The Washington Informer - August 1, 2024

Ward 7 Politicos Tackle Voter Engagement Quandary

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

With three months until the general election, Ward 7 community leaders continue to explore how best to increase voter turnout and foster unity.

Penn Branch resident Paul Grant said both issues, especially that of voter turnout, have some relevance since fewer than 30% of Ward 7’s registered Democratic voters participated in the June 4 primary.

“We’re engaged but not at the level we should be,” Grant said. “It’s still a challenge to realize how much talent is still not on the field and in the game.”

This upcoming January, D.C. residents will get a chance to watch “Seven Rising,” Grant’s short film about the Ward 7 D.C. Council primary -- arguably one of the most intense electoral contests in the last 20 years. The film, which covers the last 30 days of the primary election season, includes formal interviews with eight of the 10 Ward 7 D.C.Council candidates.

Other Ward 7 community members – including Ambrose Lane of the D.C.-based Health Alliance Network, longtime community development specialist Leticia Atkins, and The Rev. Kendrick Curry of Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church -- also conducted on-camera interviews for the documentary.

WARD 7 Page 38

Middle School Students Complete Summer School with ProjectBased Learning

GW Tutors Use High-Impact Tutoring as Foundation for Summer Programming

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

This summer, Jenesis Wright counted among dozens of young people who spent a significant portion of their time in Southeast at Kramer Middle School with staff members and math tutors from a local university.

STUDENTS Page 26

5 Jenesis Wright with her peer Ariel Tabron, a Kramer student, and Mackenzie Campbell-Gill. (Sam P.K. Collins/The Washington Informer)

Business Leaders Wary of D.C. Payroll Tax Increase

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Dionne Bussey-Reeder, co-owner of Dionne’s Good Food, located in Southeast, D.C.’s Sycamore & Oak retail village in Congress Heights, wants to help her fellow District residents live a productive,

prosperous life by offering employment that will open doors of opportunity.

However, when Bussey-Reeder, 53, was asked to comment on the latest move by the D.C. Council to raise the payroll tax that funds the city’s paid family leave program from 0.26% to

Formerly Homeless D.C. Residents Become Certified Case Managers

Dozens Complete DHS, HU School of Social Work’s Peer Case Management Institute

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Thanks to a collaborative effort between the D.C. government and three entities, dozens of formerly homeless people will soon be able to serve as case managers to those who are experiencing homelessness in the nation’s capital.

On Wednesday, nearly 40 people culminated their completion of what’s called the Peer Case Management Institute with a ceremony at

Celebrating 59 years. Your credible and trusted source for

5 Deone K. Brown, a graduate of the Peer Case Management Institute, with his daughter, Alexis Baylor, granddaughter Ayomi, and friend Vickie McLean. (Sam P.K. Collins/The Washington Informer)

5Veda Rasheed, pictured speaking at a candidates forum in March 2024, said she would work with Ward 7 Democratic D.C. Council nominee Wendell Felder (seated next to her) to mobilize voters and address challenges in the District. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

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Simone Biles Dominates Olympic Qualifying Round Despite Injury

With celebrities including Snoop Dogg, Flavor Flav, Lady Gaga, and John Legend watching, Simone Biles made a spectacularly successful return to the Olympics by dominating the qualifying round despite a calf injury that would have sidelined most athletes.

Team USA finished Sun-

day’s qualification session with an impressive score of 172.296, putting the group of athletes — including returning Olympians Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles — at the front of the pack heading into the all-around final on Thursday.

Biles, now 27, is the most decorated gymnast in history and considered the G.O.A.T of her sport — meaning Greatest of All Time. She debuted in this year’s competition in Paris after a widely publicized break, which began

with her premature exit from the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health.

The seven-time Olympic medalist has since spoken candidly about suffering from the “twisties,” a dangerous phenomenon where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness in the air.

Women’s gymnastics coach Cecille Landi, an Olympian who competed for France in 1996, told reporters that Biles had tweaked her calf several weeks ago and was on the mend during the training that led up to the games.

“She felt a little something in her calf. That’s all,” Landi said after the qualifying session, according to Landi acknowledged Biles’ stunning comeback and said that, knowing her track record, there could be even more room to grow.

“It was pretty amazing. 59.5, and four-for-four,” Landi said of Biles’ qualifying performance and score, which eclipsed that of Lee, the reigning champion, by a solid margin.

“Not perfect. She still can improve ... just really good.” WI

President Biden Demands Supreme Court Overhaul and Constitutional Amendment in Op-Ed

President Joe Biden has called for a sweeping overhaul of the Supreme Court and a constitutional amendment to limit presidential power, signaling his intent to tackle deep-seated issues within the American judiciary. In an op-ed published this week, Biden underscored the need for reforms to restore public trust and integrity in the nation’s highest court.

“What is happening now is not normal, and it undermines the public’s confidence in the court’s decisions, including those impacting personal freedoms. We now stand in a breach,” Biden stated.

The president's most striking proposal is a constitutional amendment to ensure former presidents are not immune from federal criminal indictments, trials, convictions, or sentencing.

“We are a nation of laws — not of kings or dictators,” Biden remarked.

His assertion comes in direct response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that shields certain presidential actions from prosecution, a decision that has provided a lifeline to former President Donald Trump amid his ongoing legal battles.

Biden further advocated for imposing term limits on Supreme Court justices, suggesting 18-year terms to

Trump’s Chilling Rally Confirms His Plans for Dictatorship If He Beats Harris

In a series of alarming rallies, former President Donald Trump has made his intentions clear, signaling plans that many critics describe as dictatorial.

At Turning Point Action’s Believers Summit, Trump urged Christian voters to turn out for the 2024 election with an unprecedented promise: “Christians, get out and vote, just this time. You won’t have to do it anymore. … [You’ve] got to get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good you’re not going to have to vote.”

With these words, Trump moved beyond veiled rhetoric, outlining a vision for America that directly threatens democratic principles.

Trump’s campaign has highlighted Agenda 47 as its official policy platform for the 2024 presidential election. This agenda, closely aligned with Project 2025, proposes sweeping changes to U.S. gover-

nance that align with authoritarian ideals. Both plans, shaped by Trump loyalists, aim to reshape the government and civil society under what can only be described as a fascist framework, asserting their mission is to rescue the country from radical leftist influences.

As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s statements and policy proposals have raised alarms about the future of American democracy. His calls for Christians to vote as if it’s the last time, combined with plans for sweeping governmental changes, suggest a vision of America that could lead to authoritarian rule.

“Our democracy is under assault by criminal Donald Trump.” Washington Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal called Trump's rhetoric “terrifying.”

“We cannot let this be the case,” she asserted.

WI

5President Joe Biden. (WI File Photo)

5Simone Biles.

(Courtesy Photo/Instagram)

2nd Annual Building Generational Wealth Expo Empowers District Residents

By Harrison Buck Chevrolet Discovering the Unexpected Fellow WI Reporting Intern

Just days before the kickoff of National Black Business Month, Washingtonians flocked to Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) for the second annual Building Generational Wealth Expo, an event aimed to provide equitable education on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, health, brand building, and homeownership, on July 27.

“Our mission is to bridge the wealth gap among minorities by offering education and resources that can foster financial independence and homeownership,” said Randy Louis, CEO of Block Shoppers and founder of Community Elevation Alliance. “Lack of financial literacy and awareness of resources contribute to economic disparities and related societal issues.”

The event included discussions on real estate, life insurance, estate planning, and health and wellness, and even engaged young people, offering 150 free tickets to high school and college students to introduce them to crucial financial conversations and resources early on. Attendees also enjoyed complimentary food and beverages throughout the day, creating a welcoming environment for learning, networking and growing.

"We had 175 attendees last year, and this year we aimed for 300 participants," Louis said. "Our goal was to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to build gen-

SUPREME COURT from Page 4

prevent any single presidency from exerting multigenerational influence over the judiciary.

“Term limits would help ensure that the court’s membership changes with some regularity and reduce the chance that any single presidency radically alters the makeup of the court for generations to come,” he insisted.

Senate Democrats, including Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin, have expressed strong

erational wealth, fostering stronger, more resilient communities."

Louis, a top-producing real estate agent, former Division 1 football player, and SHRM 30 Under 30 honoree in 2016, brought his extensive experience in workforce development, HR, and real estate to this event. His passion for economic development and community growth drove the expo.

Block Shoppers, an organization that helps individuals build generational wealth through real estate acquisitions, was at the forefront of this initiative. They provide educational resources, host events, and offer personalized guidance.

Community Elevation Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, played a pivotal role by providing educational resources on housing, real estate, and financial literacy to lower economic groups. Their mission is to foster financial independence and homeownership among these communities.

While he’s now successful, the CEO and founder was not always so sure about his career path and future. He now utilizes his resources and network to inspire others.

“It was just from my personal experience. Having played college football, I came home and didn’t know what I was going to do. I started working and became a realtor, helping people purchase homes. I quickly realized that a lot of people don’t have their finances in place, especially in Black and brown communities,” he told The Informer. “It dawned on me that we don’t have these conversations early on. This event is about impacting people not

support for Biden’s proposals but acknowledge the political hurdles ahead. Harris has endorsed Biden’s call, stressing the necessity of restoring public confidence in the court and ensuring that no individual is above the law.

“Our democracy depends on the integrity of our institutions,” Biden stated. “This is not just about reforming the Supreme Court—it’s about safeguarding the future of our nation. We must act now to ensure justice and fairness for all Americans.” WI

just from a real estate standpoint, but in all aspects of wealth building.”

The response to last year’s expo influenced this year’s planning and goals.

“From that expo, we had 20 people become homeowners, and 10 people started their businesses. We realized we had some influence, so this time we added different topics to ensure we covered the entire spectrum,” he explained.

This year’s expo was no different, partnering with NACA, TD Bank, and JPMorgan Chase, to facilitate real one-on-one conversations after the expo, allowing attendees to delve deeper into personal finances, business funding, student loans, health and wellness, and estate planning.

Participants like Ola Fakinlede, representing Risk Exchange Agency, a minority-owned insurance brokerage company, said the expo was “a great concept,” to help educate on important ideals, foster connections,

and build wealth.

“Insurance is necessary,” Fakinlede said. “We don’t want to lose the little things we do have and want to build upon that in our investment journey and wealth-building journey.”

Attendee Nehemiah Monske emphasized the value of networking and learning from others.

“Your network is your net worth. The different opportunities that come from networking will be beneficial. I’m looking to find things I

wouldn’t find elsewhere,” he said.

The Building Generational Wealth Expo is more than just an annual event. It’s a movement towards continuous learning and community empowerment.

Even post the expo, Louis will be offering financial literacy classes and providing valuable opportunities to support the community.

“Surround yourself with like-minded people to grow together.”

WI

5Washingtonians flocked to the second annual Building Generational Wealth Expo on July 27 at THEARC. (Courtesy Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

TRAVEL MORE

AUG. 1

1879 – Mary Eliza Mahoney graduates from the nursing program at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, becoming the first African American registered nurse.

1894 – Benjamin Mays, educator and civil rights icon, is born in Ninety Six, South Carolina

1941 – Ron Brown, U.S. secretary of commerce during the Clinton administration, is born in Washington, D.C.

AUG. 2

1924 – Famed Black writer James Baldwin is born in Harlem.

AUG. 3

1908 – Allen Allensworth, an escaped slave who became a Union soldier and Army chaplain, founds Allensworth, California, the only town in the state to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans.

AUG. 4

1810 – Abolitionist Robert Purvis, who co-founded local and national anti-slavery groups, is born in Charleston, South Carolina.

1901 – Louis Armstrong, iconic jazz trumpeter and singer, is born in New Orleans.

1931 – Daniel Hale Williams, pioneering African American surgeon, dies in Idlewild, Michigan, at 75.

1961 – Barack Obama, the first African American president in United States history, is born in Honolulu.

1963 – Keith Ellison, the first Muslim to be elected to U.S. Congress, is born in Detroit.

1964 – The bodies of three civil rights workers discovered on farm near Philadelphia, Mississippi.

AUGUST 1 - 8 , 2024

SOURCE:

AUG. 5

1953 – The beginning of integration in Chicago's Trumbull Park Homes housing project, located in an all-white neighborhood, triggers yearslong violence and racial tension.

1960 – African nation Burkina Faso gains independence from France.

1962 – Nelson Mandela is arrested in South Africa for inciting a workers' strike. He was later sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotaging the nation's government.

AUG. 6

1962 – Jamaica gains independence from the United Kingdom.

1965 – President Lyndon Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act into law amid the height of the civil rights movement.

Aug. 7

1904 – Ralph Bunche, the first African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize, is born in Detroit.

1930 – James Cameron, civil rights activist and founder of America's Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee, survives a mob's lynching attempt after he is arrested for a fatal robbery in Indiana — a crime for which he is eventually pardoned.

1894 – Black inventor Joseph Lee patents dough-kneading machine.

1948 – High jumper Alice Coachman became the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal at the 1948 Games.

2007 – Barry Bonds hits his 756th career home run, breaking Hank Aaron's majorleague record. WI

JAMES BALDWIN

ALICE COACHMAN

AROUND THE REGION

view

P INT

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

The Summer Olympics have kicked off in Paris. Team USA is currently leading in medals, including a gold medal for the women’s gymnastics team led by Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time. What are your thoughts?

DIANE IVY. / CHICAGO, ILL.

UNITY BELL / WASHINGTON, D.C.

I loved Simone’s beam and uneven bars routine and Suni and Jordan’s floor routine.

Athleticism, strength, determination, and beauty personified. Congratulations to those young queens.

JAY H / CHICAGO, ILL.

M. BASKIN / WASHINGTON, D.C.

Congratulations to the ladies. Way to go on reclaiming the top spot! Well done. Go Team USA.

Simone and the ladies got the gold! Now, let’s go for another one. Let’s go, USA!

NELL JOHNSON / Congratulations to this super awesome team!

Black Women-Owned Businesses Champion Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Resourceful Programs Aim To Shape The Future of Black Enterprises

By Jada Ingleton WI Contributing Fellow

August marks National Black Business Month and Black women-owned businesses have been celebrating with a rise in presence, revenue, and development opportunities amidst ongoing infrastructure challenges, research shows.

Black female entrepreneurs have dominated the business climate, representing roughly 2.1 million businesses and 52.1% of all Black-owned enterprises, according to a 2024 Wells Fargo Study. As the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, Black women have worked to shape culture and create spaces for diversity to prosper, with business methods rooted in increasing representation, access to capital, education and reducing the racial wealth gap.

Our staff is made up of writers, just like you. We are dedicated to making publishing dreams come true. Trusted by authors for nearly 100 years, Dorrance has made countless authors’ dreams come true.

“When I think about the inherent qualities women carry – to be nurturers, to be community developers, to be community builders… I think it's a natural need that exists in every community. When you think about small businesses and Black women, Black women represent the fastest growing new business opportunities in the country. Small business in general generates all of our local jobs,” says Monica Ray, president of The Congress

Heights Community Training and Development Corporation (CHCTDC). “When you think about how to bridge the gap between how we build sustainable communities, we can't leave Black women out of the conversation.”

Black women-owned businesses saw a surge with the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing 32.7% in average revenues between 2019 and 2023, compared to all women-owned businesses’ growth of 11.2%, according to a 2024 Wells Fargo Study. Many of these self-starters utilized the lockdown to pivot or expand into new ventures, which allowed them to pursue more passions or earn a steady income.

For Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, CEO and founder of the Village Market, the economic shock of the pandemic inspired her to dig deeper into the systemic challenges that Black entrepreneurs face. Last April, on an episode of Meghan Houle’s “Pivot with Purpose” podcast, she shared her mission-forward vision to drive economic growth and explore how she can “actualize dreams” within the community.

“I think more than being an entrepreneur, I'm deeply passionate about proactively solving problems. My goal and vision was to create a very vibrant ecosystem,” Hallmon explained. “[I want] for Black entrepreneurs to have

the resources, the mentorship, and then, the end piece of that, the relationship with customers.”

The former educator began her community outreach in 2016 with the Village Market, an Atlanta-based staple center for Black-owned companies to increase revenue through e-commerce, seasonal marketplaces, strategic alliances, retail, and commercial prospects. Since then, she’s built a self-designed multi-prong business model, founding Our Village United and most recently, Elevate, a free 12week incubator program that offers professional insight on how to scale businesses and compete within the industry.

Altogether, Hallmon has generated 8.3 million dollars of direct sales to Black businesses.

“We are the psalm of many parts, and I think it is very much so possible to still be the person that loves your full-time job and to be the person that has another bright idea that adds color to their life and more meaning,” Hallmon told “Pivot With Purpose.” “If you truly support something, you will put action behind it… If you do not have that action, the question back to yourself should be, ‘How can I become more active?’”

5Media mogul Cathy Hughes and Monica Ray, president of The Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation at the BLACKBONE Project Summit on July 27. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer) BLACK WOMEN

Montgomery County Unveils Statue Honoring Olympic Gold Medalist, Area Native Dominique Dawes

By Skylar Nelson WI Intern

Just days before the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Montgomery County unveiled a statue in honor of one of the area’s own Olympians, three-time gold medalist Dominique Dawes. Community members flocked to Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center (SSRAC) on July 23, not only to take part in the monumental moment commemorating Dawes, but also glean inspiration from the celebrated athlete and Montgomery County native.

“I grew up minutes down the road so it’s truly an honor. It’s very humbling,” said Dawes.

For Dawes, 47, the statue is not just about celebrating her work–it’s for the young people who can be inspired through learning about the gymnast’s life and motivated to pursue their own dreams despite obstacles.

“It’s wonderful just to know that when young boys and girls walk by that statue they’ll have some seeds of inspiration and empowerment planted in them. They’ll read a little bit about my journey, and, hopefully with that, understand and realize that anything is possible for them,” she said. “There were many highs and lows in my career but it was the journey along the way that got me to where I am today and I just want them to realize that it is possible for them as well.”

Born in Silver Spring, Dominique Dawes is the first Black woman to be a part of the United States Olympic gymnastics team and win an individual Olympic medal. She won gold medals at the Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, and Sydney 2000 games.

Having taken her skills around the world, Dawes, a 2019 Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame inductee, has sewn into the next generation of athletes from the DMV. She is the owner and CEO of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academy with

two locations in Montgomery County– Clarksville and Rockville— and plans to open a new site in Howard County’s Columbia, Maryland opening late this summer.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich explained that the Dawes statue unveiling was not only important to elevate gymnastics, but to inspire the community overall.

“The fact that she was the first Black gymnast says a lot about how much they managed to keep people out of the sport. And so, she had to go through a lot to get there,” Elrich told The Informer.

“Today she mentioned that 80% of the athletes competing are people of color and from the United States. So we’ve gone from very much exclusivity to much more inclusion. It’s a big journey for us and you know we want kids to come in here and see her statue and say ‘I can be that.’”

MONTGOMERY COUNTY RESIDENTS SHARE MEMORIES, CELEBRATE DAWES SUCCESS

Many community residents who were in attendance of the statue unveiling share unique connections with the three-time Olympian.

Silver Spring native Brenda Boykins has been following Dawes throughout her career and is proud to see how far she’s come.

“Well, I have known about her ever since because she’s about the same age as my daughter. Actually her Grandfather lives across the street from me and so I’ve kinda followed her career and her accomplishments for a great part of her life,” Boykins continued. “We’re just so pleased that she’s so accomplished, and she’s done great things, and she’s a wonderful representative for women, for girls growing up now, and just for African Americans. She’s a standout, she is a model.”

AROUND THE REGION

Now Dawes looks forward to watching the next generation of gymnasts like barrier-breaker gymnast Simone Biles heading into her third Olympic games. She told The Informer she particularly appreciates the diversity on this year’s USA gymnastics team. “I am excited to cheer on Team USA. I’m gonna be in my living room with my four beautiful children and my husband, and we’re gonna be fans,” Dawes continued. “We’re gonna be there screaming at the television and telling them that they can make history and that they can bring home a gold medal. I’m pretty confident in the sport of gymnastics. If everyone keeps their head on right, they’re gonna bring home quite a bit of hardware.” WI

5Montgomery County unveiled a statue in honor of one of the area’s own Olympians, three-time gold medalist Dominique Dawes.

(Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

On July 25, (Front Row L-R) Lunel Jeffries, Miss 2023 Senior D.C. Cerise Turner, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Sharon Kershbaum, Wendell Felder and dozens of community members celebrated the grand opening of the Douglas Street Pedestrian Bridge in Ward 7, an infrastructure project designed to enhance safety and connectivity in the area.

“Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.”

Broccoli City Festival 2024 Brings People to D.C. in the Name of Music, Emphasizes Power of Black Unity, Community Engagement, Voting

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Since the festival’s inception in 2013, Broccoli City has always been about unifying, entertaining, and educating audiences – initially raising awareness on environmental issues. A two-day, sold-out event that attracted 30,000 guests daily, the 2024 festival at Audi Field in Southwest, D.C. July 27-28 was more than a star-studded concert; it was an opportunity to celebrate Black culture and encourage attendees to be informed about important issues all at once.

“What is your Black job in November,” asked Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) to an engaged crowd of music fans before her fellow Texan and Saturday night’s headliner, Megan Thee Stallion, performed.

“Voting,” attendees shouted back to Crockett, accompanied the reply with claps and cheers.

Just about two miles from the Capitol Building, the congresswoman got real with the audience about the realities of conservative agendas such as Project 2025, which challenges democracy by solely placing federal bureaucracy under presidential control.

“My last question. Have any of you ever heard of Project 2025? If you haven’t heard of Project 2025, I need you to Google it, but let me tell you, it ain’t nothing good for nobody that looks like me and you in Project 2025,” Crockett emphasized.

For Broccoli City co-founder Marcus Allen, the nation’s capital is a perfect place to highlight the intersectionality of music and social issues. People came from around the DMV and nation to see artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Victoria Monét, Sexyy Red, Lil Yachty and Concrete Family, and Kaytranada, and left the festival entertained and informed.

“I think one of the reasons why we've always kept it here in the District is because D.C. represents something for Black culture,” Allen told The Informer in a WIN-TV interview. “I think that Chocolate City, while it's not said as often… I think that it is still a very strong undertone,

when people make that connection back to D.C. and they understand what they're going to get.”

With sponsors such as BLK, a dating and lifestyle app for Black people, Broccoli City Festival is proud to provide a safe space for people of color to dance and dialogue about important topics all at once.

“Our attendees are people of color… There are very few festivals that are able to maintain all Black, or majority Black– people of color–audiences,” Allen said. “I think that's been mainly because we've maintained a city like D.C., where when people think about traveling here, they expect a certain vibe, like they come here for a certain energy.”

Broccoli City 2024 is a perfect example of the fact that Washingtonians have the propensity to party and talk politics all in one setting, and the city offers permission for others to embrace such moments.

LaToya Foster, director of the District of Columbia Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), said festivals like Broccoli City are a great opportunity for people to tap into the strength of D.C. culture.

This year, the festival featured a City Stage, with support from OCTFME, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Angie Gates, director of Events DC.

“OCTFME, Mayor Bowser, Events DC and Dr. Angie Gates, we have come together to bring the City Stage… where we are highlighting our local talent,” Foster told The Informer on WIN-TV.

She also said that the mayor appreciates what Allen and fellow festival co-founders Brandon McEachern and Jermon Williams have been able to do with Broccoli City beyond throwing a successful event.

WI

5Held for the first time at Audi Field in Southwest, D.C., many guests celebrated the beauty and boldness of Black and D.C. culture at Broccoli City Festival 2024. (WI File Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Political Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

AT-LARGE SPECIAL ELECTION NEARS, MORE ENDORSEMENTS DEBUTED

In the final week leading up to the Prince George’s County Council At-Large special election, more endorsements are being announced as candidates work to engage with constituents.

Candidates responded to a policy questionnaire sent out by Our Revolution- Prince George’s to determine

their position on the Public Election Fund, the costs associated with new school construction, and the need for At-Large seats to exist on the council.

Keisha Lewis withdrew from the race but will still be listed on printed ballots.

Bowie Mayor Tim Adams pledged to fully fund the public election fund, which he called “overdue,” and said that he would support an audit to review the costs of the ongoing public-private partnership to build new schools in the county.

5 Tamara

Oriadha in a video. “He understands that our seniors need more resources and that our youth need more activities to reduce the rise in youth crime we’ve seen. We need quality development inside the Beltway.”

Adams also attended multiple meet and greets hosted by his endorsers.

Tamara Davis Brown stated interest in abolishing the At-Large seats and voiced support for maintaining the council’s current two-term limit and implementing additional tax credits for senior residents.

“I do like that we have seats on the council that are not parochial in nature and the councilmembers should be looking out for the entire county, not just a specific district,” read Davis Brown’s response. “However, considering how and why the seats were created in the first place, which I vehemently opposed at the time, I have no problem with doing away with the two seats and saving taxpayers money.”

ic Central Committee and the Prince George’s Young Democrats hosted a forum on July 23 and the Collington Retirement Community hosted a forum on July 25. The final forum prior to Election Day will be held at Reid Temple in Glenn Dale starting at 11 AM on Aug. 3, and is hosted by the Prince George’s NAACP.

The first forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters, is available here.

SENATORS CARDIN AND VAN HOLLEN, CONGRESSMAN IVEY SECURE INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDS

Adams has received endorsements from County Councilmembers Tom Dernoga (D- District 1), Wala Blegay (D- District 6), and Krystal Oriadha (D- District 7). He has hosted several meet and greets across the county with his endorsers.

“I am proud to endorse Tim Adams for County Council At-Large. I know he aligns with the same values I do: centering the community first over special interests,” said Councilmember

Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D- District 5) sent a mailer denoting endorsements from many Maryland leaders, including Rep. Congressmen Glenn Ivey and Steny Hoyer (both D), and featuring a quote from County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) citing Jolene as “one of her strongest partners in delivering results for Prince Georgians.”

Prince George’s County Democrat-

At West Hyattsville Metro Station, Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) and Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) presented a check for $1.6 million for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Water. This funding includes $1.38 million for flooding control in the Port Towns region of the Anacostia River Watershed, $500,000 for pedestrian, safety, and environmental upgrades, and $959,000 to connect

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Davis Brown, a candidate for the At-Large seat, has previously run for State Senate and the District 9 seat for the Council. She posted a podcast on July 14 to explain her desire to run for the At-Large seat. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

STUDIO 3510: NEW ART GALLERY COMES TO MOUNT RAINIER

Mount Rainier now hosts a new art gallery and studio: Studio 3510. The gallery is located inside a renovated historic building at 3510 Rhode Island Avenue for art classes, community workshops, and local art to be showcased for the interested public.

Studio owner Jarrett Hendrix and Creative Director Michael Ant are both photographers.

Some of the events they have hosted this summer include a gathering of 35 local photographers, an introduction to paper weaving, and a collaboration with Diaspora Honey that allowed kids ages 5 to 14 to learn about bees and their importance in nature. WI

ROYAL FARMS OPENS IN GREENBELT

Royal Farms is opening on Greeneblt’s 6600 Capitol Drive, only a few minutes away from both Greenbelt Park and the NASA Goddard Center. This location will include a gas station with sixteen pumps and will be open 24/7 year round.

“We are thrilled to open our doors in Greenbelt, Maryland,” said Royal Farms District Leader Octavia Jackson. “Our dedication to providing fresh, high-quality food and exceptional convenience has earned us the loyalty of our customers, and we are excited to become an integral part of the Greenbelt community.”

POLITICAL UPDATES from Page 12

low-income homes to public sewage lines.

The Maryland representative and senators were joined by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D), Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke, and WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia Powell to receive the check.

“I want to thank our incredible

Royal Farms operates nearly 300 locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic, and the chain has locations in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. WI

PRINCE GEORGE’S APARTMENTS GET A/C UPDATES AFTER CONCERNS RAISED

Amid the heat wave, residents of some Prince George’s County apartments who raised concerns regarding the lack of central air and unsafe temperatures inside their homes, are finally getting relief.

On July 10, residents of District Heights’ North Hills Apartments reported they had gone months without working A/C and said that staff had offered them fans as a solution. Five complaints were filed via 311 on the following day.

North Hills Apartment reported 83 housing units with A/C issues.

As of July 17, most of the A/C issues have reportedly been addressed across each apartment complex.

Nine apartment complexes, including Suitland’s Admiral Place Apartments and Forestville’s The District, have had Department of Permitting, Inspection, and Enforcement (DPIE) inspections over the past weeks. In some cases, this has meant temporary cooling equipment while waiting for parts to arrive. Re-inspections have been conducted or planned in each of the nine complexes.

If you live in an apartment complex in Prince George's County and do not have air conditioning, click here to contact PGC311. WI

federal delegation. We’ve been in so many press conferences as of late, because they’ve brought back literally hundreds of millions of dollars,” said County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “Part of what I love about Senator Cardin is his quiet, efficient way. He is constantly delivering without fanfare. We owe you a debt of gratitude, and we are already seeing the products of your work.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

is doing it as they can, as they have money to do it,” said MD 210 Traffic Safety Committee member Ron Weiss.

“But changing behaviors is the low cost thing that we can do for ourselves, and we need to do it and look out for each other and save our lives.”

Fort Washington residents gathered with leaders on July 27 at the Harmony Hall Arts Center to mourn the loss of a car crash victim and to pledge future solutions to prevent future tragedies.

The day prior to the meeting, a woman was killed in an accident and two other drivers were injured.

“We have a road that encourages people to speed. And we have people who don’t mind speeding. Changing the road is a long term battle: the State Highway Administration

Delegate Jamila Woods (D- District 26) is planning to co-sponsor a bill to raise the penalty for speeding, creating a tiered system where going 95 miles per hour or more has a $500 fine. This bill has been introduced previously, to no avail.

“The tragic loss last night is another powerful reminder of the need to do something, the fierce urgency of now to try and continue to make changes to make 210 a safer road and to end the senseless deaths,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey (D). WI

5 Studio 3510, located on Rhode Island in Mount Rainier, is a locally operated arts gallery that offers a space to highlight art and to offer community workshops. (Rob Roberts/Washington Informer)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

AUGUST AS BLACK BUSINESS MONTH

The District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development recognizes August as National Black Business Month.

On its website, the department mentioned the August distinction and said, “supporting Black-owned businesses is more important than ever.”

“Did you know that Black business ownership is up by almost 30% on pre-pandemic levels, with Black women starting businesses at a higher rate than any other group?” the site said.

The site quoted University of California Santa Cruz economist Robert W. Fairlie saying the number of Black small business owners was higher in the third quarter of 2021 than in pre-pandemic. Nationally, as of the latest census data release, there were 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the U.S., generating $206 billion in annual rev-

briefs

enue and supporting 3.56 million U.S. jobs.

The site said women represent 35% of Black-owned businesses, compared to just 27% of female-business owners of other racial identities, according to ProjectDiane. New York had the highest number of Black businesses, according to ProjectDiane, however the District had the highest percentage of Black-owned businesses (28%) of Black-owned businesses in the country.

Nevertheless, despite the increasing numbers of Black-owned businesses, just 1% of African American business owners got business loans in their first year, forcing 44% of Black entrepreneurs to use their cash to start their venture; compared to only 37% of all small business owners operating their startups, the study said.

The site encouraged readers to tag their favorite District Black-owned business on the department’s social media platforms @smallbizdc. Readers are

LEGAL NOTICE

encouraged to support Black businesses by going to #BuyBlack all month long.

MEDCO CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

This year marks the Maryland Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDCO) 40th year of existence with its goals of catalyzing economic growth, revitalizing communities and creating employment opportunities across the state.

“For 40 years and counting, MEDCO has leveraged the power of partner-

Lifeline Service in the District of Columbiais provided by Verizon Washington, DC Inc., and Verizon Online LLC

Lifeline is a government assistance program supported by the District of Columbia Public Service Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. Verizon offers the following Lifeline-supported services as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier:

• Voice Dial Tone Line and Unlimited Local Usage - $1 - $3 per month (after Federal & State discounts)

• Broadband (internet) - $9.25 monthly discount off any Fios plan

Only eligible consumers may enroll in the programs.

You may qualify for Lifeline service if you can show proof that you participate in certain government assistance programs or your annual income is 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guideline. If you qualify based on income, you will be required to provide income verification. For a list of qualifying government assistance programs and income guidelines, please see your state’s application form from this website: https://dcpsc.org/.

In addition, the Lifeline program is limited to one discount per household consisting of wireline, wireless or broadband (internet). You are required to certify and agree that no other member of the household is receiving Lifeline service from Verizon or another provider.

Lifeline service is a non-transferrable benefit.

Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or may be barred from the program.

You must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify for the Lifeline service. An application for Verizon Lifeline service can be obtained at this website: www.verizon.com/lifeline or an application can be mailed by calling 1.800.VERIZON (1.800.837.4966).

To find out more information, you may also call the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers Lifeline for the FCC by calling (1.800.234.9473) or by accessing their website at www.LifelineSupport.org.

All rates, terms and conditions included in this notice are subject to change. For current Verizon Lifeline information and rates, visit www.verizon.com/tariffs. See Link titled “Verizon Lifeline Information” for state specific pricing.

3Washington Informer Office and Circulation Manager Angie Johnson (right) and her grandson James Johnson (left) at a community event. August is National Black Business Month, celebrating the contributions of Black businesses, such as The Washington Informer, which is Black and woman-owned. During the month patrons are encouraged to support Black-owned establishments. (WI File Photo)

to rejuvenate the state’s economy and foster new industries amid a rapidly modernizing landscape.

ship to make our state more competitive,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.

“Today we reaffirm our commitment to that mission. Together, we will continue to create new jobs, grow the economy, and position Maryland to win the decade.”

In the mid-1980s, Maryland faced a pivotal economic challenge with the closure of its industrial manufacturing plants, leaving vacant buildings and displaced workers. In response to the challenge, the Maryland General Assembly established MEDCO in 1984

Over the past four decades, MEDCO has greatly strengthened the state’s economic position, issuing $7.4 billion in bonds, funding 330 projects statewide, revitalizing and constructing 55 buildings, and developing 42 industrial parks.

“Reaching this milestone showcases four decades of MEDCO’s resilience, adaptability, and dedicated efforts to reshape Maryland’s economic landscape for the better,” said Tom Sadowski, executive director of MEDCO.

Our work with our public and private partners has enabled us to expand our capabilities and expertise as an allaround solutions provider for economic development in Maryland.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

FSC First’s ‘Level Up’ program Levels the Field for Eager Entrepreneurs

New Initiative Targets Small, Minority-owned Businesses in Prince George’s County

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Contributing Writer

Since its inception in 1978, FSC First has focused on helping small businesses based in Prince George’s County to develop and achieve success, guiding business owners and entrepreneurs through a specialized financial program. Now, 46 years later, FSC offers more than 13 unique programs to those eager to enhance their skills and develop their businesses – either located within Prince George’s County or other parts of Maryland. Generating more than $100 million dollars in direct loans to

small and minority-owned businesses in the county and having paved the way for an estimated 400 jobs in the local community, FSC First recently launched a new program, “Level Up,” which provides a unique opportunity for businesses owners as they pivot from the impact of the recent pandemic.

“We understand that there’s an unmet need to meet businesses where they are – whether that’s as a startup, emerging, existing or standing business,” said Dawn Medley, president and CEO of the organization, who assumed the ENTREPRENEURS Page 15

ENTREPRENEURS from Page 14

helm at FSC First last year. “We have program elements included within our curriculum to help people grow their business and we’re particularly good at helping new business owners establish critical relationships. Our goal is to make sure they’re ready so that when they apply for a loan, their request will be accepted.”

According to FSC First’s website, Level Up represents a collaborative effort involving a consortium of partners dedicated to equipping businesses with practical tools to help them succeed. By participating in this program, entrepreneurs can improve their skills and grow their businesses.

“Some business owners are good at providing their service but lack the financial planning of the business – like what’s needed for a solid business plan,” Medley said. “Others may not have their taxes in order so we help them develop a backup plan that will help them remain afloat before they even need to apply for a loan. And then, while some are excellent at their craft, they need to be able to illustrate how they plan to expand their business within the market, particularly if they hope to persuade others to invest in their business.”

FORGING A WAY TO CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES

FSC First is offering ways for people to forge paths in life by creating opportunities for entrepreneurship.

“For a growing number of Americans, it’s more about quality of life. People are more willing to make sacrifices so they can become business owners – successful entrepreneurs,” the CEO explained.

Medley said inquiries from local businesses confirm that Level Up could be a game-changer for those hoping to go out on their own.

“For those on the fence, we try to accommodate all kinds of business schedules with sessions on weekends and others during evenings and the best thing about it – the courses are free,” Medley told The Informer. “In the past 12 months, we have assisted 2,200 businesses, held 90 events and

5Dawn Medley, president/CEO of FSC First, leads the Largo, Maryland-based organization known for its success in educating and empowering small, minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Prince George’s County and other parts of the state. (Courtesy Photo/FSC First)

matched 163 business owners with their own personal business coach.

The FSC First CEO told The Informer that “Level Up,” is also perfect for young and early entrepreneurs.

During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Candace Randall-Bell, a former project analyst with the federal government who lives in Columbia, Maryland, turned her passion for candle making into Candles by Candy.

In 2019, she began making candles and introduced her products to customers at pop-up shops before stumbling upon a small shopping mall in Howard County, Savage Mill, which she said has the kind of artistic vibe that provided a perfect fit. She acknowledged how much she has learned and grown after reaching out to FSC First.

“I started out by purchasing a candle making kit – more as a hobby – but never dreamed it would turn into a profitable business,”

Randall-Bell said. “In my shop, we sell a variety of candles and also have tables set up for those who want to create their own. In some ways, it’s been a little frightening because being an entrepreneur is a whole new world.

“Thankfully, FSC First offered a workshop at my church last year which I attended. I’ve learned how to access capital, how to pitch my business and so much more. It’s been an unbelievably positive connection and I could immediately tell that they care about small and minority-owned businesses,” she said.

WI

IN BUSINESS

Biden Declares Democracy Demands New Leadership

By Stacy M. Brown National Reporter

In an impassioned address from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden laid bare his decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race, urging Americans to embrace a new generation of leadership.

“Saving democracy is more important than any title. It’s time to pass the torch to younger voices,” Biden declared in an address that signaled a transformative shift in American politics.

Following his decision over the

weekend to bow out of the race for re-election, Biden’s announcement was a clarion call for renewal. Stressing the moment’s urgency, Biden emphasized that the future of democracy depends on fresh, dynamic leadership. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the embodiment of this new era.

“Years ago, I described myself as a transitional candidate, and now it’s time for that transition to take full effect,” Biden said.

While he felt he could serve as commander in chief for four more years, he positioned Harris as the future of

the Democratic Party.

“My record as president, my leadership on the global stage, and my vision for America’s future all merited a second term,” Biden stated. “But nothing

can stand in the way of safeguarding our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So, I’ve decided the best path forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”

While refraining from mentioning former President Donald Trump by name, Biden clarified that he views the twice impeached and 34 times convicted felon Republican presidential nominee as a fundamental threat to democratic values.

Reflecting on his long career, Biden expressed deep gratitude and pride.

“Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton and Claymont one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. But here I am. That’s what makes America special,” he remarked, his voice tinged with emotion.

Biden acknowledged that doubts about his ability to defeat Trump influenced his decision.

“I revere this office, but I love my country more,” he said. “It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title.”

Biden said he is determined to address crucial issues for the remainder of his term. His agenda includes lowering family costs, defending personal freedoms, protecting voting rights, combating cancer, addressing gun violence, and advocating for Supreme Court reform. Internationally, he said he aims to strengthen NATO, support Ukraine, and seek an end to the conflict in Gaza.

The president’s endorsement of Harris has galvanized the Democratic Party, with Harris swiftly securing the backing of a majority of Democratic delegates.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Biden reassured his campaign staff, now supporting Harris. “I’m going to be out there on the campaign trail with her, working tirelessly as both a sitting president and a campaigner.”

The landmark address, along with Biden’s anticipated speech at the Democratic National Convention, could prove pivotal in defining his legacy.

“In a few months, Americans will decide the direction of our nation’s future,” Biden stated. “I have made my choice. I’ve expressed my views. Now the decision is in your hands, the hands of the American people.”

In the days before his decision, Biden confided in close advisors about his concerns regarding another run against Trump. His acknowledgment of those doubts underscored his commitment to putting the country’s needs above his ambitions. “The defense of democracy must come before all else,” he reiterated.

As Biden prepares to support Harris in her campaign, he remains focused on his presidential duties. His administration continues to push for significant legislative achievements, reinforcing his enduring commitment to the American people.

Read morre on washingtoninformer.com.

WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5President Joe Biden laid bare his decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race, urging Americans to embrace a new generation of leadership. (WI File Photo)

Tlaib Opposes Netanyahu’s Address as Israeli Prime Minister Defends Actions

Netanyahu Mocks Protests, Congressional Leaders Praise Address

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

More than 100 Congress members listened intently as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reflected on 292 days of war between Israel and Hamas, a conflict that has resulted in the deaths of more than thousands Palestinians and worldwide protests, including in the nation capital this week. Despite calls for a ceasefire right outside the convening, and a visibly disturbed Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the first and only Palestinian serving in Congress, the Israeli leader was adamant in continuing to defend his nation.

“The hands of the Jewish state will never be shattered,” Netanyahu said passionately in earlier moments of the address. “Israel will always defend itself.”

With dismal hopes for a ceasefire, he affirmed that Israel’s efforts should be strongly supported by the United States, which he referenced as “the

guardian of the Western Hemisphere.” He promised that a win for one would be a win for all.

“Our enemies are your enemies, our fight is your fight and our victory will be your victory,” Netanyahu asserted.

Since the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack by Hamas, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have bombed schools, churches and hospitals in search of the group's officials. Netanyahu has been a proponent of the 75,000 tonnes of explosive dropped on the Gaza strip, formerly considered a safe zone with weapons supplied by the U.S.

Many believe these airstrikes are being motivated by efforts to eradicate the Palestinian people and take more of their land, in effect, creating a one state solution to decades of conflict and violence.

“Netanyahu’s apartheid regime has already slaughtered over 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including over 15,000 children—targeted with 355

bullets, shot in the head by Israeli snipers, burned to death in their tents with U.S.-made weapons, bombed while playing at school, deliberately starved to death, and Palestinians are bombed in refugee camps and discovered in mass graves, naked and with their hands tied, all live-streamed for the world to see,” said Tlaib.

NETANYAHU

MOCKS PROTESTS, CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS PRAISE ADRESS

During the joint address Tlaib sat by herself with the Palestinian Keffiyeh draped around her shoulders. In her hand she held a sign that read, “Guilty of Genocide” on the front and “War Criminal” the back.

At one point Netanyahu made fun of her and protestors chanting “Gays

for Gaza” by stating it might as well say, “Chickens for KFC '' prompting Tlaib’s peers to ream with laughter.

“I will never back down in speaking truth to power,” Tlaib wrote in a post on X later adding, “Palestinians will not be erased. Solidarity with all those outside of these walls in the streets protesting and exercising their right to dissent.”

In response, Sen. Thom Tillis (RNC) called her an “absolute disgrace” and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC-1) referenced her as “Iran’s Useful Idiot” among an influx of other comments. Their fellow party members shared similar sentiments and stood in support of Netanyahu.

“I thought it was a great speech,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-Ga.) told the Informer.

Despite celebrating the partnership, Netanyahu emphasized he’d like more to be done to defeat Hamas.

“Get us the tools faster and we will finish the job faster,” he told the crowd. “Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home. That’s what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less.” WI

5Rashida Tlaib opposes Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s joint address to Congress. (Photo Courtesy/ Rashida Tlaib / X)

NATIONAL Barack and Michelle Obama

Formally Endorse Kamala Harris as Democratic Presidential Nominee

By Stacy M. Brown National Reporter

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. The landmark endorsement, publicly issued at 5 a.m. on Friday, July 26, solidifies Harris’s standing and injects renewed energy into her campaign as the election draws near.

“Kamala Harris is the leader America needs,” the Obamas announced. “We are thrilled to endorse Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.”

Harris embraced the endorsement during a phone call with the Obamas, a moment her campaign shared via video on Friday morning. The pivotal endorsement co-

incides with Harris for President kicking off a weekend of action, marking 100 days until Election Day. With an army of 170,000 volunteers and 2,300 events planned across crucial battleground states, Team Harris is mounting an allout effort to engage voters on their critical choices this November.

Barack Obama, who had previously withheld his endorsement, highlighted Harris’s exceptional qualifications and dedication to public service.

“Choosing Kamala was one of President Biden’s best decisions,” he said. “Her track record is unparalleled: as a prosecutor, she defended the Constitution; as California’s Attorney General, she ensured fairness and justice; as a Senator, she was a formidable opponent to the Trump administration; and as Vice President, she has led the charge on healthcare

expansion, climate change, and reproductive rights.”

The Obamas emphasized that Harris’s strengths go beyond her resume.

“Kamala has the vision, character, and strength this critical moment demands. She gives us all reason to hope,” they noted.

The Obamas’ endorsement amplifies the momentum behind

Harris’s campaign, which already enjoys broad support from labor unions, advocacy groups, and a multitude of Democratic officials.

In their concluding call to action, the Obamas declared, “We’re going to do everything we can to elect Kamala Harris the next President of the United States. And we hope you’ll join us.”

With the Obamas’ powerful en-

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dorsement and a robust grassroots movement, Harris stands poised to continue to climb in a race some polls currently have as a dead heat.

“Kamala Harris represents the best of America and will work tirelessly to create a brighter, fairer future for all,” Michelle Obama stated.

WI @StacyBrownMedia

5Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. (WI File Photo)

— Phillip J., Michigan Park

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INTERNATIONAL

africa now

5Joanne Abbot, British Embassy development director and deputy ambassador, announced a new partnership aimed at increasing horticultural production for export a nd to enhance trade relations. (Courtesy Photo/X)

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Joanne Abbot, British Embassy development director and deputy ambassador in Harare, Zimbabwe, reported a major trade increase according to New Zimbabwe on Sunday, July 28. Abbot noted trade between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom (UK) experienced a significant boost from 2022 to 2023, with a 67% increase in the exchange of goods and services, reaching a total value of over $800 million. Previous reports indicate that Zimbabwe-UK trade surged by $185m to $595m in 2022, with UK investments in Zimbabwe increasing by $68 million(145.5%) in 2021.

This growth comes as the Southern African nation strengthens ties with the UK after years of political tension, with a focus on economic diplomacy and re-engagement.

Speaking at the launch of the Monty’s and Central Association of Cooperative Union (CACU) Outgrower Scheme in Harare last Thursday, Abbot announced a new partnership aimed at increasing horticultural production for export and to enhance trade relations.

“We want to keep increasing the trade rate. So, how do we keep increasing trade?

“Well, I’m delighted to announce a new project under the UK’s Trade Partnerships Programme, which will support horticultural farmers and lead firms to boost production and exports of high-value crops to the UK and EU markets,” she said.

The scheme is running under the theme:“Opportunities in the field, capturing opportunities from the field.”

Abbot also added that it is crucial for smallholder farmers to increase their involvement in agricultural exports, and this can be achieved through the financing options made available to exporters.

By providing access to financial resources, smallholders can overcome barriers to entry and expand their participation in the export market, ultimately contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector.

She highlighted that the project will provide advisory services to farmers on export quality and production requirements, as well as support small and medium-sized enterprises to exhibit at European and British trade fairs.

“The Trade Partnerships project will support the implementation of the hub-and-spoke model and give smallholders the chance to export and increase their incomes,” she explained.

The initiative will be implemented by the International Trade Centre, in collaboration with the Horticultural Development Council and ZimTrade and the partnership is expected to further strengthen trade ties between the UK and Zimbabwe, promoting economic growth and development in the region.

In previous years, top Zimbabwean exports to the UK included beverages, tobacco, and vegetables, while imports from the UK specialized in machinery and telecommunications equipment. WI

Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, in his role as Acting Prime Minister, welcomed actress and producer Kim Fields to Freeport, Grand Bahama on Thursday, July 25. During her three-day visit the actress participated in the various activities of the island’s popular Goombay Summer Festival.

Bahamas Deputy Prime

“It was a treat today to meet with film and TV actress and producer Kim Fields in Grand Bahama. She has pledged to help The Bahamas in developing our film and TV industry. We talked about that and about support for the Orange economy. She’s a big fan of The Bahamas and we’re fans of hers. Looking forward to fruitful collaboration,” Cooper, who is also minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, noted in a post on his Facebook page.

Fields-first gained fame as a child actress on the television series Good Times (1978–1979), and rose to greater prominence for her role as Dorothy "Tootie" Ramsey in the NBC sitcom Diff'rent Strokes (1979–1981), as well as its spin-off The Facts of Life (1979–1988), the longest running sitcom of the 1980s.

On its website, www.bustle.com notes, “In the decades since, Fields went on to do theater, direct several sitcoms (including Tyler Perry’s House of Payne), write a memoir, and launch her own collection of gourmet coffee and teas. It’s a testament to the Harlem native’s decades-long-acting career as a Hollywood rarity who overcame the child star curse and refused to fade into obscurity.”

In another post, Cooper added that he got to show his “island skills of chopping a coconut” and “actress, producer and friend of The Bahamas Ms. Kim Fields also got a full immersion. Great fun. Great time. Great Culture!”

5

Minister Chester Cooper welcomes actress and producer Kim Fields. (Courtesy Photo)

Prepare for a Successful School Year with a Well-Child Visit

Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC)

As the back-to-school season approaches, one essential item on the school checklist that should not be overlooked is well-child visits. These routine checkups are important for ensuring your child's health and well-being as they start a new school year.

WHY WELL-CHILD VISITS MATTER BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS

Well-child visits are more than just physical exams; they are appointments that address different aspects of your child's health and development. Taking your child to these visits regularly is a great opportunity to build a strong foundation for their long-term health and academic success. Well-child visits are great opportunities for parents or guardians to:

• Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date. One of the most important aspects of a well-child visit is ensuring your child is up to date on all necessary vaccines. Immunizations protect not only your child but their classmates from preventable diseases. Schools often require proof of immunization before allowing students to attend, making this an essential step for back-to-school preparation.

• Monitor growth and development. During a well-child visit, your child’s provider will measure their height, weight, and other growth milestones to make sure they are growing and developing appropriately for their age. This helps identify and address potential issues early, such as growth delays or developmental concerns that ensure your child is physically ready for the school year.

• Address chronic conditions. If your child has a chronic health condition, such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, or ADHD, a well-child visit is a chance to review their treatment plans and make any changes. Proper management of these conditions is crucial for maintaining their

#BestMe

health and ensuring they can participate fully in school activities.

• Stay on top of mental health checks. Mental and emotional wellness is just as important as physical health. Providers can assess your child’s mental health and provide support or refer you to certain resources if needed. This can be important as children face the social and academic pressures of the school environment.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A WELLCHILD VISIT

Properly preparing for a well-child visit helps ensure a smooth and productive appointment. To make the most out of the well-child visit, here are a few tips:

• Schedule visits early. Appointments can fill up quickly as the school year approaches, so it's best to schedule visits ahead of time. If you can’t visit your child’s provider before school starts or aren’t sure when the best time is to make their appointment, try to schedule their visit each year around their birthday.

• Prepare your questions. Write down any questions or concerns you have about your child's health, development, or behavior.

• Discuss any physical or emotional changes. Inform your child’s provider about any changes in their health or any new developments over the past year.

Well-child visits are essential to preparing your child for a successful school year. Before the school bells ring, schedule your child's well-child visit and give them a healthy start to the school year. All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

Combating social isolation at the Enrollee Wellness and Opportunity Center

Social isolation can take a toll on our well-being, especially during challenging times. Social isolation can be triggered by several factors, such as mental health struggles, physical health concerns, community violence, or trauma, contributing to depression, feelings of loneliness, and anxiety.

The AmeriHealth Caritas DC Enrollee Wellness and Opportunity Center provides a space for enrollees to connect with others in the community while helping to stay on top of healthcare needs. Enrollees can engage in several activities and programs at no cost, such as:

• Fitness classes. Too much isolation at home can weaken your immune

system, making it easier to catch infections and illnesses. Get up and move your body during Saturday fitness classes at the center.

• Finance classes. If financial stress makes you feel disconnected from others, you can attend finance classes to learn money management tips and ease your financial burden.

• Care management. Get tips and information from a care manager on any health concerns you have. No appointment is needed.

• Information on resources and wellness tips. Enrollees can access several resources including mental health support, wellness classes, and an overall supportive environ-

ment to help you rebuild connections and engage with the community.

Wellness classes are offered at no cost to all AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees. Call the Community Outreach Solutions team at 202-216-2318 to learn more or to sign up for wellness classes.

Visit the Enrollee Wellness and Opportunity Center at: 1209 Marion Barry Ave. SE Washington, DC 20020 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday

HEALTH

Words, Beats & Life Highlights

Intersectionality of the Arts, Mental Wellness on the National Mall

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Creativity can positively influence overall well-being and Words, Beats & Life, a hip-hop based educational nonprofit, highlighted the intersectionality between the arts and mental health through “DMV Made: A Culture & Wellness Festival,” on the National Mall July 27. The festival, simultaneously held during National Minority

Mental Health Awareness Month, emphasized the arts as a means to help youth express themselves and cope with life challenges.

“It feels like we're in an emergency situation. Our young people are crying out to be heard. And a lot of times, that cry for attention leads to them acting out in certain ways. It leads them to doing things that aren’t conducive to their growth and running into dead end situations,” Pat-

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Click on dconeapp.dc.gov, upload a few documents, then submit! Apply by September 6, 2024.

(Ja'Mon Jackson/The

rick Washington, poetry director for Words Beats & Life told the Informer. Words Beats & Life’s District-wide programs equip youth, practicing artists and scholars with the education and resources they need to facilitate their artistry through after school programs,

workshops, concerts, and festivals.

“Our goal is to create spaces for [young people]-- opportunities, and hope based on the artistry and talent that they have, [while giving them] constructive ways to express and make a way to provide for themselves.”

Although wellness is most popularly associated with health practices including diet and exercise, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) also emphasized the connection between creative arts and well-being, in a 2023 survey.

“About half (46%) of Americans use creative activities to relieve stress or anxiety, such as playing the piano, crocheting a blanket, dancing with friends or solving crossword puzzles,” according to the APA. “Americans who rate their mental health as very good or excellent tend to engage in creative activities more frequently than those who rate their mental health as fair or poor.”

DMV Made served as a celebration of local artists, culture, health and wellness. The festival and event presented health and wellness activities and education, an interactive family-fun zone, workshops, and multiple performance stages featuring local poets along with some of the District’s most celebrated bands and artists including; Be’la Dona, DuPont Brass, Step Afrika!, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and the Chuck Brown Band.

Titia Haffner, 21, also known by her stage name, “Saint,” is a poet from Prince George’s County who performed spoken word during the event. She said she can attest to the emotional and mental support that writing provides her, finding the dual-

ity in creativity, and a catharsis of sorts as she puts her most intimate experiences into poetry.

“I think it's very important that we have things like this, especially in D.C. A lot of people that I'm associated with, these are the ways that we express ourselves. Whether it be through poetry, through dance, or through song, it's important that you have a way of expressing yourself,” Haffner shared. “When it comes to mental health, for me, it's important that I have my poetry going on so that I [can manage] however I'm feeling and continue to press through it.”

Native Washingtonian, community activist, and co-founder of WeAct Radio Kymone Freeman, took part in DMV Made, supporting the organization’s mission to empower local artists through arts and humanities initiatives across the District. Freeman emphasized the importance of feeding residents with positive images, resources, and opportunities to sustain a healthy ecosystem for the community.

“Words, Beats, & Life is a wonderful organization, probably one of the largest nonprofits in the city, who's doing tremendous work. They put value in our community and our culture, and it's a direct correlation between health and wellness and arts and culture– you can't have one without the other,” said Freeman. “It is the balanced diet of the mind and body. The body feeds off the food, and the mind feeds off of the culture and your environment. And that's what we need to understand. We want to change the culture, and these types of events bring attention to those issues.”

WI

5Words Beats & Life hosted “DMV Made: A Culture & Wellness Festival” on the National Mall on July 27.

Washington Informer)

Report Unveils Puberty’s Role in Intensifying Racial Bias Against Black Children

Being Perceived as Older Can Take a Toll on Young People’s Mental Health

By Stacy M. Brown National Reporter

A new report from Psychology Today has revealed how puberty exacerbates racial bias against Black children, with the study’s author highlighting the need for immediate educational and societal reforms.

Dr. Rona Carter, an associate professor at the University of Michigan and the report’s author, explained that Black children are often perceived as older and less innocent than their white peers, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and identity struggles.

“The psychological toll of being perceived as older can be profound for Black children,” Carter wrote for Psychology Today, the world’s largest mental health and behavioral science destination online, which includes free access to hundreds of thousands of professionals.

“Educational reforms are necessary to create an environment where Black children can thrive, including curricula that reflect

the diverse histories and experiences of Black communities,” Carter continued.

The issue of adultification is deeply rooted in societal biases and stereotypes, manifesting in harsher disciplinary actions in schools and more severe judgments in the criminal justice system. A 2022 study by researchers Gadson and Lewis examined the experiences of Black adolescent girls, revealing that when these girls counter stereotypical images, they often face gendered racial microaggressions. They determined this could lead to feelings of invisibility or hypervisibility in classrooms, contributing to over-discipline and a lack of protection within the school system.

Historically, Black children have been perceived and treated as less innocent and more adult-like than their white counterparts, a bias amplified with puberty. Research indicates that Black girls often enter puberty earlier than children of other races, sometimes as young as 7 or 8 years old. This early development

can make them appear older, exacerbating the adultification bias.

When Black children enter puberty early, societal misperceptions of their age and maturity intensify. For instance, a 10-yearold Black girl who looks physically mature might be expected to behave with a level of responsibility and emotional control unrealistic for her actual age. This misperception often leads to disproportionately harsh disciplinary actions. Black girls are six times more likely to be suspended from school than white girls for similar behaviors, reflecting a bias that punishes them more severely.

Carter asserted that the consequences of adultification extend beyond the classroom.

"Black boys who mature early are more likely to be seen as older and as threats, significantly increasing their interactions with law enforcement and the likelihood of being treated as adults in the criminal justice system," she noted.

The cases of Tamir Rice, a BIAS Page 24

5While these two girls enjoy a moment at camp, a new report has revealed how puberty exacerbates racial bias and can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and identity struggles. (WI File Photo)

EARTH OUR

A Not-So-Difficult Irrigation Audit

By Valerie Smith Sod Solutions

This article was originally published by Sod Solutions, a resource for lawn and garden content, and slightly edited for clarity.

Watering is essential for any natural lawn. Whether using sprinklers, relying on rainfall, or employing other irrigation methods, monitoring your lawn’s water intake is crucial for both environmental conservation… and even reducing water bills!

Explore how to conduct an irrigation audit and make necessary adjustments to ensure your lawn receives the right amount of water efficiently, thus saving resources and money.

STEP 1: GATHER THE RIGHT TOOLS

You’ll need some basic tools that are both effective and economical. Collect various containers like emp-

ty tuna cans, the bottoms of plastic water bottles or soda cans. These can easily capture water without any need for expensive equipment.

You can also check with your local extension agency for plastic cups upon request. It’s important to use the same type of containers throughout your lawn to ensure consistency in your measurements. Ensure you have enough containers to cover various points within the reach of each sprinkler across all irrigation zones of your yard.

What is a zone?

An irrigation zone in your lawn is a specific area watered by a designated set of sprinklers, controlled independently from other areas. Each zone addresses unique watering needs based on plant types, sun exposure and soil conditions, allowing for efficient water management and healthier lawn growth.

How many irrigation zones are in my yard?

The amount of irrigation zones are

Most irrigation systems come sprinkler heads that cover 6–9 zones.

STEP 2: PLACE THE CUPS IN THE PROPER ZONES

The next step is figuring out how much water your sprinklers are delivering. Just place cups in each zone to

catch the water during a normal irrigation cycle. Once they’re set, turn on your sprinkler system for its usual run time.

How do I locate each zone in my yard?

Check any system documentation or diagrams from when your irrigation system was installed; these often show where each zone’s valves are located. Additionally, you can observe the order in which the sprinklers activate. When you turn on a specific

zone, the sprinklers that pressurize first are typically closest to that zone’s irrigation valve.

STEP 3: MEASURE THE RESULTS

After each zone finishes running, check the water in your cups to make sure the amounts are similar. Record the results and proceed to the next zone until you’ve covered the whole lawn. You’re aiming for a consistent halfinch of water in the lawn of each zone, which adds up to the ideal 1 inch per week—split into two watering sessions. There are some exceptions—shaded regions may need less water than those exposed to full sun to keep disease outbreaks at bay.

