The Washington Informer - August 8, 2024

Initiative 83 Approved with Questions about Ward 8 Signatures

Opponents

Continue to Question the Approval Process

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As the summer winds down, proponents of the “Ranked Choice Voting and Open the Primary Elections to Independent Voters Act of 2024,” otherwise known as Initiative 83, are setting their sights on District voters who live in Ward 8.

Candice Nolde, an advisor to the “Yes on 83” campaign, told The Informer that organizers plan to hit every festival in the coming months, and erect signage and circulate mailers to further drive home the point to Ward 8 voters that ranked-choice voting and open primaries can change the tide in electoral politics.

“It’s about being present on the ground,” Nolde said. “The approval of Initiative 83 would mean that a significant number of disenfranchised people would be able to participate. It’s about building consensus around a candi-

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

High school student Siegfried Hinton Wright spent the better part of his summer working on H Street in Northeast. That’s where he channeled his youthful energy through meditation and learned how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to create media.

Such experiences led to the creation of two paintings -“Beauty and Sadness” and “Soul of the District.” It also culminated in a business deal that he and his peers -- Noel

Former Football Players Discuss Gun Violence Prevention Locally, Nationwide at White House Meeting

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

Kyle Arrington, a DMV native, and his fellow former Baltimore Ravens player Anquan Boldin, among others, met with Greg Jackson, director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building to discuss the disparate impact

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In the weeks leading up to his death, Joseph L. Bowser, father of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, couldn’t help but to fulfill his civic duties. He continued to stay abreast, and even weigh in, on the happenings of the North Michigan Park community where he lived for more than 50

5 Tae’lor Johnson, a student in the dance department at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest, D.C., showcases her piece “Strength and Stillness,” an up-close, black-and-white painting of a Black woman that she developed with AI prompts. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser with her father, the late Joseph L. Bowser, in 2020. (Courtesy Photo/Facebook, Mayor Muriel Bowser)

5Professional athletes meet with Greg Jackson of White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to discuss solutions for the gun violence epidemic.

(Ashleigh Fields/The Washington Informer)

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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wi hot topics

Hello Africa

Nneka Ihim, who is a former cast member of the Bravo television hit series “Housewives of Potomac” recently announced the launch of HELLO AFRICA, a global mobile dating app.

The purpose of the app is to connect Africans in the Diaspora to the world. The app has become a top user in locations including the U.S., Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Canada and Kenya.

Ihim, a first-generation Nigerian American who also works as attorney and has other entrepreneurial ventures, created the app to specifically connect and match fellow Africans with each other and non-African individuals who have an interest in the conti-

STACY M. BROWN, NATIONAL REPORTER

nent and its inhabitants.

When downloading the app, a user must first build their profiles by disclosing their African heritage. Plus, each person is asked what country or countries in Africa they most are interested in being connected to.

HELLO AFRICA is currently available in the Apple Store and Google Play for Android users and at sayhelloafrica.com. WI

Justice Clarence Thomas Faces Additional Scrutiny for Undisclosed Private Jet Travel Funded by Wealthy Donor

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is under fire again. This time, it was because of the failure to disclose more private jet travel funded by Harlan Crow, a wealthy conservative donor, according to a letter from Senator Ron Wyden (D).

Customs and Border Protection records indicate that the justice and his wife, Virginia Thomas, flew between Hawaii and New Zealand in November 2010 on Crow’s private jet. In his letter to the donor’s lawyer, Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, demanded more information about the financial relationship between Thomas and Crow.

The New York Times reported that the in -

quiry is part of a more extensive investigation by Wyden, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, into the ties between Crow and Thomas. The scrutiny comes amid calls from top Democrats for significant Supreme Court reforms, including establishing an enforceable code of conduct.

“I am deeply concerned that Crow may have been showering a public official with extravagant gifts, then writing off those gifts to lower his tax bill,” Wyden wrote in his letter. He highlighted the potential conflict of interest and stressed the need for transparency and accountability.

In response, Michael Zona, a spokesman for Crow, stated that Crow’s legal team had already addressed Wyden’s inquiries, which they deemed legally unfounded and politically motivated.

“We consider this matter settled and refer Senator Wyden to our previous correspondence,” the

Donald Trump Disrespects Black Women at National Association of Black Journalists Conference

‘The Single Most Disgraceful Thing I’ve Ever seen at NABJ’

The highly criticized decision to have former President Donald Trump at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) annual convention in Chicago, turned even more controversial once he spoke. The moderated conversation was filled with such hatred and disrespect, it heightened calls for the hierarchy of NABJ to resign.

The disgraceful event began with tension as well-respected ABC News journalist Rachel Scott asked Trump about his past racist comments and why Black voters should trust him.

“First of all, I don’t think I’ve ever been asked a question in such a horrible manner,” Trump responded. His statement was met with audible

gasps from the audience, setting a combative tone for the 34-minute discussion that followed a nearly hour-long delay.

During the discussion, Trump, among his many rant-filled and off the rails diatribes, questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity, asking, “Is she Indian or is she Black?” He falsely claimed that Harris, who has long identified as Black and attended a historically Black university, previously identified as Indian before “all of a sudden” becoming Black.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned Trump’s comments as “repulsive” and “insulting,” asserting that “no one has any right to tell someone who they are.” WI

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

5Justice Clarence Thomas. (Courtesy Photo)

SUPREME COURT Page 5

5Nneka Ihim.

(Courtesy Photo/Nneka Ihim, X.com)

D.C. Judge Dismisses Trump’s Claims of Political Targeting by Biden Administration

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Shutting down the destructive rhetoric of the 34-times convicted and twice-impeached former President Donald Trump’s legal defense, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that the GOP presidential nominee presented “no meaningful evidence” of political targeting by the Biden administration. Chutkan dismissed Trump’s allegations that the White House or the Justice Department pursued him out of political animus or his refusal to accept the 2020 election results as “baseless.”

In her comprehensive 16-page opinion, Judge Chutkan dismantled Trump’s attempt to dismiss his Washington, D.C., criminal case, which charges him with orchestrating conspiracies to subvert the 2020 election. Chutkan asserted that Trump’s claims of political pressure from President Joe Biden were “unsubstantiated” and relied on flimsy, inaccurately described evidence.

“The charges describe a sweeping attempt to manipulate and deceive government authorities to undermine the lawful 2020 election results,” Chutkan wrote. She further

SUPREME COURT

from Page 4

statement read. Zona also insisted that Crow had always adhered to applicable tax laws.

Wyden drew attention to this discrepancy by pointing out that Thomas had updated earlier records to include additional international travel that Crow had provided.

“To date, Justice Thomas has never disclosed this private jet travel on any financial disclosure forms, even though Justice Thomas has amended disclosures to reflect other international travel on Mr. Crow’s private jet,” Wyden wrote.

The controversy surrounding Thomas’ undisclosed travel highlights broader calls for Supreme Court reform. President Joe Biden has recently advocated for substantial changes, includ -

determined that, based on anonymously sourced articles, Trump’s assertions failed to demonstrate any directive from Biden or the White House influencing the prosecution.

Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung responded with name calling and defiance.

“The Crazy Kamala Harris — Crooked Joe Biden Witch Hunts against President Trump have imploded just like their failed campaign,” Cheung said, adding that Trump’s team would continue to combat the charges vigorously.

The ruling marks Chutkan’s first major decision since the case resumed in her courtroom following an eight-month hiatus to address disputes over presidential immunity. The judge has set deadlines for court filings next week and a hearing on Aug. 16 to discuss the case’s timeline.

Trump’s wildly inaccurate claims hinged on reports from The Washington Post and The New York Times about internal Justice Department deliberations and Biden’s frustration with the investigation’s pace.

However, Chutkan found no evidence of politically motivated actions.

“There is no indication that Pres-

ing a constitutional amendment to limit presidential powers and ensure former presidents are not immune from federal criminal proceedings. In an op-ed, Biden emphasized the need for reforms to restore public trust in the judiciary.

Biden’s proposals include term limits for Supreme Court justices, suggesting 18-year terms to prevent any single presidency from exerting prolonged influence. He also called for stringent ethics requirements for Supreme Court justices, like those governing other federal judges.

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

ident Biden ever communicated any such directives to the Attorney General or the Justice Department,” Chutkan stated.

Additionally, Chutkan rejected Trump’s argument that the prosecution in the election case was retaliatory after his not-guilty plea in a separate classified information case. She clarified that accepting such a claim would create a loophole for defendants to derail cases against them by merely pleading not guilty and publicly criticizing the prosecution.

This ruling emerges amid the broader political context of the 2024 presidential race, where the Supreme Court has become a focal issue. Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic nominee, has emphasized the conservative court’s impact on issues such as abortion and affirmative action.

Biden’s three-prong proposal to reform the Supreme Court issued

5U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that former President Donald Trump presented “no meaningful evidence” of political targeting by the Biden administration. (Courtesy Photo)

a week ago, which includes imposing term limits for justices and establishing a binding code of conduct, has gained Harris’s support.

The proposal addresses the declining public confidence in the court, exacerbated by recent decisions,

including granting Trump some criminal immunity for his efforts to subvert the 2020 election results.

Harris’ stance on reproductive rights and Supreme Court reform is expected to be a central theme in the November election.

Incidentally, prominent media personality Charlamagne Tha God has voiced severe concerns about the Supreme Court’s legitimacy, predicting a potential constitutional crisis if Trump loses and then challenges the election results.

“The Supreme Court is no longer a legitimate institution,” he asserted. “When you look at the recent rulings — abolishing Roe v. Wade, granting presidential immunity for crimes, allowing elected officials to take bribes — it’s clear the Court is compromised.”

Charlamagne continued: “To be 100% clear, I absolutely believe that come November, if he loses, Donald Trump is going to challenge the results of the election, and I think the Supreme Court would overturn the results. I don’t know why we would expect them to do the right thing.”

WI

AROUND THE REGION

HALLE BERRY

AUG. 8

1866 – Explorer Matthew Henson, widely credited with being the first to reach the North Pole, is born in Nanjemoy, Maryland.

1907 – Famed jazz musician Benny Carter is born in Harlem.

1975 – Jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley dies in Gary, Indiana, at 46.

AUG. 9

1936 – Track and field athlete Jesse Owens wins his fourth gold medal of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, the Games also known for Adolf Hitler's claims of "Aryan racial superiority."

1961 – James B. Parsons is nominated by President John F. Kennedy as the first Black federal judge.

1963 – Pop icon and actress Whitney Houston is born in East Orange, New Jersey.

AUG. 10

1858 – Anna J. Cooper, distinguished author and scholar who was a prominent figure in D.C.'s Afri can American community, is born in Raleigh, North Carolina.

1989 – President George H.W. Bush nominates Colin Powell as the first African American chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.

AUG. 11

1868 – Thaddeus Stevens, one of the leaders of the Radical Republicans who opposed slavery, dies in Washington, D.C.

1873 – J. Rosamond Johnson, African American composer and brother of James Weldon Johnson, is born. He is best known for composing "Lift Every

AUGUST 8 - 14 , 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

Voice and Sing," written by his brother and regarded as the "Negro National Anthem."

Alex Haley, who authored "Roots: The Saga of an American Family" and "The Autobiography of Malcolm X," is born in Ithaca,

Chad gains independence

The Watts riots begin in Los Angeles after the traffic stop and arrest of an African American man. The riots lasted seven days and resulted in 34 deaths and $40 million in property damage.

, an internationally renowned African American opera singer, is born in Washing-

, the nation's first Black federal judge, is born in Kansas City, Missouri. 1933 – Joycelyn Elders, the first Black U.S. surgeon general, is born in Schaal, Arkansas.

AUG. 14

1876 – Prairie View A&M University, a historically Black institution, is established in Prairie View, Texas. 1959 – Basketball great Earvin "Magic" Johnson is born in Lansing, Michigan.

COLIN POWELL

AROUND THE REGION

view

P INT

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

For the first time in 20 years, an American conquered gold in the Olympic 100-meter event. Noah Lyles, an Alexandria, Va. native, won the race in a photo finish at the Paris games.

What are your thoughts on this achievement?

HENRIQUE NANGA / WASHINGTON, D.C.

JACQUELINE WHITE / BEAUMONT, TEXAS

Congratulations! That was a nail-biter race.

That was the best race ever with the fastest man in the world!

MELISSA RICHBURG / BROOKLYN, N.Y.

ANTHONY GARDNER / SEATTLE, WASH.

It was an exciting race! I knew it was going to be a nail-biter, but wow! Congratulations to Noah and to all the runners. The race did not disappoint!

Congratulations, Noah Lyles, on the gold medal!

KATHY THOMAS / WASHINGTON, D.C. Black excellence!

D. C. Black Chamber Holds Open House in Anacostia Seminars, Advice Offered to Entrepreneurs

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Nicole Allen serves as the president and chief operations officer for Allen-Norris Permitting & Inspections located in Northeast, D.C.

Allen’s firm is a full-service engineering and construction management firm specializing in comprehensive lifecycle planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining commercial and economic development projects. Her team of professionals have the capacity to manage projects of any size, from large commercial construction to tiny homes.

neurs and community leaders at the event to learn more about programs and opportunities the District government and stakeholders such as financial institutions have to offer.

Corey Arnez Griffin, the chairman of the board of the GWBCC, said events such as the Open House are a way for Black businesses to learn how to participate in business in the District of Columbia.

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

Despite her expertise, Allen participated intensely at the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC) Open House that took place at the Anacostia Arts Center in the Anacostia neighborhood of Ward 8 in Southeast on July 30.

“I was a panelist for one of the seminars,” said Allen, 50, who participated in “How Mentorship Can Support the Growth of Your Business” panel. “I participated on behalf of the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development as a participant in its ELEVATE cohort program. I feel I had a responsibility to share my experience in building a business.”

Allen joined a number of entrepre-

D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large), who chairs the Committee on Economic Development, spoke at the luncheon, saying it is his goal to make the District more racially equitably when it comes to the city giving more contracts to Black businesses.

THE OPEN HOUSE

A series of seminars were co-sponsored by the D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.

A popular seminar was “Personal Financial Preparedness,” with panelists Michelle Hammonds, director of the Office of Financial Empowerment and Education of D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking (DISB); Aaron Fenwick, DCBIZ Cap Program Manager of the D.C. Department of Insurance, Security and Banking (DISB); and Danielle Logan, vice president and relations manager of M&T Bank.

Logan told 30 attendees in the facility’s theater room that business owners should look at their credit reports on a regular basis.

“A good credit score for a business is 650 or higher with no collections or judgments,” Logan said. “When banks loan money, they want you to put skin in the game, meaning they would like for you to put up 10-20% of the amount of the loan you are seeking.”

Logan said banks also look at contracts that the business has, lease agreements and their tax returns. She advised the attendees to have an active relationship with their banker.

In addition, Logan counseled the attendees to have a business credit card that is separate from their personal card.

“There are tax advantages to having a business credit card,” she said, emphasizing that if business goes bad, banks have the right to go after personal assets in order to recoup their money.

Hammonds agreed with Logan on the point of having a relationship with their banker.

“A lot of businesses could not qualify for PPP loans during the pandemic because they didn’t have a relationship with a bank,” she said.

Fenwick said banks and other financial institutions offer funds to businesses with the aim of getting their money back and more.

He said business owners need a team of professionals that consists of a banker, legal support, a government agency contact, and accounting services.

There were also seminars on artificial intelligence for small businesses, the cost of doing business in the District, and the arts and business.

While Allen said she was not a member of the chamber, she said she hopes to become a member after attending the Open House.

“It is absolutely on my radar,” said Allen, citing GWBCC’s president and CEO Aisha Bond as a reason for joining the organization. “This organization is a space for minority-owned businesses to have advocacy and training.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

5Aisha Bond is the president and CEO of the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy Photo/ Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce)

AROUND THE REGION

Virginia Black Chamber Seeks to Embolden Minority Firms

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Machelle Williams is an entrepreneur in Fredericksburg, Virginia and wants to seek more opportunities for her voice-over business, Machelle’s Voice. To take her business to another level, she decided to participate in the Fifth Annual Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (VABCC) Conference & Expo at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.

Williams, 59, said she was glad she decided to participate in conference held Aug. 2-4.

“I joined the chamber very recently,” she told The Informer. “My goal is to expand my business in the state of Virginia.”

Williams joined dozens of entrepreneurs, speakers and vendors at the conference that worked from the theme “Automate, Accelerate and Innovate Your Business.” The threeday conference featured information sessions, a Melanin Marketplace with vendors, and entertainment activities such as a comedy show and a dinner cruise.

BEHIND THE VIRGINIA BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, founded by Ernisha Hall and Tracey Hall in August 2023 officially as a chamber. It had operated as a business-oriented nonprofit before then. The thrust behind the founding was driven by their passion for entrepreneurship and community development with a vision of serving as an advocate and resource for businesses, primarily, but not exclusively, minority and female-owned firms.

“We sponsor a number of activities related to businesses in Virginia,” said Ernisha Hall, the president and CEO of the Fredericksburg-based VABCC. “We have sponsored an advocacy day in February where we and our members go to Richmond to speak with our legislators about our concerns. Plus, we have a Govcon conference in Richmond in April where govern-

ment officials talk to entrepreneurs about minority business development programs and hold workshops on how businesses can get certifications to do business with the state.”

The VABCC, was officially established as a Chamber in 2023 and is a member of the District-based U.S. Black Chambers Inc., led by president and CEO Ron Busby Sr.. Hall said her organization is not affiliated with the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce.

“The Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce focuses on northern Virginia, while we focus on the entire state,” she said.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE EMPHASIZES NETWORKING, GROWTH

The conference kicked off on Aug. 2, with attendees participating in a speed networking activity where business cards and information were facilitated at a rapid pace.

The following day, the business conference started with sessions under the theme “Automate, Accelerate and Innovate,” throughout the day.

Erin Reddick, the founder and CEO of ChatBlackGPT, a company that specializes in using artificial intelligence for the benefit of the Black community, led a session on the new technology.

“AI technology is there to help you do what you need to do faster,” Reddick said in a room filled with 40 people. “For less than $100 a month, you could exponentially grow your business using AI.”

Entrepreneurs Coach T, Bola Audena and Brian Robertson were participants in a panel discussion called “Resilient Entrepreneur: Turn Setbacks into Success Stories.”

“Resilience is learning from setbacks,” said Robertson, CEO of Marion Marketing Global LLC in Mechanicsville, Virginia. “Resilience is learning from failures. Resilience is learning from mistakes.”

Audena, the CEO of MBA Growth Partners in Rockville, Maryland, said resilience “is accepting and under-

standing the process of growth.”

Coach T, who runs Fyt 2 Live based in Richmond, said “resilience is a mindset– a thought— and it starts with a choice and ends with a choice.”

After the morning session, attendees participated in workshops of their choice with topics such as access to capital, flipping stocks, resilience, and artificial intelligence as options.

Other activities included a keynote address by Hall on the importance of business and the VABCC and a pitch competition for a $5,000 prize.

A lower level of the hotel was sectioned off for the Melanin Marketplace where vendors ranging from banks to skin-care businesses offered their services and products.

The VABCC engages entrepreneurs from around the state.

Sherrie B. Thomas, co-owner of Global Gifts Travel LLC of Fredericksburg, is well acquainted with the VABCC.

“I am a chamber ambassador,” Thomas, 52. “I go out and talk to other people about the chamber. My goal is to drive membership.”

On Aug. 4, the organization had brunch on one of the hotel’s top floors.

Shawn Stallworth, who owns a security services/networking data firm in Richmond, said attending the conference was beneficial.

“The experience of being here, the networking and supportive community was worth it,” Stallworth, 38, said. “Meeting other entrepreneurs, the keynote speakers and the information was valuable.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

5Ernisha Hall is the president and CEO of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy Photo/Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce)

AROUND THE REGION

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair.”

