The Washington Informer - August 31, 2023

Phillip Pannell: Longtime LGBTQIA+ Activist, Leader Emphasizes Continued Advocacy for Local Communities

By Milaka Saddler WI Contributing Writer

March on Washington 60th Anniversary Emphasizes Continued Civil Rights Struggle

By Stacy M. Brown and Hamil Harris WI Senior Writer and WI Contributing Writer

On the anniversary of the iconic March on Washington, civil rights leaders and a diverse coalition of allies convened at the historic gathering site to honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and advocate for renewed commitment to social justice. The event– convened by King’s Drum Major Institute and the National Action Network (NAN)– aimed to rekindle the spirit of the 1963 march,

which played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and voting rights legislation.

The original March on Washington, a cornerstone of the civil rights movement, drew approximately 250,000 participants in 1963. Its influence paved the way for significant legislative milestones, including the passage of federal civil and voting rights laws in the 1960s.

The erosion of voting rights, recent Supreme Court rulings that impact affirmative action and abortion rights, and the rise of hate and violence against marginalized communities, however, punctuate the current commemoration.

son of the civil rights icon, along with his sister Bernice King, visited their father’s monument in Washington on the eve of the event.

Bernice King shared her reflections, stating, “I see a man still standing in authority and saying, ‘We’ve still got to get this right.’”

Addressing the urgency of the occasion, King III emphasized, “This is not a traditional commemoration. This really is a rededication.” Among the featured speakers was Ambassador Andrew Young, a close adviser to Dr. King during the original march and a key figure in the civil rights movement. Leaders from the NAACP and the National Urban League also delivered impactful remarks.

Arndrea Waters King, King III’s wife, also addressed the tens of thou-

After the 60th Anniversary commemoration of the March on Washington on Saturday, Aug. 26, a group of local residents and community leaders gathered in a private room at the Busboys and Poets Anacostia to discuss critical issues affecting the District. One of the attendees was none other than Phillip Pannell, a celebrated community leader, who is continuing the legacy of 1963 March on Washington organizer Bayard Rustin, and Black queer leaders of the past, who bravely fought for freedom and liberties.

Pannell is known for his work as a gay community leader. He served as former president of the Ward 8 Democrats and is a Grassroots Advocate for HIV and Aids, to name a few of Pannell’s passions.

During the meeting, each attendee was asked to introduce

5Celebrated community leader Phillip Pannell has been organizing for causes in the District since the 1970s. He famously fought for queer voices to be heard during the 20th anniversary celebration of the March on Washington in 1983, and has continued his freedom fight against various injustices in the District and beyond. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

Martin Luther King III, the eldest

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

After what has been a violent summer, thousands of District public school students returned to school this week. MARCH Page 56

PANNELL Page 40 SCHOOL

On Monday, Aug. 28, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) made the rounds at a couple of public schools to kick off the school year and make note of school renovations and incremental

Celebrating 58 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.

5 (L-R) Yolanda Renee King, Andrea Waters King, Martin Luther King Jr. III, Rev. Al Sharpton, an unidentified marcher, Robert Smith, and Sacha Baron Cohen on the front line during the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington at Lincoln Memorial on August 26, 2023. (Shedrick Pelt @sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer)

‘WE’VE STILL GOT TO GET THIS RIGHT’

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Donald Trump Booked in Georgia; Mugshot Publicly Released

After becoming the first president twice impeached, President Donald Trump completed another humiliating first for ex-commanders-in-chief. He’s made history, with four indictments in four states, and is the man who once stated he could grab women by their private parts, only later to be found liable by a civil jury for sexual assault. Now he’s the first president with a mugshot.

Not long after 7:30 p.m. EST., on Thursday, Aug. 24, Trump was booked into Fulton County Jail in Georgia. Inside the lockup, Trump finally received the same treatment as most criminal defendants: his mugshot was taken, and the sheriff released the notorious photo a short time later.

His previous three arrests – in New York, Florida, and Washington – spared him of the usual perp walk of shame, a jail visit, and an eagerly anticipated indignity of a mugshot.

However, once in Atlanta, authorities processed

Trump and eventually released him from Fulton County Jail, but not before he was assigned the inmate number P01135809.

He joined his 18 other co-conspirators to have surrendered in the racketeering and election interference case launched by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

The charges against Trump and the others include attempting to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss to Joe Biden in Georgia.

5 After becoming the first president twice impeached, President Donald Trump completed another humiliating first for ex-commanders-in-chief, becoming the first president with a mugshot when he was booked in Georgia’s Fulton County Jail on Aug. 24.

“You should be able to challenge an election,” Trump told supporters and journalists outside the Atlanta jail. WI

Black Census Project Quadruples Participation

The Black Futures Lab announced that it had reached a historic milestone in the Black Census Project survey, which will conclude in October 2023.

The most extensive survey of Black people in the United States has gathered nearly 130,000 responses from all 50 states, four times bigger than the 2018 Black Census.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to:

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Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER

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STAFF

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

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Austin Cooper, Our House Editor Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout

Mable Neville, Bookkeeper

Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation

REPORTERS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

“Going into another presidential campaign season, we know that Black communities are still being undercounted and under-engaged,” said Alicia Garza, founder and principal of Black Futures Lab, who began designing the Black Census Project after the 2016 election.

Launched in 2018, the Black Census Project, engages communities typically under-represented in traditional surveys and policymaking.

The Black Census Project is gathering information on the opinions and views of Black people.

This includes demographics and areas such as LGBTQIA+ communities, trans communities, incarcerated Black individuals, Black immigrants, and Black people living in rural areas.

Initial findings show the top three issues for Black people are:

• Low wages that are not enough to sustain a family: 39%

• Gun violence: 32%

• Schools that fail to prepare children adequately: 32%

Some participants who complete the survey at BlackCensus.org will be eligible to receive a $20 gift card. WI

Judge Sets Pre- Super Tuesday Trial Date for Trump’s Election Interference Case

In a decision that could significantly impact the 2024 race for the White House, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, overseeing the election interference case against former President Donald Trump, has scheduled the trial to commence on March 4, 2024. The date falls during the Republican presidential primaries and just one day before Su-

per Tuesday.

Chutkan considered arguments presented by both Trump’s legal team and federal prosecutors regarding the optimal trial timing. Special counsel Jack Smith proposed an earlier start in January, with jury selection beginning in December. Trump’s legal representatives countered by advocating for a postponement until April 2026, following the 2024 presidential election.

Trump’s legal team argued that proceeding to trial in the upcoming year would infringe upon the former president’s rights, citing the extensive volume of discovery materials that federal prosecutors have submitted.

Meanwhile, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee announced that the arraignment for Trump and his co-defendants in the Georgia election case is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 6. WI

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

(Courtesy Photo)

5 U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, overseeing the election interference case against former President Donald Trump, has scheduled the trial to commence on March 4, 2024, which is during the Republican presidential primaries and just one day before Super Tuesday. (Courtesy Photo)

Sharpton Reminds Howard Students to Continue to Fight for Equity Despite

Some Progress, There’s More Work to Do

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contrtibuting Writer

One day after the 60th anniversary demonstration commemorating the March on Washington on Aug. 26, the Rev. Al Sharpton, president and CEO of the National Action Network (NAN), took to Howard University’s Rankin Chapel to preach the Sunday service sermon.

Sharpton said the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington was tempered by the fatal mass shooting of three Black people with an AK-47 by a white man who then killed himself at a Family Dollar in Jacksonville Florida.

“This shooting was racially motivated, and he hated Black people," Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters told reporters at a press conference. Reports say that the assailant attempted to enter Edward Waters College, an HBCU, but was turned away.

Sharpton told the students that there were many people who helped them get to where they are now.

“Don’t forget that people paid a price for you,” said Sharpton, particularly reminding students of their families’ sacrifices so they could come to Howard, which is in its second week of classes.

Recalling some of the major African American victories in the students’ lifetime, the NAN leader and freedom fighter also reminded them of their own power.

“We have elected the first Black President, one of your alumni is the Vice President, and if you have faith over few things, you can be rulers over much.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network president and CEO, speaks during the worship service at Howard University on August 27. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

black facts AROUND THE REGION

AUG 31 - SEPT 6, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

himself as a sailor and boarding a Pennsylvania-bound

The American Missionary Association, an abolitionist group that helped educate freed slaves, is founded

The film "A Man's Duty" is released by Lincoln Motion Picture Company, an African American-owned company, marking the first feature-length film by a Black

1990 – Jonathan A. Rodgers is named president of CBS's television stations division, becoming the highest-ranking African American in network television at the

Richard Wright, best known for penning "Native Son" and "Black Boy," is born in Roxie, Grammy-winning singer Beyoncé is born in

AUG. 31

1935 – Former Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver, author of "Soul on Ice," is born in Wabbaseka, Arkansas.

1935 – Hall of Fame baseball player Frank Robinson, who was also the first-ever African American hired to manage a Major League Baseball team, is born in Beaumont, Texas.

1962 – The nation of Trinidad and Tobago declares its independence from the United Kingdom.

SEPT. 1

1904 – George C. Poage becomes the first African American to win a medal in the Olympic Games by taking the bronze in the 200-yard and 400-yard hurdles.

1979 – Hazel Johnson-Brown becomes the U.S. Army's first Black female general when she assumed command of the Army Nurse Corps.

SEPT. 2

1946 – Grammy-winning singer and musician Billy Preston is born in Houston.

1958 – African American inventor Frederick M. Jones is issued a patent for a control device for the internal combustion engine.

1965 – Boxing great Lennox Lewis is born in London.

SEPT. 3

1838 – Abolitionist Frederick Douglass escapes from slavery in Maryland by disguising

Buddy Miles, a former bandmate of Jimi Hendrix, is born in Omaha, Nebraska.

1959 – "Our Nig: Sketches from the Life of a Free Black" by Harriet Wilson, widely considered the first novel written by a Black woman, is published.

1960 – Leopold Sedar Senghor is elected as the first-ever president of Senegal.

SEPT. 6

1988 – Lee Roy Young becomes the first Black member of the Texas Ranger Division. WI

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

After missing the Tokyo Olympics over marijuana use and other setbacks, track star Sha’Carri Richardson’s redemption came recently at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary, where she took gold in the 100m and 200m. What are your thoughts?

ROCHELLE MITCHELL / ATLANTA, GA.

It’s the bounce back for me! I love her!

KATRINA BRIGGS / FORNEY, TEXAS

I am rooting big for her. This world is cruel and will root for you and support you if it fits their agenda, but when it doesn’t, they will try to destroy your good name! Be great like God ordained you to be.

BILL LEAVELL / LANSING, MICH.

Congratulations on getting that gold. Break them records and represent. Rising up everywhere and in every way.

JOEY B. / HOUSTON, TEXAS.

I love this for her! It was a lot of folks hating when she lost her chance at the Olympics, and they’ll be quietly rooting for her in silence.

CYNTHIA JONES / WASHINGTON, DC

Yes, Sha’Carri! I always root for the underdog! When people stop caring about what others think and concentrate on the mission, it propels them! I knew she could do it!

D.C. Area Residents Embrace March on Washington 60th Anniversary

By James Wright and Hamil Harris WI Staff Writer and WI Contributing Writer

While the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington was billed as a national event, a number of area locals came to the National Mall to march to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, commemorate history and forge a path forward.

“This march is a reminder of where we have come and where we need to go,” said Ivory A. Tolson, a professor of counseling psychology at Howard University and the editor-in-chief of The Journal of Negro Education.

Tolson was among thousands of people present, taking in the speeches, listening to musical performances, and there to fight for a more equitable future.

“Our commitment to remembering the past is critically important given all these racial injustices that are taking place.”

D.C. Area Residents Speak About the March

Many attendees donned paraphernalia from fraternal, educational, civil rights and political organizations.

Shawnette Turner, a resident of National Harbor, Maryland, sat on a bedspread under a tree facing the Reflecting Pool. Turner, 50, was with several of her fellow sorority sisters of Delta Sigma Theta as they watched the proceedings of the program.

She attended the march because of

her uneasiness with what is going on nationally.

“Racial injustice has become rampant in our society and our country,” Turner said. “We must take action. Delta was founded in 1913 and one of the first things our founders did was participate in the march for the right for women to vote that year. We were at the back, but we were there. And we are here because a woman’s right to an abortion and affirmative action are under attack and we have to fight back.”

Turner’s sorority member, Sheila Bunn, the chief of staff to D.C. Council member Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) and a political leader in Ward 8, attended the march wearing a crimson and crème blouse and pants. She waited patiently at the foot of the lower steps of the Lincoln Memorial to take a picture with many of her fellow members.

Like Turner, Bunn cited the 1913 women’s vote march as an indication of Delta’s history of activism as one of the main reasons why she attended the event.

“We are doing it again,” Bunn said. “Delta is strong for fighting for civil, human and women’s rights and we will keep on marching.”

Gray’s colleague, Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) served as one of the speakers at the event.

George, 35, welcomed the crowd to the District and talked about, what she termed as, the major human rights violation that is taking place there.

“I want to urge you to support D.C. statehood,” she said. “D.C. statehood

is a racial justice issue. We are not free here in D.C. Nobody is free, until everybody is free.”

Deltas and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, of which George is a member, weren’t the only Black women who belonged to Greek organizations who marched.

Juanita Morris is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Inc. and stood with a group of her fellow sorority members near the front. Morris, 29 and a resident of Ward 6, said the event was “cool.”

“You learn a lot about a part of history being here,” she said. “I know I was born after the 1963 march took place, but I am learning what the issues were and what this means today as far as education and community engagement is concerned.”

Julian Clarkson, an 18-year-old Glenndale, Maryland resident who is a freshman at Bowie State University, agreed with Morris that being a part of history was the main reason he came to the event with several of his schoolmates.

“Sixty years ago, what happened was a great event,” he said. “It was a triumph for the Black community. But we are still dealing with the same issues today that they were talking about back then.”

Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, which is headquartered in the District, said he remembers the 1963 march well.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

5 Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George speaks at the Lincoln Memorial during the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington on August 26. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Warrior Women and The Legacy of The March On Washington

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Throughout the Lincoln Memorial grounds, thousands gathered on Aug. 26 to celebrate the legacy of the historic March on Washington– many hopeful of reigniting the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s clarion call to combat injustices and inequities across the country. While the gathering 60 years ago remains a historic key to the success of the civil rights movement, the 1963 march excluded the indisputable lynchpin of the justice fight– women. Sixty years later, the commemoration fell on Women’s Equality Day, kicking off with remarks from people who emphasized the importance of women then and now in helping to achieve true equity.

“Let me say to the women - we weren’t able to speak in 1963, but we are here in 2023, and women are unwavering warriors,” Andrea Waters King, president of the Drum Major Institute and Martin

Luther King III, told the crowd.

“I know that we stand in different faiths but let’s go to the Bible for a moment. Moses was able to tell Pharoah to let his people go, only because he was saved by his sister Miriam as an infant. Deborah helped lead the Israelites to victory out of bondage, Esther risked her life to save her people.

“And let's go to the story of Easter as I close,” Waters added.

“After all the disciples had fled, it was women who stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus’ body was released to a mother. Women prepared his body for burial. Women stood outside his tomb and it was to a woman that he first appeared after the resurrection. Women are unwavering warriors and today, we will no longer be silenced!”

Women were the underbelly of the movement, however, Daisy Bates and Josephine Baker were the only two women to address the crowd at the 1963 March on Washington. Mahalia Jackson also sang, and Baker preceded King Jr.,

who famously delivered the “I Have a Dream,” speech.

The 60th Anniversary March on Washington proved successful in its efforts to include women from nationwide leaders to local politicians such as D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4). Even women in the country's entrepreneurial sector voiced concern for conomic equity in the business landscape.

Arian Simone, co-founder and COO of The Fearless Fund spoke to her company’s current battle as inaugural defendants in what she described as one of the most defining lawsuits of all time. According to the venture capital investor, Edward Blum, a legal conservative activist who has staunchly worked to overturn affirmative action, has filed a suit against their company because they invest in businesses founded specifically by women of color. If won, he and his supporters' suit could prevent billions of dollars from getting into the hands of businesses of color.

“This lawsuit is not about us. This lawsuit is an attack to dismantle our economic freedom and our economic progress,” Simone said.

“Sixty years ago, people gathered right here for jobs and freedom, and today, on Women’s Equality Day, we are standing here declaring we are in a state of emergency.”

Simone emphasized the importance of legislation to protect women and people of color.

“We need legislation that protects our economic freedom. We need legislation that ensures our access to capital that is equitable,” she touted from the podium. “We stand here on the shoulders

of Rosa Parks, Harriett Tubman, Coretta Scott King, Eleanor Roosevelt and so many more. We will not back down. We will win this fight! Economic freedom is where Dr. King left off, and Economic freedom is where we will pick up!”

The 60th anniversary highlighted the strength of women past and present in achieving justice for all.

“My friends, we will keep climbing. We are here to liberate the soul of the nation. The soul of democracy from those forces who would have us all go backward and parish rather than go forward as sisters and brothers,” Water King said. WI

5 Andrea Waters King speaks at the Lincoln Memorial during the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington with her husband Martin Luther King III and daughter Yolanda Renee King at her side on August 26. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Daisy Bates (Wikimedia Commons) 5 Josephine Baker (Wikimedia Commons) 5 Mahalia Jackson (Wikimedia Commons)

AROUND THE REGION

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

WORDS

– Frederick Douglass

“The American people have this to learn: that where justice is denied, where pover ty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob, and degrade them, neither person nor property is safe.”

Kevin Kimble (2nd left), Southern Chrisitan Leadership Conference (SCLC) Washington, DC Bureau Chief, is awarded the SCLC Government Relations Award during the SCLC's Presidential Address and Awards Ceremony on August 25 held in Crystal City. Presenting the award to Kimble are SCLC Chairman of the Board, Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr., with is wife (seated) Kate LaFayette who also received the Evelyn G. Lowery Award, SCLC National President and CEO, Dr. Charles Steele Jr., and his wife Cathelean Steele. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Hip Hop Caucus CEO Emphasizes Environmental Justice at March on Washington

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

As the sun moved higher in the sky, beating down on the shadeless space in front of the Lincoln Memorial, speakers at the 60th anniversary March on Washington repeatedly commented on the heat.

“It’s hot!” said award-winning TV host Nick Cannon. “I didn’t get the memo—I drove up from the South in all leather, so you ain’t gonna have to play the music on me, I might pass out before this minute and a half goes up.”

Cannon, like most other speakers who remarked upon the weather, didn’t mention that this past month was D.C.’s 15th-hottest July ever recorded, or that much of the U.S.—including the South—has seen numerous heat records broken this summer.

While climate change isn’t at the forefront of thoughts at civil rights marches, the Rev. Lennox Yearwood, president and CEO of Hip Hop Caucus, told the Informer that needs to change.

“We must connect the dots and break the silos,” Yearwood said during his remarks at the March. “Racial justice is climate justice. And climate justice is racial justice.”

Climate change impacts—from extreme heat to fossil fuel-related air pollution to storm damage—hit Black, brown and Indigenous communities “first and worst” in the U.S. and internationally.

The day after speaking at this year’s March on Washington, Yearwood said in a later interview, he traveled home to Louisiana, where he helped lead a commemoration for those who died or were displaced in Hurricane Katrina, including some of his own friends and family. It was the hottest day ever recorded in New Orleans.

“We were there at the levees, at the breach,” Yearwood said. “Here we are remembering those literally who lost their lives 18 years ago, but we're also fighting the climate crisis before us—in a place, New Orleans, that has never been 105 degrees [before].”

Climate justice has clear links

to other critical issues raised at the march. For example: extreme heat poses a major threat to many in working-class jobs, from farmworkers to warehouse employees. Labor organizers have recognized the threat—in fact, UPS workers made extreme heat safety measures a key demand in their strike earlier this summer, which last week ended with a contract that included air conditioning requirements for new trucks.

