The Washington Informer - December 19, 2024

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

Faith Leaders, Community Showcase Religious Diversity in December Residents

Define What This Season Means to Them

By Hamil Harris and Jada Ingleton WI Contributing Writer

and WI

Digital Equity Fellow

While Christmas themes seem to commercially outshine the winter holy season, this time of year is more than just a moment to acknowledge the Christian holy day, and can serve as a time of solace and communion for all communities.

HOLIDAYS Page 36

D.C. Council Ad-Hoc Committee Advances Motion for Councilmember Trayon White’s Expulsion

White, Who Hasn’t Spoken about His Charges Yet, to Receive Another Opportunity to Defend Himself before Colleagues

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In less than an hour, a D.C. Council ad-hoc committee weighed in on, and unanimously approved, a motion to vote on a resolution to expel D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) from the legislative body.

On Dec. 16, White, who’s currently facing a federal bribery charge, sat in the front row of the council chambers gallery as he watched his colleagues,

BZB International’s ‘Shop Til Ya Drop’ Promotes

Economic Prosperity Within African Diaspora 34th Annual Showcase Features Artisans, Entrepreneurs, Retailers from 19 states, 11 Countries

By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

A TRIBUTE TO D.C. COUNCILMEMBER

VINCENT C. GRAY The council paused its legislative meeting on Dec. 17 to celebrate D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) as he wraps up his final term

Outgoing Councilmember Vincent C. Gray Receives His Flowers, Kwelli Sneed Confirmation Approved COUNCIL REPORT Page 8

3Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray is retiring after decades of service. The D.C. Council honored Gray, not only for his service as a member of the legislative body, but also as the District’s former mayor. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson) The Collins Council Report: Council Period 25 Ends with Celebration, Difficult Conversations

Through a cooperative economic worldview, Black artisans and entrepreneurs participating in the annual “BZB Shop Til Ya Drop” showcase, held at Shiloh Baptist Church Family Life Center in Northwest, D.C., boost their audience engagement, connect consumers to the African diaspora and encourage longevity for Black-owned businesses.

Washington is the ideal place for such an event, as 35% of businesses in the city are Black-owned–one of the largest concentrations across the nation. After Black businesses faced significant challenges during and following the COVID-19 pandemic,

BZB Page 43

5As the Christmas and Kwanzaa holidays approach, the long-running BZB International “Shop Til Ya Drop” showcase highlights entrepreneurs across the African diaspora, offering them an opportunity to sell their wares throughout the season. The market also promotes the Kwanzaa principle of Ujamaa, meaning “collective economics.” (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White, standing next to Regina Pixley, is currently facing a federal bribery charge. On Dec. 16, the D.C. Council unanimously approved a motion to expel White from the legislative body. (Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

TRAYON WHITE Page 30

5 Religious and community leaders, including Imam Talib Shareef (third from left), join Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto (center), Secretary of State Kimberly A. Bassett (second from right), and Ward 3 Councilmember Matthew Frumin (far right) in an interfaith service on Dec. 12 at the John A. Wilson Building. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

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BY STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER; BRENDA C. SILER WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER; JAMES WRIGHT, WI STAFF WRITER

Biden Grants Largest Single-Day Clemency in Modern History, Offering Second Chances to Nearly 1,500 Americans

Norman O’Neal Brown is a 56-year-old man who was convicted of nonviolent drug offenses when he was 22 years old. If Brown had been sentenced under current law and today’s sentencing practices, he likely would have received a shorter sentence.

After serving more than 20 years in prison, President Obama commuted his sentence in 2015. Since then, the District-born Brown has worked with several non-profit organizations, including those focused on rehabilitation, reentry, and justice-impacted youth. He currently volunteers at several national and community-based organizations that help support incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people and serves as a board member for a non-profit dedicated to sentencing reform.

On Thursday, Dec. 12, Brown was among the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history, as President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoned 39 others convicted of non-violent crimes.

The 39 pardoned individuals, many of whom were convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, now contribute to their communities as veterans, healthcare workers, teachers, and advocates.

“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation.”

According to the White House, “The President has issued more sentence commutations at this point in his presidency than any of his recent predecessors at the same point in their first terms.”

Biden’s decision comes shortly after he pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who faces sentencing for a federal gun charge and a separate tax offense. Biden and his aides have also discussed the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons for individuals targeted by President-elect Donald Trump, who has indicated plans for retribution.

The president signaled that more clemency actions could follow.

“I will take more steps in the weeks ahead,” he stated, adding that his administration would “continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.” WI

Senate Chaplain Barry Black Treated for a Brain Bleed

U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black was hospitalized last week after suffering a bleed on his brain, known as a subdural hematoma.

Black, 76, is at a local hospital and under the care of the Capitol’s physician, Dr. Brian Monahan, said the Rev. Lisa Schultz, the chaplain’s chief of staff.

Despite suffering a subdural hematoma, when blood builds up between the skull and the brain's surface, increasing pressure on the brain, Black, according to his office, is expected to have a “smooth recovery.”

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Black is the 62nd chaplain of the Senate and is the first African American

and first Seventh-day Adventist to hold the office. As chaplain of the Senate since 2003, he opens daily proceedings with a prayer. He also counsels senators and staff through prayer groups and oneon-one meetings.

Black served for more than 27 years in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps, rising to the rank of rear admiral (upper half).

The longtime spiritual leader was previously the chief of the Navy’s chaplains and retired from the Navy on August 15, 2003.

At this writing, he is still in the hospital. WI

Tennessee’s Harold Love Jr. Elected to Lead National Black Caucus of State Legislators

Tennessee State Rep. Harold Love Jr., was elected the new president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) at its 48th Annual Legislative Conference that took place from Dec. 2-7 at the Capitol Hilton in Northwest, D.C. Love was voted into the office by fellow members who represent 44 states, the District and U.S. territories and will serve a two-year term that ends December

2026.

“As we chart the course for the next chapter of NBCSL, I am inspired by the passion and expertise of our newly elected officers,” Love said. “Together, we will get the work done, championing the voices of our communities and passing resolutions that pave the way for meaningful change.”

Considering his family history, Love also took a moment to get personal with his fellow legislators.

“I am especially proud to continue the legacy of my father, former Tennessee State Representative, Harold M. Love, who was present when the National Black Caucus of State Legislators held their first meeting in Nashville, Tennessee in 1977,” he said. “Their vision and commitment to equity laid a foundation that we

5Tennessee State Rep. Harold Love Jr. is the new president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

White House Hosts First Women’s Health Conference Amid Racial Disparities in Health Care

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

First Lady Jill Biden emphasized the importance of women’s wellness on Dec. 11 at the inaugural White House Women’s Health Conference, where she lauded large investments from federal agencies working to reshape the course of research and data collection in health care and address disparities often facing African American communities.

“Today, we are saying to women everywhere: ‘We hear you, and we will get you the answers you need,’” she said.

The day-long event featured a series of panels stacked with healthcare experts and advocates who spoke to groundbreaking discoveries in diseases impacting women, in addition to the growing avenues for continued research.

“The United States has the best health research in the world, yet women’s health is understudied and research is underfunded,” the first lady continued, crediting President Joe Biden for launching the first White House Initiative on Women’s Health.

Despite the majority-conservative Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, ending the right to legal abortions federally, women’s wellness, overall, has been a huge factor in solidifying the legacy of the Biden administration. Since the Supreme Court ruling in 2023, Biden has fought for reproductive rights and sought to find avenues for government funded research amid statistics showing the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries.

Further, Black women are twice as likely to struggle with the maternal health crisis, including symptoms from hormonal imbalance caused by

menopause and genetic birth defects like sickle cell.

Throughout the past year, the first lady has traveled across the country to collect knowledge of the lived experiences that Black women including Halle Berry and others have overcome in search of viable solutions.

Those conversations set the foundation for hundreds of millions in investments.

In January, the Department of Health and Human Services declared sickle cell disease as the first focus of the research trial Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model, which will test gene therapy options with the goal of expanding access to treatment for individuals on state Medicaid programs.

In late September, the Department of Defense committed $500 million to address health disparities faced by women, including conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, or differently.

During the conference the first lady and president reflected on the unprecedented achievements and advancements made toward women’s health and told the nation to brace for more progress in government funded research.

“The White House, all of us here, we will keep fighting for you until your worries turn into answers, your symptoms into solutions. Until women everywhere benefit from the lifesaving and world-changing research that we know is possible,” the first lady said. “A new future can ring out from this conference–one that answers the call from women who have been waiting for too long. Let this be the moment that we push harder, the moment that people say changed the world of women’s health forever.”

President Biden echoed his call

for Congress to invest $12 billion in women’s health research in his speech at the conference, while outlining broad securities evoked under his leadership ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.

“In addition to launching the Women’s Health Research Initiative earlier this year, I signed an executive order directing the most comprehensive set of executive actions ever taken in the history of this country to improve women’s health issues,” the president declared.

He emphasized the benefits of the executive order in protecting and progressing women’s health rights and care.

“It ensures that women’s health is integrated and prioritized all across the entire federal government, all research projects and budget plans, across the entire government,” President Biden said. “And it spurs new research and innovation on a wide range of women’s health needs throughout

their lives.”

Amid calls for abortion bans and reproductive right restrictions, citizens across the nation have expressed fear of losing more fundamental rights that promote women’s bodily autonomy, and gender affirming care. However, Biden affirmed his work as president would protect the longstanding prog-

ress and work toward uplifting women’s health.

“This initiative lays the groundwork for discoveries and research for generations to come. Mark my words,” he said. “And the benefits we gain tomorrow will happen because we made the decision to do something about them today– now.” WI

still uphold and build upon today.”

Love replaces Alabama State Rep. Laura Hall as the president.

Joining Love as new officers are: Tennessee State Sen. Raumesh Akbari as president-elect, who is scheduled to assume the presidency after Love; New York State Sen. James Sanders Jr., as vice president; Texas State Rep. Toni Rose as sec-

retary; Indiana State Rep. Cherrish Pryor as treasurer; Maryland State Del. Ashanti Martinez as financial secretary; and Kentucky State Sen. Gerald Neal as parliamentarian.

“We are pleased to welcome the new slate of executive officers and look forward to continuing to support the mission of NBCSL with President Love at the helm,” said LaKimba DeSadier, CEO of NBCSL. WI LOVE from Page 4

5 First Lady Jill Biden speaks at the first ever White House Women’s Health Conference. (Courtesy Photo/The White House)

AROUND THE REGION

by Celebrity Portrait & Family Artist, Keith Tate

black facts

DEC. 19 - 25, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

by President Jimmy Carter as his appointment for secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, becoming the first Black woman to hold a Cabinet position.

DEC. 22

1893 – African American writer and historian Chancellor Williams, author of 'The Destruction of Black Civilization," is born in Bennetsville, South Carolina.

1905 – African American art history pioneer and longtime Howard University educator James Amos Porter, whose "Modern Negro Art" in 1943 was the first comprehensive study in the United States of African American art, is born in Baltimore.

1939 – Award-winning children's book illustrator Jerry Pinkney is born in Philadelphia.

1960 – Famed artist Jean-Michel Basquiat is born in New York City.

DEC. 23

1867 – African American entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist Madam C.J. Walker, considered the first Black female millionaire in America, is born in Delta, Louisiana.

1919 – Inventor Alice H. Parker patents the gas heating furnace.

DEC. 19

875 – Historian, author and journalist Carter G. Woodson, known as the "father of Black history," is born in Canton, Virginia.

1924 – Famed actress Cicely Tyson is born in New York City.

DEC. 20

1860 – South Carolina becomes the first slave state in the South to secede from the Union, setting in motion the events leading to the Civil War.

1956 – The Montgomery bus boycott, which began Dec. 5, 1955, ends after the Supreme Court declares the Alabama and Montgomery laws requiring segregated buses to be unconstitutional.

1986 – Michael Griffith, a 23-year-old Black man from New York City's Brooklyn borough, is struck and killed by a car in Howard Beach after being chased onto a highway by a white mob who had beaten him and his friends.

1988 – Max Robinson, the first African American broadcast network news anchor in the United States, dies in Washington, D.C., from complications of AIDS at 49.

DEC. 21

1911 – Negro league baseball legend Josh Gibson is born in Buena Vista, Georgia.

1948 – Acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson is born in Washington, D.C.

1959 – Track legend and three-time Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith Joyner, considered the fastest woman of all time, is born in Los Angeles.

1976 – Patricia Roberts Harris is announced

1935 – R&B singer Esther Phillips is born in Galveston, Texas.

DEC. 24

1832 – The Georgia Infirmary, the first hospital established for Blacks in America, is chartered in Savannah. 1898 – Irwin C. Molllison, the first Black to receive a federal judgeship in the U.S., is born in Vicksburg, Miss.

1951 – North African country Libya declares its independence as the United Kingdom of Libya.

DEC. 25

1760 – Poet Jupiter Hammon becomes the first published Black writer with his work, "An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries."

1863 – Robert Blake, a Union sailor during the American Civil War, helps fend off an attack upon a naval gunboat by Confederate forces, actions which resulted in him being the first African American to be presented with the Medal of Honor.

1870 – Henry McKee Minton, an African American doctor who was one of the founders of Sigma Pi Phi and superintendent of the Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia for 24 years, is born in Columbia, South Carolina.

1907 – Famed entertainer Cab Calloway is born in Rochester, New York.

1951 – Harry T. Moore and his wife, Harriette Vyda Simms Moore, both educators, are killed in a bombing of their home in Mims, Florida, by suspected Ku Klux Klan members. The two are the first NAACP members to be murdered for civil rights activism WI

SAMUEL L. JACKSON

AROUND THE REGION

view

P INT

BY MICHA GREEN

Nikki Giovanni, a legendary poet, writer, and prolific figure of the Black Arts Movement, died recently at 81. How will you remember her legacy?

SHARON BROWN / NEW YORK, N.Y.

LISA S. / LAKELAND, FLA.

The one and only! I was truly honored to photograph and interview Ms. Giovanni some years ago! That trip to Boston is one I won't ever forget.

I adore her. I recited one of her poems for a speech class and got an A. I met her years ago at Circle Of Sisters, and she graciously signed my book of her poems. A beautiful soul inside and out!

HAROLD FLOWERS / WASHINGTON, D.C.

WINTER R. / ATLANTA, GA.

What a powerful, beautiful woman who was bold and stood in her truth. May God bless her soul.

Nikki was a thoughtful, truth-telling, and impactful spokesperson for us.

JANET DILWORTH / WASHINGTON, D.C.

Thank you to Ms. Giovanni. Her words will always uplift a person who feels defeated. Rest in peace.

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

as Ward 7 council member, and more than 50 years of public service.

Since announcing his dementia diagnosis earlier this year, colleagues and residents in Ward 7 have been recognizing Gray, who also formerly served as D.C. mayor, and his decades-long impact on the District. This celebratory affair in the council chambers attracted Gray’s successor, D.C. Councilmember-elect Wendell Felder, as well as current and former Gray council and mayoral staffers, and members of Gray’s family.

For more than 40 minutes, council members showered Gray with memories, reflections and statements of gratitude. Later, they presented him with a commemorative glass bowl and cleared the way for family members, including Gray’s wife, Dawn Kum, who read remarks on the council member’s behalf.

“Our future is bright,” said Gray’s statement, as read by Kum. “Believe in yourself. Believe in one another. There are no obstacles we cannot overcome. It’s on behalf of D.C. residents I’ve given my all for the last 20 years. Because I know they’ve given their all.”

In the decades before his stroke, Gray had a hand in deals, including the Skyland development, that have come into fruition recently.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, who often speaks about the council’s difficulties in working with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), said Gray, as mayor, laid the blueprint for how the executive branch engages its legislative counterpart.

