The Washington Informer - December 12, 2024 by The Washington Informer

A Vindicated Mayor Bowser Celebrates Downward Crime Trends

Amid

D.C.

Jail Deaths, Still Some Concern about Pre-Trial Detention

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

With the new year just weeks away, the Bowser administration continues to celebrate a significant reduction in violent crime to pre-pandemic levels.

As of Dec. 9, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has recorded a 35% year-to-date reduction in violent crime, and a similar downward trend of 11% for property crime, 39% for robberies, 40% for carjackings, 29% for assault with dangerous weapons, and 26% for sex abuse.

CRIME Page 40

In a Historic Dialogue, Black State Legislators Talk About Politics and Leadership

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Maryland Del. Karen Toles (D) has been the witness of African American history since joining her state’s General Assembly in 2022, representing District 25 in Prince George’s County.

She is serving under the Maryland’s first Black governor, Wes Moore, and lights up when her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister, Vice President Kamala Harris, is mentioned as the first African American female to get a major party nomination for president. However, Toles was smiling quietly and proudly on Dec. 4 at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators 48 th Annual Legislative Conference at the Capitol Hilton Hotel in Northwest during the opening plenary when her colleague, Maryland Del. Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County), participated in a discussion with seven Black state legislative leaders.

Jones was elected as speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates in 2019 becoming the first Black and first female to serve in that position.

BLACK LEADERS Page 40

Months after Eagle Academy’s Closure, D.C. Council Explores Charter Accountability

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Five months later, Sharnetta Boone-Ruffin says her daughter continues to ask about her old school --- the shuttered Eagle Academy Public Charter School (PCS).

“[She’s] still asking for their teachers. Still asking for their principals,” Boone-Ruffin recently told members of a D.C. Council committee. “Still asking for their staff members and their loving, nurturing environment that they loved and [where] they created these core moments together.”

Boone-Ruffin, an Eagle Academy PCS parent and former board member, recently testified before the council's Committee of the Whole about the months leading up to the public charter school’s abrupt closure.

On Aug. 20, Eagle Academy PCS’ board voted to

Celebrating 60 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.

5D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (left) and Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith (right) tout a whole-of-government approach as paramount in addressing public safety concerns. Smith reiterated that point during the Dec. 9 public safety briefing, acknowledging D.C. Council legislation that paved the way for District agencies to collaborate on crime reduction. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

5MSNBC Host Symone Sanders-Townsend moderating the opening plenary at the 48th Annual National Black Conference of State Legislators on Dec. 4, featuring panelists Bobby Joe Champion, president of the Minnesota Senate; Don L. Scott Jr. the speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates; Joanna McClinton, speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Adrienne A. Jones, speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates and Chris Welch, speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Southeast Santa Stuart Anderson greets Christmas Tree purchaser Aisha Swann with her son at the Sandlot in Southeast on Nov. 30. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

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BY STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER

Jay-Z Denies Sexual Assault Allegations, Accuses Lawyer Tony Buzbee of Blackmail

Jay-Z has forcefully denied allegations of sexual assault involving a minor, calling the claims a calculated attempt at blackmail.

The accusation emerged from a civil lawsuit filed by an anonymous accuser, who alleges the music mogul, along with Sean “Diddy” Combs, raped her at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000. The accuser was 13 years old at the time.

In a statement to E! News, Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, expressed the personal toll the allegation takes on his family, particularly his children: 12-year-old Blue Ivy and 7-year-old twins Rumi and Sir.

“My only heartbreak is for my family,” he said. “My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people.”

He added, “I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age. It is unfair to have to try to understand inexplicable degrees of malice meant to destroy families and human

spirit.”

LAWSUIT AND RESPONSE

The lawsuit, originally filed in October and refiled in New York last week, alleges that Jay-Z raped the girl while Combs and another individual referred to as "Celebrity B" watched.

Jay-Z vehemently denied the allegations in a statement released via his Roc Nation platform. He specifically called out the accuser’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, for attempting to extort him.

“My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee,” Jay-Z said. “What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!”

Daniel Penny Acquitted in Subway Chokehold Death of Jordan Neely, Sparking Fresh Outrage

Daniel Penny, the former Marine who placed Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold on a New York City subway, was acquitted Monday of criminally negligent homicide. Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man with a documented history of mental illness, died on May 1, 2023, in an incident that drew national attention and ignited weeks of protests over issues of mental health, public safety, and racial justice.

The acquittal came after a jury of seven women and five men deliberated for five days. Their decision followed a deadlock on a more serious manslaughter charge, leading Judge Maxwell Wiley to dismiss it on Friday.

Penny, 26, who faced up to four years in prison, walked free after the jury found no unanimous consensus on his criminal liability.

Neely’s final moments were captured on bystander video, showing Penny restraining him with a chokehold for nearly six minutes. Witnesses testified that Neely, a one-time Michael

Jackson impersonator, had been shouting on the train, expressing his desperation, hunger, and desire to return to jail. His erratic behavior allegedly frightened some passengers, and Penny grabbed Neely and placed him in a chokehold. The case has resurfaced deep societal divides over the handling of mental health crises and vigilantism. Neely, a Black man battling untreated mental illness and homelessness, became a symbol of systemic failures. Penny’s actions—and his subsequent legal defense—drew sharp criticism for perpetuating dangerous stereotypes and justifying lethal force against vulnerable individuals.

Neely’s father, Andre Zachary, has since filed a civil lawsuit against Penny in New York Supreme Court. The suit alleges negligence, assault, and battery, seeking damages exceeding the jurisdictional limits of lower courts.

“We are still seeking justice for Jordan,” Zachary said.

Nikki Giovanni, Iconic Poet and Voice of the Black Arts Movement, Dies at 81

Nikki Giovanni, the groundbreaking poet, author, and professor whose work embodied the spirit of the Black Arts Movement and beyond, died on Monday in Blacksburg, Virginia. She was 81. Her wife, Virginia C. Fowler, confirmed the cause was complications from lung cancer.

Born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni Jr. on June 7, 1943,

in Knoxville, Tennessee, Giovanni spent her formative years in Cincinnati, Ohio, but returned to Knoxville every summer with her sister to visit their grandparents. These visits helped shape her sense of identity and belonging, themes that would become central to her work.

She graduated with honors in history from Fisk University, a historically Black college in Nashville and her grandfather’s alma mater. While at Fisk, Giovanni’s defiant spirit and intellect were evident. Expelled briefly due to issues with authority, she returned after a period of reflection and

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

5Nikki Giovanni (Courtesy Photo)

Aldi Comes to D.C.’s Fort Totten

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Mary T. Wade, a member of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association in Northeast, beamed as she waited in line in freezing temperatures for the new Aldi, located at the new, mixed-use Art Place at Fort Totten development, to open on Dec. 5.

Wade waited in line for 45 minutes along with dozens of other people to get a $10 gift card and the chance to shop at the Aldi. The Fort Totten Aldi is the company’s second store in the District — with the first located at the Skyland Town Center in Ward 7 in Southeast — and is the chain’s largest store in the city with 24,000 square feet.

“This is my neighborhood, Riggs Park,” Wade, 72, said. “This grand opening is very important to me because it gives me somewhere to shop and not leave the neighborhood. There are other stores here, but Aldi is affordable. And I like to shop at bargain stores.”

The store is a product of The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, which is led by president and CEO Jane Cafritz, and it serves as the developer of Art Place at Fort Totten. Elected officials such as D.C. Council member Zachary Parker

(D-Ward 5), Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large) and community leaders such as Barbara Rogers, president of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association cut the ribbon on the new store along with Cafritz and Aldi managers.

“A walkable, affordable grocer has been a cornerstone of our vision for this community, making residents' lives easier by enhancing access to essential resources,” said Cafritz. “Aldi’s opening at Art Place at Fort Totten reflects The Cafritz Foundation’s dedication to building an inclusive and vibrant community by thoughtfully combining culture, housing and retail to serve the neighborhood.”

Upon full build-out, Art Place at Fort Totten will encompass nearly two million square feet of multifamily, retail, cultural, art, educational and museum space.

Parker expressed excitement and relief that the new store is in his ward.

“This Aldi will have a tremendous impact,” said Parker. “A study found that one-third of Washingtonians are food insecure and have a hard time having access to nutritious food. It is good to have an Aldi close to our community.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

AROUND THE REGION

5 Leading the grand opening of the Aldi in the Fort Totten neighborhood in the District’s Ward 5 on Dec. 5 is (left to right) Aldi District Manager Michael Rosen; D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5); Aldi District and store manager Andrew Heisig; D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large); Jane Cafritz, chair and president and CEO of The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Robert Sloan, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation board member; Barbara Rogers, president of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association and Aldi District Manager Jesse Baldwin. (Courtesy

Photography)

Photo/Lisa Helfert

AROUND THE REGION

THE PERFECT PORTRAIT HOLIDAY GIFT

black facts

DEC. 12

1899 – George Grant patents an improved golf tee. 1940 – Grammy-winning singer Dionne Warwick is born in East Orange, New Jersey.

1963 – East African country Kenya gains its independence from the United Kingdom.

1975 – The National Association of Black Journalists is founded in Washington, D.C.

1995 – Willie Brown wins a runoff election to become the first Black mayor of San Francisco.

DEC. 13

1916 – Pro boxer Archie Moore, the longest-reigning world light heavyweight champion of all time, is born in Benoit, Mississippi.

1967 – Academy Award-winning actor and comedian Jamie Foxx is born in Terrell, Texas.

DEC. 14

1945 – Writer and music critic Stanley Crouch is born in Los Angeles.

1963 – Jazz singer Dinah Washington dies in Detroit at 39 of an accidental overdose on sleeping pills.

DEC. 15

1833 – William Augustus Hinton, a doctor and professor who was the first Black to publish an academic textbook and developed the "Hinton Test" for diagnosing syphilis, is born in Chicago.

1934 – African American teacher and businesswoman Maggie Lena Walker, the first female bank president of

DEC. 12 - 18, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

any race to charter a bank in the United States, dies in Thomas "Fats" Waller dies in Kansas City, Missouri, of pneumonia at 39.

Jimmy Carter nominates Andrew Young as ambassador to the United Nations. is appointed by President George W. Bush as the first African American to serve as secretary

George W. Bush signs H.R. 3491, the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act, which authorizes the creation of a Smithsonian

, a woman who disguised herself as a man in order to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, is born in

Singer and founding Temptations member Eddie is born in Birmingham, Alabama.

1996 – Kofi Annan becomes the first Black secretary-general for the United Nations.

DEC. 18

1865 – The 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery in the U.S., is ratified.

1946 – Stephen Biko, anti-apartheid activist, is born in Ginsberg Township, South Africa.

1971 – Rev. Jesse Jackson announces the founding of Operation PUSH.

1996 – The Oakland Unified School District school board passes a resolution recognizing Ebonics — or African American Vernacular English — as an African language.

2002 – BET founder Robert Johnson is announced as owner of the NBA's Charlotte expansion franchise, making him the first African American majority owner in major professional sports. WI

JAMIE FOXX

DIONNE WARWICK

AROUND THE REGION

view

P INT

BY MICHA GREEN

The concept of socio-economics. It would obliterate a lot of issues that stem from classism, racism, and elitism. What

DEVON SAUNDERS / PHILADELPHIA, PENN. FICO scores!

LORI JONES / RAHWAY, N.J.

EMIL M. / WASHINGTON, D.C.

Greed. A lot of people work hard but can’t get ahead because corporations and politicians are all too greedy.

MARISSA RAWLINGS / WASHINGTON, D.C.

I say capitalism, misogyny, hate, HOAs, and credit scores.

JEFFERY BUFORD / WASHINGTON, D.C.

Money. It’s the root of all evil!

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.

AROUND THE REGION

Gervonta Davis, Lamont Roach Jr. Host Press Conference at Howard University Ahead of March Matchup

By Skylar Nelson WI Contributing Writer

In a historic moment, boxing took center stage on the campus of Howard University, as Baltimore’s Gervonta “Tank” Davis and D.C. native Lamont “The Reaper” Roach Jr. took to Burr Gymnasium on Dec. 5 for their second press conference to promote their upcoming fight on March 1.

“When we received the call to host the press conference with one of boxing’s biggest stars, Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis against D.C.’s own Lamont Roach, we were ecstatic,” said Kery Davis, Howard University’s athletic director.

Comedian BenDaDonn hosted the boxing press conference, which was open to the public, bringing out fans from all over the Washington metropolitan region. Many people were there in support of the hometown hero Roach, while some traveled down the beltway from Baltimore to support Davis.

“It means a lot, just even having Baltimore and D.C come together. It’s all love under one house," Davis said. “I feel as though after this, it’s going to be great. It’s good for D.C. and Baltimore and it’s also good for the sport of boxing.”

The rivalry between the two boxers goes back to their days fighting as amateurs. Davis and Roach have been in

the ring twice before, with the Baltimore native winning both fights.

“I was one of the best boxers in the country at that age and for a long time at every age. I won national titles at every age,” Roach explained. “When I happened to run into him. He got gold by the slightest little chance of luck and I got silver. But other than that, every other year, I was the number one fighter in the country.”

Coming into this thrilling matchup, Davis (30-0, 28 knockouts) is ranked No. 8 on ESPN’s poundfor-pound boxing list after defeating Frank Martin back in June.

Roach (25-1-1, 10 knockouts), the current WBA super featherweight champion, moved up a weight class, at 135 pounds, to challenge Davis in the fiery Prime Video pay-per-view matchup.

STUDENTS, STAFF WEIGH IN ON SIGNIFICANCE OF MOMENT FOR HOWARD, HBCUS

The boxing press conference at Howard, affectionately known as “the Mecca,” quickly became a full circle moment for students and faculty.

Kyle Alexander, a Howard student and Baltimore native, shared his excitement of Davis’ appearance at his university.

“Being from Baltimore, seeing Tank get to this level has been amazing for the city,” Alexander told The Informer. “Every time he fights, the entire city has his back as a collective, and he wears that hometown pride. His presser at Howard also shows that he’s engaged with the HBCU community.”

Student-athlete Brock Morgan said conducting the press conference was not only major for Howard, but for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in general.

“I think the press conference being on campus was very important and very influential. I think it just goes back to support the fact that… ‘[Howard really is the top HBCU,” Morgan said. “Things like that don't happen every day, you know, they certainly don't happen on campus. For students to have this opportunity, to go see something like that live and in person, I think it's a great thing.”

TENSE EXCHANGES AHEAD OF THE BIG FIGHT

After initial remarks, it didn’t take long for both fighters to start going at each other's throats. Davis fired the first verbal shot of the event, which stimulated high energy from Roach and the crowd.

“He better not bring his family. None of them can stop this,” said Davis.

Roach didn’t let Tank’s comments go without response for long. He fired back at Davis by saying, “I’m the one to stop all that,” and warning his opponent to be prepared for March 1.

The Presser ended with a fiery faceoff between Davis and Roach before the boxers headed their separate ways. Roach told The Informer what fans should expect at Barclays Center on March 1.

“A hell of a fight. I think fight of the year candidate,” Roach said. “Two dogs going in there to rumble. A championship is on the line. We both [are] protecting what we’ve got. I know he’s going to protect his belt and I’m coming to take it.” WI

5A fiery stare down between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. at the Howard University Press Conference on Dec. 5, 2024. (Skylar Nelson/The Washington Informer)

Senate Confirms Sooknanan and Ali to D.C. Federal Bench Following Norton’s Recommendations

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

As President Joe Biden continues to huddle with top aides and Vice President Kamala Harris to push through judicial nominations, the Senate has confirmed Sparkle L. Sooknanan and Amir H. Ali to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Both nominees were recommended by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and selected by Biden.