Pro Tip: Over-watering can cause diseases in your lawn. Consider turning off your irrigation during rainy seasons and winter, and watch for signs of thirst in your grass, such as leaves folding inward.

Remember, typical lawns use two kinds of irrigation heads: rotating rotors for large areas and stationary sprays for smaller spots. Since these heads deliver water at different rates, it’s crucial to set them to run for the right amount of time. Also, ensure all heads in a zone are the same type, as mixing sprays and rotors in one zone can lead to uneven watering.

STEP 4: MAKE ADJUSTMENTS

If your zone is getting too much water…

12-year-old Black boy shot by police while playing with a toy gun, and Kalief Browder, who was held in solitary confinement for three years without trial as a teenager, highlight the fatal consequences of adultification and racial bias.

Addressing adultification requires a multifaceted approach, Carter concluded. Policy changes are essential to mitigate bias in educational and judicial systems. Schools should implement bias training for educators to help them recognize and counteract their prejudices. Law enforcement agencies need similar training to prevent tragic misunderstandings arising from adultification biases.

Community and parental involvement are also crucial. Com-

munity programs supporting and advocating for Black children can help them navigate these challenges. Carter suggested that parents could play a pivotal role by engaging in open discussions with their children about their experiences and teaching them to assert their rights and identities.

“Imagine an 11-year-old Black girl standing in her school hallway,” Carter said. “She has just entered puberty, and her body is beginning to change in ways that make her look older than her years. Despite her tender age, she is often treated by teachers and peers as if she is much older, expected to possess a maturity beyond her years. This phenomenon—known as adultification— strips Black children of their innocence and childhood, placing burdens on them that their white peers rarely experience.”

WI

THE BLACKBONE PROJECT: ‘AN ECOSYSTEM OF BLACK WOMEN’ INSPRING ONE ANOTHER

In the nation’s capital and beyond, Ray has continued to advocate for Black women in entrepreneurship, kickstarting initiatives like the BLACKBONE Project and annual Blackbone Project Summit, which tackle industrial issues ahead by educating employers on how to scale their personal businesses to full enterprises.

“Early in my career, I was often the lone Black woman in the room. I was often the woman who did not have…a woman mentor,” Ray says. “We struggled with having a lack of access to capital, and as I think all of us struggle with is the kind of life work balance. So, I re-

ally wanted to create a space that would help women navigate some of the really choppy spaces that I have had to navigate early in my career.”

In a culmination of decades of work, the BLACKBONE project launched in 2023 to supply Black female founders with the resources, support and development to achieve business objectives and economic prosperity. The year-long program hosts a 17-week incubator training rooted in the foundations of building an enterprise – from the ideation phase to extra capital to the unique element of implementing support groups for founders to collaborate and strengthen their business modules. Since its inception, the BLACKBONE Project has served 175 businesses, and about 60 of them have climbed the ladder from ideation to foreign cooperation and licensed businesses, each on average growing their gross revenues by 32% over a year, according to Ray. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Now you’re ready to adjust your irrigation to get the right amount of water to each zone. If a zone needs more water, you can either:

1) Install larger nozzles or extend the watering time—assuming this doesn’t conflict with any HOA rules. Or…

2) Extend the run time, which is the simplest and cheapest solution. If you can’t increase the time, then switching to larger nozzles is your next best option.

If your zone is getting too little water…

On the other hand, if a zone is getting too much water, reduce the run time or switch to smaller nozzles.

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5 Conducting irrigation audits is a way to ensure lawns receive the right amount of water efficiently, thus saving resources and money. (Courtesy Photo/Sod Solutions) determined by each irrigation system and how many square feet each irrigation head covers.

BIAS from Page 23

BLACK WOMEN from Page 8

Exploring the City’s Nature: Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

5 A bunny hops in the Tudor Place Garden in D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood, during the 2024 Washington Informer Charities African American Heritage Tour. As part of the July 20 tour, guests learned about the mansion and grounds through the lens of the historic home’s current exhibit “Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place.” (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer

5 At Tudor Place, guests can take in the garden’s historic plants, restored native vegetation, as well as beautiful, fragrant and even edible plants. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

EDUCATION

Like several others who attended Kramer’s Extended Learning and Academic Recovery Program, Jenesis had to make up for several hours of instruction she lost during the school year. The four-week experience, she said, allowed her to sharpen her arithmetic while confronting a lifelong problem.

“I missed school this year because I didn’t know how to get out of my shell and say what I needed, but I’m learning,” said Jenesis, a rising eighth grader at Kramer Middle School. “I learned that I’m very smart. I got to interact with people and build a bond with my tutor. It was easy only because we had things in common, even though she was older than me.”

On Tuesday, July 30, Jenesis and 24

other students from Kramer, Leckie Education Campus, and Hart Middle School wrapped up the summer learning and academic recovery program with a graduation ceremony and “Math Matters in the Garden Showcase.”

During the showcase, students presented projects they completed under the guidance of tutors from GW Math Matters. They later listened as D.C. Public School (DCPS) alumna and spoken word poet María Fernanda introduced Isabelle Strulson and Max Moordi, two District middle school students and annual Parkmont Poetry Festival participants who read their poetry before the group of students.

Teachers, parents and community members from the Uniting People with Opportunities foster grandpar-

ent program who attended the “Math Matters in the Garden Showcase” walked around a classroom to eight stations. At each station, students presented a website along with 2-D and 3-D renderings of a sustainable community garden they created.

During that portion of the program, Jenesis and two of her classmates spent a significant portion of their time speaking with adults and peers about their process and what

up to their tutors. We saw friendships form [where] some people didn’t know each other.”

Ogundare said that the eight tutors, all of whom are GW students, learned just as much this summer. Each of them, she said, provided up to six hours of classroom instruction. That experience, she pointed out, provided ample opportunity to appreciate lesson planning, classroom management and other aspects of the profession.

“They understand what teachers go through,” Ogundare said about the tutors. “I saw some who I knew would be great teachers get on that path. Kramer was also able to provide a lot of adult support. Tutors met teachers who had been doing this.”

they learned along the way.

“I’m proud of myself,” Jenesis said. “I know if I wouldn’t have come to summer school, I’d still be in the seventh grade. I tell other young people to keep going. If you feel like you’re about to stop trying, just look at your future and what you could be doing.”

FROM THE “GW BUBBLE” TO SOUTHEAST

GIVING STUDENTS WHAT THEY NEED

GW Math Matters, now in its third year of existence, has provided high-impact tutoring at several District public middle schools. This fall, elementary schools will also be receiving those services.

During the school year, high-impact tutoring takes place in 90 minute increments in a small group setting. Rian Reed, the co-principal at Kramer’s Extended Learning and Academic Recovery Program, said that a chance meeting with GW Math Matters staff members at Johnson Middle School compelled her to bring them to Kramer for the summer.

GW Math Matters, a high-impact tutoring program facilitated by the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement & Public Service at The George Washington University (GW) in Northwest, reinforced several elementary and middle school-level math lessons this summer with students as they developed plans for a sustainable community garden.

Students’ final rendering of the garden included a human-size chess board, a clear, walkable pathway taking community members through the garden, seats located near vents, and plant beds spaced equally across the platform.

Along every step of students’ creative process, from the collection of survey data, to the compilation of a gardening supply budget, to the creation of 2-D and 3-D models of their imaginary community garden, students sharpened their grasp of proportions, area, and volume. They also reviewed converting fractions to decimals and percentages and took care of chia pets as a test of their ability to maintain high attendance.

“We wanted students to enjoy themselves and find the love for math that so many of us have,” said Abimbola Ogundare, the program manager at GW Math Matters. “A lot of them were upset at themselves [for being in summer school], but they warmed

Months before the start of summer school, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee recognized students at Kramer for their improved attendance with a pizza party. Students who spoke to Lewis and Ferebee expressed their desire for programming that supports more middle school students.

Reed, a DCPS/GW Equity Centered Principal Pipeline fellow, echoed those sentiments, telling The Informer that nearly all of the nearly 40 students who reported to extended learning and academic recovery completed their studies with the proper resources put in place.

“All students can thrive when given the right environment and support,” Reed said. “As summer school principal, I was able to galvanize the community around students’ needs. Students were able to see how the learning applies to their real life and build their academic skills while knowing they can achieve and persevere through what comes next.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. @SamPKCollins

5 Abimbola Ogundare (L), the program coordinator at GW Math Matters (Sam P.K. Collins/ The Washington Informer)

The Swaliga Foundation to Host #STEAMtheBlock Party, Free Family Event at DC Entertainment and Sports Arena

By Demarco Rush WI Contributing Writer

The Swaliga Foundation will host its eighth annual #STEAMtheBlock Party on Saturday, Aug. 10 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the DC Entertainment and Sports Arena.

The event is free with registration and open to all ages. It will offer a wide array of workshops and activities, including interactive science demos about sound energy and frequency, creating music beats, playing cutting-edge video games, learning how to fly drones, and understanding electric cars. Additionally, attendees can explore virtual reality and the fascinating world of 3D printing.

Since its establishment in 2012, The Swaliga Foundation has been engaging youth in the metropolitan area with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to children in

D.C.

“We’re taking the city over… we want to set the tone for the upcoming school year. We have to empower and pull up our young people,” Lemond Brown, founder and CEO of the Swaliga Foundation told the Informer.

Brown noticed a learning gap in math and science skills among Black youth and envisioned The Swaliga Foundation as a way to combat youth crime, homicide, and depression among the youth in the area while closing the gap.

Brown, a writer, producer and musician who performs as MR. IMAG, has a degree in architectural engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Over a decade since its inception, the foundation has helped serve 10,000 youth and families through after-school programs and community events.

The foundation will be hosting competitions prior to the Aug. 10 event, including a business idea/ pitch competition that will reward winners with new laptops and a cash prize.

There also will be a T-shirt design competition sponsored by Under Armour with the theme being a “visual representation of D.C. leading the way in STEAM innovation,” winners will get to visit Under Armour’s facilities and see their designs come to life. Both competition deadlines are on Monday, Aug. 5.

The event will also include live music performances by UCB, ENTATY, Uptown XO, Pinky Killacorn, Fly Zyah and. MR. IMAG will be taking the stage and premiering new music from his album, “#STEAMtheBlock: Book of Nature.”

“We’ve got some dope artists, some amazing partners, some of

the top engineering and tech companies in the region, and it’s just going to be a fun day,” said Brown.

The Washington Informer is a media partner for this event. Other partners include Best Buy, Under

Pepco to Host Aja Moon Exhibit Opening Aug. 2

Arts and culture energize, inspire and unite us. Artists’ vision and creativity helps make us better people and contribute to building vibrant and strong communities.

We strongly believe this at Pepco. That’s why we are thrilled to introduce a talented Washington, D.C. artist, Aja Moon, to the greater D.C. community this summer. On Aug. 2, Pepco’s Edison Place Gallery at 702 8th St., N.W., will open an exhibit of Moon’s works titled “The Aja Moon Collxn” that will continue through September. Register to attend at AjaMoonCollxn.eventbrite.com

Moon, 37, came to our attention last fall when we were seeking community input to identify an artist and an artistic concept to beautify the exterior of our new Mount Vernon substation. As part of our commitment to provide more than energy, we conducted an online survey in September 2023. With help from the Mount Vernon Community Improvement District and its president and chief executive, Kenyattah Robinson, Pepco became acquainted with Moon and commissioned her to do the project in December 2023. Community meetings and discussions with Moon followed.

The result is a stunning and provocative example of public art titled “Illuminated Legacy.” It’s a 67-foot-long mural composed of 32 brightly colored digital portraits of notable Washingtonians who contributed to the city’s culture and heritage over the past 100 years. They are diverse in every sense of the word. They all contributed to D.C.’s culture palette as religious figures, political activists, sports stars, writers, musicians and more. Half are women; half are men.

Some names will be familiar, such as jazz composer Duke Ellington and Virginia Ali, the cofounder of Washington’s famous Ben’s Chili Bowl restaurant. Others may be lesser known, such as Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month, who lived in Shaw and passed away there in 1950.

One of the faces on the mural is a great-uncle of Moon’s, and his identity is part of the story of the artist’s vision for the mural. Rev. Dr. W.H. Jernagin was a pastor of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in the Mount Vernon neighborhood and a well-known civil rights activist until his death in 1958.

Moon, who grew up in Mount Vernon, conceived “Illuminated Legacy” as a blend of art and local history with a nod to its placement outside a substation. She researched more than 70 people. And then the winnowing began to match her candidates with the space available in the mural.

Armour, Events DC, DC Arts & Humanities, OLÉ Entertainment, LLC., Minority Tech Foundation, National Endowment of the Arts, and WUSA-9. WI

“There were so many stories to tell and I want this mural to depict the full entity of D.C. culture and some of the contributions that have been made to the foundation of culture in D.C.,” she says.

Moon, a portrait artist who describes her paintings as abstract realism, began working on “Illuminated Legacy” in February. She estimates she has poured about 500 hours of her heart and soul into the project.

Pepco is proud to also display this artwork outside the Mount Vernon substation, which was energized in May. Its completion is a significant achievement in our Capital Grid project to build an integrated solution for providing safe, reliable energy to the Nation’s Capital.

Some of the portraits from the “Illuminated Legacy” mural will be included in the exhibit of more than 30 works at Pepco’s Edison Place Gallery. The exhibit will also include seven portraits of accomplished Black women from various walks of life, a series that Moon calls “creatHER: constructing the Black Woman.”

Pepco is delighted to sponsor Moon’s first major solo exhibit at the Edison Place Gallery. This spacious facility is available to nonprofits for meetings and other events. Please check pepco.com/gallery for more information.

5 #STEAMtheBlock Party at the Entertainment and Sports Arena on Aug. 10 at noon.

Aja Moon

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

COVID-19 Remains with Us

When news broke that President Joseph R. Biden had once again contracted COVID-19, it was a reminder to all Americans that the virus is not only still here but is with us permanently. The president tested positive after speaking at the annual convention of the NAACP in Las Vegas. He had mild symptoms and was forced to return to the White House from his home in Delaware.

President Biden is among several notable government officials who recently tested positive, including Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA).

Many Americans ask, “Are we still in a pandemic?”

A recent report issued by Boston University, “All of these changes, plus the widespread relaxation of mask policies in public places,” begs the question whether or not the pandemic is ever present.

“Or has COVID-19 reached the endemic stage, meaning it’s here to stay but not spreading out of control? The terminology can be confusing,” according to the

Boston University report.

For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) still calls COVID-19 a pandemic, even after declaring an end to the public health emergency last spring.”

“In addition, 2,000 people are dying every week from COVID in the U.S., and we are continuing to learn more about COVID and its consequences,” the Boston report revealed, before emphasizing a warning. “Although we are in a different phase, there are still reasons to remain vigilant.”

As of April 26, 2023, the total number of both confirmed and presumptive cases and deaths in this country from COVID-19 had reached over 104 million and 1.1 million, respectively.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), America is experiencing a noticeable uptick in COVID-19 cases this summer. Infections are rising in 43 states, while declining in the remaining seven. In addition to Washington, D.C., states most at risk include Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Or-

egon, Texas, and Washington state.

Several factors are cited for the uptick in infections, including Americans being inside gatherings where the virus spreads faster due to record heat waves and not wearing masks.

Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University, explained epidemiologists have named a new group of variants FLiRT.

“It makes up more than 70% of Covid infections in the U.S. The name is a reference to their amino acid changes,” Osterholm said. “The variants — KP.3, KP.2, and KP.1.1— share the same key mutations, which could make it easier for the virus to bypass protections from vaccines or prior infections.”

Considering the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the DMV and across the country, Americans would be wise to return to wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, including on public transportation.

Appropriate steps should also be taken if you are exposed to anyone who has tested positive. WI

Voters Must Decide What Matters Most: Character and Credentials or Color and Gender

What a difference a day – or in this case, a week – makes in a world that has grown smaller because of the internet, social media and a news cycle that never takes a break.

On Sunday, July 21, President Joe Biden announced he would discontinue his bid for a second term in office, describing his decision to withdraw as being in “the best interest” of the Democratic Party and America. He also endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the nominee.

And less than 24 hours later, Harris was off and running on the campaign trails.

Since becoming the presumptive candidate for the Democratic Party, Harris has shocked Americans, the world and most notably, the man who she will face in the November showdown for the White House – former president and GOP nominee Donald Trump.

But while Trump has chosen to continue along the path of disseminating insults, disingenuous accusations and a fury of statements that one would be hard-pressed to validate, Harris has taken a different route – one which appears to be more substantive in terms of the issues facing Americans, while energizing both her party and voters.

Since her emergence as the likely Democratic nominee last week, Harris has raised a whopping $200 million. In the same seven-day period, she’s made significant inroads with both younger voters and independents, according to the latest polls and particularly amid the slew of activity on social media fueled by those under 40.

In an ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted last week, Harris’ favorability rating was 35%. One week later, that number has risen to 43%. Americans also say they’re more enthusiastic about Harris becom-

ing the Democratic nominee at 48%, compared to 39% who say they are enthusiastic about Trump being the Republican nominee. Perhaps most important are those who have no stated allegiance to or connection with any political party: independent voters. For them, based on the same poll, 49% expressed enthusiasm about Harris as compared to 36% about Trump – a number which has dropped slightly from 40% following the recent attempted assassination on his life.

However, for some, the unuttered or whispered issue with which voters will have to contend is whether their choice for president will be determined by an unspoken caste system that has shaped America for centuries and continues to impact our lives.

As the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson posits in Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent, “the hierarchy of caste is not

TO THE EDITOR

The latest issue of the Bridge was super dope and creative. You don’t see that kind of artistry much anymore. Looking forward to the next one.

Nella Banks Washington, D.C.

I’m behind Kamala all the way! Thanks for all of your reporting covering politics locally and nationally.

Sonja Adams Washington, D.C.

about feelings or morality. It is about power – which groups have it and which do not.”

She goes on to say that beyond race, class or other factors, a powerful caste system influences people’s lives and behavior and the fate of nations like Nazi Germany, and which continues to include India and America.

Still, with under 100 days remaining until the General Election, it really doesn’t matter what the polls, political pundits or spokespersons for the opposing sides say.

As Americans cast their vote in November, they will have to decide if they want to embrace Trump’s call for a return to the past – “the good-old days” – or are willing to hitch their star on a yet-to-be determined but certainly more inclusive future as presented by Harris. But even more, we will see if Americans have finally shed the shackles of race and gender or if we continue to remain enslaved by such rigid and hierarchical rankings of humanity. WI

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Kamala Harris Definitely Earned It (DEI)

California attorney general, and narrowly defeated her Republican opponent for the office in 2010.

Vice President Kamala Harris has a political career that is classic textbook. She leveraged her legal training at the University of California into a position in the district attorney’s office. Then she ran for San Francisco district attorney, beating the incumbent in a runoff election. She came out on top of a crowded Democratic primary for

She overwhelmingly beat her Republican opponent when she ran for reelection in 2014. When she ran for the United States Senate in 2016, she garnered twice as many votes as the next-highest vote-getter, and in the final election earned mor than 60% of the vote.

The vice president's electoral history is well-known, and I recount it for a reason. Kamala Harris earned increasing responsibility by run-

Guest Columnist

ning for office and winning. There is no diversity, equity and inclusion in electoral politics. The only way you move up is to get more votes than your opponent. If there is any DEI in the Harris record, it’s Definitely Earned It.

Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett made headlines by describing our vice president as a “DEI hire,” describing her as “checking all the boxes.“ Her electoral record refutes that. The vice president didn’t just drop out of a coconut tree, to paraphrase her. She

Marc H. Morial

has worked for every office she has earned. To be sure, she was selected to serve as President Biden’s running mate. But she would not have been selected had she not been elected so many times.

If the rabid Republicans stuck to describing our vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee as DEI, that would be an ill-placed slur. But former President Trump and his equally woman-hating running mate have stooped even lower, describing our vice president as “garbage,” “bum”

and “crazy.”

