to go!”

Although Moore has endorsements from other Prince Georgians, nine of the 11 members on County Council support Moore’s opponent and former County Executive Rushern L. Baker III. The other two council members are Tom Dernoga and Edward Burroughs III, Burroughs got sworn-in last month to replace Anderson-Walker.

Baker’s making his second stint for governor after he lost in the 2018 primary election.

Alsobrooks and Baker worked together when he served as county executive between 2010 and 2018 during her time as the county state’s attorney.

Baker released a statement Saturday to express his respect for Alsobrooks but also “extremely disappointed in her decision to support one of our opponents at such a precarious time.”

“The great County, where I’ve raised my family and built my life, deserves a leadership team that knows how to practically get things done—not just talk in theoretical ‘how’s,’” he said. “With a track record of executive experience and proven results, we’re building a true grassroots campaign because we understand the importance of people over politics.”

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

‘OWE PRINCE GEORGE’S’

Moore said he understands some people are backing Baker but he will still work with them.

“If there are people who initially came out and supported County Executive Baker, my answer is I’m still planning on going to them and share my vision and sharing our values because I know we’re going to need them,” Moore said. “Not just

for the general election but we’re going to need them when we head to Annapolis in January.”

Prince George’s represents a major Democratic stronghold with the most registered members of that party in Maryland. But it’s also personal for Moore because his grandfather worked as a postal worker in Prince George’s. His wife, Dawn Moore, who graduated from the

MOORE Page 14 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 13

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Maryland Court of Appeals Rules Against County Council’s Redistricting Map William J. Ford WI Staff Writer The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled a redistricting map approved by Prince George's Council in November will not be used to represent the jurisdiction's new boundaries.

According to a 1½ page brief Monday, March 7, the court said a county map prepared by a three-member redistricting commission “shall be used for all purposes in acting upon or implementing the County’s redistricting plan.”

The court agreed with a January ruling by the county’s Circuit Court that the council needed to approve the new boundaries for the nine council districts through a bill, versus a resolution.

Council chair Calvin Hawkins II (D-At-Large) of Upper Marlboro said in a statement Monday the county will “comply” with the court’s decision, but appealed the Circuit Court’s ruling based on a 2012 ballot initiative approved by the voters.

“Under the Council’s interpretation, the approval of this ballot initiative gave the Council authority to adopt the 2021 Redistricting Plan through Council Resolution, after notice to the public and a public hearing,” he said.

The three-member commission recommended only three major changes to the redistricting plan that included: realigning the more than 6,000 residents in the city of District Heights from District 6 to District 7; shifting nearly 4,100 residents from the Adelphi area from District 1 to

District 2; and moving 2,205 residents in Glenn Dale from District 3 to District 4, which would nearly combine all of Glenn Dale.

The commission approved the recommendations Aug. 30 and submitted its proposal to council Sept. 1.

Because a plan needed to be approved by Nov. 30, the Circuit Court judge ruled and the Court of Appeals agreed, the commission’s plan would go into effect.

Council appointed the commission last year comprised of the Rev. James Robinson, pastor of Tree of Life Ministries in Clinton; Charlene Dukes, former president of Prince George’s Community College; and David Harrington, president and CEO of the county’s Chamber of Commerce.

Local officials must approve a plan that incorporates updated 2020 Census data for a process done every decade on changes in population within the county’s nine districts.

The county’s total population increased the fourth highest in Maryland by 12% from 863,420 to 967,201 between 2010 to 2020.

Meanwhile, the council’s map drew harsh criticism from residents, with more than 100 all speaking against the plan during a November public hearing, who said it reeked of gerrymandering and tore communities apart.

Some portions of the council plan moved Joint Base Andrews from District 8 into District 9. It also shifted the city of Seat Pleasant from District 7 into District 5 and the town of Edmonson out of District 5 into District 2, which remains part of the Port Towns with Bladensburg, Colmar

Manor and Cottage City.

One main contention from residents dealt with three more liberal candidates, Eric Olson of College Park, Krystal Oriadha of Seat Pleasant and Tamara Davis Brown of Clinton, who sought to possibly run against current council members in Districts 3, 7 and 9, respectively. The council map removed them to neighboring districts.

However, Davis Brown filed last week to run for state Senate to represent District 26 in southern Prince George’s. Although the Maryland Board of Elections deadline to file paperwork to run for an election office isn’t until March 22, she plans to seek state office for the June 28 primary.

“I am delighted that democracy wins out over political gerrymandering,” she said. “[Council’s decision] was done so hastily as a back-door deal to punish certain competitors. This seems like justice.”

Olson already filed to represent District 3, which will be vacant because of the term limits for County Council member Dannielle Glaros.

As of Monday, Eve Shuman and Sia Finoh also filed documents to run for the district.

Oriadha also declared her candidacy and would challenge County Council member Rodney Streeter of Hillcrest Heights, who hasn’t filed yet.

Gary Falls, a Republican from Oxon Hill, represents the other candidate seeking to represent District 7.

“I think it is a shame that the county wasted resources fighting the appeal,” Oriadha said. “This is a big deal for the community and proved the system

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works. It really changes the landscape of this election.”

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks released a statement after Monday’s court ruling.

“I respect the rulings of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court and the Maryland Court of Appeals,” she

said. “With this matter resolved and the redistricting map designed by the Redistricting Commission now in place, our board of elections may now move forward with redrawing the council district lines.”

WI @WJFjabariwill

MOORE from Page 13

mittee chair Tom Perez and running mate former Baltimore City Councilwoman Shannon Sneed; former Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler and running mate and former Hyattsville Mayor Candace Hollingsworth; Ashwani Jain, a former official with President Barack Obama, who chose LaTrese Hawkins Lytes of Prince George’s; former nonprofit executive Jon Baron; Jerome Segal, who founded the former Bread and Roses Party and his running mate Justinian M. Dispenza of Kent County; and former Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman.

Early voting for the primary election runs from June 16-23 with Election Day on June 28.

According to Moore’s campaign, two TV ads will air, beginning Wednesday, March 9 in the Baltimore and D.C. regions, entitled "Imagined," which runs for 30 seconds, and "An Education, “ which is a 60-second video. WI @WJFjabariwill

University of Maryland in College Park, has family who reside in the county.

Moore told a short story about “a magical date” getting coffee in Prince George’s. The usually quick meet and greet with that beverage turned into a five-hour conversation.

“The woman who I went on that date with in Upper Marlboro eventually became my wife,” Moore said.

“I owe Prince George’s County a lot.”

Besides Baker and his running mate, Montgomery County Council member Nancy Navarro, the other Democratic candidates in the crowded primary election include: state Comptroller Peter Franchot and his lieutenant governor candidate and former Prince George’s County Council member Monique Anderson-Walker; former U.S. Education Secretary John King, Jr. and running mate Michelle Siri; former Democratic National Com-

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BUSINESS New Senior Building Part of Redevelopment of Kenilworth Courts

Ward 7 to Open 166 New Affordable Units including Multi-Family Dwellings WI Staff Report The District of Columbia Housing Authority, local and federal officials and the Kenilworth Courts community recently broke ground on Kenilworth 166.

The $83 million project is the first phase of the Kenilworth Courts redevelopment, which kicked off with a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CHOICE planning grant 10 years ago.

“The groundbreaking for Kenilworth 166 is the first of many celebrations for the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) as we move forward with the agency’s portfolio investment plan to preserve, rehabilitate and redevelop affordable housing for District residents today and in the future,” said DCHA Executive Director Brenda Donald.

“I want to thank our partners for making this project a reality, including HUD who not only helped us secure the planning grant but also approved this as DC’s first RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) Faircloth project. HUD also provided our customers with vouchers to facilitate their moves during construc-

tion. I look forward to continuing the relationship with Ms. Herring, resident leadership and the entire Kenilworth Courts community on the journey towards their new homes,” Donald said.

The first phase of the Kenilworth Courts redevelopment includes 166 units in a senior building, a multi-family building, stacked flats and townhouse rentals. Of these, 118 will be deeply subsidized replacement units and 48 will be affordable units at 50% of Area Median Income for a family of four.

“Today begins a new chapter for the Kenilworth community. Not only are we building 166 new affordable homes for families and seniors, we’re investing in the promise of this community — the families who have lived here for decades and the neighbors who will join them,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

“We are proud to have a strong partner in HUD and in Secretary Fudge. I know that the Administration shares our urgency to get more Americans into safe housing and we are ready to make that happen all across DC,” Bowser said. “Our de-

Her Story Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. Black History month closes and Women’s History month has begun. As a Black woman I rejoice at the revelation that these realities need to be celebrated. As a Black woman I cringe at the reality that the reason for the special acknowledgement is for the many years of oppression and diminution of value of Black people and women.

The struggle of living in America is real as a Black person and as a woman. Statistics show that in the comparison between Black women and White women, Black women are undervalued and underappreciated economically.

We are paid less than White men, Black men or White women statistically in professional as well as blue collar positions.

Yet, Black women still rise. Black women are out performing in the creation of businesses. Entrepreneurship is embraced as an opportunity to build without the restrictions and devaluation of others.

However, access to capital and opportunities continue to be a hindrance.

I am honored to be a member of the new BOW Collective. The Black Owner & Women’s Collective, is an organization and sisterhood of the Nation's top 1% of Black Women Enterprises. As "Business Philanthropists" we work together to bring awareness, business opportunities, and capital resources to Black women enterprises. As Black women we are facing the struggles together.

What is exciting about this month is not just acknowledging the amazing women who have been able to fight the challenges and the multiple responsibilities that it takes just to be alive and phenomenal in the past. We get to stop and notice the HerStory makers of today.

It does not mean that you are the first Black Vice President of the United States to be a HerStory maker. Yet, we do indeed salute Kamala Harris. It isn’t just the laundress, Oceola McCarty who left $150,000 for the University of Southern Mississippi for scholarships.

A HerStory maker is the mom who manages her household and proudly supports her children to achieve their goals through positive role modeling and strategic planning. A HerStory maker is the woman who has no children but has committed her life to making the world a better place. A HerStory maker is an entrepreneur who has created jobs for others. A HerStory maker is a creative arts performer who makes beauty in the world. A HerStory maker makes her decision on how to live her best life to tell her story.

Each woman can create HerStory of strength, peace, joy and love. For so long Black women have been oppressed to live lives that were not of her own making or decisions. I am excited that we are taking the opportunity to join forces, build networks and communities that embrace our goals, dreams and visions to enable us to live our Story unapologetically.

As we should celebrate the lives of Black women this month and every month, I encourage each of us to not look past the many miracles that are happening every day. Encourage each woman to craft her best Story.

BUSINESS Page 33

““I want to thank our partners for making this project a reality, including HUD who not only helped us secure the planning grant but also approved this as DC’s first RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) Faircloth project.

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Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC http://yourestateplanningattorney.com (855) 574-8481 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 440 Washington DC 20015 4041 Powder Mill Drive Suite 215 Beltsville MD 20705 100 International Drive 23rd Floor Baltimore MD 21202 4601 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 1200 Arlington, VA 22203

Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 15

NATIONAL Daylight Saving Time Returns on Sunday, March 13 Here are a Few Ways You Can Prepare Your Body WI Staff Report Daylight saving time returns on Sunday, March 13 when we spring forward one hour.

The time change will mark a significant shift for many Americans, young and old alike, as they attempt to physically and mentally adjust to the time change.

Here's a look at what to know about daylight saving time and how you can better prepare yourself:

WHEN IS DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME?

In the U.S., daylight saving time lasts for a total of 34 weeks, running from early-to-mid March to the beginning of November in those states that observe it.

In 2022, daylight saving time will start on March 13, more than a full week before the official start of spring. Daylight saving time will end on Nov. 6.

Under the conditions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, daylight saving time starts on the second

Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, representing an extension from previous years.

WHAT DOES DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME DO TO YOUR BODY?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has been for years been calling for a permanent switch to standard time, saying "there is ample evidence of the negative, shortterm consequences of seasonal time changes."

Dr. Kathy Sexton-Radek, a consultant for the AASM Public Safety Committee and professor of psychology with a special interest in sleep medicine at Elmhurst College, said the time change can "skew or put off center the normal systems that trigger structures within our mind, within our brain that tell us through hormone cues and brain chemistry when it's time to be awake and when it's time to be asleep."

"The movement in time creates

(Courtesy photo)

a type of need for orientation and reacclimating, which puts a person off-center," she said, adding that the shifts can cause mood changes, fatigue, concentration issues, and more.

"Light is the most powerful timing cue for the human body clock,” said Erin Flynn-Evans, director of the NASA Ames Research Center Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory, in a statement.

“Shifting to permanent daylight saving time in the winter would result in more darkness in the morning and more light in the evening, leading to misalignment between the body’s daily rhythm and the timing of routine social obligations, like work or school. That has the potential to make it harder for most people to fall asleep at night, disrupting sleep quality and leading to sleep loss, which can negatively impact health and safety,” Flynn-Evans said.

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16 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

What are signs your body is not properly adjusting?

According to Sexton-Radek, mood changes, fatigue and an inability to concentrate are some of the biggest indicators.

"I think suddenly the sense of feeling annoyed or irritated because of something that was not detected might bring the person's attention to the idea that they weren't fully able to concentrate, the fatigue, perhaps a sleepiness was stealing some of their attention and their concentration ability," she said.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME?

According to the Department of Transportation, Daylight Saving Time has a number of benefits.

The DOT's website highlights the following: • It saves energy. During Daylight Saving Time, the sun sets one hour later in the evenings, so the need to use electricity for household lighting and appliances is reduced. People tend to spend more time outside in the evenings during Daylight Saving Time, which reduces the need to use electricity in the home. Also, because the sunrise is very early in the morning during the summer months, most people will awake after the sun has already risen, which means they turn on fewer lights in their homes.

• It saves lives and prevents traffic injuries. During Daylight Saving Time, more people travel to and from school and work and complete errands during the daylight.

• It reduces crime. During Daylight Saving Time, more people are out conducting their affairs during the daylight rather than at night, when more crime occurs.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE THE SHIFT EASIER ON YOUR BODY?

AASM recommends the following tips for managing the time change: • Get at least seven hours of sleep (for adults) or eight hours of sleep (for teens) per night before and after the time change.

• Gradually adjust your sleep and wake times. Shift your bedtime 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night for a few nights before the time change.

• Adjust other daily routines — such as mealtimes — to match your new schedule prior to the time change.

• Set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday evening, March 13, and go to bed at your normal bedtime.

• Head outside for some sunlight on Sunday morning. The bright light will help set your body clock, which regulates the timing of sleep and alertness.

• Get plenty of sleep on Sunday night to ensure you’re rested and ready for the week ahead.

Use relaxation techniques to ensure you go to bed at the right time including using calming apps or music, light physical activity like yoga or stretches or writing checklists to take tasks off your mind. WI

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NIH’s 'All of Us' Research Program Restarts Nationwide Journey Tour Enrolls New Participants for Historic Biomedical Database after Pandemic Pause WI Staff Report The All of Us Research Program’s Journey mobile exhibit is traveling across the country to engage communities that have been historically underrepresented in medical research. All of Us is inviting one million or more people to help build one of the most diverse health databases of its kind and advance precision medicine.

Since the program launched in 2018, the Journey has visited more than 100 cities in over 40 states. After a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the Journey is re-launching its national tour, starting in the Washington, D.C. area. Several local community partners will join the Journey on stops in the region, including CASA de Maryland, an advocacy organization for the Latino community, and Mary’s Center, a local community health center.

Locally, the mobile exhibit will stop in Silver Spring, Maryland at White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, March 9 – 10 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and March 11 (10 a.m.- 4 p.m.).

The Journey will be available to educate and register new participants for the program. With more enrollment and representation from area residents, researchers can help better address health issues that are prevalent in the community.

To date, more than 320,000 people nationwide have enrolled and completed the initial steps.

More than 80% of these participants belong to communities that have been historically underrepresented in biomedical research, including 50% from racial and ethnic minority groups. Researchers will use the data participants contribute to learn how biology, lifestyle, and environment affect health. This may one day help them find more tailored ways to treat and prevent disease.

The All of Us Journey Exhibit features interactive stations designed to help visitors of all ages learn about precision medicine research. However, only adults aged 18+ are able to register for the program at this time.

For more information, visit allofus.nih.gov. WI

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5 The All of Us Research Program's Journey mobile exhibit. (Courtesy photo)

More than 80% of these participants belong to communities that have been historically underrepresented in biomedical research, including 50% from racial and ethnic minority groups.

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The new head of state of Burkina Faso, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, announced a new government on Saturday, March 5, saying it will lead the country during a three-year transition period. The new executive consists of 25 ministers including six women.

The new transitional leader took power at the end of January after overthrowing elected president Roch Marc Christian Kaboré accused of ineffectiveness in

the face of jihadist violence that plagues the country.

Speaking on Saturday, Damiba made the fight against jihadism and the rebuilding of the state as his priority. Following the military coup, ECOWAS announced the suspension of Burkina Faso from the regional body. The new Burkina leader set a transition period of three years for a return to constitutional order and free elections. WI

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The Hon. Fayval Williams, Jamaica’s Minister of Education and Youth, said technology will remain a permanent feature of instructional delivery in Jamaica’s schools. Her announcement came as schools were preparing for the full resumption of face-to-face classes on Monday, March 7.

“We will still have all the technology that you’re used to.

We will [also] have lessons on television, because the Ministry has its own channels. So those will still be there,” Williams said.

She was speaking on Friday, March 4, during the Ministry’s virtual Town Hall Forum on the full resumption of face-to-face classes. However, Williams said students will still need to use their physical books for lessons as part of the modality for instructional delivery. She also advised that the devices provided to children are to be used to “augment what they are learning in the classroom.”

“So yes, the technology will remain. But we will just be using it in a different way than you were used to,” she further pointed out. WI

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2018. As of Tuesday, she remains the only candidate who filed for the seat.

Before each person answered any questions, a more than 10-minute video featured returning citizens and loved ones affected by the criminal justice system.

Capitol Heights resident Alfrieda Hylton, who chairs Progressive’s work group and moderated the 75-minute discussion, said her two sons received no resources after their immediate release “outside of the prison gates [and]

was set up for them to fail.”

Joseph Tolbert III, also of Capitol Heights and a returning citizen who's been home for seven years, said a county agency helped him “with a successful transition” to society. He currently works at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Northwest.

But Tolbert said others coming home will need help for temporary housing, education and health care.

“It is my hope that as you take office, you will take the plight of returning citizens very seriously…” he said.

The candidates received several questions such as whether they sup-

port legislation for public access that outlines age, race, gender, education, job skills, summary of offenses and health diagnosis for an inmate while in prison and after he or she gets released.

Esteve, who serves on the Bowie City Council, said some of the data can be collected anonymously to protect privacy rights of each person.