“As is evident from both nominees’ extensive and impressive accomplishments, Sooknanan and Ali have the principles, acumen, and experience to serve as exemplary federal judges,” said Norton, a member of Congress since 1991, who serves on the Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Principal deputy assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, Sooknanan brings a distinguished legal career to the bench. She previously served as Deputy Associate Attorney General and as an appellate attorney in the DOJ’s Civil Division.

President and executive director of the MacArthur Justice Center since 2021, Ali also leads Harvard Law School’s Criminal Justice Appellate Clinic. He previously worked as an associate at Jenner & Block LLP.

When Ali, 39, was nominated, his age was a point of conversation with both celebratory and critical tones.

“The best part is Amir Ali was born in 1985 so he could be on the

5After being highly recommended by Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the Senate has confirmed Sparkle L. Sooknanan (pictured) and Amir H. Ali to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. (Courtesy Photo/ Eleanor Holmes Norton, Facebook)

DC court for 40 years if he wants,” one social media user wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Norton, who exercises senatorial courtesy due to D.C.’s lack of Senate representation, praised the confirmations and emphasized the importance of these appointments.

“They will bring much-needed diversity to the federal bench,” Norton said.

AROUND THE REGION

“If

District native and comedian Tommy Davidson (standing second from right), with Army veterans Mr. Davis and Mr. Burton, and Access Housing DC staff, as the organization revealed two of the newly renovated rooms for veterans on Dec. 5. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

Winternational Embassy Showcase Brings the World to D.C.

Event Strengthens Diplomatic Bonds Through Performances, Culinary Presentations, Historical Displays

By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer

After a four-year hiatus, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center’s (RRB/ITC) 11th Winternational Embassy Showcase resurged in full effect on Dec. 5, featuring more than 68 embassies and cultural organizations sharing food, cultural practices, and educational material with attendees.

What first began as an outdoor event in 2011 with only four participating embassies, has evolved into a prosperous festival inside the Ronald Reagan Building, with more than 90 embassies throughout its history. With the COVID-19 pandemic pausing in-person programming, preventing Washington’s diplomatic community from big gatherings like Winternational since 2019, this year’s showcase garnered approximately 7,500 pre-registered attendees.

“When an event goes dormant for that long, sometimes you have questions about long-term viability, but it came back with a roar,” said Allyson Browne McKithen, executive director of the World Trade Center Washington, D.C. and founder of Winternational.

Washington’s World Trade Center aims to create and nurture relationships between the district’s diplomatic community, as it is one of the largest in the world, housing over 180 missions. Being the city’s largest structure, the RRB/ITC is the perfect venue for such an affair.

“We’re a U.S. government federal trade center, so one of our key missions is to connect with that diplomatic community to ccreate a bridge – a cultural bridge, but also a trade bridge – between our U.S. businesses looking to establish themselves in a global marketplace,” Browne McKithen said, explaining the reasoning behind Winternational’s conception. “So, relationships with the global community [are] huge.”

Embassies and organizations that curated exhibits at the showcase did so to heighten visibility for their countries and introduce people to their histories, customs and specialties.

“They really see it as a way to engage

5Crowds flooded the Ronald Reagan Building to experience various cultures, actively strengthening global bonds at the Winternational Embassy Showcase. Featured embassies hoped to provide positive perceptions of their respective countries, educating attendees through multiple mediums. (Courtesy photo)

with audiences they’re not normally meeting,” Browne McKithen said. “I think that the secret of the success of this program is that it truly is about the embassies.”

The trade center allows these diplomatic entities to design their respective displays, providing all necessary marketing, space and audiences. No exhibition was identical to another, ranging from culinary presentations to authentic performances to informational presentations.

Although she founded the event, Browne McKithen is pleasantly surprised by various exhibitions at every Winternational. This year, some that caught her eye include fiberglass panels depicting the story of King Tut and his tomb from the Embassy of Egypt and the Iraqi Embassy’s model of the Babylonian Gates.

She told The Informer she greatly appreciates the ample educational exchange this showcase allows, and noted that such an atmosphere creates a true celebration of nuanced global communities and customs–something that is crucial in today’s increasingly polarized world.

JAMAICAN EMBASSY MAKES WINTERNATIONAL DEBUT

This year, the Jamaican embassy made its Winternational debut, featur-

ing treats that allowed guests to the rich culture. The Caribbean country chose a primarily culinary-based display to give guests a “taste of Jamaica” through beef patties, rum cake and its world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee.

According to the Inter-American Development Bank, tourism makes up 34% of the island’s economic output, globally ranking it No. 16 out of the countries that economies most rely on tourism.

As a result, the embassy saw Winternational as a means to utilize food and drink to immerse attendees in its rich culture directly.

“We want people to really go and experience Jamaica for themselves,” said Emile Wallace-Waddell, community relations officer for the Embassy of Jamaica. “The end goal is to let people have a preview of what Jamaica has to hold, and we hope at one point they’ll say, ‘You know what? I’m going to Jamaica.’”

Wallace-Waddell reflected on challenges a country that deeply depends on tourism faces and emphasized the need to find more creative ways to promote economic empowerment. He considered COVID-19 as an example, which required airports and hotels to close, thus slowing tourism and negatively impacting the economy. WI

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Acting County Executive Tara Jackson Vows To Keep County On Track

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Tara Jackson was elevated to lead Prince George’s following the resignation of Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks (D) from her post as county executive. Jackson, who formerly served as county administrative officer, will act as county executive until the winner of a pending special election is sworn in. Having served in county government for decades, Jackson pledges to keep Prince George’s moving forward amid uncertain times.

“I believe in keeping the trains running,” said Jackson during a press conference on Dec. 4. “That means trash is still picked up. If we get snow…then snow is removed quickly. I pledge to do that for whatever time I have in this office.”

She projects to be in this role for four to six months.

Legislation to expand property tax credits for seniors remain on the table for Jackson to sign, veto, or allow into law without her signature.

She plans to continue work to prepare Prince George’s for the FBI headquarters relocation, although

the Trump Administration is likely to shutter this move.

“We’re going to work very hard to make sure we keep the program on track,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen (D), who believes the issue is settled as funding has already been allocated and a new headquarters is a national security concern. “I think there’s a consensus that the FBI’s current headquarters does

not meet the security requirements [and] does not meet the other requirements. So from our perspective, a decision has been made and we will work hard to make sure it’s executed [and] implemented.”

Another priority Jackson plans to address during her term is health care.

“I believe that Prince George’s in the past has been underfunded

County Board of Education Swears In New Chair and Vice Chair on Dec. 5

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

After a dramatic week for the Prince George’s County Board of Education’s swearing in of new members, initially cheduled for Dec. 2 at 5 p.m., was delayed, there’s officially a chair and vice

chair of the educational governing body. The delay occurred after a new member filed an injunction with the Circuit Court.

While the annual meeting to elect the board chair and vice chair was still scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Upper Marlboro on Dec. 2, the election was moved to Dec. 5

following a unanimous vote of the current Board.

Branndon Jackson (District 6) was elected to serve as chair and Jonathan Briggs (District 2) was elected to serve as the vice chair.

Zakyia Goins-McCants did not attend the meeting, as her narrow 13-vote win appears to be headed to a recount initiated by her competitor, Angela Jones.

HAPPENINGS

ON DEC. 2

The injunction filed on Dec. 2 initially halted the Board of Education’s proceedings.

“The injunction we filed is to stop the election during the annual meeting, which would select the chair and vice chair,” a source close to the matter told The Informer on the condition of anonymity earlier in the day.

Then chair Lolita Walker (District 9) kicked off the Dec. 2 meeting at 5:34 p.m.

“New members were unable

as it relates to health care,” said the acting county executive. “Our residents deserve primary care, to be able to go see a doctor that is in Prince George’s County, and to not have to travel to other counties to have their needs serviced and their needs met.”

Her term begins with a Council that is likely to be deadlocked on many issues. As no candidate for council chair received the necessary six votes to be appointed to the role, Councilmember Jolene Ivey (D- District 5) will remain as chair until further notice.

She will be elevated to the vacant At-Large seat in coming weeks, and a special election will be planned to fill the District 5 seat once she leaves it.

Ivey, State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D), Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D- At Large), and lawyer Tonya Sweat (D) have already made their intentions to campaign for the county executive seat known. Former County Executive Rushern Baker (D) is still considering his options and discussing a potential campaign with family and supporters.

Jackson has stated publicly that she does not plan to run in the special election.

to be sworn in as of today, as the Board of Elections was unable to release the commissions in time for today’s scheduled oath of ceremony,” she said.

The board chair explained the laws necessitating the selection of new leadership on that date.

Walker insisted multiple times that holding the meeting was necessary to follow state laws, which require the selection of a new chair and vice chair on the first Monday in December following an election.

Shayla Adams-Stafford (District 4) requested to table the meeting until the new members were sworn in and her motion was seconded.

“We have people that have been elected that should have the opportunity to vote for the chair and the vice chair to bring forward initiatives, ideas, and represent the desires of the communities that elected them,” said Adams-Stafford. “I will be voting to postpone

this, to allow our new members the opportunity to vote for their leadership. I hope my colleagues will as well.”

CERTIFYING THE ELECTION, THE VACANT SEAT

While Tiffani Andorful (District 1) and Robin Brown (District 5) maintained relatively large leads against their opponents during the v vote tallying process, and Adams-Stafford (District 4) ran unopposed, two other races were much narrower.

Goins-McCants defeated Jones by 13 votes according to the current unofficial numbers: well within the threshold to have the State Board of Elections cover the cost of a recount. Jones is currently planning a recount.

Phelton Moss defeated incumbent Kenneth Harris II in District 7 by over 2,000 votes, a margin that increased as more voters were counted. WI

5 Tara Jackson is leading Prince George’s County following the resignation of Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks from her post as county executive. (Courtesy Photo)

5 Newly elected Board Members Tiffani Andorful, Robin Brown, and Phelton Moss. Zakyia Goins-McCants was not in attendance, as her 13 vote lead appears to be in recount territory. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

FINES ISSUED TO INVESTMENT SCHEME, HOME BUILDING COMPANY

Maryland officials are taking action to protect consumers and investors from putting their money in the wrong hands.

The Maryland Securities Division, an office under the Attorney General’s umbrella, brought claims against Prosperity Partners Inc. and Prosperity Medical and Health LLC on Nov. 26, alleging scheme-like tactics. Allegedly, the companies solicited investments promising a monthly return of 6% a month, or an annual return of 72%.

These companies attracted $28.9 million in investments, mostly from Cameroonian and Nigerian communities, and early investors appear to have received just under $12.4 million in payments on their investments. However, these new investments were being used to pay back old investors. They have been fined $17.2 million and both companies are currently poised for bankruptcy.

“When Marylanders give their

hard-earned money to companies, they trust that it will be protected and used wisely. Investments are made with the hope of a better future, and companies that put hardworking families’ futures at risk will be held accountable,” said Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown in a statement announcing the court decree.

One social media user, replying to Brown’s announcement of the lawsuit wrote: “Accountability at all costs.”

Furher, the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office’s claim was affirmed on Dec. 6 by Circuit Court Judge Krystal Q. Alves for unfair and deceptive practices by Finish Werks Corp. and Finish Werks Custom Builders, Inc. Allegedly, these companies used payments for personal expenses and failed to pay subcontractors and correct serious defects in their homes.

Owner William Karl “Harris” Woodward is being held liable for over $950,000 in fines.

“Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments a person can make. Maryland families should be able to trust that businesses will honor that investment by delivering safe, secure homes,” said Brown. WI

5 Attorney General Anthony Brown and Maryland officers are taking action to protect consumers and investors from putting their money in the wrong hands. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS, HOWARD UNIVERSITY CREDIT UNIONS MERGE

Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (FCU) has announced the Howard University Employees Federal Credit Union have joined through a merger that went into effect Nov. 30.

The merger significantly expands the range of financial services available to employees, students, alumni and family members of Howard University as well as Howard University Hospital.

“Joining Educational Systems Federal Credit Union gives our members access to an expanded branch network and innovative financial services while continuing to receive the personalized care and support they value,” said Lincoln G. Brown Jr., chair of the Board of Directors for Howard University Employees Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to merge with a credit union that shares our dedication to the Howard University community.”

To preserve its long-standing history, the Howard University credit union branch will be referred to as Howard University Federal Credit Union, a division of Educational Systems Federal Credit Union.

“We are excited to welcome Howard University Employees Federal Credit Union members to the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union family,” said Girado Smith, president and CEO of Educational Systems FCU. “We are committed to fostering financial well-being by providing competitive solutions, personalized services, and educational resources to the Howard University community.”

Members of Howard University Employees Federal Credit Union will receive detailed information regarding the inte -

briefs

gration of accounts, services and benefits available to them. WI

UNITED AIRLINES CELEBRATES NEW DULLES CONCOURSE

United Airlines and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) on Dec. 3 celebrated the airline’s growth and the construction developments for the much anticipated, more than half a billion-dollar Concourse E that will transform the customer experience over the coming years at Washington Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia.

United is the D.C. region’s largest airline, with more than 8,000 local employees and more flights and destinations than any other carrier.

“Washington Dulles has emerged as a global gateway and these new investments will help deliver the world-class facility that our employees and customers deserve,” said United CEO Scott Kirby.

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) said “Dulles serves as a critical economic development hub for Virginia and helps travelers get where they need to go.”

The modernized concourse will greatly enhance the Dulles experience for United customers, including adding direct and easy access to the airport’s existing Aerotrain station that allows for smoother transport between the main terminal and other concourses. The United gates will feature the latest traveler amenities and technology expansive gate seating, along with concessions and retail space.

The 14-gate concourse is one phase of a long-term, multiphase project for United’s growth at Dulles that is part of MWWA’s master plan for the airport’s future.

“United’s commitment to Dulles – through its support of the new concourse, its long-term expansion plans, including new flights and destinations, investment in new training and technical facilities and the addition of thousands of local jobs – is a testament to the strength of our partnership in promoting regional economic growth and pursuing our mutual goal of providing world-class service to the traveling public,” said Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President and CEO Jack Potter.

United serves as a crucial gateway between our nation’s capital and the rest of the world, this includes nonstop service to over a dozen world capitals from Accra and Brussels to Mexico City and Tokyo and places in between. This summer, United will add a new world capital destination with the addition of its inaugural nonstop service to Dakar, Senegal beginning May 2025.

As United’s operations at Dulles continue to grow as a transatlantic gateway to the world, this summer United will be the first airline to offer the Washington region nonstop service to Nice, France and Venice,

“The Black Wealth Tour is a crucial initiative that is helping us overcome the barriers to homeownership,” said Rose.

from its peak of 49% in 2004.

Italy.

United also deepened its commitment to the region through District’s sports culture, recently becoming the official global airline partner of the Washington Capitals, Mystics, and Wizards. United is also the Founding Partner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s upcoming transformation to help revitalize downtown Washington as a world-class sports and entertainment destination. WI

NAREB BLACK WEALTH SUMMIT

Speakers at the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) recent Black Wealth Summit at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta said that even though Black homebuyers face systemic racism and economic factors such as high interest rates, the journey toward homeownership and generational wealth is worth pursuing.

The summit took place as the 2024 State of Housing in Black America report reported the African American homeownership rate is 45.7% in 2023 as opposed to 74.3% of white households, and a significant drop

“We are working really hard to make sure that we're continuing to reduce barriers to credit and expand access to credit,” said Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman, noting that the work done to “sustain generational wealth” will continue. “We have helped three million American families become first-time homebuyers. When you think about the context of what's happening in our home ownership ecosystem, (then) you know that was hard fought.”

Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose serves as the president of NAREB. She said the Black Wealth Summit is part of the national Black Wealth Tour designed to educate African Americans about homeownership and its role in building financial legacies.

“The Black Wealth Tour is a crucial initiative that is helping us overcome the barriers to homeownership,” said Rose. “We strategically engage with our communities, and our partners, including the Black church, Greeks, lawyers, and mayors, are all instrumental in this effort. We are teaching our members and scaling our members that are in development to help turn the blight in our communities into positive home ownership.”