Throw a little “San Francisco liberal” in there to complete the predictable cocktail of slurs and attacks. No one is surprised by the Trump slurs, as the former president is amazingly consistent in his approach to his opponents. Indeed, the inarticulate nature of his slurs leads one to question his mental competency and suggest that he be tested for his comprehension. One wonders how his verbal vomit will

MALVEAUX Page 53

Armed With New Technology and Tactics, Russian Trolls Are Back to Disrupt U.S. Elections

"Russia remains the most active foreign threat to our elections. The Russian government's goals in such influence operations tend to include eroding trust in U.S. democratic institutions, exacerbating sociopolitical divisions in the United States, and degrading western support to Ukraine. Russia relies on a vast multimedia influence apparatus, which consists of

its intelligence services, cyber actors, state media, proxies, and social media trolls. Moscow most likely views such operations as a means to tear down the United States as its perceived primary adversary, enabling Russia to promote itself as a great power." — U.S. Director of National Intelligence

In the spring of 2019, the National Urban League's State of Black America report was the first to highlight the extent of Russian efforts to deceive, manipulate and exploit Black voters in the 2016 presidential

Guest Columnist

For far too long, Democrats have been neglecting their duty to serve the best interests of their electoral base. They have claimed to desire a better future for all Americans, but have consistently failed to fight for it when given the opportunity. This behavior can be seen as either complicity or cowardice, and neither is acceptable in our current historical moment. We

can no longer accept being the lesser of two evils; it is imperative to strive for genuine goodness. Now is a time for intentional narrative building and action plans.

In the political discourse as of late, Project 2025 has been a major topic of conversation from stakeholders on either side of the political spectrum. On the conservative side that discussion makes more sense. It is the expression of a political agenda that they hope to put in place if empowered. On the liberal side, it makes less sense. Instead of charting a clear vision for the future, a

election. Five months later, a Senate Intelligence Committee report confirmed our findings: Russian trolls targeted Black Americans more than any other group to dissuade them

Now, as the 2024 presidential election approaches, the Russians are at it again, armed with new technology and new techniques. Videos, spewing disinformation, with voices and images manipulated by artificial intelligence, are the medium of choice for Russian operatives. Falsely represented as the work of independent journalists or whistle-blowers,

the videos are considered more likely than simple blog or social media posts to enter the mainstream discourse.

Though the tactics are new, the goal remains the same: the election of Donald Trump and the implementation of Trump's pro-Russia policies. Trump has said he would encourage Russia to do "whatever the hell they want" to our NATO allies who don't meet defense spending guidelines. He would end U.S. support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion.

Key to Russia's disruptive plan is the promotion of racial strife and the suppression of Black votes. "By far, race and related issues were the preferred target of the information warfare campaign designed to divide the country in 2016." the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee concluded. Of Russian operatives' top 10 Instagram accounts, five were focused on African American issues and audiences. Their Twitter content was "heavily focused on

lot of Democratic messaging has been fearmongering. Instead of advancing their own Project 2025-like agenda for social progress, Democrats have spent an unhealthy amount of time fearmongering around the idea of what will happen to people if Republicans win in November. Why not run on the idea of what you plan to do for the people instead?

The tragic death of Sonya Massey, who was brutally slain in her own home after calling the police for help, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for goodness and action.

Thoughts and prayers are not enough in today's climate. The consequence of inaction from those empowered to act is that deeply entrenched injustices worsen for those who they were mandated to advocate for. There are concrete steps we can take right now to improve the quality of life for Americans. For instance, we can use this moment — when the nation is collectively questioning how a 20-year-old managed to shoot at a former president — as an opportunity to push for real bipartisan action on restricting access to assault rifles like the

one used in the attempt on the former president's life.

Furthermore, it is imperative that Democrats recognize the gravity of the genocide in Palestine and the moral imperative to act. Israel's indiscriminate bombings, blockades, and disproportionate use of force against civilian populations have resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocents, including women and children. It is no secret that thousands of voters across this country went to the polls

Ty Hobson-Powell

Julianne Malveaux

Tell Me That Again!

his first day in office?

We've had to do a lot of listening lately about choices we must make about who'll be our next president when 2025 rolls around. Single women should be having children if we want to have something to do about the future of our nation! That's what J.D. Vance said! We don't know what the orange man thinks about that or should we just assume he'll tell us on

Many believe the orange man was really injured enough to wear that big pad on his ear that could have been covered by a Band-Aid! I'm still trying to figure out how he really got that little scar! I think he wears the pad for sympathy! It's hard enough to believe his ear was pierced by a young man who couldn't shoot straight enough to even get into a gun training session in school! I wasn't at the Republican convention, but I'm having a hard time believing the same man who was such a bad shooter that he tragically killed

one man and injured two others near the orange man was the same one who hit just the tip of his ear.

Let's look at the Secret Service as they tried to protect the orange man while he continued to pop his head up so we could see his fist pump into the air (which, by the way, is a symbol we Black people use to express our determination to fight against racism). I may be wrong, but I find it hard to believe anyone in his right mind who was just shot would not want to be protected by holding his head down so as not to make it easy for the shooter!

Sonya Massey Should Still Be Alive

out our nation. Symbolically placed on high ground overlooking the city, it is located approximately a mile from the state capitol building and the city's overabundance of Confederate statues.

In many ways our nation has changed, but it hasn't changed. When the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, informally known as the National Lynching Memorial, opened in Montgomery, Alabama, it was to commemorate the Black victims of lynching in the United States. Its focus was to acknowledge past racial terrorism and advocate for social justice through-

The powerful museum explains lynching as a direct legacy of slavery and a way of enforcing white supremacy. Lynching often involved amputations, mutilation, torture and castration. The bodies were publicly lifted up and displayed in full view because they wanted to intimidate and traumatize Black communities. The spilling of innocent blood is their legacy which was

tolerated and often aided by law enforcement and elected officials. Exhibits explore a consistent history of violence and control over Black Americans. More than 4,400 Black people were killed in racial terror lynching between 1877 and 1950. They are remembered having their names engraved on more than 800 monuments — one for each county where a lynching took place. As this memorial confronts the shameful history of racial terror, it also reminds us that this legacy of fear and trauma continues today by way of unjust killings of Black people at the hands of law

I was impressed by the Secret Service's quick response as they risked their lives to save the orange man. He should be grateful for the Secret Service woman who rushed up to make him stop popping his head up so they could get him down the stairs to the safety of the limo waiting to take him away.

For those complaining about the women, they're the ones who quickly took measures to get him into the limo instead of allowing him to showboat further putting himself and them in more danger. The three female

agents stood by the door of the limo risking their lives to save him. They closed the door as he resisted and kept him safe as the male agents walked away. I resent criticism of agents just because they are women, but when you consider how orange man and his VP teach people to disrespect women, they should consider themselves lucky the women agents were there, and it's horrible the way the female director of the Secret Service was treated, causing her to resign before she completed her

Page 54

enforcement.

George Wallace once occupied the Alabama state capitol as governor. His idle words would eventually become deadly. He provoked public violence in the south where people were inspired to put violent action behind their personal feelings of resentment and rage. Many of Wallace's speeches were rallying cries which indirectly motivated acts of domestic terror, harassment and even murder. During the same year as his infamous "segregation now" speech, Wallace in a newspaper interview, said he believed Alabama needed a "few first-

Courts Need to Slap Down SLAPP Suits Like the One Targeting Greenpeace

A group of Texas cattle ranchers sued Oprah Winfrey for more than $12 million in 1996. They claimed that one of her shows, called "Dangerous Food," which featured experts on mad cow disease and in which she said she would not eat another hamburger, was an attack on their business.

The ranchers did not really have a

legal leg to stand on. But at the time, Texas did not have an anti-SLAPP law on the books so Winfrey had to fight the frivolous lawsuit in court for six weeks before a jury ruled in her favor.

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, known as SLAPP suits for short, are a type of lawsuit intended to silence or punish people who speak out on matters of public interest. They often attack protected free speech and have mostly been used by powerful and wealthy interests to harass. The suits are usually not built

to win in court, but rather to leverage the deep pockets of those filing the suits to bully less wealthy groups and individuals and force them to divert their time and resources to defending themselves in court. This is a tactic increasingly used by the fossil fuel industry and other corporate polluters to suffocate environmental activism and advocacy.

Oprah obviously had the resources to fight back in that 1996 suit. Many targets of SLAPP suits are not so lucky.

Right now, Energy Transfer, the corporate behemoth behind the Da-

kota Access Pipeline (DAPL), is suing the organization Greenpeace for more than $300 million in damages in a SLAPP suit. Energy Transfer alleges Greenpeace orchestrated the massive protest movement against the pipeline, defamed the company, and cost them hundreds of millions of dollars.

In doing so, Energy Transfer fails to acknowledge that the movement to stop this pipeline was led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who simply wanted to protect their water supply, sacred sites, and cultural resources. Tribal leaders attracted the support

class funerals" to stop racial integration. One week later, four young girls were killed and over 20 others were injured in a bombing at the 16th Street Baptist Church in downtown Birmingham. Martin Luther King Jr. later informed Wallace that "the blood of four little children … is on your hands. Your irresponsible and misguided actions have created in Birmingham and Alabama the atmosphere that has induced continued violence and now murder." Wallace changed, but he didn't

Page 54

of hundreds of organizations and thousands of activists, who promoted their efforts, joined the Tribe in North Dakota to protest, and signed letters in solidarity with their opposition to the pipeline.

Energy Transfer's suit is built on the assumption that Indigenous peoples did not have the authority, agency, or wherewithal to organize the anti-DAPL movement. In that way, the SLAPP suit is a slap in the face to those Indigenous activist leaders.

JEALOUS Page 54

WILLIAMS

David W. Marshall

Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

MARSHALL

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Harrison Buck Chevrolet Discover the Unexpected Fellow

Experience the vibrant sounds of Washington, D.C. as the Live! Concert Series returns to the Woodrow Wilson Plaza, or be dazzled by the award winning musical production of The Wizard of Oz at The Puppet Co. Playhouse. Allow yourself to be captivated by a science-themed art exhibit displaying incredible photography, experiments, paintings, sculptures and media, or check out a new exhibit commemorating Bruce Lee. If you’re looking for some action this weekend, Davis Boxing Promotions presents Strap Season, an epic fight night guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Residents looking for fun and great laughs can enjoy Magic with Reggie Rice, comedy magician and one-of-a-kind entertainer.

Finish the weekend off with a great time at the King & Rye BBQ Block Party, and, don’t miss an opportunity to be amazed by the production of Guido Contini’s “Nine,” which offi-

cially closes on Sunday, Aug 11.

To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.

THURSDAY, AUG. 1

Live! Concert Series

Noon - 1 p.m. | Free Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave Nw Ste 268 Washington, D.C.

The Live! Concert Series on the Plaza transforms lunchtime into a musical journey, offering audiences of all ages and musical tastes an opportunity to enjoy an eclectic mix of performances. From catchy pop tunes, to the soulful melodies of jazz, the charm of country, and the lively beats of Latin music, there’s something for everyone.

The Wizard of Oz

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | $15.00 to $17.00—Kids under 2 are free The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD

This award-winning musical pro-

duction of “The Wizard of Oz '' uses the original Denslow design from the books that inspired musicals, movies and more, and draws from several styles of puppetry to tell the great American fairy tale written by L. Frank Baum. The story takes place at the 1900s Kansas State Fair, with performers in costumes, guiding the audience down the yellow brick road.

With a run time of approximately 55 minutes, the show is recommended for ages 4 and up.

FRIDAY, AUG. 2

“The Science of our Surroundings Art Exhibit”

Noon - 9 p.m. | Free Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA

“The Science of Our Surroundings” is a science-themed art exhibit. Scientific concepts, from a cutaway of a cell, to the food chain, visible light spectrum, layers of the Earth, and a dinosaur skeleton, conjure vivid, colorful images in many people’s minds thanks to the diligent work of science textbook artists. With photography, experiments, paintings, sculptures and media, this exhibit allows audiences to tap into how the artistic community has explored and helps relay aspects of science..

“Bruce Lee: American Son and International Icon”

Noon - 9 p.m. | Free Chinese American Museum, 1218 16th St. NW Washington, DC

A new exhibit commemorates cul-

tural superstar Bruce Lee, more than 50 years since his death in 1973, revealing both his Hollywood qualities and his sensitivities as an artist, philosopher and family man.

On display are rarely seen images, personal documents, and objects from Bruce Lee and those who were influenced by his work.

SATURDAY, AUG. 3

Davis Boxing Presents Strap Season

6 p.m. | $25.00 to $150.00

Entertainment and Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Drive, SE Washington, DC DMV, get ready to rumble! Davis Boxing Promotions presents Strap Season featuring the return of NABF Super Featherweight Champion Jordan Shortdog White; Frankie “Franchise” Scarboro, who is stepping into the ring for his shot at the ABO Regional Super Featherweight Championship; and Ervin Fuller, throwing down for the ABO Regional Super Bantamweight Title.

Don't miss these DMV fighters go to war! Get your tickets now before they are KOd!

Magic with Reggie Rice

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | $15.00

Root Family Stage - Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road Olney, MD

Reggie Rice, a three-time Comedy Magician of the Year, has been the Opening Act for Jordin Sparks and The Former First Lady Of the United States Michelle Obama five times. A

headliner on Luxury Cruise Liners, he has also been featured on the Travel Channel, performing his Comedy Magic for hundreds of thousands of people all over the world including Comedian Kevin Hart, Ryan Seacrest, and Shaquille O’Neal. Check out Rice, as his foolish energetic approach to magic and comedy makes his show entertaining for audiences of all ages, and leaves them surprised and bursting into laughter all at once.

SUNDAY, AUG. 4

King & Rye BBQ Block Party 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Free King & Rye, 480 King St Alexandria, VA

King & Rye is offering a finger-lickin' good time at the BBQ Block Party, where the grill is always hot, drinks are flowing all day, the music never stops, and kids get in for free!

Guido Contini’s “Nine,” 7 p.m. | Varying prices Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., NW Washington, DC

Based on the groundbreaking Italian film “8 ½,” “Nine” follows famed director Guido Contini, suffering from "director's block" on his latest film. As he faces a strained marriage to the neglected Luisa, he retreats into his mind, where a parade of women-lovers past and present-bombards his senses and throws reality into question. WI

5Davis Boxing Promotions presents Strap Season on Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast, D.C., featuring Frankie “Franchise” Scarboro, who is landing a punch against his opponent Jose Rodriguez Crespo in May. (WI File Photo/Abdullah Konte)

5“Bruce Lee: American Son and International Icon,” on display at the Chinese American Museum, commemorates 50 years since the superstar’s death. (Courtesy Photo/Chinese American Museum).

LIFESTYLE

Film Spurs Conversation about Black People and Swimming

By Brenda C. Siler Lifestyle Reporter

A short documentary has resurfaced about African Americans and swimming– a loaded topic in the Black community– and is coinciding with the July 26 start of the 2024 U.S. Summer Olympics in Paris. "Black Folk Don’t…Swim" examines the myth that Black people don’t swim. Writer, television personality and podcaster Touré and writer, educator and media figure Melissa Harris-Perry are in the mix for this conversation that begins with person-on-the-street interviews in New Orleans.

The film is now streaming (for free) on the Black Public Media YouTube Channel.

Presented by Black Public Media (BPM) on their AfroPop Digital Shorts series, the film is a part of its earlier series “Black Folk Don’t” featured in Time Magazine’s “10 Ideas That Are Changing Your Life.”This was a comic examination of some of the biggest myths and stereotypes about Black people. On thoughts about Black people and swimming, Toure admitted that he can’t swim.

Black Public Media is a Harlem-based national nonprofit that has funded and distributed films about the Black experience since 1979.

BLACK PEOPLE AND SWIMMING IS STILL A THING

The film has people recalling being traumatized by seeing someone drown and feeling helpless because they could not save a life. Others loved swimming and never had a problem jumping into the water.

“We definitely joke about it,” Touré says. “I don’t think there’s any natural, human biological thing of melanin and buoyancy.”

"Black Folk Don’t…Swim" was directed by Angela Tucker, an Emmy and Webby award-winning filmmaker who has worked in scripted and unscripted film and television. Her newest film, “The Inquisitor,” about political icon Barbara Jordan, will be broadcast on PBS. Tucker is the founder of TuckerGurl Inc., a boutique production company where her street interview film about swimming was produced.

5Emmy and Webby award-winning filmmaker Angela Tucker is producer/ director of "Black Folk Don’t…Swim," an Afro/Pop Digital Short streaming for free on the Black Public Media YouTube Channel: (Courtesy Photo/Mamoudou N'Diaye)

But will Black folks who don’t swim be moved to jump in a pool when seeing Anthony Nesty at the Olympics in Paris as the first Black head coach for the U.S. men’s swimming team? He was a 1988 Olympic gold medal winner in the 100-meter butterfly representing Suriname, a country in northern South America. He has also worked with Katie Ledecky from Bethesda, Maryland, the top woman in Olympic swimming who has a chance to surpass Michael Phelps in medal wins.

How about returning Olympian Simone Ashley Manuel, who competed in Rio during the 2016 Olympics?

This American swimmer won two gold and two silver medals, including gold in the 100-meter freestyle and the 4×100-meter medley and silver in the 50-meter freestyle and the 4×100-meter freestyle relay.

Then there is first-time Olympian Shaine Casas, an American professional swimmer. He is an American record holder in the short course 4×50 meter medley relay, swimming the butterfly leg of the relay.

There will be a lot of excitement in the water through "Black Folk Don’t… Swim" and the Olympics in Paris.

For more information andto see the movie trailer visit: youtu.be. WI @bcscomm

August 4: M. Florine Démosthène SOLD OUT

August 11: Devin N. Morris

August 18: Helina Metaferia

August 25: Shaunté Gates

September 1: Amber Robles-Gordon

Phillips after 5: Summer Vibes Gallery talks, live jazz presented by DC Jazz Festival and more August 1 “Collaging with...” Series Artist-led workshop series

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Black Pumas Bring Soulful Vibes to Wolf Trap

By Ra-Jah Kelly WI Contributing Writer

The soulful rock band Black Pumas brought their signature sound to Wolf Trap’s Filene Center on Sunday, July. 28. The Austin, Texas-based band is currently on tour in support of their second studio album, “Chronicles of a Diamond,” released in 2023.

Their first studio album, the eponymous “Black Pumas,” saw the group nominated for a Grammy in 2019 for Best New Artist.

The next year, their single "Colors" received Grammy Award nominations for Record of the Year and Best American Roots Performance, while “Black Pumas” received a nomination for Album of the Year.

Helmed by singer/songwriter

Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada, the band has become known for their dynamic performances, having performed hundreds of times since their formation in 2018, including over 80 shows in 2024 alone.

At one point during a conga

solo, in an apparent nod to D.C., Burton encouraged his drummer to “Keep me in the pocket” and did a dance very reminiscent of the popular D.C.-based dance “beat ya feet.”

During the set, Burton showed off his performing chops, alternatively enlisting the crowd in call and response to great effect and at some points dancing and singing with crowd members throughout the orchestra section of the Filene Center.

“It feels like soul music at the Wolf Trap,” said Burton. You could tell by the crowd’s roar of agreement that indeed it did.

WI

“It feels

like soul

music at the Wolf Trap,” said Burton.

5The soulful rock band Black Pumas performed at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center on Sunday, July. 28. (Courtesy Photo/Facebook, Black Pumas)

Kamala Harris for President

Word In Black’s owners and publishers tell why Harris has the leadership experience we need for a free, prosperous, and more just future.

By Word In Black Owners

As the next presidential election rapidly approaches, our nation is, without question, at a crossroads. To the left is continued racial, economic, and social progress; to the right is regression, division, and the ongoing resurrection of overt, violent white supremacy. Therefore, the result of November’s vote will not only define the trajectory of America in general but determine the fate of Black America in particular, with far-reaching consequences that could last for generations.

With such historically high stakes on the table — and an election in which the Black vote could be a decisive factor — we at Word In Black wholeheartedly, and without question endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the next president of the United States. It is our first-ever political endorsement, and we make it without reservation.

At this pivotal moment in American history, Harris represents the change we want to see now. She is a transformational figure, poised to make history not only as the first woman to serve the nation as commander in chief but as the first Black woman, first HBCU graduate, and first member of a Black Greek letter organization to hold the most powerful job on earth.

Our endorsement, however, begins with President Joe Biden, who is among the most effective champions for Black America in history and who chose her as his running mate. The Biden-Harris administration created 2.6 million jobs for Black workers, cut child poverty in half, grew Black household wealth, and slashed insulin and asthma inhaler prices. They forgave $168.5 billion in student loan debt, pushed to close the Black-white digital divide, made meaningful investments in policies to fight climate change, and appointed a record number of Black judges to the federal bench.

The president also demonstrated unparalleled leadership, selflessness, and patriotism by withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Harris to replace him on the Democratic Party ticket. She will almost assuredly continue his agenda, but

with the added perspective of her lived experience in Black spaces.