“If you don’t have quality data, you can’t make quality policy,” he said.

“Collecting that data anonymously and making sure that it's available will

PG FORUM Page 33

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March 2022 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living DIRECTORS MESSAGE

Director Laura Newland Department of Aging and Community Living A little over a month ago, I testified before the Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization for our annual Performance Oversight hearing. I always enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences and the ways we can improve how we serve you. And just that quickly, it’s time for us to come together again for one of the most important seasons in our city – budget season.

Budget season in the District is a time where we get to put our DC Values into action. It’s time for us to turn the biggest challenges we’re facing into even bigger solutions and investments for all Washingtonians. My Budget Oversight hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 23 and I invite you to be a part of this process. Over the next two weeks, I’ll be meeting with seniors at our wellness centers to talk more about the budget. This is an opportunity to learn about how Mayor Bowser’s proposed 2023 investments will go towards ensuring every District resident has a fair shot at opportunity here in the District — especially our seniors, adults with disabilities, and those who care for them. If

you’re unable to stop by one of our wellness centers, please feel free to email me at dacl@dc.gov to share your thoughts and ideas.

If you joined me for the Mayor’s Annual Senior Budget Engagement Forum, then you know just how much your input means to our Mayor. The Mayor continues to remind us that all the investments made in our city are driven by you. Investments like $3 million for neighborhood-based senior socialization hubs, and expanded senior village programming to combat isolation and increase outreach in all eight wards. Or $1 million investment for expanded transportation access through the District’s Connector Card programs, providing more choice in transportation options for qualifying seniors.

These and so much more are all possible because you know what it takes to make DC a city where we can all live boldly. And that’s why I need you to keep telling us your stories – tell us your experiences, your needs, and your priorities so

we can ensure Washington, DC remains the best city in the world to age.

I know these past two years have been incredibly challenging, but what they have taught us is just how much we can accomplish together.

And this budget season and beyond, I’m looking forward to us accomplishing even more – together.

DIRECTOR LAURA NEWLAND TO TESTIFY AT ANNUAL BUDGET OVERSIGHT HEARING

On Wednesday, March 23, Director Laura Newland will testify before the Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization for the Department of Aging and Community Living’s Annual Budget Oversight Hearing. To submit written testimony, please email housing@ dccouncil.us.

Testifying live is on a first come, first-served basis. If you’d like to sign up to testify live, please email

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housing@dccouncil.us your name, address, phone number, organizational affiliation, and title (if any), preferred email address, and that you’re testifying about DACL. If you’d like to testify by phone, please call 202-724-8064 and leave your name and phone number. The committee will call you before the hearing to make sure that you’re connected. The Committee will contact all witnesses by

phone or email on the day before the hearing to confirm that they have received a slot. Seniors are encouraged to sign up to testify no later than Monday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m. Witnesses will be limited to three minutes. For more information, please contact the Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization at housing@dccouncil.us or 202-724-8064.

Budget season in the District is a time where we get to put our DC Values into action.

MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 19

HEALTH Suicide Rate in U.S. Decreases But Some Groups See Bumps

Black and Native American Males See Rise in Number of Deaths Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer The suicide rate in the U.S. decreased by three percent for the second consecutive year, according to the most recent data (2020) from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC].

In 2020, there were 45,979 suicide deaths; in 2019, there were 47,511 suicide deaths, a decrease of 1,532 deaths.

After peaking in 2018, the overall national U.S. suicide rate from 2019 to 2020 declined by three

percent, including eight percent among females and two percent among males.

However, rates increased slightly for Blacks, Native Americans/Alaskan Native males and decreased for other age, race and ethnic groups.

The American Foundation for suicide prevention said they're encouraged to see the national suicide rate decrease in response to the data. However, the data isn't reflective of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is worrisome.

"Unfortunately, the U.S. does

(Courtesy photo)

not collect real-time suicide data but in addition to finalized 2020 data, we are seeing provisional data for the first quarter of 2021 that suggests the rate remains steady," Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, chief medical officer of AFSP, said.

Moutier continued that many factors contribute to suicide, which may have contributed to the decrease in rate from 2019 to 2020.

"We cannot determine which specific factors may have contributed to the decline but we do know that creating a culture open to talking about mental health and suicide prevention, educating peo-

ple about what to do when they are in distress, making a wide array of supports available to those who seek it, using treatments that have been shown to reduce suicide risk based on research, supporting those affected by suicide, and passing legislation that make suicide prevention a top national priority are all positive advancements that we've seen over the past several years that likely had a collective impact,” she said.

AFSP recently launched Project 2025, a first-of-its-kind initiative to support research, engage partners and advance policies that will help contribute to a continued

Rare Disease Day Draws Congressional Support Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer An estimated 25-30 million – nearly 1 in 10 – Americans have a rare disease.

For rare disease patients of color, racial disparities have caused a crisis, said the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC).

The Black Women’s Health Imperative launched the RDDC in May 2020 to identify and advocate for evidence-based solutions to alleviate the disproportionate burden a rare disease places on communities of color.

In honor of Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28, Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), a co-chair of the

20 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

Rare Disease Congressional Caucus and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, introduced a resolution to increase awareness of the extraordinary challenges patients face with rare diseases.

Butterfield said the resolution stands to identify and promote evidence-based solutions to alleviate the disproportionate burden of rare diseases.

Congressman Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) also expressed support for the advocates, medical professionals and caregivers who dedicated their lives to providing resources to those diagnosed with rare diseases and recognized the RDDC for their efforts.

DISEASE Page 22

decrease in suicide, which is especially important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative aims to impact communities surrounding mental health and suicide prevention and reduce the suicide rate by 20 percent by the year 2025.

The AFSP said its other advocacy efforts have also led to the passage of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which designated 988 as the new three-digit national number for those in crisis, replacing the existing 1-800-2738255 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

(As 988 is not yet universally accessible, individuals should continue to call 1-800-273-8255 until the full effective date of July 2022).

According to AFSP, in conjunction with 988, legislation has also been enacted to build an effective crisis service system to support people in crisis.

"Those who are in distress need to be met with resources that will support their mental health, including a fully funded, accessible, and well-designed national system of crisis services and health care," Dr. Moutier said.

"As the nation's largest private funder of suicide research, we know that concentrated, strategic, culturally competent and evidence-based suicide prevention efforts can save lives. Through these efforts, and by all working together, we have the ability to keep bending the suicide curve down," she said.

WI

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MAYA from Page 1 dents, educators, bankers and elected officials, many of whom spoke about the importance of financial well-being.

In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, more than a dozen students from Maya Angelou Public Charter School [PCS] visited Chase Innovative Branch, located on Good Hope Road in Southeast, where they learned the basics of budgeting, goal setting and building credit. These lessons augmented their coursework in Maya Angelou PCS’ Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.

“After receiving the quarter, I’m proud and inspired to move forward. For me, that means being whatever I want no matter what,” said Erica Evans, a ninth grader at Maya Angelou PCS who read Angelou’s Still I Rise poem during the program.

“I’ve learned how to work well with others [whereas] before I was mostly trying to do things on my own,” Erica said. “When you want big things in your life you have to work for it and manage the money you earn to get what you need.”

Erica counted among several speakers including See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Schools CEO Dr. Clarisse Mendoza-Davis and Councilmembers Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8). In their comments, they touched on the significance of Angelou’s legacy, highlighted the need for community economic development and encouraged students to pursue roles as entrepreneurs and powerbrokers.

Students later took photos with their brand new, encased coins with the council members, JPMorgan Chase Regional Director for Banking and Wealth Management Alfonso Guzman and Brian Atkins, Chase community manager and vice president.

Toward the end of last year, Chase solidified a relationship with students enrolled in the school’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism where they learned how to develop budgets and balance checkbooks, among other financial literacy skills. In the coming months, they’ll return to the Chase Innovative Branch to review their budgets.

With any luck, the collaboration will expand into Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings Youth Development Center within the next few months.

“We use currency every day and it’s important to budget for any realm of life,” Atkins said. “Credit’s one of those things that’s important and youth who aren’t aware don’t know the power it possesses. I try to make the series as interactive as possible [and ask them] if purchases came from their needs or wants.”

The Maya Angelou quarter counts as the first installment in the U.S. Mint’s American Women’s Quarters Program. One side bears President George Washington’s portrait while the other has Angelou with her arms lifted, a bird and the sun behind her.

In the decades leading up to her 2014 death, Angelou published seven autobiographies, three collections of essays and several books of poetry. She has also been credited with plays, movies and television shows spanning half a century.

Her 1969 autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” brought Angelou to international

HEALTH

5 A newly-minted Maya Angelou quarter. (Courtesy photo)

prominence. In 1993, she became the first Black woman to present a poem at a presidential inauguration.

Years later, David Domenici and James Forman, Jr. founded Maya Angelou Public Charter School. It has since expanded to become See Forever Foundation Maya Angelou Schools which includes a high school, young adult learning center and an academy at New Beginnings Youth Development Center.

Throughout Maya Angelou PCS’ existence, Angelou and her son, the late Guy Johnson, often visited the school and spoke with students.

To this day, young people at Maya Angelou PCS’ continue to be exposed to the works of their school’s namesake in addition to specialized coursework intended to boost college and career readiness.

In the Hospitality and Tourism program for instance, students like Antonio Newton often meet industry leaders and gain hands-on experience through worksite tours, job shadowing and high-level internships.

After receiving a commemorative Maya Angelou quarter, Antonio shared his excitement.

“I feel accomplished. We’ve come a long way,” said Antonio, a senior at Maya Angelou PCS. “It’s pretty good the way my school incorporates Dr. Angelou’s memory in everything from poems, books, movies and just learning more about her life. The lesson for young people is to keep going, no matter how hard it gets,” Antonio said. WI @SamPKCollins

DO N ATE TO DAY! Stop by your local Safeway store. Join Safeway’s Nourishing Neighbors initiative, the Washington Commanders, 7News On Your Side, El Tiempo Latino, The Washington Informer, WPGC 95.5 FM, and El Zol 107.9 FM and support the Capital Area Food Bank to help feed local families in need.

This campaign is managed by Albertsons Companies Foundation, doing business as Safeway Foundation, a 501(C)(3) organization.

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MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 21

HEALTH D.C. Council Considers Outlawing Female Genital Mutilation James Wright WI Staff Writer Ward 3 D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh has authored a bill that would ban female genital mutilation in the District.

Cheh’s bill, “The Female Genital Mutilation Prohibition Act of 2021,” would prohibit the practice of mutilating and cutting female reproductive organs. Female Genital Mutilation [FGM/C] usually occurs among women in Muslim-oriented countries.

In a letter to Nyasha Smith, secretary of the council, in filing the bill on Nov. 19, 2021, Cheh wrote “FGM/C has no valid medical purpose and causes extensive,

.

lifelong harm to the physical wellbeing of our young women.”

“More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to this practice and many more are at risk,” the councilmember wrote. “In some instances, women are taken across state lines or abroad by a parent, guardian or other caregiver to places where FGM/C is performed. Tragically, this practice occurs across the United States, including the District.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 51,000 women in the Washington metropolitan area have undergone FGM/C, the second highest rate in the U.S. after

No, Voting is not everything BUT, HOWEVER, FOR REAL,

It was certainly important and relevant to those who were

opposed to Black citizens in America to participate in voting.

HUNDRESS OF THOUSANDS of untold Black people who saw any value in voting and were bold enough to exercise their right were:

LYNCHED, BURNED ALIVE, MURDERED, RAPED, CASTRATED, DRAGGED BEHINDE VEHICLES UNTIL DEATH, VISCIOUSLY TORTURED, THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS MURDERED, MUTILATED, JAILED & UNSPEAKABLY TORTURED, HOMES BURNED DOWN, DROWNED, HUNG, TEETH KNOCKED OUT WITH HAMMERS WHILE ALIVE, NAILED TO WOODEN STAKES AND LEFT IN THE HOT SUN UNTIL DEATH, THROWN IN RIVERS ALIVE WITH SNAKES, CROCODILES AND ALLIGATORS, BOILED IN SCORTCHING HOT WATER, LIMBS WERE CUT OFF. Please honor their unknown names and register and vote in your local and national elections. Even if you don’t understand, do it in honor of ONE of them.

Nia 2X Radio (The Voice of the People) @ www.BlackonBlackunity.com Thankyou.

22 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

A campaign poster to stop female genital mutilation. (Photo courtesy NDTV.com)

the New York City metro area.

Cheh pointed out the District stands as one of 10 state-level jurisdictions that haven’t outlawed FGM/C. The procedure has been banned in neighboring Virginia and Maryland. Congress passed a law banning FGM/C in 1996 and amended the law in 2013 to include criminalizing transporting women and girls out of the U.S. for the purpose of FGM/C. However, Michigan U.S. District Court Judge Bernard Friedman declared the 1996 law unconstitutional, saying “FGM/C is a ‘local criminal activity’ which, in keeping with longstanding tradition and our federal system of government, is for the states to regulate, not the Congress.”

In January 2021, President Trump signed legislation by U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas)

clarifying the commercial nature of the practice and increasing federal penalties for performing FGM/C and expanded the scope of punishable offenses.

In addition to prohibiting the practice of FGM/C, Cheh’s bill

DISEASE from Page 20

it’s a crucial reminder that 95% of the 7,000 known rare diseases still don’t have an approved treatment, meaning millions lack access to effective care. As co-chair of the Rare Disease Caucus, I’ll keep fighting for patients across the country,” she said.

According to the National Institute of Health, a disease is considered rare when it affects fewer than 200,000 people.

As it stands, there are an estimated 7,000 individual rare diseases. Some of these diseases include multiple sclerosis, Cystic fibrosis and spina bifida.

Patients of color make up a sig-

“The Black Women’s Health Imperative and RDDC applaud Congressmen Butterfield and Rush as they join us in supporting Rare Disease Day,” said Tammy Boyd, who leads RDDC and is BWHI’s Chief Policy Officer & Counsel.

“We will continue fighting to ensure that rare disease patients of color have access to the quality care and resources they need,” she said.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) also expressed support for those living with rare diseases.

“Today is Rare Disease Day and

...51,000 women in the Washington metropolitan area have undergone FGM/C, the second highest rate in the U.S. after the New York City metro area.

would criminalize a parent, guardian or conservator for removing a person from their care for the purpose of FGM/C abroad, establishes a cause of action for violating her legislation, expands reporter requirements to include suspicion a person amenable for the practice and mandates the D.C. Department of Health create an education campaign on the ills of the procedure for residents.

D.C. Councilmembers Elissa Silverman (I-At Large), Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Christina Henderson (I-At Large) and Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) are co-introducers of the bill.

A public hearing on the bill occurred on Feb. 28 before the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety. WI @JamesWrightJr10 nificant portion of rare disease cases and often experience profound effects from health inequities, said the RDDC. In recognition of the diseases, the global observance takes place on the last day of February each year.

The RDDC hosted a virtual conversation series on that day featuring actors and brothers Lahmard and Larenz Tate on sickle cell and other rare diseases in honor of the day to go along with the observance.

The public can view the rare disease conversations at rarediseasediversity.org. WI

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MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 23

EDUCATION Md. Student and Heart Transplant Recipient Inspires Youth at Disney Dreamers Academy Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Olivia Jones recalled how her mother introduced her to the Disney Dreamers Academy program.

And as the Hubert Black High School student continued her story, she soon captured the imagination of her fellow program participants.

“I researched the program further on the internet, and to apply, I used my heart transplant story as my essay,” Olivia, 13, remarked.

Soft-spoken and brilliant, Olivia said it didn’t take long for Disney officials to reach out to her with the news that she’d been invited to join 100 students worldwide out of thousands of applicants.

Established by Walt Disney World in 2008, the educational mentorship program’s mission remains to inspire young leaders to dream beyond imagination. The program provides lifelong access to personalized support for the Disney Dreamers, their caregivers and their communities through

5 Olivia Jones, a heart transplant recipient from Silver Spring, Maryland, counted among the 100 chosen for the 2022 Disney Dreamers Academy. (Photo courtesy NNPA)

insightful content and talented experts, mentors and sponsors.

Olivia, one of three students from Maryland in the 2022 program, said the mentors and academy classmates serve as inspirations.

But she quickly recognizes those who continue to care for her new heart.

“I think all my hospital procedures and my donor are what inspire me,” Olivia remarked. “That’s

what keeps me going every day.”

She noted that she has regular hospital visits which help her remain healthy.

“The Disney Dreamers Academy helps a lot because you get the support you need and you make a lot of friends,” Olivia said.

During the four-day academy, Olivia sought to learn life lessons from mentors and she said she looked forward to returning home

With Barriers Gone, Isabella Sanchez Announces Run for State Board Seat Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

5 Isabella Sanchez (Courtesy photo)

24 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

In years past, DC Public Schools [DCPS] employees running for the State Board of Education [SBOE] had to officially leave the classroom by submitting a Declaration of Intent to Not Return [DINR].

And with the DINR deadline just a few weeks away this year, some teachers eyeing an SBOE run faced a dilemma.

However, much to their relief, the D.C. Council recently passed emergency legislation to ensure that DCPS employees no longer have to choose between their job and SBOE aspirations.

DCPS teacher and newly-announced SBOE candidate, Isabella Sanchez, counted among those who extolled the D.C. Council’s move as a step in the right direc-

tion for further diversifying the voices on the SBOE and ensuring that teachers can leverage their on-the-ground experience.

Though she made the decision to run last fall and contemplated leaving the classroom to fulfill her goal, Sanchez said she feels grateful no longer having to make a difficult decision. If elected to the Ward 1 seat, Sanchez said she hopes to elevate the voices of community members and highlight ethnic diversity and uniqueness as a provider of adult education.

“As someone who loves to work at a school, it made me wonder and be excited that I could continue to have a schoolbased role if elected to the state board,” said Sanchez, a teacher

SANCHEZ Page 25

with new memories and friends.

“I was so excited and surprised when I heard the news [that Disney had approved her application to attend the academy],” Olivia recalled.

A frequent visitor to the District’s Smithsonian museums, Olivia said she prefers the Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“I like the Air and Space Museum because they have the astronaut ice cream that I enjoy,” she said with a laugh. “I grew up going to all of the Smithsonian Museums and I attended a camp at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and had access to the whole museum.”

Olivia added that her experience has driven her to dream of creating a system for better healthcare for everyone.

A National Honors Society member and co-captain of her school’s color guard, Olivia serves as an ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network, the Washington Regional Transplant.

“I enjoy raising money and awareness for kids with complex cardiac diseases. My favorite class is AP Art History which I plan to study in college,” Olivia said.

“Ultimately, my dream is to become a museum curator with a focus on African and African American Art.” WI

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SANCHEZ from Page 24

EDUCATION

after the DINR deadline, they SBOE through legislation related fulfills that goal but provides more would’ve faced a fine of at least to dismantling mayoral control opportunities for growth within of schools, opening public charter the profession. at Garrison Elementary School in $1,000.