5Courtney Johnson Rose is the president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. (Courtesy Photo/NAREB)

Prince George’s County Business Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

CONCENTRA

TO OPEN IN COLLEGE PARK, NEW DISTILLERY IN UPPER MARLBORO, LAUREL COMMERCE CENTER SOLD

As the year closes, new developments and businesses remain on the horizon in Prince George’s County.

Health care provider Concentra is planning to open a new location in College Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 12, roughly a mile away from their former location in Beltsville. Concentra operates a second medical facility in Lanham and 13 total locations across Maryland. The new location will have upgraded x-ray equipment, additional exam rooms, and larger physical therapy space.

Free State Distillery, a Blackowned operation, opened on Nov. 26. “Between the tastings, the tour, and customer service, this

place is 10/10,” said Jennifer Lea, who visited the distillery last week, to her large social media following.

The Laurel Commerce Center, a two-building site with nearly 60,000 square feet of warehouses and industrial space on Baltimore Avenue, sold for $9.175 million. The site was 91% leased at the time of sale, and Finmarc Management, Inc., a Bethesda-based commercial real estate investment and management firm, completed it. The tenants include Mr. Tire, AWA Auto Repair, New Again Auto Body, and JRS Auto Repair and the Commerce Center is roughly 15 miles from BWI Airport and 24 miles from Ronald Reagan Airport.

“This disposition further demonstrates the ability and effectiveness of our vertically-integrated team to source and acquire strategically-located properties in highly-differentiated asset classes and significantly maximize the value of the property during our hold period with expert leasing and property management tactics,” said Finmarc co-founder and principal David Fink. WI

Ending 2024 Strong and Beginning 2025 with Purpose

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

The final month of 2024 is here. We are counting down the days to close out this year. We have an opportunity to close the year with strength and start the new year with a fervor. To end the year strong, I encourage each of us to count our blessings. I want to ask you to list 2,024 blessings that you received during the year. However, many of you would just stop reading at this point. But please take a few minutes to identify 5 blessings that you experienced in 2024. The Blessings don’t have to be sea parting blessings, but can be new job, retained job or promotion. The Blessings can be retirement or lateral movement. The Blessings can be having family and friends. The Blessings can be that we are able to read the Washington Informer. We ALL have a reason to be thankful. If we focus with a spirit of gratitude we will be overcome with the reasons. When we focus on the gain and not the gap we can celebrate the greatness of the day.

Yet, the year is not over yet! Think of 3 things that can be done that will add to the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment before the end of the year. It can be the New Year’s resolutions that were dropped such as gaining the habit of exercise and eating right, creating a budget or enrolling in school. We could also start our estate plan with Life & Legacy Counselors!

I encourage each of us to consider 3 “tolerations” to remedy. There are things that each of us tolerate that create annoyances in our world. It can be something as simple as a stapler that jams all the time or a room in the home that doesn’t have adequate lighting. I encourage you to take the steps to throw out the irritating stapler and get another lamp from a thrift store, if necessary. Take the steps to identify the things that we stop seeing and just continue to tolerate. Tolerance depletes energy that can be spent elsewhere. Because tolerance is perceived to be so minimal, we overlook it. However, there is a blessing in the space when the toleration is removed.

As we move toward the New Year with excitement, we have an opportunity to shape the vision and the goals for our lives. Our New Year’s resolutions are about our vision for the future. It can be something as straight forward as prioritizing rest and peace for the next year because the vision for our future is joyful living. It can be that we are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro because we want to challenge our bodies. It can be something like building or growing our business. We have the capacity to shape our lives and our legacies to fulfill the dreams and vision we seek. However, it doesn’t happen by default. It happens by strategic planning and taking actions to achieve the plan. It requires dreaming. So often we focus on today or yesterday without allowing ourselves to dream for tomorrow. I challenge each one of us to stop and dream dreams. Dream BIG hairy audacious dreams. Let our dreams of today shape our tomorrow.

As an estate planning attorney, I am privileged to work with individuals and families who are committed to shaping their dreams for the people they love. Dreaming and acting today will shape the tomorrows of the people that we love.

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. Life and Legacy Counselors 1401 Mercantile Lane, Ste 271, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Ste 440 Washington, DC 20015 1100 N. Glebe Road, Ste 1010, Arlington, VA 22201 https://www.lifeandlegacy.law/ (855) 574-8481

5 Free State Distillery, a Black-owned operation that owns Arthur Wheeler Spirits Company, is now open. (Courtesy Photo/Office of Councilmember Jolene Ivey, Instagram)

NATIONAL

Congress Honors Shirley Chisholm with Congressional Gold Medal for Trailblazing Legacy

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a historic moment, highlighting the paths paved by the late Shirley Chisholm, Vice President Kamala Harris signed legislation posthumously awarding the former New York congresswoman and barrier-breaking political leader with a Congressional Medal of Honor.

“It was an honor to stand next to Vice President Kamala Harris as she

signed this historic bill,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) in a statement. “The Congressional Gold Medal serves as the nation’s highest expression of gratitude for distinguished service and achievements, and I see no one more deserving than Shirley Chisholm. It is critical for the next generation of leaders to see the first Black woman elected to Congress get the recognition that she deserves.”

Lee and U.S. Senator Laphonza

receive the honor for her trailblazing work and leadership. (Courtesy Photo)

Butler (D-Calif.) announced the passage of the bipartisan legislation awarding Chisholm, a pioneer in American politics and the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968.

“Congresswoman Chisholm made history as the first Black

against the Vietnam War. In 1972, she made history as the first Black candidate and the first woman to seek the Democratic presidential nomination. Though her campaign faced significant barriers, including exclusion from televised debates, Chisholm’s run was a symbolic act to pave the way for future diverse candidates.

“I ran because someone had to do it first,” Chisholm wrote in her book, "The Good Fight." “The door is not open yet, but it is ajar.”

Chisholm’s legacy was recalled in New York, where officials recently commemorated her 100th birthday on Nov. 30. Vice President Kamala Harris, whose historic 2024 presidential bid followed in Chisholm’s footsteps, routinely paid homage to Chisholm.

woman elected to the United States Congress and the first Black woman to run for President of the United States. To Mrs. C, thank you for being unbought and unbossed, for paving the way, and for being a catalyst for change,” Lee said.

The bill, introduced in the Senate by Senators Butler and the Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and in the House by Rep. Lee, received widespread bipartisan support. The legislation recognizes Chisholm’s extraordinary contributions to American society, including her advocacy for racial and gender equity, low-income communities, and her historic 1972 presidential campaign.

“Shirley Chisholm’s courageous leadership opened doors for countless others and redefined what was possible in American politics,” said Butler. “This medal is a tribute to her unwavering dedication to justice and equality.”

Lee, a protégé of Chisholm, spoke eloquently about the significance of the honor.

She emphasized the importance of Chisholm’s barrier-breaking work.

“As the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first to run for president from a major party, Shirley Chisholm’s legacy is unparalleled. Her motto, ‘Unbought and Unbossed,’ continues to inspire leaders today,” Lee said.

During her seven terms representing New York’s 12th Congressional District, Chisholm introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation and was a vocal advocate

“So many of us stand on her broad shoulders,” Harris said. “Let us continue to speak truth to power and fight for equality and justice for all.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress bestows, and Chisholm’s recognition follows her posthumous receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2015.

Senators and representatives across party lines lauded the legislation, with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) calling Chisholm “an inspiration for millions” and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) highlighting her role as a “catalyst for progress.”

Chisholm’s life began in Brooklyn, New York, where she was born Shirley Anita St. Hill on November 30, 1924. She graduated cum laude from Brooklyn College and earned a master’s degree from Columbia University while working as an early childhood educator. Her political career began in 1964 with her election to the New York State Legislature, followed by her historic win in Congress four years later.

“Shirley Chisholm was a fighter who shattered glass ceilings and inspired generations,” said Warnock. “Her life’s work reminds us of the power of representation and the need to continue her fight for equity.”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of which Chisholm was a member, expressed pride in her legacy.

“Her unbought and unbossed spirit guides our work today,” said Elsie Cooke-Holmes, the sorority’s international president.

5 Vice President Kamala Harris (center) signs the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, introduced by California leaders Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Sen. Laphonza Butler. A pioneer in American politics and the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968, Chisholm will posthumously

Car Buying – How to Prepare

For decades, most people followed a simple formula when they were ready to purchase a new vehicle. Visit a dealership in person, negotiate a price, complete the purchase and drive the car off the lot.

Today, there’s a myriad of car buying options available, and whether you’re a first-time or a veteran car buyer, the ever-evolving landscape of the auto industry can leave consumers with a lot of questions. Here are five tips to help prepare for your next car shopping experience.

1. SET YOUR BUDGET, AND STICK TO IT

There are a variety of different expenses that come with getting a car – the purchase cost, insurance, maintenance and fuel being a few of them. Knowing how much you can afford, especially if you plan to pay for it over time, is key to avoiding a car bill that stretches your finances. Chase has a variety of different budgeting tools and tips to help you save for your purchase.

2. LOOK FOR THE BEST DEALS

Like many other items, vehicles have a price cycle; the end of the month and end of the model or calendar years tend to be when you can find a better deal, as dealers may need to meet quotas or clear out inventory. New models generally hit lots in the fall, so instead of buying a 2025 model in September, consider the 2024 model. Generally, make sure you are considering multiple vehicles and shopping around at several dealerships to get the best price.

3. TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE IT FITS YOUR NEEDS

This is your time to see how the vehicle looks and feels, try out the interior systems and figure out if the vehicle fits your needs. Schedule test drive appointments to ensure the car you want is still available, ideally a few in the same day or week to keep your impressions fresh in your mind. It’s also helpful to simulate your daily driving conditions as much as possible, such as bringing any car seats or equipment you may have in your car daily. After your test drive, you can ask about the car’s warranty and fuel and maintenance requirements, as well as the possibility of getting an extended test drive or bringing the car to your own mechanic for a second opinion.

4. DETERMINE WHETHER YOU ARE FINANCING OR LEASING

There are benefits of both a lease and a loan. With a loan, there is no mileage limit and you are free to customize and change the car as you see fit. After completing your finance payments, you own it. Leases typically have lower upfront costs than loan payments, and at the end of the term you can return, purchase or trade the vehicle in. But keep in mind that most leases have a mileage limit, so it might not be the best option if you travel often.

5. HOW TO KNOW IF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE IS RIGHT FOR YOU

With so many major manufacturers building EVs, there are more options than ever before. However, cost, maintenance, range and charging logistics are all key factors to consider. On average, it costs about half as much to fuel a vehicle with electricity compared to a similar vehicle that runs on gasoline. But just as gas prices vary, so do electricity costs – based on your location, your driving style and the size of your battery. And the cost of an EV itself may be higher than a traditional gas vehicle, although there are options to help offset the cost like federal and local tax incentives.

When it comes to maintenance, EVs typically require less maintenance than traditional cars. EV batteries tend to be covered by 8–10-year warranties (outlasting the amount of time most people own their cars) but EV tires degrade faster due to the weight of the battery

The median range of an EV with a fully charged battery is roughly 250 miles, but that number depends on the make and model as well as other factors like weather, traffic conditions and driving style. And when it comes to charging infrastructure, some cities and states may have more charging stations than others. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and map your route.

My advice to customers? Be open to the different options in the market. Do your research and discover all the resources available to help you understand what kind of car and financing will be best for you and your family.

For more information about the online car shopping, financing and education that Chase offers, visit autofinance.chase.com.

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Angolan Leaders Look Ahead to future U.S. Partnerships During Biden’s Historic Visit

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

During his visit to Angola as part of the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor Summit, President Joe Biden announced more than $1 billion in humanitarian aid to assist Africans displaced by severe droughts and food insecurity, alongside $600 million in new U.S. investments in infrastructure projects.

Biden emphasized his hopes that these measures will serve as a reminder of the U.S. commitment to fostering long-term African partnerships, emphasizing trade, investment, and sustainable development.

“The United States continues to be the world’s largest provider of humanitarian aid and development assistance. That’s going to increase, you know, that’s the right thing for the wealthiest nation in the world to do,” Biden said.

Hosted by the United States and Angola, the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor Summit brought together leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia to accelerate infrastructure projects to connect the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Central to these efforts, under the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor initiative, is the Zambia-Lobito rail project, a transformative 800-kilometer line linking Angola and Zambia, with groundbreaking targeted for 2026.

Lourenço called Biden’s visit a “key turning point” in U.S.-Angola relations.

Biden agreed: “The United States is all in on Africa.”

BIDEN FULFILLS HIS PROMISE, LOURENÇO SHARES PRIORITIES FOR U.S.-ANGOLA RELATIONS

President Biden fulfilled his long promised trip to Africa after rescheduling due to Hurricane Milton’s impact on the nation.

Angola’s national and international politicians viewed the visit as a chance to bolster trade agreements with the U.S. and increase their opportunities for foreign investments while announcing the success of partnerships with the

Western hemisphere.

“We want to work together attracting U.S. direct full investment to Angola, opening business and opportunity for Angolan businessmen to the U.S. market,” President João Lourenço of Angola said during a Tuesday meeting with Biden.

He requested access to military schools and training for the country’s armed forces resembling the recent partnership announced for Kenyan scholars.

“We would like to see U.S. investors engaged in construction of power transmission lines, in high-voltage under public-private partnerships for southern African countries, namely for the region of Copperbelt in Zambia and DRC, as well as for Namibia, connecting to the southern countries’ power grid,” Lourenço added referencing opportunities for communal growth

DRIVING REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor is part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), a U.S.led initiative focused on infrastructure projects that promote inclusive economic growth. Total U.S. investments in the Corridor now exceed $4 billion, with international commitments surpassing $6 billion. Agriculture and food security remain key components of the initiative. Biden celebrated the first shipment of goods from Angola’s Carrinho Group along the Corridor to the DRC, marking a milestone in regional trade. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

The Republic of Namibia Elects Its First Female President

By Austin Cooper WI Contributing Writer

The Republic of Namibia has elected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female chief executive.

Affectionately known as “NNN,” Nandi-Ndaitwah will become the fourth female head of state on the African continent, following the Republics of Liberia, Malawi, and Tanzania.

In a few months, President-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah will take the oath of office in the capital city of Windhoek on March 21. WI

as “NNN” as its

5 President Biden and Angola’s President João Lourenço greet each other during the American leader's trip to Africa. (Courtesy Photo/The White House)

Republic of Namibia has elected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, affectionately known

first female president. (Courtesy Photo)

HEALTH

Addressing Period Poverty in D.C.: Mamatoto Village Launches Reproductive Health Pantry In Ward 7

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Mamatoto Village, a Black led maternal health collective providing perinatal support services for Black women across the District, has created a first-of-itskind Reproductive Health Pantry designed to combat period poverty in the nation’s capital.

“It's a way to give back to the community,” said Mariah Oates Barnett, director of development and communications at Mamatoto Village.

According to the Journal of Global Health Reports, “period poverty” refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, proper hygiene facilities, waste management, and related education, which significantly impacts many women worldwide, leading to physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

Various studies show the growing trend of women and girls struggling to afford period products. A 2021 study conducted by the period product brand U by Kotex reveals two in five people are affected by period poverty.

Additionally, a 2019 study observing low-income women in St. Louis, Missouri, found a startling 64% of residents unable to afford menstrual hygiene supplied during the previous year, having to resort to tissues, rags, used cloth, paper towels, or children’s diapers to make due.

Further, research indicates that period poverty is a significant contributor to absentee -

ation centers, libraries, and any building that “serves the city’s most historically underserved residents including local shelters and congregate care facilities.”