– Shirley Chisholm

Page, from Adams-Morgan reading the latest Washington Informer Newspaper at Phillips After 5. (Ja'Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

Jordan White and team celebrating after winning the title fight held at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, District of Columbia on 2024-08-03. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)

Get Ready for an Epic 20th Anniversary DC Jazz Fest

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer @bcscomm

There have been tons of highpoints over the course of DC Jazz Fest’s two-decade history, and the upcoming 20th anniversary will put the musical celebration into overdrive.

Under the leadership of native Washingtonian Sunny Sumter, president and CEO of the DC Jazz Fest (DCJF), the 20th anniversary event promises the Washington area will be flooded with an extraordinary group of jazz talent and fans for the love of the music.

DCJF was founded in 2004 by jazz producer Charles Fishman and his wife, attorney Stephanie Peters. Sumter said the festival continues to carry out its original mission.

“Charlie was envisioning that we would celebrate D.C. as one of the major jazz hubs in the world,” said Sumter. “I think this city is such a vibrant place for this music. For us to be one of the leading organizations driving that, for me as a Washingtonian, it means the world to me.”

MAKING TALENT FIT TOGETHER

Festival Artistic Director Willard Jenkins said planning for the events is a meticulous process. Jenkins, a recent 2024 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, spoke about organizing what attendees will experience.

“We are exposing audiences to some artists that they would not hear otherwise,” said Jenkins about what makes DC Jazz Fest special. “It's one thing to bring together a whole lot of talent. It's another thing to make sure it fits together.”

Sumpter and Jenkins ensure DCJF is an event that is multi-generational, and includes gender equity, veterans, up-and-coming artists, hometown D.C. talent, and celebrates a global presence of jazz.

Some choice music sets include one of the hottest sax players currently on the scene, Lakecia Benjamin, and Australian trumpeter James Morrison who perform

at the Embassy of Australia on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Then there’s an interesting mix of music featuring Samara Joy, Jacob Collier, and DJ D-Nice at the Anthem on the Wharf on Friday, Aug. 30, and pianist Emmet Cohen with 89-yearold saxophonist Houston Person will perform a set on Aug. 31.

For the first time at DCJF, Confluencia, an all-female contemporary jazz fusion band from Santiago, Chile, will perform. Italian trumpet and flugelhorn player Paolo Fresu will also perform at the festival. Both Confluencia and Fresu will perform on Aug. 31.

Last year, New York-based New Jazz Underground won the DCJF 2023 Grand Prixe Band competition for newer bands and will be performing.

Finally, Harpist Brandee Younger will bring her trio, delivering soulful sounds reminiscent of Alice Coltrane.

DC AREA JAZZ ARTISTS

An intergenerational pairing of

D.C. musicians who are both educators in higher education includes DCJF Artist-in-Residence and bassist Corcoran Holt and NEA Jazz Master and drummer Billy Hart. They will collaborate for a set called “Generations of Drumming on Aug. 31.

In addition to these two D.C. natives, there are so many artists and groups performing who got their start in the DMV area.

JAZZ FEST Page 36

5Allyn Johnson. (Courtesy Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Negro League Legends Hall of Fame and USPS Team Up to Honor Hank Aaron with Forever Stamp

Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

The United States Postal Service and the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame (NLLHOF) are teaming up to honor legendary slugger Henry “Hank” Aaron on Aug. 17 at the Prince George’s County Stadium in Bowie, Maryland.

In a private ceremony held in the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame suite at 10 a.m., the Forever stamp celebrating Aaron will be on sale and a special pictorial cancellation for collectors will be the main event. The special pictorial cancellation will be available at the

Bowie Post Office until Sept. 17.

The public stamp ceremony will begin at noon at the stadium. This stamp ceremony will occur on the same day as the annual East- West All Star Vintage baseball game, which is free and will begin at 1 p.m., and include a tribute to Levi Drew who played on the Indianapolis Clowns, Aaron’s old team, in 1957.

There will also be an auto show outside of Prince George’s Stadium beginning at 10 a.m.

CELEBRATING

HANK AARON

Aaron retired holding numerous records, including most home

Council Chair Jolene Ivey Declared Winner in Special Election

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

The Prince George’s County Council At-Large special election came to a close on Tuesday night and Council Chair Jolene Ivey was declared the victor around 10 p.m.

In this low-turnout election, Ivey received over 9,000 votes and Bowie Mayor Tim Adams came in second place with just over 5,200 votes.

Roughly 20,000 voters participated in the Democratic primary election while over 100,000 voted for At-Large during the 2022 primary election.

Michael Riker received 47.82% of the vote in the Republican primary. It is expected that Ivey will win

5 The Henry Aaron stamps will be given to some of the private ceremony’s attendees on a custom NLLHOF envelope. This envelope includes a collage of rare Negro League images. (Courtesy Photo/NLLHOF)

4 The United States Postal Service and the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame (NLLHOF) are honoring legendary slugger Henry “Hank” Aaron with a Forever stamp on Aug. 17 at the Prince George’s County Stadium in Bowie, Maryland. (Courtesy Photo/NLLLHOF)

runs and most runs batted in, and he was the last active MLB player who participated in the Negro Leagues. He remains the all time leader in total bases and extra base hits, second all time in home runs, and third all time in hits.

Following his Hall of Fame career, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002 and worked in the front office of the Atlanta Braves. He died in 2021 at the age of 86. “He was a giant both on and off the field. He rose from humble beginnings to rewrite the record books while prevailing in the face of racism,”

said USPS specialist Mark Wahl, who is serving as one of the dedicating officials for the ceremony alongside Sims. “Hank Aaron was a gifted athlete and one of the most prolific hitters in baseball history. It’s an honor to celebrate his incredible legacy with a Forever stamp.”

the Nov. 5 general election, which will be hosted the same day as the general election for the presidential and congressional races.

Ivey is currently suffering from COVID and gave her thanks to supporters at her campaign HQ via Zoom.

“I want to be with you all,” she said from a laptop held by Cheverly Councilmember Amy Jean Chung Fry. “It’s been such a short period of time, it wasn’t less work: it was more work all at once.”

Her son, Del. Julian Ivey (D) served as the campaign manager for Ivey’s campaign and he thanked their many volunteers and supporters who covered the polls and made phone calls to prospective voters.

“We would not be here with-

Wahl noted that during Aaron’s chase to break Babe Ruth’s then-record 714 home runs, Aaron received more mail than any other non-politician in America. Much of this was racist hate mail intended to deter and discourage him. Wahl remembers watching that record-breaking home run to this day.

AFRICAN AMERICANS’ CONTRIBUTION TO BASEBALL

out the support of everyone in this room,” he said. “I want to thank everyone who is here: the County Council is actually really important and they do significant work. One elected official I’ll thank by name is the standard bearer, the one who introduced us to Prince George’s politics: Congressman Glenn Ivey.” WI

“I remember vividly where I was on April 8, 1974. All across the United States, baseball fans stopped whatever they were doing and crouched a little closer to their glowing television screens,” he said. “I was watching a small black and white TV in my parent’s bedroom at 212 Verna Drive, just after 9 p.m., it was school night, but this 13-year-old had to stay up late in this suburb of Pittsburgh to witness history. In those days playing in our fantasy world of wiffle ball, if you were a left-handed hitter, you were Willie Stargell and if right-handed, Hank Aaron.”

NLLHOF FOUNDER HIGHLIGHTS

Negro League Legends Hall of Fame founder Dwayne Renal Sims is a noted historian and archivist of Black baseball history, stretching back to the late 19th century, and will be serving as a dedicated official during the ceremony. He has been working for decades to spread awareness and recognition of the long legacy of Black baseball and was a sponsor to the 2002 congressional tribute to the Negro Leagues.

“When I founded the NLLHOF, my late godfather Frank Evans, who played for the Cleveland Buckeyes and Birmingham Black Barons, shared a list of phone numbers and addresses of 50 plus baseball players who played for the ‘love of the game.’ including Willie Mays and Monte Irving,” said Sims.

“I did not know that my curiosity would become a hobby, then

AARON Page 24

Richard

5 County Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D) gave thanks to her supporters via Zoom as she was suffering from COVID.

(Rob Roberts/Washington Informer)

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

MAHOGANY BOOKS CELEBRATES JAMES BALDWIN’S 100TH BIRTHDAY WITH BLACK BOOKS MATTER FEST

National Harbor’s Black-owned bookstore Mahogany Books hosted a Black Books Matter Fest commemorating legendary author James Baldwin on Aug. 3. During this event, books by Baldwin, a storyteller whose works have greatly inspired other writers, were spotlighted, while other authors sold their works.

“As a reader, I can see [Baldwin’s] influence in other writings I’ve read. His impact is that his words gave people the permission to be fully free and to experience their Black humanity in full,” said Derrick A. Young, who co-founded the bookstore with his wife Ramunda Young.

The husband and wife take pride in hosting events to celebrate Black authors like Baldwin, particularly as conservative legislators across the nation are actively removing books by Black authors from libraries.

“The job of a writer is to connect people to different worlds, whether it’s a fictional world or a past history or someone’s present experience. An excellent writer can bring emotion that makes a reader fully appreciate the moment. Baldwin was able to put people who are viewing Black and queer existence from the outside, to help them understand what those communities were experiencing,” Derrick Young told The Informer. “Baldwin helped writers contextualize things in a way that readers can feel and understand things in a way that isn’t abstract. His impact is the emotion, the passion, the love he carried for people, his radical concern for the queer community, something that we see even more now from writers today. His writing has given people permission to speak loudly and boldly about their humanity.”

Both of the Youngs connect emotionally and deeply with Baldwin’s writings.

“What I’ve learned from Baldwin as a person, not just his writing, is that there is a sense of caution, an underly-

ing rage that is always with me because I see so many inequities. Seeing him and understanding him from his writing, his writing helped me to process that rage,” said Ramunda Young. “He was fully engaged in his community, in activism, in the church, and still learning to harness that rage in a way that is not dangerous or destructive, but productive. It’s wonderful to embrace that side of ourselves, and his writing does a great job to explain that parallel thinking within us.” WI

CONGRESSMAN

IVEY APPOINTED TO ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION TASK FORCE

Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey (DMd.) was appointed to the Attempted Assassination Task Force on July 29, alongside 12 other lawmakers. In a rare display of bipartisanship, the task force passed the House with 416 votes in favor and none opposed.

“I stand with Democratic Leader Jeffries and Speaker Johnson in want ing to follow the evidence and seek the truth about this awful incident in But ler, Pennsylvania. Regardless of political party, we must follow the facts and work with the evidence and first-hand witnesses to come to the conclusions as to how and why this happened,” said Ivey after the appointment. “We will do the work necessary to present to the American people a fact-based assess ment of what went wrong and what we can do better. I look forward to serving on this task force.”

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly, who was present at the rally in Butler, will be chairing the task force and former U.S. Army Ranger Jason Crow is the highest ranking Democrat. ‘

Following a previous hearing before the House Oversight Committee, Se cret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned her position.

“Safety and security of our presiden tial candidates is paramount. Getting to the bottom of the security failures which allowed such an attempt is of the utmost importance. Political violence is unacceptable and protecting folks seeking elective office is a step we should take to protect our democratic process,” Ivey declared. WI

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

JOHNSON TO LEAD MBDA

Harry E. Johnson Sr., who played a key role in the building of the Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial on the National Mall in the District, has been named chairman of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Advisory Committee by Acting Under Secretary of Commerce Eric Morrissette.

“I am honored to accept this appointment and look forward to working with the Advisory Committee to create opportunities and drive economic growth for minority business owners,” said Johnson. “Together, we will strive to build a more inclusive and prosperous

briefs

business environment.”

In his new role, Johnson will lead the Advisory Committee in providing strategic guidance and recommendations to the MBDA. The committee will make recommendations to the Secretary on key areas, including access to capital, access to government contracts, and advice on accessing global markets.

Additionally, the committee will help create a data repository to support minority-owned businesses. Johnson’s vision and leadership are expected to be instrumental in advancing the MBDA’s mission to foster the growth and competitiveness of minority business enterprises.

Johnson heads The Memorial Foundation, which has promoted

awareness of the Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial and its principles of democracy, justice, hope, and love, and supports its upkeep.

WELCOME HOME GRANT

shows that 50% of American small businesses fail during their first five years—despite their crucial contributions to local economies by driving job growth, innovation and business diversity.

For more information, call 301883-6900.

WI

DISTRICT DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES HOSTS JOB FAIR

The District of Columbia’s Department of Human Resources announces #DCIsHiring, HOT DAYS HOT JOBS 3.0, career fair on Aug. 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest.

Participants must register to attend the career fair.

From 2002 to 2013, Johnson led the effort to erect the memorial in the District, raising $127 million and dedicating it 2011.

Johnson is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and public servant with teaching assignments at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law and its School of Public Affairs. He served as the 31st general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Johnson is involved in numerous community initiatives and serves on several prominent boards including the AARP Foundation and the National Urban League.

FSC FIRST SOIREE

FSC First will hold its Summer Soiree Networking Event on Aug. 29 in recognition of August as Black Business Month and to celebrate the success of African American owned businesses in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The event will run from 5:307:30 p.m. and will take place at 4400 Forbes Blvd. Unit A, in Lanham, Maryland. Tickets are $25. Attendees will be able to connect with entrepreneurs and community leaders as well as help honor local Black businesses. The event is set to occur as recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Participating District governmental agencies will make onthe-spot job offers for available opportunities in several industries. Offers that cannot be made on-the-spot will be made within weeks after the event pending any required sustainability prescreening requirements.

The event is free and open to all jobseekers in the surrounding area who meet the appropriate pre-requisite skills and qualifications. During registration, candidates may select up to two positions to be considered for; registrants will still be able to visit all participating hiring entities.

Pending a resume review and qualifications assessment performed by the hiring agency, candidates identified with matching backgrounds may be selected to interview by the agency for which they have applied.

For more information, visit dchr. dc.gov.

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SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE PLATFORMS

Two updated small business resource platforms are live, DCSmallBIZHelp.com and Venturize.org.

DCSmallBIZHelp is a product of The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Develop-

5Harry E. Johnson Sr., who led efforts to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall, has been selected to serve as chair of the Minority Business Development Agency Advisory Committee. (Courtesy Photo/MLK Memorial Foundation)

BUSINESS BRIEFS from Page 14

ment and has been relaunched. It is a one-stop resource hub to help plan, start, and grow small businesses.

The newly revamped website connects small businesses to various services, programs, lenders, and government agencies in the District that can provide support, resources, or essential information to help plan, start and grow their businesses.

Venturize.org is a product of The Small Business Majority. A new website will aid small business owners, employees or self-employed entrepreneurs by offering educational programs and resources designed to empower.

Plus, the Connect2Capital loan match platform makes finding the right funding easier than ever. This resource information is provided as a courtesy of the DC Small Business Development Center Network.

To learn about MEDCO, visit medco-corp.com.

WI

TD READY CHALLENGE GRANTS

TD Bank has announced that applications have opened for its annual TD Ready Challenge grant program.

The program invites charitable and non-profit organizations to submit proposals for innovative solutions that support underserved small business owners in creating or growing their businesses. The bank will award 10 $1 million grants to organizations within its North America footprint helping small businesses promote innovation and inclusive growth via novel strategies, technologies or partnerships—particularly for industries still recovering post-pandemic, such as the arts.

Global Business Leadership Luncheon

Angie M. Gates, president and CEO of Events DC, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Global Business Leadership Luncheon on Aug. 15.

The luncheon will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest, starting at noon. Attendees will have the chance to network and explore new growth and collaborative measures.

The awardees this year will be The Calpro Group for Global Engagement Champion, Amazon for International Business Excellence and Maria Particia Corrales—Fiesta DC for Extraordinary Public Service Award.

For more information, visit gwhcc.org. WI @JamesWrightJr10

August is Black Business Month

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.,

I have been in the small business 9/* entrepreneurship movement for quite a few years now.  It was more than twenty years ago that I began to appreciate the importance of small business and entrepreneurial efforts to be the transformation of the Black community.  We know that there has been the racial wage gap in the United States.  We know that enslaved people were denied wages in order to build wealth for the business owners.  We know that oppressive wages and denial of employment opportunities were strategies used to grow profits on the backs of Black people through Jim Crow era and beyond.  We know that by creating enterprises of our own we acknowledge our own value and the value of the people in our community and are able to build wealth.

However, it is not without a struggle.  Black entrepreneurship is not an easy road to travel.   We know that most Black businesses do not have access to the resources and funds afforded other communities with historic wealth and access to wealth, either through direct racist policies or through years of economic oppression.  We know that most Black businesses do not have access to opportunities that are afforded to other communities.  We know that many of the relationships that begat business are not afforded and are often blatantly denied Black businesses.  We know that direct harm is aimed at successful Black businesses as evidenced by Black Wall Street in Tulsa.

What we know is that we still take on the efforts of the struggle.  We know that it is the collective strength and honor that allows us to mobilize.  Over 20 years ago, I became a part of the Black Chamber movement.  We know that being the voice of the voiceless was important.   Black Business is important because we know that it is the way in which we raise the economic realities of the Black community.  Black businesses employ Black people.   Through the Black chambers we can bring information and resources to the Black community that truly are effective in starting, growing and saving Black businesses. Access to information is vital in being able to survive.  I am privileged to say that I was involved in the creation of the US Black Chambers, Inc.  The US Black Chambers has been the voice of Black Business for the last 15 years.

As we have experienced the pandemic, thousands of businesses were dependent on information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans that were transformational for the small business owner.  The US Black Chambers, Inc., was the vehicle that provided information to thousands of Black businesses that struggled to survive.  The collaborative efforts of the Black business community are vital to make voices heard.  As Frederick Douglas stated hundreds of years ago, “Power concedes nothing without a demand.  It never has and it never will.”  The collaboration of Black businesses to fight injustice and inequity is necessary to fight evils of unrestricted power.

I have been privileged as the last incorporator of the US Black Chambers still serving.  I was proud to expend my time, talent and resources as a Board member and the corporate counsel for the US Black Chambers from the inception until today.  It is with great pride that I step down to allow for the next advocate to serve.

As Ron Busby, Sr., President and CEO, of the US Black Chamber, Inc., states, to have a strong America, we must have a strong Black America.  To have a strong Black America, we need to have strong Black businesses.  To have strong Black businesses we must have strong Black chambers.  We as a people must stand together against injustice, inequity and fight for the strong America.  We are better together.

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. Life and Legacy

Counselors

5335 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 440, Washington DC 20015

1401 Mercantile Lane, Suite 271, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

1100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1010, Arlington VA 22201

https://www.lifeandlegacy.law/ (855) 574-8481

5 Angie M. Gates, president and CEO of Events DC, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Global Business Leadership Luncheon on Aug. 15.

Breaking News: Kamala Harris Selects Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Running Mate

By Stacy M. Brown and Ashleigh Fields WI Senior Writer and WI Contributing Writer

After much speculation and a whirlwind of last-minute vetting and interviewing candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz as her running mate.

Various reports as late as Monday, Aug. 4, suggested that Harris had narrowed her choices to Walz

and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Other contenders were also considered, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.

Walz brings a diverse and extensive background to the ticket. His career spans over two decades in the Army National Guard, including deployment overseas after the 9/11 attacks and a dedicated period as an educator and coach. His political journey began with a surprising victory over a six-term Republican incumbent in 2006, during a Democratic wave

year. Walz maintained his seat in a typically red district until he ran for governor in 2018, after which the seat reverted to GOP control.

During his tenure as governor, Walz has faced significant challenges and navigated a series of political and social upheavals, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd, which sparked global anti-racist protests. Despite criticisms and complaints, Walz’s

LEADS TO PROSPERITY!

leadership led to a Democratic trifecta in Minnesota by early 2023.

“Right now, Minnesota is showing the country you don't win elections to bank political capital – you win elections to burn political capital and improve lives,” Walz told supporters in June of 2023, six months after being re-elected to the governorship.