She is a fearless champion of civil rights.

For us at Word in Black, the choice of Kamala Harris for president is as obvious as it is historic.

Harris has impressive credentials: former San Francisco district attorney, former state attorney general, former U.S. senator, current vice president. Her personal story — child of immigrant activist parents, Howard University graduate, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first Black woman to hold statewide elected office in California — is compelling. She is a fearless champion of civil rights and has advocated for criminal legal system reform, access to healthcare, and investment in underserved communities.

Furthermore, Harris’s intelligence, tenacity, charisma, and joy on the campaign trail sets her apart from her Republican opponents. Her elevation as the Democrats’ presumptive presidential nominee has electrified the campaign, generating excitement not seen since Barack Obama’s historic 2008 run to become America’s first Black president.

Consider: within the first 24 hours of Harris’ candidacy, her campaign took in a stunning $81

million — the largest single-day fundraising effort in American political history. The total included some $3 million in small-dollar, grassroots donations from an impromptu fundraising drive led solely by Black men and women.

It is clear evidence that Harris’ presence in the nation’s highest office will be an unprecedented step toward greater representation and inclusion of diverse voices at the highest levels of government.

Join us in supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in her extraordinary presidential campaign.

For nearly 200 years, we in the Black press have stood for freedom, justice, equality, and democracy. We have spoken truth to power, especially when others in the mainstream, white-owned media have avoided it, or have actively spread falsehoods about our leaders and our communities.

Hear us, then, when we say Harris represents the best hope of defeating two existential threats to Black America: the return of the former president, a bigoted, twice-impeached convicted felon and purported rapist who is attempting to divide America; and Project 2025 — a radical, far-right political, economic and social agenda he will almost certainly implement if he wins the White House.

For us at Word in Black, the choice for president is as obvious as it is historic. The Republican nominee represents an America that will return to its ugly, violent, racist past, a time when we were treated like second-class citizens and our communities were under constant threat. Harris represents a new generation of leadership, a future built on optimism, inclusion, and continued progress toward a more perfect union.

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Black Americans have an opportunity to determine which version of the nation we want for ourselves and our children.

We, the owners and publishers of Word In Black, encourage our readers and supporters to join us in supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in her extraordinary presidential campaign.

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our voices are heard in shaping the future of our country.

Credit: The White House

Gordon Parks' Photographs Continue to Tell America’s Stories

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

A new exhibition highlighting the work of Gordon Parks in the West Building of the National Gallery of Art has folks buzzing throughout the entire building, even in the front entrance. When entering the museum to see “Gordon Parks, Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection,” a security attendant told me: “Oh, I really like that one.” That felt like a positive endorsement.

The exhibit features 25 Parks portraits from 1941 to the 1970s and is on display until January 15, 2025.

This exhibition is a small portion of 200 Parks photos acquired by the National Gallery of Art from the Corcoran Collection.

The black-and-white portraits have a theme of strength, resilience, and advocacy among people of different backgrounds. There are famous figures like Eldridge Cleaver, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Leonard Berstein, and photos of the common

3 Gordon Parks, “Muhammad Ali, London, 1966.”

person, like a gang member looking out a window, a husband and wife going to worship service, and Parks’ uncle.

PARKS LIVING IN SOUTHWEST D.C.

Parks moved to D.C. in 1942 after receiving a grant from the Julius Rosenwald Foundation, a funding source for many African American artists like Augusta Savage. When Parks arrived in the District, he worked for the photography section at the Farm Service Administration (FSA), taking photos of working-class people in the District. Roy Striker, head of FSA, gave Gordon an assignment before accepting him for a job. He wanted Parks to get around D.C. to fully understand the city and its people.

also shot photographic essays for Life and Ebony.

Beyond his photography work, Parks was a music composer, author and filmmaker. He made 11 films, including “Shaft,” “Shaft's Big Score,” and the semi-autobiographical work “The Learning Tree.”

Viewing one of the photos of Muhammad Ali in this National Gallery of Art portrait collection, you see Parks’ fashion photography sensibilities kick in. Parks traveled to London with Ali for a heavyweight title fight, and the boxer complimented Parks on his suits.

National Gallery of Art, Washington, Corcoran Collection

(The Gordon Parks Collection)

Included in this exhibition of portraits is Parks’ signature photo of a Washington, D.C. government charwoman taken in 1942 called “American Gothic.” It is a true depiction of a Black woman in contrast to the famous piece of the caucasian farm couple. Parks’ photograph of the charwoman is one of his signature pictures.

Opportunities in the District were instrumental to Park’s life and career.

“Parks had experienced poverty, racism and segregation. He had also traveled back and forth on the railroads as a porter,” said Sarah Greenough, senior curator and head of the Department of Photographs, National Gallery of Art. “When he came to Washington, he started going to restaurants, department stores, and movie theaters. He was deeply amazed by the rigidity of segregation in Washington and how much stronger and harsher it was than he had experienced before.”

A VARIED PHOTOGRAPHY CAREER AND BEYOND

Parks was a multifaceted photojournalist and artist.

From 1948 to 1961, he was a fashion photographer for Vogue, Glamour and Life magazines. In addition to the fashion photos, he

“So Parks took Ali to his Saville Row tailor in London, and Ali bought the suit he is wearing in the photo,” said Greenough. “Parks said in the article he wrote that accompanied the photo shoot, ‘Ali realized that if he wanted to be respected by the public, he had to act like a gentleman.’ This was during the time Ali refused to go to Vietnam.”

PARKS’ WORK INSPIRES

Parks’ work continues to inspire artists and those taking in his work to this day.

A few months ago, Jason Moran, the Kennedy Center's jazz artistic director, performed a solo piano concert against the backdrop of photos of Duke Ellington taken by Parks and used with permission from the Gordon Parks Foundation.

The “Gordon Parks, Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection” exhibition is the second National Gallery of Art solo presentation of Parks’ works acquired from the Corcoran Museum.

From 2018-2019, the gallery presented “Gordon Parks: The New Tide, Early Work 1940-1950.”

With this current, smaller exhibition of Parks’ photographs, visitors can spend more time examining poses, facial expressions, clothes, and surroundings, to figure out the message from each print.

Visit the National Gallery of Art webpage to learn more about “Gordon Parks, Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection.”

WI @bcscomm

African American History Highlighted as Part of Williamsburg Tourism

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

There’s more to Williamsburg, Virginia than what’s in history books or knowing that to get there from D.C. one has to take Interstate 64. A recent overview of the historic city and the surrounding area at the Salamander DC Hotel in Southwest offered an opportunity to hear about lodging, dining, entertainment, recreational activities, shopping, and unknown stories.

When visiting historic Williamsburg, tour guides do not skip the legacy of the African Americans who were forced to maintain the large homes of slave owners in Williamsburg, while working to hold onto and create their own traditions, customs and means of survival.

Janice Canaday, supervisor of Interpretation at the Randolph Peyton House, welcomed Laurita and Lauren. She escorted them through the property to show the areas where slaves worked and lived. Next, the mother

and daughter went to the Archeological Collections Building in Colonial Williamsburg, where excavation research has occurred for over 100 years. This stop opened the door to another chapter in Williamsburg's history.

DISCOVERED ARTIFACTS AND BURIAL SITES

The Let Freedom Ring Foundation is committed to uplifting Black history in Williamsburg. Washington

Informer Denise Rolark Barnes interviewed Foundation President Connie Matthews Harshaw and Board Member Nathaniel (Nat) Brown on WIN-TV’s digital program “Let’s Talk.” They discussed that the first slaves landed in Virginia in 1619. For 150 years after that important year, African Americans worked, lived, and worshiped in the Williamsburg area.

“We have uncovered that the city of Williamsburg was 52% Black in 1776, freed and enslaved,” said Harshaw. “We can’t forget about this

because we are still struggling with it.”

The Foundation also advocates that African American history is American history through a documentary, “History Half Told is Untold.” The film is about the oldest Black church in America, First Baptist Church in Williamsburg.

“That documentary tells a more complete story of our history,” said Brown. “We’ve made a concerted effort to get this documentary out to everyone in Williamsburg and beyond.

The foundation is now connected with one of the most significant archeology projects in the country. Artifacts from the original Baptist church were found after it was relocated, and 62 intact burials were found. Markers have been laid on those burial locations indefinitely. Visitors to the former church and burial sites do not have to pay to view the area.

Further, the College of William and Mary, located in Williamsburg, has digitized the church artifacts.

The foundation is collaborating with Michael Blakey, Ph.D., National

Endowment for the Humanities Professor of Anthropology, Africana Studies, and American Studies at William and Mary to ensure proper research for what has been found in Williamsburg.

Blakey, who grew up in Washington, D.C. and graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School in Northwest

D.C., has worked with many African burial projects nationwide.

To learn more about the Let Freedom Ring Foundation, visit the website at firstbaptistchurch1776.org.

For more information about Williamsburg, check out visitwilliamsburg. com WI @bcscomm

5 Foundation President Connie Matthews Harshaw and Board Member Nathaniel “Nat” Brown presenting information about the Let Freedom Ring Foundation based in Williamsburg, Virginia. The presentation occurred at a Williamsburg tourism showcase at the Salamander DC Hotel. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

MANAGERS

from Page 1

Howard University (HU) School of Social Work. In the weeks and days leading up to the momentous occasion, institute participants engaged in hours of college-level coursework and gained on-the-job experience at one of several local organizations providing services for the homeless.

Some graduates, like Deone K. Brown, said the experience laid the foundation for an intergenerational shift.

“It was great for my daughter to be here to share this moment and let her know to keep going,” said Brown about his only child, Alexis Baylor.

Brown, 66, raised Baylor as a single father, a responsibility he said compelled him to abstain from drugs shortly after her birth. Baylor, now 26, went on to study psychology at Fairmont State University in West Virginia. She attended the Peer Case Management Institute completion ceremony with her infant daughter Ayomi and Brown’s friend, Vickie McLean.

However, Brown and his family had much more to celebrate. Months before he walked across the stage, Brown marked 40 years of sobriety and secured a federal housing voucher he said will help him secure stable accommo-

Grant, president of the Penn Branch Community Association, said he produced the film, with the support of HumanitiesDC, to allow candidates an opportunity to reflect on their campaign and express their desires for the Ward 7 community.

He also told The Informer that he wanted to get a sense of how, or whether, the Ward 7 community actively selects leadership. Part of that research, he added, will include comparing the accumulation of votes in communities east of the Anacostia River versus that of Kingman Park, the upper middle-class enclave on Capitol Hill that became part of Ward 7 through the redistricting process.

During the race, schisms between east and west of the park appeared periodically, especially as Wendell Felder and others questioned the grassroots support and credentials of Ebony Payne, an advisory neighborhood commissioner in Kingman Park who would eventually clinch second place in the Ward 7 D.C. Council Democratic primary.

For Grant, such questions mean little without some skin in the game.

“How can we as a community have a conversation about gentrification

dations before the fall.

With a bevy of resources at his disposal, Brown said he feels emboldened to pay it forward.

“I will be with my clients 100% to do what we have to do,” Brown told The Informer. “I will do it gratefully and with pride. I’m not going anywhere until we get them off of drugs. I want to walk that road with them and give them the information to get -- and stay -- clean. At the end of the day, God has the last say and that’s what I strive for.”

THE FIRST OF, POTENTIALLY, MORE COHORTS

The Peer Case Management Institute represents a partnership between the Department of Human Services (DHS), HU School of Social Work, Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness, and Pathways to Housing DC. DHS committed $250,000 for this fiscal year to run the program. Another $250,000 has been allocated in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for at least one more iteration of the program, DHS Director Laura Green Zeilinger told The Informer. In May, as the first cohort of the Peer Case Management Institute was

wrapping up the instructional part of the program, DHS released the 2024 point-in-time results. Although homelessness hadn’t reached pre-pandemic levels, advocates expressed concern. According to data collected by DHS, homelessness increased by 14% in the District within a year. Families accounted for a brunt of that growth, with homelessness growing among them by nearly 40%.

In her remarks to graduates and their families on Wednesday, Zeilinger thanked them for taking the proper steps to help homeless people and families navigate the District’s continuum of care. Shortly before taking to the podium, she told The Informer that the Peer Case Management Institute counted as an effort to help graduates leverage their lived experiences.

“It was something my staff had been focused on making happen,” Zeilinger said. “So much of our vision is helping people have a meaningful pathway to economic mobility and making sure those who have been left out have opportunity… The Peer Case Management Institute honors lived experiences so people can complement that professionally.”

LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR A CAREER IN SOCIAL WORK

Other speakers on Wednesday included Dr. Sheara Jennings, the newly installed dean of HU School of Social Work, Dr. Tracy Whitaker, associate dean in HU School of Social Work, and Sue Marshall, founding executive director of the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness.

Institute graduates listened to recorded congratulatory remarks from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and joined institute graduate Trenise Wells in a singing of Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten. Charlynn Green, another institute graduate, also took to the podium and gave a tear-filled address in which she thanked her mother and a higher power for keeping her on a path to success.

In 2015, Green, a mother of two from Northwest, lost her housing. She had to stay in Virginia Williams Family Resource Center in Northeast before entering rapid rehousing. During the latter part of last year, Green, along with 600 other people, applied for the Peer Case Management Institute.

In her personal essay, Green spoke, not only about her battle with homelessness, but her pledge to never to be

The breakfast also provided some opportunity for clearing the air between candidates and raising funds for voter initiatives.

In his remarks, Felder gave kudos to the Ward 7 Democrats and congratulated his fellow candidates on their efforts. As he pivoted to the November election, he also gave a charge to those in room at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Southeast.

“Let’s focus on solutions to move our ward forward,” Felder said on June 22. “We have the unique responsibility to serve as safeguards for our residents. If we’re not on the same page, residents will suffer.”

He emphasized a need for unity despite divisive rhetoric locally and nationally.

without housing again. Once inside the institute, Green took coursework she said helped her accept her mistakes and overcome self-doubt. With a case worker certification under her belt, she said she wants to help others while working toward the fulfillment of a longtime vision.

“It’s a step closer to my end goal -- to be a social worker,” said Green, 32. She reflected on what she called the most trying period of her adult life.

“My life experiences, what I went through and how I overcame makes me want to give back to the community,” Green said. “My children saved me from myself. They were my light. Even when I wanted to give up, they were staring at me.”

Wells, a 42-year-old Northwest resident, said she enjoyed various aspects of the Peer Case Management Institute, including a life skills class she got to teach while training at Harriet Tubman Women’s Shelter in Southeast. She expressed appreciation for institute faculty and mentors who exposed her to various career paths within social work and emphasized the importance of practitioner mental wellness.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. @SamPKCollins

427 vote margin of victory over Payne, while Payne accumulated 16 more votes than Thompson. This happened with fewer than 13,000 registered Ward 7 Democratic voters -- 26.21% of the total number of registered Democrats in the ward -- participating in the contest.

Though that percentage exceeded a goal set by the Ward 7 Democrats, leaders within the organization, including Dr. Delia Houseal-Smith, acknowledged that more needed to be done to educate and mobilize voters, especially those who don’t frequent the ballot box.

when we’re not engaged in selecting our own leaders,” Grant said. “ I’m very interested in understanding that sentiment. We’re all busy and running circles with jobs, kids and all the issues that life presents. I wonder about whether that played out in this election.”

Grant emphasized that Millennials, a demographic with an increasing presence in Ward 7, should have been included in that conversation.

“Candidates said they targeted voters 55 and older, but are [the millennials] campaigning to themselves at the same level? That’s who they might have missed.”

Ward 7 Democrats Mull Questions of Unity and Voter Participation

On June 22, the Ward 7 Democrats hosted a unity breakfast aimed at consolidating support behind Felder, the Democratic nominee for the Ward 7 D.C. Council seat.

“Let this recent election show that a ward divided is not a ward at all. We must be unified. As we head into the general election, I want to make sure I’m unequivocally clear when I say there’s no more time for division, gossip, egos. No more getting into ur own way,” he noted.

In the days following the June 4 primary, as D.C. Board of Elections (DCBOE) continued to tally votes, Felder maintained a narrow lead over Payne and Eboni-Rose Thompson.

Once the smoke cleared, he had a

“Our voters are disengaged and disenfranchised,” said Houseal-Smith, interim chair of the Ward 7 Democrats. “Despite some of the turbulence we saw this election season, our common thread was around the issues and concerns with the state of our ward. If nothing else, it represents an opportunity to rally around those issues. We have to pull together our resources to turn our ward around.”

Felder didn’t respond to three requests, sent via text, for an interview about his post-primary plans.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

@SamPKCollins

5With three months until the general election, Ward 7 community leaders are working together to explore how best to increase voter turnout and foster unity, including supporting Democratic Ward 7 D.C. Council Democratic nominee Wendell Felder, pictured speaking at a candidates forum in March 2024. (WI FIle Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

WARD 7 from Page 1

Get your brain and your hands in shape with a pencil-grabbing, pencil-pushing, pencilicious workout!

There are five differences between these divers. Score 1 point for each one you find.

Standards Link: Find similarities and differences in common objects.

Look at the rows going up and down. Circle the things that the boxers have in common in each row.

Find all six things and score 5 points. Find 3–5 to earn 3 points. Find 1–2 and score 1 point.

Place a pencil on the archer’s bow. Close your eyes. Trace a path to the target. Open your eyes and check your score (the number in the ring of the target that you “hit”). Repeat two more times and add up your score. Standards Link:

Compute sums.

Only one will take you to the finish. Find it in less than 30 seconds and score 5 points! 30-60 seconds earns 3 points. 60+ seconds earns 1 point.

There are lots of pencils on this page, but only one crayon. Find that crayon in less than 30 seconds and you earn 10 points; 60+ seconds earns you 5 points.

On one newspaper page, find and circle the letters that spell each of the following words:

The

tips for building your muscles! Look through your newspaper for running events, hikes and other outdoor activities. Sign up and go! Get the whole family in on the fun!

Identify behaviors that promote healthy

Place your pencil on START. Close your eyes. Draw 10 dots, trying to put one on each hurdle. Score 1 point for each hurdle that contains one, and only one, dot.

Get

© 2024 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 40 No. 36

review wi book

"The Outsider Advantage: Because You Don't Need to Fit In to Win" by Ciera Rogers

c.2024, Portfolio

$29 / 272 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Some say that you march to a different drummer.

You follow the music you hear in your soul, blazing your own path while the rest of the world can watch. You're the best companion you know for yourself. You know who you are, and that's all that matters. And in "The Outsider Advantage" by Ciera Rogers, founder and CEO of Babes, you'll see what you can do with your you-niqueness.

There was once a time when Ciera Rogers lived in her mother's Jeep. She was a teenager then, and though her mother tried to keep a roof over their heads, a handful of low-paying jobs just didn't cut it. They were constantly moving and Rogers switched schools often, which forced her to learn how to fit in quickly, and get by.

That resourcefulness was key to her survival later in life. As the first in her family to attend college, Rogers got a degree but she was unable to take an unpaid intern position, which were all that were available back a decade or so ago. This hurt her job chances, but she know she'd survive. She was bold and smart.

One afternoon, broke and unemployed, she thought about her mother's small boutique in Houston, launched with few resources and less money. Rogers knew how to thrift. She could make videos. She could sell clothing online, eventually creating one-of-a-kind outfits, mixing and matching, catching the attention of celebrities and movie-makers with a million-dollar business started literally on scraps.

"Remember," she says, "most big things start with a tiny idea."

You don't have to have piles of cash or big inheritances to start a business. Look for free help or free platforms that can move your enterprise along. Make do with what you have, at first. Stop procrastinating and don't miss any opportunities. Know what you stand for. Know that you are not alone, either in your uniqueness or your situation.

"There's a box where everyone else is," says Rogers. "Get out of it. Be different."

So you don't have any money. You don't even have bootstraps to pull yourself up. But if you can read, so you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Says author Ciera Rogers in "The Outsider Advantage," you only need to take that first confident step.

As you start this book, though, you may wonder why anyone would think it's for entrepreneurs. What Rogers has to offer is, indeed, more memoir than advice, though there are nuggets to capture on nearly every page and end-of-chapter takeaways embedded in a lively, fun sort of treasure hunt that feels friendly and approachable. Rogers' entire life on the edge shows readers that being a little bit (or a whole lot) unique isn't a hurdle. Unconventionality is not a deal-breaker; in fact, it can help you break into success.