Although the legislation was authored by Councilmember Pinto, Councilmembers also co-introduced the legislation to help provide menstrual products for those in need, while expanding menstrual education in schools citywide.

“Accessing period products should be as ubiquitous as accessing toilet paper in public facilities. Our public places support the everyday lives of the residents of D.C., and by taking this action, we take a fundamental step toward gender equality,” Pinto said.

ism among school-aged girls, as many feel unable to attend school while menstruating if they cannot afford necessary supplies.

Monthly menstruation comes with its own host of symptoms including irritability, anxiety, depressed mood, or mood swings. However, for women and girls struggling to access vital hygiene products, period poverty often leaves a devastating impact on mental health.

Headquartered in Ward 7, Mamatoto Village, a local nonprofit, witnessed firsthand the persistent poverty hampering resident access to menstrual hygiene and reproductive health needs, inspiring the innovative effort.

“It's a way to promote autonomy,” Oates Barnett told The Informer. “It's a way to [communicate to residents that] if you can't get services here, you can still come to Mamatoto Village for something.”

HELPING RESTORE DIGNITY TO THOSE SUFFERING IN SILENCE

Two years ago in 2022, the District City Council unanimously passed Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s “Period Equity Righting an Injustice of District Residents Act of 2022,” also known as “the Period Act.”

The long-awaited legislation aimed to provide free period products in all District government buildings such as recre -

While there is a lack of specific research detailing the percentage of residents impacted by period poverty in the District, experts have found a close correlation between period poverty and food insecurity, further suggesting that roughly 10.6% of local residents are experiencing difficulty accessing menstrual hygiene products.

Further, poverty and mental health are closely intertwined, with the strain of financial hardship contributing to a range of psychological challenges. Adding to that underlying stress, women reported having experienced period poverty show greater odds of poor mental health.

Installing their reproductive health pantry on the grounds of their health center located on Sheriff Road NE, the community pantry provides menstrual kits of various sized pads, tampons, and sexual health kits to help empower women and girls overall.

The pantry was made available on Nov. 26, and according to Oats Barnett, more than 50% of the menstrual kits and 80% sexual health kits were depleted, just over the first week, underscoring the need for this service.

Currently, the pantry is 100% donation based. The organization is seeking sponsors and brand partnerships for 2025.

“We hope that it just gives people a sense of self and boosts their dignity and their self esteem, allowing them to know that they have choices. We're here to help you with those choices,” Barnett said. WI

BM-Rapha Healthcare Co.

5 Mamatoto Village has a first-of-its-kind Reproductive Health Pantry designed to combat period poverty in the nation’s capital. (Courtesy Photo)

was readmitted with the help of a supportive Dean of Women.

This early experience of rebellion and reconciliation laid the groundwork for her unapologetic approach to life and art.

A VOICE OF REBELLION AND RESILIENCE

Her early works, including “Black Feeling, Black Talk” (1968) and “Black Judgement” (1968), were steadfast in their militancy and pride. Her poetry grappled with the injustices faced by Black Americans, including the brutal murder of Emmett Till and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which killed four Black girls.

At a time when mainstream publishers showed little interest in the work of a young Black woman writing what they labeled “militant” poetry, Giovanni took matters into her own hands. She self-published her work, founding a company to distribute her collections. “No one was much interested in a Black girl writing what was called ‘militant’ poetry,” she once wrote. “I thought of it as good poetry.”

Her boldness paid off. In 1972, at just 29 years old, she sold out Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, reading her poetry to a crowd of more than 1,000 alongside the New York Community Choir.

The following year, for her 30th birthday, she filled the 3,000-seat Philharmonic Hall, where the choir joined her again, along with Melba Moore and Wilson Pickett. The audience erupted joyfully when she recit-

ed her now-iconic poem, “Ego-Tripping.” The piece, a celebration of Black female strength.

A PROLIFIC CAREER

She was known for her candid reflections on race, gender, and identity, blending the personal with the political in provocative and deeply human ways.

AN EDUCATOR AND MENTOR

In 1987, Giovanni joined the faculty at Virginia Tech, where she became a University Distinguished Professor. She remained there for 35 years, influencing generations of students with her wit, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to truth.

Giovanni earned seven NAACP Image Awards, a Grammy nomination, and the distinction of having three of her books listed as New York Times and Los Angeles Times Best Sellers—a rare feat for a poet.

Giovanni described herself as a dreamer.

“My dream was not to publish or to even be a writer," she remarked. "My dream was to discover something no one else had thought of. I guess that’s why I’m a poet. We put things together in ways no one else does.”

A LEGACY OF DREAMS AND DEFIANCE

In addition to her wife, Giovanni leaves behind her son, Thomas, and her granddaughter. Her father, mother, sister, and aunt preceded her in death. WI

EDUCATION

revoke its charter, just one day after the D.C. Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB) struck down an asset acquisition proposal through which Friendship Academy PCS would absorb the financially insolvent public charter school.

Boone-Ruffin, a parent of a student with special needs, counted among the three board members who unsuccessfully attempted to prevent the board decision. In her testimony, she said the closure threatened the child's progress at Eagle Academy PCS’ Capitol Riverfront campus in Ward 6.

For Boone, the situation became a question of how much sooner DCPCSB could’ve intervened in Eagle Academy's financial decline.

“It’s frustrating to know that it couldn’t have been this way. It should not have been this way,” Boone-Ruffin said. “I wish there was stronger oversight and communication from DCPCSB who is responsible for determining whether a school is financially sound.”

Boone-Ruffin, who served as a board member for nearly 11 months, said she didn’t receive training until well into her tenure. Those sessions, she explained, were conducted by a DCPCSB-contracted trainer who she said was surprised about Eagle Academy PCS’ slow onboarding process.

She later told council members that, over time, she learned about the board’s lack of visibility among parents and community members, as well as what the parent described as board members’ poor access to financial documents.

As board members and DCPCSB would come to find out, Joe Smith, successor to late Eagle Academy PCS founder Cassandra S. Pinckney, acted as the school’s CEO and CFO from 2016 until he stepped down in April.

Boone-Ruffin said that the lack of transparency, as a result, necessitated what she called more of a timely response from DCPCSB.

“While I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished trying to save Ms. [Cassandra] Pinckney’s legacy… this experience taught me that schools, parents and agencies must work collaboratively,” Boone said.

EXAMINING PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY

By the time the council’s Committee of the Whole conducted the roundtable on Dec. 5, 19 out of more than 360 former Eagle Academy PCS students still hadn’t been settled into an alternative placement -- whether in D.C. Public Schools, a public charter school, or homeschool.

Additionally, $4 million in taxpayer funds that had been allocated to Eagle Academy PCS before its closure hadn’t been accounted for just yet, according to D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D).

Days after Eagle Academy PCS’ closure, on Aug. 23, Mendelon wrote a letter to DCPCSB Executive Director Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis asking why the public charter school board didn’t take corrective action earlier, despite tell-tale signs about the financial insolvency.

Months later, at the Dec. 5 roundtable, themed “The Closure of Eagle Academy Public Charter School,” Mendelson expressed a desire to further examine the circumstances surrounding the school’s closure.

“We know Eagle Academy PCS was struggling with cash on hand,” Mendelson said. “The CEO was serving as the CFO during the financial and enrollment decline that was taking place.”

The council chair later pivoted his attention to DCPCSB’s strikedown of the merger proposal.

“It’s likely Eagle Academy PCS wouldn’t have closed had the charter school board voted to accept the takeover or merger with Friendship PCS,” Mendelson said. “ It raises the question of what the board was

thinking to vote down that solution.”

DCPCSB, governed by the D.C. School Reform Act, conducts oversight of public charter schools in the areas of: academics, finances and organization. School leadership and board members also have the responsibility of ensuring their school’s financial responsibility, developing internal accounting controls, and establishing fiscally responsible financial goals.

On Dec. 5, Walker-Davis, along with DCPCSB Chief FInancial Officer Will Henderson and Board Chair Shantelle Wright testified before the council’s Committee of the Whole.

In its role, DCPCSB collects, examines and, as needed, requests revisions of public charter schools’ annual budgets. It also collects unaudited quarterly financial statements and annual financial statements audited by a DCPCSB-approved entity; annual enrollment projections; and fiveyear budgets for new charter applicants and those seeking charter amendments.

That information, Henderson said, goes into DCPCSB’s Financial Analysis Report, which shows, for each D.C. public charter school, total days of cash on hand, their prospects for future financial stability, and other metrics concerning operating revenues and expenses.

“We don’t believe in plugging numbers into a spreadsheet to get a calculation that says ‘yes’ or ‘no’ a school is healthy,” Henderson said. “While we believe our review

work must be consistent, we must also take into account the context of what’s happening in the school, public charter sector, public education and the city. We use a holistic evaluation to thoroughly understand a school’s financial health.”

In speaking about Eagle Academy PCS’ decision to close, Walker-Davis emphasized that it happened less than a day after Wright and the other board members said there would future be discussion, separate from Eagle Academy PCS and Friendship Academy PCS’ proposed merger, about charter revocation.

“It resulted in a closure without advanced notice, and caused a great deal of pain and uncertainty,” Walker-Davis told council members.

Wright told council members that she and her fellow board members continue to explore lessons learned from Eagle Academy PCS’

closure. “We’ve reflected on… ways that our policies can be improved,” Wright said in her government witness testimony. “This is an ongoing conversation that will take place at future board meetings. And we encourage the public to engage with us.”

At least one public charter school official had some thoughts about next steps.

Though she didn’t take issue with DCPCSB’s accountability measures, Patricia Brantley, CEO of Friendship PCS, told council members that board members should react sooner in situations when public charter school local education agencies, especially those with mortgage obligations, are burning through cash on hand more quickly than they’re generating revenue.

“Eagle didn’t just get into trouble at six days, they were in trouble at 92,” Brantley said on Dec. 5. WI

@SamPKCollins

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS STRATEGIC PLAN

Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (School) and Academy of Hope Foundation (Foundation) is requesting proposals from strategic planning consultants. See full RFP for details and submission information at https://aohdc.org/get-involved/jobs/. Proposals are due 12/16/2024.

5 By the time the council’s Committee of the Whole conducted the roundtable on Dec. 5, 19 out of more than 360 former Eagle Academy PCS students still hadn’t been settled into an alternative placement -- whether in D.C. Public Schools, a public charter school, or homeschool. (Courtesy Photo)

EAGLE ACADEMY from Page 1

Leslie grew up around many types of voices in Puerto Rico. When she and her team engineered voice recognition technology, she was inspired to include different accents, ages, and abilities. Now, this technology processes over 50 million voice commands every day.

Female Presidential Executives:

The World:14, America: 0

By reelecting Donald J. Trump over Kamala Harris on Nov. 5, America again showed the nation and world that she needs to be more mature to elect a competent and highly qualified woman as president.

Namibia, a southern African country with a population of 3 million, recently elected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president.

In a few months, when President-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah is sworn into office on March 21, she will become the 14th current female head of state. In addition to Namibia, the following countries have female leaders: Barbados, Denmark, Marshall Islands, Tanzania, Samoa, Honduras, Italy, Peru, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Latvia, Switzerland, Thailand, and Mexico.

Ten of these 14 presidents are their country’s first female executives.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, affectionately known as “NNN,” is Africa's fourth woman elected president. Former Presidents Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson and Joyce Bandi led Liberia and Malawi, respectively.

Overall, 60 United Nations member states (31%) have had a woman serve as head of state. The first was Sri Lanka, then called Ceylon, in 1960. Two other countries—India in 1966 and Israel in 1960—also witnessed their first women leaders in that decade.

Great Britain has elected three female prime ministers, including the 1979 election Margaret Thatcher, the “Iron Lady.”

Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, often called former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Mier “the best man in government.”

So why can’t the U.S. catch up?

In a recent Politico article titled “Harris Was Pushed Off a Glass Cliff—Repeatedly,” the authors state, “Clinton’s lead over Trump among women voters was 13 points in 2016. Eight years later, Harris’ lead over Trump was eight points.”

“In other words,” the authors continue, “Harris lost support among women voters who had previously voted for a women candidate. These voters must be making their minds up on issues other than gender.”

Then in America, another issue comes to mind: racism.

While sexism and not racism seemed to prevent Clinton from victory over Trump in 2016, both forms of discrimination were critical in Harris’ campaign and the outcome of the 2024 election.

“The fact that we have to work twice as hard to get Americans to listen to an accomplished Black woman instead of a mediocre white man is white supremacy,”

Keith Boykin wrote in the article “5 Big Lies About Why Donald Trump Won,” as part of his Word

Washington, D.C. Sadly Reflects ‘A Tale of Two Cities’

Every year during the Christmas season, if you’re a fan of the theater or a classic film aficionado, Charles Dickens’ characters – from Tiny Tim, to Ebenezer Scrooge – come to life in a plethora of adaptations from his seminal novel, “A Christmas Carol.” But Dickens, the 19th century British journalist revered as one of literature’s best-known novelists, wrote other pieces that also reflect his commitment to social criticism including, “A Tale of Two Cities,” in which he asserts his

in Black column “Black Vote, Black Power.” “The fact that people excused Trump’s 3 million job losses during his administration, but penalized Harris for not being perfect is white supremacy. And the fact that we’re even susceptible to Trump’s misinformation is a result of hundreds of years of racist white supremacist programming that has taught us to believe white men and discredit Black voices.”

Will America ever follow Africa and a host of other nations and elect a female Commander-In-Chief?

Or will we continue to choose male incompetence over female competence?

The world is 14; America is 0! WI

Wishing everyone a happy holiday and sending season’s greetings to all! I’m just stopping by to salute the Washington Informer writers and photographers on another great issue. Signed a loyal and faithful reader.

James Person Washington, D.C.

belief in the possibility of resurrection and transformation, both on personal and societal levels.

In the novel, Dickens uses the guillotine as a symbol of how revolutionary chaos often becomes institutionalized.

Meanwhile, here in D.C., one could argue that what has become “institutionalized” and therefore accepted as the norm is poverty within the Black community.

Over the past 40 years, Black communities, from homes to

schools to businesses, have been razed to make way for new train lines, while gentrification and surging property taxes have forced many Black people to shutter their doors and move to other areas in the region where the cost of living is one which they can more easily afford and where they can find a grocery store close by.

Last week, the doors of the White House were opened to the public for self-tours during which citizens enjoyed the opulent Christmas decorations now on display throughout the warm and toasty East Wing.

But less than a mile away along New York Avenue, several dozen Black and Hispanic men and women were huddled in a McDonald’s where the temperature was uncomfortably cool, and pric-

TO THE EDITOR

I loved the photos of Vice President Kamala Harris giving back on Thanksgiving. I appreciate that she’s still carrying out her duties and representing the White House. She’s been a great leader, and I’ll be sad to see her go in January.

Luther Russell Largo, Md.

es high.

Those who attended the tour were decked out in brand-new Christmas outfits, while the patrons in McDonald’s sported a hodgepodge of jeans, sweaters and oversized coats – soiled and torn more from overuse than because of the efforts of creative fashionistas. Tidings of comfort and joy were apparent on the faces of those touring the White House. However, those at McDonald’s for a bite to eat or for a few minutes’ respite from the cold displayed a shroud of defeat on their brows.

Forty years ago, D.C. was a place that welcomed diversity, encouraged the unique characteristics and ethnicities that could be found in all eight wards and provided real opportunities for those who dared to dream to improve

their lives. But the pendulum has swung in a different direction.

Whether we want to admit it or not, Dickens would be right in describing the District today as “a tale of two cities” – a home for the haves and the have-nots.

Further, unfortunately, those who seem to struggle are disproportionately represented by people with Black and Brown skin.

As the holiday season continues, it’s important to remember neighbors who are less fortunate. While celebrating the festive time, also find ways to give back to those who are unable to tap into the holiday cheer.