Yearwood said that the climate justice conversation “links to” conversations around health justice, economic justice, criminal justice and educational justice. And he pointed out that it goes both ways, too.

“We can’t stop the proliferation of fossil fuels and petrochemicals and curb climate change without also restoring voting rights, or including health rights or queer justice or other issues—I think we have to see it as an intersectional environmental moment,” he said.

But the climate justice conversation does not always get high enough

priority within the wider civil rights community, Yearwood said. At this year’s 60th anniversary March on Washington, he was the only speaker invited to specifically address climate and environmental justice. His two-minute time slot came between 8 and 8:30am, before much of the crowd had gathered.

Yearwood used those two minutes to call out “organizations and politicians who have said that climate change is a hoax” and discuss the connections between climate justice and “voter suppression and healthcare and education.”

He also called for an end to fossil fuel and petrochemical expansion, a ban on the toxic chemical vinyl chloride and an emergency declaration on climate from the Biden administration.

“Two minutes for climate is all I had to get all that in,” he said later, with a laugh. “And there's so much more we need—we need much more than two minutes on climate.”

5 Rev. Lennox Yearwood, president and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus, speaks at the Lincoln Memorial for the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

State’s First Malaria Case in Four Decades, Back to School Block Party, Central Avenue Sunoco Temporarily Shut Down

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

MARYLAND REPORTS FIRST LOCAL MALARIA TRANSMISSION IN OVER 40 YEARS

Following the first locally reported case of malaria transmission in over 40 years, the Maryland Department of Health is providing notice to residents on how to reduce the risk of malaria and exposure to mosquitoes.

Some of the symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like symptoms such as nausea, headaches and muscle chills within 30 days of transmission. About 2,000 cases are reported in the U.S. annually, generally among tourists who recently visited areas with malaria transmission.

“Malaria was once common in the United States, including in Maryland, but we have not seen a case in Maryland that was not related to travel in over 40 years,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott. “We are taking this very seriously and will work with local and federal health officials to investigate this case.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the risk of acquiring malaria remains very low.

Some of the state health department’s recommendations include using an insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin,

wearing loose-fitting, long sleeved clothing when outside if possible, and repairing broken screening to keep mosquitoes out of the home. It is also important to empty standing water, such as rainwater that accumulates on patios, on a weekly basis to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

Additional information on malaria is available at health.maryland.gov and CDC.gov. WI

CAPITOL HEIGHTS AND DISTRICT HEIGHTS ORGS COLLABORATE ON BLOCK PARTY

Roughly 200 residents of Capitol Heights, District Heights and Seat Pleasant came out to Ritchie Station for a back to school block party on Aug. 20, with the primary draw being free backpacks to prepare for the upcoming school year.

“Four different organizations were giving away backpacks. I myself gave away around 200 backpacks. This back-to-school block party was a successful one,” said Councilmember Victor James of Capitol Heights.

Vendors offering oil fragrances, incense and holistic health care met the cross-county crowd, while a live band played on an erected stage, and food trucks offered fish sandwiches, funnel cakes, ice cream and more.

State’s Attorney Aisha Brave-

boy, who has hosted multiple Our Streets, Our Future rallies in the area and represented this area while serving in the House of Delegates, spoke on the mic during the day’s festivities. District Heights Mayor Cynthia Miller, Capitol Heights Mayor Linda Monroe, and Delegates Nicole Williams (D– District 22) and Kent Roberson (D– District 25) were all spotted in attendance.

James explained that he is proud of the partnership, and plans to continue working alongside leaders from the neighboring municipalities to assist Prince Georgians.

“I feel this collaboration model has the advantages of uniting all communities,” James explained. “Efforts are best spent because we all worked together, rather than wasting time doing separate events.” WI

CENTRAL AVENUE SUNOCO TEMPORARILY SHUT DOWN, CITED FOR WATER IN GAS

Not far from the local Six Flags America, a Sunoco gas station was closed for approximately one day last week while existing fuel was replaced due to customer complaints.

Jon Mack, a customer who

pumped gas from this station into his new Mustang a few weeks ago, ended up with a $1,300 bill at the mechanic because of the gas content. According to his mechanic, it was 85% water. While Sunoco’s corporate headquarters did pay for the repairs, Mack still had concerns.

“I want to know how it happened because even when I called the Sunoco corporate headquarters, the guy I spoke to said this issue has been going on and it, supposedly, had been resolved. I want to know how this is even going on, to begin with," said Mack. "I think they’re just putting a band-aid on the issue, and it’s not any kind of resolve. I think if I hadn’t come forward, this issue would have still been going on with other customers.”

The Comptroller’s Office, which regulates fuel sales, did a Stop Sale at this location until the fuel was replaced and tested.

“A Compliance Inspector was sent to the scene and conducted a test of the fuel to be analyzed. Upon the Inspector’s arrival, it was determined that Sunoco was already aware of contamination,” wrote a spokesperson with the Comptroller’s Office shortly after the incident.

A Stop Sale was ordered as Sunoco removed the contaminated fuel from their tanks.

The Sunoco station subsequent-

ly received a fresh load of fuel, and samples were collected for testing. Initial analysis of the new fuel shipment did not show any contamination, and the station was provided a conditional release from the Stop Sale order pending completion of all analyses next week.

Conditional release procedures are standard practice following the delivery of new fuel to a retailer after a contaminated fuel event.

The Comptroller’s Field Enforcement Bureau continues to investigate the source of the original contaminated fuel shipment, and will continue to analyze samples per the normal testing procedures associated with a conditional release."

If you have pumped gas at the Sunoco gas station located at 12224 Central Avenue in Mitchellville and have sustained damage, you can call 1-800-SUNOCO-1. WI

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY WEEKLY UPDATES

5 Councilman Victor James (left) helped to distribute backpacks during a collaborative block party held on August 20. The clear backpacks he provided could be used by any students in the County. (Photo credits: Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

“Four different organizations were giving away backpacks. I myself gave away around 200 backpacks. This back-to-school block party was a successful one.”

MARYLAND EDUCATION AND LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

GOV. WES MOORE WARNS LOCAL LEADERS TO PREPARE FOR TIGHT BUDGETS

During the Maryland Association of Counties’ summer conference on Aug. 19, Gov. Wes Moore (D) told assembled leaders from across the state to prepare for tougher than expected financial times.

“It’s going to take the discipline of elected officials at the state and the local government…and yes, it is going to take the discipline of the governor. As much as I want to say ‘yes,’ you’re going to hear some ‘no’s,'” Moore said at the conference’s closing address in Ocean City.

It is unknown if Governor Moore will reduce spending on local projects, trim the general budget or raise taxes in order to keep the state’s required balance.

The 2025 budget was originally projected at a $232 million surplus; it is now expected to be at a $418 million deficit. Top administration officials point to reductions in revenue as the primary reason for the budgetary shortfall. WI

TOWSON WITHDRAWS BUSINESS ANALYTICS DOCTORAL PROPOSAL

Towson University has chosen to pause a doctoral program proposal after Morgan State University officials viewed it as duplicative of the HBCU’s existing program.

Towson’s decision to pause comes after the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) approved the proposal. However, the MHEC vote to approve the proposal was viewed as null by the Attorney General’s Office because less than half of the board members voted in favor of the proposal.

Towson spokesperson Sean Welsh said the university would continue working to follow the guidelines outlined by MHEC, but denied that TU’s program duplicated Morgan State’s.

Morgan State’s president said the university is looking forward to “mov-

ing beyond,” the challenges with Towson, and focusing on the institution’s more than 140 academic degree programs.

MARYLAND 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM RECEIVES SYSTEM UPDATE

Maryland’s 529 college savings program no longer relies on manual tabulation as of Aug. 21. Accrued earnings and access to full benefits should now be available for account holders through the online account portal, thanks to an update to the Prepaid College Trust’s automated record keeping system.

Many 529 account holders reported issues earlier this year in accessing their earnings as well as wide discrepancies between their expected savings and what they had actually saved.

“It was one of my top priorities to ensure that this updated system was delivered in a timely and accurate manner,” said Maryland Treasurer Dereck Davis. “While it’s been a long road for account holders, I am confident we are on the right path to providing account holders and their beneficiaries with the certainty they deserve.”

Davis sought increased minority business participation in a $17 million tobacco cessation project during a BPW hearing. MBE participation on that contract nearly tripled to 18% following a new vote,

Anyone with general inquiries and concerns about the program can email the Treasurer's office. WI

CONGRESSMAN HOYER HOSTS 21ST ANNUAL WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY LUNCHEON

Leaders in politics and business gathered for Rep. Steny Hoyer’s (D- Maryland) annual Women’s Equality Day Luncheon where people fellowshipped, networked, took photos and listened to the congressman’s emphasis on supporting women.

State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D) gave the welcoming remarks

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

at the luncheon. She praised the women for being bold, brilliant and beautiful and thanked Hoyer for holding the annual event to “recognize the power and beauty that lies” in all women.

Congressman Hoyer began by acknowledging the harmful impact the Supreme Court’s ruling on abortion has had on women’s rights across the nation.

“Last summer, the Supreme Court's radical and misguided ruling in Dobbs vs. Jackson, undid decades, as a matter of fact, a half a century of progress towards gender equality and personal freedom,” he said to the crowd. “In an instant, the court erased the 50-year-old precedent of upholding a Woman's constitutional right to make her own health decisions. The Dobbs decision caused millions and millions of people to feel uncertain, fear, anger, apprehension for themselves and their families... but it also strengthens our resolve.”

The congressman also offered a

call to action.

“I hope every one of you here thinks that this is a personal responsibility that you have to make sure that your sisters are as free as your brothers,” he said. “We have seen the extreme campaign to curtail women's rights backfire time and time again over the past year.”

Hoyer spoke about some of the legislative victories he assisted, including the American Rescue Plan and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, but insisted there was more work to do. He also effusively thanked U.S. Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young for the work she does to assist him on the Hill.

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Mill-

er (D) were also in attendance at the luncheon. Hoyer, who has already endorsed Alsobrooks, made a note during his remarks to remind attendees that he was supporting her Senate run. WI

5 Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD-5) hosted the 21st annual Women's Equality Day luncheon on August 25 at the Hotel at Maryland University. (Courtesy photo/Office of Congressman Steny Hoyer)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

WEBSITE EDUCATION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation and LumelaWeb have partnered to provide Prince George’s small businesses with the ability to develop their own websites.

Attendees at the in-person training will learn how to plan, create, and optimize a website that aligns with business goals and fosters audience engagement. Plus, attendees will learn about website architecture, content creation, user experience design and search engine optimization to attract and convert website visitors. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills to maintain and enhance their website post-workshop.

Additionally, participants will understand analytics and tracking tools to measure performance, implement ongoing content updates and security measures, and develop a marketing and maintenance plan for ongoing improvement. Classes will take place on Sept. 14-15 at 1801 McCormick Drive, Suite 350 in Largo, Maryland from 2-6 p.m. Attendees must bring a laptop to the sessions.

For more information, call 301583-4650. WI

briefs

MINORITY CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DAY

The Office of Central Services in Prince George’s County hosted the Minority Construction Industry Day event at the Newton White Mansion in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on Aug. 21.

The event focused on the upcoming construction projects for the county. Several notable county-based and located minority construction firms were in attendance to receive an extensive reveal of upcoming capital construction opportunities including functional information on how to participate in more than $600 million in projects.

“Our administration has continued to create opportunities for local, small, and minority-owned businesses through programs in our Office of Central Services,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “Small and minority-owned businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and we are committed to helping these businesses continue to grow and thrive. We want to thank the Office of Central Services for all they do to support our growing and vibrant business community.”

Various agencies discussed upcoming projects with attendees.

The Office of Central Services re-

5 Angela Alsobrooks serves as the county executive for Prince George’s County. (Courtesy Photo)

leased data that showed capital construction related projects valued at about $255 million of which $198 million or 78% of the total value was done by county certified small and minority businesses. WI

NATIONAL BANKERS CONFERENCE IN D.C.

The National Bankers Association (NBA) will hold its 2023 Annual Conference on Oct. 19-20 at the new Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill in Northwest.

The NBA is considered the trade group for America’s minority banks. The conference will feature speakers, panelists, and conversations on the association’s amplification of minority depository institutions' critical impact on underserved communities.

For more information, call 202-588-5432. WI

D.C. AREA AIRPORTS TEND TO BE PRICEY: STUDY

The website SmartAsset reported an Aug. 23 study implying that Washington, D.C. area airports tend to be more expensive than other metropolitan areas in regard to ticket prices.

To track where people and businesses are most affected by changes in prices, SmartAsset examined the average domestic flight price from 72 major airports over one year. The study compared Bureau

of Transportation Statistics data for the average airfare prices that saw 100,000 or more passengers at U.S. airports in 2022. Data was from the first quarter 2023 and the first quarter from 2022. Plus, airports were ranked by the percent increase in fares.

Findings of the study in regard to Washington area airports revealed:

*In general, airfare costs increased by 16% across the country.

*Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia had the highest cost per flight per ticket with $487.

*Ronald Reagan National Airport had a 20.58% increase during the studied period, with the average cost of a ticket at $391.48 in the first quarter of 2023 and $324.65 as the average ticket cost in the first quarter of 2022. WI

FAMOUS AMOS INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES 2023 $50,000 RECIPIENTS

Famous Amos, in partnership with the National Black Chamber of Commerce, announced on Aug. 23 the three winners of its Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative, a grant program that provides early-stage Black business owners with unrestricted business capital and resources to operate.

worldwide, and it made him financially comfortable in the 1980s. Famous Amos is presently owned by Ferrero Company, which has an office in Southeast Washington.

The winners of the $50,000 grants were Emir Horton of Atlanta, the founder and CEO of Eartha by Emir, a luxury watch company; Londyn Jackson, founder and owner of The Language Arc in Woodbridge, Virginia, a pediatric learning and wellness center for children with disabilities; and Steffanie Rivers, owner and operator of TCB Drones, LLC based in Dallas, a video, photography and mapping business using drone technology to help their clients elevate their business. The winners were selected from 3,000 eligible business owners in the national competition.

“I will use the $50,000 to hire a chief financial officer and expand the marketing team,” Horton, 28, said. “I wish to thank Famous Amos for the resources and the mentoring that they offer.”

Rachna Patel serves as the vice president for marketing for Famous Amos. Patel said aiding and educating Black entrepreneurs is what the initiative is about.

“We want the entrepreneurs to use the resources we offer to enhance what they have so they can offer even more,” said Patel, 46. “Whether you won the competition or you didn’t, everyone walks away with something tangible as far as resources, mentoring and networking is concerned.

WI

eaten

The initiative is named after Black entrepreneur Wally Amos, whose Famous Amos

@JamesWrightJr10

cookies were

5 Famous Amos, a Ferrero brand known for its chocolate chip cookies, announced the winners of its Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative in partnership with the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC). (Courtesy photo)

Women’s Equality Feted at Sycamore & Oak

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Dozens of women joined the Bowser administration in commemorating the enactment of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing the right to vote. Donning yellow to mark the anniversary, the Aug. 23 celebration emphasized women’s entrepreneurship in the District.

The celebration, billed as the 9th Annual Women’s Day Equality Mixer, took place at the Sycamore & Oak Retail Village on the campus of St. Elizabeths East. The multi-business concern had its women business owners present selling wares before, during and after the official ceremony.

“Every year, our Women’s Equality Day mixer is a celebration of progress as well as a celebration of the people in our community who are making D.C. a more equal and inclusive place for women and girls to live, work and thrive,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.

“We are very focused on making sure more women can take their dreams and turn them into real business opportunities. We are making sure that more women in D.C. know about programs like the Locally Made Manufacturing Grant Program, Our New Venture Grant Program, and our Food Access Fund—programs that support women, strengthen our local economy, and allow small businesses to open and expand in our neighborhoods.”

Josey Harns owns the Black Bella DC store located in the retail village. She took in customers as the festivities occurred. Harris, a 5th generation Washingtonian and a Ward 8

resident, said holding the mixer at the retail village sends an important message throughout the city.

“Black women-owned businesses matter,” she said. “For far too long,

Black women have been at the bottom tier of everything, and we are the ones who make sure things get done. It is time for us to get the credit we deserve.” WI

5 Beverly Bond of "Black Girls Rock!," Natasha Dupee, director of the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives, and Mayor Muriel Bowser at the 9th Annual Women’s Equality Day mixer. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

White Jacksonville Gunman Targets Historically Black Community, Killing Three

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A white man, described as being in his early 20s, went on a shooting spree in Jacksonville, Florida, targeting African Americans in a historically Black community and killing three people.

The racially motivated shooting inside a Dollar General Store on Saturday, Aug. 26, was reminiscent of the Buffalo Tops Supermarket Shooting in May 2022, where a racist white man murdered ten Black shoppers and injured three others.

As of Sunday, authorities hadn’t identified the shooter, but said that before the incident, the man had en-

countered resistance at Edward Waters University, a historically Black institution blocks from the crime scene.

The school reported that the individual, who had been denied entry to the campus, subsequently left without incident. Despite the encounter’s peaceful resolution, the shooter’s intentions soon turned deadly.

Following his expulsion from the university premises, the suspect armed himself with a bulletproof vest and mask before proceeding to the nearby Dollar General store. With an AR-15style rifle and handgun, he unleashed a barrage of gunfire, first outside the store and then inside, before taking his own life.

Law enforcement officials declared the attack racially motivated, as evidence emerged indicating the shooter’s disturbing ideology of hate. He left behind written messages that espoused his abhorrent beliefs and utilized racial slurs, revealing a pro-

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While investigators said they are still trying to comprehend the shooter’s motives and past interactions with law enforcement, it remains evident that this attack was targeted at Black people.

“This shooting was racially motivated, and he hated Black people,” Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said during a hastily called news conference after the shooting.

The tragedy reverberated beyond Jacksonville’s city limits, capturing the attention of both local and federal authorities on the same day that civil rights leaders commemorated the 60th anniversary of the iconic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

The FBI initiated a federal civil rights investigation into the incident, classifying it as a hate crime. Sherri Onks, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Jacksonville office, emphasized to reporters the agency’s continued commitment to addressing and preventing racially motivated violence.

The shooting adds to what has been another tragic year of mass shootings. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been at least 472 mass shootings in the country in 2023. Many have said this has further

“This shooting was racially motivated, and he hated Black people,” Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said during a hastily called news conference after the shooting.

highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive gun control measures.

Waters also emphasized the tragic nature of the racially motivated crime.

“This is a dark day in Jacksonville’s history,” Waters remarked. “Any loss of life is tragic, but the hate that motivated the shooter’s killing spree adds an additional layer to the heartbreak.” WI

5A white man in his early 20s went on a rampage at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville targeting Africans, gunning down Angela Carr, 52, Anolt “AJ”Laguerre, Jr., 19 and Jerrald De'Shaun Gallion, 29 in a racially motivated shooting. (Courtesy photo) foundly ingrained hatred against Black individuals.

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Report: Bipartisan First Step Act Shows Promise in Reducing Mass Incarceration Challenges Remain

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The Sentencing Project has released a new brief titled “The First Step Act: Ending Mass Incarceration in Federal Prisons,” which sheds light on the positive outcomes of the First Step Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation signed into law in 2018.

According to the brief, the Act, which promotes rehabilitation and reducing excessive sentences within the federal prison system, has demonstrated success in its efforts.

“During the 1980s and 1990s, the enactment of harsh mandatory minimums and sentencing enhancements led to a prison system that incarcerated far too many people who posed little risk of community harm, with especially dramatic effects on Black Americans,” stated Ashley Nellis, the co-director of research at The Sentencing Project

and co-author of the report.

“The First Step Act has been a critical means of reducing excess incarceration while prioritizing community safety,” Nellis asserted.

Liz Komar, Sentencing Reform Counsel at The Sentencing Project, and co-author of the report, lauded the Act’s success as a starting point and called for its expansion.

“The First Step Act is viewed broadly as a successful first step, and lawmakers are wise to expand it,” Komar said.