“Being easy to work with is important,” Mendelson said. “That’s how business gets done. We see that over and over again with public policy.”

D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At large) described Gray as a family man who relentlessly pursued his goals. He recounted, as a freshman legislator, watching admirably as Gray spent untold hours preparing for council meetings.

“There’s no replacement for your time in public service,” At large Councilmember White said. “It changed generations to come. Thank you for being a standard bearer and making a difference in public service and showing us what public service means.”

Next year, during Council Period 26, the council, along with the rest of the city, is anticipated to witness the launch of Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, GW Health at St. Elizabeths East. That milestone follows the steady establishment of a community-based healthcare system in communities east of the Anacostia River.

In her remarks, D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At large), who succeeded Gray as chair of the council’s Committee on Health at the beginning of Council Period 25, pledged to see through what she called the manifestation of Gray’s vision.

“Your unfinished business is in good hands,” Henderson said. “We will make sure the full vision of Birth-toThree gets fulfilled with no cuts. You have trained up various colleagues, etc. .. a good army of folks to make sure your legacy gets stronger and expands.”

KWELLI SNEED CONFIRMATION

The council approved a resolution confirming Kwelli Sneed as executive director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE).

D.C. Council Chairman Mendelson voted in opposition while D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At

large) voted “present.”

Mendelson questioned D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s sincerity in finding a suitable executive director.

“It’s an easy way out. She had difficulty finding a permanent director so she nominated a person who's not the original [choice for] director,” Mendelson. “From what I heard, Kwelli Sneed has an extensive background in human resources. That’s a little different than public health, public safety and gun violence, which are the focuses. The role of the office is all too important to fill the position with someone who doesn’t bring a well qualified background.”

Last month, Bowser said she tapped Sneed for the executive director role after a national search.

Amid the fallout from Ward 8 Councilmember White’s bribery scandal-- which involved ONSE and DYRS-- some council members, like At large D.C. Councilmember Robert White, set out to verify that Sneed had no involvement in unethical activities.

On Dec. 17, At large Councilmember White vindicated Sneed.

“I’m confident… the acting director had nothing to do with [the bribery allegations] and operated in the way that we want a director to operate,” he said. “This is something I looked into and questioned as I digested this nomination.”

D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D.Ward 2), chair of the council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, led the confirmation process.

“I believe [Kwelli Sneed] will stay focused on the number one mission: drive down gun violence and ensure the individuals involved get on a path to meaningful and sustainable lives,” Pinto said during the Committee of the Whole hearing that preceded the legislative meeting. “The committee expects ONSE to standardize training, enhance oversight of grants and grantees, and to establish clear metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of violence interruption work in the duration of each grant.”

FINAL DELIBERATION ON THE ROAD ACT BRINGS LONGTERM JUVENILE PLACEMENT PROBLEMS TO LIGHT – ONCE AGAIN

On Dec. 17, after the delay of its second reading, the council unanimously

COUNCIL REPORT Page 30

5The D.C. Council approved a resolution confirming Kwelli Sneed as executive director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE). (Courtesy Photo/ ONSE)

The 4th Annual Gatsby Showcase Foundation Awards Gala Honors Changemakers, Offers Call-to

Action

Cathy Hughes, Cora Masters Barry, ‘Nephew Tommy,’ Melanie Campbell, Ron Busby Among Honorees

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

In its fourth year, the Gatsby Showcase Foundation Awards Gala has become a highly anticipated event for District area residents to don stunning black tie, watch models strut their stuff on the runway to the latest fashions, and honor those working toward equity through the arts, media, business and social and political advocacy.

While the event is a classy, funfilled celebration, this year’s event, held at the Organization of the United States in Northwest, D.C. on Dec. 14, offered more than just entertainment, but a call to action to support Black businesses and work to help others and combat inequities.

“We cannot expect other people to solve our problems or lift us up, or change the narrative. That’s our responsibility,” said Cathy Hughes, founder and chairman of Radio One/Urban One and one of the awardees of the evening.

In her acceptance speech, Hughes challenged Black Americans to work toward addressing issues not only in the United States, but in Africa, where she encourages visiting, connecting and collaborating with people, and finding ways to help and empower others–a notion that aligns with the mission of the Gatsby Awards.

Featuring musical performances from Grammy-nominated singer Raheem DeVaughn, opera singer Aria Austin and harpist Anna Elsworth, runway shows from JL Michael’s Custom Clothiers and Jody Davis, and art by Reggie Gillumo, the evening was a party with a purpose. The event raises funds to support several causes that Dr. Bertrand and Laura Fote– the husband and wife duo behind the Gatsby Showcase Foundation and annual awards– have been working to address.

“We’ve seen the positive impact and the smiles that [the awards and our work] put on people’s faces– especially the kids,” said

Laura Fote. “This year we gave out 46 scholarships to marginalized groups, we’ve also helped businesses import their stuff at reduced costs, and their businesses are thriving, the kids are thriving through the scholarship. We have to keep going and we have to make sure that we’re making a difference.”

Dr. Fote also said combating challenges in health care was a major part of the foundation’s mission.

“We’re trying to narrow that disparity in health care. The underserved communities are the ones that suffer the most, [and] as a physician, that’s near and dear to my heart. So we’re doing a lot to try to see how we can educate, how we can get access,” Dr. Fote told The Informer.

The event highlighted others working toward similar causes, including: Hughes; Cora Masters Barry, former D.C. first lady and founder and CEO of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center; Ron Busby, president and CEO of U.S. Black Chambers Inc.; Melanie Campbell, resident and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation; actor, comedian, producer and Steve Harvey Morning Show co-host Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles; Edie Fraser, chair and founder of Women Business Collaborative,” and Christina Cherry, chair of Cherry Luxe Properties, LLC.

Busby told The Informer it was an honor to be celebrated, but that the work he’s doing to support Black businesses and communities never stops. He hopes his work can be an inspiration for others to do the same.

“I always feel like we celebrate each other and we celebrate those people that are doing amazing things, but we cannot lose focus of what we do on a day-to-day basis… It is a priority for me to move our communities, families, and businesses forward,” Busby explained. “We all have to make sure that we’re doing the work.”

He encouraged all those in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area to make an intentional effort to support Black-owned businesses, not only during the holiday season, but year round.

The Fotes also offered a call to action for those in the Washington area and beyond.

“If you are blessed, God blesses you so you can be a blessing to others,” Laura Fote told The Informer.

Her husband emphasized the importance of giving back.

“Every single person can make a difference,” Dr. Fote said. “You can make a difference by doing your part, by working together with other people, and by supporting organizations like ours that have a platform to make that difference.”

WI

5Honoree Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles, with The Gatsby Showcase Foundation founders Laura Fote and Dr. Bertrand Fote, before the annual awards gala on Dec. 14 at the Organization of American States in Northwest, D.C. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

“Sometimes

https://www

Singer Sug Daniels of the Black Opry Revue reads The Washington Informer. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

At-Large Councilmember Robert White celebrates with Judge Mary Terrell after issuing her a special proclamation during the weekly Rotary Club Speakers Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 11, officially designating the day as “Judge Mary Terrell Day.” (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Spirit of Democracy Awards Takes a Defiant Tone

Honorees, Leaders Decry Trumpism

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Melanie L. Campbell is known as a freedom fighter with a positive demeanor, an ever-present smile and a can-do attitude when it comes to advocating for the rights of African Americans, and at the 27th Annual Spirit of Democracy Awards on Dec. 11 at The Hamilton in Northwest, D.C., the equity advocate ignited a fire to continuing working toward justice. Sponsored by the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), where Campbell serves as president and CEO, the activist emphasized the event was not just a celebration of the honorees, but a moment to highlight the strength, resilience, beauty and boldness displayed by African American leaders over the past four years.

“The drum beat is beating,” Campbell said. “During the last few years, we have had a Black woman as vice president, a Black woman appointed to the Supreme Court, a Black man as secretary of Defense, and a Black man, Wes Moore, as the governor of Maryland. We will have two Black women in the Senate and the largest Congressional Black Caucus in history.”

Despite concerns justice advocates have about President-elect Donald Trump occupying the White House for the next four years, she offered encouragement.

“We did our ‘Black job,’” Campbell said, referencing one of Trump’s highly criticized campaign comments, alleging immigrants take employment opportunities from African Americans.

Campbell’s organization honored business, political and community leaders who made substantial contributions during 2024, including the leadership of the Divine Nine, the Black collegiate Greek-letter organizations who belong to the National Panhellenic Council.

Most of the speakers and the honorees made direct and indirect references to Trump and what his upcoming term will mean for Blacks.

Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League and chairman of the NCBCP, told the gathering that he knows how many feel after the results of the recent presidential election.

Constance B. Newman and Terrance Woodbury at the 27th Annual Spirit of Democracy Awards that took place on Dec. 11. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

“Resent, rejection and surprise,” said Morial, 66. “There is no way the election should have turned out the way it did. There is certainly a need for post-election analysis and to heed lessons learned. We’ve got no time to be tired, no time to be afraid.”

AWARD-WINNERS WEIGH IN ON THE ELECTION, PASSING THE TORCH

Urban One founder and chairwoman Cathy Hughes, who was one of the evening’s honorees and attended the event through Zoom, thanked the NCBCP for recognizing her decades of work to empower the African American community.

“My inspiration for what I do comes from understanding and giving thanks and praise to God,” Hughes, 77, said. “You have to put the mission ahead of yourself. That means being unapologetically Black. You must be in the Black people business.”

Hughes did note that the Harris-Waltz presidential campaign invested little money in Black media, while giving billions to white-owned media and consultants. She cautioned the gathering to be able to distinguish between Black-owned media, such as hers, and outlets that are oriented toward communities of color, but are owned by non-African Americans.

Claude Cummings, the president of the Communications Workers of America, who was also an honoree, said: “The election was hurtful and harmful.”

He agreed with Hughes that the Democratic Party should have utilized Black media more during the campaign season.

“We need to support Black media and not the Super PACS,” Cummings said.

Constance B. Newman, the special counsel on African Affairs for the Carmen Group and an honoree, said those who have been in leadership in Black America for decades must recognize when it is time to pass the torch.

“Seniors have to be ready to turn over the reins,” said Newman, 89. “But the youth need to listen to the voices of those before you.”

Terrance Woodbury, the CEO and founding partner of District-based HIT Strategies, who was also honored, said “young people are angry.”

“We are in a system that has failed us,” Woodbury said. “We must mobilize Black males. Young people also must be included in the whole process of civic participation.”

Many of the leaders of the Divine Nine didn’t attend the event to receive their honors but sent surrogates. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority International President Danette Anthony Reed was not able to attend but Gina Scott, who serves as the North Atlantic Region leadership team, stood in her place.

“I am honored to accept this honor on behalf of our international president,” Scott said. “This is a tribute to her great work and the work of many of our members in the area of social justice and advocacy.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

5Duerward “Woody” Beale watches as panel host Meshelle queries

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Former County Executive Rushern Baker, State Senator Alonzo Washington Announce for March 4 Special Election

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

The special primary election to finish Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks’ term as Prince George’s County Executive has been set by the County Council for March 4 with a loaded group of contenders vying for an opportunity to lead one of America’s wealthiest Black counties.

With a filing deadline of Dec. 20, former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker (D) and State Senator Alonzo Washington (D) recently joined Prince George’s State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D), County Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D- AtLarge), County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D), and attorney Tonya Sweat (D) in confirming their interest in seeking the county executive seat.

Tara Jackson will serve as acting county executive into June, and does not plan to run to officially fill the role.

“I believe I’m here to maintain the stability of the government and help us transition smoothly,” said Jackson during a Dec. 4 press conference to outline her plans to keep the Commanders in Prince George’s County, improve health care, and ensure the FBI HQ is built in Greenbelt.

FORMER COUNTY

EXECUTIVE RUSHERN BAKER PLEDGES TO ADDRESS

CHALLENGES THAT CAN WORSEN DURING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

As the former county executive,

Baker said he’s witnessed a transition in Prince George’s.

“A lot of our residents have moved to the south, to Charles County. We were once the most affluent and educated African American county in the nation and probably the world. People have left the county because of public safety issues, crime and jobs, economic development and job creation,” said Baker, as he announced his campaign.

The former county executive’s campaign is pledging to address kitchen table issues that will likely become more salient, as the Trump administration’s agenda of cutting federal jobs and government spending, enacting mass deportations, and enacting tariffs against trading partners will likely worsen the regional economy.

“Those are things I can bring back here to the people. It’s always about the economy and jobs and job security. That’s what residents of Prince George’s County said to me: that they’re concerned with jobs and public safety."

Baker also stated his experience makes him a candidate that will be ready to serve on his first day back in office.

“We don’t have time for any of the candidates who’d have to learn to be county executives. They’ve never done that job, and it’s completely different from being a legislator, which I was, being a lawyer, which I am. It’s a whole different animal, and you have to be able to do that job immediately,” Baker explained. “You need somebody on day one who understands the budget in the county, the agencies, and also understands the crisis we're going to go through - the state has a budget crisis, the county has a $170 million deficit, we have crime issues that are arising."

Baker was first appointed to the House of Delegates in 1994 and served in Annapolis until 2002, when he ran in a wide-open primary to replace Wayne Curry, Prince George’s first Black county executive, ushering the area into a new era of African American leadership.

He lost in the 2002 primary and unsuccessfully challenged then-County Executive Jack Johnson in 2006. After winning in 2010, Baker pledged to clean up political corruption and he added appointees to the Board of Education, a measure that was ended earlier this year.

Because he was formerly county executive, if Baker wins the primary, he would be the only candidate that wouldn’t trigger a special election or appointment: a point he noted in his announcement.

“If I’m elected, I’m the only person that’s running that I know of so far, that would not trigger a special election,” he said. He said this prior to the announcements of Senator Washington and attorney Tonya Sweat, however.

5 State Senator Alonzo Washington (pictured) is endorsed by Del. Ashanti Martinez for his campaign, which he announced on Dec. 11. He began serving in Annapolis in 2012 and is noted for being an education advocate. (Courtesy Photo/ Maryland State Archives)

sis, improve our schools, support our businesses, and work with the community and police to reduce crime,” said Ivey, who officially announced her bid for the seat on Dec. 17 in Lanham.

When asked about her ongoing priorities in the at-large seat, which she was sworn into on Dec. 10, Ivey said the budget is a major priority during this critical time of transition for the county and nation.

STATE’S ATTORNEY

AISHA BRAVEBOY: ‘VOTERS… NEED TO KNOW THAT I AM THEIR VOICE’

ALONZO WASHINGTON LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOCUSED ON ‘INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY’

State Senator Alonzo Washington (D- District 22), who served on the Kirwan Commission, which established the Blueprint for Education, is known for being an education advocate in Annapolis, and on Dec. 11 he announced his hopes to further his efforts, but this time as a county executive.

While legislators in Annapolis are generally prohibited from fundraising, Washington will be allowed to as county executive is not a state office.

“I’m very proud here today, to announce to you all, on behalf of myself, my family, my wife and my baby daughter standing right in front of me, I announce my candidacy for county executive of Prince George’s County,” Washington said. “The responsibility of leading Prince George’s County is profound and consequential, and I’m excited to lead a grassroots campaign that focuses on integrity and accountability. Our residents deserve nothing less.”

COUNCILMEMBER

JOLENE IVEY PRIORITIZES AFFORDABLE HOUSING, SCHOOLS, BUSINESSES, CRIME, COUNTY BUDGET

Ivey’s policies include new economic development, maintaining the county’s balanced budget, and hiring more police officers.