Although the two cities might still exist, reaching out and giving back helps, somewhat, bridge the wide wealth gap.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

My Head Start Story: A Lifetime

Connection

My story is a series of events and opportunities that likely would not have happened if not for Head Start. We lived in the George Legare housing development in North Charleston, South Carolina. My mom had me while she was in high school. My grandmother became my primary caregiver as my mom

continued her education by going to college. My grandmother enrolled me in the Mamie G. Fields Head Start, which centered me in a safe and caring environment. I loved going to school. I loved that I had a book bag just like my mom. Little did I know, while she worked to fulfill her dreams, Head Start would initiate a journey leading to my dreams, too.

It's hard sometimes to remember last week, let alone decades ago, but I have vivid memories

from my time at Head Start. I remember things like eating lunch with classmates and the school's immaculate facilities, with different areas for toys and activities. And the books! Head Start gave me my first set of books, and I fell in love with reading. One cemented memory is when I had to get dressed up and take pictures for a special ceremony that included "really important people" from the town who didn't look like me, my family, or anyone in my neighborhood. That's

how my young mind understood what I would later learn to be the vestiges of racial segregation. When it was time to move on from Head Start, my literacy and numeracy skills were advanced. Because Head Start taught my mother how to advocate for what was in my best interest educationally, she requested a meeting with the elementary school principal to discuss my beginning kindergarten, even though my birthday was after the registration cut-off. That meeting

Prayer, Planning Key to Surviving Trump Administration

Now that the election is over, a number of people are experiencing high levels of uncertainty. We should not think that life as we know it has ended. This is a defeatist attitude. What we should remember, especially as Black people, is that if we survived slavery and past Republican presidents, we can survive four years of Donald Trump. We must reset our

Those who need proof of the true heart and soul of the majority of the American people need only look to the presidential election results and Donald Trump's reelection as the next U.S. president. The outcome negatively reflects the American people rather than the candidate himself. Trump's victory resulted from a

thinking as to what is important and what we must do as a collective people going forward. Our first order of business during this time must be a return to prayer rather than party politics. We must remember that it was collective prayer by those who came before us that brought us this far. We must learn to act collectively "in spite of" and not "because of" the obstacles in front of us. While this is easier said than done, we must start at our level of interaction with those around us, many of whom we may not like.

Next, we must adopt an attitude of "no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, just permanent interests." This means that we must reeducate ourselves on how the government works. We have two years to prepare to take back the House of Representatives, which the Republican Party has won by a few seats, perhaps fewer than five.

While we are looking at retaking national parts of government in terms of what's in our own best interest, we must not ignore local and state issues that will be influenced by the Trump

administration. History has taught us that local attitudes are influenced by national attitudes, and the national attitudes have shifted to the extreme right based on Trump's election. This is not a time for fear but a time for planning and faith that we can win even under adverse circumstances. We must restart our local discussion groups. The Black press, our most trusted messenger, should play a key role in providing such forums but in conjunction with other community organizations and groups. What do you think? WI

resulted in two additional opportunities. First, I started kindergarten at four years old. Second, the school principal offered my mother a job as a substitute teacher, which was her first job with benefits. This opportunity was a significant boost for our family that could not have happened had she been unable to attend and finish her studies. Throughout my school years, I excelled. I graduated high school

MCCLOUD Page 41

This is not a time for fear but a time for planning and faith that we can win even under adverse circumstances.

coalition of different groups giving their support, but one group will always stand out.

The contrast and choice between right and wrong, between good vs. evil, is something that our white evangelical counterparts have always portrayed. Their Bible makes the distinction very clear. There is a Biblical passage about separating the "sheep from the goats." The passage serves as a means of distinguishing good people from bad. The sheep it describes are individuals willing

to serve those in need and, therefore, are welcomed and praised by God.

On the other hand, the goats represent those who did not serve those in need and will, therefore, be condemned. By becoming a powerful political force within the GOP, the white evangelical voters are a voting bloc in a prime position to be the moral compass concerning the character and integrity of candidates from both political parties. As a voting bloc originating throughout the

Southern Bible Belt states, it has become a political kingmaker by developing a strong national influence. Today, the term "white evangelical" is identified more with conservative politics than being Christlike. Many white Christians prefer to be no longer identified with the "white evangelical" label.

During the past presidential primary election, the deceitful character of Donald Trump was not enough political baggage for the white evangelical voting bloc

to select a different Republican nominee. It became a missed opportunity to take a moral stand and make a statement that certain types of behavior by a presidential candidate will not be tolerated and accepted. Rather than leading by example, the Golden Rule — do unto others what you would have them do to you — was consistently rejected. An important part of the U.S. Constitution's preamble is establishing justice to

Dr. John E. Warren

David W. Marshall

The Great White Hope

Maryom McCloud

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

The False Equivalency Between Hunter Biden and Trump Pardons

I'm in full support of President Joe Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter, as well as Attorney Marilyn Mosby. But for the fact that Hunter is President Biden's son, this would have been unnecessary. Like Mosby, Hunter hurt nobody but was selectively prosecuted. I can truly understand why Hunter's father changed his mind

about the pardon after Donald Trump threatened all of us with retribution and chose so many unbelievable people to handle justice in our country — promising retribution against anyone he chose if they weren't following his orders.

Despite others demanding a pardon for Trump, I would say, "Absolutely not." The cases are not the same. Hunter was betrayed when those who had the authority to be fair chose not to do so. Hunter didn't steal any-

Guest Columnist

body's money. He didn't disregard the rights of women and call them disrespectful names as Trump continues to do. Trump should definitely not be pardoned with 34 convictions under his belt and more charges rightly waiting in the wings. Neither Hunter nor Mosby threatened retribution against New York state Attorney General Letitia James for doing her job.

Hunter didn't make threats against people like Baltimore State's Attorney Mosby, who

The Future of American Education: A Call to Action

Education is the cornerstone of success, and this fundamental right must be upheld without compromise.

President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to dismantle the Department of Education, a bold and contentious move that has sparked nationwide debate. His decision addresses frustrations

over perceived federal overreach and alleged "woke" indoctrination in schools. Against declining academic performance, Trump envisions a comprehensive restructuring to rectify mismanagement of taxpayer funds and undue influence on the nation’s youth.

During a September rally in Wisconsin, Trump reaffirmed his commitment, stating, "We will ultimately abolish the federal Department of Education." His pledge resonates with voters eager for educational reform and ac-

countability.

The department primarily focuses on funding programs such as Title I, which aids low-income districts, and special education initiatives rather than direct instructional oversight. Critics question its overall efficacy, proposing to reallocate responsibilities to other agencies. Suggestions include shifting the student loan program to the Treasury Department, delegating Title IX enforcement to the Justice Department, and converting Title I funding into state

was just doing her job. What did Trump say about her doing her job? He said she ought to prosecute herself for trying to bring justice for Freddie Gray, who died in the custody of Baltimore police. He said she ought to prosecute herself when he wanted to have her area of jurisdiction invaded by officers who may have been found on the wrong side of the law.

Hunter was dealing with his challenges, unlike Trump, who continues to openly show his dis-

regard and disrespect for many — women, people of color, people who choose not to be unfair to others unlike him in their views, and people who attempt to hold him accountable for outrageous behavior.

Just look at the outrageous choices he has selected to run our nation — many of whom have already threatened retribution as Trump has been doing for months. He has shown his disdain

Page 42

block grants with reduced federal oversight.

Trump’s initiative reflects a broader conservative critique of federal education policy, advocating for increased local autonomy and reduced federal intervention.

As education reform discussions intensify, the consequences of eliminating the Department of Education will shape future policy debates and electoral outcomes.

The education system faces extraordinary disruptions exacerbat-

ed by the pandemic. Despite additional COVID funding, many students experienced alarming setbacks in core subjects, raising concerns about long-term implications.

Recent data highlights troubling trends among 9-year-olds:

• A five-point decline in reading scores in 2022, the largest drop since 1990.

• A seven-point decline in math scores, marking the first decrease

TILGHMAN Page 42

Among the Powerful Voices We Lost in 2024, Louis Gossett Jr.'s Echoes Loudly

It was my last year as national president of the NAACP, at the end of the 2013 Image Awards. I was with my dear friend Louis Gossett Jr., the actor and activist who won an Oscar for his role in the film "An Officer and a Gentleman." Lou said to me, "You know, Ben, I've been in this racial justice movement my whole life,

but sometimes, brother, I feel like we're fighting over who's in first class. What we should be doing is looking out the window, because the plane has fallen like 20,000 feet in the last two minutes."

He saw I was a little confused. So he continued, "The planet is dying. It doesn't matter who's in first class on a dead planet."

Lou's words have stuck with me for over a decade. It was Lou's voice echoing in my ear that inspired me to get back into the environmental movement and take

my current job as the head of the Sierra Club.

December is the customary month of remembrance. A time of year we take stock; a moment on the calendar when we pause to reflect on the giants we have lost. Louis Gossett Jr. is one of those giants. He died this past March. Lou never shied away from using his platform to fight for people and the planet. Remembering his passion for justice and the path he forged can be a guiding light. His example, like that of scores of oth-

er Black leaders we lost in 2024, has a special resonance for America's Black men and boys. But it is an example that should inspire anyone who sees a situation that their own moral calling tells them needs to change.

As a child, Lou loved superheroes. When he did not see anyone who looked like him playing his favorite superhero, Superman, he decided to become one — both on and off the screen. The character he portrayed in "An Officer and a Gentleman," Gunnery Sgt. Emil

Foley, was a soldier highly decorated for his patriotism. Offscreen Lou was a true patriot himself. Lou often spoke of the need to focus on the "bigger picture." He pictured concentric circles as he thought about how people could make a difference and have an impact in their family, community, country, as well as the world. He founded the Eracism Foundation to promote cultural diversity, historical enrichment and

JEALOUS Page 42

WILLIAMS

Anthony Tilghman

Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

LIFESTYLE

WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND CHECKLIST

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Digital Equity Fellow

The holiday season is in full swing, and so are the winter-themed festivities and annual traditions in the DMV.

To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar, and remember, there’s always something happening in the area to keep your spirit – and social life – lit.

THURSDAY, DEC. 12

CJM After Sunset: Light Up the Night

6 - 9 p.m. | $11.63+

Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

Light up the night with an early Hanukkah party at Capital Jewish Museum After Sunset.

Sip on olive oil martinis, compete in a dreidel tournament, delight in an olive oil tasting, enjoy pop-up spotlight talks with museum curators, and make your own wrapping paper for the best dressed gift under the menorah.

KEM With National Symphony Orchestra

8 p.m. | $102.35+ Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20566

Add some soul to your holiday season with the one-and-only KEM. The Platinum-selling R&B singer-songwriter treats Kennedy Center audiences to an evening of holiday magic and jazzy love songs with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Celebrate the season of joy at this intimate, uplifting concert event with music from KEM's acclaimed album “What Christmas

Means,” fan favorites from his prolific career, fresh takes on comforting Christmas classics, and more.

FRIDAY, DEC. 13

Garden of Lights

5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | $10.00

Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

The Garden of Lights display is an outdoor, rain or shine event that transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland.

Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton.

The gift shop also includes unique seasonal items for shoppers.

Tickets are timed entry with a specific day and entrance time for your arrival. Every person ages 5 and older must have a ticket. Only available to purchase online.

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show

7 p.m. | $129.00

Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

As the world's first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears.

Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom – Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear –along with DJ Nutcracker ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family.

This holiday show tradition will be at Arena Stage until Dec. 22.

5Step Afrika!, which celebrates 30 years of global influence in the art form of stepping in 2024, will

Show at Arena Stage from Dec. 13 until Dec. 22. (Courtesy

SATURDAY, DEC. 14

Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special

10 a.m. - 10 p.m. | $26.00+ ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

This season, immerse yourself in the ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special Tingle Bells, a one-of-a-kind ASMR-inspired experience designed to soothe senses and warm spirit. With calming soundscapes, captivating visuals, and interactive digital installations, Tingle Bells creates a serene oasis amidst the holiday hustle.

Additionally, ARTECHOUSE is making the experience even more magical with the addition of Spectacular Factory, where guests can step into the dazzling imaginary world of a holiday gift factory brought to life. The factory features dreamlike visuals and heartwarming holiday themes to captivate imaginations of all ages.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or looking to spark holiday joy, Tingle Bells and Spectacular Factory together create a multi-sensory holiday wonderland—perfect for families, date nights, or festive gatherings with friends.

For children ages 4 to 15, ticket prices start at $16.00. The exhibit will be open until Jan. 5.

Mistletoe Mingle

Noon - 8 p.m. | Free entry, activation prices vary Anthem Row, 8th Street NW between K and I Streets, Washington, D.C., 20001

The DowntownDC Business

Improvement District (BID) will host its second weekend activation of “Mistletoe Mingle,” a vibrant new outdoor holiday experience available in the heart of the city. Designed for residents and visitors to embrace the festive spirit downtown, the event will feature live entertainment, fine wine, local craftsmanship, and a “Holiday Marketini” showcasing local small businesses.

Mistletoe Mingle encourages visitors to gather in Downtown D.C., all against the backdrop of the newly launched National Mistletoe, an aerial holiday art installation by multi-disciplinary artist My Ly.

The BID encourages attendees to explore the District’s restaurants, shops, and attractions, fostering community connections and driving economic activity in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

PLEASE NOTE: While event entry is free, event activations require ticket purchasing.

SUNDAY, DEC. 15

Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. | Prices vary Dulles Town Center, 21100 Dulles Town Cir Suite 234, Dulles, VA 20166

Dulles Town Center, located in the heart of Loudoun County, Virginia, will host the first-in-America Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure, an unforgettable experience with thrilling performances, mesmerizing lights, and whimsical delights under the big top.

Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure puts a modern twist on a beloved classic circus. Staged in the European winter circus format, this all-new production features an international company of award-winning, world-class circus artists. See this re-energized and reinvigorated production for the first time in Dulles.

Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure will run through Dec. 29, with no performances on Christmas Day (Dec. 25). Tickets begin at $35 per adult, and $20 per child.

Babyface at Live!

Castino & Hotel Maryland

7 p.m. | $81.00+

Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, 7002 Arundel Mills Circle Hanover, MD 21076

Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds is a 12-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist, songwriter, producer, and one of the most celebrated creative forces in music history. He is the only producer to win the ‘Producer of the Year’ category four times, three times of which was in consecutive years (1995-1997) – a record he holds to this day.

Edmonds is also co-founder of the legendary record label LaFace, which launched the careers of artists like Usher, Toni Braxton, TLC, Outkast, and Pink.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. WI

debut its Magical Musical Holiday Step

Photo)

‘Death on the Nile’ Will Keep You Entertained and Guessing Until the End

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Are you looking for a fun and thrilling theater experience? If so, then “Death on the Nile,” an Agatha Christie mystery currently at Arena Stage, is for you.

Running until Dec. 29, this production is a world premiere adapted for the stage by two-time Tony Award nominee Ken Ludwig. Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif is at the helm in her Arena Stage directorial debut.

This is Sharif’s second time working with Ludwig. His adaption of Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” was the last production Sharif worked on at The Repertory Theater of St. Louis before coming to Arena Stage in 2023.

“This creative group is amazing. The actors were amazing,” said Ludwig during a reception after the play.

He continued with praise for Sharif: “She’s been wonderful from the get-go and is a great director.”

The basic plot is set in the 1930s and concerns a group of individuals whose lives have intersected at some point. These individuals all end up traveling on a ship down the Nile River.

All manner of entanglements ensues on board the vessel, resulting in one member of the group being murdered. Fortunately, a detective is in the group named Hercule Poirot, a detective of sorts. Poirot is a mainstay in Christie’s mysteries.

You’ll have to come to Arena Stage to see how the tale unfolds, but “Death on the Nile” will keep you engaged.