Forbes Magazine highlighted Walz’s appeal as a moderate Democrat with a working-class background and rural roots, making him an attractive option for independents and moderate Democrats. Former Senator Heidi Heitkamp praised Walz for his relatable life experiences, which align with those of many rural Americans.

Walz’s political career began with a stint on former Massachusetts Senator John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign.

His transition from teaching on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where he met his wife, Gwen, to teaching in China and later at a high school in Mankato, Minnesota, set the stage for his political aspirations.

As governor, Walz’s accomplishments include ensuring tuition-free meals at state universities, enshrining abortion rights into state law, banning conversion therapy, and protecting gender-affirming healthcare. Recently, he defended those measures against right-wing criticism, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare and education.

In May, Walz expanded voting rights in Minnesota for an estimated 55,000 formerly incarcerated residents.

Walz is also a strong advocate for the child tax credit which Minnesota leads the nation in implementing.

“Minnesota has the strongest Child Tax Credit in the nation,” Walz posted on X. With nearly 440,000 children already benefiting, it’s cutting child poverty and giving hardworking families the breathing room they need to get ahead.”

While he has faced backlash from Minnesota Republicans over his stance on gender-affirming care, Waltz has also been criticized for recent comments targeting political opponents.

Meanwhile, Harris’ presidential campaign has continued to gain momentum, securing significant endorsements and unprecedented financial support.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the United Auto Workers (UAW) have all endorsed her candidacy.

Fueling Harris’ campaign is a historic fundraising effort. More than $310 million was raised in July alone, marking the largest single-month haul of the 2024 cycle. That brought her campaign’s total fundraising to over $1 billion, surpassing previous records and outpacing the Trump campaign.

As the Democratic National Convention approaches, Harris and Walz’s campaign seeks to capitalize on the momentum.

“We know the hard work required to secure a victory in November, and we are committed to seeing it through,” Harris Campaign Manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez declared after the record-breaking fundraising month. “When we fight together, we win.”

WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz as her running mate. (Courtesy Photo/KamalaHarrisCampaign.com)

NABJ Offers Black Journalists Fellowship, Career-Growth Opportunities Annual Convention Celebrates 49 Years of Change-Making

By Jada Ingleton WI Comcast Digital Equity Fellow

Despite a contentious session featuring former President Donald Trump on the first official day of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference in Chicago on July 31, last week’s five-day convening drew thousands of media specialists for a celebration of the beauty and boldness of Black storytelling.

“We, as Black journalists, are in the business of telling the truth about ourselves, which can be challenging in a country that has suppressed the truth about us for its entire existence, and which depends on the suppression of the truth about us to consolidate political power,” said Joy Reid, host of MSNBC’s “The ReidOut” in a live panel with NBCU Academy.

The yearly convening of Black journalists, which will celebrate 50

years in 2025, connects industry experts and novices through interactive workshops, breakout sessions and presentations that gauge important topics in the journalism community and help develop crucial skills to use in the field.

“Everyone at NABJ is invested in the other folks at NABJ. It's almost…like we take this responsibility for your success,” said Raschanda Hall, president and founder of Social Pearls, LLC, and media-related representative on the NABJ Board. “It's all of us trying to help each other shine more so that the industry can move forward, and that we can have better visibility across the board, across different areas of communication from broadcast to print to blogging, to production, really all of it. It's the accessibility, that's what makes us different.”

Aside from providing a space for like-minded individuals to receive hands-on experience, NABJ has

served a pivotal role in conversations leading to corporations. Randy Buffington, a seven-time NABJ veteran and brand lead for Gallery Media

5Yamiche Alcindor of NBC News Washington; Joy Reid, host of MSNBC’s “The ReidOut;” Antonia Hylton, NBC News correspondent; Trymaine Lee, NBC News correspondent; and Leroy Chapman Jr. of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution during a panel discussion on Aug. 1 titled “Reclaiming Our History, Reporting Our Truth.” (Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer)

NATIONAL Legendary Photographer Roy Lewis Honored by the National Association of Black Journalists at Chicago Convention

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Legendary photojournalist Roy Lewis has photographed the ordinary, from children dancing, to the extraordinary, such as presidents and civil rights leaders. Last week the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) honored Lewis for his role in capturing images across Black America for decades.

Born in Natchez, Mississippi, Lewis moved to Chicago at the

age of 17, where he went to work for John H. Johnson, founder of Johnson Publishing Company, which birthed publications such as Ebony and JET Magazine

“Lewis is a renowned photographer and activist whose photography career started in 1964 when JET Magazine published his photograph of musician Thelonious Monk. His work has been celebrated nationwide, including in the ‘Everywhere Exhibition,’ beginning in 2008 at the Essence

Music Festival,” NABJ wrote about Lewis, who also works as a photographer for The Washington Informer.

Lewis said he worked for Johnson “at a special time.”

“I worked for Mr. Johnson from 1956 to 1968 and to be honored on this Avenue. It's not about the pictures, it's about the feeling of being honored by your peers and being back in Chicago where I did some of my top work. It was magnificent,” said Lewis, who received

NABJ’s Legacy Award on Friday, Aug. 2, during a Hall of Fame Luncheon during the organization’s annual convention.

The longtime photojournalist was nominated by Sam Ford, a founding member of the NABJ who worked as a broadcaster for three decades reporting news locally for WJLA. Ford has gotten to know the photographer over the years, as Lewis has become a staple to District journalism, since he left Chicago in 1973 and moved to Washington, D.C.

“Roy has been part of the Wash-

ington press corp for as far as I can remember,” Ford told The Informer.

Dr. Ben Chavis, executive director of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, also congratulated Lewis on the award and his continued commitment to photojournalism.

“The National Newspaper Publishers Association salutes Roy Lewis as a phenomenal photojournalist and for his long-standing contribution to freedom, justice, and equality, Roy Lewis is an icon of the Black Press.” WI

Group, applauds the conference for its communal value and place in opening doors for careers, including throughout his own.

“Every job that I've had, and just anything good that happened to me in my career has been off the strength of people looking out at NABJ. I can't thank the organization enough for where it's led me in my career,” Buffington said.

In addition to “enriching his career” through connections with other historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) student journalists, Auzzy Byrdsell, recent graduate of Morehouse College and current Metro Reporter for Boston Globe Media, told the Informer an important takeaway of the conference for him is the representation of Black men in newsrooms, especially within different areas of interest.

“NABJ does a great job of showing young Black men [who] are entering multimedia a great representation of Black men who are doing great investigations, Black men who are covering politics, Black men who are covering other types of stories outside of sports, because we're needed to tell those stories,” Byrdsell said.

Trymaine Lee, NBC News correspondent, had similar views in response to the role of organizations like NABJ in propelling the Black community forward.

“We can't rely on anyone else to teach our children. We can't rely on anyone else to save us. I think now more than ever, we need to come together, as we always have, as a community…and ensure that our stories are being told properly, and that we're the torch bearers of history,” Lee told the Informer.

WI

5CNBC anchor Frank Holland, legendary photojournalist and Washington Informer photographer Roy Lewis, and CNN anchor Abby Phillip at the National Association of Black Journalists 2024 Hall of Fame Luncheon on Aug. 2. (Courtesy

Photo/Roland Martin)

NABJ from Page 17

“I’m proud of myself. My daughter is even more proud of me.”

— Keisha G., Kingman Park

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5The East African Community One Network Area expanded with the entry of Burundi, effective Aug. 1. Burundi joined Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania, as partner states that implemented the ONA that effectively reduces the high cost of telecommunications in the region. (Courtesy Photo)

The East African Community (EAC) One Network Area (ONA) has expanded with the entry of Burundi effective Aug. 1, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper, reported on Friday, Aug. 2.

In a statement issued to the public dated July 29, the Burundi Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ACRT) announced new tariffs for regional roaming in accordance with the directives of an October 2023 decree on the accession to the EAC ONA.

Burundi now joins Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania, as partner states that implemented the ONA that effectively reduces the high cost of telecommunications in the region. The One Network Area commenced on January 1, 2015, initially covering Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.

“These unique tariffs, competitive on a regional scale, will significantly reduce the costs of cross-border communications within the EAC,” said ACRT in the statement.

The ACRT further directed mobile network operators to clearly communicate the applicable tariffs for regional direct and roaming framework communications and apply the detailed billing to verify the communications made and the amounts invoiced, adding that this would ensure a transparent, reliable, and satisfactory user experience.

The entry of Burundi into the ONA means that six out of the eight EAC partner states have now onboarded into the arrangement that promises cheaper calls and mobile data roaming charges across the region. The newest countries in the bloc - DR Congo and Somalia - are yet to join the ONA.

The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Andrea Aguer Ariik, hailed Burundi for joining the network adding that the move would ease the doing of business in East Africa and aid the free movement of persons, workers, services, and capital as enshrined in the EAC Common Market Protocol.

The Framework for Harmonised EAC roaming was developed and approved by the 30th Meeting of the Council of Ministers in 2014 and endorsed by the EAC Heads of State in February 2015. This imposed price caps on roaming charges and called for the removal of surcharges on cross-border telecommunications traffic originating and terminating within the East African Community.

The 16th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State directed the Council to expedite the implementation of the Framework for Harmonised EAC roaming charges, including the removal of surcharges for international telecommunications traffic originating and terminating within the EAC by July 15.

5Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation the Hon. Matthew Samuda (center left), and United States Ambassador to Jamaica His Excellency N. Nickolas Perry (center right), sign a $61-million grant agreement on Wednesday, July 31. Leonard Francis (left) Lambrini Kolios (right) serve as witnesses. (Courtesy Photo)

Jamaica’s National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) will undertake a study on the impact of reverse osmosis (RO) technology, which is a purification process that can be used to transform seawater into potable water. Reverse osmosis is a multistage water filtration process that is used to remove up to 99.9% of contaminants such as dissolved salts, chemicals, unwanted minerals, and biological substances from seawater. The resulting filtered water would, thereafter, be deemed fit for domestic use.

The study is being facilitated through a $61-million technical assistance grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and will be undertaken at 13 NEPA-approved RO sites islandwide. It will also examine RO systems being utilized in at least four international jurisdictions to determine whether best practices in these territories can be adopted in Jamaica at the industrial or municipal scale and inform the permit process.

The undertaking was formalized during a grant agreement signing ceremony at the local agency’s Caledonia Avenue office in Kingston on Wednesday, July 31. USTDA is the U.S. government’s overseas project preparation agency.

The agreement was signed by NEPA’s Chief Executive Officer Leonard Francis, and USTDA’s Country Manager for Latin American and the Caribbean Lambrini Kolios.

The proceedings were witnessed by the Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation the Hon. Matthew Samuda and His Excellency N. Nickolas Perry, United States Ambassador to Jamaica. WI

DIRECTOR

CHARON P.W. HINES

Dear Seniors,

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the US Aging Conference in Tampa, FL, for the second time. This experience was profoundly enriching and inspiring. The US Aging Conference is known for its peer-topeer learning, insights into federal policy and national trends, and tremendous networking opportunities. For me, it continues to be instrumental in building my capacity as the Director of the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL).

From July 8th through 11th, I, along with three members of my senior leadership team and three of our agency’s managers,

Live Boldly - August 2024 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living

joined professionals from across the country to advance the cause of aging well in our nation.

This year, it was crucial not only for me to enhance my DACL toolkit but also for those on the forefront of our work to do the same. These are the individuals who support our teams at DACL day in and day out. I witnessed firsthand how the workshops and seminars sharpened their skills and knowledge, enabling them to share this new expertise with Team DACL and better serve District seniors each day.

I also had the opportunity to connect with regional and national colleagues engaged in similar work. We explored how we can leverage each other's knowledge to make our communities the best places to age. Many workshops I attended covered topics we at DACL have already shared with our seniors, such as scam and fraud prevention and healthy aging. Hearing these issues discussed nationally reinforced that we are on the right track here in the District. We are committed to ensuring you can continue to live boldly in the communities you know and love and equipping you with every tool needed to enjoy your daily lives.

We made lasting relationships nationwide that can be utilized to bring about positive change in our city. Attending this conference has added fuel to the flame that supports all our seniors each day. My team and I are excited to be back and work towards a better future for all of you.

As we gear up for September, we

are excited to celebrate National Centenarian Day, honoring our older residents aged 100 and over. Last year, we hosted nearly 40 of the District’s Centenarians and celebrated their life accomplishments. This year will be no different. If you have a loved one who will be 100 years old by August 15, 2024, I invite you to register them for Mayor Bowser’s 38th Annual Centenarian Salute.

To register, call (202) 724-5626 or email dacl.communications@ dc.gov. Please send the name, date of birth, contact information, and bio for everyone you are registering. Registration ends August 15, 2024. I look forward to celebrating all of DC’s Centenarians next month.

In Service, Charon P.W. Hines

In Service,   Charon P.W. Hines   Director, DACL

"I also had the opportunity to connect with regional and national colleagues engaged in similar work. We explored how we can leverage each other's knowledge to make our communities the best places to age. Many workshops I attended covered topics we at DACL have already shared with our seniors, such as scam and fraud prevention and healthy aging."

HEALTH

Improving The Welfare of Black Maternal Mental Health

Filling The Healthcare Gap That Black Mothers Desperately Need

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

The prevalence of medical racism and bias in the healthcare space presents dangerous challenges for Black expectant mothers across the country. But, where general obstetricians lack the cultural competency to serve Black families with the proper care that they need, Black midwives commonly stand as a viable line of defense against poor maternal and infant health outcomes.

In a time where U.S. hospitals rank high in their quality of obstetrics and gynecology services worldwide, somehow, Black women are still the most likely to die

from complications related to childbirth or pregnancy.

“Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as variation in quality healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Racha Tahani, founder and CEO of Gather Grounded Midwifery, knows about the disparities Black women face all too well.

“The folks that are coming into midwifery care, oftentimes, have been on the receiving end of not being heard, not being respect-

ed, mistreated, traumatized, even sometimes, by the health system.”

Tahani, owner of the first Black birthing center of Central Virginia (located in Richmond), serves a dire need in a community of mothers seeking a nurturing escape from the negligence reported in general obstetric practices.

Whether it be amid wellness visits, pap tests, mental health checks, or even searching for therapists who understand what it is to be African American, Tahani noted the perils Black women often face when seeking physicians who can accurately address the myriad of experiences inherent in Blackness.

“[Black women are] going into places where racism is to this day, still being upheld in the teaching of medicine and reproductive health,” Tahani said.

A LONG HISTORY OF BLACK MIDWIVES

While general obstetrics has become the normalized form of maternal care for expecting mothers, midwifery actually predates medicine. In the United States, Black women in the south and rural areas depended on their midwives to carry out a healthy and successful childbirth.

Tahani contends that once midwifery was seen as a financial to the money-making in reproductive health, it became federally eradicated, largely impacting women and infants in southern states.

“In the south, the majority of

Black folks were receiving their care from midwives. They weren't going to the hospitals. They weren't going to white doctors, either because they didn't want to or they didn't feel safe doing so. And as soon as midwifery was removed from Black communities, we saw a dramatic change in our health disparities, because we were going into places where we were not welcome,” Tahani told the Informer. “Midwifery has always been the answer. It’s just that it has become that midwifery is seen as an alternative or often for those who are well off, when the reality is that midwifery is for every single person.”

Further, research conducted by the National Partnership for Women and Families (NPWF) and other entities have shown that midwifery care, provide equal or better prenatal and postnatal care to expecting mothers in comparison to physician care on numerous indicators, including reduced perinatal mental health concerns, continuity of care, trauma-informed care, early identification and intervention, and higher rates of breastfeeding to name a few.

The magic of midwifery lies in the specific care model that addresses physical and mental health challenges for their patients before the onset of a serious issue that threatens the pregnancy. These preventative measures fill such a critical gap in the maternal health space, especially for those mothers affected by racial and socioeconomic inequities.

“Our maternity care system spectacularly fails communities struggling with the burden of structural inequities due to racism and other forms of disadvantage, including Black, indigenous, and other communities of color; rural communities, and people with low incomes,” NPWF surmised in the report “Improving Our Maternity Care Now Through Midwifery.”

Midwives offer a cultural competency that provides patients with the support they need to feel empowered, as opposed to the fear many feel when sharing their relational, financial, or other personal challenges with general obstetricians out of the fear of judgment.

When considering the Black maternal health crisis, Tahani laments that midwifery has historically offered the necessary long term care needed to prevent the negative health outcomes that Black women continue to find themselves experiencing from the lack of proper care in general medical spaces.

“Midwives, Black midwives and indigenous, have always known the things that people are now making catch phrases [for]: trauma-informed care, reproductive justice, mental wellness, cultural competency…. We called it care,” Tahani emhasized. “Our model is that we care for our community [and] that we are committed to keeping our community safe, because we know that our communities thrive and grow based upon how people are treated in pregnancy, how those babies are born and then, thus impacting how those babies are raised.” WI

5Gather Grounded Midwifery is the first Black-owned birthing center in Centeral Virginia. (Courtesy Photo/Instagram)

5Racha Tahani, founder and CEO of Gather Grounded Midwifery opens the first Black-owned birthing center in Central Virginia. (Courtesy Photo)

Bloomberg Philanthropies Announces $600 Million Gift to Historically Black Medical Schools

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a monumental move to address the underrepresentation of Black physicians in the United States, Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced a $600 million donation to the endowments of four historically Black medical schools. Officials said the donation is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Greenwood Initiative, which aims to advance racial wealth equity and address systemic underinvestment in Black institutions and communities.

Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Morehouse School of Medicine will each receive $175 million, while Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science will receive $75 million. Additionally, Bloomberg said $5 million in seed funding will support creating a new historically Black medical school in New Orleans, the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. The historic investment will more than double the endowments of three medical schools, significantly boosting their financial stability and capacity to educate future Black physicians.

A recent study highlighted the need for such support, revealing that only 5.7% of U.S. physicians identify as Black or African American. This is despite Black Americans comprising 13% of the population.

According to research, treating Black patients by Black doctors results in better health outcomes and more frequent medical care. For instance, Black patients are 34% more likely to receive preventative care if they see Black doctors.

The four historically Black medical schools receiving funding reportedly graduate around half of all Black doctors in the U.S. but have been traditionally underfunded due to systemic inequities, including lower federal and state support. Since the early 1900s, discriminatory practices and the impacts of the Flexner Report have led to the closure of 10 Black medical schools in the United States. The financial boost from Bloomberg Philanthropies should have a transformative impact.

Michael Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor, Democratic presidential candidate, and founder of Bloomberg LP, will formally announce the donation at the National Medical Association’s annual convention.

“This gift will empower new generations of Black doctors to create a healthier and more equitable future for our country,” Bloomberg said.

In 2020, Bloomberg Philanthropies granted $100 million to these same medical schools to reduce the debt load of enrolled students facing severe financial burdens exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president

of Morehouse School of Medicine, noted that the 2020 gift relieved an average of $100,000 in debt for each student, significantly enhancing the school’s ability to fundraise and support its students.

Denise Smith, deputy director of higher education policy and senior fellow at The Century Foundation, emphasized the importance of such philanthropic gifts. She pointed to MacKenzie Scott’s donations to HBCUs in 2020 and 2021 as pivotal in sparking increased support from other large donors.

“Donations that have followed are the type of momentum and support that institutions need in this moment,” Smith told the Associated Press.

Dr. Yolanda Lawson, president of

the National Medical Association, expressed relief upon hearing about Bloomberg’s gift, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s recent decision striking down affirmative action and attacks on programs promoting

inclusion and equity.

“This opportunity and this investment affect not only just those four institutions but our country’s health and future,” Lawson asserted. WI @StacyBrownMedia

5Student working in a medical school lab of Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. (Courtesy Photo/Bloomberg.org)

EARTH OUR

The Feds are Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics

By Willy Blackmore Word in Black

This article was originally published online with Word In Black, a collaboration of the nation's leading Black news publishers (of which The Washington Informer is a member).