“The next county executive must tackle the housing affordability cri-

Braveboy said she would prioritize housing costs, senior care, and public safety.

"Voters in Prince George's County need to know that I am their voice. I grew up in this county, went to public schools here, and I am someone who not only is from here, but have the values of the community,” said State’s Attorney Braveboy. “The community will always be first in my administration.”

She emphasized her pulse on residents’ needs and touted county-wide improvements since she’s served as state’s attorney.

“I know there are concerns around crime, I have been working collaboratively with law enforcement partners and I can tell you as of today, crime is down and carjackings, which has been a major focus of my administration, are down more than 30% – so we are headed in the right direction,” Braveboy said.

CANDIDATE SUPPORT, EARLY POLLING SHOWS IVEY AND BRAVEBOY IN THE LEAD

Early polling placed Ivey and Braveboy in the lead for both existing support and name recognition, although previous polls did not include Washington as a candidate.

State Sen. Nick Charles (D-District 25) is supporting Hawkins, and attended his announcement, speaking favorably of the former council chair, who is his fraternity brother and longtime friend.

Delegate Ashanti Martinez (DDistrict 22) announced he is “all in” for Washington, his district’s senator.

WI

5 Flanked by supporters, friends, and family, Councilmember At Large Calvin Hawkins formally announces his campaign to finish Senate-elect Angela Alsobrooks’ county executive term at The Largo Hilton on Dec. 11. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Gov. Wes Moore Cautions State Leaders of Further Budget Woes During Maryland Association

of Counties Conference

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

During the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) winter Conference in Cambridge, Gov. Wes Moore (D) warned political and business leaders of upcoming challenges the state could face and announced some of his plans to address these issues.

While state revenues are on an upward trend, Maryland is facing a $2.7 billion shortfall next year that will likely be widened by Trump administration proposals including firing of federal workers and significant reductions to government spending. This shortfall is expected to rise to roughly $6 billion by 2030.

“I know we are facing steep challenges,” said Moore during the conference. “Maryland is in the path of two storms: First, we face an historic budget crisis, the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades. And second, we are about to swear in a new administration in Washington, D.C., that casts uncertainty on our future.”

Moore called for reforms to the Blueprint for Education, increasing the state’s housing supply, further collaboration with county partners, and focusing on the life sciences, I.T., and aerospace and defense sectors.

The governor has also recently championed the suggestion to increase tax revenues by allowing beer and wine into grocery stores.

In most of Maryland’s counties, alcohol sales are limited to liquor stores; and in Prince George’s, alcohol sales are particularly limited on Sundays. The Maryland Retailers Alliance, Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores and Maryland Food Industry Council sent out a statement in support while several pub and liquor stores owners lament the potential change.

"Maryland is one of only states in the nation that bans the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores –it's time for a change. Lifting this ban puts people first and makes

us more competitive. I look forward to working with our legislative partners to pass this overdue change,” the governor said.

MORE MACO MOMENTS: LEADERS TALK BLUEPRINT FOR EDUCATION

While the governor called to reform Blueprint for Education, the equity-focused state plan to significantly increase school funding and teacher pay, he is not the only state leader who has pegged examining the program a top priority.

Several County education leaders, including Calvert County Superintendent Andraé Townsel and Charles County Superintendent Maria Navarro, have noted that adjustments to the implementation of the Blueprint for Education will likely be needed due to ongoing budget concerns.

During the MACo conference, a panel of school leaders on the Blueprint echoed similar themes.

“We are a suburb of Washington, D.C., so we have teachers that will live in Charles,” said Christina Miller, a Blueprint coordinator in Charles County.

“The majority of our residents leave the county to go to work, and so they go to Northern Virginia, they go to D.C., and D.C. public schools pay considerably more. So, what are things that are at a lower cost that can get us bigger results to help with the retaining of our teachers?”

Kim Poole, a Baltimore-based founding fellow of the Teaching Artist Institute, explained how Blueprint for Education could be beneficial depending on how funds are allocated.

“The Blueprint for Education represents a powerful tool for addressing educational inequities in Maryland, but its impact on Black communities will depend on the extent to which it prioritizes cultural responsiveness and equitable access to resources. Leaders must ensure that the

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Blueprint includes mechanisms to fund and promote culturally specific programs that inspire students by connecting them to their heritage,” said Poole. Poole also advocates for Maryland leaders to improve educational outcomes by allocating funding for experiential and immersive learning opportunities such as field research, cultural immersion, and international travel programs.

“Maryland must better prioritize arts education as an integral part of student success. Arts education should be viewed not only as a tool for fostering creativity but also as a means of bringing history and culture to life.”

WI

5 Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is cautioning state leaders of further budget woes. At the recent Maryland Association of Counties Conference in Cambridge, the governor

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

BOWSER ADMIN. ANNOUNCES NEW GREAT STREETS GRANTEES

Officials with the Bowser administration announced the recipients of the Fiscal Year 2024 District’s Great Streets Retail, Locally Made Manufacturing and Neighborhood Prosperity Fund on Dec. 12.

“As another local business owner said last week, ‘These are the businesses that make us so D.C.,’ said District Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The $7 million investment supported 41 small local businesses with grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000.

“With every grant awarded, we’re fueling innovation, creating opportunities, and building stronger communities across all eight wards,” Bowser continued. “These investments don’t just help businesses thrive—they uplift our neighborhoods, create jobs, and ensure that D.C. continues to be a city where creativity and entrepreneurship flourish.”

briefs

Among the businesses receiving grants included Arcay Chocolates, Blue’s Coffee & Tea Co., Chef Benne’ Seasonings, EatsPlace, Femme Fatale, iCONiQ Style, Lost Generation Brewery, Right Proper Brewing and Shea Yeleen Beauty.

Since 2015, the Great Streets Retail, Locally Made Manufacturing, and Neighborhood Prosperity Fund grant programs have awarded over $49 million to over 550 businesses across the District, creating more than 2,250 jobs for D.C. residents.

“When we invest in our small and local businesses, we are in turn supporting vibrant and thriving neighborhoods,” said Deputy Mayor Nina Albert. “Through Mayor Bowser’s investments, we will continue to foster an inclusive business environment where opportunity thrives in every ward of our city.”

D.C. AG CALLS OUT CLAIMCLAM’S FLIM FLAM

District Attorney General Brian

L. Schwalb announced that Communion, Inc. (operating as ClaimClam), which files claims in class action and other large lawsuits on behalf of customers, will significantly reform its business practices after an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that it was using predatory marketing tactics to lure District residents into signing up for its services.

ClaimClam ran social media advertisements urging District residents

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vertise when a promoted case has not yet reached a settlement, release all consumers who sign up for its services for any private case or OAG lawsuit, notify them of the company’s lack of affiliation with these cases and pay the District $55,000 in civil penalties.

Social media user and local communications specialist Alex Taliadoros expressed support for the lawsuit after Schwalb announced it on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Lately I’ve been seeing a ton of social media ads offering to sign me up for class action lawsuits in D.C.,” Taliadoros wrote. “Turns out, some companies have no connection to the case and are just trying to skim your settlement– if there ever is one.”

VIRGINIA BLACK CHAMBER GETS $300K GRANT

to take immediate action regarding large lawsuits where they might be entitled to compensation, including in OAG’s ongoing litigation against Real Page, Inc., and District landlords for artificially inflating rent prices. However, ClaimClam failed to disclose that: 1) it is unaffiliated with any of the promoted cases; 2) there are standard, free alternative methods for filing class action claims, and 3) many of the cases advertised have not yet reached settlement—and may never reach settlement.

“At a time when too many Washingtonians are struggling to make ends meet, ClaimClam sought to take advantage with false promises of an easy, class action payout,” said Schwalb. “Fortunately, we were able to put a stop to its deceptive business model before anyone was seriously harmed. We will continue to protect District residents’ pocketbooks by holding accountable anyone that unscrupulously tries to financially exploit them.”

Under the terms of the settlement, ClaimClam will: prominently disclose that it is not affiliated with the settlement/case promoted in its advertisements and it charges a fee for its services; remove from user agreements several identified, potentially violative terms and provisions; no longer advertise that submitting a claim oneself is riskier or more burdensome than submitting a claim via ClaimClam’s services; and disclose when a free claims process is available or may become available.

Also, ClaimClam will clearly ad-

The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce has been awarded $300,000 through the GO Virginia Region 6 Per Capita allocation to expand its successful Expanding Business Ecosystems Business Accelerator program.

“This grant is a transformational investment in the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce’s mission to support and empower small businesses,” said Ernisha Hall, president and CEO of the chamber.

This substantial investment bolsters small businesses and fosters economic growth in the: agriculture/ controlled environment; agriculture, distribution and logistics; manufacturing; and professional services industry clusters.

With the funding, the chamber will launch a comprehensive 10-week program tailored to six cohorts over two years, ultimately assisting 120 businesses. Each cohort will have a specialized focus to meet the unique needs of different industries and demographic groups, including minority-owned businesses, tech startups, and manufacturing companies.

“With this funding, we can significantly expand the reach and impact of our Business Accelerator Program, fostering innovation and driving economic growth within our community,” Hall said. “We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and are committed to using these resources to uplift entrepreneurs, strengthen small businesses, and create a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Brian L. Schwalb is the attorney general of the District. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

Prince George’s County Business Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

The Bowie Business Innovation Center’s (BIC) 8(a) Accelerator Program, which combines business training, access to mentors, and structured networking activities to help federal government contractors secure new contracts, has been working hard and celebrating all at once.

In October, the center celebrated the kickoff of its 10th business cohort and the following month, the organization held InnovateBowie! to support minority-owned businesses and raise awareness of the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on business growth and development.

An award-winning hub, the Bowie State University-based center has helped countless small businesses and contractors to expand operations over the past several years.

“InnovateBowie! was established by Bowie BIC to celebrate the dynamic and ever-growing entrepreneurial community in Bowie. Each year, we bring together local, state, and national partners to highlight successful entrepreneurs rooted in Bowie and to showcase emerging technologies and market trends that inspire both seasoned and new entrepreneurs,” said June Evans, Bowie BIC’s executive director.

Evans also shared the company’s current and future goals.

“Our focus for 2024–2025 will be on AI strategies and technology solutions for small businesses. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries by offering tools for automation, advanced decision-making, and tailored customer engagement,” Evans continued. “For entrepreneurs and small businesses, AI presents opportunities to streamline operations, optimize efficiency, and achieve a competitive advantage.”

Marketing powerhouse Sandy

5 After completing the Bowie Business Innovation Center Accelerator Program in November, Arthur Mosel, president of Gi4, is happy to keep in touch with other members of the 10th cohort and continue broadening his network.

(Courtesy Photo)

Audio Visual, government contractor Gi4, and accounting professionals Looper Consulting are all run by leaders who finished the accelerator program, with the 10th cohort finishing on Nov. 15, roughly five weeks after beginning the accelerator program.

Sandy Audio Visual has partnered with the IRS, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and USAID, while Gi4 won a five year, $5.5 million contract to consult the Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guarantee Service in 2020.

Arthur Mosel, president of Gi4, recently finished the accelerator program in November, and he is happy to keep in touch with other members of the 10th cohort.

“The accelerator program is outstanding, it gave me the opportunity to network and learn from both new and existing businesses,” he told The Informer. “My company has been around for 11 years, but it’s tailored for businesses of all sizes. The staff and facilitators are outstanding. It’s like an extension of the work family.”] WI

NATIONAL

Momodou Taal Reflects on Pushback against Pro-Palestinian Speech on College Campuses

Months Later, Taal Still Not Allowed to Teach at Cornell University, Can Still Pursue Doctorate

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Earlier this year, Momodou Taal, an international student and former professor, averted an attempt by Cornell University to get him deported out of the United States.

In Septemer, after campus officers spotted Taal at a pro-Palestinian protest, Cornell University disenrolled him, thus jeopardizing his student visa. Through an appeals process, Cornell University ultimately allowed Taal to complete his studies in the doctoral Africana Studies program.

However, Taal can no longer teach on campus. That hasn’t appeared to stop the British citizen of Gambian heritage who told reporters, activists and Black Power elders during a virtual event that he will continue to engage undergraduate students.

“I’ve been invited by the Black Student Union to give more talks,”

Taal said. “I plan to give political education off campus [and] hopefully it’s translated to campus. The work doesn’t stop. The Palestinian organizing doesn’t stop.”

Taal said that his battle has sparked a campus where fervor for political dissent ebbs and flows. “These institutions don’t think that students can fight back,” Taal said. “Black students are seeing that you can fight back and win.”

GREATER EFFORTS TO COMBAT ZIONISM

Last spring, college students across the United States brought their campuses to a standstill through protests and the formation of encampments in outdoor spaces. This protracted acts of civil disobedience, which incited intense law enforcement blowback, often centered on demands for: divestment from Israel and companies that support its government,

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universities’ disclosure of endowments and investments, and protection of pro-Palestinian speech on campus.

On May 8, hours before D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith were scheduled to testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee about the District’s response to antisemitism, Metropolitan Police Department raided an encampment on the campuses of The George Washington University that, for two weeks, attracted hundreds of students from neighboring universities.

Hours after the raid, and a conversation with Bowser, Congressman James Comer (R-KY), chair of the House’s oversight committee, cancelled that hearing. However, D.C. students, nor students in any jurisdiction for that matter, may be out of harm’s way with Congressman Greg Murphy’s introduction of the Education, Not Agitation Act, which eliminates tax benefits for people who commit crimes while protesting on college campuses.

Other bills revoke visas of foreign student protesters, bar student protesters from federal student loans and loan forgiveness, and tie universities’ accreditation to their campus protest response.

There’s also the threat of President-elect Donald J. Trump, who’s preparing for a return to the White

House. Earlier this year, while speaking with campaign donors, Trump threatened to deport foreign protesters. He has also mulled the denial of accreditation and federal support for colleges that support “anti semitic propaganda.”

Most recently, Trump chose Harmeet Dhillon, a proponent of penalizing protesters and universities for antisemitism, to lead the Department of Justice’s civil rights division. Taal calls it more of the same.

“What was allowed under President Joe Biden will lay the groundwork for President-elect Donald Trump to do more,” Taal recently told The Informer. “It becomes incumbent upon us to know the world where the mass majority of people are suffering. A lot of students are demoralized because of what has happened. There has been an energy shift because of the repression.”

For decades, the Israeli government has marginalized Palestinians living in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories -- all as an expression of their Zionist belief that they have Biblical claim to Palestinians’ land.

On the afternoon of Oct. 15, Taal spoke at a virtual event that allowed for examination of his experience in the greater historical and geopolitical context. Event organizers included his cousin Olimattta Taal and Obi Egbuna of

“What was allowed under President Joe Biden will lay the groundwork for President-elect Donald Trump to do more,” Taal recently told The Informer.

the Zimbabwe-Cuba Friendship Association. Toward the end of the program, Egbuna, a journalist, educator and organizer, spoke about Taal in the same vein as historical figures.

“Brother Momodou sacrificed his Ph.D. to stand with the Palestinian people. That conjures up the memory of Marion Barry,” Egbuna said. “We know that Marcus Garvey was deported on mail fraud charges. Claudia Jones was deported for violating the McClellan Act. Bro. Momodou is in good company.” WI

@SamPKCollins

5 After his advocacy against the oppression Palestinians are experiencing, Momodou Taal can no longer teach on the campus of Cornell University, where he was a professor and international student. (Courtesy Photo)

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‘CHANGE IS COMING’ WIN AFRICA: CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS

Generations of Love: Preserving Holiday Traditions in Caribbean-American Families

Caribbean households emphasize the importance of food and community throughout the holiday season–something first-generation children wish to sustain for generations to come

By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer

Spanning from November to January, the holiday season is a time dedicated to upholding numerous religious, cultural and familial traditions through widespread desires for unity and displays of generosity and gratitude.