“Bipartisan groups, including The Sentencing Project, urge Congress to build on it by passing the bipartisan First Step Implementation Act, the Safer Detention Act, and the EQUAL Act.”

According to the report’s authors, the Safer Detention Act would correct a significant flaw in the First Step Act.

Currently, the First Step Act prohibits the oldest people in federal

prisons – those convicted before November 1, 1987 – from applying to courts for compassionate release.

The Safer Detention Act would make them eligible and allow older adults who have served most of their sentence and who the Bureau of Prisons deems a low risk to return to their families via the elderly home detention pilot program.

The EQUAL Act would expand upon the First Step Act’s cocaine sentencing reform provisions by prospectively and retroactively eliminating the infamously racist disparity in mandatory minimum thresholds between crack and powder cocaine.

Still, the report outlined several positive impacts of the First Step Act, including lower recidivism, earned time credits, expanded good time credits, and amended compassionate release.

“While the First Step Act has proven successful in many aspects, its

implementation has faced significant challenges limiting its overall impact and effectiveness,” the authors wrote.

They asserted that one of the critical issues is the failure of the Bureau of Prisons to provide sufficient rehabilitative programming and to accurately apply earned time credits, leading to individuals remaining incarcerated beyond their earned release dates.

Additionally, the report noted that

lengthy waitlists for programs hinder incarcerated individuals from maximizing their credit potential.

“The Sentencing Project urges the Bureau of Prisons to implement the First Step Act fully, thus enhancing its positive impact on reducing mass incarceration and promoting successful rehabilitation among the federal prison population,” the authors wrote. WI

5 The First Step Act promotes rehabilitation and reducing excessive sentences within the federal prison system/Wikimedia Commons

Right Wing Sheriffs Group Spreads Controversial Ideology

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A recent investigative report by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism has shed light on the activities and influence of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA).

Founded in 2011 by former Arizona sheriff Richard Mack, the CSPOA advocates for elected sheriffs to defy federal laws they perceive as unconstitutional or unjust.

The group’s teachings extend to opposing gun control laws, COVID-19 mandates, public health restrictions, and alleging election fraud.

While the CSPOA has sought mainstream acceptance by securing state-approved taxpayer-funded law enforcement training, critics warn that its ideology could undermine democratic processes.

“The sheriff is supposed to be protecting the public from evil,” Dar Leaf, the chief law enforcement

Be Part of the Conversation that Drives Policy

officer for Barry County, Michigan, told researchers during a break in the National Sheriffs’ Association 2023 conference.

“When your government is evil or out of line, that’s what the sheriff is there for, protecting them from that,” said Leaf, who sits on CSPOA’s advisory board.

The sheriffs accomplish that by refusing to enforce laws they believe are unconstitutional or unjust.

“The safest way to actually achieve that is to have local law enforcement understand that they have no obligation to enforce such laws,” Mack told the researchers.

TRAINING AND SPREAD OF IDEOLOGY

Over the past five years, the CSPOA has organized training, rallies, speeches, and meetings in around 30 states, reaching law enforcement officers, political figures, private organizations, and the public.

In 13 states, formal training on the group’s “constitutional” curriculum was conducted for law enforcement officers.

Six of these states approved the training for officers’ continuing education credits.

The CSPOA’s efforts have found support from individuals sitting on state boards responsible for law enforcement training standards.

CONTROVERSY AND CONCERNS

Legal experts have raised concerns about the potential consequences of such training on democratic processes and the broader political landscape.

The CSPOA’s curriculum heavily emphasizes the notion of sheriffs having the authority to interpret and refuse to enforce certain laws based on their constitutional interpretation.

Critics argue that this approach undermines the rule of law and could lead to conflicts between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

“They have no authority, not under their state constitutions or implementing statutes to decide what’s constitutional and what’s not constitutional,” Mary McCord, a former federal prosecutor and executive

director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown University, told the investigators.

RESPONSE AND IMPACT

While some states, such as Texas, have canceled credits for the CSPOA’s training due to its perceived political content, other states, like Tennessee, have approved it, often citing its association with local law enforcement agencies.

The ideological reach of the group is evident as at least 69 sheriffs across the country have either been identified as members or publicly supported the CSPOA.

A 2021 survey revealed that over 200 responding sheriffs agreed with the group’s ideology.

TRANSPARENCY AND OPERATION

The CSPOA’s operations and financial details remain shrouded in secrecy.

Though it was briefly registered as a nonprofit organization, internal records indicate it now operates as a private company.

The group does not disclose its list of dues-paying members or specifics about its training programs.

FUTURE COLLABORATIONS AND CONCERNS

The investigative report highlights the CSPOA’s plans to collaborate with other organizations, such as True the Vote, which challenges the legitimacy of elections.

The group’s activities and influence underscore the ongoing debate surrounding law enforcement's role in upholding state and federal laws.

“This is kind of the tipping point,” Jon Lewis, a research fellow at George Washington University’s Program on Extremism, told researchers.

“Hundreds of sheriffs across the country have gained the trust of their locales and are now sitting in elected office,” he asserted. “Their training booklets from CSPOA right next to them. And I think that’s always going to be a pretty significant cause for concern.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

5The CSPOA advocates for elected sheriffs to defy federal laws they perceive as unconstitutional or unjust. (Courtesy Photo/ Southern Poverty Law Center

Estimating Your Social Security Income

By Louis Davis, Jr., AARP DC State Director

AARP has been fighting to ensure Americans get the Social Security they've earned for decades and we are here to help answer important questions. Questions that we hear often include: When should you claim? How can you maximize your money? How much will you get? Here are answers to some of those questions.

HOW MUCH WILL I RECEIVE IN SOCIAL SECURITY?

While Social Security was never intended to be the only source of retirement income, it is a core part of Americans’ retirement security and often the only long-term, inflation-proof source of income for many Americans. In fact, 32 percent of District residents age 65 and older rely on the program for at least half of their income.

HOW TO ESTIMATE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME

The amount of Social Security you will receive depends on a number of factors, such as your lifetime income history, the age at which you claim benefits and, in some cases, your marital status.

• Earnings history: Retirement benefits are based on your average monthly income from work where you paid Social Security payroll taxes. To calculate your benefits, the program looks at your 35 highest-earnings years, adjusted to reflect historical changes in U.S. wages.

• Claiming age: Your benefit calculation also depends on when you start collecting Social Security. You can start as early as age 62, but you will receive a larger monthly payment the longer you wait. Delaying until age 70 will maximize your monthly payment.

• Marital status: If you are or were married, it could affect what type of benefit you receive. Spous-

es could be eligible for benefits based on their partner’s income, rather than their own, if their spouse had considerably higher earnings. The same may go for divorced former spouses, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. If your spouse (or ex-spouse) has died, you may be eligible for survivor benefits based on their earnings.

If you are looking for an estimate of your future monthly Social Security income, check out AARP’s Social Security Calculator online at https:// www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/. This resource can help you decide when to claim and show you how to maximize your benefits based on your circumstances.

WHEN SHOULD I COLLECT SOCIAL SECURITY?

Generally, it is best to collect Social Security as late as possible. Your monthly payments will be larger the longer you wait, up to age 70. Whenever you claim, your benefit amount will reflect past cost-of-living adjustments, so you don’t risk losing ground to inflation by waiting to collect.

Ultimately, though, this is a question only you can answer, based on your own situation: your age, health, monthly expenses and other sources of retirement income, such as pensions, annuities or savings. For a tailored look at your prospective financial future, try the AARP Retirement Calculator at https://www.aarp.org/ retirement/. This tool can help you determine how much money you’ll need to live the retirement you want, based on information about your household status, savings, Social Security income and lifestyle expectations.

cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Reply by 10/15/2021.

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COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa Re-Elected with 52.6% of the Vote

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa was re-elected for a second and final five-year term late Saturday in results announced much earlier than expected following another troubled vote in the southern African country with a history of violent and disputed elections.

5 Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa attends a polling station to cast his vote, in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, Wednesday, Aug. 23. (Courtesy Photo/ Associated Press )

An opposition party spokesperson said within minutes of Mnangagwa being declared the winner that they would reject the results as “hastily assembled without proper verification.”

Mnangagwa's victory meant the ZANU-PF party retained the governmental leadership it has held for all 43 years of Zimbabwe's history since the nation was re-named following independence from white minority rule in 1980.

Zimbabwe has had just two leaders in that time, long-ruling autocrat Robert Mugabe and Mnangagwa.

The 80-year-old Mnangagwa, who has the nickname “the crocodile” from his days as a guerrilla fighter, won 52.6% of the votes in the midweek election, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said in a late-night announcement in the capital, Harare. The 45-year-old main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, got 44%, the commission said.

The results were released around 11.30 p.m., about 48 hours after polls closed.

They likely will be closely scrutinized after international election observers raised questions over the environment in the buildup to the vote and pointed to an atmosphere of intimidation against Chamisa’s supporters.

The observers said they had specific concerns over a ruling party affiliate organization called Forever Associates of Zimbabwe that they said set up tables at polling stations and took details of people walking into voting booths. The head of the African Union mission, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, said the Forever Association of Zimbabwe (FAZ) activities should be declared “criminal offenses.”

Dozens of local vote monitors also were arrested and taken to court on allegations of subversion that government critics said were trumped-up charges, according to AfricaNews.com.

And there were problems with the actual voting process and concern about the count.

The election had been due to be held on just Wednesday, but voting was extended to Thursday after delays with the printing of ballot papers. Results of the presidential election came a surprising two days after voting closed when the final figures were expected on Monday or even Tuesday considering the election ran over by a day. WI

Officials Working to ‘Tear Down Barriers Against Women with Disabilities’

Bahamas Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said officials are working to tear down barriers against women with disabilities, The Tribune reported on Friday, Aug. 25.

5 Bahamas Minister of Social Services Obie Wilchcombe, who said there is work being done to tear down barriers for women with disabilities. (Courtesy Photo)

Wilchcombe made his comments on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at the closing conference of the 13th Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers meeting held at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, as he highlighted the key points taken away from the three-day conference’

Noting the challenges women with disabilities face, Mr. Wilchcombe said, “Not only are women and girls disproportionately represented with a disability prevalence rate of approximately 19% versus 12% for men, but they also face multiple barriers that may result in low economic and social status, increased risk of gender-based violence and abuse.”

He added that women and girls with disabilities have been affected by various types of abuse and discrimination, including sexual violence, gender-based discriminatory practices, and limited access to education and health services.

“All ministers acknowledge that these are barriers to the full realization of the rights of all women and girls with disabilities,” Mr. Wilchcombe said. “Ministers welcomed the recommendations for gender equality and inclusion of people with disabilities, highlighting the importance of the collection of disaggregated disability data and the adoption of a disability mainstreaming approach.”

The 13th Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting, hosted this year by The Bahamas, discussed issues related to women in leadership, women’s economic empowerment, ending violence against women, climate, and the inclusion of women with disabilities.

The next Women’s Affairs Meeting is scheduled to be hosted in Asia. WI

Foreseeing The Early Signs of Poor Pediatric Eye Health

Howard University and District Vision Experts Raise Awareness of Barriers to Vision Health Care

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Before he could even speak, Andre Tillery’s mother questioned her son’s visual acuity through a host of concerning signs at his extremely young age.

Initially dismissed by doctors who failed to properly diagnose his symptoms, it was his third visit to an eye doctor before Tillery was directed to emergency eye surgery to correct the condition impeding his vision. Although rare in children, Tillery’s story mirrors a common experience for juveniles with pediatric eye problems and the severe issues that can prevail when met with the common barriers standing between their access to proper vision health care.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), congenital pathological conditions, which are most often genetically determined, cannot be prevented. Thus, screening for eye diseases in infants and young children is extremely

important to prevent worsening issues. Tillery’s parents quickly learned that his visual impairment came at a cost from hereditary conditions.

“I had cataracts, which is a very rare case because you usually don’t develop cataracts until you are much older. It was two things that concerned my mother. My eyes were closer to a gray color, and I also kept sitting close to the television,” Tillery explained.

“[Initially], my mother took me to an eye clinic but they said they didn’t see anything, but one of her girlfriends kept stressing to her that something about my vision wasn’t right, and to take me somewhere else. She eventually took me to a full-service hospital where they did a full inspection and found that I had cataracts.”

Tillery, a local optician, has seen his share of eye conditions among adults and children across the District. However, he added that he has only seen severe visual deficits in a handful of kids, as his case of

juvenile cataracts at such a young age is quite a rare condition.

When examining the heart of the matter in pediatric visual disparities, a lack of access to visual health care is often the greatest barrier in preventing children from receiving an informed diagnosis at the most opportune time to identify, and correct their illness before it is too late. , Dr. Janine Smith-Marshall, a Howard University Hospital Pediatric ophthalmologist shared insight into the dangers of pediatric eye diseases that often bear heavier consequences when left undetected.

“Fortunately there isn’t a lot of racial inequality in terms of eye diseases. What we do see is a lot of disparity in access to healthcare. Typically, pediatric ophthalmologists work very closely with pediatrician family practitioners who will do screenings with children’s annual exams,” Smith-Marshall told the Informer.

She said most children begin getting their eyes checked around 3-years-old, using a photo screener, which will help determine whether patients are at risk. However, lack of access to pediatric ophthalmologists and screeners can present challenges for many young people.

“If a patient doesn’t have access to continuity of care in their medical home, then patients can easily be overlooked,” Smith-Marshall explained.

The pediatric ophthalmologist explained hat certain visual issues

like amblyopia or lazy eye, for example, have a critical time limit for the patient’s most optimal chance of treating the defect.

Smith-Marshall shared that when you catch someone early enough, typically between 3 to 6 years old, and they are compliant with treatment, there is almost a 100% success rate in being able to correct the eye. However, if that child is not seen until they are closer to 9 or 10 years of age, the chance of being able to clear that vision deficiency decreases to less than 10%, making it extremely important to ensure good access to care and primary care options early on.

School health screening programs and early exams with their pediatricians serve as critical preventative steps in identifying these issues, as worst-case scenarios can result in blindness over time. Inspired to lessen the gap between underserved children and much-needed access to vision health care, the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington is pounding the pavement across the District to bring eye care services to children who may lack the resources, or even age requirements to visit an eye doctor within reach.

“We go into schools in the District that are in underserved areas. We bring a volunteer doctor, and they give exams. We bring all the equipment so that it can be set up in a school’s library, nurses'

office [or space of their choice]. We bring an optician and a selection of glasses and the kids get to choose two pairs of glasses for themselves,” said Caren Forsten, CEO of the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington. “We are all trying to make sure that children in underserved communities can get the care they need.”

It is not just money that serves as the greatest barrier for young kids, but it is difficult to find doctors who will see children under a certain age. Forsten explained that similar to food desserts, there are pediatric eye care desserts in the District community, leaving parents to have to navigate much of that process on their own. The organization maintains a list of doctors who accept Medicaid and will see children of various ages.

Luckily for Tillery and his family, who once experienced the eager hunt for a doctor that would give him the proper attention he needed, he was able to land the vision care that would eventually correct his cataracts before it became a permanent fixture in his life.

“Age tends to be a significant barrier for children and vision care. I think [most doctors] just assume that young kids are not going to need anything, but you can’t say that because just like in my case, you don’t [always] know, and that can be a problem,” Tillery said. WI

(Courtesy photo)

COVID-19 Makes Its Way Back Approaching The Fall Season Health Experts Monitor Rising Cases of Omicron Variants

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

The summer season has granted us an overwhelming relief from the previous years of rampant infections and mask mandates. But with the oncoming cold front of the fall season, health experts warn that the latest mutations of the Omicron COVID-19 variant are gradually trickling back in increasing cases across the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), roughly 21% of new cases within the last few weeks are of the EG.5 subvariant, currently the dominant strain in effect. However, a second Omicron variant labeled as FL 1.5.1, is simultaneously increasing throughout the country and is responsible for 13.3% of the latest cases.

The reported amount of infections is almost double the number of cases recorded roughly a week ago, however, time will tell how severe of a health crisis the latest mutations may or may not cause in infected persons.

Dr. Tara Palmore, professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the George Washington University, suggested the latest mutations are mostly following suit to the clinical symptoms of previous Omicon strands.

“There’s no evidence that EG.5 or the XBB sub-variants cause any different or more severe clinical disease than any of the other sub-variants that we’ve seen since Omicron emerged in November 2021,” Palmore told George Washington Today. “They all behave the same clinically, but each subsequent subvariant that emerges is just a bit more infectious than the last.”

WHAT SHOULD WE BE AWARE OF?

The primary concern regarding the two strands is their rapid speed in spread due to a mutation increasing the potency of each subvariant.

The CDC reports that most sub-

variant symptoms are almost identical to former Omicron strains, often displaying as colds or the flu, but including a runny nose, muscle aches, cough, headache, fatigue, and fever. In some cases, those infected may experience a loss of smell and taste as with earlier strains, but this symptom is less prevalent in the current sub-variants.

HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST THE LATEST VARIANTS

While COVID cases remain below peak levels, Axios reported that incidents of viral infection and hospitalizations are consistently rising as health officials continue to monitor the new variants.

According to the CDC, previous vaccines continue to hold some level of efficacy against the new strains, however, updated versions of the previous COVID-19 vaccine formulas are expected to be available across the

U.S. for enhanced protection against the current mutations in the upcoming weeks.

The CDC advisory committee is reportedly scheduled to meet on Sept. 12 to discuss whether they will confirm recommendations of updated vaccination shots, with the expecta-

tion of making the vaccines available soon after.

Earlier this summer, the FDA directed vaccine manufacturers Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax to formulate updated shots targeting the XBB.1.5 variant.

5Health experts warn that the latest mutations of the COVID-19 variant are gradually trickling back in increasing cases across the United States. (Courtesy Photo)

EARTH OUR

August Roundup: Extreme Weather Brings Climate Change to the Forefront

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

Happy almost-autumn! It’s been a busy month on the climate change front across the country.

In positive news, the Biden administration celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s biggest-ever piece of legislation aimed at fighting climate change and funding renewable ener-

gy development. And in Montana, a judge ruled in a landmark case that youth do have a right to a clean and healthful environment, including a stable climate.

But the summer’s weather—amplified by the natural warm, rainy weather pattern called El Niño —has brought some darker climate change stories to the forefront nationally. A few of the biggest headlines:

• The deadliest fire in U.S. history hit Hawaii Aug.t 8, killing over 100

people. Extraordinarily dry and hot conditions made more likely by climate change fueled the fast-moving blaze.

• Tropical Storm Hilary dumped record-breaking amounts of water on Southern California on Aug. 21.

• A massive “heat dome” continues to cause dangerously high temperatures lasting days and even weeks on end throughout the Southwest, Midwest and Southeast U.S.

• Finally, here in the D.C. area, heavy rainfall has prompted major flooding multiple times in the last two months, including the Aug. 14 flooding that killed 10 dogs at a canine daycare on Rhode Island Avenue.

Fights for a safe climate and clean environment continue in and around the District, though. Here are a few efforts in the news this month:

DOMINION ENERGY INSTALLS SOLAR AT DULLES; PEPCO’S COMMUNITY SOLAR PROBLEMS PERSIST

Passengers flying in and out of Dulles International Airport may soon see more than 800 acres of shiny solar pan-

els beneath them, according to reporting from DCist’s Jordan Pascale last week. The airport and Dominion Energy held a ceremonial ground-breaking on Aug. 22, and the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. Dominion Energy said it expects the project to power more than 37,000 homes in the area, plus some of the airport’s facilities.

Meanwhile, Pepco’s legal and technical troubles tracking power generation from community solar facilities continue to drag on, Jacob Fenston of DCist reported early in the month. After regulators told the company it needed to stop using its own energy generation meters, Pepco is now asking facility operators to track it manually—entering thousands of lines of data monthly. Solar operators say that’s an absurd request, and so costly that it could negate the savings that allow community solar facilities to cut energy bills by up to 50% for subscribers, many of whom are low- to moderate-income renters who sign up through the Solar for All program.