Such circumstances compelled school meetings, and modernizing “When you have your ear to Northwest. the ground, you have the best “The idea of leaving [the class- D.C. Councilmembers Janeese elections.

Scott Goldstein, founder and ideas about how to improve our room] was weighing on me,” she Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and added. “I get a lot of joy from be- Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) to in- director of EmpowerEd, point- schools,” Goldstein said.

“We need those people in leading a teacher. Seeing this legisla- troduce the emergency legislation, ed out these efforts grew out of tion come out made me extremely especially since people have spo- a movement to bring transpar- ership. There are challenges with excited that it wouldn’t have to be ken in support of such measures in ency to District schools. He told teachers’ schedules and being an previous council hearings.

The Informer that having DCPS elected official but as it stands, the something I have to give up.”

The concept of a state board teachers as SBOE leaders not only state board is a part-time role so I SBOE Ward 1 Representative Emily Gasoi didn’t return The with public school teachers had Informer’s inquiry about wheth- support among SBOE members, er she would run for reelection including At large Representative this year. She and other members Jacque Patterson who currently “We had to make it clear for potential of the state board, a nonpartisan works for KIPP DC and Ward 4 entity, advise education policy for Representative Frazier O’Leary, a candidates that they can run and stay in District public and public charter former DCPS teacher.

The passage of the emergency schools, the most recent of which the classroom next year. They would’ve legislation culminated three years involved the STAR Framework.

Once D.C. Mayor Muriel Bows- of on-the-ground advocacy by either paid a fine or left the classroom er (D) signs the emergency legisla- EmpowerEd, an organization dedtion into law, it will go into effect. icated to increasing teacher retennot knowing they could still run. This is Before the emergency legislation’s tion and diversifying the teacher about creating the symmetry between unanimous passage on March 3, workforce.

Lewis George and Allen, at the only public charter school employDCPS and charter schools." ees qualified for inclusion on the behest of EmpowerEd and other state board. Had any DCPS em- teacher advocates, attempted to Q2 AMTRAK PRINT_Washington Informer_B-AA 3-1.pdf 1 1/25/22 4:12 PM on the ployee decided to run for SBOE address teacher eligibility

know teachers can engage in that work productively and as well as current state board members,” he said.

Lewis George, a former SBOE student representative, said the emergency legislation could play a part in alleviating DCPS’ teacher retention problem. She said DCPS teachers have the qualifications and know-how that could augment the work of the state board.

Not removing the barriers to entry would’ve been detrimental, she said.

“We had to make it clear for potential candidates that they can run and stay in the classroom next year. They would’ve either paid a fine or left the classroom not knowing they could still run. This is about creating the symmetry between DCPS and charter schools.

This is the one issue with unanimous support. Everyone agreed it was fair and it was cool the entire state board was on board,” Lewis George said.

WI @SamPKCollins

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MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 25

March 20 - April 17, 2022

The Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage is celebrating the blossoms during peak bloom with intercultural, family-friendly performances!

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M A R C H 2 0 2 2 H E A LT H , W E L L N E S S & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT

Female Trouble: Understanding Fibroids

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Edgar G. Mathis, of Manor Texas, wrote in 1900 that he had operated on a Black woman to remove a large uterine fibroid and felt to the need to document the condition, “noting the meager literature concerning this rare form of neoplasm” among African Americans. Mathis’ operational notes – now more than a century old – read like the constant stream of articles, blogs, and research related to Black women and fibroids.

That rare condition is shared, according to recent data from the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) and Hologic, by

more than 26 million Americans.

“Because of the health disparities, devastating impact, and effects of uterine fibroids -- and to save and extend the lives and well-being of Black women -- BWHI commissioned the white paper to amplify the voices of Black women to advance health equity and shift the public perception and policies for social change,” said Tammy Boyd, JD, MPH, chief policy officer and counsel for Atlanta-based BWHI. “The widespread prevalence and disabling nature of uterine fibroids among Black women often surprises some clinicians.”

Boyd found the existence of disparities in diagnosis and care of uterine fibroids result in Black women waiting longer than white women before seeking treatment: normally 4 years of more – which potentially exacerbates their conditions. This results in Black women experiencing more incidents of severe pelvic pain and anemia due to heavy bleeding.

“By any measure, these statistics and outcomes are dire and indicative of a pressing public health crisis,” Boyd said.

Still, little is known about what causes fibroids or how to definitively treat them – without resorting to hysterectomies. In fact, many Black women still approach anything gynecological as off limits, taboo, or shameful. As a result, the “female trouble” our elders whispered about, remains a painful and hidden heritage.

During a 2-day roundtable by the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) in Washington, D.C., expert researchers, gynecology-focused health care providers, patients, patient advocates and policy leaders discussed key deficits in research, clinical care, and federal policies. They noted advancements in treatment, including non-hormonal medical therapies that were also fertility-friendly, and the potential if Vitamin D to provide protective effects against fibroid growth without negatively impacting ovarian function.

Additionally, SWHR highlighted the research of The Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids – the first prospective study to identify incident fibroid cases based on ultrasound screenings and is specifically designed to investigate African ancestry, vitamin D deficiency, and reproductive tract infection as risk factors for fibroid incidence.

Many offerings of the discussion centered around the science of fibroids, but in equal measure were bed-side manner suggestions that would foster trust between Black women and their physicians.

“We suggest reconsidering a patient’s use of the word ‘normal’ or ‘fine’ when describing menstrual flow or pain because they may not realize that their normal may actually warrant medical concern,” said SWHR Director of Science Programs Irene Aninye. “Quantifying the use of feminine products or the duration of pain and its influence on daily activities is likely to better inform an assessment.”

With so much to unpack, The Washington Informer offers a quick glimpse at information and resources available to our readers to approach fibroids head on, and seek a relief from “female trouble,” without delay or embarrassment.

Read, Learn, Heal.

Dr. Shantella Sherman

www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2022 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT

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Female Trouble

Researchers Revisit Theories on the Origins and Prevalence of Fibroids among Black Women

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer While the cause of fibroids remain a mystery to most researchers, our recent steps (and missteps) with the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the persistence of bias and racism in medicine.

Whether rooting in issues of access, policies, practices, or stereotypes, Black women appear to suffer at greater rates from fibroids than their counterparts.

To address this gap in the literature, the University of Maryland proposed a study, Examining Racism as a Risk Factor for Uterine Fibroids among African American Women, to collect data from 699 African American women in the southern region of the United States. This study examined the relationship between perceived and internalized racism and uterine fibroid diagnosis among African American women. The study revealed a direct effect between perceived racism and the likelihood of a uterine fibroid diagnosis.

Sherilynn Prosser was 14 when diagnosed with endometriosis – a painful condition caused by uterine material growing outside the uterus and causing cramps and excessive bleeding with monthly hormonal changes. Her gynecologist told her it was a condition most Black were predisposed to developing and that there was no exact cure or remedy. She said it felt as if her physician had simply said, “suck it up,” and moved on.

It wasn’t until thirty years later when she was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, that she began asking questions.

“I allotted a certain amount of time each month to suffer in silence; I never questioned the diagnosis or treatment until my husband and I were expecting our first child and a sonogram showed the baby sharing womb space with a fibroid,” Prosser said. “Suddenly I had questions about if the two conditions were connected – and if the way I’d been brushed aside as a teen kept me assuming the fibroids were just the endometriosis acting up.”

Prosser is not alone.

Black women are more likely

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than white women to have uterine fibroids, and the debilitating symptoms often leave them feeling fearful, depressed, helpless, and alone. Many African American fibroid sufferers say they have often had their questions or concerns brushed aside or had their fibroid symptoms misdiagnosed as sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies.

One survey from October 2020, for instance, found that of 777 Black adults polled in the United States, one in five said they had experienced race-based discrimination in health care settings within the past year. Black women in particular, the study found, were most affected.

Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and a dean at Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, said stress may be related to fibroid risk.

“We don’t fully know what causes fibroids or why they’re more prevalent among Black women, though research suggests that stress may be associated with an increased fibroid risk. Some researchers theorize that a lifelong exposure to racism, combined with limited access to medical resources and a lower overall quality of care, might help explain this disparity in fibroid diagnoses,” Hutcherson said. “There is also preliminary research that shows that hair relaxers — chemicals used by millions of Black women — are associated with higher incidence of fibroids.”

In research first introduced in 1992, phthalates – a substance added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity – was also present in chemical no-lye hair relaxers.

There was an association made between lesions, scalp burns, and the development of fibroids.

Dr. Sophia Sparks, a Dallas-Fort Worth scientist, though, said the science simply does not support conclusively that racism or hair relaxers cause fibroids. Sparks also believes the medical community does a disservice in making racial comparatives in some research.

“There are so many chemicals introduced to the body on a regular basis that it is impossible to

say when, where or how they interact with the body once internalized. Phthalates are in no-lye hair relaxers, but also in the plastics and packaging that we use every day – they are used in the chemical coating on pizza boxes to keep them from being greasy, for instance,” said Sparks, who also acknowledged the existence of compounds the FDA labeled safe by themselves, but harmful when introduced to other compounds.

“Fibroids are not a Black women’s issue – they are a female and environmental issue. Instead of looking at fibroids from the position of race, it may be more accurate and logical to do so economically. The truth is that every woman is at risk for fibroids, period,” Sparks said. HS

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Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia The birth of a baby is a life-changing event, and there’s a lot to do to get ready. One of the most important is to see your health care provider for regular checkups. These checkups are part of prenatal care — the health care you get while you are pregnant. They can help prevent problems, giving you and your growing baby the best chance for good health. They also offer a safe space in which to ask questions.1

WHAT HAPPENS AT A PRENATAL CHECKUP?

During a prenatal visit, your health care provider will check for problems that can happen during pregnancy. They will ask about your health history and perform a physical exam. They’ll check your weight and discuss how much weight gain is healthy for your body. At some visits, they may also check your

health with a blood test or imaging test. One type of imaging test is an ultrasound exam. These show how your baby is growing, which can be exciting to see.1 You may be asked to provide a urine sample. Infections of the urinary tract (UTIs) are common during pregnancy. They can increase the risk of giving birth too early. A preterm birth is when you have your baby before 38 weeks of pregnancy.1

WHEN SHOULD I GET A PRENATAL CHECKUP?

If you think you may be pregnant, call your provider to set up a visit. If you are pregnant, it’s best to have regular prenatal checkups.

Most women see their provider each month during early pregnancy. As they get closer to their expected day of delivery, they usually see their provider more often.1 Ask your provider for a schedule of prenatal visits that’s best for your health and the health of your baby.

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. Never stop or wait to get medical attention because of something you have read in this material.

Source: 1.

“Pregnancy Check-Ups,” National Institutes of Health, https:// newsinhealth.nih. gov/2021/04/pregnancy-check-ups.

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

Giving Your Baby a Bright Start

If you are pregnant and an AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) enrollee, the Bright Start® maternity care program can help you make healthy choices for yourself and your baby. The program is designed to support you during your pregnancy and after you give birth. When you join Bright Start, a Care Manager will call you and work with you to help you receive and use program services. If your

#BestMe

pregnancy is high risk, a team of nurses and Care Connectors will check in with you often. They can help you stay connected to care during your pregnancy.

Get help with: • Creating a birth plan • Choosing the right doctor or midwife for your family • Making appointments • Finding breastfeeding support and childbirth classes • Learning about prenatal vitamins • Finding housing • Getting supplies to prepare for your baby • Getting rides to and from your appointments • Signing up for home-delivered meals and other nutrition programs To join Bright Start as an AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollee, call 1-877-7596883. Our trained staff is ready to help you Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/amerihealthdc. • Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amerihealthcaritasdc. • ind us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/amerihealthcaritasdc.

www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2022 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT

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By the Numbers: Fibroids among Black Women According to McLeod Health, a centuries-old health network, offering research and health resources found that African American women suffer fibroids 2 to 3 times more than white women.

Because Black women suffer fibroids at an earlier age, they also are 2 to 3 times more likely to undergo surgery to remedy pain or other related health issues.

Black women tend to experience fibroids at a younger age and often more severely than their counterparts.

One estimate is that 25 percent of African American women will suffer from fibroids by the age of 25 and 80 percent will have them by age 50.

Of the estimated 26 million women between age 15 and 50 who have uterine fibroids, more than half of them will experience complications from them.

In August 2020, then Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY) introduced companion bills in Congress that aimed to fund research and education on uterine fibroids.

Endometriosis is a condition in which the uterine-like tissue grows outside of the uterus. This growth still bleeds and sheds monthly, as it will during a typical menstrual period, but it occurs in an area where it cannot easily leave the body. As a result, this can lead to symptoms such as increased menstrual pain, pain with sex, abnormal vaginal bleeding, intestinal distress, infertility, and chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis. It can resemble endometriosis symptomatically is uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are different from endometriosis in that they are noncancerous growths that occur inside or around the uterus but can sometimes mimic each other in symptoms.

The proposed bill would have provided $30 million annually from 2021 through 2025 to the National Institutes of Health to expand uterine fibroids research, create a uterine fibroids public education program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, expand and improve data collection on people impacted by fibroids and more.

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A Healthy, Happy Easter

By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD (Safeway Corporate Dietitian)

vored mineral or seltzer water and a variety of diet sodas. Make them festive by enjoying them with a wedge of lemon or lime.

You can have your carrot cake and eat it too during the Easter season! Just a few simple switches in your diet will get you closer to your goal of feeling great and making health a priority, all while eating the foods you love. Here are some tips and recipes for a healthy Easter feast!

Make simple switches in your favorite recipes to reduce the calories, saturated fat or raise the fiber

Encourage sensible serving sizes by using small plates, bowls, and utensils whenever possible and keeping your calorie- or carb-heavy side dishes like saucy potatoes to a maximum of half a cup.

Switch to whole grains (brown rice instead of white) or choose 100 percent whole wheat rolls and switch to extra virgin olive oil or canola oil when possible. Trade high-fat dairy ingredients for lighter options like plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, light cream cheese instead of regular, etc. Consider cutting sugar in half by choosing recipes that call for little if any sugar.

Eat slowly

Easter desserts are non-negotiable

It’s not only what you eat but how much

Savor every bite by letting your taste buds truly taste all the flavors. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that your stomach is officially “comfortable” and that you should stop eating, so slowing down can help you avoid overeating. You can always take a “seconds” plate home for lunch the next day.

Minimize the impact on your calorie budget by serving yourself petite portions of the desserts you love. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, count the carbs contributed by the dessert into your meal carb budget.

Beet & Bacon Deviled Eggs PREP TIME: 20 minutes TOTAL TIME: 3 hours and 20 minutes SERVINGS: 8 INGREDIENTS: 2, 15 oz. cans pickled beets 8 hardboiled eggs, shells removed 3 slices turkey bacon ¼ cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tbsp. (heaping) finely chopped scallions 2 pinches ground black pepper (more to taste) Salt to taste (optional) DIRECTIONS: 1. Open pickled beets and pour liquid into medium glass bowl. Reserve beets for another dish (optional). Add shelled hardboiled eggs, stir and refrigerate for three hours, stirring occasionally for a brighter magenta color. For a deeper color, allow to sit in liquid overnight.

2. To assemble eggs, remove from pickled beet liquid and let dry on paper towel-lined plate. Discard liquid. Cut eggs in half lengthwise and remove yolks; set aside.

3. Coarsely chop turkey bacon and cook in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp. Remove bacon pieces and place on paper towels.

4. Add Greek yogurt to small bowl and drizzle in olive oil while stirring. Add egg yolks, Dijon mustard, scallions, black pepper and salt (if desired), mashing with fork until mixed.

Enjoy low- or zero-calorie beverages throughout the Easter season

5. Reserve one piece of bacon per deviled egg half for garnish and stir in bacon bits to deviled egg mixture. Spoon egg mixture into each egg white half. Top with bacon pieces. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

There are so many options to choose from now, including assorted unsweetened hot or cold teas, fla-

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Recent & Recommended Books on Fibroids

By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer

Get Covered. Stay Covered.

Invisible Visits: Black Middle-Class Women in the American Healthcare System by Tina K. Sacks Although the United States spends almost onefifth of all its resources funding healthcare, the American system continues to be dogged by persistent inequities in the treatment of racial and ethnic minorities and women. Invisible Visits analyzes how middle-class Black women navigate the complexities of dealing with doctors in this environment. Based on original research, the author shines a light on how women perceive the persistently negative stereotypes that follow them into the exam room and proceeds to illustrate that simply providing more cultural-competency or anti-bias training to doctors will not be enough to overcome the problem.

Hope Beyond Fibroids: Stories of Miracle Babies & the Journey to Motherhood by Gessie Thompson, and Felicia Scott In Hope Beyond Fibroids: Stories of Miracle Babies & the Journey to Motherhood you can read Thompson’s full story of her inspiring journey to motherhood; her refusal to give up on her dream; and the heroic walk of faith she and her beloved husband Marc traveled. Rounding out the book are incredible and inspiring miracle stories of 15 other mothers, both biological and adoptive, who too continued to have hope beyond fibroids-hope that they would one day become the mothers they’d always dreamed of becoming. This book raises awareness of the fibroids epidemic and offers hope to fibroid sufferers.

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Fibroid Reversal: Doctor’s Guide to Natural Remedies by George Roberts Fibroid tumors can be an endless source of bleeding, pain, and frustration. For some 30 percent of white women and around 60 percent of Black women, these generally nonmalignant growths will cause troublesome symptoms. Fibroid is one of the most resistant health problems confronted by modern medicine, this resistant is as a result of its ability to grown or develop around the uterus. This book offers alternative treatment suggestions such as natural remedies and nutritional therapy, Chinese acupuncture, and other noninvasive methods that may help patients heal or treat their fibroid conditions.

Beating Endo: How to Reclaim Your Life from Endometriosis by Iris Kerin Orbuch MD, Amy Stein DPT Approximately one out of every 10 women has endometriosis, an inflammatory disease that causes chronic pain, limits life’s activities, and may lead to infertility. Despite the disease’s prevalence, the average woman may suffer for a decade or more before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Leading gynecologist and endometriosis specialist Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch and world-renowned pelvic pain specialist and physical therapist Dr. Amy Stein have long partnered with each other and with other healthcare practitioners to address the disease’s host of co-existing conditions—which can include pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, gastrointestinal ailments, painful bladder syndrome, central nervous system sensitization—through a whole-mind/whole-body approach. HS

www.washingtoninformer.com / MARCH 2022 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT

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Did You Know…? Fibroid Facts

By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer

In general, the severity of symptoms varies based on the number, size, and location of the fibroids.

<Fibroids are not cancerous, and they do not turn into cancer. They are balls of muscular tissue that grow inside the uterus, on the surface of the uterus or in the muscular wall of the uterus.