Despite differing customs and practices, food and communal celebrations are harbingers of intimate bonds, connecting to heritage and ancestry, especially among families who have emigrated from their native countries.

JAMAICAN RUM CAKE: A SYMBOL OF

LOVE

Stephanie Stair’s family is part of the 22% of the Jamaican population in the United States population. Growing up in the Bronx surrounded by other families with immigrant parents, the Stairs always shamelessly celebrate the holidays as they deem fit–especially Christmas.

“Holiday season in my household tends to be a little unconventional because my parents both work in hospitals, so it wasn’t always a given… to be off for Christmas,” said Stair. “One thing we do every year without fail is make sorrel and bake a Jamaican rum cake or Black cake.”

Stair’s mother would gift these rum cakes to family members. Traditionally, the sheer amount of effort and resources that go into making these desserts make receiving one a great honor in Jamaican culture. A black cake can be a physical representation of one’s love and respect toward the recipient.

This inevitable food-centered tradition was passed down by her grandmother to her mother, so Stair intends to keep it alive in the future when she has children of her own. Born and raised in New York, Stair strives to keep her Jamaican heritage alive for generations to come.

“Being that…I am living in America, it’s just the way that I keep in

touch with my ancestry and my culture,” she said.

HAITIAN RÉVEILLON AND INDEPENDENCE DAY

Haitians–whether living in Haiti or not–also have food-centered gatherings during the holidays. On Christmas Eve, they observe the Réveillon, which is an extended dinner followed by a night of partying and gift exchanging.

In the following week, celebrations ramp up again, as Jan. 1 marks the Caribbean nation’s independence from France. They feast on the traditional squash-based soup joumou, a staple during Independence Day as enslaved Haitians were prohibited to eat this during the French occupation. It is typically seen as the holiday dinner’s inaugural entree.

Born and raised in Broward County, Florida by Haitian parents who preserved these customs, Jasmeen Noel is incredibly fond of authentically celebrating these holidays. Being family-oriented, she cherishes these opportunities to surround herself with her loved ones and celebrate their culture.

“Especially in the climate that Haiti is in now, it’s just super important that we do these things to keep the traditions alive for us and future generations of Haitian-Americans as well,” Noel told The Informer.

DECORATIONS AND GIFT GIVING FROM THE WEST INDIES

T. Scott’s parents both immigrated to the U.S. from the West Indies and seem to maintain festivities seen in the Caribbean islands, while also adding aspects of Black American culture.

In Nevis, families enthusiastically decorate their homes with endless strings of lights and ornaments. In traditional West Indian fashion, the Scotts make sure to emphasize decorating during the holidays, transforming their home into a cove of Black Santas and never forgetting to adorn the tree with a gold Black angel topper.

“My mom and I loved a discount deal on holiday decor, so we’d usually make a day or two collecting cute finds and deciding where to put them while my father plays Nat King Cole,” said Scott. Their family also typically centers their Christmas celebration around Dec. 24, with a large breakfast consisting of both saltfish and banana fritters, the latter being considered more of a holiday treat than the former. Scott enjoys gathering and reconnecting with their family over a meal and hopes to pass down these traditions of communal celebrations and gift-giving.

“I think it has already shifted to be less materialistic as I’ve gotten older, but still I feel getting my loved ones something special… is important,” they told The Informer. “I believe a good gift that really acknowledges a person’s wants can make someone feel so seen, and I think the world just needs a lot of that generally.”

WI

5 A Jamaican rum cake or black cake, primarily because of the work and resources that goes into making it, can be a physical representation of one’s love and respect toward the recipient. (Courtesy Photo)

No Home for the Holidays–Again ‘I Paid Taxes to Become Homeless’

By Jerusalem Belai Guest commentary

Last month was the three-year anniversary of when I was evacuated from my condo on Talbert Street in Anacostia. Now, I am in my eighth hotel stay (and almost $30,000 in credit card debt) after overstaying my welcome at family and friends’ homes from Brandywine, Maryland., to Atlanta, Georgia. I was a District homeowner for almost five years and wouldn’t you know my own tax dollars led to my homelessness. Here’s how I got here.

I bought a condo in Southeast, D.C. in the summer of 2017. I received down payment assistance by way of DC’s Home Purchasing Assistance Program (HPAP) and felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to own a three bedroom, two and a half bathroom home with a semi-private rooftop, plus private parking.

What was unique about these condos was that they were financed by D.C.’s Housing Protection Trust Fund (HPTF) which meant two things. First, this meant: the developer of this new building was brought in by Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), and second: one must be HPAP-approved in order to close on a unit.

By Christmas 2017, some neighbors met to discuss issues because one unit had already been dealing with displacement. The unit was a load-bearing, corner unit and unfortunately, the family was displaced to a hotel for months while the developer was to remedy issues.

Some of our concerns were issues with windows, doors, cracks on the facade, sewage and plumbing issues for B units on lower levels. By summer 2019, neighbors and the HOA worked to secure a structural claim with the D.C. government, and we were eventually successful in receiving funds in 2021. By August 2021, however, many of us were required to evacuate due to safety concerns with soil and retaining walls.

During evacuation, the Talbert Street Task Force was formed and included D.C.‘s

Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Department of Human Services (DHS), agencies that were to provide temporary rental assistance support while also working with Talbert Street condo owners in finding a permanent solution. I received DHS rental support for a total of two years in the amount of $69,825.60.

The good news? By September 2024, NACA successfully advocated for the dischargement of Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) loans for myself and neighbors (although advocacy continues for those whose loans are not with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac).

The bad news: I was laid off from a tech job while also having to step away from my first year of law at the University of District of Columbia David Clark School of Law twice due to housing instability. While I am also a D.C. small business owner and have reliably found work as an independent contractor since 2019, the destabilized housing has meant l could not show up to perform for work. For instance, I don’t have a mailing address to share for new business.

My home on Talbert Street represented a refuge during the holidays for myself, my sister, and chosen family. I often hosted for the holidays and because there was an extra room (or two, as eventually my sister would go on to purchase her own property) would have my local chosen family over for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. I have since been the one seeking refuge at others' homes during this time.

I followed all the rules, yet now, full swing into the holidays, I’m rigging my breakfast by way of 7-Eleven and Panera Bread runs wishing instead that I could return to the luxury of making myself a meal in the privacy of my own kitchen. I have to be mindful of identity theft and where to receive packages because I’ve had to change my address so frequently in a short-span of time. Here I am, a District resident, blatantly feeling like I don’t belong in any community and missing my old neighborhood.

5 Jerusalem Belai stands outside of her residence at 1262 Talbert Street SE. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

3 Jerusalem Belai places her hand on the Welcome Home plaque that was given to her when she closed on her home in 2017. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

4 Jerusalem Belai holds a framed photograph that was given to her when she moved into her home in 2017 located at 1262 Talbert St SE. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

HEALTH

Health Advocates Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of “Her Story” Breast Cancer Event

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

The Health Alliance Network (HAN) is gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of “Her Story Matters” Breast Cancer Event on Dec. 21, an annual celebration and award ceremony, honoring breast cancer survivors across the African diaspora who are making an impact in the District of Columbia.

Ten years ago, both Ambrose Lane, Jr., chair of HAN, along with his wife Dr. Nura Green Lane, convened with residents across the city at the Dorothy I. Height Neighborhood Library for the organization’s monthly health meeting. What started as a routine meeting became an emotional conversation between women sharing their stories and challenges while fighting breast cancer. These moments inspired the inception of “Her Story Matters,” the hallmark event highlighting Black women grappling with the disease.

“It was at that moment that I de-

cided that we will take this on as an issue and honor Black women, and in particular, Black women of D.C.,” said Lane Jr. “We are now not just honoring people from the [District], but we're honoring people from the African diaspora as well.”

Although breast cancer is a commonly discussed health issue, many breast cancer patients often undergo the challenges and hardships of the disease in silence. The Lanes wanted to create an honorary event and space where women’s stories could be uplifted, heard, and celebrated.

“Being someone who is a health advocate, it was important to me, especially knowing that my wife's mother is a breast cancer survivor,” Lane Jr. told The Informer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is ranked as “the second most common cancer among women in the United States.”

While non-Hispanic white women lead in the highest rates of breast cancer nationwide, African Amer-

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ican women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive types and have a higher death rate from the disease than other racial and ethnic groups.

However, in Washington, D.C. Black women are most affected by breast cancer in all ways. African American women in the District are reported to have a higher incidence rate of breast cancer than white women at 139.4 per 100,000, along with a mortality rate that is two times higher than white women at 33.2 deaths per 100,000.

Further, breast cancer is also the most commonly diagnosed cancer across the District of Columbia and the third leading cause of cancer death.

SUPPORTING WOMEN THROUGH THE STORM OF ILLNESS

The figures alone spark concern about the welfare of District women diagnosed with the disease, but the unique challenges Black women residing East of the River face have given breast cancer survivors like Vicky Russell-Walton and Mary Douglas-Brown all the more reason to help others overcome their health battles.

Having spearheaded support groups of their own, Russell-Walton and Douglas-Brown are previous “Her Story Matters” award recipients, acknowledged for their admirable strength and community efforts.

“I love it because we get to celebrate each other, and that's something that we don't often do because we're so busy. We don't like the spotlight on us, but it's okay to get your flowers. It's okay to be loved on, and we deserve it,” Russell-Walton said.

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Russell-Walton knows the perilous journey of breast cancer quite well, as she was first diagnosed in 2007 after her cancer was initially overlooked by doctors as a benign tumor. Considering her family history of cancer and determined to get to the bottom of her persisting symptoms, she pushed for answers until the disease was found and officially diagnosed.

She later went through two lumpectomies, a surgical procedure to remove a breast tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue, which led her to a clear margin. But after five years in the clear, she even-

tually learned that the cancer came back, and this time she said, “with a vengeance.”

Russell-Walton attributes her mother’s no-nonsense strength and faith in God to helping her overcome the worst of her journey. She soon found herself wanting to sow the same seeds of hope into women across the D.C. metropolitan area who were facing the journey with little to no encouragement and resources.

P.I.N.K.I.E parties for breast cancer awareness, hosted by It’s In The Genes LLC, became Russell-Walton’s community-wide event to encourage women to get their breast examinations. Low turn-out to the first few events compelled her to question the barriers standing between women with breast cancer and their willingness to seek testing and treatment.

“At first, nobody was showing up. And I kept saying, ‘What am I doing wrong?’ Well, then you have to listen to them. What are the barriers that keep you from getting your mammogram, from going to get your screening, from you going to get your treatment?” Russell-Walton told The Informer.

Similarly, Douglas-Brown, health coordinator at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, also felt compelled to connect with women in support of their cancer journey after her diagnosis in 2004. She was the first person to be diagnosed with breast cancer in her family at stage 2, before three of

her sisters also developed the disease behind her.

The 74-year old breast cancer survivor emphasizes the importance of meeting annual testing, which helped to detect her non-invasive breast cancer before it developed further. Her experiences with support groups while undergoing treatment inspired her efforts to launch her own breast safe space for women struggling with the emotional toll of the disease.

Remaining optimistic amid her journey, Douglas-Brown works to instill a winning mindset among her counterparts struggling to keep themselves mentally afloat.

“Just because you have cancer, don’t let cancer have you. You’ve got to fight. I had a fight in me that I didn’t even know I had,” Douglas-Brown told The Informer.

Her support group has continued to meet and connect women across the District for the past 17 years.

Both Russell-Walton and Douglas-Brown look forward to continuing celebrating the victories of other women facing breast cancer during the Dec. 21 ceremony held at the Capital Turnaround in Southeast, D.C.

“As Black people, we [cannot afford to] make excuses for taking care of ourselves. When I talk to women [I tell them], we have to take charge of our health,” Douglas-Brown said. Tickets are still available for sale on eventbrite.com.

WI

5 Vicky Russell-Walton, a breast cancer survivor, now uses her experiences to help others in the District battling the disease. (Courtesy Photo)

EARTH OUR

Is Paid Extreme Weather Leave Possible?

Spain

Mandated Four Days of Paid Weather Leave, but in the U.S., Survival During

Extreme Weather Events is a Luxury

By Willy Blackmore Word in Black

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

When Hurricane Helene swept through the South in late September, the extreme rainfall sent rivers over their banks across the region, including in eastern Tennessee. And when the Nolichucky River flooded, workers at Impact Plastics, a riverside factory in Erwin, Tennessee, were still on the job. Eleven workers, most of them Latinx, were swept away in the floodwaters, and six were killed.

It’s a deadly example of a scenario that plays out routinely now in extreme weather events driven by climate change, where vulnerable workers who are often Black and Brown are stuck on the job even when weather alerts and local government guidance say that no one should be out and about due to the dangerous conditions.

In Spain, where recent floods killed more than 200 people in Valencia, the left-wing government has a new solution to the sometimes deadly labor problem of extreme weather: national paid climate leave.

The new law provides four days of paid leave to workers in the event of a weather emergency, with the option for employers to add additional days with reduced hours if necessary too.

Spanish labor minister Yolanda Díaz told the country’s public broadcaster, RTVE, that the law would make it so “no worker must run risks” in the event of a major storm or other weather-related disaster.

In Valencia, where a foot of rain fell over parts of the city, workers of all stripes were stuck on the job during the flooding — from waiters at restaurants in a shopping center to white-collar employees trapped in office parks. Many employers reportedly told workers in Valencia that they had to stay on the job despite the national weather agency issuing a red alert due to the weather conditions (though companies say that alerts were sent out too late). In future storms when there are official warnings about dangerous conditions, “the worker must refrain from going to work,” labor minister Díaz said.

Such a simple idea, with the social safety net support to back it, isn’t even in the radar in the United States, however. Instead, extreme weather often highlights the stark and potentially deadly reality of who can afford to stay home when the weather turns dangerous.

During extreme heat, letter carriers, UPS drivers, and other delivery workers, many of whom are Black or Brown, have little respite from high temperatures. In 2023, a Black postal worker in North Texas died after collapsing on June day when the heat index hit 113, and the lack of air conditioning in UPS

Many employers reportedly told workers in Valencia that they had to stay on the job despite the national weather agency issuing a red alert due to the weather conditions (though companies say that alerts were sent out too late).

trucks has become a key labor issue for the Teamsters-back workforce.

In New York City, the current period of drought was preceded by a number of dramatically wet years. During major storms, the image of e-bike delivery drivers (many of whom are immigrants) wheeling takeout orders through flooded and otherwise impassable streets has become one of the enduring symbols of the labor imbalance of the climate crisis in the city.

But while seeing that workers are still making deliveries — or still on the clock manufacturing plastic while floods are rushing around them has generated outrage and frustration for some Americans — it has yet to spark any kind of legislative solution like Spain’s almost immediate response to the Valencia flooding.

WI

The only business

tree. a dog has doing under your

Don’t buy animals as presents.

5 In extreme weather events driven by climate change, vulnerable workers who are often Black and Brown are stuck on the job even when weather alerts and local government guidance say that no one should be out and about due to the dangerous conditions. (Courtesy Photo/Deborah Wiggins)

EDUCATION

Amid Increasing HBCU Fervor, Local Morehouse Alumni Group Engages District Students

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As Black youth increasingly embrace historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), alumni of these institutions are using various forums, including District public school auditoriums, to promote their alma mater as the campus of choice.

Johnathan Hill, a data analyst and entrepreneur, did his part once again when he and other alumni of Morehouse College engaged dozens of male students at Kelly Miller Middle School in Northeast in conversation about the merits of the Morehouse experience.