It’s been known for decades that plastic waste is a problem, and many people have been trying to do something about it: in the 1990s, it was snipping open the planting rings that held together a six-pack of soda or beer to keep them from harming wildlife, while in 2024 it’s cloth tote bags and metal straws and compostable dog bags and everything else.

But, decades of awareness have not been enough to stop the proliferation of throwaway plastic products and the mass amounts of

waste they generate. In fact, plastic production has only increased, and is expected to continue to do so in the coming years. It’s a trajectory that not only creates more trash, but also uses more fossil fuels and puts more and more emissions in the air breathed by Black communities — like the folks who live in areas like Louisiana’s infamous Cancer Alley.

Thankfully, as the full spectrum of damage caused by plastic production becomes better understood by the general public, efforts to reduce both plastic use and waste take the full extent of damage into account — which is exactly what the Biden White House’s newly announced plan for plastic pollution does. It considers both the waste that ends up in the ocean and the public health effects of manufacturing as two sides of

Black communities. (Courtesy Photo) the same problem. As such, the administration is combining its regulatory power to curb emissions with its procurement power to address the broader issue.

“The federal government is — for the first time — formally acknowledging the severity of the plastic pollution crisis and the scale of the response that will be required to effectively confront it,” the White House said in a

Exploring the City’s Nature: Rock Creek Park

Summer in Washington, D.C. allows Washingtonians and visitors alike to explore the District’s outdoor gems and natural beauty.

Check out some of the beautiful sites The Informer team has seen around Our Earth.

6

bottle stations may feel symbolic at best, the scale of the federal government makes it uniquely influential in the world of consumer goods — it’s the single largest buyer in the world. As a result, “the federal government has the potential to significantly impact the supply of these products,” Brenda Mallory of the White House Council on Environmental Quality said in a statement.

statement. In addition to continuing its efforts to cut the toxic emissions from plastic plants, the White House is adopting a goal to wean the federal government off of single-use plastics completely by 2035 — and cutting them from food service and related areas even earlier, by 2027.

While the idea of the White House switching over from plastic water bottles to refillable water

AARON from Page 12

turned into a project and then now I’m recognized as a lay historian, publisher, film producer, and collector of baseball’s untold stories of contributions of people of color to American baseball history.”

Sims, who has been active in preserving and promoting the history of the Negro League, is also dedicated to unveiling the stories of Black baseball players before segregation worked to erase them. Players such as first baseman William Edward White, catcher Moses Fleetwood Walker, and pitcher William Renfro who played before the 1887 ban on signing Black players into professional baseball are largely unknown to even the most avid of baseball fans. Sims is planning to host a public event later this year in Washington D.C. to raise public awareness of the first era of colored baseball.

While plastic production is already wildly high, and single-use plastics feel almost inescapable in daily life, the plastic problem is only going to get worse in the coming decades without significant changes. It’s estimated that production will quadruple by 2050, and the oil and gas industry sees plastic, which is made from petroleum byproducts, as an area for growth as it faces the possibility of a net-zero future in the energy sector. And continued growth in plastics means more fossil fuels being used, more toxic emissions in communities like Louisiana’s River Parishes, and more plastic making its way to the ocean. While individual actions, like bringing that tote bag to the grocery store or farmers market, can influence the consumer culture around plastic, changes from large entities like the federal government have the potential to make a much bigger difference.

WI

The NLLHOF founder’s collection, called the Rutherford Hayes Jones collection, has been cited by author Phil S. Dixon as “one of the finest I’ve ever seen outside of a museum” and includes a considerable portion of the history of the Washington Giants. Ticket stubs, telegrams, score books, and more than 100 pieces of history from over a century ago can be found in his collection.

It is expected that Sims will auction one of the rarest books that contains the details of the opening years of Black baseball, written by Sol White. This book has previously sold for over $20,000, and is highly coveted by baseball fans and historians alike.

Tickets for the Negro League East- West All Star game are available here. Sept. 1 will serve as the backup date in case of rain, heat, or inclement weather.

WI

5 Plastic production has increased and is expected to continue to do so in the coming years, a trajectory that \ creates more trash, uses more fossil fuels and puts more and more emissions in the air breathed by

A view of Rock Creek Park along Whittier Trail in Northwest, D.C. (Micha Green/The Washington Informer)

5 A bird takes a stroll in Rock Creek Park in Northwest, D.C. (Micha Green/The Washington Informer)

Kamala Harris Bags Major Climate Justice Endorsement

By Willy Blackmore Word in Black

This article was originally published online with Word In Black, a collaboration of the nation's leading Black news publishers (of which the Informer is a member).

There has been a wave of endorsements big and small for Vice President Kamala Harris since President Joe Biden announced that he would not run for reelection this year.

Some were very quick in coming, like Biden’s own endorsement, while others that took a matter of days were still slow enough to create some degree of controversy, namely that of Barack and Michelle Obama.

But on Wednesday, Harris got an endorsement that stands out because it’s one President Biden did not receive: The Green New Deal Coalition, which includes more left-leaning and youth-oriented environmental groups like the Sunrise Movement, is backing the vice president in the 2024 race against Donald Trump.

Harris — who served both in the Senate and as the state attorney general in California before becoming the first woman to serve as vice president — mostly shares President Biden’s climate record. But while the administration passed the largest climate bill ever, the Inflation Reduction Act, Biden has still been criticized by groups in the Green New Deal Coalition for not doing enough in the face

of the climate crisis. The more left-leaning groups have also been highly critical of his approach to the war on Gaza. So any change at the top of the Democratic ticket is welcomed by the coalition.

“This has really lit a candle of hope for a lot of us that have been in the doldrums for the past year or so,” Kaniela Ing, the coalition’s national director, told Inside Climate News.

The one big material point of difference between Harris and Biden happened during the Obama Administration. After plans were finalized to allow oil exploration off the California coast near Santa Barbara for new hydraulic-fracturing wells, then-attorney general Harris sued the federal government. Climate groups have not forgotten that she was willing to challenge Big Oil in such a manner (not to mention her own party), and they want to see more of that from the White House.

Harris was also a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal legislation in the Senate. In the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, she ran on increasing federal spending on climate issues by $10 trillion over a decade, and also advocated for a carbon tax.

There’s a bit of identity politics at play in the endorsement, too, as there likely will be throughout Harris’ historic campaign— the Green New Deal Coalition believes that, as a Black woman, Harris will be an effective advocate. WI

5 The Green New Deal Coalition is backing Vice President Kamala Harris. (WI File Photo)

EDUCATION

Howard University Camp Exposes Local

Youth to Sports Management

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

The world of sports continues to grow and evolve, and as it experiences rapid growth, more young people are searching for careers in the athletic industry.

While African Americans represent the large majority of athletes in major sports such as basketball and football, behind the scenes is a different story. There is great racial disparity when it comes to decision makers and positions of power in sports and athletics.

The Associated Press recently reported the majority of NFL players– 53.5% – are African American. However, many people are working to still get more Black people in leadership roles, from presidents, to general managers, and coaches.

“While increased diversity in executive roles could lead to increased diversity on the sidelines, progress on this front has remained stagnant for years," said Devan Rawlings, the author of Revelio Labs' NFL report, according to a 2023 NFL.com. "The NFL has a

significant disparity between the diversity of its players and that of its coaching staff — the largest among men's major leagues — and this has not changed despite a large pool of diverse former players that could meet a demand for coaching talent."

Despite six Black coaches entering the 2024 season, many contend more work needs to be done, but programs like Howard University’s Sports Management Camp, which recently completed its second year, has been working to expose minority youth to major opportunities.

The camp is a collaboration between Events DC, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Howard University Department of Health, Human Performance and Sports Management. Alois "Ricky" Clemons, a professor in the department came up with the idea.

Clemons has served in several capacities in various sports over the past four decades and wanted to give young people an experience that would help increase their knowledge of the

opportunities in sports.

The week-long experience, hosted by Howard University, included tours of venues such as Nationals Park (Washington Nationals), Capital One Arena (Washington Wizards and Capitals), the Entertainment and Sports Arena (Washington Mystics and Go-Go) and Burr Gymnasium at Howard University. The camp was scheduled to visit Audi Field (DC United and The Spirit) but there was a conflict in schedule.

Campers were introduced to the various positions in the industry like groundskeeping, retail, event operations, athletic training, guest services, communications, technology, finance and human resources, and ticket sales.

"It all started with the MLB

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(Major League Baseball)," stated Clemons, who served as vice president of Communications for the National League at one time. "I was fortunate to be in baseball and to have been a part of an effort to increase the number of African American players through the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program."

His time in the field followed him to the classroom.

"When I started teaching sports management, the idea stuck with me that we needed to do the same thing with respect to getting more young people exposed and introduced to sports management. So I put in a proposal for a DPR grant, which was eventually handed over to Events DC. Lawrence Hamm of Events DC was fantastic in helping us with this effort. I am proud of the partnership."

Hamm, a former athlete, is the senior director of the Business, Development, Sports and Entertainment Division of Events DC.

"We are proud to have been a part of the camp," Hamm told The Informer. "It is so important that we give these young people a vision of what takes place behind the scenes, like setting up for an event and the different roles that people play in that process. This gives them an advantage in their pursuits."

CAMPERS REFLECT

With 20 attendees, campers ranged in ages, from as young as

11 up to 19.

Edgar "EJ" Jackson, a senior from South Carolina who plays on his high school basketball team said he gained a lot from his time in the camp.

"There was so much to draw from," explained EJ, 16. "First there was the National Parks tour and the Capital One Arena tour. It was very impressive to see those facilities. Then I learned during the tours a lot about the number of opportunities outside of playing sports. Listening to the speakers that came in was very impressive, especially the gentleman from the NFL Players Association and the PA announcer."

The 16-year-old also enjoyed hearing other people’s career trajectories.

"I talked to the manager for the [Howard] football team who worked in the weight room, and he told me that he did not major in sports management or minor in sports marketing. He was a history major, and I found that interesting,” EJ said.

For Amorah Abdul Haqq, the camp proved to be exactly what she needed. A rising senior at Bishop McNamara School, Amorah is interested in athletic training.

"My biggest takeaway was how everyone talked about how crucial establishing connections and networking is to get into sports as a career. Had I not attended the camp, I don't know if I would be

EDUCATIONPage 27

5 Howard University’s Sports Management Camp, which recently completed its second year, has been working to expose minority youth to major opportunities. (Courtesy Photo)

EDUCATION from Page 26

able to be in this position,” she told The Informer.

She particularly connected with stepping into the same space where the Washington Mystics compete.

"I was really inspired by the Entertainment and Sports Arena where the Mystics play. I have always been a fan of women's basketball, and it was a special experience for me to have seen their facility up close and personal,” Amorah added.

As a result of the camp experience, Amorah was able to network with some top local athletic trainers who have volunteered to provide mentorship.

In addition to the tours, the camp’s speakers forum featured powerful words from various sports managers and leaders. Speakers included: Dexter Santos, vice president of the NFL Players Association; Briana DuBose, author and professor at Georgetown University Graduate program for Sports Management; Devin Hurtado, associate for Sports Programs at Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy; Ted Wright, public address announcer for local high school and college sports; Jamesha Clanton, director of basketball operations for women's basketball at Georgetown; Jonathan Mcneir, former athlete and chief of staff for At-Large City Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie); Ebony Slade, senior coordinator for Guest Experiences with the DC United; and Daniel G. Marks, chief program strategist for Howard men's basketball.

For Tariq Bilal Thomas, the session with the speakers helped give him more clarity.

"It's amazing how everyone

seemed to be saying the same thing about sport management," commented Tariq, a junior at Al Huda School in Prince George’s County. "I was impressed with all the speakers and what they do in their areas. All of them got my attention but I was most impressed with the presentation of Mr. Marks and what he does. I started to think after listening to him and said to myself, 'that is what I would like to do.'"

Clemons included three Howard sports managers to serve as camp counselors.

One of the counselors, Michela Brown-Mayfield, offered her perspective. Brown-Mayfield, a senior from Suffolk, Virginia, who has worked as a student manager for Howard football operations the past three years, told The Informer that she was a bit envious of the opportunities students received.

"As I worked the camp, at first I had no idea what to expect," noted Brown-Mayfield, who hopes to be an operations director for an NFL team and ultimately an athletic director. "But as I watched all the things that were being offered, I thought about how I wished I had this kind of opportunity before I came to Howard. It's amazing that they are getting this kind of information on different career options."

Even Brown-Mayfield had a favorite part of camp.

"The tour of Nationals Park impressed me the most. I have never been to a live major league baseball game so seeing all the parts of what makes it work was amazing."

Each year, Clemons hopes the camp will grow. He is considering adding more sessions on game operations for basketball and a workshop on officiating games.

This year’s camp also included a CPR training session, and the campers were awarded with an official certificate.

"I think that at first, they were wondering why CPR is relevant," noted Clemons. "But once they realized it could save the life of a close relative or close friend, it gave it more meaning to them." WI

As a result of the camp experience, Amorah was able to network with some top local athletic trainers who have volunteered to provide mentorship.

EDUCATION

5 Students participated in enriching activities, workshops, field trips, tours and speaker sessions as part of Howard University’s Sports Management Camp. (Courtesy Photo)

years.

“He was pretty much bedridden, but from the telephone he made sure things got done,” said Carmen Roberts-Williams, president of the North Michigan Park Civic Association and one of Bowser’s closest confidantes.

“He was still giving directions [because] we had this big thing coming up [about] the bike lanes on South Dakota Avenue. He was still thinking of the community. If I wasn’t doing it, he was sending the directions down to me.”

Roberts-Williams said she met the late Bowser in 1983, shortly after she moved to North Michigan Park. By that time, she had known of him through his and her father’s involvement in the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal charity organization.

As she recounted, Grace Lewis, then president of the North Michigan Park Civic Association, picked

her out of an audience at a community meeting to serve as recording secretary. Over the next few decades, Roberts-Williams worked with Bowser, who was civic association vice president, in that capacity.

She also served as a member of Bowser’s campaign team during his late 1980s advisory neighborhood commissioner run.

Other memories of Bowser that came to mind for Roberts-Williams included his fights against a liquor store that wanted to operate in the neighborhood and a low-income senior living community that community members thought would change the character of North Michigan Park, mostly composed of single-family homes.

Some of Bowser’s other feats included his advocacy for the North Michigan Park Recreation Center, his efforts to connect Faith United Church of Christ with the greater

community, and his conceptualization of North Michigan Park’s annual community day.

This year, for the first time since Roberts-Williams moved to North Michigan Park, the North Michigan Park Civic Association will not be hosting the event, Roberts-Williams said. In lieu of that, community members conducted a bulk trash collection and paper shredding event on July 27. There are also plans in the works for a community expo in October, during which community members will get a chance to speak with D.C. government agency representatives about their offerings.

These activities, Roberts-Williams told The Informer, will continue in the spirit of Bowser.

“We’re going to struggle through it,” Roberts-Williams said. “I have leaders in front of me [and] we’re doing what we have to do. We should remember that Mr. Bowser was THE

leader for North Michigan Park. He will be truly missed.”

A LIFE OF SERVICE TO WARD 5

Bowser died on Aug. 2 at the age of 88. The cause of death hasn’t been revealed. He’s survived by his wife, Joan Bowser, and four children, including D.C. Mayor Bowser, who also turned 52 the same day her father died.

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker (D) and other local leaders took to social media to extend their condolences to the Bowser family.

“The entire Ward 5 community mourns the passing of Joe Bowser, a longtime resident and leader of North Michigan Park. Mr. Bowser leaves behind a tremendous legacy. My heartfelt condolences are extended to Mr. Bowser’s beloved wife Joan Bowser, Mayor Bowser, and the entire family,” Parker wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In 2015, Bowser held the BIble as Mayor Bowser was sworn into office for the first time. She would later return the favor when her father became an officer of the North Michigan Park Civic Association. By the time he served in an advisory role with the North Michigan Park community, Bowser had several years of experience as North Michigan Park Civic Association president and 10-term advisory neighborhood commissioner under his belt.

Mayor Bowser followed in her father’s footsteps in public service, even going above and beyond. She went from advisory neighborhood commissioner, to Ward 4 D.C. council member, and eventually a three-term mayor. On Saturday, she released a statement in reflection of the Bowser patriarch’s impact on her life path.

“For 52 years, my dad has been at my side — guiding me, cheering for me, loving me,” Bowser said. “He was the first person to take me to a community meeting. The first person to teach me that if something needs to be fixed, then step up and fix it — and finish any job you start. My first example of a public servant. The first person - along with my momto show me unconditional love.”

A LIFETIME WASHINGTONIAN AND DISTRICT SERVANT

Bowser, born on October 5, 1935, attended St. Augustine’s Catholic School in Northwest and Armstrong High School (now Friendship Public Charter School Armstrong Cam-

pus). He later attended what was then known as Federal City College.

In 1950, Bowser married Joan (Davis) Bowser. Five children came out of that union: Mercia, Martin, Marvin, Mark and Muriel. Mercia died from COVID-related complications in 2020.

By the mid-1950s, Bowser started working in the D.C. public school system, where he would spend most of his 42 years of service in the Buildings and Grounds division. He served in that capacity while fulfilling his role as one of the District’s first advisory neighborhood commissioners and a chair of his commission’s public works committee.

Longtime D.C. politico Harry Thomas, Jr. said that, on his path to public office, he took cues not only from his father, Harry Thomas, Sr., but Bowser, Raymond Dickey, Sr. and other older Black men who served on Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A.

Those men, he said, placed the interests of the community above any selfish desires.

“In that generation, people put themselves up for service,” said Thomas, currently chair of the Ward 5 Democrats and advisory neighborhood commissioner of Single-Member District 5C06, which includes the Brentwood and Langdon neighborhoods in Northeast. “After elections, they agreed to serve the leadership of whoever won. They let the voters decide. And once that happened, they got together and worked toward a common goal.”

During his childhood, Thomas saw his father and Bowser participate in the Statehood Constitutional Convention where delegates wrote and approved the constitution for the State of New Columbia. At the hyperlocal level, he watched as the duo thwarted the District’s plans to construct a freeway through the Brookland neighborhood and took to the streets in late night hours to hang up campaign signs during election season.

In the 1990s, Thomas followed in his father’s footsteps, serving alongside Bowser on Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A. As Ward 5 D.C. Council member, Thomas continued that strong working relationship with Bowser as they collaborated around the funding and construction of the North Michigan Park Recreation Center and traffic safety along Sargent Road, where a young pedestrian suffered serious in-

BOWSER Page 48

Black Small Business Owners More Optimistic, Ready For Growth In 2024

Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase

Despite continuing concerns about inflation and economic uncertainty, Black small business owners are more optimistic about 2024 compared to small business owners overall, according to JPMorgan Chase’s 2024 Business Leaders Outlook survey.

Optimism this year starts at home, with Black (77%) small business owners more positive about the outlook for their own businesses, compared to all small business owners surveyed (69%). Those high hopes are figuring into their 2024 projections – 80% of Black small business owners expect substantial increases in revenue and sales compared to 69% of small business owners overall.

“We’re seeing that diverse small business owners are ready to hit the accelerator on growth in 2024 in order to reach their goals,” said Mikal Quarles, Head of Community Business Strategies for Chase Business Banking. “It’s all about access, whether that’s access to capital or opportunity. Through programs like our complimentary one-on-one coaching or Special Purpose Credit Program, diverse entrepreneurs gain access to resources that help get their small businesses to the next level.”

HERE ARE THE SURVEY’S TOP 5 TAKEAWAYS:

1) It’s going to be a good year

In addition to expressing confidence in their own businesses, more than half (51%) of Black small business owners expressed optimism about the state of the national economy, compared to 43% total small business owners, and 68% are more optimistic about their industry’s performance compared to 63% total small business owners surveyed.

2) Increasing credit needs

More than half of Black small business owners (52%) believe their credit needs will increase this year, compared to 45% of small business owners overall. Additionally 57% Black small business owners surveyed expect capital expenditures to increase this year, compared to 48% total small business owners surveyed.