There are 11 cast members in this play. It is difficult to say one is more outstanding than the other, as this is a tightly synced cast. They embody their characters perfectly with superb comic timing and the right

amount of animated excitement and deliver the dialog effortlessly.

For a small cast, there were nearly 100 costume changes. The clothes could have been considered another character. They were beautifully tailored for the 1930s era.

The women's day and evening wear were well crafted, some with jeweled upper arm detail. Men were refined with properly fitted suits for day business and formal dinner occasions. Everything was coordinated down to the shoes.

Set Designer Alexander Dodge created magic on stage. Transforming a museum setting to a sizable ship parlor to a ship deck on a small stage was phenomenal.

Britanny Bland, the projection designer, took an innovative approach to bringing movement to the stage. We saw a process that merged film segments of the ocean, maps that tracked the ship’s course, and images of people as background primarily used to transition between scenes.

“She did a beautiful job taking my dreams and vision for what it would be to go down the Nile,” said Sharif about Bland. “To marry it with the

kind of violence, pain, and the tenors of foreshadowing we wanted to put into the play, she put all of that into the videos. I think it worked seamlessly with the set.” WI @bcscomm

De Beers Group and Signet Unveil ‘Worth the Wait’ Campaign

A peek into a different kind of diamond engagement ring campaign, celebrating the authenticity of natural diamonds with an ad featuring real world couples.

De Beers Group and Signet Jewelers, the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry, just unveiled their new 2024 campaign entitled “Worth the Wait” – eschewing the expected traditional fantasy narrative for diverse, real-world couples. Designed to draw parallels between the transformative journey of natural diamonds and the dynamic evolution of contemporary relationships, the advertising demonstrates how just as diamonds undergo a transformative process to become polished gems, couples undergo their own transformations as they solidify their bonds.

Designed to reflect the beauty and resilience of natural diamonds, these commercials draw insight from the lengths young adults now go to in order to find the right long-term partner, taking into account the rising age of couples getting married and the growing focus on individual mental and emotional health before finding life partners. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans are delaying (or putting off altogether) getting married for longer than ever before. In 2023, the median average age of men marrying for the first time rose to 30 years of age, while the median average age of first marriage for women rose to 28 years old. This is in stark contrast to the 1950s, when the median age for men to marry was 22, and the median age for women was 20 years old.

Still, for all the hopeless romantics out there, there is hope. Marriage rates are expected to rise in the US over the next few years, driven primarily by the Black, Hispanic and non-white communities, according

to U.S. Census data. Through the “Worth the Wait” campaign, De Beers Group and Signet celebrate the unique paths that couples are now following before saying “I do,” and letting them know their needs and aspirations are being seen and understood.

The evolving focus on developing as an individual before taking the big step of getting married is being noticed across the country by individuals and experts alike. “I think everyone my age feels that it’s most important to feel secure within yourself in order to feel secure in your relationship. My generation seeks relationships where each partner has their own independence and internal strength,” noted Sophia Pasquale, a 22-year-old based in Chicago, IL.

“This generation is a little bit more open to having really meaningful conversations. Even just the way that we view therapy these days versus back then is different,” states Elisa Del Castillo, a New York City-based matchmaker and dating coach. “I know, with Latinos, I can say from my own experience, you don’t go to therapy, or you don’t really talk about it. And now it’s something that people encourage…. People are a lot more open to really diving deeper and diving into the hard stuff.”

And where once marriage vows primarily focused on honoring and obeying, vows now reflect a more nuanced insight into relationships with a focus on truth, communication, and growth – both individually and together. Mark Corser of Washington, DC, included in his own vows this year: “I promise to live in truth with you always, and to communicate without fear or judgment” – as did his wife.

This sentiment has also been reflected in religious faiths, where many couples have traditionally gone to seek marriage counsel as well as spiritual counsel. “If you want somebody to make the commitment for the long term, then you have to commit to working on you and they have to commit to working on themselves,” says Chicago-based pastor and relationship coach Jermone Glenn. “If I don’t see you putting in your

individual work even after we’re married, then I don’t have any hope that our work [together] is getting better. Keep working on yourself, so you can be a better self for your partner.”

The “Worth The Wait” campaign, which celebrates the hard work couples are doing in the hopes of having successful, lasting marriages, will run nationally across various platforms, including social media and online, and will be further supported by brand partners Zales, KAY Jewelers, and Jared Jewelers. As part of their commitment to ethical practices, Signet and De Beers Group emphasize transparency and responsible sourcing. “Across Signet’s banners, we are working to educate customers on their choices and provide transparency as an industry leader in responsible sourcing efforts,” said Jamie Singleton, Signet Jewelers Group President and Chief Consumer Officer.

CEO of De Beers Brands, Sandrine Conseiller, expressed excitement about the campaign’s modern approach: “We’re excited to launch this campaign as part of our refreshed approach to natural diamond category marketing to connect a new generation of consumers to the wonder of natural diamonds. While the campaign draws on our track record of iconic natural diamond advertising, it brings an entirely fresh approach grounded in deep insights about the relationships of today’s diverse couples.”

5Armando Durán is Detective Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile” at Arena Stage until December 29. (Courtesy photo/T. Charles Erickson Photography)

The spirit of the holidays is about giving, not spending money. Although at times, this becomes hard to remember.

Kid Scoop News Librarian Jim Silverman has a cool way to give gifts that warm the heart and don’t cost a cent!

“Select some books from the library!” says Jim. “Wrap them up and tuck them under the tree.”

Of course, you have to return them after a couple of weeks. But by then, the books are read.

A wrapped library book provides the joy of the gift, costs no money and afterwards, you don’t have to wonder where to store it.

Number the books in alphabetical order.

It’s the Thought That Counts

It truly is the loving thought behind a gift that makes it special. And, thoughts are free!

On a piece of paper, write down a special thought for a friend or loved one. It could be lines from a poem, a famous quote, or something you write with your own words. Decorate the paper to offer a gift that will touch the heart.

The Gift of Time

Create a coupon book of chores and actions you can take to be helpful. Could you take out the trash? Wash the dishes? Sweep the floor? Make a list of helpful things you could do for someone in your family.

What is fairness?

Step up and offer to help someone. Can you help someone carrying a lot of stuff? Can you help pick up after a game? Can you pick up some trash on the playground? Can you help an older neighbor with yard work or running an errand for them?

These little actions can make a big difference in someone’s day!

Give the Gift of a Smile!

Caring for Community

the newspaper for info about organizations that help others in your community. List ways they help people. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper thanking this organization for what they do.

Recognize syllables in words.

Look through the newspaper for words and images that describe someone in your family. Cut out the words and images. Make a collage to give them as a gift.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White

wi book

"Affrilachia: Testimonies" by Chris Aluka Berry with Kelly Elaine Navies and

Maia A. Surdam

c.2024, University of Kentucky Press

$50 / 252 pages

review

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

An average oak tree is bigger around than two people, together, can reach. That mighty tree starts out with an acorn the size of a nickel, ultimately growing to some 80 feet tall, with a canopy of a hundred feet or more across. And like the new book, "Affrilachia" by Chris Aluka Berry (with Kelly Elaine Navies and Maia A. Surdam), its roots spread wide and wider.

In 2016, "on a foggy Sunday morning in March," Chris Aluka Berry visited the Mount Zion AME Zion Church in Cullowhee, North Carolina for the first time. The congregation was tiny; just a handful of people were there that day, but a pair of siblings stood out to him.

Ann Rogers and Mae Louise Allen lived on opposite sides of town, says Berry, and neither had a driver's license. He surmised that church was the only time the elderly sisters were together then, but their devotion to one another was clear.

As the service ended, he asked Ms. Allen if he could visit her again. Was she willing to talk about her life in the Appalachians, her parents, her town?

She was, and arrangements were made but before Barry could get back to Cullowhee, he learned that Ms. Allen had died. Saddened, he wondered how many stories are lost each day in mountain communities where African Americans have lived for more than a century.

"I couldn't make photographs of the past," he says, "but I could document the people and places living now."

In doing so, he also offers photographs that he collected from people he met in "Affrilachia," in North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee; at a rustic "camp" that was likely created by enslaved people, at churches, and in modest houses along highways. The people he interviewed recalled family tales and community stories of support, hardship, and home.

Says coauthor Kelly Elaine Navies, "These images shout without making a sound."

If it's true what they say about a picture being worth a thousand words, then "Affrilachia," as packed with photos as it is, is worth a million.

With that in mind, there's not a lot of narrative inside this book, just a few poems, a small number of very brief interviews, a handful of memories passed down, and some back stories from author Chris Aluka Berry and his coauthors. The tales are interesting, but scant.

For most readers, though, that lack of narrative isn't going to matter much. The photographs are the reason why you'd have this book.

Here, there are pictures of life as it was 50 years or a century ago, group photos, pictures taken of proud moments, worn pews, and happy children. Some of the modern pictures may make you wonder why they're included, but they set a tone and tell a tale.

This is the kind of book you'll take off the shelf, and notice something different every time you do. "Affrilachia" doesn't contain a lot of words, but it's a good choice when it's time to branch out in your reading.

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

DEC. 12 - 18, 2024

ARIES A s the week begins, the cosmos intensifies your desire to acquire more power and recognition for your efforts. Pinpoint your exact goals and then go after them with your signature passion and fire. You'll be unstoppable. Later, you have an opportunity to get clear on what you want to achieve in the weeks and months ahead and then take concrete steps toward it. Lucky Numbers: 5, 8, 46

TAURUS Early in the week, you'll be compelled to carve out solo time dedicated to resting, recharging, and tuning in to your intuition through meditation or a similar form of reflection. While you tend to train your focus on set patterns and goals, it's best for you to let go of preconceived notions about how you should be spending your time and just be. This type of mindfulness can lend itself to more self-understanding that you can use to amplify your focus and success in the weeks and months ahead. Lucky Numbers: 7, 43, 54

GEMINI You could feel uncharacteristically laser focused on fulfilling a longtime fantasy at the start of the week. If you're attached, sharing your thoughts and desires with your significant other can open the doorway to fulfillment. If you're single, meditate and perhaps even do a special ritual to manifest the connection and experience you're dreaming of. Later, you have a significant opportunity to connect with colleagues. Brainstorming ways you can work together to advance shared aspirations feels enlivening. Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 43

CANCER As the week starts, you'll be extra focused on elevating your standing with higher-ups and receiving recognition for your efforts on the job. Own this need by clarifying exactly what you want to achieve, then express that to those who support you the most. You'll find that by being bold and driven, this transit can power up your efforts to advance your professional aspirations. Lucky Numbers: 3, 22, 46

LEO When the week begins, you might very well be feeling restless. Give in to the urge to travel or otherwise broaden your horizons (think about using a meditation app). This can prove inspiring and set the tone for exploring a wide variety of avenues that feed you spiritually and intellectually. Later, you're stirred to pursue even more balance and creative fulfillment from your work. Lucky Numbers: 7, 10, 26

VIRGO At the start of the week, you'll be focused on feeling even more centered in your deepest feelings and most intimate connections. Understanding how you relate to others and the foundations of your closest relationships can lead to greater self-awareness and confidence, not to mention fulfillment of your most pressing emotional needs. Lucky Numbers: 8, 13, 30

LIBRA At the beginning of the week, you'll do well to commit to an aspiration you share with your closest colleague, friend, or significant other. Whether you want to build a business or take your relationship to the next level, you'll have the focus and collaborative power to map a winning course together now. Later, it will be even easier to foster your closest bonds. Lucky Numbers: 4, 5, 12

SCORPIO You'll be presented with an opportunity to pinpoint health goals for achieving more work/life balance as the week begins. If there's a fitness app you've been wanting to try, an acupuncturist you've been hoping to see, or a yoga instructor you've been eager to check out, now is your chance to explore and home in on what the next chapter of your self-improvement journey will look like. Lucky Numbers: 6, 32, 40

SAGITTARIUS As the week starts, you'll be feeling downright inspired. It's time to put monotonous work aside, which might truly be weighing on your adventurous spirit, and lean in to the fun-loving energy that has you fired up and ready to leap into a new relationship, stimulating professional project, or travel experience. The mood is right for proposing that creative project around your nearest relationships. Lucky Numbers: 2, 12, 20

CAPRICORN At the beginning of the week, you'd do well to really tune in to the roots of your feelings and take steps to elevate your personal power. You have a chance to set intentions that will enhance your feeling of security. Talking your needs through with loved ones can be a promising way to lay the groundwork for your vision. Later, the stars amplify your optimism and loving spirit. Lucky Numbers: 9, 13, 53

AQUARIUS Spending time with friends, neighbors, or even strangers tends to be your forte, and early in the week the more you can engage in animated conversations with a wide variety of connections the better. You might be stunned by how quickly a casual discussion turns into a truly inspiring game plan for achieving a long-held professional dream. At the very least, you could forge new, intellectually stimulating bonds. Lucky Numbers: 30, 32, 50

PISCES If you've been feeling unfulfilled or stuck in your current professional path, you'll have a fruitful opportunity to turn the page early this week. This is fertile ground for envisioning a new definition of success. Run any money goals by your intuition and you'll be right on track. Later, the cosmos infuses your platonic connections with a special lightheartedness and warm, cozy affection. Lucky Numbers: 15, 35, 55

SPORTS

Dunbar Captures First Ever DCSAA Title

By Ed Hill

WI Contributing Writer

Following the recent Turkey Bowl game between Dunbar and Coolidge, there was excitement all around. However, for Dunbar Head Coach Maurice "Bink" Vaughn, there was some unfinished business: winning the District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) title.

While their DCSAA losing streak came to an end on Saturday, Dec. 7, in previous years Dunbar’s Crimson Tide advanced to the championship game thrice, losing all three times to Friendship Collegiate (9-4).

"I want to do something that Dunbar has never done; that is win

a state championship," Vaughn told The Informer after the Thanksgiving Day victory.

"We have had lots of success over the years and I am proud of all who have contributed to that. But we are still missing something that will define us."

Dunbar (12-1) had participated in 17 Turkey Bowls DCIAA/Interhigh championships since 1998, having won 12, including an unprecedented four straight from 1998 to 2001.

Dunbar Athletic Director Phillip “Reese”

Morgan encouraged the players, noting: “this school is historic. Don’t you ever forget… we’re supposed to win.”

In their fourth consecutive championship game against Friendship at Howard University's Greene Stadium, the team’s motivation was evident from kickoff.

Dunbar came out and established themselves early, holding the Friendship Knights' offense in check. However, their hustle did not translate into points because the tough Friendship Collegiate defense held the Crimson Tide in check.

Under the leadership of it senior quarterback, Brosnan Dukes, Dunbar finally got on the board, embarking on a seven-play, 96-yard drive to take the early lead at 7-0 late in the first quarter.

But there was little time to celebrate. The proud Knights, who were going for their third straight DCSAA title, clawed their way back into the game, taking advantage of a Dunbar turnover and turning it into a 16-yard touchdown pass to get within 7-6 at the 8:26 mark of the third quarter.

Dunbar answered with a touchdown near the end of the third period to make it 13-6. The Crimson Tide then all but put the game away when senior defensive back and running back Malachi Thomas returned a Friendship Collegiate fumble 81 yards for a score. Dunbar would go

on to add another touchdown for good measure to close out the scoring and secure its first ever title.

Thomas, who also had some big runs on offense, was named the Game MVP.

"That scoop and score was probably the play of the game," said Vaughn of the play by Thomas. "It gave us more breathing room and it changed the game.

The Crimson Tide ended the season with a nine-game win streak, capping off the careers of Dukes and a number of seniors who played a huge role in the program's success.

Dukes perhaps epitomized the program's rise more so than any other player on the team. The senior signal caller had his problems during last season, specifically in the loss to Friendship. But he did a 180 turnaround this season.

Dukes came into the game having rushed for 1,152 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 168 of 252 passing for almost 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. His poise and command of the Dunbar offense was the difference against the Friendship Collegiate defense, one of the best in the area, as he engineered four scoring drives with efficiency.