“Going to Morehouse, I felt the mystique of brotherhood,” Hill, a 2017 graduate of Morehouse College, said on Dec. 13, during the program known as Morehouse Day. “You can feel the history of the campus.”

While at Morehouse, Hill immersed himself in student life and campus leadership that he said aided in his personal and professional development. Milestones he noted

include his stint as Morehouse’s 85th student association president and the launch of a “Get on the Bus” tour during the Million Man March 20th anniversary commemoration that snowballed into an initiative that brings the institution’s students to school districts across the country.

Hill, one of several District residents who’ve served as student association president at Morehouse, called his alma mater the perfect fit for any ambitious young Black man from the District.

“I knew that was the place I needed to be,” Hill said. “My mother had that plan, by any means. Morehouse exposed me to Black people from different backgrounds. I’ve seen people who attended Morehouse and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.”

AN HONOR BESTOWED UPON AN ANCESTOR

For three years, Morehouse has been the signature youth program of the Morehouse College Alumni

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Association D.C. Metro Chapter. In the weeks before 50 students participated in Morehouse Day at Kelly Miller Middle School, Ebbon Allen, the program’s brainchild, renamed it in honor of his mentor and fellow Morehouse alumnus Leonard Long, Jr., who died in September 2023.

Long, a 1978 Morehouse College graduate and Southeast native, spent 40 years in the District as a civil and criminal litigator. In 2021, when Allen started Morehouse Day, Long counted among the first alumni to participate.

Several others have followed in Long’s footsteps, visiting nearly a dozen District public and public charter schools and speaking to more than 800 young people.

Allen spoke highly of the man

he said inspired what’s now known as the Leonard Long, Jr. ‘78 Seminar.

“Attorney Long… wanted to pour into Morehouse Day and invest in the young people,” said Allen as he explained his intentions behind the gathering of Morehouse men and adolescent youth. “I had a vision of speaking about civic engagement, entrepreneurship, how to apply for scholarships, ‘Books over Bullets,’ and [the definition of] a Morehouse man,” he told The Informer.

In 2022, two years before the Dec. 13 visit, Long spent time with students at Kelly Miller Middle School during what was then Morehouse Day at Kelly Miller Middle School. He fulfilled his duty alongside Lennard Long, his

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son and fellow Morehouse alumnus.

The younger Long, a 2019 Morehouse graduate, returned to Kelly Miller Middle School on Dec. 13 in honor of his father, the man he credits with leading him, his older brother, and uncle to Morehouse. While speaking with The Informer, the younger Long expressed his desire to continue a tradition that he, admittedly, hadn’t fully embraced when his father asked him to participate in Morehouse Day years earlier.

As he reflected on his father’s school visits, Long, who had never seen his father navigate the courtroom, said that he enjoyed seeing him speak enthusiastically to others about his passion.

“To give back to the community, in D.C., where it all started speaks to what he was about in terms of walking forward and looking back to prepare the people behind you,” Long said. “You see the significance in how the children engage you and want to ask you questions. It’s about showing up to see how you can help, more than anything.”

AN INTERESTING MOMENT FOR CURRENT, AND FUTURE, HBCU APPLICANTS

The recent Leonard Long, Jr. ‘78 Seminar took place at a time when,

5 A group of District residents who graduated from Morehouse College speak to students at Kelly Miller Middle School on Dec. 13 about how to tap into opportunities for expansion at their alma mater. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

EDUCATION

EDUCATION from Page 22

in the aftermath of George Floyd’s police-involved murder and, years later, the Supreme Court decision that gutted affirmative action in college applications, HBCUs across the U.S. are receiving more applications.

For instance, Hampton University attracted 4,000 more applications for the Class of 2028 than than the previous class. Howard University also experienced a 10% jump in applications. Meanwhile, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Bethune-Cookman University also saw increases of anywhere between 20% and 40% in applications.

Earlier this year, Morehouse boasted a record enrollment of 2,500 students as officials, campus leaders, and students welcomed the Class of 2028. That milestone came about when admissions officials sent acceptance letters to fewer than half of 8,000 applicants -- what Morehouse College Career Development & Engagement called a result of an increasingly competitive application process.

Samir Scroggins, a seventh grader at Kelly Miller Middle School who is years away from filling out his college applications, expressed gratitude for the gems of wisdom he received from the group of Morehouse alumni.

“They took the time out of their day to talk to us. That’s important because they are role models and they make me want to do the same

things they’re doing,” Samir told The Informer, outlining his life goals. “I want to live a good life so they’re helping me put in the steps. Morehouse is a good college from how they explain but it will be 10 times better when you’re in your dorm experiencing freedom.”

Jacobi Hicks, a student-athlete and aspiring professional basketball player, said the seminar sparked thoughts about which high schools would put him on the best path to a basketball scholarship at Morehouse and any other college.

“I see my mom struggling and I want to make it in life,” said Jacobi, a seventh grader who plays point guard on Kelly Miller Middle School’s basketball team. “As a young Black man in D.C., there’s not a lot of us. I want to learn about high school and find good schools that bring out scouts.”

Bentley Thomas, who’s scheduled to complete middle school within a matter of months, said he enjoyed a conversation much different than he often enjoys with cousins.

“They don’t talk about going to college. They talk about being nice at basketball,” said Bentley, an eighth grader at Kelly Miller Middle School, who recounted learning about scholarship opportunities. “I liked when the presenters said they can [help us] turn our lives around and we don’t have to pay for it. I get how they came up for us, after not having [lessons like this] when they were younger.” WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Students listen carefully as District residents who graduated from Morehouse College speak to them about life, post-secondary education, helping others and working toward success. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

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.

Ford Pardoning Nixon Helped Reelect Trump

This is not the first time presidential pardons have been in the news.

On August 8, 1974, Richard M. Nixon resigned in disgrace as the 37th president of the United States due to the Watergate scandal.

Watergate erupted after it was revealed that Nixon and several aides had engaged in illegal activities during his 1972 reelection campaign and then attempted to cover up evidence of wrongdoing.

President Gerald R. Ford, on September 8, 1974, announced his decision to “grant a full, free and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States … he… committed or may have committed.”

In pardoning Nixon, Ford said, “My fellow Americans, our national nightmare is over.”

For the then-president, the nightmare was not over. In November 1976, Ford lost his reelection bid to Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, primarily because of the public’s anger over Nixon's pardon.

Nor was the “national nightmare” over for America—one need not look further than the Nov. 5 election results to confirm such.

Ford pardoned Nixon, allegedly, to spare Americans the trauma of seeing a president – or former –face trial and go to prison.

America has survived: a Civil War; two world wars; conflicts in Vietnam and Korea; the Civil Rights Movement; the assassinations of four American presidents along with leaders such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and Medgar Evers; the 9/11 attacks; Donald J. Trump‘s first presidency; and a Trump-inspired insurrection.

Having faced tough times, the U.S. would have survived Nixon's imprisonment for his criminality. Similarly, had he not been reelected, America would have also survived any imprisonment of Trump.

Prison terms by Nixon and Trump would have demonstrated that no one is above the law, not even a former – or current - occupant of the Oval Office.

Would Nixon going to jail have prevented Trump from his criminality, which led to two impeachments and thirty-four indictments? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

However, as the saying goes, “history repeats itself,” and we know there’s a lot to learn about the future by reflecting on the past.

President Ford’s decision in 1974 set a precedent that seemed harmful then, and the nation continues to feel the sting from and effects of that choice 50 years later.

WI

Why Do So Many People Hold Fast to a

World of Make Believe When the Truth Will Set Us Free?

As the year draws to a close and Americans prepare for Trump 2.0, it’s fascinating to see how so many people have drawn a line in the sand, and not only refuse to cross over it, but also dare anyone without an invitation to come on their side.

We are truly a divided nation. Sadly, perhaps even tragically, America seems hellbent to follow in the footsteps of other nations who, while at one time were the envy of the world, have since fallen from grace and been replaced by others. Like the fictitious Humpty

Kudos for the recent holiday health supple ment. It was chock full of great information and good reminders to remember as we indulge in holiday goodies and treats. Stress is a big thing, too. I hope no one is stressing their minds and their pockets over gifts and things that are unimportant. Life, health, and love are all that matter. Stay well.

Stephen Howard Washington, D.C.

benefited most from the American experiment were white, male landowners with education, but alas, that’s always been the American way.

Dumpty, they have slipped from their privileged perch on the wall, shattered into a million pieces, and cannot be put back together again. History shows us that what catapulted America to its present status as the most powerful and prestigious nation on Earth is our diversity. America’s founding fathers took the best of Native Americans, European immigrants, African slaves, Asian wonderkids and Third World prodigies and formed a new nation, which capitalized on those people’s collective strengths.

Of course, we know those who

Today, we recognize those whose voices dominate social media even though it’s clear that oftentimes what’s being touted on Twitter, TikTok and Facebook as “the gospel” isn’t always the truth – even though it’s sometimes close. However, if you listen to some people, the truth is irrelevant.

At the same time, we continue to witness the trend of banning books under the auspices that some adults are concerned that children are being exposed to negative ideas, negative people, negative situations and negative truths. But the real deal remains: book banning is simply a way of determining who and what

I loved the photo of ‘Southeast Santa’ on last week’s cover. How cute and adorable it is to see holiday cheer being spread in the streets to everyone, especially the children.

Carrolyn Chambers Washington, D.C.

are acceptable and unacceptable to those who–likeHumpty Dumpty–are, for the moment, proudly perched on the wall, wielding their power and relishing in it.

Consider the parable of the man who watched his dog lying on wooden steps and believed said dog was comfortable until a visitor asked, “Why is your dog whining?”

The man said, “There’s a nail sticking up right where he’s sitting.”

When the visitor asked why the dog didn’t just get up, the man replied, “It seems the pain isn’t enough yet to make him move.”

Yes, the truth may be what Americans need to set our nation free, but it seems that living in the land of make believe is so much easier–even if it means that we must continue to lie on the nail of our choice in pain. WI

Sadly, perhaps even tragically, America seems hellbent to follow in the footsteps of other nations who, while at one time were the envy of the world, have since fallen from grace and been replaced by others.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Carrying on the Deplorable Hollywood Tradition of 'Whitewashing'

portray the Black experience in the United States.

It is no secret that the American film industry has a long and volatile history on racial issues. From fostering racist tropes and stereotypes, to underrepresenting minorities — both in front of and behind the lens — to whitewashing historical events in films from "The Birth of a Nation" to "Green Book," Hollywood has always struggled to appropriately

Nikki

When poet, essayist, scholar and activist Nikki Giovanni passed away on Dec. 9, the world lost a singular voice. Young readers especially adored the dozen books she created for children, including beloved works like the Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Award-winning "Rosa," illustrated by Bryan Collier. In a 2022

If a person faces any serious medical condition, ideally, the best situation is to be financially stable and never have to depend on the financial decisions made by health care insurers. Unfortunately, that is not a realistic option for millions of Americans, especially those who are not extremely wealthy.

Every year, people suffer and even die from preventable or treatable ill-

This is why it should not surprise anyone to hear that former NBA star and activist Craig Hodges is locked in a new dispute over a documentary on his life with Hollywood executives and producers. The former Chicago Bull, who helped the franchise win two of their six championships in the 1990s and was a vocal advocate for Black rights, is currently battling over the rights to his book "Long Shot: The Triumphs and Struggles of an NBA Freedom Fighter" with Wayfar-

er Studios, the production company run by actor Justin Baldoni and billionaire Steve Sarowitz.

While the details are dense, the matter can be boiled down to the fact that a Black man is once again fighting to tell his own story in the way that he sees fit. Hodges — who I will remind you is the subject of the documentary — wants British-Indian producer Jivi Singh to tell his story, but Baldoni and Wayfarer allegedly wanted another director to make Hodges' story more "palatable" for the NBA. That is where the trouble begins.

Differences of this kind are typical of Hollywood — but they are also typical of the historical Hollywood experience for Black people overall and the story of Hodges' own life.

Remember, Hodges has long felt that the NBA blackballed him for his political activism and willingness to criticize his teammates for perceived inactivity on social issues. Even losing his livelihood did not cause him to back down from his principles, so Hodges surely expected that the executives at the production company that wanted to document his story

would not hide behind identity politics as it softened its core messages.

The implications of Hodges' dispute with Wayfarer are indicative of a larger, systemic issue in the film industry. It reflects broader patterns of exploitation that have historically plagued Hollywood. Similar instances can be found across the industry, where Black artists are often sidelined, or their contributions diminished. Media moguls play a significant role in perpetuating these issues, with

CLEMONS Page 45

interview with The Washington Post, when asked what she believed the role of children's literature was, she answered: "Children's literature is the foundation of the rest of the literature that we do." She went on: "If children are hearing words and hearing poems and hearing stories as they grow up, they one, get used to it, but two, they use their imagination. They begin to wonder, well, where do I fit in that? And that's why it's so important to have children's stories of all of the children — not any one child, but all of the

children, from all over the planet." For decades, Nikki Giovanni's voice allowed readers and listeners to recognize their own stories and helped them see where they, too, might fit in.

In 1999, Children's Defense Fund (CDF) was grateful when she joined then-first lady Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala, Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, Dr. Maya Angelou, Dr. John Hope Franklin, Dr. Dorothy Height, U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove,

Toni Morrison, Joyce Carol Oates, Walter Dean Myers and more than 200 other guests for CDF's National Symposium on the Arts and Scholarship, which celebrated the dedication of the Langston Hughes Library at CDF Haley Farm. Haley Farm, CDF's center for training and spiritual renewal, is sited on grounds formerly owned by "Roots" author Alex Haley in Clinton, Tennessee. It is outside Knoxville, where Nikki Giovanni was born and spent much of her childhood visiting and eventually living at her grandpar-

ents' home. She returned to Knoxville often in her work, including the poem "Knoxville, Tennessee," which described simple summer joys that would leave a child "...warm/all the time/not only when you go to bed/and sleep." She also returned to Knoxville memories in "Saturday Days," the essay she generously included in "Dream Me Home Safely: Writers on Growing Up in America," a 2003 anthology celebrating CDF's 30th anniversary. That essay

nesses that hospitals charge too much for the care, and insurers often refuse to pay. Recent data show that patients are now even more likely to have their claims denied, pay more for premiums and medical visits, and face unexpected costs for care they thought was covered under their health plans.

Pam Herd, a professor of social policy at the University of Michigan, says barriers to health care access are especially painful.

"It's one thing to be frustrated at the DMV because you have a ton of paperwork to fill out or you have to spend an

hour in line," she says in an NPR interview with host Michel Martin. "It's a whole other thing to face those barriers when they are the difference between whether you're going to get life-saving care or not."

Herd's research shows how barriers in the health care system can affect people's health. It is not just the time people face when dealing with a complex system. "It's also these sort of other psychological costs that people experience in those encounters: stress, fear, frustration, anxiety."

With a massive market share in

commercial insurance and Medicare Advantage markets, UnitedHealthcare is the largest private health insurer in the United States. Its parent company, UnitedHealth Group, reported $371.6 billion in revenue last year. Under CEO Brian Thompson's tenure, UnitedHealthcare increased its use of tactics such as "prior authorization," in which physicians must submit additional paperwork to justify their treatments and prescriptions, based on reports by congressional investigators and federal watchdogs. Industry analysts have said denying claims helped UnitedHealth-

care and other insurers cut costs and boost profits.

According to the personal finance platform ValuePenguin, UnitedHealthcare denies 32% of claims compared to the industry average of 16%. Profits for UnitedHealthcare surged from $12 billion in 2021 to more than $16 billion in 2023 during the period of Thompson's leadership.