3) Inflation is top concern, but not a roadblock

Business owners are still cautious about the state of the economy, with Black small business owners citing inflation (44%), growing sales/revenues (23%) and rising taxes (22%) as the biggest challenges they expect in 2024. They are also more confident and most likely to hit the accelerator in the face of inflation this year.

4) Customers are the top priority

Among the priorities for Black small business owners this year, adding new customers (53%) topped the list, followed by retaining current customers (44%). Additional priorities include starting to use artificial intelligence/AI (37%), reducing debt (30%) and increasing/improving employee benefits (30%).

5) Focusing on health and wellness

2024 is all about getting your health and wellness in check. Black small businesses are most likely to implement mental health days (42%), also citing increased awareness and education (39%) and added stress relieving activities in the workplace (38%) as mental health strategies for the year.

Things are looking up this year. While all small business owners surveyed were more upbeat about the economy and less worried about a recession compared to this time last year, Black, Hispanic and Latino small business owners expressed the most confidence about the national economy, the performance of their respective industries and their companies’ strength.

For more information on JPMorgan Chase’s Business Leaders Outlook survey, visit jpmorgan.com/insights/outlook/business-leaders-outlook.

eligible 5G phone while supplies last, a 24-month Xfinity Mobile Device Payment Plan Agreement (“Device Agreement”), and activation of a new Xfinity Mobile line within 30 days of phone purchase date. Trade-in must be completed within 21 days of phone shipment date. Must maintain line required for offer until trade-in is completed. Up to $830 via trade-in credit applied monthly to your account over 24 months so long as Device Agreement is in effect. Actual trade-in amount varies depending on models of phones for trade in and purchase and will not exceed the retail value of purchased phone. If line is canceled, voluntarily or involuntarily or phone payments are accelerated, balance of credits associated with Device Agreement are forfeited. Out of stock phones are not eligible. Offer not valid with prior purchases, returns or exchanges. May not be combined with other device offers. Xfinity StreamSaverTM: Requires Xfinity post-paid Internet or Xfinity TV. Includes Peacock Premium (with ads) ($7.99/mo), Netflix Standard with ads ($6.99/mo), and Apple TV+ ($9.99/mo). Price includes all applicable discounts. Programming subject to change. To access Netflix, Apple TV+, and Peacock, activation of an account for each service required. Subject to terms of use of each streaming service. Internet delivered service will count against any Xfinity data plan, if applicable. Management of any existing subscriptions may be required to avoid multiple active subscriptions and corresponding charges. If you have an existing Netflix subscription in a bundle with a third party, manage your account to avoid multiple subscriptions. Existing paid Peacock or Apple TV+ subscriptions billed by a third party may continue unless and until you cancel. You may not receive any refunds/credits for overlapping subscription periods. Internet: Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit xfinity.com/networkmanagement. Xfinity Mobile: Residential post-pay Xfinity Internet req. Line limitations may apply. Equip., intl., and roaming charges, taxes and fees, including reg. recovery fees, and other charges extra, and subj. to change. $25/mo. charge applies if Xfinity TV, Internet or Voice post-pay services not maintained. Pricing subject to change. During times of network congestion, your cellular data speeds may be slower temporarily. After monthly data use threshold for a line is exceeded, speeds are reduced until the billing cycle ends. A minimum $20.00 charge applies per month, per account for By the Gig lines, regardless of data usage. Charges apply to each GB or partial GB of shared data. No rollover data. For Xfinity Mobile Broadband Disclosures, visit xfinity.com/mobile/policies/broadband-disclosures. 36 USC 220506 NPA400760-0007 NED-GoldMedalOffer-V4

Thank You, Shirley Chisholm, for Paving the Way for Vice President Kamala Harris

Former U.S. Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-New York) was born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, to Charles Christopher St. Hill and Ruby Seale (who later married Conrad O. Chisholm in 1949).

Chisholm’s biological father was from British Guinea and her mother was born in Barbados. Therefore, her parental heritage made Shirley Chisholm of Afro-Guyanese and Afro-Barbadian descent.

Chisholm grew up in a politically active and conscious family. Her father, St. Hill, was an avid supporter of Marcus Garvey and active in the local trade union movement. She was exposed to the movements for Barbados’ independence from Great Britain at an early age.

As a result of such exposure, she went on to a distinguished career of firsts in public service. In 1964, insults were frequent both from within and outside of her Brooklyn community while she was collecting signatures necessary to qualify for a run for a seat in the New York State Legislature.

One older Black man, for example, said to Chisholm when she asked him to sign her petition: “Young woman, what are you doing out here in this cold? Did you get your husband’s breakfast this morning? Did you

straighten up your house? What are you doing running for office? This is something for men.”

However, instead of being discouraged by the sexism of his comment, it only propelled her to campaign for the seat even harder and win. Chisholm served and distinguished herself as the first Black woman in the New York State Assembly from 1965 to 1968.

In November 1968, less than six months after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Chisolm made gender and racial history again when elected to Congress.

Her campaign trucks had moved through the streets of Brooklyn’s 12th Congressional District with blaring speakers announcing, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is fighting Shirley Chisholm coming through.

Chisholm, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), 54 years ago, on August 10, 1970, delivered a speech on the House floor urging support for the Equal Rights Amendment.

She again made history on January 25, 1972, when she announced her candidacy for the presidency of the United States. In doing so, she became the first Black woman to campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Making her historic announcement, Chisholm said: “I am not a candidate of Black America, although I am Black and proud. I am not a candidate for the women’s movement of this country, although I am a woman and equally proud of that. I am a candidate of the people, and my presence before you symbolizes a new era in American political history.”

Chisholm did not secure the Democratic nomination for president. However, had she, the congresswoman would have run against President Richard M. Nixon, who was forced to resign in disgrace for criminal behavior 21 months later.

Fast forward to 52 years later.

Vice President Kamala Harris, a woman of Black and South Asian heritage, is officially the Democratic nominee to succeed President Joe Biden. She is running against a former president who has been criminally found guilty on 34 counts, impeached twice, found guilty of rape, and led an insurrection against the U.S. Government.

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, America will choose between the former prosecutor and the current convicted felon.

Harris is building upon the legacy of the Chisholm and inspiring another generation of Black boys and girls to public service. WI

Inmates Being Punished Further as Detention Centers Ignore Dangerous Effects of Climate Change

It doesn’t matter what part of the United States you call home these days – lately, it’s been hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. Here in the District, a 94-year-old record was recently shattered after D.C. recorded four consecutive days over 101 degrees, including one sweltering day when the thermometer climbed to 104 degrees for the first time since July 2012.

With 50% of Americans living in cities in which officials have issued heat alerts, people are desperately looking for all kinds of ways to stay cool and to avoid medical complications related to the excessive heat.

For young children and the elderly, this is a particularly dangerous time because of their weaker immune systems or because they are burdened with underlying health conditions that put

them at greater risk of falling prey to heat-related illnesses – even death.

However, there is one segment of our population – often overlooked and routinely forgotten – that has few, if any, means of protection from the surging temperatures or other unprecedented “natural disasters” that have become more commonplace due to the ravaging power of climate change.

These forgotten Americans are those who live behind bars – youth housed in juvenile detention centers and adult men and women who are residents in our nation’s profit-making prison industrial complex.

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, the U.S., with an estimated 1.8 million people behind bars at the end of 2023, bears the unenviable status as the nation with the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world.

China closely follows America with about 100,000 fewer incarcerated adults.

For African Americans, the picture is even more grim. While Black people represent just 12% of the population, they account for 59.3% of those incarcerated according to the Office of Minority Health. Further, African Americans are incarcerated at a rate 3.4 times that of white Americans, based on 2021 data, in every state in the Union. And make no mistake – racial disparities which Black people are forced to endure in American society continue to persist in U.S. jails. Still, those who currently reside in detention centers, jails and prisons in America are, to a certain extent, inextricably bound together. They cannot escape their surroundings, nor can they take a brief hiatus or tem-

TO THE EDITOR

I had no idea that the legendary Dominique Dawes is a Montgomery County native. How excellent it is for her to be honored with a statue commemorating her Olympic achievements. She paved the way for all of the Black girl magic we see at the Olympics in the present day!

Leona Bullard Washington, D.C.

Happy 100th birthday to the incomparable James Baldwin! It made me happy to see Baldwin in last week’s paper’s Words to Live By section. He has inspired me as a writer and as a person. Baldwin forever!

Heila Thompson Laurel, Md.

porary holiday. Prison populations are uniquely and unjustly vulnerable to climate externalities like rising temperatures and increasingly severe natural disasters. In addition, they remain at high risk for heat-related morbidity and mortality because of their physical confinement, social isolation and high rates of chronic mental and physical illnesses.

As Americans turn up their air conditioners, leisurely lounge in swimming pools, or recline in cooling centers, the incarcerated face each day with few, if any options, that allow them to avoid the byproducts of climate change: heat, floods, pests, disease and death.

Again, according to the Prison Policy Initiative, at least 44 states do not universally air condition their prisons. In fact, some inmates describe the tiny

cells in which they live, sometimes for 23 hours a day, as “convection ovens.”

To stay cool or to simply get a drink of water, some inmates have been forced to put their heads in unsanitary toilets or moisten strips of clothing in those same toilets and then place the items on their heads and faces.

In states that include Texas, Alabama and Florida, man’s inhumanity to man is on full display as prison officials refuse to provide any reasonable or humane methods to protect inmates from the heat. And while these states, reportedly, have the money to make changes that would improve conditions, they refuse to do so – some even asserting that such actions would be tantamount to “pampering prisoners.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Charlene Crowell

Federal Appeals Court Blocks SAVE Program's Student Loan Forgiveness

Higher education is believed by many to be a bridge to a financially secure future. But for the more than 43 million Americans who together owe $1.6 trillion in student debt, that bridge gets longer and harder to cross when federal courts continue to block programs designed to relieve borrowers of the rising costs of loan repayment.

Until recently, student loan borrowers enrolled in the Education Department's Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) had their payments cut in half and their remaining loan balances forgiven. The SAVE Plan offered forgiveness for qualified borrowers with loans up to $12,000 and promised that loan balances would not increase due to accrued interest if borrowers remained current on required payments. The plan changed income calculations so that more borrowers would qualify for reduced payments

Guest Columnist

— sometimes as low as $0. About 8 million borrowers are enrolled in the SAVE Plan.

But on July 18, the federal 8th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay to halt the SAVE program. It is not yet known when a final court resolution will occur.

The decision came at the behest of several conservative state attorneys general. To date, 18 states — including those with large Black and Latino populations such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio and Texas — have

challenged the SAVE program's constitutionality, as well as President Biden's executive authority.

"It wasn't so long ago that a million borrowers defaulted on their student loans every single year, mainly because they couldn't afford the payments," stated Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "The SAVE plan is a bold and urgently needed effort to fix what's broken in our student loan system and make financing a higher education more affordable in this country.

"Already, we've approved an un-

precedented $169 billion in relief for nearly 4.8 million Americans, including teachers, veterans, and other public servants, students who were cheated by their colleges, borrowers with disabilities, and more," continued Cardona. "And from larger Pell Grants to free community college, President Biden, Vice President Harris and I continue to believe that college affordability is a cause worth fighting for — and we're not giving up."

CROWELL Page 57

To Honor Sheila Jackson Lee, 'Reach Into the Dark Past and Bring Us Into a Brighter Future'

regation, and discrimination.

But Sheila Jackson Lee saw the beauty in that history.

"I am a benefactor of the hills and valleys, the broken bodies and broken hearts, the loss of life of many who have gone on before me." — U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

The so-called "anti-woke" movement in the United States is determined to obscure the nation's ugly history of slavery, seg-

"The Constitution did not grant us citizenship or even status as one human being, but we survived," she said. "We had the Harriet Tubman of the world, the Sojourner Truth of the world. We had the Frederick Douglass of the world. That is the beauty of America. We were resilient, we should tell that story. Brutality comes with survival and success."

Lee, who passed away July 19,

Guest Columnist

Trump is "America's Hitler." Those aren't my words. They're the words of Donald Trump's running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance. That's what he and many others used to say about Trump before they succumbed to his influence. Now, they're proclaiming their loyalty by bowing down and kiss -

ing the ring of an insurrection inciter, a racist, a sex predator, a twice-impeached, four-time indicted, now convicted felon, and former disgrace of a President.

Recently, the Republicans held their national convention.

Despite the delusional and deranged policies Trump has been shoving down our throats, he was met with thunderous applause.

Let me paint a picture of a second Trump term, accord -

inspired a generation of public servants and activists with her fearlessness and indomitable spirit. She fought tirelessly for racial justice and equal opportunity, speaking up for those who too often go unheard.

She was a longtime friend of the Urban League movement. The National Urban League was proud to honor her with our Living Legend Award during our Conference in Houston last year.

As chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Coronavirus Task Force,

she was part of a dynamic panel of experts who participated in the virtual release event for the 2020 State of Black America report, "Unmasked."

She also served as a member of the board of trustees of the Houston Area Urban League.

Lee didn't plan on a career in public service when she was growing up in Queens, New York City. That all changed when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. If King had died trying to create better opportunities for people like

her, she had an obligation to make the most of those opportunities. One immediate opportunity was a scholarship for Black students to attend New York University, which led her to Yale where she was among the first graduating class to include women. She was among a handful of Black students in her class at University of Virginia School of Law. A classmate described her as "a hard worker who loved to grapple with the issues in

ing to MAGA Republicans and Trump's closest cronies.

Journalist and historian Anne Applebaum aptly noted, "Often, for autocrats, the second time in power is worst." That's a chillingly accurate description of what we'd face with Trump, especially with the tyrannical policies in Project 2025.

If you haven't heard, Project 2025 is a 920-page blueprint for a second Trump term, straight out of a dystopian novel. It's packed with the horrifying pol -

icies MAGA Republicans dream of imposing.

It's the MAGA Republicans' plan to take control of this country and our lives.

It demolishes checks and balances, tramples personal liberties, and outlines a Trump power grab ripped from a dictator's playbook.

Trump wants to fire up to 1 million people in the federal government and replace them with a bunch of extreme MAGA Republicans who would do

Trump's bidding instead of the American people and the Constitution.

And let's talk about your wallet because you can forget about that with Project 2025. MAGA Republicans want to increase taxes on the middle class, gut social security for young Americans, slash Medicare, let employers stop paying overtime, and more.

They also aim to obliterate

Marc H. Morial

Rep. Frederica S. Wilson

Project 2025 — The Blueprint for America's Democratic Demise

The Climate Crisis is Devastating Black Communities. Public Transit is a Solution.

social and economic disparities.

Historically, Black communities have been subjected to systemic neglect and discrimination, and climate change is amplifying these injustices.

As the world grapples with the ever-intensifying impacts of the climate crisis, a stark and troubling reality has emerged: Black communities are bearing a disproportionate burden of environmental degradation. This inequity is not merely a matter of statistics or abstract concepts; it translates into real, tangible hardships that exacerbate existing

From heatwaves to hurricanes, the effects of climate change are not felt equally across all demographics.

Research shows that Black neighborhoods often experience higher temperatures than their wealthier, predominantly white counterparts due to a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. This occurs when cities' infrastructures — often

designed without considering the needs of marginalized populations — trap heat, leading to dangerously high temperatures.

This discrepancy is more than an inconvenience; it has serious health implications. Extreme heat can exacerbate conditions such as asthma, which disproportionately affects Black children, and contribute to higher mortality rates.

Moreover, climate change amplifies the risk of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods. Communities that are already mar-

ginalized face the brunt of these disasters, not only due to their location in more vulnerable areas but also because of limited resources to prepare for or recover from such events. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 underscored this grim reality, with Black communities in New Orleans suffering disproportionately due to inadequate evacuation plans, delayed relief efforts, and systemic inequalities in housing and infrastructure.

The reality is the climate crisis is not coming, it is here now. And it is

Philly's Black Voters Can Once Again Decide Who the Next President Is

for Barack Obama and four years ago for Biden, and help Democrats keep the White House.

In 2020, 90% of Black voters in Philadelphia went to the polls to support Joe Biden — guaranteeing Biden's victory in the state, and ultimately the White House. Now with Vice President Kamala Harris now atop the Democratic ticket, there is hope that Black voters in the city will show up at the ballot box in the same numbers as they did in 2008

While Black voters in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Detroit and other key urban areas have expressed excitement and hope that Harris could become the country's first female president and only its second Black head of state, there are also apprehension that these defining characteristic will hinder her chances of winning the White House. As one woman told

The Associated Press: "If a white woman can't win, how can a Black

woman win?"

History can be made and the Black community in Pennsylvania can play a crucial role in it. There is too much at stake to sit by idly and watch — from the chance to elect a truly transformative candidate to the presidency to staving off a second Trump presidency and the damage it would do to Black Americans.

The Biden-Harris administration has already made massive progressive toward racial equity and improving lives within the country's Black community. From signing the Bipartisan

Infrastructure Law and other actions, the administration helped create 2.6 million jobs for Black workers, achieve the lowest Black unemployment rate on record and the lowest gap between Black and white unemployment on record, and increased Black wealth by 60% relative to pre-pandemic levels —marking the largest increase on record.

The administration also fought to advance civil rights, recognize the achievements of Black America, and elevated Black Americans to numerous crucial positions from Harris as

Real Climate Solutions Demand a Strong Democracy

As we celebrate the 59th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) this month, it is important we remember: the only way to tackle the complex challenges of our time is with a democracy that is responsive to the people it represents.

From racial justice to economic opportunity, gun violence to health care, education to reproductive free-

dom, there is no issue that stands out as an exception to this rule. Certainly, our ability to tackle the climate crisis — one of our most urgent challenges, and the most existential for our planet — depends on the strength of our democracy.

The Biden-Harris administration has made historic progress on climate action. The Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are but two examples of the policies keeping America and humanity in the fight against fossil fuel-driven climate change. And there are dozens

more examples of executive orders and agency rule-makings from the administration that represent bold climate action. To continue and expand on this progress, our democracy must be built to ensure it is serving the interests of the many, not just the few.

The fight against climate change is not just a scientific or environmental issue, but also a deeply political and democratic one. The climate crisis is a global emergency that demands immediate attention and action, and it is the people who have the power to drive and influence our leaders and

policymakers to prioritize that action.

But the reality is that the fossil fuel industry, with its immense wealth, has been able to shape and influence our democracy to serve its interests, rather than those of the people. That is why we need to strengthen our democracy to better protect voting rights, make it easier to vote, curtail partisan gerrymandering, and reduce the corrupting influence of money in politics. The power in a democracy should rest with people, and the voice of the voter, not a small handful of executives and investors getting rich

deadly and devastating. Particularly for Black communities across this country. And it is a crisis that demands swift and decisive action, and bolstering public transit represents a necessary step forward.

The dirty secret is that the transportation sector is the largest source of U.S. climate pollution — and 80% of transportation emissions come from the cars and trucks on our roads. It's one of the only major sectors where emissions are still rising.

the vice president to the nominations of Ketanji Brown Jackson first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court and more Black women to federal circuit courts than every president combined.

And the list continues from establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday to signing legislation to reduce gun violence which disproportionately impacts Black communities.

Now juxtapose that with Trump's term in office where he continually

from one planet-killing industry. Transitioning to a clean energy economy is not just a moral imperative, it is an investment in America in so many ways. It reduces pollution, making the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil where our food grows cleaner, safer, and healthier. And it is better for consumers and ratepayers too. Renewable energy like solar and wind are already more affordable and resilient than fossil fuels and that gap is widening every day.

Wilmer Leon

Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist

Kim Smith

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Comcast Digital Equity Fellow

There’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit-- and social life-- lit. Check out the following events taking place in the DMV this weekend.

THURSDAY, AUG. 8

Missy Elliott: OUT OF THIS WORLD – THE EXPERIENCE

7 p.m. | $59.50+

Capital One Arena, 601 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Get ready to “put your thing down, flip it and reverse it!”