<Even with a variety of treatment options available, new fibroids may grow back to some degree in the years following most treatments. The need for repeat treatments ranges from 10 percent to 25 percent, depending on the number and sizes of the fibroids initially treated.

<Fibroids usually grow slowly during the reproductive years but may increase in size with pregnancy. <At menopause, fibroids shrink because estrogen and progesterone levels decline. Using menopausal hormone therapy containing estrogen after menopause usually does not cause fibroids to grow. <More than half of the women who have fibroids never experience symptoms and require no treatment.

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<The two most common symptoms of fibroids are heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure. Normal menstrual periods last four to seven days, but if you have fibroids, your periods are likely to last longer. <The bleeding might be so heavy that you may need to change your sanitary pads or tampons as often as every hour.

<The risk from fibroids may include a higher risk of miscarriage, infertility, premature labor, and labor complications. <Extensive research shows that provider beliefs and biases about Black women are linked to racial disparities in health and health care.

Often, these biases are unconscious, but they still affect the care and recommendations provided by the physician and the trust a woman has in the recommended treatment. <Fibroids are most often found during a physical exam. Your health care provider may feel a firm, irregular (often painless) lump during an abdominal or pelvic exam. <Scans – such as ultrasounds and MRIs can confirm a diagnosis.

MARCH 2022 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com

<Ultrasound: Ultrasound is the most commonly used scan for fibroids. It uses sound waves to diagnose fibroids and involves frequencies (pitch) much higher than what you can hear. A doctor or technician places an ultrasound probe on the abdomen or inside the vagina to help scan the uterus and ovaries.

It is quick, simple, and generally accurate. However, it relies on the experience and skill of the doctor or technician to produce good results.

<MRI: This imaging test uses magnets and radio waves to produce images. It allows your provider to gain a road map of the size, number and location of the fibroids. We can also distinguish between fibroids and adenomyosis, which sometimes gets misdiagnosed. We use MRI to confirm a diagnosis and help determine which treatments are best for you. MRI may also provide a better option for related conditions such as adenomyosis. HS

Committing to Your Health & Wellness Goals All Year Round Sarina Sechrist, Mental Health Coordinator, Martha’s Table

shop for fresh fruits, veggies, and shelf-stable items every day at our Lobby Food Markets.

Charlie Gussom, at cgussom@ marthastable.org to learn more and join the next session.

Did you know that, on average, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February? If this applies to your 2022 resolutions, you’re not alone! But good news, Martha’s Table is committed to standing alongside you this year as you commit to healthier habits, rooted in sustainable growth and change! We have your back with ten sustainable alternatives to traditional resolutions that are more likely to be successful!

2. ‘Start a gym membership’ vs. Get 15 minutes of physical activity daily. Our lives are busy, going to the gym is not always realistic. Exercising 15 minutes a day is small enough to incorporate even during busy days and will give you the motivation to increase the time duration as you see yourself maintaining the 15-minute goal. Check out Martha’s Table’s virtual workout classes by visiting https://marthastable.org/fitness/ and find a fitness program that works for you.

4. Find a significant other vs.

Develop healthy relationship skills. Finding a partner is not something that is totally within your control. However, you can increase your chances of having healthy, fulfilling relationships by improving your interpersonal and overall emotional wellness skills.

Join our “Growing a Healthy Mind” workshop to maximize your own emotional wellness, before adding a partner to the equation! You can register at http:// tinyurl.com/mt-growhealthymind

TRADITIONAL VS. ALTERNATIVE

1. ‘Lose weight’ vs. Eat fruits and vegetables daily. Adding healthier foods is more manageable than restricting foods. Naturally, consumption of unhealthy foods will decrease because you will be less hungry, shifting focus from weight to health. You can

3. ‘Delete social media’ vs. Replace 15 minutes of screen time with reading or meditating each day. All-or-nothing approaches are challenging to maintain and often leave us feeling defeated if we fail. Instead, start small by replacing only 15 minutes of screen

5 Sarina Sechrist, Mental Health Coordinator, Martha’s Table

time with reading or meditation.

You can stick with this smaller goal, or build your way up to a bigger target. To help support this switch you can join the Community Change Makers Book Club at Martha’s Table contact

5. Get more sleep vs. Pick one day per week to go to bed early or sleep in late. We all want more sleep, but life is busy and things just seem to get in the way.

However, we can significantly improve our mood and energy levels by getting extra sleep just one day a week. Also, making this goal specific and measurable will help you hold yourself accountable.

6. Save money vs. Cancel one monthly subscription and put that money directly in savings.

Memberships often go unused.

This is a simple way to increase your monthly savings that will add up over the year. Financial literacy skills such as this are an integral part of economic mobility, a major pillar in Martha’s Table Strategic Plan. To learn more about Martha’s Table economic mobility program and upcoming events, email David, Deputy Chief of Programs at dlloyd@ marthastable.org 7. Volunteer more vs. Donate to one charity or attend one community event. This is a realistic, specific and measurable goal that will help you hold yourself accountable. Interested in volunteering at a Martha’s Table community event? Visit marthastable.org/volunteer to sign up for volunteer opportunities.

8. Stop overcommitting to plans/work vs. Saying “no” once per week. Saying “NO” is a gift you give to yourself, and you deserve gifts weekly, not just on holidays! Are you inter-

ested in talking to a counselor about setting healthy boundaries for yourself in 2022? Contact Sarina Sechrist at ssechrist@marthastable.org or 202-643-4016.

9. Relax more vs. One night per week with no chores or plans. Spending one night during the week recharging will prevent the “end of week burnout” we often feel. Make your mental health the priority, not the dishes and laundry!

10. Spend more time in your relationships vs. Alternate hosting/scheduling monthly get-togethers with family and friends. Balancing relationships can be overwhelming. Sharing the responsibility of planning and spending time as a group can help lighten the load, allowing you to fully enjoy the time shared with loved ones. Martha’s Table can help support this goal through our Family Engagement program.

Visit https://marthastable.org/ family-engagement-program/ to learn more about our family and parent initiatives.

Now that you have the ten alternative New Year’s resolutions keep these four general tips in mind to ensure goal success.

1. Avoid over-assessing progress and don’t have an all-or-nothing mindset; it’s not about each day; it’s about the pattern 2. Don’t “wait till Monday to start over.” If you missed your goal this morning, try again this afternoon. The longer you wait to “start again,” the less likely you are to resume the goal 3. If possible have an accountability partner, someone who will check in and motivate you, not judge you 4. Remember goals should add to your life, not frustrate you!

To learn more about Martha’s Table emotional wellness program offerings, contact Sarina at ssechrist@ marthastable.org or 202-643-4016

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EDITORIAL

The Black Press Maintains its Seat at the Table

The Ukrainian War Crisis is the major headline news event on every broadcast network and in every newspaper and news magazine commonly referred to as “mainstream.” The horrific story of the recent unprovoked war by Russia against Ukraine is but another example of how these organizations feed into a consistent pattern of racism and discrimination against Black journalists who work for the Black Press.

Once again, only journalists from white-owned media are invited to a seat at the table to analyze the headlines and issues impacting all Americans. Reporters from the Black Press, however, are consistently excluded.

The unspoken reality is that every headline news story today happens to involve an institution led by a Black man or woman currently serving in the Biden Administration. The U.S. role in the war in Ukraine includes the leadership of U.S. Secretary of Defense General Lloyd Austin, the first African American to serve in that post and the person who will dictate how U.S. troops will respond militarily to help Ukraine defend itself. When he speaks on “mainstream” media, there’s no Black journalist from a Black-owned news organization there to question him or provide analyses of the U.S. role.

The person who speaks on behalf of the U.S. at the United Nations is Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the second African-American woman to serve in that role and responsible for carrying out the nation’s participation in the world body. Thomas-Greenfield appears on national networks to address diplomatic talks about the war in Ukraine but never to a member of the Black Press.

Meanwhile, President Biden nominated U.S. District Court of Appeals Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court, the first African-American woman nominated for the post. Her nomination brings greater diversity to the preeminent U.S. legal institution, whose legal decisions have historically impacted the lives of Black people.

Still, no journalists from the Black Press are invited to a seat at the table to analyze what her nomination means for all Americans and how her decisions will impact Black Americans’ constitutional rights.

On March 16, 1827, when the first Black-owned newspaper in the U.S. was founded, it was because Black voices were shut out of the debate over the abolition of slavery. In their first editorial, Samuel E. Cornish and John B. Russwurm wrote: “In short, whatever concerns us as a people, will ever find a ready admission into the Freedom’s Journal.”

One hundred and ninety-five years later, the mission of the Black Press has not changed.

No matter whether Black Press journalists are invited to a seat at “their” table, the voices of those the Black Press represents will always have a seat at ours. WI

Still, no journalists from the Black Press are invited to a seat at the table to analyze what her nomination means for all Americans and how her decisions will impact Black Americans’ constitutional rights.

As Gas Prices Reach Record Highs, Many Brace for New Economic Hurdles

No matter where you live in the U.S., gas prices continue to soar with a national average price per gallon surpassing $4 – a price not seen since July 2008. And with Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine and President Joe Biden’s decision to invoke further sanctions against President Putin and Russia, experts fear oil supply shortages will further impact the price of gasoline at the pumps.

The District and Maryland pump prices soared to a record high on March 7, according to AAA as consumers are now paying 40 cents more per gallon than just one week ago. As of March 7, D.C.’s average gas prices were well above the national mean at $4.225 per gallon, based on AAA reports – 60 cents more than one month ago and the highest since 2011. In Maryland, the average price per gallon, at $4.09, comes in just a bit lower than in the District with Montgomery County reporting the highest price. Around the DMV, Virginia’s average

TO THE EDITOR Rest easy to the former D.C. Fire and EMS chief Kenneth Ellerbe. He served the District well. Though the sudden loss saddens us, his legacy and life works will forever be remembered.

Marvin Talley Washington, DC

I’m not sure how I feel about Maryland allowing kids to go maskless. I think it’s scary because of unknown consequences. But, I do understand both sides of the argument.

It’s hard for adults to wear masks all day long, let alone school children. I just pray that everyone takes the precautions they think are best and gets vaccinated.

Deborah Rogers Suitland, Md.

price may be the best for now at $3.90 per gallon but in Northern Virginia, all jurisdictions continue to post prices above $4 per gallon.

Analysts at GasBuddy predict prices will continue to climb given the fact that demand typically increases during warmer months as travel season kicks off. And as the pandemic appears to be more contained, workers are being encouraged to transition back from teleworking to working in offices, therefore requiring commuters to either drive or take public transportation.

Some commuters may decide to ride together in order to save money. Others may decide to make Metro their primary means of transportation. Some may even hope to stick it out at home for a few more months. But no

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

matter how we proceed, experts believe gas prices will break the $5 per gallon mark in the coming weeks. And watch out for those unscrupulous businesses who take advantage of consumers and try to make a profit with gas gouging.

Spring may almost be here in the DMV with the glorious return of cherry blossoms. And excitement may dominate our emotions as mask mandates continue to be lifted in most of the region. But with surging food and now record-high gasoline prices, economic insecurity will continue to plague us all.

We can only hope that President Biden, members of Congress and our local politicians have strategies in motion to help citizens make it through these financially turbulent times.

WI

MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 27

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Jullianne Malveaux

Where is Black Human Interest?

Most of us are riveted to the television, radio, or internet to learn more about what is happening in Ukraine. On one hand, it is a world away, but on the other hand, it is right next door because it affects us. Not only is there the devastating loss of human life, but there are also the ways that we in the United States are affected by Putin's putrid boldness. We are feeling it in our pocketbooks as we watch gasoline prices rise. We also

feel it in our hearts as we watch people leave, juggling their bundles of belongings, not knowing if they will ever see home again.

Black people who live in Ukraine have been mostly ignored when these human-interest stories are broadcast. If it were not for journalists Roland Martin and David A. Love, we would not know much about how Black Ukrainians are being treated. Roland was the first to speak of it, highlighting how Black folk in Ukraine were being turned away from buses and trains leaving the country. David Love has written about the ways the majority

Guest Columnist

media has highlighted human suffering, ignoring Black suffering as if we are not human. I am not surprised at this global anti-Blackness as it is the same in Ukraine as it is in the UK or parts of Latin America. Global predatory capitalism has made it acceptable for people to discriminate, even in times of war and crisis. Even without war and crisis, Ukraine has an ugly history of racism.

From Twitter, Ukraine's Deputy Chief Prosecutor David Sakvarelidze said, "It's very emotional for me because I see European people with blue eyes and blonde hair being

killed." What about the folks with brown eyes, brown skin, and brown hair? Their plight is less impactful, at least for him. Sakvarelidze, your racism is showing. But he's not the only one. Others have commented on the middle-class status of the fleeing white Ukrainians as if the Black folks fleeing, many who are students, don't have enough status to be treated compassionately.

Of course, the Ukrainian government has issued a statement denying any racism. What else can they say? The United States can play a role in ensuring that Black folks fleeing Ukraine are fairly treated. If

we are sending humanitarian aid, we should condition it to fairness in the distribution of aid. Or, if we are sending people to the border to administer aid, we could ensure that our envoys are race sensitive.

If Black folks can't get on buses or trains, perhaps we could offer buses and trains for them. In the face of blatant racism, we must create race-specific remedies so that no population in Ukraine or anywhere else feels a disproportionate amount of pain.

Other media outlets have

MALVEAUX Page 49

Ben Jealous

State of the Union: Democracy Needs Defenders

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address reminded Americans that democracy needs defenders – here at home as well as in Ukraine.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine was understandably a major focus of Biden’s speech. Putin’s eagerness to expand his power by unleashing brute force against his neighbors is a threat to peace in Europe and

the world. Putin’s track record of killing journalists and political opponents has made it clear that he is an enemy of democracy and democratic values.

We have our own threats to democracy to confront, including the Capitol insurrectionists, the political and media figures who portray them as heroes and politicians who undermine our democracy. And we have important domestic priorities that cannot be put on hold or set aside. Biden reminded Americans that the right to vote is under assault.

“In state after state, new laws have been passed, not only to suppress the vote,

Guest Columnist

but to subvert entire elections,” he said.

The president called on Congress to defend democracy at home by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, two voting rights bills blocked by Senate Republicans’ filibuster. The president added a call for more transparency and accountability in our elections, saying, “And while you’re at it, pass the Disclose Act so Americans can know who is funding our elections.” But, as we know, we won’t see solutions like that on the federal level until we have a pro-democracy majority in the Senate. And that means

We have recently introduced state legislation, House Bill 1057, that would create a workgroup to study the way we deliver recreation opportunities to our residents.

There are those who believe that what we are doing is “good enough” and that our residents don’t deserve better, but we strongly disagree.

28 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

Unfortunately, the president muddled this message with a call for greater police funding without making it clear that we must invest in innovative approaches to public safety rather than shoveling more money into a system that fails to keep many Americans safe.

The president did point to one important aspect of reform by calling for better training for police officers. But we must think much bigger. Young political leaders and community activists across the country are taking bold steps

This process will not impact our dedicated recreation employees who go above and beyond to serve our residents. No recreation employee will lose their job, their healthcare, or their pension. The changes we’re exploring have to do with the structure of the entity that administers recreation services and will not, in any way, negatively impact employees. In fact, Gino Renne, President of UFCW 1994, the union who represents the employees, supports the bill.

This legislation will allow us to have more local control over our Recreation Department and how services are delivered. Having an organization whose sole purpose is the provision of recreation services and programming will allow us to focus on youth sports, senior services, the arts and so much more, without it being a part of M-NCPPC that is also focused on worthy, yet other significant objectives.

While we appreciate the work

JEALOUS Page 49

Angela Alsobrooks

Prince George’s County Needs Better Recreation; The County Must Determine How Best to Offer It Anytime you suggest changing the way something is done, there is always pushback. So, it comes as no surprise that since the introduction of this bill, there are those who have spread misinformation regarding the purpose of the bill, claiming that it would somehow dismantle existing services and threaten programs that people enjoy every day. Nothing could be further from the truth.

we have much work to do between now and the November elections.

Biden also addressed policing, another issue on which Americans are demanding more transparency and accountability. Police unions and politicians who resist change and accountability for law enforcement officers frequently tell Americans that they must choose between fair policing and safe communities. Biden rejected the false narrative that we cannot have public safety and equal justice. Saying, “Let’s not abandon our streets – or choose between safety and equal justice.”

Prince Georgians deserve access to all of the wonderful recreation opportunities our County has to offer, and they deserve a greater voice in choosing what new activities we bring to life. We believe a new structure, focused solely on these recreation services, will allow us to offer an increased array of services that our residents want and deserve.

ALSOBROOKS Page 49

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Vincent L. Hall

We Need Some New Farmers!

Black History comes in chapters but the best of it is unwritten and cultural. It has always been how we do, what we do, when forced to do it that makes the Black experience unique.

Long sentence but you get the message!

During and before the “Modern Age,” we as a people had a footprint in two worlds. One was urban; the other was rural or ag-

ricultural. The Modern Age ushered in technological innovations, scientific discoveries and the like.

Opportunities in the city drew us from the farm.

One advantage of having a presence in two worlds was that our children were exposed to the best of everything. “Student or Foreign Exchange” programs were prevalent among privileged children but we had our own low-budget exchange program.

We called it “Going to the country for the summer” and it worked.

That transfer program also worked

Guest Columnist

for rural kids who got a chance to go to the city. The unofficial Black Exchange Program made us better.

Much better.

This idea came to mind lately when I talked to a friend, Deacon Charles Johnson. He hipped me to some history I was clueless about.

He told me that he had been a member of the New Farmers of America. Indiana University Library records lend an enlightening synopsis.

The New Farmers of America [NFA] began as a national organization for African-American farm

youth in 1935 to promote agricultural leadership, character, thrift, scholarship, cooperation and citizenship. This organization served its members for 30 years providing experience in leadership and education in the agricultural field.

Programs and contests designed for the organization awarded youth for achievement within the NFA and their community. In 1965, the NFA merged with the National FFA Organization. At the time of the merger, the NFA consisted of 1,004 chapters in 12 states and over 50,000 members.”

According to the Communities of Practice website: “George Washington Owens, a professor at Virginia State College, and H. O. Sargent, Federal Agent for Special Populations (Negro, Hispanic, Native Americans), provided the leadership for establishing the NFA. Owens was Black and Sargent was white.”

“Owens was the first Black person to graduate from Kansas State University. His personal and professional papers are in the KSU li-

of too many African Americans.

These individuals, despite their age, education, or character, are denied the individual recognition that promotes self-affirmation or the personal acknowledgment which supports the process of self-actualization. Among the maladies associated with being ignored, the February 2021 edition of Psychology Today lists self-esteem doubts, the feeling of a lack of control and the sense of not being worthy of attention. This assessment squares with the many studies that analyze

the emotional damage done during and because of COVID-19 isolation.