Timothy Faust, a health care writer and author of "Health Justice Now," told The Independent that many

Marian Wright Edelman

Giovanni: A Champion of Black Childhood Joy

David W. Marshall

Ricky Clemons

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

Brilliant Black Women

know what I mean!

Let's face it. There are some people who are jealous and can't stand the idea of so many brilliant Black women! I admit, there are a lot and it might be a bit overwhelming. Just look at history and look around you now. No matter what many Black women do, we have a rough row to hoe! If you didn't grow up on a farm, you may not

Black people can't talk about others eating dogs and cats and be lying or be drunkards and rapists and still become "leaders" of our nation. None can take nonconsensual sexual liberties and still get high-level appointments, such as being on track for becoming secretary of Defense, and verbalize not wanting women to be in combat to defend our country! One can't be director of the FBI so he can carry out his list he's already prepared for retribution. One can't be

Columnist

secretary of Education just to shut down the Department of Education. Another can't be director of intelligence while we're concerned about exposing our intelligence to enemies of our nation.

We're expected to deal with a person who does not believe in many of the health procedures we've come to know. We're asked to believe a person who doesn't care about us, or someone who doesn't believe in environmental protections! We can't crown numerous unqualified family mem-

bers to important positions. Lord, what are we in for with the next administration! It seems that everything we must get ready for deals with the opposite of what we thought was the correct thing to do. Is a history of alcohol abuse, disrespecting women, cozying up to authoritarian leaders, knowing how to lie to the point that the majority of Americans believe them — is that OK? It seems to be preferred that they not be guilty of just one crime but more is better! It seems to help

Working to Close the Vaccine Gap is a Collective Effort

It is no secret how devastating the COVID-19 pandemic has been for marginalized communities in this country. The National Urban League quantified this impact in the 2020 edition of our annual capstone report, the State of Black America.

As COVID-19 swept across the country, we sprang into action

Reflections on God are common right now.

We are about to enter a new year. Many of us are getting ready to celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah. With 2024 "virtually certain" to be the hottest year on record, some may look at the symptoms of the climate crisis — the extreme heat, the fires and floods, the cli-

through combined efforts from our affiliate movement and public-private partnerships to save lives across the country. In 2021, we launched "All In," a joint effort with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to close the vaccination gap in communities of color and underserved neighborhoods with the help of our affiliates.

Even though we are past the peak of the pandemic, this is the stark reality of our present situation:

COVID-19 remains a severe health threat. Over 43,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 in 2024 alone — and as we enter the colder months, flu season and holiday season, the risk of severe infections and hospitalizations will continue to rise.

We know that those with preexisting conditions like COPD, high blood pressure and obesity are at greater risk of falling seriously ill. People of color and marginalized communities are also affected by these conditions at a dispropor-

tionate rate. And beyond the risk of an acute COVID-19 infection, we cannot ignore the devastating toll of long COVID, which has impacted roughly 18 million Americans. Long COVID can affect anyone, regardless of age and health status, and is linked to more than 200 symptoms, including brain fog, debilitating fatigue and chronic pain.

Staying up to date with vaccinations to prevent and reduce the severity of new strains of the virus is the best way to protect ourselves

if they have a few potential convictions waiting ahead. All they have to do is get postponements — one after another. They're not required to tell the truth, nor to return important documents. Just keeping them in a bathroom or any other unsecured place is OK!

It's OK if they want to attack America's sacred institutions, kill police, injure others, ransack offices, crash windows and doors and leave behind a lot of destruction.

Page 46

from falling seriously ill. According to one study, the total COVID hospitalization rate is approximately 11 times higher in unvaccinated adults. At the same time, receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to fend off longer-term symptoms — studies show vaccination reduces an individual's risk of developing long COVID by 70%.

The good news is that updated COVID-19 vaccines are avail-

mate-charged cyclones — as signs of God's wrath.

Whether you believe in the Bible, the Torah, the Quran or are an atheist, we can all agree there is a moral imperative to address the climate crisis. After all, it kills people and destroys lives. The cause of the climate crisis — the burning of fossil fuels — is also responsible for plenty of death and destruction.

Donald Trump's choice for secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, and one of his picks to co-lead the

so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Vivek Ramaswamy seem to have a different message. It is one that turns the concept of morality on its head and distorts reality.

Wright has invented a warped "moral case" for the rampant extraction and burning of fossil fuels. Wright portrays fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal as virtuous. He has even called goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions "perverse."

What he leaves out is that the current and future American econ-

omy is powered by clean energy.

The clean energy revolution is behind the rebirth of American manufacturing and is lifting people out of poverty. The jobs created pay well and are safer. And consumers are saving money with renewable clean energy sources like solar and wind because they are now both more resilient and less expensive to produce than fossil fuels.

And if we want to talk poverty, what about the countless families that have been bankrupted and sent into poverty because of pol-

lution, fossil fuel leaks and explosions, and unbearable health care costs to treat the diseases fossil fuels cause? Or the extreme weather disasters we see ravaging communities with increasing frequency and intensity?

Ramaswamy said last year, "The reality is more people are dying of bad climate change policies than they are of actual climate change."

It is a claim utterly backwards, even Orwellian. The New York

WILLIAMS

Marc H. Morial

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 DMV promises a fun-filled and action-packed weekend of events and performances, including Shakespearean homages, holiday renditions, and cultural celebrations of artistry and music.

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 DMV to keep your spirit -- and social life -- lit.

THURSDAY, DEC. 19

Folger Gallery Talk

6:30 p.m. | Free Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capitol St SE, Washington, D.C., 20003

Join the Folger Shakespeare Library on Dec. 19 to discuss objects on display in its various galleries, as part of the month-long winter festival, Folger Frost Fair.

Offering deeper insights into the Folger’s extensive collection, including the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare‘s First Folios, Folger Gallery Talks invite visitors through the galleries with the Folger’s experienced staff members.

Other free activities of the month-long fair include: Folger history pop-ups, festive photo station, book nook, holiday seek-and-find, and printing press demonstrations, with the latter taking place on multiple dates, including Dec. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Enjoy festive decorations, holiday music, free activities, and more until Jan. 5.

& Juliet

7:30 p.m. | $120.75

Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566

Created by the Emmy Award-winning writer from “Schitt's Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told.

“& Juliet,” asks: What would happen next if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love-her way.

FRIDAY, DEC. 20

Downtown DC Holiday Market Noon - 8 p.m. | Free F Street NW (Between 7th and 9th streets NW)

Presented by The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), D.C.'s biggest holiday market marks its 20th year in Penn Quarter, and is one of the many highly-anticipated local Christmas-time activities.

The expanded market features over 100 vendors selling everything from kids and pets items to gourmet gifts and decor.

Visitors can also grab tacos, s'mores and hot cocktails from pop-up chalet bars.

Open through Monday, Dec. 23.

The JoGo Project With Bongo District

8 p.m. | $20.00+ Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl St SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

The JoGo Project is a WAMMIE Award-winning Jazz/Go-Go Fusion band from Washington, D.C., created by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed in 2014 – who played with Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown for the last year of his life.

After Brown’s passing, Balbed started The JoGo Project to continue the legacy of go-go music, but also to have a band that focuses on the musical elements of go-go, as well as writing original music.

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

THROUGHLINE: VOLUME II

7 p.m. - 10 p.m. | $140.00+

The Autoshop, 416 Morse St NE, Washington, D.C., 20002

“THROUGHLINE: VOL. II” is a multidisciplinary art exhibition highlighting emerging artists from intersectional mediums. The

one-of-a-kind multisensory art exhibition honors a selection of women change agents through a range of creative outlets from photography and paintings to music and food creation.

With this volume centering 16 trailblazing women of the nation’s capital, each iteration of “THROUGHLINE” is a love letter to the city – a special way of not only highlighting incredible women and amplifying artists, but also tipping a hat to the city as a beacon to be celebrated.

The exhibit is on display until Sunday, Dec. 22.

A John Legend Christmas at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland 8 p.m. | $193.27+

The HALL at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, 7002 Arundel Mills, Circle #7777, Hanover, MD, 21076

Performing alongside a fourpiece-band, John Legend will deliver holiday classics from his hit album, “A Legendary Christmas,” including “This Christmas,” “Baby, It's Cold Outside,” “Silver Bells,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire).”

The evening will also feature Legend’s signature storytelling, providing audiences with an intimate experience as he reflects on his career, life, and the stories behind the music.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 22

The Hip-Hop Nutcracker 7:30 p.m. | $50.00+

3Dozens of spectators gathered at Autoshop at Union Market on Sunday, Dec. 15 to witness the interdisciplinary artistry of THROUGHLINE: VOL II., a one-ofa-kind multisensory art exhibit honoring 16 Black women change agents of Washington, D.C. The iteration fuses visual, audio and culinary arts, and will be on display Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22. (Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer)

The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Just like the original, in “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season.

Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany, to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.

Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip-hop dance and Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.

Life of Pi

8 p.m. | $86.25+ Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566

After a shipwreck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a 16-yearold boy named Pi survives on a lifeboat with four companions—a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger.

Based on the novel that sold more than 15 million copies and became a worldwide phenomenon, “Life of Pi” is an epic story of perseverance and hope, told with jaw-dropping visuals, world-class puppetry, and exquisite stagecraft that speaks to every generation.

WI

5 The DowntownDC Business Improvement District presents the beloved DowntownDC Holiday Market in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood in the heart of the nation’s capital through Dec. 23. (Courtesy Photo)

Singers Kem and Ledisi Bring Holiday Cheer to the Kennedy Center, District Audiences

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Continuing their commitment to bringing popular artists and music to the Kennedy Center, National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) collaborated with celebrated crooner Kem and special guest, Grammy-winning singer Ledisi, for a two-night holiday concert.

“To appear with the National Symphony Orchestra is such a monumental occasion,” said Kem in an exclusive interview with The Washington Informer, as a guest on WINTV’s “Let’s Talk.” “We wanted to do something memorable, something we could return and do again or in other cities.”

Performing in the holiday-decorated Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Kem immediately had the audience in the palm of his hands with his inviting smile and wearing a dark green velvet suit with big, gold buttons.

After singing songs from his holiday album, Kem introduced Ledisi, who came on stage wearing a gorgeous tiered gown with a wide skirt.

The audience responded with an outpouring of applause and cheers. Their duet “Be Mine for Christmas” is also on Kem’s Christmas album.

Ledisi’s voice is so powerful that she barely needs a microphone. Following the duet, she sang a solo version of “Give Love on Christmas Day,” and then spoke about working with Kem.

“When I first started, Kem had me

open for him on his first tour,” said Ledisi, explaining their support for each other.

After Ledisi’s set, Kem returned to the stage with a wardrobe change–an all-ivory suit with black trimmed pockets.

Kem gave the audience what they were hoping for: songs from his catalog, including “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Love Calls,” “Share My Life,” the title of his autobiography, and other hit songs from his platinum-selling and Grammy-nominated career.

NSO BRINGS ALL THE MUSIC

As she walked out of the show with her crystal-encrusted cane, Patricia Sarcome, a Kennedy Center Circles member, reflected on seeing Kem perform live for the first time.

“He was wonderful. He reminded me of singer Al Jarreau,” said Sarcome, who added that she had seen Ledisi perform previously and even had an opportunity to meet her.

During rehearsals for the Kennedy Center, Kem knew the concert would be rewarding.

“To hear my music with the arms of the National Symphony Orchestra wrapped around it was overwhelming,” said Kem.

The upcoming schedule of events at the Kennedy Center can be found at kennedy-center.org WI

@bcscomm

The Economics of the Holiday Season: A Guide for Black Business Owners

Submitted by DC Black MBA

The holiday season is an important time for businesses, especially for Black business owners aiming to capitalize on increased consumer spending while staying mindful of market dynamics. From November to December, consumers are estimated to spend billions on gifts, experiences, and holiday preparations. For Black entrepreneurs, understanding the economic forces at play and strategically positioning your business can make this season a revenue-generating powerhouse.

1. The Holiday Season Boom: A Data Snapshot

According to the National Retail Federation, holiday retail sales in the United States reached over $950 billion in 2023, with online sales accounting for nearly 20% of that figure. Black-owned businesses can tap into this expanding market by offering unique products and services that cater to niche audiences. Additionally, platforms like Small Business Saturday and Black-owned business directories offer opportunities to stand out during this crowded season.

2. Consumer Trends: What Black-Owned Businesses Should Know

• Support for Black-Owned Brands: Recent years have seen a surge in consumers intentionally supporting Black-owned businesses, particularly during the holidays. Leverage this by clearly communicating your story, values, and impact on your community.

• Gift Cards and E-Gifting: Digital and physical gift cards are among the most purchased items during the holiday season. Offering customizable gift card options can help your business attract last-minute shoppers.

• Personalization and Exclusivity: Consumers are drawn to unique, limited-edition items during the holidays. Black-owned brands can infuse cultural pride and heritage into products to create one-of-a-kind offerings.

“Holiday shoppers are drawn to authenticity,” says Evita Perkins, founder of Butta Bees. “They want to see the heart behind the business. That’s why it’s important to showcase the values and cultural significance of your brand—it helps your product resonate beyond just being a purchase.”

3. Challenges: Staying Competitive

• Rising Costs: Inflation and supply chain disruptions often lead to higher prices for inventory and materials during the holidays. Prepare by negotiating with suppliers early and considering alternative sourcing strategies.

• Marketing Saturation: The holiday marketing space is highly competitive. To stand out, craft authentic, targeted campaigns highlighting your unique selling points and connection to the community.

4. Strategies for Success

• Maximize Digital Presence: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, secure, and optimized for holiday traffic. Use email marketing, social media ads, and influencer collaborations to drive traffic and conversions.

• Host Community-Focused Events: Engage your audience through events like holiday pop-up shops, online workshops, or in-store promotions. Collaborate with other Black-owned businesses to expand their reach and share resources.

• Prepare for Peak Demand: Ensure adequate staffing and streamline operations to meet the holiday rush. Invest in training your team to deliver top-notch customer service during this critical period.

5. Think Beyond the Holidays

The holiday season is a solid entry point to building year-round customer loyalty. Capture customer information and encourage repeat business by offering discounts for future purchases or launching loyalty programs. Build relationships with your holiday shoppers so they keep coming back after the decorations are packed away.

6.

Collaborate and Empower

The holiday season is also a time for collaboration. Partner with other Black entrepreneurs to offer bundled products, co-host events, or amplify each other's brands. These alliances not only increase visibility but also foster a sense of community and shared success.

“The holiday season is an opportunity to create an emotional connection with your customers,” says Rahama Wright, founder of SheaYeleen Beauty. “When customers know they’re supporting a brand that prioritizes ethical sourcing and community impact, they feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. That connection drives loyalty and repeat business.”

7. The Power of Storytelling

Consumers love stories, especially during the holidays. Share your journey as a Black business owner, your brand’s mission, and how your products or services make an impact. Authentic storytelling can create an emotional connection that drives customer loyalty.

Conclusion:

Seizing the Holiday Moment

The holiday season is brimming with opportunities for Black business owners. By understanding economic trends, embracing strategic planning, and leaning into community support, you can turn this bustling period into a cornerstone for your business’s success. Stay prepared, stay authentic, and let this season be a celebration of growth and empowerment.

During this holiday season, move beyond profits and elevate purpose—building a legacy of excellence and representation in the business world.

5Platinum and Grammy-nominated singer Kem performed for two nights with the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center. (Courtesy Photo/Eric Bailey for the Kennedy Center)

from the dais and virtually, affirm their support for expulsion. At one point, White spoke in opposition as D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large) outlined the details of an independent report substantiating the notion that White violated the D.C. Code of Conduct and council rules, as it relates to the federal bribery charge.