FROM THE MUSEUM TO THE HIGHWAY: CLIMATE PROTESTERS HOLD DIRECT ACTION DISRUPTIONS

Last week, police arrested three climate activists from the Declare Emergency campaign in the National Muse-

um of Natural History’s dinosaur fossil exhibit, according to reporting from the Washington Post’s Ellie Silverman. One person glued themselves to a sign and others climbed into an exhibit. A museum spokesperson told the Post there was no damage, though the fossil hall shut down for about 30 minutes.

“This time around, carbon dioxide is the asteroid, and we are the dinosaurs,” the group wrote on Twitter.

The protest took place in the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils — Deep Time, in a section of the exhibit labeled “Last American Dinosaurs.” Koch Industries is the largest privately owned fossil fuel company in the United States, and brothers David and Charles Koch have spent years funding efforts to cast doubt on climate science and prevent the enactment of policies to slow down the planet’s warming.

The same week as the museum protest, Declare Emergency activists blocked highway lanes on three separate occasions.

In the morning on Saturday Aug. 26, protesters—including at least one arrested for a similar offense earlier in the week—blocked westbound traffic on US-50. Frustrated drivers on the way to work got out of their cars, yelling expletives and ripping banners out of activists’ hands, footage posted by documentary producer Ford Fischer shows.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

The Informer's Our Earth page turns 1 year old this fall. We want to know what you think and what we can do better in year 2! Please let us know with this 3-minute survey.

Courtesy photo)

Black Business Month Spotlight: Solar Installation Company WDC Solar

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

It’s easy, entrepreneur Mark Davis explained, to pinpoint a particular moment when he knew that he and his company, WDC Solar, were on the right path for the right purpose.

“I got the call from the Obama administration, and they invited me to his final State of the Union Address,” Davis said. “I sat in the booth with [Michelle Obama]… I met with a couple of directors of agencies, and then to top it off with dinner at the White House, and then that special ride down to the Capitol—I’ll always remember that moment.”

The invitation had a special resonance for Davis because it was Obama’s first presidential run that initially inspired him to pursue a business opportunity in the solar industry. The campaign’s emphasis on renewable energy struck a chord with him, and he started talking to people and studying the solar industry.

“This whole idea of using solar to combat climate change, and to create jobs and reduce energy costs for low income people living in the District of Columbia—that's why I got into it,” Davis said.

When he first founded WDC Solar in 2009, the Ward 8-based company became one of the first solar installers in the District. He pushed city leaders and agencies to establish the incentives and programs needed to get the industry off the ground locally. The financial infrastructure that makes solar thrive in D.C. today—such as installation options for low-income homeowners and a strong market for selling energy credits— just didn’t exist yet.

“The biggest hurdle probably would be just staying in business, and through the downs, just remaining focused,” Davis said. “Staying focused on solar, and being committed to it.”

Davis honed that sense of de-

termined commitment in his previous career: before becoming an entrepreneur, he was an NBA player with the Washington Bullets. Asked what lessons he took from playing basketball into the world of solar engineering, he replied instantly: “dedication and hard work.”

“You got to stay in there, and you got to keep practicing every single day,” he said. “There's no free lunch.”

Today, WDC Solar has installed solar panels on thousands of homes. Working with the D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility and the Department of Energy and Environment through the city’s Solar For All program, the company installs panels for free to low-income homeowners.

WDC Solar has grown tremendously over the last 14 years; in addition to residential installation, the company now designs, engineers and builds solar panel systems for commercial buildings and offers maintenance services to keep them running smoothly.

Doing that kind of work, Davis pointed out, requires a professional workforce in a field that remains relatively new. That’s part of why WDC Solar also offers a training program, which it offers for free to low-income residents.

“There’s still a shortage of experienced solar professionals,” Davis said. “Training is a way that we can try to overcome that.”

But building a stronger workforce isn’t the only reason WDC Solar has offered solar training opportunities for more than a decade, even when Davis had to fund the programs with his own money for the new startup. It’s also part of the Anacostia-based company’s community-centric philosophy.

“Training is just so expensive when you go to these classes that they have around the country for solar, and a lot of people who want to get in the industry can’t afford that training,” Davis said.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

OUR EARTH Uplifting the Inflation Reduction Act’s First Year for Deeper Impact

By Almeta Cooper, National Health Equity Manager, Moms Clean Air Force

As we conclude the hottest summer on record— where 80% of all people worldwide in July experienced crippling extreme heat and severe weather events, our ever-changing climate reinforces the need to clean up the air for Black and Brown communities that contribute the least to environmental

harm and yet are the most adversely affected.

The climate crisis is a threat multiplier and it builds upon inequities. Efforts to create solutions must prioritize Black, Brown and lowwealth communities— especially children, pregnant women and those 65 years and older.

It is encouraging to see the oneyear-old clean energy and jobs law, known as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) allocate about $315 million for air monitoring for schools

and people living near polluting plants and facilities.

The IRA has also brought 129

clean energy projects with more than 85,000 new jobs to communities of color across the United States.

As wildfires, drought, poor air quality and extreme weather events harm our communities, we can celebrate the Biden-Harris administration’s goal to achieve a pollution-free power sector by 2035 and slash pollution in half by 2030.

The IRA brings historic levels of funding for this effort, yet many Americans, 71% – know little or nothing at all about the IRA or its climate-related incentives. According to Media Matters, in 2022, combined climate change coverage across corporate broadcast morning news, nightly news, and Sunday morning political shows reached a record 1,374 minutes — nearly 23 hours.

As the National Manager for Health Equity at Moms Clean Air Force, I had the honor of speaking beside panelists Dr. Margot Brown, senior vice president of Justice and Equity at Environmental Defense Fund, Cornell Wesley, chief economic development officer, for the City of Birmingham and moderator Phil Lewis, Sr., front Page Editor of HuffPost at the 2023 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention. We spoke with journalists, communicators and allies about how we all play a role in advancing community-based solutions.

More than 3,500 professionals gathered at NABJ, and I left even more inspired to continue the work being done to significantly reduce the pollution driving these scorching temperatures. Our conversation serves as a reminder to continue the push for equity in and outside of newsrooms around the world.

So, what can we do to increase awareness of equitable climate and

clean air solutions? It starts with telling the environmental justice stories hidden within the coverage of natural disasters, raging wildfires, disastrous flash flooding and so much more. Stories of the ongoing struggles faced by frontline communities before and after a disaster or historical injustices are often left out of the narrative. Bringing more attention to these issues can lead to more equitable policy changes.

We must educate our audiences to ensure that Black, Brown, and low-wealth communities understand and support the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act. Our stories must provide insight to help these communities monitor the implementation of programs and funding that holds polluters, corporations and elected officials more accountable for the actions they take.

Commemorating the one-year anniversary of the historic clean energy plan is a time to celebrate lower energy costs for families, keeping the lights on in extreme weather and renewing U.S. manufacturing. As we look to the next year of implementation of the IRA, we must also call for more action rooted in justice and equity to ensure these funds flow into environmental justice communities. We must urge journalists to tell the stories of those whose voices are not only ignored but historically silenced.

Everyone – including policymakers, elected leaders, “Big Green” organizations, journalists and individuals– must be prepared to speak up against environmental threats to better position community needs and priorities at the center. As the Inflation Reduction Act continues to build our clean energy economy, we must amplify and use our platforms to advance solutions that address all forms of injustice. WI

5 Almeta Cooper (Courtesy photo)

“The climate crisis is a threat multiplier and it builds upon inequities. Efforts to create solutions must prioritize Black, Brown and low-wealth communities— especially children, pregnant women and those 65 years and older."

EDUCATION

March on Washington Commemoration Brings Preservation of History into Greater Focus

Elders, Youth Align on Need to Combat Erasure of Black History

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Several hours before thousands descended upon the National Mall to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, nearly a dozen civil rights figures and organizations received honors for their work in politics, business and civic engagement.

Even amid the celebration, many of those who converged on the ballroom of St. Luke Catholic Church in Southeast for the “60th Anniversary of the March on Washington Awards Dinner,” couldn’t help but to mention white conservatives’ ongoing efforts to erase Black history.

"Someone wants to take your history [away] and they're not playing. We're demonstrating in opposition and unity to show that we will fight back and God is with us,” said Sister Nia 2X, president of the National Action Network’s D.C. metropolitan region chapter.

TAKING OUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION INTO OUR OWN HANDS

In the aftermath of the George Floyd protests and President Joe Biden’s ascent to the White House, white parents and state-level officials have chipped away at education standards and curricula that mandate the study of African-American history, culture and literature.

Earlier in August, the Arkansas Department of Education dropped the Advanced Placement African American Studies course out of what Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee (R) described as concerns about leftist indoctrination of schoolchildren.

At least six Arkansas schools have since defied that order, offering local credit instead of state credit for completion of the course.

Earlier this year, the rollout of an Advanced Placement African American Studies course placed the College Board in a tug-of-war between Black scholars who said the course deemphasized Black Lives Matter, reparations and intersectionality, and the Florida Department of Education, which banned the course in its entirety from the state curriculum.

Months earlier, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) championed state curriculum updates that erased mention of chattel slavery, institutional racism and mention of prominent African-American figures. This followed the introduction and passage of laws in 23 states that limit the teaching of African-American history.

Throughout the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington awards dinner, event organizers stayed true to the theme of “Not a commemoration, a continuation,” primarily by honoring those who had either been involved in the 1963 march or are continuing the legacy of civil rights organizing.

Awardees included: Ben’s Chili Bowl co-founder Virginia Ali;

former D.C. Council member and executive director of the African-American Civil War Museum Frank Smith; activist and Ward 5 politico Jeannette Mobley; 50-year union organizer Roscoe Grant, Jr.; Prince George’s County Southern Christian Leadership Conference president Josephine Manning; national civil rights activist John Barnett; Bishop Joel Peebles of City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover, Maryland; March on Washington organizer the Rev. Walter Fauntroy; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; former United Nations ambassador and former Atlanta mayor the Rev. Andrew Young; and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

Actor Lamman Rucker, along with his mother, internationally renowned dancing diplomat and actress-dancer-singer-choreographer-spoken word artist-teacher Nana Malaya Rucker-Oparabea, served as masters of ceremonies on Aug. 25.

In reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Rucker looked back on his childhood experience of reciting the “I Have a Dream” speech that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave in 1963 at the March on Washington.

Rucker said King’s legacy permeates throughout the current fight for actor pay parity in Hollywood and various campaigns he has joined in recent years to help

Black men heal from trauma.

As it relates to the ongoing assault on Black history, Rucker said that it’s incumbent upon Black people to immerse their children in history and culture from a young age, and at every turn. He told the Informer that it shouldn’t be left up to the school system to teach Black youth about Black history figures, known and unknown.

"We have to make sure our children get all the information,” Rucker said. “We have to insist they read the books that are being banned. We have to know our truth and speak our truth to be responsible to ourselves. It takes a support system to make sure our children get what they need."

AN INTERGENERATIONAL EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION

This upcoming school year, longtime educator Emma P. Ward will return to Dunbar High School in Northwest as a part-time teacher. She credits her dedication to teaching youth, in part, to her participation in the March on Washington in 1963.

On August 28, 1963, Ward took off from her entry-level federal government job to stand among the several thousands who flooded the National Mall to hear Dr. King and others speak. At that time, she

had been out of high school for a couple of years and dissatisfie with her career trajectory.

However, as Ward recalled to the Informer, the energy around the march inspired her to eventually pursue higher education.

By the early 1970s, Ward, then 26, had enrolled in what was then called Federal City College. After obtaining her bachelors degree, she went on to get her masters degree from University of Maryland College Park. Since then, Ward has dedicated herself to teaching young people in D.C. and around the world about Black history. She has done so in K-12 spaces and with adult learners.

Ward, Ms. Senior D.C. 2011, counted among those who went to the awards ceremony on Friday evening and 60th anniversary commemoration activities on Saturday. In years past, she has attended 25th and 50th anniversary March on Washington celebrations.

"I want our children to know how blessed we are to have an advocate with a vision in 1963, we are still talking about his message,” said Ward, 79, as she spoke about Dr. King. “I'm not sure if our children can have the emotional attachment [to King that we have] but they can look at what he did for us."

WI @SamPKCollins

5 Sister Nia X, president of the National Action Network’s D.C. metropolitan region chapter, counted among a bevy of speakers who graced the podium during the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington awards program on the evening of Aug. 25 at St. Luke Catholic Church in Southeast. (Photo courtesy of Harold Goodridge)

Newly Released Assessment Results Show Post-Pandemic Improvement, Officials Say More Investments,

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Local education officials have heralded the latest District-wide assessment results as a sign that their multifaceted post-pandemic recovery strategy, much of which has been in effect since last school year, has been working across the board.

While proficiency rates remain lower than what students achieved in 2019, officials said that young people continue to make moderate gains in English and Language Arts (ELA) and Math.

“We see steps to pre-pandemic levels [but] we’re not ready for a victory lap,” D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee said.

“It’s a testament to the resilience of our staff and students,” he added. “We will continue with high impact tutoring to support students. We will deepen our multi-tier system and continue with the science of reading.”

EXAMINING THE ROAD THE RECOVERY

Shortly before the pandemic, students demonstrated consecutive growth on the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) exam. In 2019, ELA and math scores increased by 12.3 percentage points and 8.4 percentage points, respectively. Students with disabilities, nonwhite students and English-language learners also demonstrated steady improvement.

Upon students’ return from the pandemic however, District officials saw what they described as signs of learning loss.

District-wide assessment results for 2022 showed a decrease in English proficiency among elementary schools and nonwhite students. Math proficiency also decreased across the board for all student groups, while students designated as at-risk experienced far greater declines than their counterparts.

Around that time, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) directed nearly $1 billion in federal stimulus funds toward educa-

New Assessment on the Horizon

tion recovery and restoration.

Those funds would support tutoring expansion, science of reading training, professional development in math, high-impact tutoring and additional staffing. These tools would be executed in the months leading up to the 2023 assessment season when 45,000 public school and public charter school students took PARCC and the Multi-State Alternative Assessment (MSAA).

Overall, results showed that nearly 34% of District students are meeting or exceeding expectations in ELA while nearly 22% of students are meeting or exceeding expectations in math. All racial and ethnic groups showed increases in math and ELA proficiency from 2022.

Middle school students showed the greatest improvement in ELA with a 4.5 percentage point increase from last year’s scores, compared to 2.8 percentage points for elementary school students and less than 1 percentage point for high school students. When it came to math, elementary school students showed the greatest improvement with a 4.2 percentage point increase, compared to 2.3 percentage points for elementary school students and less than 1 percentage point for high school students.

Students designated as economically disadvantaged made smaller gains than their more well-off peers. Meanwhile, more than half of students with disabilities scored at the lowest level on both the math and ELA assessments.

More than 50 District schools had nearly all students participate in the ELA and math tests. High school participation stood at slightly below 90% while elementary and middle schools had participation rates that surpassed 90%.

Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn and D.C. Public Charter School Board Executive Director Michelle Walker-Davis touted high-impact tutoring, ELA and math teacher training, breakout groups, and review of basic concepts as elements in their collective efforts to increase student achievement.

Even so, Grant acknowledged the need for additional investments to boost math and ELA proficiency among students with disabilities.

“We will [set up] additional support for math teacher boot camps,” Grant said.

“We continue to leverage grant materials and think about how we set up targets,” she continued. “We continue to deepen our investments in literacy. We are thinking about how to leverage foundational training that makes our children stronger readers.”

DEPUTY MAYOR KIHN TOUTS A WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT APPROACH TO RECOVERY

In the coming months, OSSE will announce the rollout of a new assessment that District students will take in the spring. The education agency will also reveal its 2023-2025 strategic plan that Grant said prioritizes equity and ensures the alignment of structural support across the board.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) looks toward the future when federal post-pandemic investments are expected to deplete. Kihn pointed to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s increase of per-pupil funding in the fiscal year 2024 budget as further local investment in youth.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI @SamPKCollins

PUBLIC HEARING on the Providence Hospital Conversion

WHAT: Providence Hospital has applied under DC Code § 44-406(b) and (d) to sell the Providence Hospital site at 1150 Varnum Street NE to a for-profit entity. Public comments are encouraged.

PUBLIC HEARING on the Providence Hospital Conversion.

WHAT: Providence Hospital has applied under DC Code § 44-406(b) and (d) sell the Providence Hospital site at 1150 Varnum Street NE to a for-profit entity.

WHEN: September 6, 2023, from 6:00-8:00pm

Public comments are encouraged.

WHEN: September 6, 2023, from 6:00-8:00pm

PUBLIC HEARING on the Providence Hospital Conversion.

WHAT: Providence Hospital has applied under DC Code § 44-406(b) and (d) to sell the Providence Hospital site at 1150 Varnum Street NE to a for-profit entity.

Public comments are encouraged.

District education officials said competing obligations -- capstone projects, field trips, other assessments, dual enrollment and other coursework -- caused lower participation rate among high school students. They alluded to ongoing conversations about making assessment season more compatible with high school students’ demanding schedules.

WHERE: UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus (formerly Bertie Backus), First Floor Auditorium, 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20017

WHERE: UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus (formerly Bertie Backus), First Floor Auditorium, 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20017

HOW: RSVP to testify by 9/1 at 12:00pm at oag.dc.gov/providence OR scan below QR code

WHEN: September 6, 2023, from 6:00-8:00pm

WHERE: UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus (formerly Bertie Backus), First Floor Auditorium, 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20017

HOW: RSVP to testify by 9/1 at 12:00pm at oag.dc.gov/providence OR scan the below QR code

HOW: RSVP to testify by 9/1 at 12:00pm at oag.dc.gov/providence OR scan the below QR code

Earlier in the week, Ferebee, State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant,

Hosted by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.

Hosted by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.

Hosted by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.

5 (Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn (Courtesy photo/dc.gov)

Celebrate All Laborers, Remember those Fighting for Workers’ Rights

Happy Labor Day!

For many Americans, Labor Day is a holiday to enjoy the day-off with family and friends, say sayonara to summer with cookouts, and tuck away those all-white ensembles until Memorial Day 2024.

Though a federally acknowledged break is well-deserved for the millions of hardworking Americans who build this country up daily, it is also important to remember those who historically fought and continue to fight for labor recognition and rights.

While I’m working to avoid this being a long editorial, I would be remiss if I did not mention that enslaved Black people were literally used to build this country– providing free labor, while slaveholders doled out mental and physical abuse and unfair and inhumane treatment.

That said, the first Labor Day in the U.S. is often reported as happening in September 1882, thus after the Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation. With those dates, I won’t belabor America’s America’s hypocrisy– too much– as it relates to Labor Day and enslaved people.

Nonetheless, even post 1865 and 1882, many Black sharecroppers, maids, educators, and entertainers, alike, did not know the feeling of fair employment, compensation or treatment.

In fact, a key focus of the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, was equality for all laborers.

While labor unions have helped provide some equity along the way, fighting for justice, holding demonstrations, and advocating for legislative action, even in 2023 has been integral in laborers achieving their just due.

Over the past year alone, there have been some major national legislative strides in workers’ protections. At the end of 2022, Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), offering protections for birthing and postpartum people.

However, there are still so many issues to address.

“Our Nation continues to fall short of its promise to deliver equal opportunity to workers of color and women, among others, and we can do more to ensure that good-paying jobs are accessible to everyone,” President Joe Biden said in his 2022 Labor Day proclamation.

Last year Biden introduced the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act to help laborers in collective bargaining.

“I believe every worker should have a free and fair choice to organize and bargain collectively with their employer without coercion or intimidation,” Biden said last September.

Laborers around the District and country are fighting for fair compensation and treatment. Look at the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, which began May 2, and SAG-AFTRA strike, which started on July 14.

In D.C., time is ticking as a contract between District of Columbia Public Schools and the Washington Teachers’ Union expires on Sept. 30. Components of the contract range from inclusion of vision, dental and legal benefits, a 12% pay raise over four years, and a 4% retention bonus.