This book is an inspiration — especially for readers whose dreams are burning with ideas but not a lot of coin. "The Outsider Advantage" is for when the drum beat of entrepreneurship is just too irresistible. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

AUGUST 1 - 8, 2024

ARIES Your mind may very well be buzzing with new ways you and your romantic or business partner can take your investment portfolio to the next level as the week begins. Tackle all the busywork that's on your plate at the moment, then put your heads together to design a winning new game plan. Lucky Numbers: 18, 20, 49

TAURUS In the beginning of the week, you'll be consumed with wanting to address personal desires that you're afraid you've put on hold for far too long. You'll be focused on putting in the work and owning your personal power in order to achieve your bold dream. Later, you'll be drawn to brainstorming and trading imaginative ideas with colleagues. Lucky Numbers: 11, 29, 32

GEMINI Although you're prone to going nonstop socially and professionally, it might be time to take a time-out at the beginning of the week. You might feel like you're on the brink of burnout and need to spend solo time resting and recharging. There's no shame in self-care. It might even make it easier for you to hit the ground running when you get back to business. Lucky Numbers: 11, 28, 32

CANCER When the week starts, you can expect to feel empowered to reveal what's in your heart, perhaps in a playful, fun-loving way. You'll have an easier time putting your relationship-oriented thoughts into words now. Your mind might even be buzzing with all the different angles you want to discuss. Zeroing in on the most impactful ones can get you on the same page with that special someone. Lucky Numbers: 7, 14, 40

LEO At the outset of the week, you might need to step into the spotlight to make a presentation or take the reins on a crucial project. You might be concerned about the impression you'll make on higher-ups, but trust in your ability to command the stage and put in the day-to-day work that will make the moment successful. Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 43

VIRGO At the start of the week, your mental energy is on fire. Take advantage of it by brainstorming and having intellectually stimulating conversations with your colleagues and friends. What you come up with could set the stage for an exciting opportunity. Lucky Numbers: 3, 35, 50

LIBRA When the week starts, you'll be swept up in creative idea generation and letting your mind run wild, inspired to consider all the moving parts of potential cash-flow-boosting projects. Try not to get too caught up in the details and specifics right now, because it's an opportunity to dream before reining it in and getting pragmatic. Lucky Numbers: 11, 12, 53

SCORPIO When the week starts, you'll be meditating on how to fulfill your needs while ensuring that the needs of a significant other or business partner don't fall by the wayside. The theme of reciprocity is key now, and if it's lacking within your closest bonds, you might have to contend with a reality check. Lucky Numbers: 8, 39, 40

SAGITTARIUS In the beginning of the week, your mind might be going a mile a minute around deep, psychological matters. If you can apply this energy toward something healing and productive (think going to a meditation class or learning more about another mind-body practice), you'll make the most of the current cerebral and spiritual vibes. Lucky Numbers: 6, 10, 33

CAPRICORN All the to-dos you've been so diligently focused on may have been curbing your ability to relax and have fun, but you'll be beyond ready to let loose early this week. Allowing yourself a break from professional responsibilities and ambitious projects to kick back with a lover or friends can help you rest and come back to everything on your plate with a fresh, invigorated perspective. Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 21

AQUARIUS You might be inspired to research a passion project and share all of your findings with colleagues and higher-ups early in the week. Stepping up, commanding the spotlight, leading a group conversation, and strategizing with others all feel empowering. It might also set you up for a professional win down the road. Lucky Numbers: 1, 9, 59

PISCES At the week's start, you might find it's not as easy as you had hoped to connect with a colleague on a creative project or make a play for more responsibility by having a pleasant chat with your manager. In turn, you might suffer a blow to your self-esteem. Taking a break to do something you love (like a long walk or meditation) can bolster your mood. Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 22

SPORTS

EGOS Celebrates 30 Years of Providing Opportunities for Overlooked Youth

By Ed Hill

WI Contributing Writer

When Walter Ray decided to form the organization Education. Goals. Opportunity. and Sports (EGOS) in 1994, he had no idea that it would still be as formidable three decades later.

"Quite frankly, we were looking short term," said Ray, an entertainment and personal business attorney based in Washington, D.C. "We saw where there were so many people with talent that some of them were not getting the exposure and opportunities. So, we decided to identify those individuals who were overlooked but need an opportunity."

Continuing their mission over the course of 30 years, it has touched the lives of hundreds who have taken advantage of the opportunities.

The organization, initially based in Northwest, D.C. and now in Takoma Park, Maryland, has served to provide exposure through travel to other cities' basketball tryouts and helping with

scholarship opportunities for young people in the DMV. Most of the funding for the programs comes from fundraisers at golf tournament and various donations

Ray said that his inspiration came from late legends like the late Hall of Fame basketball player Sam Jones and former Mayor Marion Barry.

"They were people who cared about the underdog or the forgotten," said Ray. "They were influenced by the concept of community. That was what inspired me to dedicate my efforts to continuing that legacy to those who sometimes need an opportunity or second chance."

EGOS SUCCESS STORIES

One of the recipients of the program is Dante Baldeh, who has a compelling story. As a 6-8 basketball player at Springbrook High School in Montgomery County, Maryland, Baldeh explained he was overlooked because of questions about his skill level.

"I was down and out after I finished

high school and was not sure what I was going to do," noted Baldeh. "I took a year off from basketball and worked at the mall. I was frustrated and ready to give up until Walt approached me. He and EGOS were instrumental in me getting offers from seven different schools.

For Baldeh, EGOS changed everything.

"EGOS literally saved my life. I was eventually able to attend college, get my undergraduate degree from IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) and then my master's degree in global business from American University."

Baldeh has worked his way up the food chain and is currently Director of Operations for all the Walmart locations in the Maryland/Western Pennsylvania region.

Another beneficiary of EGOS' efforts is Tony Dobbins. Like Baldeh, Dobbins was overlooked early in his basketball career, but because of some extra effort by Ray, he was given a chance.

"Tony was labeled as too skinny and not perhaps strong enough to compete," recalled Joe "JD" Dobbins, Tony's father and a longtime youth basketball coach. "But Walt and

3Walter Ray, founder of Education. Goals. Opportunity. and Sports (EGOS) receives a donation from EGOS alumni Dante Baldeh. The organization is celebrating 30 years of providing opportunities for overlooked youth. (Courtesy Photo/EGOS)

6Former NBA player and current Boston Celtics assistant coach Tony Dobbins (seated center) receives an EGOS Player of the Year Award. (Courtesy Photo/ EGOS)

EGOS saw something in him and was able to persuade someone to take a look at him and give him a chance."

It paid off as Dobbins went on to attend Maret High School in NW Washington before finishing his career at Virginia Tech. He played professionally for several years before landing a job with the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach, where he won an NBA title this past year.

Others who have benefitted from EGOS include: Tony Skinn, current head men's basketball coach at George Mason University; Rob Monroe, a member of the New England Sports Hall of Fame following his career at Quinnipiac; and Muhammad Hill, co-founder of The Museum DC.

Ray is especially proud of the legacy of EGOS and how it has grown to include alums of the program.

"What is so rewarding is when you have 30 to 40 former members of EGOS who now reach out and ask how they can help make a difference the same way someone did for them,” he said.

EGOS TODAY AND BEYOND

EGOS continues to provide opportunities and exposure.

Over the years, it has taken young people to the The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Hershey Park in Pennsylvania and numerous col-

lege campuses. An undergraduate of Morehouse and a law school graduate from Howard, Ray admits that he has a special relationship with HBCUs. Ray explained how he approaches EGOS, and why such a program is needed 30 years later and beyond.

"I always refer to the terms underdog and 12th man when capturing the theme of EGOS,” Ray told the Informer. "There will always be a need for a program like EGOS. It is all about creating a legacy for those who are overlooked and just need an opportunity.

For its most recent challenge, EGOS has taken on the task of getting recognition for Freddie Lewis. A former standout with the Indiana Pacers of the ABA, Lewis met Ray in the late 90's in D.C. and became a huge supporter of the organization.

In return for his support, Ray recently took a group of young people to Indiana to meet Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson and Larry Bird. They are all collaborating in an effort to have Lewis's jersey retired.

"Freddie was a great player but somehow did not get the recognition he deserved," explained Ray. "He was such a big supporter of EGOS during his time in D.C. that we decided to do what we can to make sure that he gets his proper recognition… Again, we are in the business of helping the underdogs. That is what EGOS was founded on and we are trying to continue that legacy 30 years later." WI

CAPTURE the moment

6Words, Beats & Life, a hip-hop based educational nonprofit, highlighted the intersectionality between the arts and mental health through “DMV Made: A Culture & Wellness Festival,” on the National Mall July 27, featuring performances from soul, hip-hop, rock Latin and go-go artists, such as the celebrated all-women band Be’la Dona. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

4Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation (CHCTDC) held the second annual BLACKBONE Project Summit on July 27 at Sycamore & Oak. The BLACKBONE Project is a program developed to provide Black women founders with access to community, capital, and asset building in order to meet business milestones that lead to economic advancement through entrepreneurship.

Photo: WHUT-TV Director of Content Angie Ange, Omi Bell, and Alexes Haggins speaking during the 'Creating Your Own Lane' session. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

3One of the largest reunions of Black astronauts took place at a black-tie event celebrating the history and contributions of early and current Black astronauts at the National Air & Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia, on July 27.

Dreaming of homeownership?

DC4ME provides D.C. government employees, including independent agencies and other government-based instrumentatlities, a first trust mortgage at a reduced interest rate.

Photo: Micheal York, Earl Williams III, S. Torette Williams, Dr. Kenneth W. Curry, Bobby Brooks, Reginald Bullock and Tre' Wilder pose. ( Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff Hosts White House Meeting of Interfaith Leaders

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Days before President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election, and a week before he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff gathered an interfaith group of leaders to talk about bringing peace and love to the world.

“Right now, we’re in a crisis,” Emhoff said in a text message sent to The Informer. “It’s a crisis of hate. And what better way to fight against it and bring us together than bring a group like this together. And to lean on our faith, and to see and explore how we can use that deep faith that we all have, together.”

The Rev. Thomas Bowen, former director of the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs, who is now a senior advisor in the White House Office of Public Engagement, explained that he has worked closely with the second

gentleman to address important affairs, and was present for the July 18 meeting. Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, also included Jewish, Muslim and other religious leaders such as barrier-breaking African Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Vashti McKenzie.

Hurunnessa Fariad, director of outreach at Multi-Faith Neighbors Network in Sterling, Virginia, was also in the meeting, and said Emhoff seemed very sincere and engaged in the dialogue.

“I believe that he wanted to feel the pulse of communities across the United States,” she told The Informer.

Since the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack by Hamas, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have bombed public places and communities, from schools, churches and hospitals in search of the group's officials. Reports show more than 39,000 Palestinians– including 15,000 children– have died since the start of the conflict, causing calls for cease fire,

rising religious tensions, and igniting protests across the nation.

“This was a meeting to discuss ways faith leaders can work together, bring communities together, combat hate, and promote unity during these divisive times,” said Imam Talib Shareef of Masjid Muhamad, “the Nation's Mosque,” in Washington, D.C. While he couldn't attend the meeting, Shareef said he sent a representative because he supports what Vice-President Harris and Emhoff have been doing.

“I look forward to receiving an invitation to continue the discussions with the White House and faith leaders to address these critical challenges and concerns,” he told The Informer.

Since the meeting, Harris has become the presumed Democratic pres-

Jehovah’s Witnesses Mark 124-Years of Large-Scale Conventions in Philadelphia

3,300 Delegates from 28 Countries Join Thousands of Residents at Wells Fargo

By Stacy M. Brown National Reporter

For 124 years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have had a history of large conventions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This year 3,300 delegates from 28 countries will join local residents for a large three-day event with the theme “Declare the Good News!” to be held Aug. 2–4.

Beginning with 400 attendees at St. George’s Hall in 1900, the

Christian organization has hosted hundreds of thousands of attendees at various convention venues in Philadelphia including Connie Mack Stadium, Veterans Stadium and The Liacouras Center at Temple University.

“Generations of Philadelphians have benefited from these conventions,” said Perry Allen, regional spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The City of Brotherly Love will long be remembered by Jeho-

vah’s Witnesses for hosting these programs of Bible-based instruction and for being the site where we have forged lasting friendships. This year, thousands of local Jehovah’s Witnesses are inviting our neighbors to the convention and welcoming international delegates too.”

New Jersey resident Calvin Miller recalled the lasting impact the 1971 convention had on his family.

“We hosted a family from York,

idential nominee and kicked her campaign into high gear, acknowledging many Americans’ calls for a cease fire.

Last week Netanyahu spoke to a joint session of Congress that was boycotted by protesters who say that Israel has gone beyond reprisal and killed 39,000 people in Gaza. While Netanyahu compared the battle he is waging to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's challenge after the U.S. was attacked in Pearl Harbour, Vice-President Harris in a meeting with Netanyahu used blunt words to call for a cease fire.

“To everyone who has been calling for a cease fire, and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you,” said Harris after her White House meeting with Netanyahu.

Pennsylvania, in our home,” he said. “Even though we didn’t know them when the convention started, we became lifelong friends. I’m thrilled that my children and grandchildren get the chance to benefit from attending and extending hospitality to visitors once again in Philadelphia.”

As one of the largest convention organizations in the world, Jehovah’s Witnesses welcomed nearly 13 million to 6,000 conventions worldwide in 2023. In a world where bad news endlessly streams on social media, TV and radio, the free event will provide a program of comfort and encouragement.

She did not hold back on how she felt about the violence inflected on thousands of Palestinian people, families and communities.

“What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating,” Harris said. “The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time.”

Netanyahu was critical of Harris' comments after he met with former President Donald Trump but Harris didn’t back down.

“We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies,” the vice president said. “We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent.”

WI

In Philadelphia, the program is expected to draw up to 20,000 attendees, fueling the city’s economy with local spending at stores, hotels and restaurants.

The “Declare the Good News!” convention will present Bible-based videos, discourses and interviews on topics such as:

• Why Do We Need Good News?

• Use Good News to Defeat Bad News

• Why We Don’t Fear Bad News Saturday features a baptism of candidates from surrounding communities, while a two-part video feature will captivate the audience on Friday and Saturday mornings. Prior to the convention, local congregations are engaging in a campaign to invite community members to this free event.

For more information, please visit jw.org. WI

5Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff gathered an interfaith group of leaders to address hate and talk about bringing peace and love to the nation and world. (Courtesy Photo)

RELIGION

The date was Sunday, July 21, 2024, when President Joe Biden announced he would discontinue his run for reelection. Here is where we can all see what a difference a day makes. A Black woman, Vice President Kamala Harris, is now the presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, and politics in America have been in a whirlwind. Now, with fewer than 100 days until the general election, this boils down to power among Black women.

I'm happy to be in the number available. The way we will win this presidential election in November is for each and every one of us to do all we can, and we must work hard to get the word out, especially to young people.

We know that with the right leadership in these United States, there will be change. Let's work to help our first Black female president get elected. Let us continue to talk about the accomplishments of Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been working in the field for nearly four years. She has been elected as a California state attorney, was a prosecutor, and was elected as U.S. senator.

This week there were 22,000 women on the Zoom call with the group Win With Black Women,

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

What a Difference a Day Makes the religion corner

as they were organizing to win. When each of us believes in donating to this campaign, we all win!

One week ago, 17,344 individual donations were made by women who gave from $5 to $25,000 each, through this group.

Star Jones, the finance chair of Win With Black Women, has set a new campaign goal for the Harris campaign for this week to raise $4.7 million in the next seven days to make Harris the 47th president. Anyone who would like to become a fundraiser should contact Star. Individuals can give up to $6,600.

Win With Black Women are business leaders, political strategists, student leaders, faith leaders, tech leaders, labor leaders, pioneers in sports, music and entertainment, movement leaders, and beyond. We come together within our personal capacities to stand united in support of Black women.

The group talked about how a police officer fatally shot yet another Black woman. Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old mother of two, was shot in her home last month, and Deputy Sean Grayson is charged with murdering her. We are asking, how long, Dear Lord!

Win With Black Women is motivated by our collective concern with the narrative and treatment of Black women within the current political cycle. We believe that

no matter your political affiliation, you should have been outraged by the treatment of Black women in that process.

Founded by business executive, social impact strategist, and investor Jotaka Eaddy, the group first gathered on a Zoom call in August 2020, and 90 women gathered that night after an urgent email calling for action. Since then, this group has grown to more than 4,000 women. They have been meeting virtually nearly every Sunday thereafter. They made clear then and demonstrated that the pathway to the White House and unifying our nation is to #WinWithBlackWomen. WI

The way we will win this presidential election in November is for each and every one of us to do all we can, and we must work hard to get the word out, especially to young people.

MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, Race Discrimination, Rehabilitation Act, Retaliation, Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge

RELIGION

Church with a past to remember

and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

Froffice@firstrising.org

www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “ The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson

Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000510

Shirley Johnson aka Shirley M. Johnson Decedent

Johnny M. Howard Houston & Howard

1001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

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

Ermine M. Johnson, Jr. whose address is 1604 Webster Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Shirley Johnson aka Shirley M. Johnson who died on July 23, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Ermine M. Johnson Jr. Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

2024 NRT 000029

Alfred James Price, Jr.

Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Alfred James Price, Jr. whose address was 850 Majorie Court, SE, Washington, DC 20032 created a revocable trust on December 21, 2007, which remained in existence on the date of his death on March 1, 2022, and Rosalind D. Price, whose address is 3310 Theodore Hagans Dr., NE, Washington, DC 20018 is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Rosalind D. Price at 3310 Theodore Hagans Dr., NE, Washington, DC 20018.

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expenses of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 1/18/2025 (6 months after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1) March 1, 2023 (One year from date of death of deceased settler) (2) 1/18/2025 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the turst before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification. This Notice must be mailed postmarked with 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101 (d).

Date of First Publication: 7/18/2024

Rosalind D. Price

Signature of Trustee

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001562

Cherice Nicole Allen Decedent

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

Johnnie Mae Riggsbee, whose address is 2714 Minnesota Ave., SE, Washington DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cherice Nicole Allen who died on December 23, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Johnnie Mae Riggsbee 2714 Minnesota Ave., SE Washington, DC 20019 Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000071

March 15, 2022

Date of Death

Martha Ann Evans Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Brittany Evans whose address is 1428 Poplar Drive Eufaula, AL 36027 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Martha Ann Evans, deceased, by the Probate Court for Barbour County, State of Alabama, on May 8, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Robin Laupheimer 1920 L Street, NW, Suite 835, Washington, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. Decedent has cause of action in DC.