Several minutes before the ad-hoc committee meeting, White had a bit more to say as he decried the report’s findings.

“The law firm was paid about $400,000 allegedly and spent four months doing an investigation,” White told reporters in reference to Latham & Watkins LLP, the firm tapped by the ad-hoc committee to conduct an independent investigation into allegations that White accepted bribes and misrepresented his Ward 8 residency.

The report didn't substantiate the allegation that White misrepresented his residency. On Dec. 16, he emphasized that the same applies to the bribery allegation.

“It’s a 48-page document. There’s been no clear evidence of anyone saying I tried to bribe them. I’m confident in that,” White continued.

The two-term council member and Ward 8 native also alluded to the electoral victory that secured his third council term.

“Just last month, over 20,000 people in Ward 8 decided they wanted me to be their council member. We’re sticking to that,” White said. “We want the council to do what’s within its rights to do. We accept that [but] we want to continue to stay unified as a community. As a city.”

COUNCILMEMBERS

TALK ABOUT WHAT THEY CALL A DIFFICULT, BUT NECESSARY

DECISION

White faces allegations that he accepted $35,000 in cash bribes and entered an agreement with government informant Alleiu Kamara to use his council position to direct violence interruption contracts toward the latter’s nonprofit, Life Deeds.

In January 2026, White will stand trial. He faces 15 years of imprisonment if found guilty.

Within 45 days, the ad-hoc committee will make its final vote on White’s expulsion during a proceed-

ing where the Ward 8 council member will be allowed to defend himself and present public witnesses if he so chooses.

On Dec. 16, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) mentioned Jan. 28, 2025 as the tentative date.

Last week, the council’s ad-hoc committee, composed of all of White’s council colleagues, circulated Latham & Watkins LLP’s independent report, which all members, with the exception of an absent D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7), unanimously voted to adopt.

During the 11-week investigation, Latham & Watkins LLP collected more than 200,000 pages of materials, including documents provided by White council staffers and D.C. government officials. They also sifted through White’s financial disclosures, tax records and property records. Key findings include a timeline of White’s inquiries about violence interrupter contracts with officials in the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) and Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) around the same time he allegedly accepted Kamara’s cash payments.

For the investigation, interviewees included employees in ONSE and DYRS, former and current White council staffers, and those who work at 10K Hill South Apartments, the Ward 6 residence where federal agents arrested White on Aug. 18.

Latham & Watkins LLP said that the nine former and current White council staffers told investigators that, despite engaging DYRS and ONSE as part of their responsibilities, they didn’t recall having conversations with him about particular grants and grantees.

White declined interview, as well

COUNCIL REPORT from Page 8

approved the Recidivism Reduction, Oversight and Accountability for DYRS Act, also known as the ROAD Act, with what at least one council member called a problematic amendment.

amendment, would include information about operation costs and reimbursement rates.

as Kamara, a DYRS official, and a tenant of 10K Hill South Apartments, Latham & Watkins LLP’s report said.

In their assertion that White violated the D.C. Code of Conduct and D.C. Council rules, Latham & Watkins LLP cited provisions obligating elected officials to maintain a “high level of conduct in connection with the performance of…official duties” and not use their official position or title to “attempt to influence the outcome of a particular matter.”

Other violations mentioned involve White’s alleged acceptance of gifts and his representation of another entity before a District agency.

On Dec. 16, McDuffie, who also served as chair of previous ad-hoc committees to address alleged ethical violations of then-D.C. Councilmembers Marion S. Barry and Jack Evans, said that the evidence overwhelmingly compels the ad-hoc committee’s decision.

He would later double down on this perspective in a statement.

“I am profoundly disappointed in the conduct of Trayon White, but the evidence is clear that, whether or not his actions rise to the level of a criminal conviction, they constitute a violation of the council’s code of conduct and, more importantly, the public’s trust,” McDuffie said. “Residents depend on their elected officials to act with integrity and make thoughtful decisions that prioritize the community’s best interests… The investigative report has made it clear that Councilmember Trayon White failed to uphold these fundamental principles."

Mendelson also called the decision to expel White a matter of regaining the public’s trust. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

The ROAD Act, which the Office of the Attorney General introduced earlier this year, sets out to ensure that the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabiliation Services (DYRS) efficiently connects adjudicated youth to services and facilities outlined in their individual rehabilitation plans. Earlier this year, OAG presented this bill as a response to overcrowding at Youth Services Center (YSC) on Mt. Olivet Road in Northeast and revelations that residents lived in subpar conditions as they awaited placement in a long-term facility.

The amendment in question, introduced by D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, removes a provision allowing a child to petition for a post-disposition hearing if DYRS doesn’t honor its commitment within 30 days. During the council breakfast preceding the Dec. 17 legislative meeting, Mendelson said that, in speaking with the Bowser administration, he further understood the difficulty of making placements in out-of-town facilities happen within that time frame.

“We could not figure out how to require timely placements when you have different placements [in town and outof-town] and there are huge delays,” Mendelson said. “That’s why rather than keeping that last paragraph [in the bill] that was problematic, we just took that out. It’s a flaw, and something we ought to continue to look at.”

DYRS Director Sam Abed raised this point two weeks prior, just as the council delayed the second reading of the ROAD Act. In the months since its confirmation, Abed has been involved in conversation with D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At large), health committee chair, about hurdles that preclude DYRS from fulfilling the tenets of youth’s rehabilitation plan.

Some of those hurdles, as previously reported, involve the lack of a local facility that can meet youth’s longterm psychiatric needs. Amid concerns that the Bowser administration move forward with filling that gap, the council approved an amendment to Mendelson’s amendment in the nature of a substitute that compels the Bowser administration to draft a plan, not a feasibility study, for a new youth psychiatric residential treatment facility.

That plan, according to the

“We need to move ahead with understanding the gaps in care,” Henderson said on the dais during the Dec. 17 legislative meeting. She authored the amendment in collaboration with Mendelson. “I look forward to an actual plan and money invested. And us moving forward, rather than us talking in circles about an issue and not addressing the problem.”

Though D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At large) accepted the aforementioned amendment as friendly, she questioned why it couldn’t require an accompanying timeline to ensure project completion. Earlier, during the council breakfast, Bonds also inquired about the possibility of DYRS, in the interim, providing basic accommodations to youth who are awaiting residential placement.

“Our young people need the opportunity for educational advantages, mental health needs, physical health needs,” Bonds said during the council breakfast. “Those are the basics. It seems like those should be automatic from day one.”

Other amendments, as outlined in Mendelson’s amendment in the nature of the substitute, reduce the burden of a predisposition meeting on DYRS so officials don’t have to present a fully developed individualized rehabilitation plan by the time of the meeting. DYRS would also be allowed to delay the convening of a predisposition meeting if the agency hasn’t received court-order evaluations conducted by Court Social Services Division.

D.C. Councilmembers Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and Parker expressed their apprehension about the amendments. As early as the council breakfast, Parker, chair of the council subcommittee that conducts DYRS oversight, warned his colleagues against weakening the ROAD Act.

“Our goal is not to seek consensus with the mayor. The goal is to improve the operations at DYRS to ensure young people can be placed quicker on a path to rehabilitation,” Parker said during the breakfast. “All of that has been compromised and gutted. We know young people are languishing in Youth Services Center for months. They’re not receiving services and that time is not counted against their sentence. We are doing more harm than good.”

WI @SamPKCollins

5Council Chair Phil Mendelson (right) says the decision to expel Councilmember Trayon White (left) is a matter of regaining the public’s trust. (WI File Photo)

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!

Is

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

review wi book

"In

Slavery's Wake: Making Black Freedom in the World,'

edited by Paul Gardullo, Johanna Obenda and Anthony Bogues, Written by Various Contributors

c.2024, Smithsonian Books

$39.95 / 240 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Ever since you learned how it happened, you couldn't get it out of your mind.

People, packed like pencils in a box, tightly next to each other, one by one by one, tier after tier. They couldn't sit up, couldn't roll over or scratch an itch or keep themselves clean on a ship that took them from one terrible thing to another. And in the new book "In Slavery's Wake," essays by various contributors, you'll see what trailed in waves behind those vessels.

You don't need to be told about the horrors of slavery. You've grown up knowing about it, reading about it, thinking about everything that's happened because of it in the past 400 years. And so have others: in 2014, a committee made of "key staff from several world museums" gathered to discuss "telling the story of racial slavery and colonialism as a world system …" so that together, they could implement a "10-year road map to expand … our practices of truth telling…"

Here, the effects of slavery are compared to the waves left by a moving ship, a wake the story of which some have tried over time to diminish.

It's a tale filled with irony: says one contributor, early American colonists held enslaved people but believed that King George had "unjustly enslaved" the colonists.

It's the story of a British company that crafted shackles and cuffs and that still sells handcuffs "used worldwide by police and militaries" today.

It's a tale of heroes: the Maroons, who created communities in unwanted swampland and welcomed escaped slaves into their midst; Sarah Baartman, the "Hottentot Venus"; Marème Diarra, who walked 200 miles from Sudan to Senegal with her children to escape slavery; enslaved farmers and horticulturists; and everyday people who still talk about slavery and what the institution left behind.

Today, discussions about cooperation and diversity remain essential. Says one essayist, "... embracing a view of history with a more expansive definition of archives in all their forms must be fostered in all societies."

Unless you've been completely unaware and haven't been paying attention for the past 150 years, a great deal of what you'll read inside "In Slavery's Wake" is information you already knew and images you've already seen.

Look again, though, because this comprehensive book isn't just about America and its history. It's about slavery, worldwide, yesterday and today.

Casual readers — non-historians especially — will, in fact, be surprised to learn, then, about slavery on other continents, how Africans left their legacies in places far from home, and how the "wake" they left changed the worlds of agriculture, music and culture. Tales of individual people round out the narrative, in legends that melt into the stories of others and present new heroes, activists, resisters, allies, and tales that are inspirational and thrilling.

This book is sometimes a difficult read and is probably best consumed in small bites that can be considered with great care to fully appreciate. Start "In Slavery's Wake," though, and you won't be able to get it out of your mind.

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

DEC. 19 - 25, 2024

ARIES Right now, you are able to command with exceptional skill, and this allows you to move ahead with confidence. When something has to be done, you're the first to step up and take control of the situation. Your boss or mate especially appreciates your willingness to take the initiative, as well as your ability to make the crucial decisions they are having difficulty making on their own. Lucky Numbers: 6, 40, 41

TAURUS You definitely aren't in the mood for any kind of childish play right now. While you may be forced to concede that everyone can't be exactly like you, that certainly doesn't stop you from expecting better behavior from the people you are spending the majority of your time with. There's nothing you'd like more than for everyone to get along and follow the plan. Lucky Numbers: 14, 32, 53

GEMINI There's nothing wrong with making room for other people's opinions, but you should take steps to guard yourself from being taken advantage of or led astray. After all, your mind isn't quite made up, which makes it easy for someone to come along and influence you. Listen intently to what other people have to say about the topic in question, and then do your own research either to confirm or disprove their theories. Lucky Numbers: 21, 27, 36

CANCER If everyone in the group seems to be agreeing with what you say a little too quickly, take the time to talk to each of them separately. Someone who is afraid to speak out in a group is much more likely to express their opinions in a more personal setting. Do your best to remain unemotional, even if you get some less-than-desirable feedback. Lucky Numbers: 26, 27, 47

LEO It might be difficult to let go of old ideas and comfortable situations, but if you're going to succeed in a leadership role, you have to be willing to be adaptable. If everyone is looking to you for the answers, you'd better be prepared to give them. And if you don't know the information they're asking for right off the top of your head, you'd better start figuring out where you can find it. Lucky Numbers: 17, 22, 40

VIRGO This is the time to drop your inhibitions and reservations and really be willing to experiment! If given the choice between something old and something new, it's always more exciting to pick the latter. In the past, you've been too worried about safety precautions and what-ifs to let yourself go and experience all that life has to offer, but something inside of you is telling you to go for it. Lucky Numbers: 12, 36, 54

LIBRA You know you deserve to have a good time, and that's exactly what you plan on doing. You aren't about to let anyone else spoil your good mood, are you? You'll get along swimmingly with all kinds of people, and you don't necessarily have to know everyone to enjoy their company. Invite a big group of friends over for dinner, or go to a restaurant by yourself to cultivate new friendships. Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 9

SCORPIO You're usually calm and collected, but something has you bothered enough to make you really blow your top. If you have a chance, take a step back from the person or thing that is irritating you long enough to calm down and reassess your position. There might actually be a way out of this jam, but you're going to have to compose yourself if you want to find the nearest exit. Lucky Numbers: 4, 5, 52

SAGITTARIUS Other people are sure to be envious of your superior public speaking talents, so enjoy the attention while you have it. Diplomatically saying exactly what you mean comes quite naturally to you, which means you should be able to keep the number of misunderstandings around you to a minimum. This is the perfect time to give a speech to a packed auditorium, recite a poem in a coffee shop, or sing a spontaneous song to the love of your life in the middle of a crowded park. Lucky Numbers: 13, 19, 23

CAPRICORN Some good deals are out there right now, but beware of false advertising and exaggerated product claims. You've heard it before. Something that seems too good to be true usually is, so why aren't you paying attention this time? If you don't want to end up regretting your purchases, it's absolutely imperative that you use your head before plunking down your hard-earned money for anything right now. Lucky Numbers: 22, 27, 43

AQUARIUS It always helps to have a plan, but now you have the ability to come up with ingenious solutions on the spur of the moment. Make an effort toward your goals and you'll be rewarded. Other people are likely to flock to your ideas, especially since you have more than your fair share of energy and charisma working for you at the moment. But there may not be room for everyone to climb aboard. Lucky Numbers: 2, 10, 23

PISCES You can't fight what's happening around you, so why not try to take an active part in the events as they unfold? Your best chance at happiness is to be open to change right now. Besides, a simple adjustment in attitude is pretty much all it will take to get with the program. Lucky Numbers: 13, 20, 57

SPORTS Commanders Come Out On Top

20-19

Against Saints, History Continues

Jayden Daniels Spreads Some Holiday Cheer in the DMV

By Skylar Nelson WI Contributing Writer

Having wrapped last year’s season finishing 4-13 overall record and securing the spot as the last team in the NFC East, the Washington Commanders, a franchise known for its storied history seemed to be stuck in a cycle of mediocrity– that is until this year. This season, the Commanders have flipped the script bringing back a bold flair to the NFL that hasn’t been seen from the franchise in a decade.

After an offseason overhaul that resulted in transformative shifts in the front office, coaching staff, and crucial roster positions, Washington reemerged as a force to be reckoned with.

Their 20-19 away victory over the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 15, is not only a testament to their resilience this season, but also marked

a significant milestone for the franchise. The Commanders have now advanced 9-5, their best start through 14 games since 1992.

“To go all the way down to the end, to the last play, you’ve heard me talk about the fight of the group and that’s one of the things I really admire about our team,” said Coach Daniel Quinn.

“We’ve been in a lot of close games and so we’re getting battle hardened. It’s not always comfortable to be in those spots but being on the sideline, right there at the end to go for it, that’s why we do it. So to come up with a win on the road, that’s a big deal.”

Currently ranked second in the NFC East Division and seventh in the NFC Conference, Washington is commanding their way toward the playoffs with renewed momentum and purpose.

The turnaround is undoubtedly momentous, sparking promise among fans and setting the stage of what could be a pivotal moment in the franchise’s modern era.

THE RISING

QUARTERBACK - WIDE RECEIVER DUO MAKES HISTORY AHEAD OF EAGLES MATCHUP

The Commanders entered Sunday’s game against the Saints not having two of their top four pass receivers.