Those in the entertainment industry, local teachers, and all employees alike, deserve fair compensation with benefits that consider health and life planning. That’s why, this Labor Day, while acknowledging your own hard work and that of others, also remember there are many people who are actively fighting for workers’ protections.

“Only when all workers have a strong voice in their wages, benefits, and job treatment can we start to change how we value their labor,” Biden said last Labor Day. “Only then can we begin to reward work and not just wealth.”

Keep that Back to School Newness Year-round

It’s hard to miss the many advertisements, billboards, and commercials targeting new purchases– from clothes, to school supplies– for the back-to-school season. Even if you’re trying to avoid the capitalistic culture that comes with being in the U.S. during this time, you’re aware a new school year comes with new coursework, new challenges and new opportunities to expand one’s mind and abilities.

What an institution Ben’s Chili Bowl has been serving residents of the District and being a tourist attraction for those near and far. Here’s to another 65 years!

Theresa Sharpe Washington, DC

TO THE EDITOR

I can’t believe it’s been 60 years since the March on Washington. I am blessed to be a District resident and witness up close the commemoration of one of the most pivotal moments in our nation’s history. I would not have known about many of the events if it hadn’t been for the Washington Informer. Thank you!

Iyana Murphy Washington, DC

While back-to–school might be the end of the freedoms that come with summer fun, it’s a time of newness.

Despite potential anxieties surrounding learning new concepts or making friends, there’s also excitement that comes with mastering tasks and warm and fuzzy feelings when building or expanding relationships with others.

Though you might not be packing your own backpack, or anyone else’s for that matter, this back-to-school season, remember those sentiments of yester-years. Consider the values that come with this

time of year and try to carry it through fall, winter, next spring, summer and beyond. Whether you’re a student, working adult or retiree, remember a new day offers unique opportunities to expand your knowledge and grow.

With or without the new clothes and school supplies, and despite the challenges that might arise with early mornings, hard teachers (or bosses), mean classmates (or coworkers) and growing pains, back-toschool season is a reminder to approach chances to learn and grow with excitement. WI

Guest Columnist

Marian Wright Edelman

Remembering the March on Washington

In August 1963, I was a new law school graduate starting my last year of intensive preparation to become a civil rights lawyer under the tutelage of an extraordinarily gifted and committed band of attorneys at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Educational Fund, Inc., in New York City. God was headed south to Mississippi and Alabama and Georgia and

Louisiana and North Carolina and I would be going along for the scariest, most exhilarating, most challenging years any human being could hope for. But first came a thrilling, buoying moment that was one of the great days of my and our nation's life: the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

I drove Ella Baker from New York City to Washington, D.C. for the March in my brother Julian's wellworn Volkswagen Beetle. Bob Moses and Jane Stembridge, the young white woman from Georgia who was the first employee Ella Baker had hired for

Guest Columnist

the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), traveled with us. We stayed with my sister Olive. On Aug. 28, I stood on the National Mall with uncontained excitement and tears with Bob Moses, Ella Baker, Julian Bond, and 250,000 others. A photograph captured our group in the crowd with our arms linked, singing. "We Shall Overcome" was the anthem of the day. The March brought a whole community together across race and class as a show of unity and a collective gathering of people seeking jobs and justice. And then Dr. Mar-

tin Luther King, Jr. electrified us all as he told America about his dream. We shared that period of hopefulness that Dr. King's dream, which was also our own, could be realized in America in our lifetimes with the help of our hands and feet and voices.

Sixty years later, the iconic image of the March remains Dr. King delivering the inspiring "I Have a Dream" message he spontaneously added that day at the end of his speech. But the central metaphor that made up the first half of his speech was the bounced check America had written to its Black

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Once More America Faces a Reckoning

This country faces a reckoning. The question is whether we will come together or fall apart, move forward or descend toward a moral abyss. In this time of deep discord, of partisan divide, racial tension, extreme inequality, the outcome is far from certain.

As fraught as this time is, however, it is not unique. We have faced such moments before.

When this nation was founded

on the proposition that all were created equal, the Founders could not duck the question of slavery. States with large numbers of slaves wanted the slaves to be counted for purposes of representation and taxation, even though they were considered property, without any rights. To form the union, the Founders compromised in the Constitution, with slaves counted as three-fifths of a person — threefifth human — increasing the number of representatives from the slave states while remaining in bondage. Thomas Jefferson owned 600 slaves, but pub-

Guest Columnist

licly denounced slavery as a "moral depravity" and believed that slavery represented the greatest threat to the new nation. "I tremble for my country," he wrote, "when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever."

In the end it took a Civil War — with the most casualties of any war in American history — to bring an end to this depravity. That triumph was driven by an abolitionist movement, by increased slave revolts, by strong leaders like Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, and by whites and Blacks willing to risk their lives to pre-

Fani Willis is an American Hero

stops at the water's edge. What is the lasting impact on America's standing with its allies after four years of chaos under a Trump presidency and four subsequent criminal indictments?

serve the union and eventually to save it from the moral abyss of slavery.

Then, after a period of Reconstruction when biracial majorities transformed the South, creating the first public school systems and a new economy, a relentless reaction set in, with terrorism — lynchings, murders, beatings, intimidation — stripping the new free man of their rights and driving their allies apart. What followed was nearly a century of legal apartheid — segregation — in which Blacks were deprived of the right to vote, the right to sit on juries, access

David W. Marshall

For decades, nations such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan have proven to be among America's closest allies in the stand for democracy. While our allies sometimes view Americans as arrogant, the United States is a respected leader of the free world. Recently, American leadership abroad has taken a hit and called into question because politics no longer

In a 2020 poll conducted in 11 European countries by the European Council on Foreign Relations, 53% of respondents in Germany said they either strongly agreed or agreed that a post-Trump America couldn't be relied upon.

The Germans were the most distrustful of the future of American political leadership. After the indict-

ment of the former president by a Manhattan grand jury, few foreign leaders offered their initial opinions on the criminal proceeding, but El Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele wasn't silent. "Sadly, it'll be very hard for US foreign policy to use arguments such as 'democracy' and 'free and fair elections' or try to condemn 'political persecution' in other countries, from now on," Bukele said on Twitter. He added, "Imagine if this happened to a leading opposition presidential candidate here in El Salvador."

The authoritarian president defend-

and poor citizens. Dr. King said we had come to the nation's capital to cash a check America had written nearly two hundred years earlier. He reminded us that when our nation's founders wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, they had created a promissory note that guaranteed all Americans the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But instead of honoring that promise for Black Americans, America had defaulted on it and given us a bad check that

EDELMAN Page 57

to public facilities and more. Once more, America was scarred by a moral depravity.

This time, it required a nonviolent civil rights movement with courageous whites joining African Americans demanding their rights. The country responded when they witnessed the horrors of the Birmingham bombing, Bloody Sunday in Selma and more. That movement for justice forced politicians to react, and with strong leaders like Lyndon Johnson

ed Trump in his comments, but he was correct in highlighting America's credibility problem abroad. As the world watches, they are not only witnessing America destroying its democracy internally, but they are witnessing a democratic nation transform into the type of authoritarian government generally opposed by countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan.

What message would the American voters be sending to democracies around the world if an indicted and possibly convicted Trump is reelected to the White House with no inten-

tions of leaving? The world witnessed, as did many Americans, a former U.S. president go to Georgia to be arrested and fingerprinted with a mugshot like every other criminal defendant processed in the Fulton County jail. If Donald Trump is the GOP's superman, then Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is proving to be his kryptonite.

Trump was not afforded special treatment in Georgia, unlike his previous bookings in New York, Florida,

Guest Columnist

A Letter from Donald

Today, I will be going to the notoriously violent jail in Fulton County, Georgia where I will be ARRESTED despite having committed NO CRIME.

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.)

televised for the entire world to see. The American people know what's going on.

En route from New Jersey to Georgia to turn himself in for his arrest for all those charges, Donald Trump (now known as Inmate #PO1135809) was texting the following — even to me:

"Dr. E. Faye. I hope you'll read my personal note:

Remarks Penned by the 45th (and Future 47thPresident of the United States)

Isn't it interesting that I went my entire life without ever getting arrested…But suddenly out of nowhere, once I decided to run for president as a political outsider and fight for the forgotten citizens of our country, I get ARRESTED FOUR TIMES within the span of just 5 months? Not only that, a judge has ruled that today's specific spectacle may be

Guest Columnist

This is a punishment handed down from the Deep State for daring to challenge the status quo and give a voice to the Silent Majority. The Left wants to intimidate YOU out of voting for a political outsider who puts the American people FIRST. But today, I'm walking into the lion's den with one simple message on behalf of our entire movement: I WILL NEVER SURRENDER OUR MISSION TO SAVE

Marc H. Morial

AMERICA. And if you see me on TV during my sham arrest, just remember that YOU are the source of my courage, my hope, and my resolve to save America.

But if you can, please make a contribution to SAVE AMERICA during this dark chapter in our nation's history. Thank you and God bless you. Donald Trump"

Donald then suggests you send $24 to $3,300 or more for Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee! He then ends with a popup to send more by Aug. 31! This is a man who claims to be

so rich. He flew into Atlanta on an airplane with his name there in huge letters, followed by loads of police on motorcycles and a host of black limousines to protect him paid by you as a taxpayer who may not have a dime in your pocket now; yet, he is traveling to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport asking you to send him money!

Trump's mugshot looks into his soul, and he has the nerve to look angry. It's gone around the world to the embarrassment of WILLIAMS Page 58

60th Anniversary of MOW Celebrates Racial Unity, Collective Resistance to Extremism

ful, the most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence.” — Rabbi

“It is not merely sympathy and compassion for the Black people of America that motivates us. It is above all and beyond all such sympathies and emotions a sense of complete identification and solidarity born of our own painful historic experience. … bigotry and hatred are not the most urgent problem. The most urgent, the most disgrace-

Joachim Prinz,

March on Washington, 1963

The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was organized by six Black-led civil rights organizations: National Urban League, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, NAACP, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Congress of Racial Equality, and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.

Guest Columnist

The 60th anniversary observance of the March on Saturday was been organized by a broad coalition of civil rights and social justice organizations, reflecting a strong emphasis on multi-racial unity. Principal organizers National Action Network and the Drum Major Institute were joined by co-chairs National Urban League, NAACP, Anti-Defamation League, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), Human Rights Campaign, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The

Ben Jealous

Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Legal Defense Fund, The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Conference of Negro Women, and Unidos US.

The march was supported by hundreds of community organizations, labor unions, and churches, all committed to defending democracy, dismantling systemic racism, putting an end to police brutality and gun violence, tackling climate change to save the planet, and eradicating poverty in

Saving the Planet Matters Enough to Measure Honestly

able planet hardly matters because it's not worth accounting for accurately and honestly.

Exchange Commission is asking companies to report more about ESG, which prompted the hearing.

the wealthiest nation on earth. We all are threatened by the wave of extremism that is sweeping through statehouses and school boards and encroaches on the halls of Congress and the Oval Office.

The leading exemplar of this extremist agenda has emerged in Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis' education department has censored books about the Holocaust and clamped down on discussion

MORIAL Page 58

There's a phrase you hear from business schools to board rooms that comes from John Doerr, a legendary investor who backed Google, Amazon and Intuit: Measure what matters.

Those words certainly jumped to mind this summer as leaders from Washington to London sent signals that protecting a safe, liv-

On Capitol Hill, the House committee that oversees financial markets held a hearing on "how mandates like ESG distort markets and drive up costs." ESG is an abbreviation for environmental, social and corporate governance. The idea that performance on those factors should be part of investment decisions has been gaining momentum for more than 15 years. The U.S. Securities and

The event had an Alice in Wonderland feel as it happened as homeowners in places like Florida, California, and Louisiana were learning of insurers raising already high rates or leaving the states altogether because of climate-driven risks. The financial implications of climate change couldn't have been clearer.

The House Republicans who called the hearing made no men-

tion of studies by consulting firms like PWC and McKinsey that have found huge majorities want to do business with and work at companies that lead on ESG, or that consumer products tied to those factors are outgrowing those that don't.

Across the Atlantic, the Reuters news service reported that global bankers want to divorce themselves from accountability for two-thirds of the carbon pollution that comes from the stock and bond sales their banks under-

write. Those who profit from dirty fuels rely on those stocks and bond sales to expand. Almost half of the financing from top U.S. banks to fossil fuel companies since 2016 came from those kinds of sales and not direct loans, for example. Without those investments, carbon emissions would decline as fossil fuel production and processing was starved of that money.

This kind of shortsightedness isn't new. Our economy always

JEALOUS Page 58

Celebrating

60 Years

THE Historic March on Washington, Still Marching

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF THE ‘DREAM’

Mow green, less carbon.

Cut faster, breathe easy, and save.

You can save up to $600 on new electric lawn equipment via cash back rebates from the DCSEU until September 30th. Today’s electric mowers are reliable and easy to use. Just insert the charged battery, flip the switch, and get to work with all the power you need. No more running out of gas, replacing old spark plugs, or storing dangerous fuel. And that cleaner, healthier air? Can’t put a price on that!

For more information on how you can go green for less, check out dcseu.com/ElectricLawnCare or call (202) 479-2222

5 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington at Lincoln Memorial on August 26. (Shedrick Pelt @sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer)

5 Artist Jeromyah Jones stands in front of his art piece during the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington at Lincoln Memorial on August 26. (Shedrick Pelt @sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer)

5 March on Washington participants walk to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial during the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington held on August 25. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Assan Konte, co-founder of the KanKouran West African Dance Company performed at the WHUT Kids Culture Fest at the National Harbor on August 26. Other participants included the Capoeira Spot and the Universoul Circus' Double Time. KanKouran is celebrating its 40th anniversary August 31-September 3, and will be hosting a concert performance on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Cramton Auditorium.

(Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

A #KenCenHipHop collab with Wolf Trap ROBERT GLASPER

A

Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

His compositions showcase saxophonist Wayne Shorter as a musical genius. Audiences get into the mind of the genius in “Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity,” a documentary about his life and talent, that premiered on Aug. 25, what would have been his 90th birthday.

Shorter died earlier this year on March 2, but the film streaming on Prime opens audiences’ eyes to where he was headed. The film, written and directed by Dorsay Alavi, has been a work in progress for over 20 years.

Drenched in bebop jazz, Shorter had a reputation early in his career as a fast-playing sax player, receiving the nickname “Flash.” He learned from and performed with the best jazz musicians. He joined Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, then was recruited by Miles Davis to be a member of his second-greatest quintet.

Shorter co-founded one of the top jazz fusion groups, Weather Report, with pianist and composer Joe Zawinul. The musician also blended his style throughout his career with Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk, Joni Mitchell, Milton Nascimento and others.

What made Shorter stand above others was his skills in composing. Bandleaders knew they could turn to

him for a different arrangement or a new tune when something different was desired.

In “Zero Gravity,” audiences learn that Davis would say to Shorter, “And bring the book.” That meant bringing his notebook of compositions. Davis respected his saxophone bandmate so much that he kept on his piano, a composition in Shorter’s handwriting.

This is not like any other bio documentary I have reviewed. For approximately three hours, the film is divided into three parts or “portals” as they are named. Portals are an appropriate description, as viewers pass through time– soaking in the thinking of Shorter.

Audiences learn about Shorter’s imaginative life as a youngster. He was fascinated by radio mysteries, and comic books, and was fixated on the world beyond. He found what might have been scary to others as funny, and he let his imagination fly. His parents and educators nurtured his imagination.

He and his brother Alan were inseparable. They were so close that they had their own way of communicating. Alan also became a musician.

In “Zero Gravity,” trumpeter, composer and bandleader Terence Blanchard shared Art Blakey’s description of Shorter.

“His imagination is like a child’s,” Blanchard said of Blakey’s observations. “His imagination is limitless.”

Being limitless fueled Shorter’s expansion of his personal brand. “Zero Gravity” shows Shorter as an explorer through every facet of his life. We hear Shorter’s explanation of the title of his film.

“‘Zero Gravity,’ is to say and do things in the present moment,” said Shorter. “The present moment is the only way you can change the past and dictate the future.”

The description also speaks to Shorter’s ability to build on every experience he encountered. He seamlessly moved from one style of music to another. Formed in 2000, Shorter started his own quartet to take some risks.

I got a glimpse of Shorter’s imaginative genius when I interviewed him about his opera “Iphigenia,” co-created with bassist, composer and vocalist Esperanza Spalding. Shorter said working with Spalding on “Iphigenia” was an honor.

“This opera is part of everything I have done,” Shorter said. “Everything I’ve been involved in is the meaning of this mission.”

5 The new film “Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity,” digs into the life of the celebrated saxophonist. Shorter was the composer, and Esperanza Spalding wrote the libretto (lyrics) for "Iphigenia." The opera was performed at the Kennedy Center in December 2021. (Courtesy photo: Real Magic)

Wayne Shorter Film Opens the Door to His Creativity

Kanvas: Kevin Kelley's New Venue is More than a Lounge, it’s an Experience

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

Kevin Kelley, the dynamic restaurateur behind Kitchen + Kocktails, a Southern-inspired restaurant that has garnered fans in Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, is not one to rest on his laurels. Now, he's unveiling Kanvas, a lounge-style venue in Washington, D.C., that promises to redefine the concept of "night out."

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW

Kelley, a seasoned attorney turned hospitality tycoon, explained ,"the motivation was to create a lounge with fun drinks and fun food,” when asked about the inspiration behind Kanvas.

Kanvas will exist as a sublevel adjunct to Kitchen + Kocktails, serving as an, "active dinner cocktail and after-dinner drink lounge," according to Kelley. The restaurateur is expanding on the issue many high-end restaurants face:

guests enjoying the ambiance so much that they don't want to leave.

"Kanvas is an opportunity for us to say you don't have to leave the space. We have an elevated lounge downstairs," Kelley told the Informer.

"You don't have to go home, but you got to go to Kanvas downstairs," Kelley quipped.

NOT JUST A LOUNGE, BUT A CREATIVE CULINARY EXPEDITION

The menu, curated to perfection, boasts an array of tantalizing bites and drinks. From their Lobster Bites to a sandwich called “Glaze,” featuring a fried egg and bacon wedged between two donuts, the offerings are unconventional and imaginative.

The drinks aren't far behind in the creativity race. One of the cocktails, named "Gold," is a 24-karat gold Margarita that comes with a sheet of gold on the side. Another one, dubbed "Chocolate," is a Chocolate Old Fash-

ioned made with tequila, served with a cloud of chocolate cotton candy and a chocolate bar.

"We've got a lot of creative things that are going to come with Kanvas," said Kelley.

A different menu from its parent restaurant ensures that visitors have a unique experience, separate yet interconnected with Kitchen + Kocktails.

THE COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Far from being just another business venture, Kelley considers Kanvas, much like his other establishments, a community-building tool.

"It gives me a chance to be better with the development of my spaces, but also better in serving people as well," he emphasized.

"This year we're set to serve over 500,000 people with my concepts… and all the credit goes to my fantastic team," Kelley noted, attributing the success of his establishments to his

crew of operators, chefs, and his advertising department.

WHERE CULTURE AND NIGHTLIFE COLLIDE

Kanvas plans to be more than just another place to grab a cocktail. It aims to be a cultural hub. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a fashion aficionado, there's something for everyone. From showing classic boxing matches featuring legends like Mike Tyson and Gervonta Davis, to screening iconic fashion shows, Kanvas aims to be a lounge where culture, community, and culinary delights coalesce.

Kelley invites everyone to experience Kanvas firsthand.

"I think if anybody gives us the

opportunity to walk into Kanvas, I think they're going to be pleased with what they see," he said, emphasizing that guests won’t be disappointed. WI

5 Kevin Kelley is expanding on his D.C. establishment Kitchen + Kocktails, with a new lounge-style venue downstairs called Kanvas, which will offer, what the restaurateur called “fun drinks and fun food.” (Courtesy Photos)

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PANNELL from Page 1

themselves, share the effect the initial March on Washington had on them, and share their impressions on the current march.