After nearly 30 years in the music industry, Missy Elliott will make history on her debut head line tour across North America throughout the summer of 2024, with a stop in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 8.

African American Film Series –

2020 documentary featuring Philadelphia native Tommy Oliver as he follows the efforts of Mike Africa, Jr. to exonerate his parents, members of the revolutionary

Block Party, hosted by talented artist and television personality Chardelle Moore.

FRIDAY, AUG. 9

2024 Black Greek Festival

5 p.m. - 3 a.m. | Free entry

The Park at 14th, 920 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20005

Calling all Divine Nine in the D.C. area, get ready for the third annual Black Greek Festival Weekend in Washington, D.C. Aug. 9-11 will bring an unforgettable celebration of unity, culture and

Mark your calendars, and expect a weekend of brunch and day parties, community service, networking, and so much more.

Free entry before midnight on Friday and Saturday. Ticket packages and prices dependent on selection. VIP Weekend Pass is $85.00.

SATURDAY, AUG. 10

#STEAMtheBlock Party DC

Free with registration

Entertainment and Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington,

Look out for an unforgettable experience at the #STEAMthe-

This event promises a dynamic soundstage featuring an incredible lineup of guest artists, including UCB, ENTATY, Uptown XO, Pinky Killacorn, Fly Zyah, and Lemond Brown, aka “MR. IMAG.”

Melba Moore at Blues Alley

7 p.m. | $42.00

Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20007

Experience the incomparable talent of singer and actress Melba Moore at Blues Alley, where her matchless vocal artistry will captivate audiences.

Having dazzled Washington, D.C., with her performance in “Roll On” in 2022, Moore now returns to the stage for an unforgettable live show.

SUNDAY, AUG. 11

Natural Hair Fest

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | $10.00

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol, 550 C St SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

The second event of the year in the nation’s capital, Natural Hair Fest is a convention and celebration of natural beauty and proper regimens for hair and scalp maintenance through live product demonstrations, moderated discussions, and special guest appearances.

Four-time Grammy winner and trailblazing rapper Missy Elliott began her debut tour on July 7, and will stop at the Capital One Arena in

Thomas, Jayden Ukeneru Steve, and Elijah Jones-Hand -- are solidifying with the Caribbean eatery Jerk at Nite.

As he prepares for his return to Roosevelt Senior High School in Northwest this fall, Siegfried said he’s more emboldened to represent and contribute to his hometown.

“We have our own spirit and [our] way of moving [is] very unique,” said Siegfried, a 16 year old who’s interested in entrepreneurship and biochemistry. “This city is one of a kind and can’t be replicated. It feels good being in D.C. This summer job gives me the chance to meet new people and bond with them while being paid. It’s a cool experience.”

LOOKING BACK: MINDFUL AI PROGRAM SHOWCASE

On July 31, Siegfried counted among dozens of young people who presented their AI-generated art at a showcase hosted by H Street Main Street, a nonprofit dedicated to retail opportunities, clean streets, safety and youth programming along the H Street corridor.

The showcase at 1207 H Street NE (the old AutoZone) marked the teens’ completion of H Street Main Street’s Summer Mindful AI Program, which students enrolled in through the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. For weeks, program participants immersed themselves in a curricu-

lum that merged ancient Kemetic principles, yoga, and meditation with the use of AI to solve problems in collaboration with local businesses and District agencies.

With the use of ChatGPT and MidJourney AI image generator, students created more than 200 works of art that will appear at two new D.C. Department of Human Services shelters. They learned how to use AI during sessions with Ademar do Nascimento, an architectural designer and AI consultant, and Sandy Bellamy, program manager of D.C. Department of General Services’ Percent for Art, which allocates 1% of funds for large-scale construction projects toward the commission of original art pieces.

Ngozi Burrell, a yoga instructor and mindfulness practitioner with a background in AI and virtual reality, exposed youth to Kemetic yoga and qigong, ancient Chinese exercises for optimization of mind, body and spiritual energy.

She told The Informer that the opening activities she conducted with students helped them analyze and control their relationship with technology.

Such lessons, she said, proved useful when it came time for students to learn about their authentic selves, pour their thoughts into the AI and produce original works of art.

“To operate in this society, you have to learn yourself and learn how to work with your own body,” said Burrell, a former MBSYEP H Street Main Street employee. “A

AI ART Page 40

JACOB COLLIER•SAMARA JOY•DNICE•STANLEY CLARKE N 4EVER•RON CARTER TRIO•KENNY BARRON TRIO•DIANNE REEVES•GALACTIC•BOBBY SANABRIA MULTIVERSE BIG BAND•TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON CIMAFUNK•CARMEN LUNDY•BILL FRISELL•DAVID MURRAY QUARTET•LAKECIA BENJAMIN•JAMES MORRISON•EMMET COHEN TRIO FT. HOUSTON PERSON NICHOLAS PAYTON•CHUCK BROWN BAND•GENERATIONS OF THE DRUM: TRIBUTE TO BILLY HART•CORCORAN HOLT QUINTET PAOLO FRESU•BRANDEE YOUNGER•KRIS DAVIS' DIATOM RIBBONS•JAZZDC ALLSTARS DIR. BY ALLYN JOHNSON ANTONIO HART•NEW JAZZ UNDERGROUND•SHARÓN CLARK NASAR ABADEY AND SUPERNOVA•AND MORE LABOR DAY WEEKEND | WASHINGTON,

5Students showcase summer achievements at Mindful AI Open House. (Ja'Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

AI ART from Page 1

Annual DC Black Film Festival Aims to Amplify the Voices of Black Filmmakers

Brenda C. Siler

WI Contributing Writer

The DC Black Film Festival, in its eighth consecutive year, will take place Aug. 15-17, with “Transend Film” continuing as the festival theme.

This festival has always been a showcase for diverse and innovative storytelling. Filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema enthusiasts will gather to celebrate a rich heritage and vibrant future of Black independent filmmakers. Judging will take place for submitted films.

The festival features a dynamic lineup of feature films, documentaries, shorts, and web series that explore various themes, from social justice and historical narratives to personal stories and fictional adventures.

The DC Black Film Festival is more than seeing films in different formats. Networking opportunities are designed to connect filmmakers with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators. Attendees will have the chance to engage with thought leaders, gain insights from industry experts, and explore new avenues for their creative endeavors.

Practical workshop sessions are designed to support emerging filmmakers in honing their craft and navigating the industry. In past years, the DC Black Film Festival has launched filmmakers toward impressive careers in the industry.

@bcscomm

Film screenings occur at the Miracle Theatre, 535 8th Street Southeast Washington, DC 20003, in the Barracks Row/ Capitol Hill area of D.C.

For more registration information, including a full schedule of events and ticketing details, visit dcbff.org. WI

Big

Check the schedule for bassist Eliot Seppa, The JoGo Project, pianist and educator Allyn Johnson leading the DCJazz All-Stars, siblings and saxophonists Ebban and Ephram Dorsey leading their quintet, saxophonist Paul Carr, Sharón Clark, Shannon Gunn, percussionist and Peabody Institute educator Nasar Abadey and his group Supernova, Chuck Brown Band, and trumpeter Muneer Nasser. Plus, other local jazz artists might show up and sit in on someone’s set or join in on the fun.

NEA JAZZ MASTERS AND SPECIAL TRIBUTES

Pianist Kenny Barron and drummer Hart are among the many NEA Jazz Masters who are performing at the 20th Anniversary DCJF.

Others include drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist Ron Carter, bassist Stanley Clarke, vocalist Dianne Reeves and, of course, Jenkins, the 2024 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz Advocacy, who has overseen bringing together an outstanding roster of talent for DCJF program since 2015.

When reviewing the schedule, look for tributes where several artists will perform honoring Billy Strayhorn and for the Sonny Stitt Centennial.

MUSIC BEYOND THE SOUTHWEST WHARF

Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 28, the best sounds in jazz will not only be at the Southwest Wharf, but the schedule shows they can also be heard at Franklin Park in downtown D.C., Mr. Henry’s on Capitol Hill, the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, and Arena Stage, which is within walking distance to the Southwest Wharf.

The Washington Informer is a proud partner for the 20th Anniversary of the D.C. Jazz Festival. For schedule and ticket information or to volunteer, visit the DCJF website at dcjazzfest.org. WI

5Grammy-award winning jazz artist Samara Joy and internationally celebrated DJ D-Nice will take the stage as part of the 2024 DC Jazz Fest. (Courtesy Photo)

JAZZ FEST from Page 11

“This time, it’s

LIFESTYLE

Fine Dining Comes to the Southwest Waterfront Area

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Located at 2121 First Street, S.W., Hen Quarter Prime is attached to Riverpoint Apartments.

Inside the restaurant, the decor is light-color wood with an aqua-colored background and fabric. Stylish light fixtures are in bronze, and the sound system plays moderate-tempo house music. Then there is a river view with boats going by, with dining options inside or outside.

Hen Quarter Prime also has private dining space accommodating 12 to 50 guests.

WHAT TO ORDER FROM A SCRUMPTIOUS MENU

The food is delicious and the selections come in large portions.

Sammy’s Fried Chicken is a signature item. It is the recipe created by Chef Sammy Davis, Jr., a con-

sultant with Thompson Restaurants for food operations and menu development.

Scrumptious starters include the spicy fried Brussels Sprouts and Fried Green tomatoes.

As Southwest, D.C. becomes more populated with residences, sports venues and entertainment options, Hen Quarter Prime, serves as a new addition to the booming area. The latest entry from Thompson Restaurants, opened during Black Restaurant Week.

While the restaurant's name might sound familiar because there is another location in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, adding the descriptor “Prime” indicates this Southwest D.C. location is designated as a special dining-out experience.

Alex Brown, area director of operations for Thompson Restaurants, oversaw the opening of Hen Quarter Prime and was excited about what patrons would enjoy.

“Diners can look forward to so-

phisticated Southern hospitality, delicious fried chicken, hand-crafted cocktails and amazing waterfront views,” said an excited Brown during Black Restaurant Week. WI

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires licensed, qualified professionals to provide an Officer Patrol GPS Tracking Software System in response to this solicitation.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, August 5, 2024, on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”.

PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 12:00 NOON.

Email LaShawn Mizzell-McLeod, Contract Specialist at LMMCLEOD@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

5Hen Quarter Prime has a huge Saturday and Sunday brunch featuring a number of dinner menu items, plus a huge selection of seafood, Sammy’s Fried Chicken, a bagel and waffle bar, and a build-your-own Titos Bloody Mary Bar. The restaurant is in the Southwest Waterfront area of D.C. near Audi Field. (Courtesy Photo/Hen Quarter Prime)

5The interior of Hen Quarter Prime has bronze lights and light-colored wood furnishings with aqua backgrounds and accents. The new restaurant is located in the Southwest Waterfront area of D.C. near Audi Field. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Internet simplified

LIFESTYLE

ART from Page 35

lot of the young people are going through puberty so… they have to learn how to be mindful of how they speak and come across,” she continued.

Even as the youth employees worked with digital programming, Burrell noted the importance of mindfulness to keep the young people grounded.

“Technology is a huge distraction so they have to ground themselves and learn how it mirrors their personal vessels. If they learn autonomy, they can know about their environment and master themselves.”

STUDENTS NAVIGATE THE POLITICS OF AI

In recent years, AI has emerged as a tool that students depend on to write essays and answer test questions -- much to the chagrin of teachers who are concerned about deteriorating writing and critical thinking skills.

Last year, the D.C. State Board

of Education (SBOE) and Office of the State Superintendent of Education set its sights on the standardization of AI in the classroom.

The goal, as SBOE Representative Brandon Best explained, centered on providing District teachers a framework for integrating AI into their instruction and ensuring that students aren’t left behind as the rest of the world navigates the burgeoning, but controversial, technology.

As District schools continue to mull over AI’s future in the classroom, Kodi Jones, a H Street Main Street summer job participant, said that her experimentation with the technology in a workplace setting allowed her to appreciate its utility.

Kodi, a 15-year-old Banneker Academic High School student, used AI prompts to create a painting titled “Resilience” in which a woman is walking through a field with a flower in her hand and the U.S. Capitol in the background. She also developed a blog site about wellness that had an image of a woman looking at herself in the mirror.

“My art is about working through challenges and overcoming anything thrown at you,” Kodi said. “I was able to see that artificial intelligence isn’t harmful. It helped me generate this painting. It was easy because teens are always working [with] technology. There was more detailed instruction behind it, so you’re not taking ideas from other artists.”

Marc Long, a student who attends Digital Pioneers Academy Public Charter School in Southeast, created a video game titled “8-bit Racing Game” with the use of Claude.ai. He said the process took him three weeks with trial and error. Once completed, he added it to the catalog of video games he’s created since enrolling in Digital Pioneers Academy PCS. “I want everyone to have fun and like the game,” said Marc, an aspiring entrepreneur. “The summer program was pretty smooth [because] it allowed me to do what I wanted with the game. The meditation calmed me down and got me ready to focus on work for the day.It takes multiple tries to per-

fect something [so] you can’t give up.”

Tae’lor Johnson, a student in the dance department at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest, said she used AI as an act of political resistance.

During her summer break from dancing, Tae’lor reflected on how

she and other Black girls have to present themselves while on stage. Those thoughts, she said, inspired an up-close, black-and-white painting of a Black woman that she developed with AI prompts. Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

The Future Depends on Us

5Students showcase Summer Achievements at Mindful AI Open House. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

It

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Lawrence Di Rita President,

RAVENS from Page 1

of gun violence affecting communities of color.

“Just a few blocks away from the White House in D.C., we’ve had conversations with communities, with families who are frustrated, who are hurt, who don't feel seen, who do not feel heard,” Arrington noted at the July 11 meeting.

Statistics reveal 2023 was the deadliest year in the District in over two decades. This year, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has already reported 114 homicides and 637 assaults with a dangerous weapon.

No one is removed from the harmful effects of gun violence, emphasized Boldin, co-founder of the Players Coalition, an advocacy organization of over 1400 professional athletes, coaches and owners.

“We all know that it's a huge issue that's plaguing our country, especially when you're talking about our youth. We hear it all the time. We witness it all the time. And I think we've all been affected by them in

I-83 from Page 1

date, making sure there’s buy-in for who’s elected and getting good policies in place for Ward 8 and the District at large.”

Initiative 83 to Appear on November General Election Ballot

On July 1, “Yes on 83” campaign members submitted more than 40,000 signatures in support of Initiative 83. After an arduous, and often contentious, 30-day approval process, the D.C. Board of Elections (DCBOE) certified the petitions.

That means Initiative 83 will appear on the November general election ballot. But not without some questions about the support, or lack thereof, for ranked-choice voting and open primaries among Ward 8 residents.

Out of the more than 40,000 signatures submitted, DCBOE rejected 4,802 lines that had been whitened out and 1,600 lines that had no voter information. Another 1,114 lines had been crossed out by the proposer or removed by DCBOE.

That left 35,124 signatures -- an amount that significantly exceeded the 5% minimum.

During a random sampling and statistical analysis of the signatures conducted by the Office of Planning’s Planning and Data Visualization Division, it was confirmed that petition circulators met the 5% minimum

one way or the other,” Boldin told The Informer. “I've lost family members to gun violence. I've lost friends. I definitely think it's an important issue that needs to be addressed.”

Boldin said last month’s meeting highlighted the importance of funding when it comes to reducing deaths from guns. According to the National Collaborative on Gun Violence research, federal spending allocated $1.4 trillion of the 2020 budget toward combating gun related deaths. The number includes $25 million in research funding split between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“The attorney general came out and declared it a public health crisis as this country knows about the issue of gun violence all too well. For us, it's important to come here and learn as much as possible to see what this administration is doing to address those problems and see how we can partner,” Boldin added.

The number of gun-related deaths among young people rose from

6,998 to 10,186, between 2000 and 2020 according to the CDC. However, studies prove that when violence interruption programs receive financial support, there’s a clear decrease in shootings. After programs were implemented in a South Bronx, New York neighborhood, the community saw a 63% decrease in victims of gun violence.

Arrington noted the importance of organizations working to “curb the epidemic that is gun violence here in America.”

“It's our responsibility to carry the banner of people in our community, make their voices heard, to meet with lawmakers, meet with this administration, to be united on this issue, which has unfortunately been very politicized, but it is a public health crisis,” Arrington later emphasized.

Although the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention did not share remarks after the meeting, Community Justice, an organization formerly headed by Jackson, did send a representative to weigh in.

“[Jackson] came to the White

Voters Act of 2024,” otherwise known as Initiative 83. (WI File Photo)

requirement for verified registrants citywide, and in six out of eight wards (Wards 1,2,3,4,6, and 7).

The samples from Ward 8 didn’t meet the 5% threshold, according to the agency’s statistical analysis. The Planning and Data Visualization Division also made no decision on Ward 5 based on inconclusive statistical findings.

DCBOE kicked off its Aug. 2 public meeting with board members providing an overview of how it, in conjunction with the Planning and Data Visualization Division, reached its conclusion.

“[Jackson] came to the White House as a survivor of gun violence. His story reminds us, especially as people of color, as men of color, that oftentimes we've been criminalized when we are victims and should be treated as such,” said José Alfaro.

House as a survivor of gun violence. His story reminds us, especially as people of color, as men of color, that oftentimes we've been criminalized when we are victims and should be treated as such,” said José Alfaro.

Alfaro offered solutions to help address gun violence throughout the nation.

“We need to invest in a number of solutions by thinking about how communities, municipalities, gov-

members at the Office of Planning’s Planning and Data Visualization Division drew a random sample of signatures to see if they matched the original signature in DCBOE records. They used the validity of the sample to make a determination of whether the total batch of signatures meets or exceeds the required confidence level of 95%.

In his remarks, DCBOE Chairman Gary Thompson thanked all involved parties for facilitating the approval process. He then turned to Initiative 83 supporters and opponents, asking that they each make their case to District voters.

ernments and states are investing in violence intervention and interruption programs, ensuring that we're building healthy ecosystems that include the health system, that include, housing and education,” Alfaro explained. “All of these social determinants of health really allow for our communities to thrive. And when we're thriving we live in environments that allow us to prevent gun violence.” WI

The process, which involved 40 DCBOE staff members, started with the verification of petition circulators’ residency or proper DCBOE registration. Staff members also had to determine whether, based on name and address, each petition signer was a registered D.C. voter. Staff members then tallied the total number of verified signatures to determine whether petition circulators had the sufficient number of registered voters -- at least 5% of the citywide and ward-level population -to move on to the signature verification stage. During signature verification, staff

“Our voters have a long way to go before November to hear both sides,” Thompson said. “Instead of putting your energy on us -- the ones who count and verify the signatures -- the most productive use of anyone’s time is to help educate our voters on both sides of the issue,” he continued. “Let the chips fall as they may and let the voters decide how they want to vote. I hope that’s the next phase of this journey.”

SOME CONTENTION AROUND THE VALIDITY OF DCBOE’S APPROVAL PROCESS

Nolde said she trusted DCBOE’s findings, including the portion concerning Ward 8.

“We have absolute confidence in what they put forward,” Nolde told The Informer. “We had a great amount of interest in Ward 8 and expect that to continue. There are a lot of people who are excited about the prospect of having a say in the decisive elections in D.C. We received messages about how to get involved. People are saying this is the change they can get excited about.” Meanwhile, Initiative 83 opponent Deirdre Brown said that the count she and her colleagues conducted during the 10-day challenge period found that Initiative 83 petition circulators didn’t meet the minimum signature requirements in at least four wards -- Wards 2, 5, 7 and 8.

As Brown and other members of “Vote No on Initiative 83” gear up for a voter education campaign, Brown continues to maintain that DCBOE’s signature verification process lacked transparency and standardization. Throughout the overall petition certification process, and even on the day of the DCBOE hearing, she repeatedly questioned how DCBOE staffers opted not to reject petition pages that had at least one signature line altered with whiteout.