Worse than the movies and isolation is a renewal of the full-scale, attempted imposition of invisibility upon the African-American community. For those who have not been paying attention, we currently face an insidious attempt to erase and/or sanitize the history of African Americans in this nation.

In multiple school districts and ju-

HALL Page 50

E. Faye Williams

Invisible

I admit that I enjoy movies. I’ve always enjoyed movies and, when time permits, I will opt for a few moments of escape in a movie theater. I can find interest in any genre, especially movies that provoke thought and a broader than normal consideration of social circumstance and events.

Somewhat out of character, I sometimes enjoy movies of the

horror genre. In the more “serious” horror films, beyond the theme of raw fright, film writers will often question the motivation for the inhumane treatment humans inflict upon each other, or about the challenges to the human ability/inability to maintain acceptable mental health when battling one’s own or other raging Ids. Since my youth, one thought provoking movie I’ve seen in several iterations is “The Invisible Man.” Though impossible in real life, some of the emotional gymnastics

Guest Columnist

that writers impose upon the title character have, I believe, tangible connection to real human stories.

In most iterations of “The Invisible Man,” central among his conflicts are his immersion into the depths of self-loathing, desperation, hatred and violence after reaching the unacceptable conclusion that his invisibility renders him a non-person to all.

Sadly, I see a common thread between the fictional, horror genre and the realities of lived experiences and personal/emotional histories

WILLIAMS Page 50

Scott Charles

Blacks Need to Break with the Second Amendment as Firearms Have Not Without question, one of the great he had just used to kill two people. As are well past the time for a reckoning Guaranteed Freedom I spent a recent morning at a correctional facility having a conversation about gun violence. My audience, a dozen Black teens between 15 and 17, were all awaiting trial for murder.

Nearly every one of them had taken someone’s life with a firearm before they were old enough to purchase a lottery ticket. Yet here they

were, just kids, with their last days of freedom likely behind them.

As I stood before them, I could not help thinking about their families, their victims’ families and this peculiar relationship that we, as Black people, have with firearms. These weapons have wrought so much misery on our communities and figured so prominently in maintaining our bondage. The conversation made me more convinced than ever that we

around our relationship with guns.

The latest data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission reveals that Black Americans, despite only representing 12% of the U.S. population, account for more than half of all individuals convicted of a firearms offense carrying a mandatory minimum sentence in 2016. Homicide kills Black men under 45 more than any other means. And police use of force is the sixth leading cause of death for young Black men, according to a 2019 study.

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hustles perpetrated against Black folks was when the gun lobby boldly proclaimed, “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” This convinced some of us to suspend disbelief and imagine a world in which we can count on being seen as a good guy when we have a gun in our hands.

The reality is we live in a society in which 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse can casually stroll past police officers holding the illegally acquired AR-15

a white male, he will never be seen as posing the same threat as 12-year-old Tamir Rice, playing alone with a toy gun in a park in an open carry state, or John Crawford III holding the toy gun he had picked up in a Walmart in that same open carry state, or Philando Castile reaching for his lawfully held gun permit, or Amir Locke holding the legally-owned firearm that he had grabbed to defend him-

CHARLES Page 50 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 29

WOMEN'S history month

WOMEN from Page 8 their publications. But they were both giants to me.

Baim, a white woman, an entrepreneur and a LGBTQ media icon, would be recognized by Forbes as one of the best in delivering the news about the LGBTQ community in Chicago. As the publisher of Windy City Times, which later grew to an even larger entity, she taught me why it was essential to give voice to the concerns of the gay community without the normal filters and prejudices employed by mainstream publications.

My years with Baim opened my eyes and expanded my sensitivities. Before sitting at her feet, I, like so many other Blacks, believed that the LGBTQ community was one kind of people with similar concerns, aspirations and fears.

Boy, did I have a lot to learn.

As for Hartman, the publisher of N’DIGO Magapaper, she was a one-woman dynamo who led a weekly magazine which illustrated the successful rise of the Black middle and upper class.

Our stories featured many men and women from the Chicagoland Area.

However, because Chicago served as one of America’s leading cities,

many people came to us.

As a senior writer, she put me at the table with some of Black America’s greatest minds and talents: Jim Brown, Cornel West, Dick Gregory, Louis Farrakhan, Harold Washington, Chaka Khan, Richard Smallwood, George Clinton, Angela Davis, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Kathleen Cleaver, Johnnie Cochran and Michael Eric Dyson, just to name a few.

Harman taught me to ask the difficult questions and to remember that while these men and women may have risen to celebrity status, they put their pants or skirts on just like anyone else – one foot at a time.

Other women would invite me into their circles and allow me to sit at their feet as my career continued.

There would be Janis Ware, the publisher of the Atlanta Voice – another powerful publication that was part of the Black Press. My time with the Atlanta Voice would not be long, primarily because I had taken a slight detour from writing to pursue teaching opportunities in journalism. But I learned what old,

5 Denise Rolark Barnes 3 Rachel Reeves

30 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

5 Hermene Hartman

5 Tracy Baim

5 Janis Ware

Black Atlanta was all about.

Even more, I gained a newfound respect for the Black businessowners, politicians, clergy and ordinary people who refused to submit to white supremacy and Jim Crow, no matter what the cost.

History became alive for me while working under Ware in Atlanta.

After moving to Miami, I was given the opportunity to work at one of the oldest Black publications in the U.S., The Miami Times.

Its publisher, Rachel Reeves, was a woman that made you hate and love her at the same time. She pushed me in ways that I never could have imagined. But she taught me so much that I will never be able to forget her.

Many times, we would be in the office until close to midnight, fine-tuning the front page or making late calls to secure interviews that we needed for breaking news stories.

Each word mattered to her and I was forced to find the perfect headline, the perfect hook to a story, the perfect caption for a photograph – the perfect word.

The result would be The Miami Times, one year, was chosen as the No. 1 Black Newspaper in the U.S. But as was her way, I was given little time to rest on my laurels. As she often told me, ‘You’re only as good as your last byline.”

And she had another saying which I took to heart: “Less is more.”

Today, I remain with the Black Press, this time in Washington, D.C. with The Washington Informer.

The publisher, Denise Rolark Barnes, like Reeves, may have encountered fewer hurdles had she been a man. But like Reeves, Rolark Barnes has made a way – often out of no way

– and continued to illustrate that excellence should not and cannot be defined or limited to gender.

With over 25 years as a journalist, there have been times when I began to think I knew it all and had experienced it all. Rolark Barnes has showed me that there remains more to see, more to learn, more to understand and even greater challenges to face and to overcome as we bring the news to the Black community, sharing stories that often go overlooked and ignored.

Further, I have remained intrigued by her ability to take the conditions the Informer has faced as a small, Black-owned business and successfully kept the doors open – always remaining true to the mission first established by her father, Dr. Calvin Rolark, who formed the paper almost 60 years ago.

Yes, I know the nuts and bolts of the industry.

But she has allowed me to be creative in ways that no mainstream publication would have permitted. It’s a freedom that cannot be measured in dollars or described in words.

Most important, with Rolark Barnes, and under the tutelage of the previous editor who trained me to take over as she fell victim to cancer, Denise Rolark (yes, the names are similar), I have discovered that Washington, D.C. remains a city that most people do not understand.

I have learned why those born and raised in the District say they are “native Washingtonians” and say it with such pride.

The reports that have been published in most of our nation’s newspapers and magazines often miss the point.

Why? Because their reporters don’t speak with the men, women and

children who have experienced life beyond the pristine halls of Congress or who reside in the city’s multi-million dollar homes or who are fortunate enough to have prestigious, six-figure salary positions.

Those reporters have failed to explore why men like Marion Barry, despite his shortcomings, continues to be revered.

He, like so many others, loved this city and gave their all to make life better for those who were relegated to the sidelines and forced to live in less-desired portions of the District.

Finally, a chance meeting with another woman, Dorothy Butler Gilliam, deserves mention.

As the first Black woman at The Washington Post, her life has been an amazing adventure. But with six decades of media history under her belt, she has remained one of the most inspiring women I have ever met.

Could I have withstood the hatred, the madness and the countless examples of prejudice that she faced in her career, while always maintaining poise and professionalism? I do not know. I actually kind of doubt it, although I wish I could say otherwise.

She is a phenomenal woman. Gilliam and the other women I have mentioned, have all made a difference in my life and in the shaping of my career as a journalist. They have helped me realize many of my dreams – and I have more living and writing and dreaming to do.

They have mattered in my life in profound ways. They still matter in my life – even those who have since gone on to glory.

And I am sure, that they will matter in the lives of journalists who come after me – in ways that even those writers may never know. WI @mcneirdk

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MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 31

LIFESTYLE Friends Say ‘Farewell’ to Askia Muhammad

Broadcast Icon Made a Difference in the Nation’s Capital Denise Rolark Barnes WI Staff Writer Nearly 100 admirers attended the memorial service for poet, journalist, radio producer, commentator, and photojournalist Askia Muhammad to honor him and thank him for his impact on their lives, both personally and professionally.

The standing-room-only crowd spilled over into an overflow room at Busboys and Poets, located on K Street N.W. last Saturday for a nearly four-hour program filled with testimonials, poetry and music.

It was a walk down memory lane going back to Askia’s earliest days when he arrived in D.C. in 1977 as a White House correspondent for the Chicago Defender and later a volunteer at Pacifica Radio – WPFW 89.3 FM. In 2008, he was named news director and maintained a leadership role at the station where he continued

to work until his death on February 17.

Red and white peppermint candies scattered on tables set the stage for Jamil Muhammad, co-host of the jazz show Yardbird Sweets launched

by Askia 43 years ago and aired every Tuesday morning on WPFW. Jamil quoted a document read at Askia’s private funeral service held March 3 at Masjid Muhammad DC, the mosque on 4th Street in Northwest.

Jamil instructed everyone to place the candy in their mouth as he read from Askia’s article.

“Let it dissolve naturally,” he said.

“You’ll notice in time that piece of candy will get smaller and smaller until it is no more. That’s how our lives are. In time, all of our lives fade until it is no more but we are left with the sweet memories of our dearly departed.”

“Askia is not gone,” Jamil said, “his spirit lives on.”

5 Friends gathered at Bus Boys & Poets in Northwest to pay tribute to Askia Muhammad on March 5. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

One by one, Askia was remembered as a family member, mentor, friend, counselor, teacher, husband and father. Associates at WPFW, where Askia worked for more than 40 years, echoed each other’s admiration for the one WPFW co-founder Lorne Crest Love called the “Grandfather of WPFW.” “I always relied on his sage advice,” said Gloria Minot, a former on-air news reporter at WPFW. And, Sue Goodwin, who also described what it was like to work with Askia, noted, “His unshakeable commitment to journalism meant we never forgot what we were doing and why” and his “profound intellect pushed us to go beyond the easy and the obvious.”

“His extraordinary talent using the spoken word, and oh that voice, led

5 A capacity crowd gathered at Bus Boys & Poets in Northwest to pay tribute to Askia Muhammad on March 5. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

32 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

us each week from story idea to great radio; never settling for just headlines but insisting we make a choice as journalists to enlighten our listeners,” she said.

Kojo Nnamdi, the former host of Howard University’s WHUT Evening Exchange program, of which Askia was a regular guest, said, “Everything he [Askia] did was thoughtful and deliberate. One of the things I admired the most about Askia,” he added, “was his demeanor; he carried himself as if to say, ‘I am a proud Black man.’ He was a brilliant thinker and writer.”

As speakers took to the stage, photos of Askia flashed on a screen showing him with such luminaries as Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan, to name a few. He was a former editor-in-chief for Muhammad Speaks and senior editor of the Final Call.

Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes recalled when her father, the late Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, invited Askia to write a weekly column.

“We couldn’t always pay him on time,” Rolark Barnes said, adding that Askia’s patience showed that money was not the motivation behind writing his weekly column.

“He showed how much he cared about educating and informing our community and that the Informer was a tool in which he could do that. I was proud to work with him,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of Askia’s family were his daughter, Nadirah Moreland, his son, Raafi Rivero, and his grandson, Leo. Moreland read from a reflection written by Askia, an only child when he lost his mother. She also recalled the lyrics from an Aretha Franklin song, “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

She said if there was one thing her father imparted to her, it is to “Go out and love.”

Raafi, a graduate of Howard University, recalled his father’s joy in the call and response tradition of the Black church, “the atomic union of Black Culture,” his father told him.

For him, WPFW became his “third family.”

“My favorite days were the all station meetings,” he said, while describing the hundreds of people in attendance, each of whom cared about the station.

“And, I thought it was a tremendous gift for people who thought about something bigger than themselves. It was a tremendous experience that all of you created,” he said.

The final word came from Askia’s grandson who said, “Every Tuesday, my mom made me listen to the radio station. Now I realize my mom let me listen to him [his grandfather].

It was a pleasure to listen to him every day. Now that’ he’s gone, I don’t know what I’m going do.”

The memorial program was organized by WPFW’s Jerry Paris and Katea Stitt. They announced a walk in honor of Askia to be held near his birthday on March 28. Details will be announced soon. WI

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BUSINESS from Page 15

“The Michaels team is so proud to be a part of this exciting redevelopment process, as it provides the opportunity to not only bring beautiful, sustainable, affordable homes to the residents of Ward 7 but it also allows us to invest in the people of the Kenilworth community, which is just as important”

and late Ms. Denise Stanley, that make this project a success. We’re proud of what we’re accomplishing here and look forward to continued partnerships and growth.”

The District contributed $16.9 million from the Housing Production Trust Fund while an additional $4 million came from the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development. The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency contributed $41.4 million in tax exempt bonds and administered $2.8 million in 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit allocations from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, leveraging $26.2 million in equity.

"Thanks to a team effort, today we celebrate the beginning of new opportunities for future seniors and families who will live in the 166 affordable housing units in Kenilworth," said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio. "This advances Mayor Bowser's bold goal to deliver an additional 36,000 units of housing, including at least 12,000 units of affordable housing, by 2025." WI

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velopment team, comprised of The Michaels Organization, The Warrenton Group, and their partner firms, will be creating 45 new positions at this site. At least 65% of new employees will be low to moderate income residents, meeting our HUD requirements. In addition to jobs, Kenilworth Courts residents will have access to services and training allowing the community to participate in every step of this project.

“The Michaels team is so proud to be a part of this exciting redevelopment process, as it provides the opportunity to not only bring beautiful, sustainable, affordable homes to the residents of Ward 7 but it also allows us to invest in the people of the Kenilworth community, which is just as important,” said John O'Donnell, CEO of The Michaels Organization.

Warren C. Williams, Jr., CEO of the Warrenton Group said, “for more than a decade, we’ve worked hand-inhand with the community to create balanced development in Ward 7.

“With four- and five-bedroom units, innovative design and a qual-

ity build-out, Kenilworth 166 offers living spaces that address the needs of existing residents and also offer incredible value to new residents,” Williams said. “The future of this neighborhood is bright and it is the collaborative approach engaging long-time advocates like our beloved

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PG FORUM from Page 18

LIFESTYLE

be critical so that policymakers can make more informed decisions…”

Another question focused on ways to end mass incarceration and responding to a mental health crisis without the assistance of law enforcement.

Ivey said she co-sponsored legislation to encourage employees to hire Prince George’s residents coming home from jail or prison.

She also mentioned Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham opening a behavioral health pavilion. The 31,200-squarefoot building plans to open in April for ambulatory services and in December to open an inpatient unit.

“That’s going to be a big benefit to so many people whether you are returning from incarceration or not,” Ivey said. “If you’re having these kinds of problems, you need this kind of care.”

Blegay, an attorney for the D.C. Nurses Association who resides in Kettering, said policies should have a “trauma-informed approach” at all levels of government.

5 Michael Esteve. (Photo courtesy of City of Bowie)

She later said economic development remains the county’s biggest challenge to expand the commercial tax base but “we can’t do that if returning citizens don’t have the proper support. If we don’t give them support, they’re going to look for ways to make money so they can support themselves.”

Candidates have until March 22 to file for the June 28 primary election.

WI @WJFjabariwill

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LIFESTYLE

Food, Business and Family Contribute to the Recipe for ‘Grace’ Ford's Theatre brings World Premiere of Musical to DMV Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer Sounds of jazz, R&B, rousing up-tempo tunes and raise-the-roof ballads create the scene for "Grace," a new musical slated for Ford's Theatre from March 19 to May 14.

The production examines a history of African-American culinary traditions and the challenges Blackowned restaurants face.

Native Washingtonian Nolan Williams co-wrote the book and composed the music for the musical.

From his extensive creative works, local audiences know Williams from directing and producing the television special "Becoming Douglass Commonwealth," the video advocating DC Statehood.

His musical stage productions include "Stirring the Waters Across America" at The Kennedy Center and "Go, Tell It!" at Lincoln Theatre.

Influenced by the book "The Philadelphia Negro” by W.E.B. DuBois, the musical serves as a fictionalized story of a Black family that

Through hard work and determination, Dorothy Gilliam gained a place as the first African American woman reporter at The Washington Post. We celebrate Women’s History Month with a page about this pioneering reporter.

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 3-17-22

34 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

5 Washingtonian Nolan Williams, Jr., is the co-writer and music composer for "Grace," a new musical opening from March 17 - May 14 at Ford's Theatre. The production examines a history of African-American culinary traditions and the challenges Blackowned restaurants face. (Photo courtesy Marvin Joseph for Ford's Theatre)

owned a successful restaurant and catering business in Philadelphia.

The matriarch's passing, family dynamics and gentrification put the future of the business in question.

Beyond looking at the survival of the family business, the production digs deeply into Black food culture and cooking traditions.

Williams credits his mentor, the late Steven Newsome, with planting the seed for "Grace." Newsome had a rich and respected history in developing African-American history and culture programs and in-

stitutions in the District, Maryland and Virginia.

"I didn't know the origins of foods like black-eyed peas, okra,

"The more I was nursing this history, the more the history was singing to me."

watermelon or rice and how those crops are native to Africa," Williams said. "As you trace these food traditions, they are parallel with the plight of Africans in America."

There’s a small section about Black chefs in the DuBois' book that further fueled Williams' desire to move forward with the musical – a production that has been eight years in the making.

"The more I was nursing this history, the more the history was singing to me," Williams said. "I did not set out to create a musical about Black food and traditions. I just followed my curiosity."

Co-writer with Williams for "Grace" is OBIE-winning and Pulitzer-nominated writer Nikkole Salter. The production is directed and choreographed by Robert Barry Fleming. The Ford's Theatre production features David Hughey, Arica Jackson, Raquel Jennings, Rayshun Lamarr, Jarran Muse, Solomon Parker, Nova Y. Payton and Virginia Woodruff.

"Grace is ultimately a story about culture. It raises questions about how we preserve and honor culture and contemplates the myriad of ways in which culture is lost, disregarded or misrepresented," Williams said. "Now, more than ever, this is an important conversation for us to engage in."