Currently focused on spreading awareness about D.C. Statehood, Pannell initially begged the question, “During any of the speeches, was D.C. Statehood mentioned?”

A recurring perspective was heard in each attendee's personal experience: pushing past the no’s and never settling for anything less, no matter the consequence, is what it takes to forever change history.

Like many of the other attendees, Pannell is certainly no stranger to overcoming adversity to achieve personal and community goals.

A HISTORY OF EXCLUDING QUEER VOICES, HOW PANNELL HELPED ENSURE ALL VOICES ARE HEARD

Despite being integral to the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin was kept in the shadows of the Civil Rights movement.

Two decades later, on August 22, 1983, just days away from the 20th Anniversary of the March on Washington, organizers of the event announced that gay and lesbian rights groups would be prohibited from speaking.

In response, three days before the march, four gay men—three of whom were African American, tried to meet with the commissioner and were arrested for staging a sit-in in then-Del. Walter Fauntroy’s (the District’s first representative in Congress) office.

The four men were Mel Boozer, head of the National Gay Task Force, who died of an AIDS-related illness in 1987, Ray Melrose, former president of the D.C. Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gay Men, gay activist Gary Walker, and Pannell.

As a result, LGBTQIA+ Organizers are now included in the March on Washington anniversary speeches.

PANNELL’S PAST AND PRESENT COMMUNITY WORK

Pannell has remained steadfast in his fight since moving to D.C.

in the 1970s. He has encouraged LGBTQIA+ organizations and activists to reach out more to LGBTQIA+ residents in Wards 7 and 8.

He’s served as an official Washington, D.C. spokesman, campaign organizer and agitator.

Moreover, he told the Informer he remains loyal to his community, as he prepares to turn 73 in September.

In addition to continually fighting for human rights issues, at the top of Pannell’s current freedom fight is D.C. statehood and addressing other challenges in the District.

“D.C. statehood is not just a political issue, it is also a civil and human rights issue because if D.C. were a state, we would be a state with the highest percentage of African Americans, basically a majority, minority state. That’s one of the reasons a lot of the right-wing republicans don’t want to see D.C. become a state because we are going to elect progressive, Black Democratic senators.”

The longtime community leader also stressed the importance of young people learning issues affecting their neighborhoods and beyond, in order to ensure activism continues and helps implement changes for a more equitable society.

As he encourages others to join the freedom fight, Pannell told the Informer he has no plans of slowing down.

“What’s on my agenda is just to be as active in my community as long as time, God, and my body allows.” WI

Despite being integral to the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin was kept in the shadows of the Civil Rights movement.

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Music for the entire family will come to Anacostia on Sept. 1 as DC JazzFest (DCJF) and the Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID) will host a series of free concerts called “Anacostia Jazz Hop” from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at several locations in Historic Anacostia.

“Anacostia Jazz Hop,” promises traditional and smooth jazz sounds, with New Orleans’ second line, and go-go to be heard at different sites in the Art to Go-Go Anacostia Arts & Culture District.

The fun will not be limited to music; all types of creative arts will be offered at various hubs. Start your tour with a dynamic jazz performance at the Anacostia Arts Center. Slide over to see exhibits at Busboys and Poets Anacostia. Spend time at the “PopUp” outdoor jazz cafes and enjoy tasty bites from up-and-coming chefs and caterers.

ALL THE COOL PLACES FOR JAZZ IN ANACOSTIA

“Anacostia Jazz Hop” kicks off at noon at the Big Jazz Cafe at 1234 Good Hope Road SE for opening remarks and live performances.

Concurrently, the Jazz Hop, which includes a variety of dynamic performances, will begin at six locations within the Anacostia BID: NSC Café Jazz (2007 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE); BIG Jazz Café (1234 Good Hope Road SE); Busboys and Poets (2004 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE); Check-It Enterprises (1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE); Martha's Outfitters (2204 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE); and the

Anacostia Arts Center (1231 Good Hope Road SE).

This year’s new PopUp cafe venues throughout the business corridor will keep people entertained with food, music and visual arts.

Featured performers include:The Brass-A-Holics, The JoGo Project, Joe Felero Band, Yussah Ashad, The Experience Band & Show and The Lexi T Experience.

DCJF and the Anacostia BID join Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Administration’s goal to bring this part of the festival to Ward 8.

"It promises to be a rich, diverse cultural experience in the heart of the District, Anacostia.,” said Kristina Noell, executive director of the Anacostia BID. “The Anacostia BID welcomes all across the District and the region to this day-long event in one of DC's most unique, historic and diverse communities."

The Washington Informer is a media partner for DC JazzFest’23. For free Saturday and Sunday general admission tickets, visit: dcjazzfest. org using the codes WINSAT and WINSUN, respectively. WI

@bcscomm

CHECK OUT THIS YEAR’S ALL-STAR LINEUP!

GREGORY PORTER • KENNY GARRETT AND SOUNDS FROM THE ANCESTORS • CHARLES

LLOYD KINDRED SPIRITS FEAT. GERALD CLAYTON, MARVIN SEWELL, REUBEN ROGERS, & KENDRICK SCOTT • SAMARA JOY • TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON NEW STANDARDS • DAVE HOLLAND TRIO FEAT. KEVIN EUBANKS AND ERIC HARLAND • BIG CHIEF DONALD

HARRISON • ARTURO O'FARRILL AND THE AFRO LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE • GENERATIONS

FEAT. GEORGE CABLES, BENNY GREEN, ORRIN EVANS, SHAMIE ROYSTON, HOPE UDOBI, JAZZMEIA HORN, JEFF "TAIN" WATTS, & KRIS FUNN • OMAR SOSA QUARTETO AMERICANOS

ORRIN EVANS QUINTET WITH SPECIAL GUEST SY SMITH • CHASE ELODIA'S PERENNIALS

ETIENNE CHARLES & CREOLE SOUL • WARREN WOLF & HISTORY OF THE VIBES • SUNNA

GUNNLAUGS • THE STRING QUEENS • LUDOVICA BURTONE • ISABELLA OLIVIER FEAT. REZ ABBASI

VINNY VALENTINO GROUP FEAT. MARSHALL KEYS, FREDERICO PENA, DENNIS CHAMBERS • BRASSAHOLICS

JULIETA EUGENIO TRIO • LEIGH PILZER STARTET • MARK G.MEADOWS• BIRCKHEAD• JOGO PROJECT VERONNEAU• GEORGE V. JOHNSON JR. • LANDON PADDOCK GROUP • AYO • CORCORAN HOLT GROUP

FEAT. MARQUIS HILL • LISA SOKOLOV • JOSÉ LUIZ MARTINS • ALEX HAMBURGER • LANGSTON

HUGHES II • FLAVIO SILVA QUARTET FEAT. PAT BIANCHI • NEXT JAZZ LEGACY • AARON MYERS

DCJAZZPRIX FINALISTS: BIRCKHEAD, EMBER, NEW JAZZ UNDERGROUND

Charitable Foundation, and HumanitiesDC. ©2023 DC Jazz Festival. All rights reserved.

"It promises to be a rich, diverse cultural experience in the heart of the District, Anacostia.,” said Kristina Noell, executive director of the Anacostia BID.

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Night at the Museum: Celebrating 56 Years of Community Stories

Join the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum on September 15th.

Since its founding in 1967, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum has been powered by the people and stories of the Washington, D.C. region. In celebration of the Museum’s 56th anniversary the museum is hosting “A Night at the Museum” on Friday, September 15th from 7-10pm.

In celebration of ACM’s 2023 theme, “Our Environment, Our Future”, guests are encouraged to wear sustainable fashion that represents the elements of the environment: Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind. Too Much Talent, local live band that brings a fresh and exciting approach to Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Soul, Funk, and Jazz will be onsite performing throughout the evening. Guests will also enjoy mocktails by Sugar Rim Bar, small bites and sweet treats by Fluffiness.

Guests of the event will also have a chance to experience ACM’s current exhibition: To Live and Breathe: Women and Environmental Justice in Washington, D.C., which explores how local women of color draw on a long history of activism and advance environmental justice efforts not only in D.C., but across the country and beyond. On view until January 7, 2024 the exhibition provides visitors an opportunity to learn why women have become leaders in the environmental justice movement, which pathways they have taken to arrive there, and how their efforts benefit our local communities and the earth.

Be sure to visit, anacostia.si.edu to RSVP for this event. This celebration is a 21+ occasion.

We hope you will come celebrate, A Night at the Museum, with us!

A Night at the Museum: Celebrating 56 Years of Community Stories

Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum,1901 Fort Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020

Friday, September 15, 2023 | 7-10pm | 21+ only | registration recommended | anacostia.si.edu

David Weeks: Unveiling the Layers of Time, Talent, and Transformation

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

David Weeks, is a Los Angeles-based creative director and multi-disciplinary artist, ready to make his mark on the nation's capital. From artistic pop-ups, to being the driving force behind popular brands, Weeks has proven that his creativity knows no bounds.

Weeks just debuted his new show "In Due Time," in Los Angeles, a sculpture-based exhibition. Having been shown in Hong Kong already, and with plans to bring it to London and D.C., Weeks is capturing international attention.

"’In Due Time’ is based off of the concept like my mom used to tell me— ‘in due time, anything is possible,’” Weeks shared in an exclusive interview.

Using a Rolex Yachtmaster GMT as a vessel, he explained, "You go from one level to another level to another level, and that's what 'In Due Time' is and represents to me."

THE JOURNEY OF FABRICATION

Constructed from stainless steel with aluminum accents, Weeks didn't build this monumental work alone.

He had a team and fabricators working overseas. The sculpture is represented by TAG Gallery in Los Angeles, where Weeks has been on the roster for just six months.

MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ARTISTIC PRACTICE

But sculpture is only one aspect of Weeks' wide-ranging artistic practice.

"Most of my pieces are based off of like other experiences," he mentioned. His work is more than just eye-catching; it serves as a vessel to tell a story, often spiritually rooted or based on personal experiences.

FROM DMV TO THE WORLD

The DMV area has a special place in Weeks' heart.

He cited Virginia-native Pharrell

as a significant influence on his career.

"In 2006, I heard him say 'you can do it too' on his debut album, and that kind of just opened my eyes and allowed me to do everything that I do today," said Weeks.

A COMMUNITYFOCUSED VISION

Weeks also champions environmental sustainability through his nonprofit, "Plastic is Wack," which has been responsible for beach cleanups. On collaborating with D.C.based artist Chris Pyrate for a cleanup initiative in the Anacostia River, Weeks revealed, "We were actually in talks. We were trying to do it right now, but we had to push it back temporarily and make sure we executed the right way."

UNLIMITED POTENTIAL

David Weeks exemplifies the boundless scope of what a single creative mind can accomplish, from thought-provoking art installations to community-driven causes.

As he settles into the success of his Los Angeles debut of "In Due Time," the Washington, D.C. audience waits for what Weeks has in store for them. Given his track record, it's sure to be something that challenges the status quo while inspiring the new generation of artists.

5 “To Live and Breathe: Women and Environmental Justice in Washington, D.C.” is on view at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum until January 7, 2024. Photo Credit: Anacostia Community Museum, Matailong Du.

Dad! Dad! I need $49.95 for a cool video game I just saw on a TV commercial!

I really, really, REALLY need that video game, dad!

A is something you must have in order to survive. You need shelter, clothing, food, water and sometimes medicines.

A is something you would like to have, but can live without. A music player, a computer, a television and a bike are wants, not needs.

ometimes it is hard to decide if something is a need or a want. For example, cake is a food, but it is not a need. It’s a want. Which of these following foods are more wants than needs?

Look at each picture. Put a green N on each picture that shows something you need each day.

Put a red W on each picture that shows something you might want, but not need.

Standards Link: Economics: Know that goods and services can satisfy people’s needs and wants.

You may want $49.95, but what you need is to learn the di erence between wants and needs.

Four students were asked to list their needs. How many did each student list? Use the clues to complete the chart.

None of the students listed more than five needs.

No one listed the same number of needs.

The total number listed was 13.

Hayley listed three needs.

Dylan listed fewer needs than Hayley.

Kayla listed the most needs.

STUDENT NEEDS

Standards Link: Economics: Differentiate between needs and wants.

The school cafeteria is making students think before they buy a snack. The prices are all written in code!

and so forth until you get to

To figure out what each snack item costs, you must first find out what number goes with each letter in the word. Then, add the numbers that “spell” each word to get the price.

For example:

In today’s world, is education a want or a need? 3¢ + 8¢ + 9¢ + 16¢ + 19¢ = 55¢

WANTS and NEEDS Newspaper Search WANTS NEEDS

Standards Link: Letter sequencing.

Strangest Careers

Find ten professions mentioned in today’s newspaper that are unusual. Cut them out and paste them on a paper in order from most to least uncommon. Do you know anyone who is involved with these professions?

Standards Link: Economics: Students understand basic economic concepts and the role of the individual in a free-market economy in terms of the specialized work that people do.

I Make a Di erence

Tell about how you make a difference in someone’s life in your family, at school or in your community.

Standards Link: Math: Calculate sums using money.

review wi book

"Holler, Child: Stories"

by LaToya Watkins

c.2023, Tiny Reparations Books

$28

224 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

So why didn't you …?

Your life wasn't random, there was a plan of some kind somewhere. Why didn't you pick this path instead of that other, make this choice a priority, decide in favor of something else? Surely, you didn't simply fall headlong into every opportunity. Now, as in "Holler, Child" by LaToya Watkins, a collection of short stories, you'll always wonder what if …

Ever since her son, Hawk, died, news reporters have been sniffing around Mrs. Hawkins' house, asking questions. She wants to explain why she gave her son away, why he told people he was God's son before he ended up in Abilene, and why he hurt that little girl. But in "The Mother," lies come easier than the truth.

After Lettie found her husband, Chuck, dead on the floor, her Momma moved in, though Lettie didn't want her there. Momma was never loving, like kids need their Mommas to be. She liked to remind Lettie that Chuck was no good. In "Tipping," Momma'd hurt too many people for too long, but what could Lettie do?

Opal never wanted that dog, but they got the ugly cur for Nate, who'd always wanted an Olde English Bulldogge. After he had his stroke, though, it seemed like that dog was all he cared for and Opal despised it. In "Moving the Animal," that dog stood for everything wrong.

Clayton had done nothing but cheat on Lotrece for years and she retaliated in so many petty ways that even she began to think it was silly. One day, she might forgive him but until then, it was more fun to poke him in a dozen little ways, to make him mad and make him feel some sort of way – like wearing lingerie, when he knew darn well that their love life was over. But when she reached for her thong, Lotrece felt the gun in her dresser drawer, the one Clayton said never worked. In the high-tension story, "Sweat," Clayton lied.

Does it seem like you don't have enough time to read a book, with all you've got going on this time of year? Then you want "Holler, Child," because none of these eleven short stories will take long to read, but they're long on enjoyment.

Using tiny slices of life and cool-as-ice prose, author LaToya Watkins brings readers a series of snap decisions and bad ideas in tales that will keep you guessing. But these are not mystery-like whodunits; instead, they're everyday tales, brilliantly set in a single afternoon or overnight or two, but with enough back-story inside the set-ups to make you care about each character and to make you have an opinion on what those characters should do. It's like having a ringside seat up next to the people you know and love to gossip about.

This is a book for anyone who likes surprises in their stories, for short-story fans, or for people who are time-crunched now and always. Find "Holler, Child" and enjoy, or you'll always wonder, why didn't you …?

horoscopes

ARIES You move slowly through the obstacle course at the start of the week, gathering points as you go. Speed is not the issue; style is much more important. By Tuesday or Wednesday, your speed is going to pick up anyway. Communication also figures strongly: If someone is making eyes at you, don't be shy. Engage and flirt, but nothing too heavy. Lucky Numbers: 4, 7, 57

TAURUS You walk out of the house on Monday feeling energetic, luxurious, creative, and prepared for romance. Naturally, not all of these feelings will last into Tuesday and Wednesday. You'll get to put all your energy to use, but the feelings of luxury, creativity, and romance will all be overshadowed by what you have to get done. By Thursday, you'll finally get a break. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7, 20

GEMINI The roller coaster might be bumpy on Monday, but that doesn't mean you should eject yourself from the ride. That would clearly only make things worse. Focus on getting through the day no matter how many busybodies and worrywarts cross your path. Tuesday and Wednesday will also be crowded with people, but they will be good people, people you already know and love or people you want to meet. Lucky Numbers: 11, 41, 43

CANCER All of your crazy ideas? Monday is the day to share them. Take a group to lunch or invite friends over for a dinner party and pretend that you are all famous writers and artists at the forefront of a new movement. Be an iconoclast. Your social life is a ship these days and somehow you've been voted captain. Surprise everyone with the energy you bring to the task. Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 37

LEO The boss is bothering you on Monday, not that there's anything wrong per se, but the energy is off and maybe you're a bit cranky. On Tuesday and Wednesday, let your friends cheer you up. Sitting back and listening to your pals talk to each other is endlessly entertaining. Somehow these intellectual debates never become contentious, probably because, beneath it all, you love one another. Lucky Numbers: 12, 30, 53

VIRGO The sight of an airplane in the sky on Monday makes you wistful, and it also makes you think about where you want to go. It's time to make travel plans. Big or small, it doesn't matter. Just go somewhere with a friend or even by yourself (great soul-searching opportunity). Work stuff has you occupied Tuesday and Wednesday (cross as many things off your list as possible, be careful when communicating, focus on the details). Lucky Numbers: 10, 35, 40

LIBRA An apple pie is enticing, but think of how you would feel if you sat down and ate the whole thing. In other words, be careful of indulging too much in beautiful things. Besides, you don't want to weigh yourself down, because you need to be on your toes Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday requires your total focus. You'll have to put blinders on to block out the rest of the world just to get all your responsibilities taken care of. Lucky Numbers: 9, 39, 57

SCORPIO You and you-know-who are sitting at either end of a seesaw. They may be a stronger force, but you have subtle talents of balance and timing. The polarity is interesting. See if you can find a way to get the best out of this relationship. You're good at making the most of things this week, including tricky friendships. Lucky Numbers: 12, 31, 49

SAGITTARIUS Say what you mean. No one will be offended. And if they are offended, well, they'll get over it. Communication is good on Monday, and it's good on Tuesday and Wednesday as well. This is a busy, no-nonsense week. If things aren't clicking on Thursday, it has more to do with mismatched energy than with a failing on anyone's part. Lucky Numbers: 1, 26, 31

CAPRICORN Integrity and perseverance are important at the start of the week, but so is having fun. Monday reminds you of being a kid again, of playing games in imaginary settings and goofing around with friends you feel like you've known forever. You don't get to indulge like this often. Come midweek, you have to put on a serious face again and strike out into the serious world to do serious things.

Lucky Numbers: 14, 19, 47

AQUARIUS A family member comes into your life on Monday (or calls you up) and leads you toward a small but meaningful personal discovery. There are aspects of yourself that only your family can draw out of you. Discoveries abound on Tuesday and Wednesday as well, especially in the romance realm. Put on your safety goggles because the sparks will fly. Lucky Numbers: 14, 22, 33

PISCES A love letter changes everything at the outset of the week and plants a smile on your face that's impossible to wipe off (it will stay there for days). On Tuesday and Wednesday, you're feeling overwhelmed (secretly inwardly happy but nonetheless overwhelmed), and not doing much at all is the greatest gift you could give yourself. Lucky Numbers: 21, 34, 53

SPORTS

90th East vs. West All-Star Game Honors

90 Years of Black Baseball History

African-Americans in MLB at 20-Year Low

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

The Negro League Legends Hall of Fame (NLLHF) brought a piece of baseball history back to Prince George’s Stadium, as they have done annually for several years with the the East vs. West All Star Game.

The annual game commemorates the rich history of the Negro Leagues and the legendary players who were involved in it. While the game was originally scheduled for July 28, it was postponed to Aug. 26 due to heat.