"He finished off a great career

5After having advanced and lost in the District of Columbia State Athletic Association championship thrice,

Crimson Tide can now call themselves champions, having defeated Friendship Collegiate on Dec. 7 at Howard University’s Greene Stadium. (Marcus Relacion/ The Washington Informer) here at Dunbar," Vaughn said of his star quarterback. "He has meant so much to this program as you saw today. I am going to miss him." WI Read more on washingtooninformer.com.

You’ve worked to build your wealth wisely. Now, let’s put it to use strategically. With our estate planning and trust services and unique understanding of the area, you’ll receive personalized support and the knowledge to confidently take your next financial step.

Dunbar’s

CAPTURE the moment

SERVICE. CONVENIENCE. PERSONAL TOUCH.

the convenience of

3 Stacy J. Harrell, Loida Lewis, Reggie Van Lee, Angie M. Gates and Monica Ray at the Howard Theatre on Dec. 6, where District leaders, international artists and special guests gathered for “A Toast to the Apollo.” That same weekend, Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theatre received one of the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

5 Tony and Grammy Award-Winning singer and actress Jennifer Holiday,. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

4 MTV and NAACP Image Award-winning recording artists En Vogue performing during “A Toast to the Apollo.” (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

6 Chip Ellis, Jennifer Holiday, Reggie Van Lee, Phylicia Rashad and Cora Masters Barry.(Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Notre Dame Cathedral Returns to France and the World with

By Austin R. Cooper, Jr. WI Contributing Writer

Five years after a devastating fire, the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris celebrated its grand opening on Dec. 7 in a ceremony that— in commemorating the resurrection of the historic site— centered around joy.

“Notre Dame, model of faith. Open your doors to bring us together in joy, the disbursed children of God,” said Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich, as he ceremonially knocked on the cathedral doors during the inaugural service.

With approximately 1,500 guests, 50 world leaders and celebrities present, the reopening highlighted the global significance of the 850-year-old structure.

Dignitaries included French President Emmanuel Macron, First Lady Jill Biden, President-elect Donald J. Trump, William, the Prince of Wales, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky; and there to add to the celebration was a group that originated in Hampton

Roads, Virginia, lending their powerful sounds of happiness and “joy” to the occasion.

While flames burned the old structure, celebrated musical artist Pharrell Williams and Voices of Fire ignited a new, vibrant energy in the restored building. Performing a rendition of the songs “Happy” (2013) and “Joy” (2021) during the inaugural service, Voices of Fire was a critical feature in marking the cathedral's resurrection.

Voices of Fire, a 70-member gospel choir led by the Grammy-winning artist’s uncle, Bishop Ezekiel Williams, offered an uplifting gospel performance to the worldwide stage.

After his appearance, Pharrell wrote on Instagram, “An honor to perform at the opening with [Voices of Fire.” “A historic performance we’re so blessed to have been a part of.”

Social media users also weighed in on the moment.

“That’s not even a bucket list item, that’s etching your name into history,” one person wrote.

Business accounts such as the French brand Evian, also commented on the artist’s post

saying: “Such an unforgettable experience. Your passion and creativity never fail to inspire us.”

NOTRE DAME IN 2019, RISING FROM THE FIRE

Once known as the “eldest daughter of the church,” recent statistics reveal only 25% of French people call themselves Catholic, according to a 2023 Aletia report.

While the number of French Catholics has tremendously dropped—especially in comparison to statistics from 1872-1960 when 97% of the population was Catholic— Notre Dame stood as a symbol that reached beyond religious practices. Before the fire on April 15, 2019, the cathedral served as a beautiful beacon of hope.

As one Parisian told OSV News on that historic evening, “A thing of beauty was being destroyed – and it wasn’t required to be religious, or even Catholic, to mourn its possible extinction.”

Before the fire, pollution, rain, and time had weakened the cathedral’s basic structure.

In response, an ambitious campaign to raise $135 million was launched. However, the scope of that campaign changed when the fire broke out under the cathedral's roof eaves.

Another social media watching the raging fire could only reflect, “Paris without Notre Dame…. Madness.”

The fire raged for 15 hours, with over 400 firefighters battling it. In addition to the firefighters, approximately 100 government workers, police, and municipal workers formed a human chain to move valuable church artifacts to safety.

One year later, on April 15, 2020, officials determined the fire to have been started by either a cigarette or a short circuit in the electrical system.

Experts estimated that the heat in the cathedral’s crossing reached as high as 2200 degrees Fahrenheit – hot enough to melt metal.

According to NBC News, restoration cost over $700 million. Nearly $900 million was raised from 340,000 donors in more than 150 countries, most of whom donated in the first few days after the fire.

Within days of the fire, President Emmanuel Macron vowed the repairs could be accomplished in five years, and with support of people around the world, he met his deadline.

“We must treasure this lesson of fragility, humility, and will,” he said during the reopening ceremony.

MORE ELECTRIFYING MOMENTS CELEBRATING NOTRE DAME’S RETURN

As music from the cathedral’s 8,000 great pipe organ and prayer returned for the first time since April 2019, numerous performers wowed those in attendance, during the commemorative event.

After Archbishop Ulrich rapped on the cathedral's great doors at the ceremony's commencement, the choir inside sang, “Here is the Home of God among Men.”

Inside the cathedral, South African opera singer Pretty Yende provided a gorgeous rendition of “Amazing Grace,” joining a line-up that included French singer-songwriter Vianney and tenor Benjamin Bernheim, along with conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.

In addition, Grammy-winner Angelique Kidjo performed a special rendition of her song “Jerusalema.”

Posting a link to the new version on X, Kidjoe wrote, “it was an honor to be part of this ceremony and to share such a beautiful message of hope and peace.”

5After a devastating fire in April 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is back open, and Grammy-winning artist Pharrell Williams and Voices of Fire, a 70-member choir from Hampton Roads, Virginia that he helped organize and is led by his uncle Bishop Ezekiel Williams, kicked off the celebration with an energizing performance. (Courtesy Photo)

RELIGION

Has depression got you down, especially while we're in the midst of the biggest holiday season of the year, with Christmas and New Year's coming up in a couple of weeks or so? Let us talk about how this holiday season can bring on depression and grief, but we won't stop there. We can give you proven principles to help snap you out of it, so you too can have unspeakable joy!

First, take control by being reminded that our God sent his Son for sinners like us, and he has given us this chance to be, do and have whatever it is we desire, especially peace. The word "peace" appears 429 times in 400 verses in the Bible.

The Bible teaches that Jesus came to bring peace to troubled hearts. The concept of "peace" in the Bible has multiple meanings, including:

Spiritual peace: Peace with God

Relational peace: Peace with others

Emotional peace: Peace within ourselves

Wholeness: Total health and welfare

Relationships: Relationships between people, nations, and God with men

Here are some Bible verses that mention peace:

John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

John 14:27: Christ's "peace" refers to a hope and reassurance that goes beyond what a fallen world can offer.

John 20:19-29: After his death and resurrection, Jesus used the greeting "peace be with you" three times when he met with his disciples.

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Holiday Recipe for Restoring 'Joy' the religion corner

However, we must believe, and his angels will be camped all around each of us.

Napoleon Hill discovered over and over again the main principles in his book — those things that make men rich — and he is not speaking of only money.

Here is the complete list of 12 things, in case you missed previous columns. Men are rich, and they will have joy, when they go through life:

• With a positive mental attitude

• Have sound physical health

• You have harmony in human relations

• You have freedom from fear

• You have hope of future achievement

• You have the capacity for applied faith

• You have a willingness to share your blessings with others

• You are engaged in a labor of love

• You have an open mind on all subjects toward all people

And this week, we will close this series with the final three things that make men rich:

10. You have complete self-discipline

11. You have wisdom with which to understand people

12. You have financial security

When one has complete self-discipline, defined as controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training — self-control. More simply, this tells each of us that we have control over our behavior which results in the good or bad things that happen in our lives.

Either we come home every day from work, eat dinner, sit on the couch and watch television; or we get off work, we go to help someone else in need, maybe you are a tutor for a student. You go to the gym or you take your daily walk; you come home, have your dinner then you

take some time to read. You read your Bible, you read a book; you get on your computer and work on the goals you've set for your life. You stick to a routine, rather than coming home and shutting down. That is discipline.

The principle known as wisdom with which to understand people is truly powerful. It reminds us how sweet wisdom is, and it lets us know we can have joy and hope. Take a look: "Wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off" (Proverbs 24:14). Scripture also says in Proverbs 4:7, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

We all have financial security and joy when we plan properly and use these 12 things that make men rich correctly. Whatever amount of finances you believe will work for you is yours. You can feel rich when you have organized your finances in such a way as to keep your bills paid; you have, or you're getting your credit rating strong; you have savings; you have worked on your goal as a businessperson in one form or another, and you've actually learned how to accumulate great wealth.

Don't expect to get wealth and keep it if you have a negative mental attitude about yourself and others. How can you achieve very much when your health is not good, and you expect to become wealthy when you're not even working in harmony with others? Forget about it! You cannot work against others; you must work with them.

Take some time, review these thought-provoking principles. Finally, just do it! Make that change, have yourself an attitude adjustment, and find unspeakable joy during this holiday season!

MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

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

RELIGION

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

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."

Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “ The Rev. E.

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

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 001193

Bruce T. Adkins Decedent

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

Karen Randolph, whose address is 2328 1st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bruce T. Adkins who died on July 2, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

Karen Randolph Personal Representative

TRUE TEST

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 001402

Ulysses S. Jones Sr. Decedent

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

James A. Boyd, whose address is 1841 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ulysses S. Jones, Sr. who died on July 24, 1999 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 6/12/2025. 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 6/12/2025, 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: 12/12/2024

James A. Boyd 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 001131

Dorothy G. Williams Decedent

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

Dietrich E. Williams, whose address is 2424 Skyland Pl., SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy G. Williams who died on August 31, 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 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

Dietrich E. Williams 2424 Skyland Pl., SE Washington, DC 20020

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 001438

Patricia A. Carlton Decedent

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

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq, whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia A. Carlton who died on December 2, 2022 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 June 5, 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 June 5, 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: December 5, 2024

J. Anthony Concino III, 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 001309

William Idell Jones, Sr. Decedent

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

Gerald Alan Jones, whose address is 11606 Chantilly Lane, Bowie, Maryland 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Idell Jones, Sr. who died on July 6, 2022 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

Gerald Alan Jones 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 001362

Amelia L. Wallace Decedent

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

Ahsia C. Pinckney, whose address is 3750 Jamison St., NE, Apt 224, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Amelia L. Wallace who died on July 18, 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 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

Ahsia C. Pinckney 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 1387

Estate of Bennie Mae Daniels

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Brian L. Kass 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: 12/5/2024

Brian L. Kass 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008 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 001339

John Sims Decedent

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

Linus Sims, whose address is 4725 Queens Chapel Terrace NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Sims who died on December 1, 1991 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 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

Linus Sims

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 000813

Rose Toussaint

Decedent

Julius P. Terrell, Esq. 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

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

Aretha Somerville, whose address is 9701 Apollo Dr., Ste 100AS Largo, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rose Toussaint who died on June 13, 2019 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 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

Aretha Somerville 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 1373

Kenneth Nathaniel Hall Decedent

Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew & Associate PC 7731 Belle Point Drive Greenbelt, MD 20770 Attorney

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

Lynn Walkins, whose address is 1307 Beringer Drive, Hoschton, GA 30548, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kenneth N. Hall who died on May 19, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

Lynn Watkins 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 001364

Mary Ann Davis

Decedent

Darrel S. Parker, Esq.

1822 11th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001

Attorney

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

Marquetta Ann Davis, whose address is 4922 Just Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Ann Davis who died on September 22, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

Marquetta Ann Davis

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 AD 1018

Gladys L. Corley aka Gladys Louise Corley Decedent

Isaac H. Marks, Sr., Esq. 11785 Beltsville Drive, Suite 150 Calverton, MD 20705 Attorney

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

Isaac H. Marks, Sr., Esq., whose address is 11785 Beltsville Dr., Suite 150, Calverton, MD 20705, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gladys L. Corley aka Gladys Louise Corley who died on January 18, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

Isaac H. Marks, Sr., 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 001372

Themeta Coleman Decedent

Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

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

Sandra Hale, whose address is 9662 Bergamont Ct., Waldorf, MD 20603, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Themeta Coleman who died on June 8, 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 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

Sandra Hale 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 001436

Estate of Charles Leon Willie

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Cynthia Amanda Robertson for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representa tives. 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: 12/5/2024

Cynthia Amanda Robertson 820 Headrow Terrace Hampton, VA 23666

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 000959

Theophilus Thomas Decedent

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

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Theophilus Thomas who died on March 10, 2022 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 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

J. Anthony Concino III, 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 001361

Therese Arcole aka Therese M. Arcole aka TT Arcole aka Therese Marie Julie Arcole Decedent

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

John Spencer Freebairn, whose address is 5010 Newport Ave., Bethesda, MD 20816, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Therese Arcole aka Therese M. Arcole aka TT Arcole aka Therese Marie Julie Arcole who died on August 22, 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 6/5/2025. 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 6/5/2025, 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: 12/5/2024

John Spencer Freebairn 5010 Newport Ave. Bethesda, MD 20816 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 1387

Estate of Bennie Mae Daniels

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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: 12/5/2024

Brian L. Kass 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008

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 001129

Lorianna Constina Dudley Decedent

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

Tykaria N. Watts, whose address is 840 Division Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lorianna Constina Dudley who died on August 9, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/12/2025. 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 6/12/2025, 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: 12/12/2024

Tykaria N. Watts 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 001469

Estate of Isabella V. Farrell aka Isabella Farrell aka Isabella Vashita Jefferson Farrell

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

Admit to probate the will dated March 22, 1997 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

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: 12/12/2024

Stephanie L. Royal, Esq.

5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington DC 20015

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 001401

Larry Anderson Decedent

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

Larry Dean Anderson, whose address is 145 Oxford Way, Martinsburg WV, 25405, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Larry Anderson who died on 8/12/2024 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 6/12/2025. 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 6/12/2025, 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: 12/12/2024

Larry Dean Anderson Personal Representative

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000130

August 21, 2022

Date of Death

Daisy M. Wilson aka Daisy May Wilson Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Clive A. Hutchinson whose address is 638 Kenyon St., NW, Washington, DC 20010 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Daisy M. Wilson aka Daisy May Wilson deceased, by the Orphans Court for Montgomery County, State of Maryland, on April 17, 2023. Service of process may be made upon Clive A. Hutchinson

638 Kenyon St., NW, Washington, DC 20010 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.

638 Kenyon Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010. 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: 12/12/2024

Clive A. Hutchinson 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 001056

Mary Elizabeth West Decedent

Patrick M. Klemz 1100 Wayne Ave., #825 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

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

Nadine Marie Wood, whose address is 20316 Waters Row Terrace, Germantown, MD 20874, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Elizabeth West who died on April 10, 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 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 6/12/2025. 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 6/12/2025, 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: 12/12/2024

Nadine Marie Wood 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 001299

Josephine A. Wineglass aka Josephine Arkwright Wineglass Decedent

Graner S. Ghevarghese

600 14th Street, NW, Fifth Floor Washington, DC 20005

Attorney

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

Sheri LaDonna Wineglass, whose address is 6004 Mustang Place, Riverdale, MD 20737, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Josephine A. Wineglass aka Josephine Arkwright Wineglass who died on July 4, 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 6/12/2025. 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 6/12/2025, 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: 12/12/2024

Sheri LaDonna Wineglass 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 1404

Tom C. Korologos aka Tom Chris Korologos Decedent

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

Philip Korologos, Ann Bazzarone and Paula Lisbe, whose addresses are 43 Scannell Rd, Chatham, NY 12037, 1321 Merchant Lane, McLean, VA 22101 and 12012 Otsego St., North Hollywood, CA 91607, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Tom C. Korologos aka Tom Chris Korologos who died on July 26, 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 6/12/2025. 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 6/12/2025, 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: 12/12/2024

Philip Korologos Ann Bazzarone Paula Lisbe 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 001391

Audrey V. Jones Decedent

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

Dana Thomas, whose address is 5034 14th St. NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Audrey V. Jones who died on September 15, 2022 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 6/12/2025. 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 6/12/2025, 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: 12/12/2024

Dana Thomas 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 001389

Tyrone D. Jones Decedent

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

Marcella E. Jones, whose address is 2210 Nicholson St., SE, Apt. #2, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tyrone D. Jones who died on 7/6/2024 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 6/12/2025. 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 6/12/2025, 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: 12/12/2024

Marcella E. Jones 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 001400

Helen M. Brown aka Helen Merrill Brown Decedent

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

Betty McCollum-Tate, whose address is 8208 Ashford Blvd., Laurel, MD 20707, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen M. Brown aka Helen Merrill Brown who died on October 3, 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 6/12/2025. 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 6/12/2025, 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: 12/12/2024

Betty McCollum-Tate Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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Officials attribute the change in the tide to interagency collaboration and some of the more controversial elements of D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s Secure D.C. Omnibus Amendment Act -- drug-free zones, increased criminal penalties for retail theft, and most especially pre-trial detention.