For more information or for tickets, visit www.fords.org.

WI

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MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 35

LIFESTYLE

Up, Up and Away with the 5th Dimension

Original Member Florence LaRue Takes Audience Down Memory Lane Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer It's hard to believe the 5th Dimension officially began their career in 1967.

Amassing 22 Top 40 hits, five No.1 songs and six Grammys, two of their songs, "Up, Up and Away" in 1967 and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" in 1969, both garnered Grammy Song of the Year.

The group recently performed at The Barns at Wolf Trap to an audience eager to relive memories of those chart-topping sounds from the 60s and 70s and the 5th Dimension did not disappoint.

Florence LaRue serves as the only original member in the current 5th Dimension lineup that

includes male vocalists Leonard Tucker, Floyd Armstrong, Sidney Jacobs and female vocalist Patrice Morris.

Each member brings accomplished individual careers as vocalists. The evening at The Barns allowed each singer to shine. Despite the pitch-perfect, many, including this writer, wanted more than the 90-minute set would allow. Nonetheless, we fed well.

Now on a national tour which continues through October, La Rue spoke with the Informer prior to the groups DC-area performance. She pointed out how their hits came from collaborations with some of the best songwriters in the business including: Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Laura

Erica Elizabeth Carter 5/12/68 - 3/08/18

Nyro, Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, Jimmy Webb and many others.

Webb wrote "Up, Up and Away" and "MacArthur Park," first recorded by the 5th Dimension.

LaRue spoke about becoming a group member with a surprising admission.

"I didn't want to be in the group,” she said. “I was in college and my ambition was to be a teacher and a movie star. I was in my last year of college but I didn't know how to get into movies, so my friends entered me into beauty contests. The year I was in the Miss Bronze California pageant, I won the talent category for my singing."

Years later, LaRue met a man, who served as a judge, along with Eartha Kitt, in the aforementioned Miss Bronze California pageant.

He told LaRue that when she performed "April in Paris" in French, Kitt leaned over and said, "There's your winner." He would later tap LaRue to be in the singing group he had been forming which became the 5th Dimension.

FAITH KEEPS THE GROUP GOING

LaRue preaches the gospel about how her life has been divinely-driven. She feels a responsibility

5 Florence LaRue is the only original member in the current 5th Dimension lineup performed with the group recently at The Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. (Courtesy photo)

to be a positive spirit for others.

"We are a great influence, especially on young people," she said.

"I think the way you dress, the lyrics that we sing, we have to be aware of what we are doing and how we are influencing others."

Throughout the show, Wolf Trap fans sang along, swaying to the songs. The opening compositions represented hits from the group's contemporaries like Motown ensembles and Earth, Wind and Fire.

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Hearing those songs provided context for how many big hits the 5th Dimension had during the 60s and 70s. They began singing "Working on a Groovy Thing," composed by Neil Sedaka, who had his own chart-topping solo singing career. Applause came non-stop as the group sang "Wedding Bell Blues" written by Laura Nyro, "The Worse that Could Happen," another Webb composition and "Last Night, I Couldn't Get to Sleep at All" composed by Tony Macaulay.

For one segment of the evening, a creative theme was a medley of songs that focused on the rain.

When speaking about working with Webb, LaRue touched on how Black listeners may have been slow to figure out the music of the 5th Dimension.

"Our music evolved into something that was not expected for Black people to do. But it fit our voices," said the 80-year-old LaRue. Being accepted by Black audiences came up for the group in the Oscar-nominated documentary "Summer of Soul." Years of hits validate the 5th Dimension sound.

Based on their tour schedule, the group returns to the DC area in October. Keep up with the 5th Dimension at http://5thdimensionlive.com WI

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LIFESTYLE

Johnny Brown, Bookman of ‘Good Times,’ Dead at 84

Actor Showcased His Multiple Talents During a Stellar Career D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor Johnny Brown, best known for his portrayal of Nathan Bookman, the building superintendent for the Evans family on the popular 1970s sitcom “Good Times,” died on March 2 at the age of 84.

Brown had reportedly just left his doctor’s office in Los Angeles for a pacemaker procedure before becoming ill and being taken to a nearby hospital where he died.

The announcement of his sudden death came via an Instagram post from his daughter, Sharon Brown.

“It's too terrible. It will never not be. It's a shock. He was literally snatched out of our lives. It's not real for us yet,” said Sharon Brown, an actor and composer. “So, there will be more to say but not now. Dad was the absolute best. We love him so very much.”

Born June 11, 1937 in St. Petersburg, Florida, Brown, like most of his Black contemporaries, would prove himself to be far more than just an actor – something essential for African-American actors as they first began to receive opportunities in roles other than as maids or butlers in the 60s and 70s.

He also displayed his prowess as a singer and could easily swing into the role as an accomplished impersonator, mimicking the voices and mannerisms of such luminaries as Louis Armstrong and John Wayne.

Fans of “Good Times” will recall him often swaggering like “the Duke” and sounding almost identical to the white actor and Western films’ superstar, John Wayne.

“Good Times” served as a spinoff from “Maude” and centered on the Evans family, led by a strong father figure – a rarity in those days – James Evans (John Amos) and the family matriarch Florida (Esther Rolle) in a Chicago housing project. It also featured Jimmie Walker, who became famous for his trademark "Dynomite!" phrase, a young Janet Jackson, BernNadette Stanis and Ralph Carter.

Brown’s ability to tackle roles of everyday people, along with his humor,

charisma and portly appearance, served him well both on stage and on the screen. He started as a promoter before launching his acting career after winning an Apollo Theater amateur night contest and appearing in nightlife shows alongside his fiancée, June, and recording songs for both Columbia and Atlantic Records.

He established himself as one of the few Black actors on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” with nearly 50 appearances on the iconic comedy show from 1970 to 1972.

Consider what Brown would have brought in the role of Lamont Sandford, the son and fellow business owner to Redd Foxx on “Sanford and Son.” While we will never know, it can be confirmed that Brown had emerged as a finalist for the role of Lamont. However, because of his agreement with “Laugh-In,” he could not accept the role which would be eventually be awarded to Demond Wilson.

Brown also appeared on “The Flip Wilson Show,” “The Jeffersons,” “Family Matters,” “Sister, Sister,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” “The Wayans Bros,” “227” and “Martin.”

But in his role as Bookman, often called “Booger” by Willona Woods, the gossiping neighbor of the Evans

Family, portrayed by the equally-talented Ja’Net DuBois, Brown took every advantage of his chance to shine. He would showcase his many skills as Norman Lear and his team of producers expanded Brown’s role as other characters, most notably James Evans (John Amos) left the show.

Brown would emerge as much more than a comedic character – more than someone to poke fun at as Willona would routinely do.

Slowly but surely and in many ways, he would become an integral part of the Evans Family. “Good Times” debuted in 1974 and continued until 1979. Brown maintained his role for the show’s final four seasons.

And for those like this writer, who faithfully followed the show, both then and today, Brown’s performances became something to which we looked forward.

Stanis, who played Thelma Evans on “Good Times,” said she was “devastated” to hear about Brown's death.

“I will miss all the stories about Sammy Davis, Jr. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and even John Wayne,” Stanis wrote Saturday on Instagram.

“His talent was beyond measure . . .

He was such a pleasure to work with.

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5 Johnny Brown (Courtesy photo)

I certainly will miss his happy spirit and big smile. Praying for his family in every way. RIP my wonderful friend I will truly miss you.”

“That's the Way Love Goes” singer Jackson, who played abused child Penny Gordon Woods in Season 5, also shared in her condolences via Twitter.

“Such loving memories of our

time together. You were full of laughter and forever smiling. Always so sweet and so kind to me. I love you and will miss you,” she wrote.

Brown is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane Russell, his children Sharon and John Jr., a brother and two grandchildren.

WI @mcneirdk

MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 37

© 2022 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 38, No. 15

The Riddle of the Sphinx

REBUS: A PICTURE RIDDLE A rebus is a word or a phrase spelled out in pictures and letters.

One of the most famous is:

Can you figure out what these rebuses say?

Throughout history, heroes in tales must solve riddles to save others or travel to certain places.

In one Greek myth, the hero must solve the riddle posed by the Sphinx guarding the city of Thebes.

What is a riddle? Simply put, riddles are something challenging to understand. Sometimes they are a question with a surprising answer. Riddles make you think. And when you find the answer to the riddle, you just might feel a little smarter, or start laughing!

World’s Oldest Riddle

“What animal walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs at night?”

Riddles have been entertaining and challenging people for at least 4,000 years!

The oldest riddle that was written down is from Ancient Sumeria, where Iraq is today. It was written about 1900 B.C.

Think about it. Then, circle every other letter to reveal the answer.

Sphinxes appear in the art and legends of both ancient Greece and ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptians made many large statues of sphinxes. The largest and most famous Egyptian sphinx was carved near the the pyramids of Giza in about 2500 B.C. Do the math to see how big it is.

Here’s the world’s oldest riddle.

Can you figure out the answer?

“There is a house. One enters it blind and comes out seeing. What is it?”

99 + 99 + 42

ANSWER: A schoolhouse!

Clever, right? And a reminder of the importance of school!

22 + 22 + 22

King Odin’s Riddles

feet long feet high

Use King Odin’s Secret Code to solve the riddles.

=E =F =G =H

=O =S =T =V

Write 3-4

MYTHICAL REMINDER ANCIENT RIDDLE OLDEST ANSWER SPHINX HEROES SOLVE TALES REBUS WALKS BEING HUMAN LION

L A C I H T Y M C O

R I T N H E R O E S

E B O N T S E D L O

D E S N E L K T U L

N I P N D I A L D V I N H D R L C U A E

M G I R E W S N A W E R N S U B E R A M

R S X H U M A N A H

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Make a Rebus!

Cut pictures out of the newspaper and arrange them to create a word or a short message, such as “I love you” or “Do you see me?”

Can a family member figure it out?

Standards Link: Visual Arts: Understand that art can convey feelings or ideas.

Odin’s Riddle #2

Who is that great one who grasps the earth, swallowing wood and water?

Bad weather he dreads, wind, but no man, and picks a fight with the sun.

King Heidrek, guess my riddle.

Sweet Talk

Standards Link: Language Arts: Understand that poetry has multiple forms.

Have you ever sweet talked someone into helping you with a chore or into simply doing it for you? How did you do it?

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38 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

Write som t

Riddle Poetry

Look through the Thirty white horses on a red hill, newspaper for words first they champ, that start with each then they stamp, letter in the word, then they stand still.

RIDDLE. Cut out the King Heidrek, words and then make guess my riddle. a little poem using words that describe riddles and start with each of the letters in RIDDLE.

In ancient Viking myths, riddles are used to test intelligence and wisdom. A Norse myth about three mythological characters, King Odin, King Heidrek and Gestumblindi is a tale full of riddles.

But he also figures out that it is Odin and not Gestumblindi asking the riddles.

King Heidrek becomes furious and tries to kill Odin. Odin magically turns into a hawk and flies away.

How can this be? Hold this page up to a mirror for the explanation. sa ,sruof lla no lwarc ew seibab era ew nehW ew ega dlo ni ,sgel owt no klaw ew tluda na .)kcits gniklaw a( gel driht a deen

Odin’s Riddle #1

din is the Norse god of wisdom, poetry, death, and magic. Odin is also the king of the mythological land of Asgard.

(You may remember from comic books or movies that his sons were Thor and Loki.)

To save Gestumblindi’s life, Odin asks King Heidrek 35 riddles. To do this, Odin poses as Gestumblindi. King Heidrek gets them all correct.

ABHCUYMJASN VBWELIKNCGB

No, the OTHER Sphinx!

Ancient Sumeria is also the civilization with the oldest surviving writing system that we know of!

He Start wi r

The Sphinx was a mythical creature with the body of a lion, the head of a human and the wings of an eagle. And as the guardian of Thebes, it ate the people who could not answer this tricky riddle!

Can YOU answer it?

Make a friends and with the Then ma describe looks, sme Write sta several li answer. Sh then end

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Standards Li evidence from

LIFESTYLE

wi book review "Idea Makers: 15 Fearless Female Entrepreneurs"

By Lowey Bundy Sichol c.2022, Chicago Review Press $16.99 224 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer You're a problem-solver.

You see something that you can make better and so you do. You've never met something that can't be improved, fixed, or altered in some way, and the solutions always come easy. It's a gift, really, one that you're happy to share with people, so why not take a page from "Idea Makers"

by Lowey Bundy Sichol and make it a career?

"I coulda thought of that!"

You've probably said that a lot, especially after you've seen something that's making somebody a lot of money. You could have created that.

You could improve on that idea right now. You could be rich like Mark Zuckerberg or Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk.

But what about female entrepreneurs? Says Sichol, about forty percent of the businesses in the U.S. are run by women, generating nearly $2 trillion bucks a year. Their stories are just as exceptional, and just as inspirational...

To be an entrepreneur, Sichol says, solve a problem. Heidi Zak realized how inconvenient it was to buy a bra in-person, so she founded ThirdLove. Jenn Hyman understood that designer clothing was expensive, and she sketched out Rent the Runway.

If there's something for which you have a passion, then look at the story of Alli Webb, who knew that women wanted fun, fuss-free beauty and so she founded the Dry Bar. Lisa Price followed her nose, quite literally, into Carol's Daughter, an empire that offers wonderfully scented beauty products specifically for African American skin.

Think about Reshma Saujani, if you like to make a difference by helping others. She had two careers before realizing that helping girls learn to code was what she loved to do. Jasmine Crowe knew the stats: millions of people go hungry every day in this country, and her Goodr helps fix that problem.

Finally, pay attention. Good ideas often come naturally when you work hard and keep your eyes open. It happened to Tate's Bake Shop's Kathleen King and Spanx's Sara Blakely, and it could happen to you.

As you're paging through "Idea Makers" and feeling quite inspired, one thing might eventually strike you: the women inside these pages are not necessarily household names. Some, in fact, may be totally unfamiliar to you which, in a way, makes its own point: fame isn't a requirement for entrepreneurship. The Gwyneth Paltrows and the Beyonces of the world aren't the only ones who can launch businesses.

In her introduction, and repeatedly through the profiles she shares, author Lowey Bundy Sichol also shows that gender has nothing to do with success, either, nor does speed. The stories of the women inside this book subtly show perseverance and dedication, two traits that are often ignored in many be-an-entrepreneur books. That honesty may, for readers who dream of being their own boss someday, be the best part of what you'll read.

You might find this book in the Young Adult section, but it's completely appropriate for an adult who's struggling to find a path. If that's you, reading "Idea Makers" may solve that problem. WI

horoscopes

MAR 10 - 16, 2022

ARIES You might feel like you're speaking a different language than your partner or a love interest early in the week. Instead of trying to chart new territory together, you'd do well to stick to tried and true ways of connecting, which can keep your chemistry harmonious through this tricky time. Lucky Nos. 3,7,11,29,33,48 TAURUS You can look forward to a beautiful connection between your head and your heart when the week starts. What you want to say and what you feel will be very much in sync, allowing you to open up to your partner or someone special in a way that is sure to resonate. Lucky Nos. 8,13,17,24,39,44 GEMINI Trying to stick to your regularly scheduled programming might be especially challenging at the start of the week. Being open to last-minute changes in plans or different ways of checking things off your to-do list can help this rocky moment feel less stressful. Lucky Nos. 1,3,18,22,36,41 CANCER As the week starts, you can look forward to a sexy, fun-loving tone that's perfect for sending flirtatious messages, sharing witty banter, and enjoying impromptu fun with someone special. The more intellectually stimulating the activity (think going to a museum or watching a thought-provoking film), the more memorable and bond-bolstering it will be. Lucky Nos. 2,17,25,32,37,43 LEO In the beginning of the week, you might feel compelled to take a microscope to the current personal path you're on, as well as your closest relationships. You'd do well to have heart-to-heart talks related to any emotional issues that were put on the back burner and revise any game plans that have stagnated related to your home life. Lucky Nos. 6,11,20,39,41,47 VIRGO Early in the week, your curiosity is high, as is your thirst for enjoying intellectually stimulating moments with your love interest. Talking about the issues of the day or brainstorming creative ideas that you can take on together might serve not only as a form of foreplay but also strengthen your mental and emotional connection. Lucky Nos. 5,13,24,32,38,45 LIBRA When the week starts, you might have to contend with confusion around moneymaking projects or technical glitches related to cash flow. You'd do well to double-check paperwork like receipts, paychecks, and invoices while also taking advantage of the opportunity to go back to the drawing board on any previously paused endeavors that might elevate your earning potential.

Lucky Nos. 2,7,19,26,37,44 SCORPIO Meditating on how you present and see yourself might be your focus when the week starts. You'll be conscious of your self-image and the relationships that you feel define you.

Working on your self-awareness now and considering how that dovetails with your most heartfelt, long-term aspirations can prove productive in the long run. Lucky Nos. 9,11,20,37,41,45 SAGITTARIUS You're in for a treat as the week begins. Pleasure-seeking vibes bump up your appetite for self-pampering, whether that means getting a massage, enjoying an impromptu road trip, or spending an evening cooking and sharing an exotic meal with your love. Giving in to your urge for adventure and indulgence when you can will surely ramp up your joy. Lucky Nos. 3,14,16,25,38,44 CAPRICORN In the beginning of the week, you might be caught off guard when colleagues or friends from the past resurface to reconnect. Or you might need to put your nose to the grindstone on a group project you'd previously paused. Either way, it's all about rediscovering the power of joining forces with others and improving your team spirit. 4,17,21,23,30,48 AQUARIUS Early in the week, the tone is set for a joyful time spent with friends, neighbors, or colleagues. Whether you're attending a party or mingling with acquaintances, connecting with others feels fulfilling. Later, you might find that a wrench is thrown in your aspirations to take on more responsibility or apply for that exciting new job opportunity. Lucky Nos. 2,19,23,25,37,43 PISCES At the start of the week, the cosmos stimulates your desire to share an eye-opening, horizon-broadening experience with someone special. Don't discount your wildest daydreams or most out-there fantasies related to travel or another learning opportunity. Instead, putting them into words, even if it's just on a journal page for now, can help turn them into heartwarming reality. Lucky Nos. 5,14,26,35,39,41

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 39

CAPTURE the moment

For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com

5 A.B. Spelling, standing near a portrait of Askia Muhmmad, shares fond memories of Askia joining a poetry group.

(Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) 3 Brother Nana Kwabena Brown pours libation in memory of Askia Muhammad during a tribute at Bus Boys & Poets in Northwest on March 5. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) 6 Katea Still, a producer at WPFW, and Andy Shallal, owner of Bus Boys & Poets, speak during the tribute to Askia Muhammad held March 5 in Northwest. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) (Bottom right) Kojo Nnamdi talks about working with the late Askia Muhammad during a tribute at Bus Boys & Poets in Northwest on March 5. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

40 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

SPORTS

Sidwell Friends, Ballou, Georgetown Day Take DCSAA Basketball Titles Ed Hill WI Sports Writer

The DC Metropolitan area has long been known as one of the hotbeds for high school basketball and after stellar performances on Sunday, March 6, that long held belief remains intact.