The first All Star Game was put together in 1933 by Pittsburgh Crawfords owner Gus Greenlee during the Great Depression and votes were counted by now-historic Black newspapers– the Pittsburgh Courier and the Chicago Defender.

In the final All Star Game, held in 1962, Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson was honored with a key to Kansas City and numerous other awards. This year is the 90th year since the original was held in Chi-

cago’s Comiskey Park.

Dwayne Renal Simms, who founded the NLLHF in 2003, has met over 75 players who participated in the Negro Leagues.

“The Negro Leagues is part of American Baseball History. Our Negro League Legends Hall of Fame, Inc. starts with the history of the Colored Professional, the first era of Black history which is seldom in a conversation. A sprinkle here and sprinkle there about the contributions, partial information is not enough,” said Simms. “I am looking forward to Major League Baseball continuing their commitment by being involved in widening the scope of the contribution of the Negro Leagues to baseball history.”

Describing his godfather is the beacon of his journey, Simms said he is also inspired by Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe and Wallace “Bucky” Williams, who both lived to their 102nd birthdays and had DMV ties. Radcliffe, who earned his nickname for his ability to both pitch and play backstop, pitched

in three of his All-Star appearances and played catcher in the other three.

Both Rube Foster and Bill Foster were inducted posthumously inducted into the hall of fame for their contributions to the game and outstanding talent.

Rube Foster is often called the “Father of Black Baseball” for his integral role in promoting Black baseball. Standout lefty pitcher Bill Foster pitched a complete game and led the West to an inaugural win in the original East vs. West All-Star Game.

William Foster, the grandnephew of Rube, lives in the DMV and has visited Cooperstown to

bear witness to their Hall of Fame plaques.

Recent years have shown a decline in the number of African-Americans in professional baseball.

In the first diversity study of MLB conducted in 1991, 18% of players were African-American. This year’s study showed 6.2% of players were African-American, a decline from the 7.2% reported the year prior.

There were also no African-American players on either team in the World Series for the first time since 1950, three years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.

Dusty Baker, who is Afri-

can-American and managed the World-Series winning Astros, has lamented this fact in past years.

“It bothers me every day, to see how small the numbers are of African Americans playing baseball,” Baker told the Clarion Ledger about the lack of representation in the Fall Classic.

Baker is now hopeful that events like the HBCU Classic will get more opportunities for African-Americans to play in the major leagues.

“I think it is pretty cool that young men from HBCUs can play in a big-league stadium while they are still in college,” Baker said, according to the Clarion Ledger. WI

5 Sheriff John D.B. Carr and Prince George’s County Police Deputy Chief James McCreary joined Negro League Legends Hall of Fame, Inc founder Dwayne Renal Simms before the ceremonial opening pitch. (Courtesy Photo/ Todd Daniels)

CAPTURE

(Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

3 Rainbow PUSH President Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes III speaks at the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington on August 26. (Robert R. Roberts/

Trial lawyer Benjamin Crump speaks at the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington on August 26. (Robert R. Roberts/The

5 Bishop Vashti McKenzie, President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches speaks at the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington on August 26. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Members of Congress, including the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) and Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03) at the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington on August 26.

5 Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President & CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers As sociation and radio and television host, Rev. Mark Thompson at the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington on August 26. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Nick Cannon speaks from the podium at the Lincoln Memorial during the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington on August 26. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Bishop C. M. ‘Sweet Daddy’ Bailey Dies

Bishop Leader of 137 Congregations Nationwide

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Bishop C.M. “Sweet Daddy” Bailey, of The United House of Prayer For All People of the Church On The Rock of the Apostolic Faith, died Aug. 11 in Philadelphia while he was conducting the national convocation of the church that has 137 congregations nationwide.

Bishop Bailey, 73, has served as the leader, spiritual advisor, and sole trustee of The United House of Prayer for All People for the last 15 years. He was the fourth leader of the church, which was founded by Bishop Cabo Verdean Marcelino Manuel da Graça, also known as Daddt Grace.

In 1919, Daddy Grace built the first United House of Prayer For All People in West Wareham, Massachusetts, and incorporated the United House of Prayer for All People in Washington, D.C. in 1927.

The United House of Prayer

for All is one of the most unique churches headquartered in the national capital from their annual Memorial Day Celebrations that features brass bands to their fire hose baptism for new members.

The church continues to have a huge presence in Washington, D.C. with several Houses of Worship and a row of apartment buildings along 7th Street Northwest. In addition, the church has several restaurants featuring southern cuisine.

Daddy Grace was succeeded by Walter “Sweety Daddy,” McCullough and Bishop “Daddy,” S.C. Madison

At the time of his passing, Bishop Bailey was in the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area conducting the 97th Annual Holy Convocation of The House of Prayer.

THE LIFE OF BISHOP C.M. BAILEY

Bishop C. M. Bailey was a native of Newport News, Virginia.

Before becoming only the fourth national leader of the non-denominational Christian organization, Bishop Bailey previously pastored in Augusta, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Also having served as Apostle of the United House of Prayer, Bishop Bailey was the leader over all congregations in the states of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana. He was a member of the church’s highest ecclesiastical body, the General Council of The United House of Prayer for All People.

Bailey was elected as Bishop in 2008, after the passing of the late Bishop. S. C. Madison.

According to the church’s press release, Bishop Bailey was nationally recognized for a ministry which placed particular emphasis on the youth. He was inspired to launch a visionary initiative, “RETURN,” where church members were strongly encouraged to restore within themselves traditional core Christian values in order that the up-and-coming youth would learn and embody those same high, rich moral standards.

Bishop Bailey is survived by his wife of 52 years, and the First Lady of The United House of Prayer, W. G. Bailey; two daughters Mickie Bailey and Claressa Parks; his son Kevin Bailey; his mother Dorothy Bailey; two brothers Tarona Bailey and David Bailey; his sister, Emma Gibbs; and two grandchildren Faith and Landon Bailey. WI

CELEBRATING BISHOP BAILEY’S LIFE

Further details of the celebration of the life and works of Bishop C. M. Bailey may be found here.

“The funeral for Bishop Bailey will be on Sept. 1 at the United House of Prayer at 601 M Street, and the viewing will take place starting at 7 p.m. the evening of the 31st,” said Elder Dr. L. Murray, director of Special Projects for the United House of Prayer in a brief interview with the Informer.

Before his final tribute and funeral next weekend, viewings and celebration services for Bishop will take place in sanctuaries in several cities starting this Saturday, Aug. 26, in Augusta, Georgia where he lived and pastored for many years before becoming Bishop.

Saturday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. – 10p.m.

United House of Prayer For All People 1269 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta, Georgia.

Sunday, Aug. 27, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

United House of Prayer For All People 2321 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, North Carolina

Monday, August 28, 2023, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

United House of Prayer For All People 1811 Ivy Avenue, Newport News, Virginia

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. United House of Prayer For All People 2320 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York

Thursday, Aug. 31 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

United House of Prayer For All People 601 M Street, NW, Washington, DC

Friday, Sept. 1 12 p.m.

The Celebration Service of the Life of the Honorable Bishop C.M. Bailey

United House of Prayer For All People 601 M Street, NW, Washington, DC

5 Bishop C.M. Bailey (Courtesy photo/tuhopfap.org)

The March on Washington was a massive protest march that occurred in August 1963, when some 250,000 people gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Also known as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the event aimed to draw attention to continuing challenges and inequalities faced by African Americans a century after emancipation. It was also the occasion of Martin Luther King Jr.'s now-iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.

On Saturday, thousands joined organizers, including more than 60 national organizations across racial, cultural and generational lines as partners for the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. This year, with all the political ramifications throughout America, this was not a demonstration nor commemoration, but rather a continuation of the "dream"

Dr. King outlined at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963.

Why is it a continuation? To those of you who are too young to understand, It is because quite a few of the rights by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and many of our unions, obtained over the last 60 years have been taken back.

For the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, organizers had buses from across the nation, and though we only had a fraction of what was expected, speaker after speaker talked about abortion rights, with gun

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

violence heading up the list.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, now looked upon as "the people's lawyer," was there, with at least 20 families whom he has represented that have lost a loved one to senseless gun violence by police, someone who was really hired to protect us. He had many of those shot and killed by police.

Gathering at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., unfortunately, does not include young people in numbers that are significant, based on what's really going on. None of them have had to drink from "Blacks only" water fountains, and no matter how badly you needed to use a bathroom, you dared not enter a "whites only" bathroom — you would have to hold it or find another alternative.

The freedoms we have today, such as feeling free to go to the first bathroom you see inside an airport; to all go to the same public bathroom today is giving false security, it gives younger people a feeling of being free in every sense of the word.

Though local churches through the DMV were asked to help build the crowd, the hope for a better tomorrow is not on the minds of the majority, and they just did not show up in numbers hoped for.

A couple months ago, I was in a meeting with religious leaders preparing for this 60th-anniversary march, and I heard Rev. Al Sharpton say, "This march is more important than the first march held 60 years ago."

I conclude with this: All goals were met, when speaker after speaker from across the civil rights arena spoke by giving their version of how we must continue to work together, in a nation which is seemingly going in the opposite direction.

The day after, early on Sunday morning, we hear of yet another shooting by a white male, who hunted down more people of color, African Americans, because he hated Black people. When will this ever end? There have been more than 400 shootings this year. One reporter said that we have had more shootings this year than we have had days. With more than four months still to go, our country is still the number one, worst country in the world, when it comes to shootings and killings.

"O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!" WI

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor 700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM

Sundays: 9:30 AM

Blessed Word

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

Pastors

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

(202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032

(202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM)

Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555

Services and Times

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

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM

Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM

Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

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

Crusader Baptist Church Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

Service and Times

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:45 AM

Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM

Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net

www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Third Street Church of God

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM

Seniors

Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM

“A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!”

Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times

Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM

Sunday

John

“Friendliest Church in the City”

Website: mountolivetdc.org

mtolivedc@gmail.com

All Nations Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591

Service and Times

Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM

Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM

Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM

Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM

Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge

Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com

All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Senior Pastor

Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland

Assistant & Youth Pastor 12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:15 am

Sunday Church School 11:00 am

Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday

Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047#

Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm

“A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263

Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday: 12:00 Noon,

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

“Reaching Up To Reach Out”

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

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday

Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM

Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011

Phone: 202-726-2220

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

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

Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays)

Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday

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

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

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

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day

Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor 5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone: 301 559-5262

Service and Times

Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom

Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Wednesday Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Web: shiloh7thday.org

Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com

"A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Florida Avenue Baptist Church Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent

Senior Pastor 623 Florida Ave.. NW WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM

Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM

Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor 4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM

The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday

Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM

Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011

Phone (202) 722-4940 Fax (202) 291-3773

Service and Times

9:00 a.m. – Sunday School

10:15 a.m. – Worship Service

Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study

7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study

Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday

Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47)

Israel Baptist Church

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

School: 9:15 AM

Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Herman

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM

School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Pastor 5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

“Where God is Praised, Christ is Obeyed, and People are Loved”

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton

Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003

Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM

Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org

Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

Damion M. Briggs Pastor 8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240 Service and Times

Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org

Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

Rev. Dr.

Service and Times

Service: 10:00 AM

School for all ages: 8:30 AM

Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM

Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM

Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Meeting: 7:45 PM

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

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867

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

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns

Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

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

Service and Times

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

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm

Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Website: Theplbc.org

Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor 602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times

School for All Ages: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM

Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities:

Prayer Service Bible Study

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor

Elder

L. Simms

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor

Hosted by Denise Rolark Barnes

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 541

Gloria R. LaMotte aka Gloria Ramona LaMotte aka Gloria L. Brown

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Nettie B. Nichols, whose address is 308 Oglethorpe Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gloria R. LaMotte aka Gloria Ramona LaMotte aka Gloria L. Brown who died on 4/30/2012 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 2/17/2024. 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 2/17/2024, 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:

8/17/2023

Nettie B. Nichols

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 593

Sharon Louise Strange

Decedent

Pro SE

Attorney

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

Sherman L. Strange, whose address is 5802 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sharon Louise Strange who died on March 23, 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 2/17/2024. 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 2/17/2024, 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:

8/17/2023

Sherman L. Strange 5802 N. Illinois Street

Indianapolis, IN 46208

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 000915

Clifford L. House Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Ruby L. House, whose address is 808 Bladensburg Rd., NE #227, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clifford L. House who died on October 9, 2018 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 2/17/2024. 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 2/17/2024, 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: 8/17/2023

Ruby L. House Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 000077

December 5, 2006

Date of Death

Lymond Earl Williams, Sr.

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Anita G. W. Fogan whose address is 2216 Quincy Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lymond Earl Williams, Sr., deceased, by the Superior Court for San Diego County, State of California, Case No. 37-2021-00040298-PR-LA-CTL, on 12/08/2021.

Service of process may be made upon Anita G. W. Fogan, 2216 Quincy Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

¼ interest in 5609 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011. 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:

8/7/2023

Anita G. W. Fogan

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 714

Louise Chandler Decedent

Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Akia Turner, P.R. for the Estate of Vester Chandler, whose address is 631 71st Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louise Chandler who died on June 14, 2009 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/17/2024. 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 2/17/2024, 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: 8/17/2023

Akia Turner 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 001055

Richard D. Jackson aka Richard Donald Jackson Decedent

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

Brenda Rhodes Jackson, whose address is 3922 5th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard D. Jackson aka Richard Donald Jackson who died on June 20, 2022 with/without a Will, and will serve with/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 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 , 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: 8/17/2023

Brenda Rhodes 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

2023 FEP 000078

November 6, 2017

Date of Death

Lois H. Stratton

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

William R. Lenderking whose address is 145 Stow Road, Harvard, MA 01451 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lois H. Stratton, deceased, by the Second Circuit Court for Haverhill County, State of New Hampshire, on March 29, 2019.

Service of process may be made upon Timothy A. Lenderking 2139 Wyoming Ave., NW, Apt. 22, Washington, DC 20008 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

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: 8/17/2023

William R. Lenderking Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000976

Estate of Fatima Hardcastle aka Fatima EL Bal

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Zoubida Altayib and Aicha EL Bal 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: 8/24/2023

Zoubida Altayib 631 Peace Chance Drive Havre de Grace, MD 21078

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

2023 ADM 000975

Estate of

William A. Burnett aka

William Aaron Burnett aka William Burnett

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Phyllis S. Burnett 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.

Order any interested person to show cause why the provisions of the lost or destroyed Will dated 3/22/2012 should not be admitted to probate as expressed in the petition

Date of first publication: 8/24/2023

S. C. Hamilton 8601 Georgia Ave., Ste. 503 Silver Spring, MD 20910 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

2022 ADM 332

Audrey L. Francis aka Audrey Francis Decedent

Nakia V. Gray, Esq. 800 Maine Ave., SW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20024 Attorney

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

Dolores J. Nicholls, whose address is 5125 Duel Place, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Audrey L. Francis aka Audrey Francis who died on 5/16/2021 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/24/2024, 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: 8/24/2023

Dolores J. Nicholls

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION DESIRE’E BLACKMON, Plaintiff, v.

GUY P. DAVIS Sr. et al, Defendants.

) ) Case No.: 2023-LIT-000008

) ) Judge: Hon. Leslie A. Meek ) ) Next Court Event: ) August 31, 2023 at 11:00 am

ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

On March 1, 2023, Desire’e Blackmon, Plaintiff, filed a Complaint for Major Litigation, through Counsel. On April 25, 2023, Plaintiff filed a Motion to Extend Time for Service and for Service by Publication (“Motion to Extend Time”), requesting the Court permit Plaintiff to serve some of the defendants via publication pursuant to D.C. Code § 13-336 (a)(2).1 The Court held a hearing in this matter on June 9, 2023, at which time the Court granted Plaintiff’s request to provide service to those defendants for whom service was unsuccessful by way of publication pursuant to D.C. Code § 13-336. In accordance with D.C. Code § 13-336 (a) (2), Plaintiff has made diligent efforts to locate the Defendants' current addresses, last known addresses, and information from other people who know the Defendants. This case involves an action for the establishment of title to real estate by possession and, or the establishment of a lawful right claim or demand to or against real property situated in the District of Columbia: Square 4198, Lot 0808, also known as the property located at street address 3914 20th Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20018.

The Complaint states, among other things, that The Jesse L. Davis Revocable Trust was amended by The Jesse L. Davis Contract executed on November 17, 2018, which named Plaintiff DeSire’e Blackmon as a beneficiary for the real property situated at 3914 20th Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20018. Pursuant to D.C. Code § 13-336 (a)(2), it is this 11th day of August 2023 hereby;

ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in the Daily Washington Law Reporter and The Washington Informer, both having a general circulation in the District of Columbia, once a week for three (3) successive weeks, notifying all persons interested in the real property described above to virtually appear in this Court on August 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. To log in to the virtual courtroom, please follow this link, https://dccourts.webex.com/meet/ctba49 or dial the toll-free number (202) 860-2110 or (844) 9924726. Access Code and Meeting ID 129 871 4883, then press # to enter the session.

SO ORDERED.

1 Plaintiff indicated that her attempts to serve Dion Davis, Ariel C. Davis, Jonathan Edmonds, Kimberly Davis and Rawn Davis Jr, were unsuccessful. See Mot. to Extend Time at ¶3.

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 933

Sherrell Arguene Bridges

Decedent

Rocquelle A. Jeri

1419 Perrell Lane Bowie MD 20716

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Eric Bridges, whose address is 106 Stonecreek Dr., #C, Spartanburg, SC 29203, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sherrell Arguene Bridges who died on 1/1/2023 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 2/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/24/2024, 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: 8/24/2023

Eric Bridges Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 858

Raymond L. Branch Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Michael J. Branch, whose address is 9941 Lake Landing Road, Montgomery Village, MD 20886, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Raymond L. Branch who died on October 16, 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 2/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/24/2024, 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: 8/24/2023

Michael J. Branch

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 000939

Anthony Hammond Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008

Attorney

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

Ava Hammond, whose address is 11322-G Snow owl Place, Waldorf, MD 20603, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anthony Hammond who died on 12/25/2018 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 2/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/24/2024, 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: 8/24/2023

Ava Hammond Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 000959

Ronnie Bowman Decedent

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Gregory T. Bowman, whose address is 531 Sloan Rd., Columbia, SC 29223, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ronnie Bowman who died on December 3, 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 2/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/24/2024, 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: 8/24/2023

Gregory T. Bowman

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

2023 ADM 000950

Diane Jefferies Decedent

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

Micheal Daniels, whose address is 11230 Holly Spring Rd., Nanjemoy, MD 20660, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Diane Jefferies who died on June 24, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/24/2024, 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:

8/24/2023

Micheal Daniels

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000894

Sheron A. Wade Decedent

Julius P. Terrell, Esq. 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Denise Kirksey, whose address is 13209 Dangelo Drive, Bowie, MD 20720, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sheron A. Wade who died on April 8, 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 2/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/24/2024, 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:

8/24/2023

Denise Kirksey 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 948

Billie J. Brooks Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO

UNKNOWN HEIRS

John L. Brooks, whose address is 7601 Thomas Grant Drive, Alexandria, VA 22315, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Billie J. Brooks who died on April 27, 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 2/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/24/2024, 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:

8/24/2023

John L. Brooks

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

2023 NRT 000032

Anne Minahan Brown Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Anne Minahan Brown whose address was 1642 Primrose Road, NW, Washington, DC 20012 created a revocable trust on April 7th 2022, which remained in existence on the date of her death on January 8th, 2023, and Matthew David Sacco, whose address is 1642 Primrose Road, NW, Washington, DC 20012, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Matthew David Sacco at 1642 Primrose Road, NW, Washington, DC 20012, w/ a copy to Peter D. Antonoplos at 1725 DeSales St., NW, #600, Washington, DC 20036.