For Brown, eliminating altered signatures by lines, and not by pages, compromised the integrity of the petition certification process.

“If you had removed those pages,

5In July 2023 residents met in front of the D.C. Board of Elections to discuss rankedchoice voting. As the summer winds down organizers are working to garner further support for “Ranked Choice Voting and Open the Primary Elections to Independent

Endangered Marine Mammal

Swimming in the warm, clear waters of Hawaii is a cute animal with large eyes. It’s called the monk seal.

Unfortunately, the Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world.

Hawaiians call the seal ‘Īlio

Circle every other letter to find out what ‘Īlio holo i ka uaua means.

COMPARED TO A MAN WHO IS 6 FEET TALL: 7.5 feet

The Good News

When people realized that the number of Hawaiian monk seals was getting smaller, they started taking actions to protect them. In 2022, the Hawaiian monk seal population was estimated to be between 1,512 and 1,743. This was the first time in over 20 years that the population surpassed 1,570.

Deep Divers

Monk seals can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes as they forage in the coral reef. They can dive deep under the sea to more than 1,800 feet!

Why is it called a monk seal?

The folds of skin around the seal’s neck look like a cowl, or hood. Also, monk seals spend a lot of time alone, or in small groups.

Monk seal pups weigh 25-35 pounds when they are born.

Pups weigh about 200 pounds within ve to six weeks.

The Adjective Hunt

The word marine is an adjective, which describes the noun that comes after it in a sentence. Select one page of the newspaper and circle 10 adjectives. Underline the nouns that they each describe.

Animal Athletes

Look through the newspaper to find four sports. For each one, select an animal that would excel at this sport. Write a story about your four animal athletes.

Language Arts: Write stories that have

beginning, middle and end.

holo i ka uaua

Baby monk seals are called pups. Help mom nd the pup.

Monk seal nostrils are small vertical slits. They close when they dive.

review wi book

"Kid Olympians: Summer"

By Robin Stevenson, Illustrated by Allison Steinfeld

c.2024, Quirk Books

$14.99

240 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

You can kick a ball harder than any kid you know.

You just haul your leg back, point your toe, and let go! You're also good at smashing a ball, swimming, running, jumping, it's all fun. Like you, lots of kids love sports, including the Olympics. And guess what? As in the book "Kid Olympians: Summer" by Robin Stevenson, illustrated by Allison Steinfeld, those Olympians were once kids, too.

Take, for instance, the famous athlete Jesse Owens, who was born at a time when Black people had very few rights. When he was 15 years old, a track coach spotted Owens' talent because young Jesse ran almost as fast as an adult could run!

Track and field star Wilma Rudolph had polio when she was young, and had to relearn how to walk. Little Usain Bolt was such an active kid that his parents were concerned but when he was just chilling, Bolt only wanted to play arcade games.

Paralympic wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden was born with spina bifida, which left her paralyzed from the waist down. Because of that, her first years were spent in an orphanage, where she didn't even have clothes of her own. She was 5 years old when she was adopted and brought to America.

Gymnast Nadia Coméneci once tried to climb a Christmas tree, and her mother knew little Nadia needed an "outlet for her energy" so she took Nadia to the gymnasium. Swimmer Michael Phelps likewise "simply could never sit still." Megan Rapinoe was an athletic kid who learned soccer by copying her soccer-playing older brother.

And little Simone Biles? Early in life, she spent time in a foster care home where there was a trampoline to play on. When her grandparents adopted her, she was excited to find a trampoline there, too. She "twirled and flipped and somersaulted" for hours before becoming the G.O.A.T of all G.O.A.Ts.

Your child is riveted to the television this summer, cheering on their favorite athletes half a world away. Wouldn't your young fan love to know more about their favorite athletes? Sure they would, and "Kid Olympians: Summer" is the perfect companion for this years' games.

This is the book for kids who run, jump, tumble, slide, whack, leap, and twirl, because author Robin Stevenson lets children know that their heroes were once active kids, too, and that their needs to go-go-go sometimes got-got-got them into trouble. Some of the stories are funny, but most are inspiring for a variety of reasons, and will teach kids about overcoming bad situations; that there's some history to be had isn't a bad thing, either. Add in the fun illustrations by Alison Steinfeld, and you've got a book that will thrill your future Olympian long after the games are over.

Get this book for your 9-to-12-year-old, but don't feel ashamed if you find yourself paging through it quick when you have the chance. "Kid Olympians: Summer" will be fun for you, and your future Olympian will get a kick out of it, too. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

AUGUST 8 - 14, 2024

ARIES You'll be aching to connect with your significant other or someone special in a sensual, transformative way early in the week. Your desires are amplified, and you are hyperaware of your most animalistic needs right now. Make sure to own that and explore exciting new ways to ensure that you're fulfilled. Lucky Numbers: 3, 32, 40

TAURUS You'll find it's easier to get on the same page as your significant other, business partner, or dearest friend early in the week. Take advantage of this by putting your heads together on the game plan for a shared goal. You'll get into a flow by exchanging ideas and knock your strategizing out of the park! Lucky Numbers: 6, 12, 26

GEMINI You can look forward to extra harmonious vibes with your significant other, a dear friend, a business partner, or all of the above when the week starts. Your interest in fostering one-on-one bonds is elevated now, as is your craving to be in sync with your nearest and dearest VIPs. Lucky Numbers: 10, 13, 58

CANCER Making plans with your sweetheart or closest friends should get much easier than it has been over the past few weeks when this week begins. Although you might feel frustrated by any professional or relationship related roadblocks that have popped up recently, but you can take heart in the fact that smoother waters are ahead. Lucky Numbers: 23, 33, 51

LEO Early this week is the perfect time to enjoy a special date you've been daydreaming about or schedule a pampering beauty or self-care treatment. It's almost as if anything other than following your heart feels unnatural at this moment, so allow yourself to key into that, then go for it. The sky's the limit! Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 23

VIRGO Sticking to the same old tried-and-true routine is bound to feel stale and stagnating early in the week. Instead, you'll want to get out of your comfort zone and try a new workout class, travel for work, or meet up with people outside of your usual social circle. You'll be drawn to any opportunities to broaden your horizons, especially if they pop up out of the blue! Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 45

LIBRA At the start of the week, confusion and technical difficulties related to your moneymaking endeavors should straighten out. You'll get the green light to research and go after work you care about that could also increase your cash flow. Later, the cosmos bumps up your desire to share intellectually stimulating, vibrant conversation with your lover or friends. Lucky Numbers: 8, 10, 11

SCORPIO You'll breathe a sigh of relief if it starts to feel like you can get back into a rhythm with any action plans for hitting big picture personal goals early in the week. Reflect on the past few months and consider ways you managed to improve how you see yourself and project yourself to others. These lessons can be particularly useful as you forge ahead in pursuit of your aspirations. Lucky Numbers: 9, 18, 46

SAGITTARIUS You might have more vivid, intense dreams (during the night and day) early in the week. Try to tap in to what your imagination is telling you, because it could shed light on deeply rooted, unconscious patterns that are influencing how you're taking action in your life. In general, this marks a fruitful time for active self-reflection. Lucky Numbers: 2, 17, 38

CAPRICORN As the week starts, your hunger for a transformative emotional experience with someone special intensifies. The mood is right for making your desires known. Later, you'd do well to spend time reflecting on lessons you've learned about platonic relationships over the past few months. Lucky Numbers: 15, 32, 46

AQUARIUS Any longing to make an impression on higher-ups and take your professional dreams to the next level is sure to be magnified as the week starts. You have a burst of energy to put your nose to the grindstone and tackle tasks that could lead to career advancement. Putting in the work and believing in yourself should translate to rewards. Lucky Numbers: 7, 21, 53

PISCES You'll be even more intuitively in sync with your closest social circle in the beginning of the week. Take advantage of this by talking through causes that are near and dear to your heart. Connecting and then collaborating on this with others could be tremendously satisfying. Lucky Numbers: 19, 20, 32

SPORTS

White Scores Unanimous Decision to Highlight Fight Card

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

Local boxing fans were treated to "Strap Season,” a boxing card put on by Davis Promotions at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast, Washington, featuring some of the top local, national and international fighters across seven different weight divisions.

The main event featured an upand-coming local favorite, Jordan "Short Dog" White, against seasoned veteran Jason Sanchez of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

White who is now 18-1 with 12 knockouts, won on a unanimous decision, 97-93, 97-93 and 99-91 on the judges' cards.

Hailing from Washington, D.C., White is ranked first in the North American Boxing Federation (NABF), ninth in the World Boxing Organization and 10th in the World Boxing Association.

Sanchez, once ranked one of the tops in the weight class, fell to 166.

"Short Dog did what he had to do to pull out the win, but he had to earn it," said Eric Davis, founder and promoter of Davis Promotions. "It was an exciting fight.”

The victor’s father and trainer, John White, was impressed with his son’s performance. He told The Informer that the plan moving forward is to fight some of the top fighters at 130 pounds, including WBA world titleholder Lamont Roach, who also lives in the Washington, D.C. area.

“[We are] looking forward to getting back in the ring later in the year,” White noted. “Jordan is the current NABF champion. We want to fight the top world titleholders… We hope to display his talent on the big stage in the near future. Jordan has great versatility, and he made adjustments mid-

fight and displayed his skill set. Congrats to Sanchez for coming in as a worthy opponent and displaying the heart of a prizefighter.”

In the co-main event, Francis Scarboro defeated Ferris Dixon of Michigan in the 130-pound class.

The rest of the fight card included some engaging matches. Local fighter Tremaine Fuller defeated Joshua Zimmerman of Baltimore, Maryland in the 154-pound class. Nijay Brown, also of Baltimore defeated Alejandro Fugon of Mexico in the 168-pound class. Josiyah Giles of Virginia defeated Jonatha Godoy of Argentina in

the 143-pound class. Jeffrey Yu of Vienna defeated Dennis Candeleria of the Dominican Republic in the 126-pound class. Brandon Quarles of Virginia defeated Daniel Aduka of Nigeria in the 168-pound class. Ervin Fuller, III of Washington, D.C. defeated

Robin Ellis of New York in the 122-pound division and Jaqueera Hutcherson of Maryland bested Anthony Elliott of Missouri in the 130-pound class.

“The fans were treated to an exciting fight card,” Davis told The Informer. WI

5Winner Jordan White (right) and Jason Sanchez (left) throwing punches at each other during the title fight held at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 3. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)

5A referee declares D.C. native Jordan “Short Dog” White the winner against Jason Sanchez of New Mexico. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)

5Jordan White and his team celebrating after winning the title fight held at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 3. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE the moment

3FBI Agent Nicole Mercer posing with Southeast resident King McGhee as he tries on some of their tactical equipment. (Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

4Zymeah and Kynion holding up their Junior Deputy U.S. Marshall certificates. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer\)

5Side by Side, MPD’s official go-go band provides live entertainment for Ward 8 residents at Sycamore & Oak. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

4MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith dancing down a soul train as Side by Side Band performs. (Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

3C&S Model Dance And Praise Boot camp performing a praise & worship dance number. (Ja'Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

6On Aug. 6, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), residents and community leaders came together to celebrate the 41st National Night Out. This annual community-building campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhoods camaraderie. The National Night Out kickoff location took place in MPD’s Seventh District at Sycamore and Oak, located at 1110 Oak Drive SE. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Suitland Road Church of Christ

Hosts Health Fair, Back-to-School Event, Vacation Bible School

By Hamil R. Haris WI Contributing Writer

The Suitland Road Church of Christ will host a health fair and back-to-school event Saturday, Aug. 10, where school supplies will be distributed to children in the community.

“For our back-to-school campaign we just want to help families in the community. We also want

people to take advantage of free health screenings because many have health issues and they are not aware of it and even if some are aware of issues they can't afford it,” said Sarah Davis, a member of the church and wife of Elder Bill Davis.

The health features and screenings include for blood pressure, eye exams, hair/scalp consults, mental wellness, dental information, and holistic health.

The health fair and back-to school event will begin at 10 a.m. and the next day will mark the start of the church’s Vacation Bible School, which runs until Aug. 14 each night at 6:30 p.m.

“We are excited for our annual event which builds great commu-

nity relationships by providing free services and activities to members of our community,” said Suitland Road Minister Deone Booker.

“This allows the community to understand that Suitland Road Church of Christ is a safe place for everyone, especially our youth to come and learn about the Bible and build Christian Character.”

The Suitland congregation has been located in the community for more than 30 years and during this period the congregation has hosted many programs for the community.

The Suitland Civic Association will also distribute information about Affordable Health Care and other services in an area going through positive transportation.

“We are excited once again to put on such an event that truly meets the needs of the community. We look forward to seeing everyone as we glorify God,” Booker told The Informer.

Elder Bill Daivs of Suitland Road Church of Christ emphasized that with programming such as the health fair, Vacation Bible School and more, churchgoers can also engage with the community about their faith in God and promote positive messages to others.

“We want people to know what God expects of them and he has a program for their lives,” said Davis. “We want to spread the word of God because there are so many people who need the word.”

WI

juries in an accident.

As Thomas, who’s also director of the Washington Nationals Nike Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program and head coach of the D.C. Elite traveling softball team, prepares to take the D.C. Elite back to the MLB RBI Softball World Series, where they finished second place last year, he keeps Bowser, a fan of youth sports, at the forefront of his mind.

Thomas said similar thoughts about Bowser came about as it related to Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School and the new D.C. Infrastructure Academy training center at Spingarn High

School. Both institutions, he said, reflected the Bowser patriarch’s strong support of trades-based education.

“I hope they attach some Bowser legacy over there,” Thomas said. “He used to talk to me about how Black excellence meant you can be whatever you wanted to be. He was part of all that history. I’m sure it’s hard for our mayor now, but he’s given her all the guidance for life.”

THE BOWSER LEGACY CONTINUES IN NORTH MICHIGAN PARK

Gordon-Andrew Fletcher is chairman of Advisory Neighborhood

Commission 5A and the late Bowser’s neighbor of five years. He said the Bowser family patriarch often spoke highly about the mayor and her accomplishments, past and present-starting with her service as an advisory neighborhood commissioner.

Those conversations, Fletcher said, counted among the numerous exchanges he had with Bowser since becoming an advisory neighborhood commissioner in 2017. Those words often turned into action, as seen in 2021 when, through a resolution approved by ANC 5A, the North Michigan Park community revived the Orange Hats, a popular community watch group of the 1980s and 1990s.

As Fletcher recounted, Mr. Bowser, then a wheelchair user, joined him and other community members as they each patrolled North Michigan Park with a bright orange hat atop their head.

“He was civically engaged, doing things for the community,” Fletcher told The Informer. “He may have slowed down in terms of his mobility, but he had his sharp mind and great memory.”

As Fletcher and his wife await the birth of their second daughter, he has committed himself to helping to maintain North Michigan Park’s reputation as the quintessential District neighborhood for families. He said that legacy residents like Bowser of-

ten collaborated with newer, younger residents to maintain North Michigan Park’s character.

That work would likely carry on with Mrs. Bowser at the front, Fletcher noted.

“Mr. Bowser passed away but Mrs. Bowser is strong just like Mayor Bowser,” Fletcher said. “She will be around for a long time coming. Before Mayor Bowser [became the mayor], they were a great community family, and that’s how the mayor became so awesome. It all started with their dedication to North Michigan Park. I know all of that will continue on.”

WI @SamPKCollins

5Members of Suitland Road Church of Christ will host a health fair and back-toschool event Saturday, Aug. 10, where school supplies will be distributed to children in the community, and the following day will start Vacation Bible School, which runs until Aug. 14. (Courtesy Photo)

5Minister Deon Booker (right) and his wife Sophia Booker pose in front of Suitland Road Church of Christ. (Courtesy Photo)

BOWSER from Page 28

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This column is back by popular demand. If you need to save it so that you too can be reminded of the "goodness of the Lord," do so! What great things could happen in our lives if we would continue to keep these promises today? What is it you have been trying to do and have been praying for?

In the King James Bible, the phrase "fear not" or "Be not afraid" appears 103 times. This command is still valid today. We are charged not to be afraid, and the Scripture below will remind you why we must not be afraid. Fear or trepidation is faith in reverse. Fear opens the door to our enemy.

Look at exactly what God has to say about fear: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

God didn't create us with a "fear gene," not at all. Fear didn't even enter the Garden of Eden until sin entered. Fear is from the enemy, pure and simple. The first time we find fear in the Bible is after Adam and Eve ate the fruit they had been commanded not to eat. Suddenly, when they heard God walking

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Fear is Faith Going the Wrong Way! the religion corner

through the garden, the God who they had communed with daily before, they hid themselves because they were ashamed and afraid.

When fear is in action, you have decided that you cannot have whatever it is you want; you see the goal going in the other direction. Your goal moves away from you when you are afraid. Fear and faith cannot and will not operate simultaneously. The minute you begin to feel fear, your goal moves backward. That's your non-belief at work.

When you say you "can't believe" you got that job, you are offering up negativity, and you may forfeit it. We must practice speaking in the positive rather than the negative.

Another example is when someone is planning an event, and as you're planning you say something like, "We can't have an empty room, we've really got to get some people out to this event."

Well, the "empty room" part of your comment will attract exactly what it is you're saying. If instead you would say "the room will be filled for this event" and begin to be thankful for a filled room, then you're speaking life into your event. You will be speaking for a point of faith rather than fear.

As Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."

When you examine your level of faith, all you need to do is look at

your crop and pay close attention to what you've been able to produce — which makes you look at who planted the crop, doesn't it? Now it's time to look in the mirror. It was you. This is telling it like it is. It's called "straight talk."

It's the truth that tells the mind what is really wrong. It's not the economy, it's not the elected officials, it's not the government — it's me!

Like the old Negro spiritual says, "It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord. Standing in the need of prayer; It's me, it's me, it's me oh Lord. Standing in the need of prayer; Not my mother, not my father; But it's me, oh Lord; Standing in the need of prayer."

It's not what's happening on the outside that's the problem, it's what's going on within. This is being real. There will be a time when each of you must press toward the mark of the high calling, but as you do so, keep your eyes toward your future; faith is the unseen. Scripture says, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains." Finally, Mark 11:24 says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and it is the evidence of things not seen."

Don't put your faith or in reverse. Faith is indeed our GPS where our Lord and Savior will resist those negative things that are happening around us! WI

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RELIGION

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

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

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331 Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

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

Froffice@firstrising.org

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

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

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000810

Paul Shearman Allen Decedent

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

Susan Au Allen, whose address is 2009 Q Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paul Shearman Allen who died on July 8, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/25/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/25/2024 Susan Au Allen

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000833

Wayne Bernard Jackson Decedent

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

Juanita Odessa Jackson, whose address is 125 Market Street, Apt 305, Manassas Park VA, 20111, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wayne Bernard Jackson who died on March 3, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/25/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/25/2025

Juanita Odessa Jackson Personal Representative

TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000809

Javon Leach

Decedent

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

Lakisha Leach, whose address is 1351 Half Street, SW, Washington, DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Javon Leach who died on March 13, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/25/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/25/2024

Lakisha Leach

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000814

Charles Ulysses Mayes Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #400 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

David Ulysses Mayes, whose address is 620 Madison Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles Ulysses Mayes who died on April 16, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/25/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/25/2024

David Ulysses Mayes

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000806

John Gilbert Baltimore Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

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

Phyllis Marie Harvey, whose address is 1908 Robert Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Gilbert Baltimore who died on April 28, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/25/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/25/2024

Phyllis Marie Harvey Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 284

Rodney Pearson Decedent

Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq. 503 D Street, NW, Ste 200 Washington DC, 20001 Attorney

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

Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq., whose address is 503 D Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rodney Pearson who died on 11/17/2022 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/25/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/25/2024

Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000859

Estate of Sylvia C. Cephas aka Sylvia Colleen Cephas

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Wayne P. Cephas for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 7/25/2024

Wayne P. Cephas 2901 Toles Park Dr., #616 Suitland MD 20746

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000464

Cheryl A. Van Buren Smith Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Stephanie Diane Jackson, whose address is 250 K Street, NE, #1006, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cheryl A. Van Buren Smith who died on February 28, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/1/2024

Stephanie Diane Jackson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

2024 NRT 000033

Rosa C. Negro-Vilar Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Rosa C. Negro-Vilar whose address was 2425 L. Street, NW, #315, Washington, DC 20037 created a revocable trust on January 14, 2015, which remained in existence on the date of death on March 31, 2024, and Alejandra Negro, Marcela Maamari and Mariana Cubeddu, whose addresses are 6002 Greentree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817; 2310 N. Nottingham Street, Arlington, VA 22205 & 4434 Macomb St., NW, Washington, DC 20016, are currently acting trustees, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Roland M. Schrebler, LLC, 5425 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 600, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.