The event would be the DC State Athletic Association [DCSAA] boys and girls basketball championships held at the Smith Center on the campus of George Washington University in Northwest DC. The competing teams would be grouped into two classes, Class A for the smaller schools and Class AA for the larger schools.

This year served as the ninth time the tournament showcased the District’s top private, charter and D.C. Public Schools and proved to memorable.

Boys AA Champs – Sidwell Friends The Sidwell Friends boys and girls both won to make history and become the first time that teams from the same high school won the title.

In the boys Class AA action, the No. 7 Sidwell Friends Quakers (29-1) won in dramatic fashion on a tip-in

by Caleb Williams following a miss by a teammate at the buzzer to stun No. 2 Wilson, 46-45.

The Tigers (27-5) had held a 10-point lead with a little under two minutes left but Sidwell, who won its their second title in three years, refused to quit. With Caleb and Christian Gamble leading the charge, the Quakers went on a run and cut the deficit to 45-44 with 48 seconds remaining on two free throws by Caleb.

Wilson still had a chance to put

the game away but turned the ball over twice on successive possessions.

The Wilson defense, determined to not let Caleb get the last shot, forced Christian into a difficult three-point attempt. The shot came up short but fortuitously landed in Caleb’s hands who scored on a tip-in as the buzzer sounded, sending his team and coaches into a frenzy.

“I challenged him,” said an emotional Eric Singletary, the Quakers head coach. “He responded.”

Added Caleb, “Playing on a big stage is something that I really take pride in.”

The 6-7 sophomore guard captured MVP honors with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

The Wilson Tigers came into the game riding the talents of their outstanding 6-8 senior forward Darren “June” Buchanan, Jr. who was coming off a 24-point, 12-rebound effort in the semifinal and then announced his commitment to Virginia Tech prior to the game. While hurt early in the second quarter, he later returned and finished with seven points and five rebounds.

“That was part of our game to let him see bodies in front of him and not allow him to get downhill where he is effective,” said Singletary, who has been recognized as one of the top coaches in the area. During his tenure, Singletary has produced two NBA players in Sadiq Bey and Josh

Hart and now has the Quakers ranked among the best in the area.

Girls AA Champs – Sidwell Friends In the girls title matchup, it didn’t take long before Sidwell Friends flexed their muscles and cruised to an easy 69-41 victory over Georgetown Visitation.

The Quakers (28-0) are ranked Number 1 in the country and have the top player in UCLA commit, Kiki Rice.

Named game MVP, Kiki recorded a double-double of 10 points and 10 assists but two underclassmen made the difference. Jadyn Donovan, a smooth 6-1 junior forward, finished with 16 points 11 rebounds while sophomore guard Leah Harmon put on a show to lead all scorers with 24 points on eightof-14 shooting from the floor.

“It has been hard,” said Head Coach Tamika Dudley, partly excited and partly relieved. “We have played the toughest schedule in the country with seven ranked teams. It’s quite an accomplishment for these young ladies and for Sidwell Friends. It was the Quakers first title.”

BOYS A CHAMPS – BALLOU

In the boys Class A title game, Ballou from Southeast won their first state title, 55-54 over Bard on two free throws by Myron Cooper with 15 seconds remaining.

Wizards Defeat the Pacers #4 Ish Smith leaps for the layup during a win over the Indiana Pacers 133-123 on March 6 at Capital One Arena in Northwest.

(Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

#6 Kristaps Porzingas plays in his first game since being traded to the Wizards in a win over the Indiana Pacers 133-123 at Captial One Arena in Northwest on March 6. (Abdullah Konte/ The Washington Informer)

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

#8 Rui Hachimura is challenged by a defender during a win over the Indiana Pacers 133-123 at Captial One Arena in Northwest on March 6.

(Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

The Ballou Knights (17-8) led by 10 early but the Bard Falcons (14-13), in their first year of competition, battled back on the efforts of Kwari Harvey (12 points), Deangelo Fogle (12 points) and Demari Thompson (11 points, 13 rebounds) who combined for 26 of their team’s 32 second half points.

The difference in the outcome for Ballou would be sophomore guard Lorenzo Martin who refused to let his team lose. He made a number of key plays down the stretch and garnered MVP honors after leading all scorers with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

“He was outstanding today,” said Ballou Head Coach Andrew Barnes.

“I am proud of his and all the players’ efforts. When I first came here, we had to change the culture. I think that we took another step toward that today.

This was not just big for Ballou – it was big for the community.”

GIRLS A CHAMPS – GEORGETOWN DAY

In the girls Class A game, Zania Socka put on a dominating performance, posting a career game of 19 points, 13 blocks and nine rebounds to help Georgetown Day School Hoppers defeat the Banneker Bulldogs, 5926 for their first ever title.

A 6-3 sophomore, Socka set the tone early, controlling the post area and proving to be almost unstoppable against the shorter and undermanned Banneker (18-6).

Georgetown Day (24-4), the No. 1 seed, led 23-14 and then used a 20-6 third quarter push to open an insurmountable 43-20 lead at the end of the third quarter. When Socka wasn’t scoring in the paint area, she was forcing hurried shots from Banneker.

“This was by far the best game of her career,” said Georgetown Day Head Coach Aaliyah Ojeda-Brown.

“Her ability to be effective in the post area allows us to play inside out.”

With so much attention paid to Zania, it allowed Sofia Greenfield (16 points) and Madi Moore-Nicholson (14) to provide balance to the scoring.

Banneker’s outstanding junior guard Rhyan Baldwin was unable to get anything going as Georgetown Day forced her into three-of-25 shooting from the floor.

“We kept going after Zania but she’s a phenomenal player,” said Banneker Head Coach in assessing the challenges faced by Rhyan,” Banneker Head Coach Abby Sondek said.

Banneker (18-6) was led by Naki Cobb with 9 points.

WI

MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 41

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42 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

the candidates know what our priorities are and what they need to do if they hope to get elected to office.”

During the debate, affordable housing and public safety emerged as the primary issues for candidates.

Tiffany L. Brown, the advisory neighborhood commissioner for district 7B02, said there should have been a more robust discussion about mayoral control of schools.

D.C.’s public schools have been under the control of the mayor since 2007. But some residents want the educational system to revert back to being managed by an elected school board. Presently, an elected board of education consists of at-large and ward members serving primarily in an advisory capacity to the mayoral administration.

Brown also said the candidates should have addressed how they plan to put more funds into Ward 7 schools.

“We hear all of this talk about funding or defunding the police

but we don’t hear enough about funding our schools,” Brown said. “The money that is allocated to our schools doesn’t seem to be trickling down. We need city leaders to invest in education.”

Meanwhile, Ward 7 advisory

D.C.’s public schools have been under the control of the mayor since 2007. But some residents want the educational system to revert back to being managed by an elected school board.

neighborhood commission chairman Tyrell M. Holcomb said the candidates should have discussed the ward’s health care needs.

“Councilmember Gray has worked hard on improving the health care system in the city and especially in Wards 7 and 8,” said Holcomb, who represents single-member district 7F01.

“They needed to talk about health care. Many ward residents have health care challenges and while the new hospital at St. Elizabeths East will help people who live east of the river, the candidates should have explained how health care challenges can be dealt with in a more holistic manner and how to access health centers more easily,” Holcomb said.

Villareal Johnson, a longtime activist in Ward 7, noted other issues that he felt should have been addressed.

“Traffic has become a concern in the ward,” Johnson said. “The candidates should have talked about dealing with traffic from a Ward 7 perspective. How will they help residents deal with the growing traffic in this area? We don’t have as many transportation options as other wards have that have more Metro stations and bus lines than we do.”

Johnson pointed to his concern about education in the ward, like Brown, but on a different topic.

He feels there should be another middle school built near the Hillcrest neighborhood in Southeast.

“I like that Mayor Bowser mentioned that she is interested in rebuilding Winston Educational Campus into a feeder school for the four elementary schools in the neighborhood,” Johnson said.

Felder added that the candidates could have talked more about mental health.

“We had an episode of a woman who came to our forum who obviously had mental health challenges,” he said, speaking of a person who loudly interrupted the candidates while they spoke and left the room throwing dozens of pieces of literature on the floor. “There are a lot of people who need help in the ward and the candidates should have mentioned what they will do about mental health.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Strong Black Women – Still I Rise!

Remember Maya Angelou’s poem, Still I Rise? Let me cite just the first stanza. It says, “You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies, you may trod me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I’ll rise.”

This poem reminds me of my days at Trinity University here in Washington, D.C., when we heard our chair of the Communications Department often talked about how those of us who are earning our master’s degrees from his department ought to speak out against some of the mistreatment that we all witness on television, especially the evening news. He said, “African-American women are often portrayed by media as pregnant, promiscuous, poverty stricken, welfare cases, overweight, or as prostitutes.”

In the entire history of America, we are only now considering a vote to confirm an African-American woman for the Supreme Court.

Another history-making moment.

We are so proud of you Honorable Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson; let us keep her lifted up in prayer.

There are others shown as successful but the negative far outweighs the good. How do we continue to erase some of these hurtful and inaccurate stereotypes to reclaim a connection with our true selves? Black women are women of power and might!

According to findings compiled in a study by the National Center For Education Statistics, Black women have been obtaining degrees at a consistently high rate for the last eight years and counting. Information collected about higher education among African-Americans between 2009 and 2010 shows that Black women accounted for 68 percent of associate degrees, 66 percent of bachelor’s degrees, 71 percent of

master’s degrees and 65 percent of doctorate degrees awarded to Black students during that time frame.

The article also stated, “By both race and gender, there is a recent study that shows that Black women are enrolled in college at a higher percentage than any other group including white women, Asian women and white men.”

However, while the study does shed light on many positive aspects of Black women and education, some of the overall statistics are still immensely troubling. For example, as of 2012, only 15 percent of students enrolled in college were African American, a drastically low number relative to that of the 60 percent of white students enrolled.

How many of us know we are queens and that our strength, courage, persistence and faith propelled generations of our foremothers into our own world where we raised families based on love, Christian faith, wisdom passed down through the generations, and virtues that empower us to raise strong families, and to have productive careers?

We have had to sacrifice our love lives, skip vacations to stay focused and do those things which make us better while others have fun. We have had to go to Weekend College to get degrees as I did, which will give us more opportunities for growth at work and now according to some reports, Black women out-

number other ethnicities when it comes to going to college.

How many of our men are in prison here in America and shouldn't be? It is a modern day Jim Crow era. This leaves so many millions of Black women without spouses. Allow me to share how I felt the day I sat on stage at Lorton Prison as Les Brown delivered his riveting message to our beautiful Black men.

Immediately following his show one day, Brown had a speaking engagement at Lorton Prison, formerly in Virginia, and invited me to attend as part of my training. As I looked out into the audience, seeing good looking, African-American men, they reminded me of my brothers, my uncles and my father. It was that very moment I thought to myself, "So this is where all the black men are! No wonder 70 percent of African-American women like myself are without spouses.”

Police can lock up our men, yet poor African-American women caring for families all alone are portrayed in such a negative light!

I wonder what would be said if the TV producers could walk a mile in our shoes.

Thank God for this opportunity to write the truth about my people!

This column is to salute you, African-American women! As Harriet Tubman always said, “Keep-a-going!” Still I Rise.

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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MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 43

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

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

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Blessed Word of Life Church

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

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

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

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Campbell AME Church

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org

(Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340

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

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

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

44 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

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.

MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 45

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘Jesus Felipe Familia Lugo© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: ‘‘LUGO, FELIPE FAMILIA LUGO© ’’, corp.sole Dba.: ‘‘JESUS FELIPE FAMILIA LUGO© ’’, 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: ‘‘ Jesus Felipe Familia Lugo©’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘jesus felipe familia lugo© ’’. 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 DOMINICANA – REPUBLICA DOMINICANA – JUNTA CENTRAL ELECTORAL, STATE FILE NUMBER : 191-01191, ‘‘ JESUS FELIPE FAMILIA LUGO© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ jesus felipe familia lugo© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘ Jesus Felipe Familia Lugo© ’’. 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: ‘‘ jesus felipe familia lugo© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Jesus Felipe Familia Lugo© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘Jesus Felipe Familia Lugo 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. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.

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 000095

2021 ADM 000890

2021 ADM 001446

2022 ADM 000045

J. H. Michael aka John H. Michael aka John Henry Michael Decedent

Helen Branada Britt Decedent

Dorothy Hooper Decedent

William Ellsworth Reid, Jr. Decedent

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

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

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality.

Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “ Thurston Battles© ”, aka, “ Thurston Rafeeq Bilal© ”, “ Thurston Bilal© ”, and any and all derivatives, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ BATTLES, THURSTON© ”, corp.sole Dba.: “ THURSTON BATTLES©” , “ THURSTON RAFEEQ BILAL© ”, “ THURSTON BILAL© ”, “ THURSTON R BILAL© ”, “ THURSTON BILAL EL© ”, and any and all derivatives, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, and 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, Estados al-Marikanos, 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: “ Thurston Battles© ”, [ any and all derivatives ], from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " thurston rafeeq bilal el© ”. 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: 32, 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, “ Health, Ohio Department of ”, DBA: STATE OF OHIO : STATE FILE NUMBERS: 134, &, 53 182581, “ THURSTON BATTLES© ”, and all derivatives, is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Healing Love Trust© ”. 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: " thurston rafeeq bilal el© ”, nom deguerre: “ Thurston Battles© ”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : “ Healing Love 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. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.

Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo Volente.

Notice of Reference: 0112358-13

2022 ADM 000034 Esther Swinson Decedent Matthew F. Shannon, Esq. 1420 N Street, NW #203 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Valerie Swinson-Condell, whose address is 9918 Indian Queen Point Rd., Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Esther Swinson who died on November 1, 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 2/24/2022. 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 2/24/2022, 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: 2/24/2022 Valerie Swinson-Condell Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

46 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

Attorney Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Rd. Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ludmila Michael, whose address is 1810 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of J. H. Michael aka John H. Michael aka John Henry Michael who died on 9/20/2021 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 8/24/2022. 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 8/24/2022, 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: 2/24/2022 Ludmila Michael Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. 8601 Georgia Ave. #503 Silver Spring MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. & Carlos Lopez, Esq., whose addresses are 8601 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring MD 20910, was appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Helen Branada who died on 8/25/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/24/2022. 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 8/24/2022, 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: 2/24/2022 Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. Carlos Lopez, Esq. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Cathey Chamber, whose address is 125 Gerard Drive, Glen Burnie MD 21060, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Hooper who died on August 15, 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 8/24/2022. 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 8/24/2022, 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: 2/24/2022 Cathey Chamber Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Rohulamin Quander and Amos Stanford, whose addresses are 1703 Lawrence St., NE, Washington, DC 20018 and 6341 Golden Star Pl., Columbia, Md 21044, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of William Ellsworth Reid, Jr. who died on 11/23/2021 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 8/24/2022. 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 8/24/2022, 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: 2/24/2022 Rohulamin Quander Amos Stanford Personal Representative

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

2022 ADM 000093

22022 ADM 119

2021 ADM 001575

Elsie V. Spencer aka Elsie Vivian Spencer Decedent

LaVerne Martin Toler aka LaVerne Arnetta Toler Decedent

Eunice C. Robinson Decedent

Washington Informer

Law Office of Robert P. Newman Robert P. Newman, Esq. 801 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, Md 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sheila Feaster, whose address is 526 21st Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elsie V. Spencer aka Elsie Vivian Spencer who died on August 4, 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 9/3/2022. 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 9/3/2022, 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 Braxton Leon Toler Jr., whose address is 7489 7th St., NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LaVerne Martin Toler aka LaVerne Arnetta Toler who died on November 15, 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 9/3/2022. 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 9/3/2022, 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: 3/3/2022

Date of first publication: 3/3/2022

Braxton Leon Toler Jr. Personal Representative

Sheila Feaster Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jon Allen Cooper, whose address is 10112 Legacy Court, Clinton, Md. 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eunice C. Robinson who died on December 24, 2003 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: 3/10/2022 Jon Allen Cooper Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality.

Notice of White Flag Surrender.

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “Aviyah Baht Israel© ", f.k.a. “ Angie Lashanda Tatum© ”, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ TATUM, ANGIE LASHANDA© ”, corp.sole Dba.: “ ANGIE LASHANDA TATUM© ”, Dba.: “ ANGIE L TATUM© ”, and “ ISRAEL, AVIYAH BAHT© ”, corp.sole Dba.: “ AVIYAH BAHT ISRAEL© ”, Dba.: “ AVIYAH B ISRAEL© ”. I am that I am, appearing specially as the natural clan mother of, “ Hannah Marie Israel©,” and the Entitlement Holder, and Guardian of: “ ISRAEL, HANNAH MARIE© ”, corp sole. Dba: “ HANNAH MARIE ISRAEL© ”, Dba.: “ HANNAH M ISREAL© ”, as well as the natural clan mother of , “Lorie’L Israel©”, and the Entitlement Holder, and Guardian of: “ ISRAEL, LORIE’L© ”, corp sole.

Dba: “ LORIE’L ISRAEL© ”.

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 our tribal intention to be as our pedigree subscribes, as: Moorish Americans, but not citizens of the United States. We declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Estados alMarikanos, 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 our nationality in good faith as: Moorish Americans. I am that I am: “Aviyah Baht Israel© ”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ zahra el bey© ”. “ Hannah Marie Israel©”, from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ yasmina el bey© ”. “Lorie’L Israel© ”, from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality /Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ safina el bey© ”. Any and all facts contained in this publication, are fully applicable to any and all private tribal issue offspring of the affirmant, nunc pro tunc, not limited to but including: 1.“yasmina el bey©”, formerly known as: “Hannah Marie Israel©”, the beneficiary and heir of: ISRAEL, HANNAH MARIE©, corp sole. Dba: HANNAH MARIE ISRAEL©, and 2. “safina el bey©, formerly known as: Lorie’L Israel©” the beneficiary and heir of: “ ISRAEL, LOREI’L© ”, corp sole. Dba: “ LORIE’L ISRAEL© ”, ect.. Notice of 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:[1] “ TATUM, ANGIE LASHANDA© ”, [2] “ ANGIE LASHANDA TATUM© ”, [3] “ ANGIE L TATUM© ”, [4] “ ISRAEL, AVIYAH BAHT© ”, [5] “ AVIYAH BAHT ISRAEL© ”, [6] “ AVIYAH B ISRAEL© ”, [7] “ ISRAEL, HANNAH MARIE© ”, [8] “ HANNAH MARIE ISRAEL© ”, [9] HANNAH M ISRAEL©”, [10] “ ISRAEL, LORIE’L© ”, [11] “ LORIE’L ISRAEL© ”. 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: 32, 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, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH- The State Office Of Vital Records- THE STATE FILE NUMBER(S): [1] 2019GA000091579, “HANNAH MARIE ISRAEL©”, [2] 2021GA000045597, “LORIE’L ISRAEL©”, &, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ALAMEDA- The State Office Of Vital Records- STATE FILE NUMBER: [3] 81E074665, LOCAL REGISTRATION DISTRICT AND CERTIFICATE NUMBER: 601504023, “ANGIE LASHANDA TATUM© ”, is as a special deposit order, conveyed to “ Obaavihanlor Trust© ”. 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 / Guardian / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " zahra el bey© ", nom deguerre: “ Aviyah Baht Israel© ”, formerly, “ Angie Lashanda Tatum© ”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : “ Obaavihanlor 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. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality.

Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: "Devin Dante Adam Dillard© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue Devin Dante Adam Dillard, the beneficiary and heir of: “ ", corp.sole Dba.: "DEVIN DA DILLARD; DEVIN D ADAM DILLARD; DEVIN DANTE A DILLARD; DEVIN D. ADAM DILLARD; DEVIN DANTE A. DILLARD; DEVIN D.A. DILLARD; D.D.A. DILLARD; DDA DILLARD; D. DILLARD; D DILLARD; DEVIN DILLARD; DILLARD, DEVIN; DEVIN D. DILLARD; DEVIN D DILLARD; DILLARD, DEVIN DANTE ADAM; DILLARD, DEVIN DA; DILLARD, DEVIN D.A.; DDAD; D.D.A.D; DDD; DD; D.D.D; D.D © ", 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, Estados alMarikanos, 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: " Devin Dante Adam Dillard© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " chief minister aahil star© ". 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: 32, 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: Arkansas Department of Public Health: 2968701, : " DEVIN DA DILLARD; DEVIN D ADAM DILLARD; DEVIN DANTE A DILLARD; DEVIN D. ADAM DILLARD; DEVIN DANTE A. DILLARD; DEVIN D.A. DILLARD; D.D.A. DILLARD; DDA DILLARD; D. DILLARD; D DILLARD; DEVIN DILLARD; DILLARD, DEVIN; DEVIN D. DILLARD; DEVIN D DILLARD; DILLARD, DEVIN DANTE ADAM; DILLARD, DEVIN DA; DILLARD, DEVIN D.A.; DDAD; D.D.A.D; DDD; DD; D.D.D; D.D© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Jasir’s Crown Trust© ". 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: " chief minister aahil star© ", nom deguerre: " Devin Dante Adam Dillard© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: " Jasir’s Crown 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. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Any and All Attorneys with a License from the BAR Association are explicitly prohibited from administering " Jasir’s Crown 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.

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: " Bernita Marie Jeanette Banks© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ ", corp.sole Dba.: "BERNITA M.J BANKS;BERNITA MJ BANKS; B.M.J. BANKS; BMJ BANKS;B. BANKS;BANKS, B;BERNITA BANKS;BANKS, BERNITA; BANKS, BERNITA MARIE JEANETTE; BANKS, BERNITA JEANETT MARIE;BERNITA MARIE BANKS;BERNITA M BANKS; BERNITA M. BANKS; BANKS, BERNITA M.J ;BANKS, JM BERNITA; BANKS, J.M BERNITA; BERNITA MJB; BERNITA M,J.B ;BMJB; BJMB;BERNITA JEANETTE BANKS;BERNITA J.M BANKS;BANKS, MARIE JEANETTE BERNITA;BANKS, MJ BERNITA; BANKS, JM BERNITA;BANKS, J.M BERNITA©", 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, Estados alMarikanos, 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: " Bernita Marie Jeanette Banks© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " zola el bey© ". 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: 32, 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: Illinois Department of Public Health: 112-79-6030007, :BERNITA M.J BANKS;BERNITA MJ BANKS; B.M.J. BANKS; BMJ BANKS;B. BANKS;BANKS, B;BERNITA BANKS;BANKS, BERNITA; BANKS, BERNITA MARIE JEANETTE; BANKS, BERNITA JEANETT MARIE;BERNITA MARIE BANKS;BERNITA M BANKS; BERNITA M. BANKS; BANKS, BERNITA M.J ;BANKS, JM BERNITA; BANKS, J.M BERNITA; BERNITA MJB; BERNITA M,J.B ;BMJB; BJMB;BERNITA JEANETTE BANKS;BERNITA J.M BANKS;BANKS, MARIE JEANETTE BERNITA;BANKS, MJ BERNITA; BANKS, JM BERNITA;BANKS, J.M BERNITA©",, is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Suna Star Trust© ". 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: " zola el bey© ", nom deguerre: " Bernita Marie Jeanette Banks© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: " Suna Star 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. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Any and All Attorneys with a License from the BAR Association are explicitly prohibited from administering " Suna Star 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.

Notice of Reference: 0112358-13

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

2022 ADM 000081

2021 ADM 001141

2022 ADM 000125

Mary Frances Thomas aka Mary F. Thomas Decedent

Francis Jaya Bundu Decedent

Charmayne M. Kirkland Decedent

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

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Deborah Simms, whose address is 7709 Pacer Court, Landover Md. 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Frances Thomas aka Mary F. Thomas who died on September 7, 2018 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: March 10, 2022

Sarah Bundu, Fatima Bundu-Paen and Mohamed Bundu, whose addresses are 1348 Shepherd St. NW, Washington, DC 20011, 7406 Potomac Ct., Hyattsville Md 20784, 7827 Vanity Fair Dr., Greenbelt, Md 20770, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Francis Jaya Bundu who died on March 12, 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 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: 3/10/2022

Stephen B. Pershing, Esq. Pershing Law PLLC 1416 E Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Andrew Kirkland, Sr., whose address is 174-16 Murdock Ave., Jamaica, NY, 11434, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charmayne M. Kirkland who died on September 2, 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 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: 3/10/2022

Deborah Simms Personal Representative

Sarah Bundu Fatima Bundu-Paen Mohamed Bundu Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

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

2021 ADM 1379

2021 ADM 001263

2022 ADM 000128

James R. King aka James Robert King Decedent

Ana Julia Miranda Carcamo Decedent

Wilbur K. Mackall Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Richard Mohn, whose address is 921 N Jacksonville St., Arlington, VA 22205, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James R. King aka James Robert King who died on September 12, 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 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: 3/10/2022 Richard Mohn Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Julio Cesar Lacayo, whose address is 1033 Quebec Pl., NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ana Julia Miranda Carcamo who died on January 8, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: 3/10/2022 Julio Cesar Lacayo Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Andrew Kirkland, Sr. Personal Representative

Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew Associates 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, Md 20770 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carolyn Mackall, whose address is 1328 Capital View Terrace, Landover, Md 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wilbur K. Mackall who died on 8/28/1987 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: 3/10/2022 Carolyn Mackall Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 47

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 22022 ADM 000061 Katherine S. Chatmon Decedent Robinson Kirlew & Associates 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, Md 20781 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kim Y. Askia, whose address is 12205 Justice Place, Glenn Dale, Md 20769, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Katherine S. Chatmon who died on 10/11/2021 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 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: 3/10/2022 Kim Y. Askia Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality.

Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “Todd Ragan Mitchell Jr©”, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, as the beneficiary and heir of: “ MITCHELL JR, TODD RAGAN”, corp.sole Dba.: “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR©”, “ TODD R MITCHELL JR© ”, “ TODD MITCHELL JR© ”, “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL© ”, “TODD R MITCHELL©”, “TODD MITCHELL©”, “ TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR EL©”, &, “ALI AZAD EL©”. 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 an: Aniyunwiya Moorish American Moslem National, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, 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: Aniyunwiya Moorish American Moslem National. I am that I am: “Todd Ragan Mitchell Jr©”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ali azad el©”. 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: 32, 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, “Health, California Department of ”, DBA: STATE OF CALIFORNIA: STATE FILE NUMBER, 104-73-217696: “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR©”, “ MITCHELL JR, TODD RAGAN©”, “ TODD R MITCHELL JR© ”, “ TODD MITCHELL JR© ”, “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL© ”, “TODD R MITCHELL©”, “TODD MITCHELL©”, “ TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR EL©”, &,“ALI AZAD EL©” is as a special deposit order, conveyed to “ Nobility Trust© ”. 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: “ ali azad el©”, nom deguerre: “Todd Ragan Mitchell Jr©”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: “Nobility 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. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

48 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

LEGAL NOTICES

CL ASSIFIEDS

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “ Renelle Janise Rouse© ",, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ RENELLE JANISE ROUSE ", corp.sole Dba.: “RENELLE JANISE MILLER“, corp.sole Dba.: " RENELLE JANISE ROUSE-MILLER“, corp.sole Dba.: “RENELLE J ROUSE©”, “RENELLE J MILLER©”, “RENELLE J ROUSE-MILLER©”, 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, Estados alMarikanos, 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: “ Renelle Janise Rouse© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " nova of faith© ". 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: 32, 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: NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: STATE FILE NUMBER, 204 “RENELLE J ROUSE©”, “RENELLE J MILLER©”, “RENELLE J ROUSE MILLER©”, is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Renelle Janise Rouse Trust© ". 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: " nova of faith© ", nom deguerre: " “RENELLE J ROUSE©”, “RENELLE J MILLER©”, “RENELLE J ROUSE MILLER©” ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Renelle Janise Rouse 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.

This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

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MALVEAUX from Page 28 jumped on the bandwagon since Roland Martin and David Love have called this racism out. However, I've yet to see an in-depth profile of an African family trying to leave. In contrast, I've seen several white Ukrainians doing things like getting married in uniform, feeding neighbors, or being taken in

by Polish people or others. Where are the stories about the African students abandoning their studies or African families being fractured?

This is not just about Ukrainian racism. It is also about white journalistic myopia that refuses to acknowledge Black humanity.

My heart breaks for Ukraine. I've

JEALOUS from Page 28 to reimagine public safety. We should all get behind those efforts.

One important model for making communities safer for everyone is moving forward in Ithaca, New York. When it is fully implemented, the Ithaca model will replace the current police department with a department of public safety. The new department will be civilian led and will include both uniformed police and unarmed community safety workers. That will reduce the potential for situations that do not require an armed response, which we know can escalate into deadly violence. And it will free armed officers to focus their time

ALSOBROOKS from Page 28 that our Recreation Department is doing, we know that, based on feedback from residents, there are areas where we can do better. One of these areas is youth sports and outreach. I learned this first-hand from my own personal experience with my daughter, Alex. When she used to play lacrosse, we had to travel all over the region for games, because there were few opportunities to play in the County. And this isn’t just the case for lacrosse; for many sports, youth sports leagues end up playing “home games” at fields in other jurisdictions.

I want to assure residents that this is not a rushed process as some have claimed. This legislation is not simply authorizing the eventual establishment of a Recreation Authority, it is creating a workgroup to help us study how to take the Recreation Department and create an entity that is solely dedicated to providing recreation opportunities

become a great fan of their bodacious and defiant President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. My heart also breaks for my African brothers and sisters in Ukraine attempting to survive bombs and bombast while also struggling with racism that treats them so very differently from other human beings. I implore President Biden and Vice-President Harris to consider the way Black folk are being treated in Ukraine and tie some of the aid we offer to anti-racist efforts. I want more humanitarian stories about Black folk in Ukraine. Sojourner Truth's resonant statement was "Ain’t I A Woman". In Ukraine, Black folks might ask, "Ain’t I A Human”.

WI

My heart also breaks for my African brothers and sisters in Ukraine attempting to survive bombs and bombast while also struggling with racism that treats them so very differently from other human beings.

on the kinds of crimes that do require their attention.

That’s how we can keep everyone safe, including people who are most likely to be targets of unjustified and deadly police violence. By helping more Americans view public safety from a broader perspective and breaking out of the idea that our only choices are more or less money for cops, we can overcome political resistance and move toward better models of public safety.

And that brings me to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Just a few days before the State of the Union address, Biden nominated Judge Jackson to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. She is a brilliant lawyer who is now serving as a federal judge.

She will bring to the Supreme Court perspectives that have never been represented among the justices. She will be the first Black woman ever to serve on our highest court. She will be the first justice to have been a public defender and the first since Thurgood Marshall to have done criminal defense work.

She has a personal understanding of how our justice system can treat people without wealth and political influence.

Having Judge Jackson’s brilliant mind and her life experience on the Supreme Court will strengthen the court and our democracy. Her confirmation will be one more step in our country’s long and continuing journey of becoming “a more perfect union.” WI

for our residents. It is only given an “emergency legislation” designation so it can become law as soon as it passes, giving the workgroup more time to work.

Members of the workgroup will include a recreation expert, the Youth and Countywide Sports Division Chief who is a M-NCPPC employee, and a representative from the union who represents M-NCPPC workers. The workgroup will work over the summer to make recommendations on how this new organization will operate and be funded, and what services will be included under its authority.

Those recommendations will be due back to our County Delegation

by December 1, 2022, allowing time to draft legislation to formally establish this new entity. This will give us time to make sure the changes to our recreation services are well-planned, well-coordinated and ultimately enhances service delivery. The workgroup will be required to hold public hearings to

receive feedback directly from residents.

Further, because these recommendations would ultimately have to come before the General Assembly and be supported by the County Council and County Executive to be enacted, there will be additional layers of hearings and public input before any plan becomes final.

This legislation is not about tearing anything down, reducing services or doing something in the dark of night without public input; it is about ensuring that we can deliver the best recreation services in the best way for our residents.

For those who want to learn more, I encourage you to visit princegeorgesplan.com to read more about the history of this issue, hear directly from residents who support our efforts, and even join with the many residents and organizations who have signed on in support.

WI

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50 MARCH 10 - 16, 2022

brary archives. Sargent was a graduate of Auburn University. He was killed in a car accident in 1936 in Louisiana.”

Interestingly enough, instead of sporting the cross-section of an ear of corn, like the FFA badge, the NFA used the outline of a cotton boll plant. Their colors were black and gold with NFA on the emblem. Although picking cotton is now seen as a duty of drudgery and discrimination, the NFA held it out as an aegis of pride.

This newfound nugget bolstered an idea that came to me 20 years ago. We need an active and viable program that encourages the exchange of 10 to 15-year-olds and swaps the city life for the “country

WILLIAMS from Page 29 risdictions, we hear the complaint that the re-telling of the treatment of African Americans from 1619 to the present makes white children (people) uncomfortable and distressed. Calls for the “white-washing or elimination of Black History are justified by the complaint that it “makes” whites assume blame for the atrocities of their fore-bearers or those with whom they identify and resemble. And adding a new twist to “Victim Blame,” proponents of this restricted education present the ludicrous claim that, while causing

CHARLES from Page 29 self against whom he assumed to be home intruders.

The fact that the Second Amendment ultimately works against Black people should come as no surprise.

It is not a bug but a feature. Rooted in anti-Blackness, its language was crafted by those who profited from our subjugation with the intent of suppressing rebellion, not enabling it.

The fact is, nothing frightened white Southerners more than the idea of an armed Black populace reciprocating the treatment they had endured. While the authors of the Second Amendment are long gone, the ghosts of their fear persist today.

Today, Black applicants are up to 5.5 times more likely than white applicants to be denied a concealed carry permit. Homicides in which ‘Stand Your Ground’ is used as a defense are 10 times more likely to be ruled justified when the shooter is white and the victim is Black than when the shoot-

life” for at least a few weeks each year.

It irks me that too many children in this community have an outlook on life limited to a five square mile area near their residence. We could reduce crime and a lot of depression by broadening horizons.

Yes, a lot of our kids have not been diagnosed but live with depression.

Caring for farm animals, planting crops and learning to appreciate creation would help immeasurably. Likewise, touching diversity, visiting recreational venues and being exposed to urban realities would help the small-town kid.

You can’t be on social media all day, dreaming about life, when you’ve got chores and fishing to do. And nowadays, no one de-

pends on technology as much as farmers. Rural residents learn to become their own veterinarians and mechanics. They do their own plumbing, masonry and electricity and so much more.

The Black Exchange system I want to see would expand our knowledge base. The more we know about people, places, and possibilities, the more we enhance our outlooks, opinions and opportunities.

We used to have a natural exchange system in place but we have lost our sense of community, strong family ties and a sense of adventurism.

We gotta get back to our cotton-picking minds. Recreate the New Farmers of America culture or join the FFA! WI

white guilt and blame, the TRUTH of our history creates a sense of inferiority among Black children.

Never fear, they have a remedy!

Laws are being proposed/passed to restrict the instruction of history which causes discomfort or suggests blame. Of course, we speak of white discomfort and white self-blame.

While whites overtly promote the historical invisibility of African Americans, many of them are less obvious about the intent of the current epidemic of voter restriction laws. They too, have the intent of imposing invisibility upon the African American community. The

vote is YOUR voice and without a vote YOU HAVE NO VOICE! You become invisible to all who oppose your interests or would turn back the clock to a time when you were politically and socially emasculated.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, “Father of Black History,” notably said, “The oppressor has always indoctrinated the weak with his interpretation of the crimes of the strong.”

Our strength rests in our understanding and acknowledgment of ourselves. We cannot allow them to be stolen from us.

WI

er is Black and the victim is white.

And even as white men increasingly open-carry semi-automatic rifles into highly-charged public spaces, there’s a growing call to revisit the practice of stop-and-frisk in urban communities.

As historian Carol Anderson forcefully argues in her book “The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America,” ‘The Second Amendment is so inherently, structurally flawed, so based on Black exclusion and debasement, that, unlike the other amendments, it can never be a pathway to civil and human rights for 47.5 million African Americans.’

Despite the ways that gun violence disproportionately affects communities that bear the scars of structural inequality, gun rights activists would have you believe that gun control of any kind represents the “real racism.”

To accept that the same crowd that opposes such things as Critical Race Theory, voting rights and athletes kneeling on sidelines is genuinely concerned about protecting the lib-

erties of Black Americans requires a level of mental gymnastics that would humble Simone Biles. The suggestion that underserved communities somehow benefit from a proliferation of firearms that feeds cycles of retaliatory violence is naïve at best. At worst, it is an act of gaslighting that purposely seeks to imperil Black lives.

This is not to say that as Black Americans we should not enjoy all the same guarantees that are afforded our white counterparts under the Second Amendment — we should hold America to all the lofty promises found in her Constitution.

At some point, though, we must come to terms with the fact that firearms have done little to guarantee our freedoms and even less to protect our lives. At some point, we must acknowledge that the prevention of gun violence is one of the most pressing civil rights issues of our time. With so many lives in the balance, I would argue that point is now.

WI

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