The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: July 18, 2024

Brittany Evans Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000778

Lilian Mikiver

Decedent

Mary C. Williams

1629 K St., NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

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

Triinu Mikiver, whose address is 8201 Midnight Star Court, Las Vegas, NV 89145, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lilian Mikiver who died on July 14, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Triinu Mikiver Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000779

Stephen Scott Everhart Decedent

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

Stephanie Zobay, whose address is 2935 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stephen Scott Everhart who died on June 23, 2011 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Stephanie Zobay Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000776

Jurg Mikiver Decedent

Mary C. Williams 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Triinu Mikiver, whose address is 8201 Midnight Star Court, Las Vegas, NV 89145, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jurg Mikiver who died on April 30, 2024 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Triinu Mikiver Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2024 ADM 767

William Thomas Walker Decedent

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

Michael Anthony Walker, whose address is 5021 Blaine Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Thomas Walker who died on February 19, 2024 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Michael Anthony Walker Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000072

January 19, 2023

Date of Death

Robert Ronald Lembke aka Robert L. Lembke Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Mary Lembke whose address is 99 Daisy Street was appointed personal representative of the estate of Robert Ronald Lembke aka Robert L. Lembke, deceased, by the District Court for Teller County, State of Colorado, on April 18, 2024. Service of process may be made upon Robin Laupheimer 1920 L Street, NW, Suite 835, Washington, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. Decedent has cause of action in DC. The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 797

Samuel Mingo Jr. Decedent

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

Juwain L. Mingo, whose address is 309 Silo Ridge Ct. Apt 201, Odenton, MD 21113, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Samuel Mingo Jr. who died on December 31, 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Juwain L. Mingo Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000771

Thelma L. Kelly aka Thelma Louise Kelly Decedent

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

Pamela Kelly Harrison, whose address is 11383 Wildmeadows St, Waldorf, MD 20601, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thelma L. Kelly aka Thelma Louise Kelly who died on May 9, 2024 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Pamela Kelly Harrison

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2024 ADM 792

Russell L. Wade Decedent

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

Harold L. Wade, whose address is 6713 Heatherford Ct., Derwood, MD 20855, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Russell L. Wade who died on December 6, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Harold L. Wade 6713 Heatherford Ct. Derwood, MD 20855

Personal Representative

Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000547

Alessandro Di Martino Decedent

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

Francesca Catanzaro Ricchiari, whose address is 5708 Dun Horse Lane, Derwood, MD 20855, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alessandro Di Martino who died on May 13, 2015 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Francesca Catanzaro Ricchiari

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2024 ADM 000795

Devera White Decedent

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

Kevin Stringfellow, whose address is 710 56th Place NE, Washington DC, 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Devera White who died on 4/13/2024 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Kevin Stringfellow Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000794

Patricia A. Bullinger Decedent

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

Richard W. Meehan, II, whose address is 1724 Dunwoody Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37919, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia A. Bullinger who died on June 5, 2024 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Richard W. Meehan, II Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 001122

Laszio Levente Farkas aka Larry Farkas Decedent

Graner S. Ghevarghese 600 14th Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

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

Robin Walter Grover, whose address is 306 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria VA 22314, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Laszio Levente Farkas aka Larry Farkas who died on 12/26/2018 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Robin Walter Grover Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000780

Susan Roberta Jones Johnson Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Ave., NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

George Henry Johnson, whose address is 224 Quackenbos Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Susan Roberta Jones Johnson who died on April 29, 2024 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

George Henry Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2024 ADM 788

JoAnn Jackson-Piper Decedent

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

Antoine Piper, whose address is 3457 Flagston St., Waldorf, MD 20601, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JoAnn Jackson-Piper who died on May 23, 2024 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Antoine Piper Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000783

Michelle Denise Phillips Decedent

Donald Marlais, Esq. 411 10th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Chamelle Phillips, whose address is 3407 13th St., SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michelle Denise Phillips who died on December 24, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Chamelle Phillips Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000786

Cristina Kumary Kaimal Decedent

Tabitha R. Brown, Esq. Law Office of Tabitha R. Brown 1200 G St. SE, Suite A Washington, DC 20003 Attorney

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

Tiara Kaimal, whose address is 4121 W St. NW, Apt. 1, Washington, DC 20007, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cristina Kumary Kaimal who died on May 2, 2024 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 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Tiara Kaimal

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 000851

Joseph Matthew She aka Joseph M. Shea Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #400 Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

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

Deanna C. Williams, whose address is 303 Walking Horse Lane, Summit Point, WV 25446, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joseph Matthew Shea aka Joseph M. Shea who died on January 14, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/18/2025. 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 1/18/2025, 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: 7/18/2024

Deanna C. Williams Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000859

Estate of Sylvia C. Cephas aka Sylvia Colleen Cephas

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Wayne P. Cephas for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 7/25/2024

Wayne P. Cephas

2901 Toles Park Dr., #616

Suitland MD 20746

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 76 September 28, 2017

Date of Death

Bette Jean McLeod Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Cheryl McLeod whose address is 6833 Old Waterloo Road, Elkridge, MD 21075 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Bette Jean McLeod, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on November 30, 2017.

Service of process may be made upon Joan Davenport, 1780 Sycamore Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 3217 Walnut Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 7/18/2024

Cheryl McLeod Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000833

Wayne Bernard Jackson Decedent

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

Juanita Odessa Jackson, whose address is 125 Market Street, Apt 305, Manassas Park VA, 20111, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wayne Bernard Jackson who died on March 3, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. 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 1/25/2025, 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: 7/25/2025

Juanita Odessa Jackson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000810

Paul Shearman Allen Decedent

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

Susan Au Allen, whose address is 2009 Q Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paul Shearman Allen who died on July 8, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. 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 1/25/2025, 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: 7/25/2024

Susan Au Allen

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000814

Charles Ulysses Mayes Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #400 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

David Ulysses Mayes, whose address is 620 Madison Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles Ulysses Mayes who died on April 16, 2024 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 1/25/2025. 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 1/25/2025, 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: 7/25/2024

David Ulysses Mayes Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000809

Javon Leach

Decedent

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

Lakisha Leach, whose address is 1351 Half Street, SW, Washington, DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Javon Leach who died on March 13, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. 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 1/25/2025, 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: 7/25/2024

Lakisha Leach

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 284

Rodney Pearson Decedent

Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq. 503 D Street, NW, Ste 200 Washington DC, 20001 Attorney

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

Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq., whose address is 503 D Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rodney Pearson who died on 11/17/2022 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. 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 1/25/2025, 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: 7/25/2024

Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000806

John Gilbert Baltimore Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

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

Phyllis Marie Harvey, whose address is 1908 Robert Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Gilbert Baltimore who died on April 28, 2024 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 1/25/2025. 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 1/25/2025, 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: 7/25/2024

Phyllis Marie Harvey Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000464

Cheryl A. Van Buren Smith Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Stephanie Diane Jackson, whose address is 250 K Street, NE, #1006, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cheryl A. Van Buren Smith who died on February 28, 2024 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 2/1/2025. 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 2/1/2025, 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: 8/1/2024

Stephanie Diane Jackson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

2024 NRT 000033

Rosa C. Negro-Vilar Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Rosa C. Negro-Vilar whose address was 2425 L. Street, NW, #315, Washington, DC 20037 created a revocable trust on January 14, 2015, which remained in existence on the date of death on March 31, 2024, and Alejandra Negro, Marcela Maamari and Mariana Cubeddu, whose addresses are 6002 Greentree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817; 2310 N. Nottingham Street, Arlington, VA 22205 & 4434 Macomb St., NW, Washington, DC 20016, are currently acting trustees, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Roland M. Schrebler, LLC, 5425 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 600, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 1/25/2025 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1), March 31, 2025 (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2), 1/25/2025 (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification.

This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d).

Date of First Publication: 7/25/2024

Alejandra Negro Marcela Maamari Mariana Cubeddu

Signature of Trustee

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000017

Gladys Wiggins aka Gladys L. Wiggins Decedent

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

Delores M. Green, whose address is 229 S Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gladys Wiggins aka Gladys L. Wiggins who died on April 25, 2023 with a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. 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 1/25/2025, 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: 7/25/2024

Delores M. Green

Personal Representative

TRUE

Nicole

of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000081

October 15, 2023

Date of Death

Mary Ann Young Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Joseph R. Proctor Jr. whose address is 3817 Crusader Dr., Hope Mills, NC 28348 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Mary Ann Young, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland. Service of process may be made upon Donata Edwards, Esq. 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property:

4725 First St., SW, #103. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 8/1/2024

Joseph R. Proctor Jr.

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 854

Bennie Myles Williams Decedent

E. Regine Francois Williams 9701 Apollo Drive Ste. 301 Largo MD, 20774

Attorney

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

Edsel Guydon, whose address is 8280 Willow Oaks Corp., Dr., Ste. 600, Fairfax, VA, 22031, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bennie Myles Williams who died on 3/13/2024 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 2/1/2025. 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 2/1/2025, 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: 8/1/2024

Edsel Guydon

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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

2024 ADM 000837

Mary Ann Gill Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #400 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

Kala Shah, whose address is 15718 Allanwood Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Ann Gill who died on June 17, 2024 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 2/1/2025. 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 2/1/2025, 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: 8/1/2025

Kala Shah Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000838

Audrey V. Tate Decedent

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

Cynthia L. Reavis, whose address is 905 6 Street, SW 903B, Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Audrey V. Tate who died on March 24, 2018 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment 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 2/1/2025. 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 2/1/2025, 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: 8/1/2024

Cynthia L. Reavis Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000831

Eugena S. Bucknall aka Eugena Simms Bucknall Decedent

Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. 8601 Georgia Ave. Suite 504 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

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

Adassa Veronica Grant, whose address is 6904 Flagstaff St., Hyattsville, MD 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eugena S. Bucknall aka Eugena Simms Bucknall who died on December 6, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/1/2025. 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 2/1/2025, 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: 8/1/2024

Adassa Veronica Grant Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000850

Victor A. Papp aka Victor Andrew Papp Decedent

Graner S. Ghevarghese 600 14th Street, NW, 5th Fl Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

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

John Hofstadter, whose address is 5557 Sully Lake Drive, Centreville, Virginia 20120, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Victor A. Papp aka Victor Andrew Papp who died on November 13, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/1/2025. 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 2/1/2025, 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: 8/1/2024

John Hofstadter Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

1

0.75%, a 188% increase, she threw up her hands in angst.

“I always felt our city council lacked a real understanding of what D.C. small businesses go through,” she said. “The increase in the payroll tax hurts the employee. Because of this we may have to look at cutbacks in our business.”

District businesses and non-profit organizations are assessed family leave payroll taxes. In order for someone to be a beneficiary of the program they must be employed in the District.

THE BUMP IN PAYROLL TAXES

As a part of the council’s $21 billion fiscal year 2024-2025 budget, the payroll tax increase was put in to help balance the District’s budget, as is required by law. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser initially proposed the increase but wanted lawmakers to support going from 0.26% to 0.62%.

The council decided to go further and voted on June 12 to increase the tax from the mayor’s 0.62% to 0.75%. The increase won’t go to the family leave program but to the District government’s general fund.

This is the first time since the passage of the Universal Paid Leave Law in 2016 that its payroll tax funds would go into an unrelated fund.

Estimates from the District’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer state the new tax could generate about $425 million in new revenue in 2025. Plus, the .075% rate could bring in $76 million more in revenue than Bowser’s proposal.

Essentially, the increase in the payroll tax means employers will be required to pay an additional $49 on every $10,000 in wages paid to employees.

Bowser sent a letter to the council indicating she doesn’t support the increase.

“I remain greatly concerned that taken as a whole, the council’s proposed budget and fiscal policy sets up our residents and businesses for even larger cuts to services and programs or additional tax hikes next year.”

At the time of press, the mayor had not indicated whether she will sign the budget. Technically, the tax increase went into effect on July 1, which means the first payment will be due Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year.

WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com. @JamesWrightJr10

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survive any international negotiations.

Trump's vice presidential nominee, J.D. Vance, has the same relationship with truth as his boss, Mr. Trump, does. In making his case against “childless cat ladies,” he accuses Democrats, including Vice President Harris, of being “anti-family,” but it is Democrats that have advocated profamily policies, including the child tax credit that would lift millions of children out of poverty. Like Trump, Vance does not mind telling outright lies.

MALVEAUX from Page 30 Kamala Harris is used to the lies, the slurs, the white male disdain. She’s had to deal with that through much of her career, as most women in power have. Trump is an expert at disparaging women, attacking their looks (Carly Fiorina, E. Jean Carroll), their clothing (Nikki Haley), their mental acuity (Nancy Pelosi) and more. All I say to these rabid Republicans is, ”bring it.” Vice President Kamala Devi Harris has time enough for you. Mr. Vance has described the Harris candidacy as a “gut punch” to the Trump-Vance ticket.  Instead of campaigning against

MORIAL from Page 30

hot-button issues with racial undertones such as the NFL kneeling protests." And 96% of their YouTube content was targeted at racial issues and police brutality. "Some of the videos featured expressly voter suppressive content intended to dis-

HOBSON-POWELL from Page 30

"uncommitted" as an acknowledgment that this administration's failure to take decisive action or speak out strongly against these atrocities, is effectively sanctioning these acts of violence. Democrats must exhibit the same bravery and perceptiveness they displayed when they asked President Biden to step down by uniting as a party to support the International Court of Justice in condemning Israel's actions and calling for a cease-fire. Anything less would be a slap in the face to voters who have very clearly articulated a position.

In addition to foreign policy, it's crucial for Democrats to engage in strategic communications and messaging here at home. They need to highlight how the GOP's national attempts to control women's bodies represent state interference in individual liberties. These decisions should be left to the family unit, not dictated by the state. It's time to address these issues head-on with intentional targeted messaging.

Lastly, there has been a flood of social media posts that attempt to place the burden of the upcoming election on Black voters. While Black voters are indeed a vital part of the Democratic base, it is intellectually dishonest to blame them for the election's outcome. Instead, the focus should be on white women with pussyhats who have historically betrayed progressive political agendas. It is essential to create compelling campaigns that

a Biden they’d described as “old” and feeble, they’ve got an opponent who is young, energetic and vital. Instead of debating the Biden who failed to challenge Trump on his incessant lies in the late June debate, he will be debating the prosecutor who sliced and diced Brett Kavanaugh during his Supreme Court confirmation hearing. Vice President Harris is not a gut punch, she is a knockout punch. She has definitely earned the nomination of her party, and indeed the presidency.

DEI, indeed! Definitely earned it! WI

suade African American voters from participating in the 2016 presidential election," the committee found. Russia continued to target Black Americans through the 2020 presidential election.

Our best defense against disinformation, national security experts say, is identifying and publicizing

remind these voters to prioritize humanity over racial identity. The overwhelming majority of Black voters are already aware of their responsibilities and will fulfill them.

In the wake of the 2020 election, hope swirled amidst promises of change, particularly for marginalized communities who anticipated a presidency attuned to their needs. Yet, as we stand on the precipice of another electoral cycle, it's vital to scrutinize the commitments made by the Biden administration and examine the stark disparity between rhetoric and action, especially concerning the Black community. During the campaign trail,

Joe Biden's remarks regarding Black voters stirred controversy, a mere precursor to the subsequent letdowns. His team engaged Black activists, establishing a Black Youth Council that served as a think tank, contributing ideas pivotal to the campaign's minority outreach. Astonishingly, these contributions were unpaid — a glaring disregard for the value and expertise of these individuals. I was one of those folks sidelined. How that situation has played out exemplifies the disillusionment that permeates the Black community's relationship with the Democratic Party.

Despite promises of meaningful engagement, the cries for attention and action on social justice issues have fallen on deaf ears. Correspondences from organizers seeking dialogue and progress have been systematically ignored, rendering hollow the commitments to serve the Black populace.

the propaganda push.

"The great antidote to all of this is being able to shine a light on it," former NSA Director Gen. Paul M. Nakasone told the Senate Intelligence Committee. "If they are trying to influence or interfere in our elections, we should make it as hard as possible for them." WI

The administration's failure to support D.C.'s statehood further underscores these broken pledges. Endorsements from Biden and Vice President Harris during the campaign evaporated when the crunch came. Their silence when Republicans blocked D.C.'s attempts at self-governance contradicted their initial fervor, exposing a lack of genuine commitment to empowering disenfranchised communities.

Moreover, the Democratic Party's tepid response to the ongoing slaughter in Palestine has disillusioned many Black folks. Despite widespread outcry for a cease-fire and condemnation of the IDF's strategies, the administration has maintained a disheartening silence, funneling billions into Middle Eastern conflicts while domestic concerns — college debt, inflation, and soaring living costs — remain unaddressed. For the Democratic Party to secure support, particularly within the Black community, tangible actions, not just hollow words, are imperative.

The current political landscape is marked by an energized base for Donald Trump, while the Democrats' foundation appears precarious in this period of transition, especially among Black voters who once held hope for substantive change. The time for rhetoric alone has passed. Dems must now prioritize action, rectifying its broken promises through tangible deliverables to earn the trust and support it seeks in the forthcoming electoral battle.

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WILLIAMS from Page 31 study of the matter.

Mark Pocan said in essence: "Selection of J.D. Vance as his running mate is the latest blaring sign that if Trump retakes the White House and has a Republican Congress, he'll pursue an extreme agenda that leaves Americans with fewer rights, worse healthcare ac-

MARSHALL from Page 31

change. In his case, while campaigning for president in Maryland, Wallace was shot as part of an assassination attempt leaving him permanently paralyzed. Being bound to a wheelchair can make a person humble. Each person is ultimately held accountable for their actions. A contrite Wallace met with various civil rights activists and addressed Black congregations to personally ask for their forgiveness. While speaking before a Black church in Montgomery, Wallace showed that a man can change his ways.

"I think I can understand some of the pain that Black people have come to endure," he said. "I know I contributed to that pain, and I can only ask for your forgiveness."

In Wallace's public campaign for forgiveness, John Lewis said that while he could never forget the hatred Wallace unleashed and his "political opportunism" he could forgive him.

"George Wallace should be remembered for his capacity to change," Lewis wrote years later in The New York Times. "And we are better as a nation because of our capacity to forgive and to acknowledge that our political leaders are human and largely a reflection

JEALOUS

from Page 31

Greenpeace's role in the protests was fairly limited. They joined sign-on letters, had a small handful of organizers in North Dakota who joined the effort, and shared information from allies and the news on social media.

That is according to Greenpeace's Chief Program Officer Tefere Gebre. Tefere and I go back a long way as brothers in the movement for working people. He says, "At the end of the day, it's not just Greenpeace we worry about. We believe this is going to be a blueprint for corporate America to go after whoever they want and scare their opposition out of existence."

That is 100% correct. This SLAPP suit is not just about tying up Greenpeace in court to hamper the organization's work. Energy Transfer and their legal team are trying to sue

cess and a higher cost of living—not to mention a loss of freedom."

You know orange man's positions on issues, but take a look at what JD Vance, Trump's selection for VP believes in: 1. national abortion ban with no exceptions, 2. stay in abusive marriages for the sake of children, 3. universal child care is a "war against

of the social currents in the river of history."

The forgiveness helps to address the personal and community trauma, but did Wallace go far enough?

History makes it clear that Wallace, who once had Ku Klux Khan members for advisers, went to the Black community for their forgiveness. It is not clear what message a contrite Wallace had for the white church and community. As Wallace went to Black congregations for forgiveness, did he return to white congregation with a message of racial reconciliation? Did he ask for forgiveness from the white church and community for perpetuating their racial hatred toward Blacks for his political gain? Did he challenge the white power structure to change?

The oppressed can forgive, but can the oppressors repent? The forgiveness by members of one community is only part of the equation if we are to see a true end to America's legacy of lynching. Forgiveness is really the second part. The first and critical half is the repentance by specific members of the white church and community who still uphold this legacy of white supremacy and the lack of value for a Black life. Wallace changed, but he didn't change enough to boldly

Greenpeace out of existence, with a ruling that could destroy this important organization. No organization like Greenpeace can afford a $300 million (or more) judgment.

Energy Transfer had their initial lawsuit against Greenpeace thrown out of the federal court where they had first filed it. Just a week later they filed a new suit with similar allegations in North Dakota. North Dakota is one of the few states that does not have an anti-SLAPP law.

Right now, 34 states and the District of Columbia have anti-SLAPP statutes. Greenpeace actually was the target of another baseless SLAPP suit a few years ago by a Canadian logging company. That suit, however, was filed in California – a state with a strong anti-SLAPP law, so even before it was fully thrown out, Greenpeace was able to invoke that law to have

normal people"! Don't forget his voting record where he failed to stand with striking autoworkers last year and advocated for cuts to Social Security. Consider working for and voting for those who've shown they'll work for your best interests. Next time to do that is November 5, 2024. You know how to vote — so VOTE! WI

correct to his counterparts. Today, the Black community is still paying a heavy price as a community as whites fail to boldly confront their counterparts. This out of control legacy of lynching is one of the root causes behind our police misconduct problem.

For the hanged and beaten. For the shot, drowned and burned. For the tortured, tormented and terrorized. For those abandoned by the rule of law. We will remember. William Donnegan was a shoemaker and once a conductor on the Underground Railroad. During the Springfield massacre of 1908, a white mob unsuccessfully attempted to lynch Donnegan and left him for dead. Police later cut him down from a tree outside his home. He was transported to the hospital where he later died from his injuries. In July 2024, Sonya Massey was shot by law enforcement in her home over a pot of hot water. Massey was a descendent of William Donnegan. She, like any concerned citizen, called police in fear of a home intruder. As we make the generational connection, Sonya Massey and William Donnegan died at the same St. John's hospital 116 years apart. Two lives cut short over a senseless attack. Things change, but they don't change. WI

certain claims in the suit dismissed. This suit by Energy Transfer could mark the evolution of SLAPPs from merely a form of harassment to a tool to actually eliminate corporations' opponents. The rights of tribes, workers, consumers, and other everyday Americans are all at risk. This SLAPP suit against Greenpeace aims to crush people-powered movements before they can get off the ground.

Grassroots organizations should stand unified against Energy Transfer's tactics and others who may seek to replicate them. And Congress should pass a federal anti-SLAPP law to establish a uniform definition of what a SLAPP suit is across the country. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland introduced such a bill in the last Congress. WI

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