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

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 1/25/2025 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1), March 31, 2025 (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2), 1/25/2025 (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification.

This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d).

Date of First Publication: 7/25/2024

Alejandra Negro Marcela Maamari Mariana Cubeddu

Signature of Trustee

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000017

Gladys Wiggins aka Gladys L. Wiggins Decedent

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

Delores M. Green, whose address is 229 S Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gladys Wiggins aka Gladys L. Wiggins who died on April 25, 2023 with a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/25/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/25/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/25/2024

Delores M. Green Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 854

Bennie Myles Williams Decedent

E. Regine Francois Williams

9701 Apollo Drive Ste. 301 Largo MD, 20774

Attorney

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

Edsel Guydon, whose address is 8280 Willow Oaks Corp., Dr., Ste. 600, Fairfax, VA, 22031, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bennie Myles Williams who died on 3/13/2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/1/2024

Edsel Guydon

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000081

October 15, 2023 Date of Death

Mary Ann Young Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Joseph R. Proctor Jr. whose address is 3817 Crusader Dr., Hope Mills, NC 28348 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Mary Ann Young, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland. Service of process may be made upon Donata Edwards, Esq. 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property:

4725 First St., SW, #103. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 8/1/2024

Joseph R. Proctor Jr. Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000831

Eugena S. Bucknall aka Eugena Simms Bucknall Decedent

Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. 8601 Georgia Ave. Suite 504 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Attorney

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

Adassa Veronica Grant, whose address is 6904 Flagstaff St., Hyattsville, MD 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eugena S. Bucknall aka Eugena Simms Bucknall who died on December 6, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/1/2024

Adassa Veronica Grant

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000083

March 18, 2004

Date of Death

Jessie T. Reede Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

James William Reede, Jr. whose address is 6008 Wynnewood Way, Sacramento, CA 95823 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Jessie T. Reede, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Cook County, State of Illinois, Probate Division. Service of process may be made upon Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., Life and Legacy Counselors, 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC 20015 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 414 21st Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. 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: 8/8/2024

James William Reede, Jr. Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000837

Mary Ann Gill

Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #400 Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

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

Kala Shah, whose address is 15718 Allanwood Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Ann Gill who died on June 17, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/1/2025

Kala Shah Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000119

Deloris Davis Decedent

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

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Deloris Davis who died on May 24, 2023 without a Will. 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 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 000838

Audrey V. Tate Decedent

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

Cynthia L. Reavis, whose address is 905 6 Street, SW 903B, Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Audrey V. Tate who died on March 24, 2018 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/1/2024

Cynthia L. Reavis Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 874

Martha McNeill Decedent

Howard J. Walsh, Esq. 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1200 Bethesda, MD 20815 Attorney

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

Conor Randolph Scott, whose address is 2543 Alberta Ave., SW Roanoke VA 24015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Martha L. McNeill who died on June 21st, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Conor Randolph Scott Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000850

Victor A. Papp aka Victor Andrew Papp Decedent

Graner S. Ghevarghese 600 14th Street, NW, 5th Fl Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

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

John Hofstadter, whose address is 5557 Sully Lake Drive, Centreville, Virginia 20120, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Victor A. Papp aka Victor Andrew Papp who died on November 13, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/1/2024

John Hofstadter

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000888

Priscilla L. Turner Decedent

Keonna Carter, Esq. 205 R Street, NW, Unit #B Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

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

Rashad Turner, whose address is 7800 Contee Road, Apt. 424, Laurel, MD 20707, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Priscilla L. Turner who died on April 10, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Rashad Turner

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

2024 ADM 000890

Robert Lee Davis, III Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

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

Sherry Davis Young, whose address is 120 Kaylee Court, Fayetteville, GA 30214, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Lee Davis, III who died on June 25, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Sherry Davis Young Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 865

Doris Mae Little Decedent

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

Angela L. Barnes, whose address is 7405 Llminster Avenue, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Doris Mae Little who died on May 13, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Angela L. Barnes

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000873

Diane C. McCain Decedent

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

Mark S. McCain, whose address is 3623 22nd Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Diane C. McCain who died on 5/31/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Mark S. McCain

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 89

March 23, 2021

Date of Death

Tomoe Dunning

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Robert Leslie Dunning whose address is 5145 Roberts Rd., Colleyville, TX 76034 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Tomoe Dunning, deceased, by the Superior Court for Snohomish County, State of Washington, on July 9, 2021.

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

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

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Robert Leslie Dunning Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000042

November 16, 2021

Date of Death

Teri Marie Johnson

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Dennis Eugene Johnson whose address is 2083 W. Maple Ave., Flint, MI 48507 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Teri Marie Johnson, deceased, by the Probate Court for Genesee County, State of Maryland, on December 18, 2023.

Service of process may be made upon Robin Laupheimer 1920 L Street, NW, Suite 835, Washington, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. Decedent has cause of action in DC. The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Dennis Eugene Johnson Personal Representative Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000436

Fannie Mae Searles aka F. M. Searles Decedent

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

Marcia Searles Miller and George U. Searles Jr., whose address is 7204 Cimmaron Ash Ct., Clinton, MD 20735 & 1511 41st SE, Washington, DC 20020, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Fannie Mae Searles aka F. M. Searles who died on July 12, 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 (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 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Marcia Searles Miller

George U. Searles Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000088

11/11/2022

Date of Death

Lillian Mae McCloud Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Wilhelmina Adesoye whose address is 7108 Kingston Drive, Temple Hills, MD 20748 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lillian Mae McCloud, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince George County, State of Maryland, on February 28, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Beza Mesfin, 4560 3rd Street, SE #203, Washington, DC 20032 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: 8/8/2024

Wilhelmina Adesoye 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 000703

Karen Ann Jameson Decedent

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

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, #400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Karen Ann Jameson who died on July 8, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000864

Mary Louise Smith Decedent

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

Felicia Renee Allen, whose address is 638 Gallatin Street NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Louise Smith who died on May 24, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Felicia Renee Allen

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2021 ADM 001378

Estate of Dorothy M. Sims aka Dorothy Mae Sims

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Rodney L. Sims and Stacie D. Sims 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: August 8, 2024

Sharon Legall, Esq. 1325 G Street, NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000085

9/22/2011

Date of Death

Janice Meadows Freeman Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Eldridge Freeman, III whose address is 15372 Gatehouse Terrace, Woodbridge, VA 22191 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Janice Meadows Freeman, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Cook County, State of Illinois Probate Division, on 2/29/2024.

Service of process may be made upon Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., Life and Legacy Counselors, 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC 20015 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property

414 21st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20015. 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:

8/8/2024

Eldridge Freeman, III Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 84

June 4, 2017

Date of Death

Eldridge T. Freeman, Jr Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Joyce Freeman-Baker whose address is 400 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Eldridge T. Freeman, Jr., deceased, by the Circuit Court for Cook County, State of Illinois, Probate Division, on June 5, 2022.

Service of process may be made upon Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., Life and Legacy Counselors, 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC 20015 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 414 21st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. 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: 8/8/2024

Joyce Freeman-Baker Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000849

Rosemary Eory aka Rosemary J. Eory

Decedent

Matthew F. Shannon, Esq. 1420 N Street, NW #203 Washington, DC 20005

Attorney

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

Matthew F. Shannon, whose address is 1420 N Street, NW, #203, Washington, DC 20005, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rosemary Eory aka Rosemary J. Eory who died on June 18, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Matthew F. Shannon

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2024 ADM 000844

Charles Earl Hall Decedent

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

Judy G. Hall, whose address is 518 M Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles Earl Hall who died on February 6, 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 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Judy G. Hall Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000424

Walter Thomas Phillips aka Walter T. Phillips

Decedent

Donald Marlais, Esq. 411 10th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

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

Paula C. Hawkins, whose address is 7903 Shirley Court, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Walter Thomas Phillips aka Walter T. Phillips who died on April 7, 2007 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 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Paula C. Hawkins Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000087

2/4/2022

Date of Death

David Eugene Rivers

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Sandra T. Middleton whose address 110 Oak Knoll, Fayetteville, GA 30214 was appointed personal representative of the estate of David Eugene Rivers aka David E. Rivers, deceased, by the Probate Court for Charleston County, State of South Carolina, on June 2, 2022.

Service of process may be made upon Brenda K. Pennington, The Pennington Firm, 300 E. Lombard Street, Ste. 840, Baltimore, MD 21202 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 1406 Carrollsburg Place, SW, Washington, DC 20024. 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: 8/8/2024

Sandra T. Middleton Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 843

Frederick N. Lawson Sr. Decedent

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

Levana Lawson, whose address is 710 49th Place, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frederick N. Lawson Sr. who died on 1/5/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/8/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/8/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/8/2024

Levana Lawson

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

I-83 from Page 42

the petitions wouldn’t have been certified,” Brown told The Informer. “DCBOE also left some signatures with whiteout. How did they determine which ones to leave out and which ones to keep in?”

Brown said she hasn’t received an answer from DCBOE to this day.

In reflecting on her experience as an observer, Brown said that DCBOE restricted some of her movement, relegating her to a folding chair behind staffers, all of whom were spread out in cubicles across the 6th and 7th floor of 1015 Half Street SE. Her movement and that of other observers to each of those cubicles required an escort, Brown told The Informer.

As Brown recounted, DCBOE relied on staffers, many of whom she said seemed confused about their role, to use their discretion when approving and rejecting signatures. That’s why, on Aug. 2, she demanded that the D.C. Council and Executive Office of the Mayor solidify policy around the use of whiteout to make corrections on petition pages.

While she’s revealed no plans to appeal DCBOE’s decision, Brown said she maintains her position that DCBOE’s lack of clarity around whiteout allowed for the agency to arbitrarily decide which whitened out signatures to keep and which ones to reject.

Brown said every rejected signature went to a quality control department, the head of which she said she unsuccessfully attempted to identify.

“Questions still remain about how decisions were made, who made the decisions about which signatures to include and which signatures with whiteout would be excluded,” Brown said. “Who held the 8,000 pages to the light? Were all of them held to the light? I’ve been asking since July 3, and I’ve been having this fight ever since.”

Per D.C. law, petition signatures are excluded from random sampling if: the signer was inactive on the voter roll at the time they signed the petition; if the signer isn’t registered to vote at the address listed on the petition; the signature is a duplicate of a valid signature; the signature isn’t dated; the petition doesn’t include the printed or typed name of the signer where the signature is not sufficiently legible; or the circulator wasn’t qualified at the time the petition was signed or they failed to complete the required information on the circulator affidavit. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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CROWELL from Page 32 servicers and/or the Department in coming days. Updates to these developments also will be posted at https://www.ed.gov/save.

The department simultaneously announced the following administrative adjustments for SAVE program participants:

Forbearance: Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan are being moved into forbearance. During forbearance, SAVE borrowers will not have to make payments. The time in forbearance will not count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness or Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) loan forgiveness. SAVE borrowers will not accrue interest on their loans during the forbearance. SAVE borrowers will be notified about their forbearance by their loan servicers.

Bills and payments: Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE Plan who have received a bill for August are being put in an interest-free forbearance – payments are not required during forbearance. Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE Plan who have not yet received a bill for August will also be put in forbearance and therefore will not receive a bill.

Borrowers affected by this court decision should hear from their loan

MORIAL from Page 32

the hypothetical cases that we were required to analyze."

She continued to grapple with difficult issues throughout her career. She was the author and lead sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which established the first new federal holiday in 38 years, and the lead

WILSON from Page 32

the Department of Education and eliminate the Head Start program. As a former Head Start educator and school principal, I find this vile and inexcusable.

Project 2025 also wants students in public high schools to take a military entrance exam in an effort to draft them into the military. However, it leaves private school kids untouched.

The cherry on top? They're hell-bent on banning abortion and restricting access to birth control and Plan B. As someone who knew life before Roe v. Wade and almost died from a stillbirth, we simply cannot go back.

The court decision was met with swift and emphatic opposition from advocacy groups.

"The role of government is supposed to be to help its citizens, not cause intentional, undue harm," said Kristin McGuire, executive director of Young Invincibles, a national advocacy organization founded in 2009 that works to amplify the voices of young adults in the political process and expand economic opportunity.

"Legal challenges to forgiveness were to be expected, but it is disheartening to see our judicial system put politics over people time and time again," McGuire added. "Continually halting student debt forgiveness is reckless and cruel for borrowers, and jeopardizes the economy and the future of our higher education system."

Other organizations urged the Biden administration to stand against those seeking to block this needed loan relief.

"Right-wing politicians are using

sponsor of H.R. 40, the Commission to Study Slavery and Develop Reparation Proposals.

"Though some have tried to deflect the importance of these conversations by focusing on individual monetary compensation, the real issue is whether and how this nation can come to grips with the legacy of slavery that still infects current society," she said. "With

Now, Trump knows this plan is insane and unpopular, and has recently tried to distance himself from Project 2025, claiming he knows nothing about it.

But Project 2025 is crawling with former Trump officials and cabinet members.

All MAGA Republicans are trying to do now is lie about Project 2025 so they can win the election and begin to implement this draconian plan— just like authoritarians in other countries did when trying to grab onto power. But we cannot ignore their true vile intentions.

So, what's next?

Trump used his first term to destroy the guardrails of democracy, stack the courts with loy -

the courts to wreak havoc on the student loan system and put the economic stability of tens of millions of borrowers and their families at risk, said Persis Yu, Student Borrower Protection Center's deputy executive director. "Make no mistake: these lawsuits are shameful political gamesmanship designed to hurt President Biden at all costs, and borrowers are merely collateral damage."

Nadine Chabrier, senior litigation and policy counsel at the Center for Responsible Lending, concurred.

"These lawsuits reinforce an oppressive student loan repayment system that favors the interests of big businesses at the expense of low-income borrowers and borrowers of color," Chabrier said. "By choosing to protect the profits of exploitative loan servicers over students seeking relief from excessive loan repayments that limit their financial options, courts have created further confusion in a system that already was failing to effectively administer loan repayments or provide accurate information to borrowers about the status of their loans."

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the over criminalization and policing of black bodies, a reoccurring issue in African-American communities, I believe this conversation is both relevant and crucial to restoring trust in governmental institutions in many communities.

"A federal commission can help us reach into this dark past and bring us into a brighter future."

WI

alists, and make the truth seem like "fake news."

So, while our democracy survived a first Trump term, it won't survive a second one.

Don't take my word for it. Trump said he will become "a dictator on day one." This isn't just a scare tactic by Democrats; it's simply what Trump has already told us will happen if he wins. So, believe him when he says he'll be a dictator.

There is simply too much at stake to focus on anything other than the choice we have in this election: democracy or dictatorship.

I'm choosing democracy every day.

WI

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It is because of this, that investing in public transit is one of the most sensible and impactful things we can do to address the climate crisis on the scale that is needed.

First and foremost, public transit offers a direct solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike personal vehicles, which contribute significantly to carbon dioxide and other pollutants, public transit systems can transport large numbers of people efficiently and with reduced environmental impact per capita.

A robust public transit network decreases the overall reliance on fossil fuels, thus curbing emissions that drive climate change.

In addition, investing in public transit promotes sustainable development. By prioritizing accessible, reliable transit options, cities can mitigate urban sprawl and reduce the need for expansive road networks and parking infrastructure.

Despite this, for far too long, policymakers in Washington have prioritized highways and cars over public transit.

Luckily there is new legislation in Congress to fix this. Bills have been introduced in both the House and the Senate to increase transit budgets through operations funding. These bills, the Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act in the House and the Moving Transit Forward Act in the Senate, would

provide more money to states and local municipalities to increase transit options. Congress should pass them without delay.

The climate crisis necessitates bold and proactive measures. Investing in public transit is not merely an option but a moral imperative and a practical solution to combat climate change while fostering equitable and sustainable urban development. By prioritizing public transit, policymakers can chart a course towards a more resilient, inclusive and environmentally sustainable future for all.

The climate crisis is devastating Black communities and public transit offers a real and viable solution. We just need Washington to act, and soon. Because time is running out. WI

lambasted the Black Lives Matter movement while failing to condemn the white nationalists who marched on Charlottesville, Va. Trump's botched response to the coronavirus pandemic saw the virus disproportionately affect Black and brown Americans. His administration rescinded Obama-era guidance on affirmative action and Trump has repeatedly come out against DEI programs and signed an order banning ethnic studies.

Even as he courts Black Americans — claiming he has "done more for

JEALOUS

from Page 33

The same goes for electric vehicles.

Speeding up the transition will continue to create jobs, ensure American competitiveness in the next economy, and grow and strengthen our economy. We have already seen well over 300,000 jobs created by the Biden-Harris administration's investments in clean energy.

Someone who understood this was my friend, the late Congressman John Lewis. Rep. Lewis was one of our greatest champions for strengthening American democracy and protecting the rights and power of voters. In his final years, he said:

"I do not agree with the dark vision of America's future [then-President Trump] described that pits accepting responsibility for our environmental impact against the economic stability and vitality of our country. … The rest of the world has seen the economic and environmental benefit of clean energy, and they will leave us behind."

the Black community than any president since Abraham Lincoln" and calling himself the "best president" for African Americans — Trump continues to trade in racists remarks and policy proposals. For example, he recently claimed the Black community "embraced" him after he was indicted on criminal charges and that "the Black population" was "walking around" with photos of his now-infamous mugshot.

The choice of who should win on Election Day this November has never been clearer and Black voters need to ask themselves whether they want four years of a deluded

As we remember Rep. Lewis's legacy this summer — between last month's anniversary of his passing and the anniversary of the VRA this month — let us remember those words as a call to action. And let us also remember that although there is no conflict between economic prosperity and doing all we can to fight the climate crisis, the climate fight is indeed a conflict. It is a conflict between the infinitesimal number of extremely wealthy and powerful people who benefit from the fossil fuel status quo and the rest of humanity.

By protecting and expanding voting rights — with bills like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act — we can ensure that all voices are heard and that climate policies are developed with equity and justice in mind. When marginalized communities, including communities of color, low-income communities, and indigenous communities, have a seat at the table and a voice in the democratic process, they are more likely to push for

convicted criminal who trades in racists tropes and blatant lies or a strong Black woman who has made a career of ensuring that the laws are equitable for all Americans and that people like Donald Trump don't go unpunished.

If there is one thing people from Philadelphia are good at, it is spotting people's true intentions. They know a con artist when they see one and they know when a person is fighting the good fight. Now it's up to them to show up at the ballot box and choose who becomes the next president of the United States.

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climate policies that prioritize their needs and interests.

Moreover, the same systems and structures that perpetuate the climate crisis also undermine democracy and the rule of law. So, it is not just that democracy is a climate issue. Climate is a democracy issue as well. By addressing the climate crisis, we can also address the underlying democratic deficits that perpetuate inequality and injustice.

Climate justice requires a democratic system that is accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs and demands of all people, particularly those most affected by climate change. By strengthening democracy, we can ensure that climate policies are developed with the participation and consent of all affected communities.

Let us work together to build a democracy that serves the people, not just the powerful. Let us prioritize voting rights, climate action and environmental justice. The future of our planet depends on it. WI

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