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 2/24/2024 (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) 1/8/2024, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) or (2) 2/24/2024 (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: 8/24/2023

Matthew David Sacco

Signature of Trustee

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

2023 NRT 000033

Beatrice Cynthia Wright

Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Beatrice Cynthia Wright whose address was 602 Brandywine Street, SE, Washington, DC 20032, created a revocable trust on 8/22/2013, as amended on 5/20/16, which remained in existence on the date of her death on 11/11/2022, and Peter D. Antonoplos, whose address is 1725 DeSales Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Peter D. Antonoplos at 1725 DeSales Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036.

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 02/24/2024 (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) 11/11/2023, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) or (2) 02/24/2024, (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: 8/24/2023

Peter D. Antonoplos

Signature of Trustee

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000928

Andre M. Smith

Decedent

Julius P. Terrell, Esq.

1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Suite 400

Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO

UNKNOWN HEIRS

Angel D. Williams, whose address is 5112 Hayes Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Andre M. Smith who died on November 19, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/24/2024, 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: 8/24/2023

Angel D. 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

2023 ADM 969

Reginald Allen Groomes, Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Reginald Allen Groomes, Jr. whose address is 2900 Saint Clair Drive, Apt. 606, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Reginald Allen Groomies, Sr. who died on May 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 2/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/24/2024, 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: 8/24/2024

Reginald Allen Groomes, Jr. 2900 Saint Clair Drive, Apt. 606 Temple Hills, MD 20748

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001005

Mark Lamont Stevens Decedent

Norris Stevens-Kornegay Attorney

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

Norris Stevens-Kornegay, whose address is 609 N. Church Street, Mt. Olive, NC 28365, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mark Lamont Stevens who died on April 10, 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 3/1/2024. 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 3/1/2024, 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: 8/31/2023

Norris Stevens-Kornegay Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2023 ADM 966

Jane C. Coony aka Jane Comeau Coony Decedent

Torrey G. Wilkins, Esq. Furey, Doolan & Abell, LLP 7600 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Thomas E. Coony, whose address is 2801 North Glade Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jane C. Coony aka Jane Comeau Coony who died on June 19, 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 3/1/2024. 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 3/1/2024, 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: 8/31/2023

Thomas E. Coony

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 980

Marion Shanita Burney Decedent

Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Road Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

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

Sharon L. Burney, whose address is 5102 La Sombre Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marion Shanita Burney who died on March 18, 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 3/1/2024. 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 3/1/2024, 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:

8/31/2023

Sharon L. Burney

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 929

Ronald Ausbrooks Decedent

Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Road Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Mark Ausbrooks, whose address is 11106 Saddle Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ronald Ausbrooks who died on October 13, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/2/2024. 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 3/2/2024, 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:

8/31/2023

Mark Ausbrooks 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 971

Mable Deas aka Mabel Deas Decedent

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

Donna Pollard, whose address is 4415 Rena Road, Apartment 201, Suitland, MD 20746, was appointed Personal Representa

tive of the estate of Mable Deas aka Mabel Deas who died on July 10, 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 3/1/2024. 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 3/1/2024, 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: 8/31/2023

Donna Pollard Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 940

Kevin Maurice Young Decedent

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

Gerald A. Young and Destinee V. Young, whose addresses are 6315 28th Place, NW, Washington, DC 20015 and 310 Buchanan Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Kevin Maurice Young who died on March 22, 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 3/1/2024. 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 3/1/2024, 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: 8/31/2023

Gerald A. Young 6315 28th Place NW Washington, DC 20015

Destinee V. Young 310 Buchanan Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

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 000961

Martanaze Earl Dew, Jr. Decedent

Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Northview Drive, Ste. 401 Bowie, MD 20716 Attorney

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

Sherika Jones, whose address is 1426 Clifton Street, NW, Apt. 10, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Martanaze Earl Dew, Jr. who died on May 20, 2016 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 3/1/2024. 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 3/1/2024, 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:

8/31/2023

Sherika Jones

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000935

Walter D. Johnson

Decedent

Joan M. Wilbon

1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington DC 20006

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Deborah A. Cowan, whose address is 1643 Primrose Rd., NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Walter D. Johnson who died on June 3, 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 3/1/2024. 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 3/1/2024, 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:

8/31/2024

Deborah A. Cowan 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 927

Arthesia McGill Decedent

Ferguson Evans, Esq. 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Suite 900 South Bldg.

Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

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

Angela McClurkin, whose address is 11051 Fawn Creek Lane, Orland Park, IL, 60467, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Arthesia McGill who died on 7/4/1997 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 3/2/2024. 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 3/2/2024, 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: 8/31/2023

Angela McClurkin

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 000085

March 30, 2007

Date of Death

Miriam Celeste Jackson

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

John Jackson whose address is 811 Arbor Park Place, Mitchellville, MD 20721 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Miriam Celeste Jackson, deceased, by the Prince George’s County Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, State of Maryland, on April 10, 2007.

Service of process may be made upon Eric Gilliam, 1611 A Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

4940 Blaine Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 8/31/2023

John Jackson Personal Representative Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000953

John Lemon Epps, Jr. aka John Lemon Epps Decedent

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

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

Cheryl Y. Barnes and James A. Epps, whose addresses are 7703 Klovstad Dr. Fort Washington, MD 20744, 5905 Auth Rd., Suitland, MD 20746, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of John Lemon Epps, Jr. aka John Lemon Epps who died on 1/3/2022 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/1/2024. 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 3/1/2024, 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: 8/31/2023

Cheryl Y. Barnes

James A. Epps

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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“This is an historical event,” said Clara Elmore Baine, standing next to her sister Irene Elmore. The sisters came from South Carolina and Georgia.

“I am here to represent Delta Sigma Theta because we have a big interest in voting rights,” Clara Elmore continued. “We have to make a difference now because most of the people here today were not here years ago.”

SOME LONGTIME FREEDOM FIGHTERS NOT INCLUDED IN OFFICIAL MARCH PROGRAM

SCHOOL from Page 1

post-pandemic academic improvement.

Even amid some teachers' concerns about school safety, Bowser maintained a positive outlook.

"We spoke to a number of teachers who are excited about teaching," Bowser said. "Staff [members] have the skills to get students back to pre-pandemic levels of achievement and they know how serious we are about safety."

ANOTHER SET OF CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS ON THE HORIZON

agreement that would become part of the finalized teachers’ contract for 2023-2027. She told the Informer that Ferebee didn’t initially respond to the 17 recommendations, which had been inspired, in part, by a WTU survey of 750 teachers. That survey highlighted apprehension among teachers about safety conditions in District schools. Pogue-Lyons said that 45% of respondents have considered leaving the profession. For her, solidifying the 2023-2027 contract has become a matter of retaining a solid educator workforce in underserved communities.

MARCH from Page 1

“We are here to liberate the soul of the nation, the soul of democracy from those forces who want to have us all go backwards and perish rather than go forward as sisters and brothers,” she stated. “We will never betray those who marched for us, fought for us, lived for us, died for us. We are the children and grandchildren of their struggles, and we will be worthy of their sacrifices.”

Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York also spoke during the event.

“We’re here today to fight for voting rights,” urged Jeffries, the first Black congressperson to lead a major political party in Congress. “We’re here today to fight for civil rights. We’re here today to fight for reproductive rights. We’re here today to fight for workers’ rights,” he said.

COMMEMORATING 60 YEARS OF THE ‘DREAM,’ GOALS IN 2023

Ahead of the event, several organizers engaged in discussions with Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the civil rights division. The talks encompassed crucial issues like voting rights, policing reform, and addressing redlining practices.

The commemoration served as a prelude to the 60th anniversary of the original March on Washington, which President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris observed on Monday, Aug. 28. There, Biden and Harris engaged with organizers of the 1963 march as well as members of the King family, aiming to honor the legacy of the event and its enduring impact on the struggle for civil rights.

As the Rev. Al Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network, reflected on the continuous observance of March on Washington anniversaries, he recalled a promise he made to King’s now late widow Coretta Scott King. Twenty-three years ago, she urged him and Martin Luther King III to continue the movement’s legacy.

Bernice King, CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, acknowledged the weariness that can accompany the enduring fight for civil rights.

She invoked her mother’s wisdom, stating, “Mother said, struggle is a never-ending process… Vigilance is the answer.”

After the successful and inspirational 1963 March on Washington, the challenges the civil rights movement faced weren't confined to the past; history revealed moments of triumph and tragedy.

Following Dr. King’s landmark “I Have a Dream” speech, at the March on Washington in 1963, dark incidents such as the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham and the abduction and murder of civil rights workers in Mississippi underscored the ongoing struggle.

Those tragedies spurred the passage of pivotal legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Despite progress since 1963, this year, equity, voting rights, women’s rights, economic and climate justice were among the many topics emphasized during the march. The plaza of the Lincoln Memorial was a diverse quilt of people from many walks of life, who showed up to witness history and make their voices heard.

Among the crowd were two women sisters who were connected by blood and the colors of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Notably absent from the program were several individuals who have long served as freedom fighters, such as Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and the Rev. Peter Johnson, a close aide to civil rights giants former U.S. Congressman, Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and the Rev. Ralph Abernathy.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, another prominent civil rights-era figure, wasn’t expected to attend due to ongoing health concerns. However other living civil rights leaders, despite their significant contributions to the movement, did not speak during the commemoration.

Some longtime freedom fighters noted that excluding certain longtime leaders sheds light on the challenge of preserving historical continuity and recognizing all those who played a role.

Chavis was spotted among the crowd giving a hug to Larry Hirsh, a Jewish man, who was also at the March in 1963..

“We were here 60 years ago, and we were both 15,” Hirsh said to Chavis.

“As I reflect back on the last 60 years there is a tendency to underestimate the progress we have made,” Chavis told the Informer. “We still have problems, racism is still alive, antisemitism is still alive and hatred is still alive. However we have made significant progress. C.T. Vivian defined the movement as ‘people moving,’ and here we are, 60 years later, still moving.

“We are a much more diverse nation than we were 60 years ago,” Chavis added. “Overall I don’t see incremental progress I see substantive progress.

“You can’t live in the past, you have to learn from the past,” Chavis emphasized.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

@StacyBrownMedia

On Monday, Bowser and D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee visited Raymond Education Campus in Northwest. They later joined President Joe Biden (D) and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at Eliot-Hine Middle School in Northeast where the commander-in-chief greeted students during lunch time and shadowed an eighth grade math class alongside Bowser and Ferebee.

Biden's visit to Eliot-Hine Middle School, the latest of several made by a sitting U.S. president to a District school in recent years, happened as the clock continues to wind down on the expiration of a contract the Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) solidified with DCPS.

Last November, the WTU, which had been in the midst of negotiations with Bowser and Ferebee since 2019, finalized its retroactive contract. During the negotiations, WTU unsuccessfully attempted to get the contract extended out of deference for the lengthy process.

Elements of the contract, which expires on Sept. 30, include a 12% pay raise over four years, a 4% retention bonus, an increase in an administration premium and the inclusion of vision, dental and legal benefits. Toward the end of last school year, teachers started receiving portions of their back pay. However, WTU leaders said some teachers are still waiting for money owed to them.

WTU President Jacqueline Pogue-Lyons said the collective bargaining team consists of nearly 30 educators from every aspect of the teaching profession. Earlier this summer, they compiled 17 recommendations about school safety -- including Safe Passage and emergency preparedness.

Pogue-Lyons expressed her hope that those recommendations would be compiled into a memorandum of

"Last year, we had a lot of teachers who had a number of incidents in their schools that gave them pause," Pogue-Lyons said. "They've never seen the levels of fights and students talking back. Even veteran teachers found that it would be hard to de-escalate situations. They felt more worried about student-on-student violence."

At Eliot-Hine Middle School on Monday, Ferebee said 98% of teaching positions have been filled in the school system. Pogue-Lyons said WTU is currently working on calculating the net change in the teacher workforce, telling the Informer that the office received the names of newly hired teachers shortly before teacher orientation.

EDUCATION LEADERS BRAINSTORM RESPONSE TO SAFETY CONCERNS

In the weeks leading up to the school year, education officials have gelled together plans to curb violence in and around schools.

On Aug. 17, Bowser revealed recommendations that the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) made in response to her public safety order earlier this year -- including the development of conflict resolution coursework, increasing accountability and preventing bigger conflicts, and the availability of out-of-school options for the most severe disciplinary infractions.

In an X post (formerly known as Twitter), D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), the author of legislation that launches conflict resolution programs in D.C. schools, lauded the DME’s recommendations.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Rev. Al Sharpton, president and CEO of National Action Network, speaks at the Lincoln Memorial during the 6th Anniversary of the March on Washington on August 25. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer) sands on the mall.

had come back marked "insufficient funds." Dr. King said those of us who had come to the March on Washington were there to cash our checks because we refused to believe "the bank of justice is bankrupt" or that "there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation."

He then reminded us of the urgency of the moment. The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., has put the original three-page copy of the speech that

JACKSON from Page 34

and Martin Luther King, they reconstituted America with the passage of the Civil Rights Bill, and the Voting Rights legislation. Once more coalitions like the Rainbow Coalition came together to exercise those rights, register people to vote, and elect new leaders to lead the way.

Now, with America growing more diverse — and yet more unequal with the wealthy few capturing almost all of the rewards of growth — a new reaction is building, driven by cynical politicians who fan racial division for political profit. A reactionary majority in the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, repealed affirmative action, opened the floodgates to big and

MARSHALL from Page 34

and Washington, D.C. In charging Trump, the Atlanta-area district attorney used the state's racketeering law, RICO, which ties the former president into a 19-member criminal enterprise typically reserved for mafia bosses and gang leaders. He faces up to 20 years if convicted of the most severe racketeering charge with little chance of a pardon. In Georgia, the courtroom will be televised where the nation and world can see and hear the compelling evidence as it is presented. This transparent access to justice at work may prove damaging to Trump in the court of public opinion. The MAGA world is not happy.

Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential nominee, said a second civil war is "going to happen" if state and federal authorities continue to prosecute Donald Trump. While Palin may be referring to political violence, America's second civil war has been ongoing since Reconstruction. The second civil war is the battle between those who seek ways to deny full citizenship to

Dr. King brought to the podium on display to commemorate this 60th anniversary. One of the images that jumps out from the worn typewritten sheets is the underlining of the word now: "We have also come to his hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of Democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the

secret money in politics, and authorized political gerrymandering. Donald Trump, personifying that reaction, launched a multi-state, multi-layered effort to overturn his loss in a democratic election to stay in power. Once more America faces a reckoning.

As history teaches us, it will take a broad coalition of concerned citizens — drawn across lines of race, region and religion — to come together to save democracy. Courageous leaders can resist the efforts to undermine democracy, as Republican officials did in Arizona and Georgia.

Courageous prosecutors like Atlanta's Fani Willis, can seek to enforce the rule of law. In the end, however, the American people will decide if the country will continue to move for-

people of color versus those who defend against the attack on democracy and ensure that all elements of democracy are equally applied to all citizens. It is a continuation of the first civil war, which resulted in over 600,000 deaths but left freed slaves without the benefits of American citizenship.

Therefore, the second civil war is the never-ending fight for rightful representation in government, free and fair elections, the ability to vote without intimidation and violence, the freedom to criticize their elected officials, the right to assemble freely and to protest government actions, maintaining the rule of law, and having the right to a fair and public trial by an impartial court. Germany is telling us they see the second civil war. As a result, the United States can no longer be the dependable defender of democracy.

It has become obvious to them that far too many Americans, through arrogance, ignorance, and pride, would rather destroy American democracy in its entirety and accept an authoritarian leader (Donald Trump) who would permanently weaken all elements of citizenship and representation for peo-

quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood." As Dr. King delivered it he added: "Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children."

This message is still our charge today if we would hear, heed, and follow it. The Children's Defense Fund served as a supportive partner for the anniversary event on the National Mall on Aug. 26 — "Not a Commemoration, a Continuation!" Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children, and 60 years later, our hands, feet and voices are still needed. WI

ward, or if those who scorn its laws to divide us will succeed. Whether or not Donald Trump and his co-conspirators are found guilty in a court of law, the threat that they represent will only be defeated by the decision of the American people at the polls. Once more we must decide the course this country will take.

Time and time again in our history, citizen movements have saved America from a moral abyss.

Time and time again, courageous leaders have responded and molded their energies into political reforms that made America better. Now once more, the country needs that movement and that leadership to move us forward.

WI

ple of color in what will eventually become a future majority-minority nation.

As part of the second civil war, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis charged Trump with 13 racketeering and conspiracy charges related to his attempt to overturn his defeat by Joe Biden in 2020 and was met with U.S. House Republicans launching an investigation against Willis. Georgia state lawmakers are joining the fray by also targeting Willis with a new state law that creates a state commission with the power to sanction or even oust prosecutors found to be neglecting their duties or responsible for an array of other violations (such as charging the former president). Willis is a hero and a defender of democracy in this war. The same applies to the Tennessee Three, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, special counsel Jack Smith, and election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. Anyone resisting anti-democracy efforts intended to silence voices is a hero. Sarah Palin's threat shows that Georgia means business and is ready to fight. WI

WILLIAMS from Page 35

our nation. I'm sure others see what we see — a man who should already be incarcerated. For the first time in his life, he's experiencing to some extent what poor people and those who don't enjoy a lifetime of payments as he does from taxpayers. This is the way he thanks you by asking for even more of your hard-earned money compared with what he gets. He has always experienced more than his share of special privilege! Though he admits he was treated nicely, I wonder if it occurred to him, he received special privilege while being indicted — just as he's enjoyed all his life. I wonder if he thought about how the

Central Park 5 were treated when they were indicted and convicted though innocent.

Black people have always been used as free labor in this country. Those poor people dressed in Blacks for Trump T-shirts at Trump's arrest and campaign rallies are being used, but I know they won't be voting for him! They just needed a free clean shirt and maybe a hot dog and a soda because of policies like Trump's when he was president. I know the world noticed he never has such T-shirts for Japanese, Chinese, Koreans for Trump or other groups. He has no shame showing his disrespect for vulnerable Black people. WI

MORIAL from Page 35

of race, gender identity and sexual orientation. He continues working to suppress the vote and devised a plan to wipe away half of the state's Black-dominated congressional districts, dramatically diminishing Black voting strength. He's effectively eliminated the right of women to make decisions about their reproductive health. He's enabling the proliferation of gun violence and hampering efforts to stop it. He fought against raising the wage for Florida's lowest-paid workers and made it harder for workers to

JEALOUS from Page 35

has been built on ignoring people and places deemed disposable. Measure what matters – people in frontline communities flooded by more intense storms, choked by industrial pollution, and scorched by wildfires have no choice. Their property loss and health problems are the metrics we use. They must take that measure all the time, and they always come out on the short end.

For his part, John Doerr has placed his bets. He's been investing in zero carbon technologies since 2006. Last year, he and his wife gave Stanford University more than $1 billion to launch a sustainability school.

Doerr's most recent book calls itself "an action plan to solve the climate crisis." He notes that the Greek root for the word crisis means "to choose." The good news is we've never had more opportunity to make the right choices.

Though he admits he was treated nicely, I wonder if it occurred to him, he received special privilege while being indicted — just as he's enjoyed all his life.

seek better working conditions. The only way to defeat an agenda that threatens us all is to unite. The theme of Saturday's march was Not A Commemoration, A Continuation. The goals for which a quarter-million Americans peacefully gathered in 1963 are not relics to be admired in a museum, but an ongoing movement. Together with our brothers and sisters of every race, faith, sexuality, gender identity, ethnicity and national origin, we will transform the heat of oppression into an oasis of freedom and justice just as Martin Luther King Jr. foresaw 60 years ago. WI

From less costly renewable energy to the availability of affordable electric vehicles, we have options to end our addiction to fossil fuels.

Making the right choices means

making informed choices. We can't permit the powerful to withhold what we need to decide what's best for us and for the planet. WI

For his part, John Doerr has placed his bets. He's been investing in zero carbon technologies since 2006. Last year, he and his wife gave Stanford University more than $1 billion to launch a sustainability school.

Doerr's most recent book calls itself "an action plan to solve the climate crisis."

The only way to defeat an agenda that threatens us all is to unite. The theme of Saturday's march was Not A Commemoration, A Continuation.