“There are more people with violent offenses being held and we see the impact of the community,” Lindsey Appiah, deputy mayor of public safety, said during a Dec. 9 public safety briefing conducted by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) at the Marion S. Barry Building in Judiciary Square.

Appiah said that, with the passage of the Secure D.C. omnibus bill, judges have been awarded greater discretion in detaining alleged offenders of violent, gun-related crimes.

The influx of alleged violent offenders entering D.C. Jail has brought the population back to pre-pandemic level of nearly 1,200, Appiah said. That development, she told reporters, has inspired confidence among District residents.

“We have asked our residents if they see something, say something and help us close cases,” Appiah said. “Seeing someone who committed a violent offense [return to the community] was eroding trust. [But now] they felt safe helping us. [Secure D.C. legislation] strengthened the trust they [so] they can participate in case closure.”

FAMILIES CONTINUE

TO SEEK JUSTICE FOR DECEASED D.C. JAIL RESIDENTS

An amendment in the Secure D.C. omnibus bill requires pre-trial detention to “sunset” within 225 days of the bill’s implementation. With that early 2025 date approaching, Appiah said that the D.C. Council is currently awaiting a study about pre-trial detention.

Last year, as the D.C. Council passed emergency public safety legislation that would later inspire the Secure D.C. omnibus bill, D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC) channeled resources into programming to enrich D.C. Jail residents and keep them connected with their families.

Residents of the jail participated in these activities at the end of a year where the D.C. Corrections Information Council (CIC) circulated at least four announcements about deaths in the Central Detention Facility (CDF), Central Treatment Facility and Central Cell Block.

This year, CIC produced at least

six announcements. Three of those deaths, including that of Takoma Park, Maryland resident Sheena Weatherspoon, took place in May.

The most recently reported death, in August, involved a resident with a pre-existing condition who died after his transfer to Howard University Hospital.

According to documents The Informer obtained, the District entered a $1 million settlement in September with the family of Paul Mannina, a Department of Labor employee accused of sexual assault who died in the D.C. Jail after, as the Washington Post reported, a D.C. Superior Court judge rejected requests to transfer him to mental health treatment. By the time the D.C. Office of the Attorney General solidified the terms, Dena Wynn was on her own mission, still seeking clarity from corrections officials about the death of her son, Anthony McDonald.

McDonald, a 35-year-old father of three, died two days into his one-year sentence on Feb. 16. Wynn noted that, after McDonald’s court appearance on Feb. 14, corrections officials didn’t honor D.C. Superior Court Associate Judge Heidi M. Pasichow’s request that McDonald receive medical care.

“The judge said about two or three times that she didn’t like the way he looked,” Wynn said. “She asked him if he was sleepy. When he got up, he wobbled a bit. Of course they detained him. They took him to jail, never to medical.”

Wynn said her son had only been in jail one other time -- last September when he was detained in Central Cell Block. That experience, she said, spurred his anxiety about serving his sentence locally.

“He kept saying he didn’t want to go over there,” Wynn, referring to D.C. Jail, told The Informer. “His lawyer pushed for him to go straight to the [Federal Bureau of Prisons], since [his

“I serve as a deputy majority whip in the House,” Toles, 48, said. “I support Speaker Jones. You don’t have that level of Black leadership across the country. I came to this opening plenary for Speaker Jones and seeking to learn what I can from other leaders.”

power.”

Jones, 70, acknowledged that sexism and racism are factors in politics but urged her fellow leaders to continue their work and good things will happen.

“I had no idea that I would become speaker,” she said.

sentence] was more than six months. When he was arrested and they did the arraignment, he was telling me the jail was horrible. Anything goes.”

As the one-year anniversary of McDonald’s death approaches, Wynn continues to demand jail and body camera footage, and a guard logbook. She said that the D.C. government provided her with McDonald’s autopsy and death certificate this past fall, after repeated calls to the D.C. medical examiner.

The death certificate, she said, designated the cause of death as: ligature hanging/interval unknown.

Wynn said that, on the day of McDonald’s death, corrections officials told her that he went into cardiac arrest. A detective, she said, later told her that McDonald died from suicide, though the case file, to Wynn’s knowledge, hasn’t been closed by that time. Wynn later said she spoke with other D.C. Jail residents who mentioned a distressed McDonald attempting to get guards’ attention for 40 minutes.

Another person familiar with the situation, she mentioned, spoke about an altercation involving McDonald and another D.C. Jail resident.

For Wynn, the presence of guards, or lack thereof, appears to be a common factor in all the information that she’s gathered thus far about her son’s death.

“Employees are collecting a check [and] don’t care about the residents,” Wynn said. “Videos, logbooks should be available. Anthony left children, so now I’m here to fend for my grandchildren. The government needs to give us answers.”

The Informer unsuccessfully attempted to gather comment from DOC about McDonald’s death and conditions at D.C. Jail.

BLACK LEGISLATIVE LEADERS MIX IT UP

Before the discussion began, NBCSL President Alabama State Rep. Laura Hall (D- Huntsville) noted the importance of the moment.

“This is the first time in U.S. history that you have seven Black legislative leaders, six serving as speakers and one as a Senate president,” Hall, 81, said.

Hall also noted that Maine Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Portland) was being sworn into her state’s Senate on that day and on Nov. 11, Delaware State Rep. Melissa MinorBrown (D-New Castle) became the first Black woman elected to lead that state’s House of Representatives functionally because of a vote by the Democratic majority.

Minor-Brown will take office in January and did not participate in the discussion.

Although they took pride in the power of the historic moment before them, Harris’ presidential defeat weighed heavily in the leaders’ minds.

“I know people are feeling dismayed or feeling down,” Scott, 59, said. “I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. We have been built for this time. Don’t believe in a party over God.”

McClinton, 42, said Harris’s loss was personal.

“I felt it was a slap in the face,” she said. “We still have a problem with sexism in politics. We have a problem with women ascending to

Welch, 53, said Harris won Illinois comfortably “by doing the work.”

“Winners do the work,” he said. “As far as Trump is concerned, nobody should be surprised. He is doing what he told us he was going to do.”

Heastie said it was critical that leaders stay in touch with their constituents and attend to their needs.

“People voted on the basis of their quality of life,” Heastie, 57, said. “Understanding their struggle was the key. A lot of Democrats stayed home on Election Day. We have to get back to pocketbook issues.”

Sanders queried how the leaders managed to get things done, with the “give and take” nature of politics.

Heastie said, “you have to know when to lead and when to follow.”

“Government is the art of compromise,” he continued.

Celebrating her state’s statistics, McClinton issued a call to action.

“One-third of the Democrats in the Pennsylvania House are Black,” said McClinton. “We are unapologetically Black. Other groups stand up for themselves and we should do the same. We should be who we are.”

Scott encouraged his colleagues not to be afraid to take a stand, whether it is on issues or legislative matters.

“Use your voice,” he said. “Stand up and lead. We as a people will survive and persevere.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

“This is the first time in U.S. history that you have seven Black legislative leaders, six serving as speakers and one as a Senate president,” Hall, 81, said.

5Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Lindsey Appiah is celebrating the downward crime trends in the District and the collaborative efforts taken to address overall public safety. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

MCCLOUD from Page 24 at 16 and started college at 17, intending to pursue an electrical and chemical engineering degree. Additional encounters and opportunities along the way helped me identify a career path in accounting instead. I've always been skilled with numbers and learned that finance suits me well.

Not long after launching my

career, I merged my aptitude for numbers with my core belief in serving others by working in the public service, governmental, and nonprofit sectors. Now, as a result, my work is challenging and fulfilling. My first job was as a director of Finance and Human Resources for a Community Action Agency, which served Head Start children and families.

I have had a successful career at various governmental and non-

MARSHALL from Page 24 or confusion about where they stand. Then there are those with their "lukewarm acceptance" of racial equality by saying the right things as sheep, but their actions and even their silence at times reveal they are truly goats.

form a more perfect union. Those who follow a just God also reject this idea of fairness. It's clear that this is not a representation of all white Christians but those who have historically proven to be more aligned with their cultural and white supremacy beliefs over their Biblical teachings.

As Martin Luther King Jr. was bold in calling out the moral hypocrisy of white Christians, we must do the same by exposing it now and in the future. He said that "shallow understanding from people of goodwill is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will." He expressed sharp disappointment with white moderates, whom he called "the Negro's great stumbling block" in the fight for racial equality. He also said that "lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection." His point is understandable and relevant to today's political and cultural environment. In 2024, we still face those within the church who choose to be defenders of white supremacy while making no attempt to hide their position. There is no doubt

As we call out the hypocrisy, we must also call out the idolatry. One would not think Jack Johnson and Barack Obama had anything in common. One man was known as the Galveston Giant, who in 1908 fought his way to become the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion. The other came from a middle-class upbringing and became the first person of color to occupy the White House. Johnson easily won the heavyweight title by defeating the defending champion, Tommy Burns. Johnson's victory and his boxing career challenged the claims of racial supremacy by whites while demonstrating that Black people were no longer willing to give in to white dominance.

In the ring, Johnson destroyed one white fighter after another, and each time, he taunted both the fighter and the crowd. Johnson was brash, arrogant and invincible, and there was a racist

profit programs with Head Start in multiple regions and states for over 16 years. And, in 2020, I joined Lutheran Family Services Florida as the director of finance — yet another opportunity to give back to Head Start. When I look at my path and my family's, I firmly believe that Head Start had a central role in where we are today. Head Start is a catalyst for changing mindsets, leading to opportunities that change lives. WI

backlash to a Black man holding the world championship. Former champion James Jeffries was called out of retirement to become the "Great White Hope," representing and championing white people. He announced to the world that he would "reclaim the heavyweight championship for the white race." The Daily News in Omaha, Nebraska, reported that a Jeffries victory over Johnson would restore superiority to the white race. The previously undefeated Jeffries ultimately lost to Johnson in a title defense.

As Johnson's championship sparked a racial backlash, the same was true with Barack Obama's election to the U.S. presidency. When Donald Trump used the birther issue to challenge the legitimacy of Obama's citizenship and presidency, he became seen and accepted as the champion representing white people. White America, including white evangelicals, found their "Great White Hope." The election of Donald Trump showed who we are as a people. It also revealed the extent to which white moderates are goats trapped in idolatry and are willing to worship a man who can do no wrong in their eyes. WI

Each week you’ll get news from The District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia.

You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more! And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why…

The Washington Informer is all about you! Name

WILLIAMS from Page 25

for educated people who, through experience, have shown themselves to be qualified and loyal to the rule of law and to our democracy. His choices are what could be called "in your face" choices and disrespect for friends, while knowing some of his choices have done outrageous things such as being disloyal to the country. France deserves a better and different ambassador from the one Trump plans to send to represent the United States.

He has disrespected many

in this age group for the subject.

These statistics underscore the pandemic’s impact on learning, emphasizing the urgent need for effective strategies to support student recovery and ensure success. Immediate action must address both knowledge gaps and disparities worsened by the crisis. Educators and policymakers must focus on innovative solutions that ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

THE ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The U.S. Department of Edu-

JEALOUS from Page 25

anti-violence initiatives for young adults, teens and preteens through "Shamba Centers" throughout the country.

Lou contributed one of the autobiographical essays in my book "Reach: 40 Black Men Speak on Living, Leading, and Succeeding." In it, he wrote about meeting Nelson Mandela when the South African leader was finally released from prison after 27 years. Lou said Mandela's message was simple: there is no time to focus on revenge, which is a "self-inflicting disease;" the only thing we have time to focus on is "uplifting ourselves and one another for the bigger picture, which is the salvation of the planet."

Lou spoke of the values passed on to him and his cousins by their grandmother: "collective responsibility; empathy; being ready, willing and able to help another

NATO allies, while his Supreme Court has given him blanket immunity. He then slid back into office to stay out of prison. An ordinary person would have been locked up by now!

He seems to have a special disdain for Black women and Black nations. To be true to who I am, and for the love of my people, I cannot trust him, honor him or wish him well because I have seen too much of his outrageous behavior that no Black person would ever get away with.

I pray for our nation because we know how many of our peo-

cation primarily handles funding and policy enforcement, leaving curricular oversight to state and local governments. Key functions include:

1. Funding:

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- Special Education: Provides $15.5 billion yearly to assist schools in serving students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

2. Civil Rights Enforcement:

- Ensures compliance with

person when he or she is down." Those are values to live by. I can relate. My own grandmother's wisdom continues to guide me. Her sage advice continues to be one of my mantras in life: "Pessimists are right more often, but optimists win more often. As for me, I'll take winning."

Of course, in addition to Lou, we lost many Black men this year whose lives and work inspired millions. Icons of stage and screen like James Earl Jones and John Amos, history-making sports legends such as Willie Mays, and titans of the civil rights movement like the Rev. James Lawson, whom Dr. King called "the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world." We lost Quincy Jones, who not only left an indelible mark on the music industry but was a champion for civil and human rights. And many others.

In my introduction to "Reach," I noted that imitation has always

ple suffered under leaders like him, but we worked through it and some tragically had begun to believe things were getting better, that racism and sexism were settling their ugly heads down, only to find all we needed was Trump to set us back to the Stone Age. How any woman or Black or brown person can support him is a mystery! Many who voted for him or didn't bother to vote at all are already having regrets as they take the time to learn who Trump really is and what he has in mind for all of us!

Title IX and other civil rights laws, protecting students from discrimination based on sex, race, disability, or other factors.

3. Higher Education Oversight:

- Establishes regulations for institutions participating in federal student aid programs, overseeing the $1.6 trillion federal student loan system.

Education is a non-negotiable priority. Parents and community leaders must work to safeguard the education system. The future of our children — and the fabric of our society — depends on advocating for policies that give every student the chance to succeed.

been the first step for those seeking to achieve great things. Children pick up sticks to reenact the battles of warrior heroes. Toddlers preach to congregations, or sing to crowds, of teddy bears and puppets. Babies step into their parents' shoes and try to walk. But we cannot imitate — or draw inspiration from — that which we have never seen, heard or read about. I hope people continue to learn about my friend Louis Gossett Jr. and the other giants we lost because the examples they set are surely ones to be imitated.

Lou's hope was that younger generations grow up to remember that bigger picture of which he spoke. That "instead of talking about the salvation of the Irish or the Jew or the Black, they talk about the salvation of mankind and the planet. I think we can ask for and expect nothing less."

Hear, hear.