Wide receiver Noah Brown was placed on Washington’s injury reserve list this past Saturday due to a kidney injury, while running back Austin Ekeler has been sidelined on the injury reserve list since week 12 following a scary hit that led to a concussion.

In their absence, wide receiver Terry McLaurin and tight end Zach Ertz became Washington’s top pass targets. McLaurin delivered a stellar performance in the first half, displaying his strong chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Daniels and McLaurin helped Washington jump to a commanding 17-0 lead in the first half. McLaurin made history recording his 10th receiving touchdown of the season in the first quarter tying Wide Receiver Gary Clark (10 in 1991) and Bobby Mitchell (10 in 1964) for No. 7 alltime franchise history for receiving touchdowns in a single season.

Later on in the second quarter, he notched his 11th touchdown reception, also tying Jordan Reed (11 in 2015) and Bobby Mitchell (11 in 1962) No. 5 all-time in the touch-

5In an away game, the Washington Commanders defeated the New Orleans Saints 20-19 on Dec. 15. (WI File Photo/Abdullah Konte)

down receptions category.

McLaurin finished the day with seven receptions on 10 targets all for 73-yards, including his two score leading touchdown passes.

History continued within Washington’s offense against the Saints. Daniels ended the day completing 25-out-of-31 passes for 226-yards and two touchdowns.

With having over 650 rushing yards and recording 3,045 passing yards so far this season, Daniels joins former NFL quarterbacks Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III as one of the only rookies to exceed 3,000 passing yards and 600 rushing yards in a season.

He also joins Newton, Griffin, and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson as one of just four rookie quarterbacks to rush for 650+ yards, solidifying his position amongst the NFL most dual-threat quarterbacks.

JAYDEN DANIELS STARTS HIS COMMUNITY INITIATIVE AS A COMMANDER SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

The rookie quarterback spread some holiday cheer at Raising Canes in Bowie, Maryland on Monday, Dec. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. Daniels partnered with Raising Cane’s to give away 100 bikes and helmets to children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Anne Arundel County and Greater Washington.

In addition to the quarterback, Santa Claus made a special appearance adding to the festive spirit, while also sharing hot chocolate with the kids provided by Stoney Man Coffee & Donuts.

This marks Daniels’ second year partnering with Raising Cane’s for their bike donation initiative.

In the year of his Heisman-winning season at Louisiana State University, he partnered with Raising Cane's owner and founder Todd Graves to donate 100 bikes to the Boys and Girls Club of Baton Rouge, LA. He now has brought it with him to the DMV in his NFL rookie season.

“It’s a blessing to be in the position that I am,” Daniels said. “To be able to give back to the kids and see them all running around riding these bikes and having fun—seeing the smiles on their faces. I’m fortunate to go back and give back to the families too.”

WI

5Jayden Daniels posing with staff at Raising Cane’s in Bowie, Maryland. (Skylar Nelson/The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE the moment

On Dec. 13, The Washington Informer hosted a Winter Wonderland Holiday Luncheon at Hen Quarter Restaurant in Southwest, D.C. The Luncheon served as an opportunity for staff members to mix and mingle before 2024 ends. (Jada Ingleton, D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)

3 Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha Green and Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes in the holiday spirit, rocking festive attire and holding gift bags. (Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer)

6 Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha Green alongside Sam P.K. Collins, WI staff writer, Ra-Jah Kelly, chief officer of technology and grants, Jada Ingleton, WI reporting fellow, and reporter Mya Trujillo. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)

On December 14, the Attendees of the Umoja Holiday Market, held at the Anacostia Arts Center on Dec. 14, shopped for unique gifts from talented Black-owned vendors.

“Until The

5 Washington Informer Newspaper Photographer Robert Roberts in the holiday spirit wearing his ugly Christmas sweater. (Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer)

3 Austin R. Cooper Jr., a Washington Informer contributing writer, dons a Santa hat to show off his holiday cheer. (Jada Ingleton/ The Washington Informer)

4 James Wright Jr., a Washington Informer reporter, shows off his holiday spirit, rocking a Santa hat for the festive occasion. (Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer

4 Washington, D.C., legend, Nonchalnt holding an autographed copy of her 1996 studio album,

Day.”

5 Umoja Holiday Market attendees shop for unique gifts from Black-owned vendors. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5 DJ RBI provides good vibes while playing a live DJ set. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5 A customer purchases soup from ButterQueenBakery. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5 DMV Santa getting into the holiday spirit. (Ja'Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

from Page 1

From Handel's Messiah at the Washington National Cathedral, to an interfaith service at the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest, D.C., the holiday season is a time to spread cheer and work to uplift all people.

“Moments like this are always opportunities to bring people together,” said Imam Talib Shareef of the historic Masjid Muhammad, also known as The Nation's Mosque, who participated in an interfaith service on Dec. 12 at the Wilson Building. “In the month of December, we have Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, [we] are getting ready for Ramadan. This is a month that is important for people of faith.”

The holiday cheer was evident throughout The John A. Wilson Building Holiday Reception on Thursday, Dec. 12, hosted by the Office of the Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia.

Live entertainment and ceremonial unity decorations set the tone, but a true highlight was embracing the variety of religions and seasonal traditions that come with the festive season.

“The theme of the holiday was our community, our city and our spirit and in my comments I added our responsibility,” Shareef told The

Informer. “It is a beautiful season. Anything that is important to a particular people of faith is important to all people of faith.”

D.C. FAITH LEADERS, RESIDENTS SHARE WHAT THE HOLIDAYS MEAN TO THEM

The multi-holiday season offers District residents a lot to celebrate, including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, and even spiritual and religious traditions for the New Year, like Watch Night services.

While the nation’s capital is a culturally and religiously diverse city, a 2021 Pew Research Center study revealed 59% of Black adults in D.C. reported that religion is important in their lives, and about 86% of them identified as Christian.

In Christianity, Christmas (Dec. 25) is a sacred religious holiday, often acknowledged through church services before, during, and after the official holiday on Dec. 25, with traditions such as: prayer, fasting, and services and wreath lighting for Advent, the four-week period dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or “advent,” of Jesus of Nazareth.

“Christmas for me is the foundation of hope,” said the Rev. Joe Dan-

The multi-holiday season offers District residents a lot to celebrate, including Christmas,

and Kwanzaa. (Courtesy Photos)

iels Jr., lead pastor of Emory United Methodist Church. “It is the constant reminder that no matter how far things, or we, have fallen, there is [our] Savior to pick us up, redeem us and keep us going.”

Zerline Hughes Spruill, editor of The Washington Informer’s ‘Our House’ newsletter, joined a segment of “Let’s Talk WIN-TV” on Dec. 13 to share the holiday traditions she practices in reformed Judaism and celebrating Hanukkah, or the annual Festival of Lights–an eight-day commemoration of Jewish history, survival and religious freedom. During the time, she and her family eat seasonal dishes and play dreidel games.

“I really appreciate being able to keep a hold of the faith that I was

brought up with,” said Hughes Spruill, who also acknowledges Kwanzaa, which she considers part of “all my cultures and faiths and traditions.”

Hughes Spruill, a Ward 7 resident, admits it’s difficult to avoid Christmas festivities living in the United States, so instead, she benefits from the commercialization of the annual holiday.

“Not so much the religious part,” she said, before acknowledging her festive attire, “but I have my [Christmas] hat on.”

Similarly, Essenia Satya (who uses they/them pronouns) grew up celebrating both Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, due to their father’s Jewish background. Now, at the age of 21, the California native doesn’t view the holidays from such a religious standpoint, but more so commends the spirituality and intention of the season – particularly Kwanzaa.

“It's a big part of how I see the holidays because there's a lot of people who really don't know what it is, who I think could gain something from it,” Satya told The Informer. “It's always good to continue to practice cultural traditions…I'm glad [Kwanzaa] was something that is kept alive through my brother, my mom, and I.”

For Howard University alumna Sabreen Dawud, who identifies as Muslim, not celebrating Christmas on behalf of her religious beliefs doesn’t mean she can’t take advantage of the traditional concept. As a member of

The multi-holiday season offers District residents a lot to celebrate, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, and even spiritual and religious traditions for the New Year, like Watch Night services.

Sigma Gamma Rho, a national collegiate sorority of the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations, she touts the “seasons of giving attitude” and time off from daily obligations as particular benefits she looks forward to this time of year.

“I find that people really work up service, [and] love to give back during the holiday time, and it's something I wish people loved to do year-round,” said Dawud. “Being in a [Divine Nine] organization, [the holidays] actually allow for a lot more facilities to open up for us to partner with – food banks and things of that nature. That definitely would probably be my favorite part of this time.” WI

Hanukkah

HOLIDAYS

For all you baby boomers who loved your music during the 1960s and '70s, The Big Show is coming to Constitution Hall on Friday, Dec. 27! The Big Show is a compilation of some of the 1970s' hottest R&B artists whose popularity has continued for decades. These groups are responsible for some of the most melodic sounds of that era. Tickets are available at ticketoldies.com, gamemusicgroup. com and Ticketmaster. You can also call 302-244-8182 to order tickets by phone and get more information. The show is at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

The Big Show will include: Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics as the headliners. They are known for ballads like "You Are Everything" and "Break Up to Make Up." The Stylistics were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004 and the South Carolina Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2005.

Marshall Thompson of the Chi-Lites, an original member of the American R&B vocal quartet from Chicago. The Chi-Lites' greatest fame came during the late 1960s and early 1970s, scoring 11 Top Ten R&B hits and 21 songs in the Billboard Top 100 pop chart. Vernon Sawyer, an original member of Blue Magic, will sing

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

The Big Show: Holiday Event of the Year! the religion corner

their well-known songs including "Spell," "Stop to Start," "Look Me Up" and "Sideshow," the latter of which reached Billboard's Top 10 R&B pop hits, sold over 1 million copies and was awarded a gold disc by RIAA in August 1974. Yes, The Magic of the Blue will be in the building.

The Delfonics, a R&B/soul group originally from Philadelphia, are most noted for hits like "La-La Means I Love You" and "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)." Their songs have reached the silver screen in movies such as Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown" and the video game "Grand Theft Auto V." I'm looking forward to hearing them do what they do.

Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, a soul and R&B group founded in Philadelphia, is perhaps best known for "If You Don't Know Me by Now," which reached No. 1 on Billboard's R&B and No. 3 on the pop charts. There was also "The Love I Lost," "Wake Up Everybody" and the No. 1 longest-running dance music club play "Bad Luck."

The Intruders is an American soul music group noted for 24 R&B chart hits, including six R&B top 10s and their signature song "Cowboys to Girls," which sold a million copies. They'll also

perform "I'll Always Love My Mama," "I Wanna Know Your Name" and many others at The Big Show.

The Manhattans of Sonny Bivins have performed on the '70s Soul Jam Tours and all over the U.S. and ports around the world with songs such as "Shining Star," "There's No Me Without You" and "It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad." You can look forward to hearing the legacy of their music.

The electrifying energy of Paul Williams Jr. and The Temptations Review will amaze you with a mesmerizing playlist of the Temptations' greatest hits, including "My Girl," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Get Ready," "Just My Imagination," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," "The Way You Do the Thing You Do" and "I Can't Get Next to You."

They always leave an indelible impression on your soul after the curtains fall. THE BIG SHOW will be talked about for years to come.

Bring your friends and family out for a special treat at Constitution Hall — an enjoyable evening that will take you back down memory lane and make you forget about the cares of the world while enjoying entertainment by the best of old school! BE THERE! WI

RELIGION

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RELIGION

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

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant

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

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

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

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

Purpose

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 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 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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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

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

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 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 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 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 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

of Wills

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 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

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

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 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

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 001226

Jacques Benjamin Russ, Jr. Decedent

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

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

Brian L. Kass, whose address is 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 434, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacques Benjamin Russ, Jr. who died on 12/14/2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/19/2025. 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 6/19/2025, 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: 12/19/2024

Brian L. Kass 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 1386

Wilhelmina M. Holton Decedent

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

Dawn Holton, whose address is 5237 Ames Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wilhelmina M. Holton who died on April 25, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 6/19/2025. 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 6/19/2025, 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: 12/19/2024

Dawn Holton 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 001410

Celina Eno Orudiakumo Decedent

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

Stephanie Orudiakumo, whose address is 1375 Fairmont Street, NW Apt 102, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Celina Eno Orudiakumo who died on July 4, 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 6/19/2025. 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 6/19/2025, 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: 12/19/2024

Stephanie Orudiakumo 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 001415

Lee C. Ramey Jr. Decedent

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

Paulette Ramey-Oliver, whose address is 839 Saint Micheals Dr., Bowie Maryland 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lee C. Ramey Jr. who died on December 7, 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 6/19/2025. 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 6/19/2025, 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: 12/19/2024

Paulette Ramey-Oliver Personal Representative

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

2024 ADM 000600

Emillia Mwimanzi Decedent

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

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

David Mwimanzi, whose address is 10309 Tulip Tree Drive, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emillia Mwimanzi who died on June 14, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/19/2025. 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 6/19/2025, 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: 12/19/2024

David Mwimanzi 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 1412

Richard Powell, Jr. Decedent

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

Harriette Powell Nichols, whose address is 2 Dandywood Lane, Durham, NC 27713, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard Powell, Jr. who died on 8/7/2024 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 6/19/2025. 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 6/19/2025, 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: 12/19/2024

Harriette Powell Nichols Personal Representative

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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

BZB from Page 1

such showcases are crucial to their revitalization and sustenance.

Far before coronavirus was on the radar, Juanita “Busy Bee” Britton, founder and owner of BZB International Inc., has always supported the prosperity of Blackowned enterprises.

“I work to connect communities with local businesses,” said Britton. “I’ve been doing it all my life, actually– since [I was] a young girl.”

From booming success with her lemonade stands as a child to working with the State Department for the Queen Mother in Ghana to create relationships between embassy officials and people in the community, Britton is a pillar and advocate for unity and collective wealth across the diaspora. She continues to keep this philosophy alive through each year’s exhibit.

“Our big goal is to get people to come and understand that our small businesses need the influx of business just like the big box stores,” she said.

Designer and owner of The Art of Leather Marvin Sin, who has participated in the BZB marketplace for approximately 10 years, has witnessed the decline in minority enterprises throughout his 50 years of experience. Through instances like the replacement of leather vendors in New York with retail designers and the collapse of the Belmont Art Collective in Adams Morgan due to rent increases, Sin recognizes the crucial role “Shop Til Ya Drop” plays in the Black entrepreneurial community.

“[At] each table, at each space, there is somebody or somebodies who have made a conscious decision to create and generate an independent enterprise that has the potential of growing, expanding [and] employing others or supporting and sustaining their families in a way that enrich… [and] provide an economic underpinning for our community,” said Sin.

A COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT TO UJAMAA

Ethiopian clothing and jewelry business Kelem is a physical representation of the Kwanzaa principle Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)– the concept of committing to collective social wealth and

strengthening communal bonds by doing so– through showcasing an array of artwork created in Ethiopia by master artisans.

Co-owners Tensae Haile and Winta Teferi gave audiences a glimpse of the East African country’s rich and colorful culture through hats woven by farmers in Konso, jewelry comprised of recycled beads, dolls made by a group of four women with disabilities and creations from a leather business owned by a group of young men. Displaying these handcrafted items is Haile and Teferi’s way of culturally and artistically enriching the diaspora by directly connecting it to Africa.

“We’re so removed from certain cultural things that we get that spiritual connection here, but also in the meantime support people who just never get compensated for all the creativity they put out in the world,” said Teferi. “It’s not just creative, but also… keeping alive old, very incredible artistic traditions.”

Kelem’s mission to give African stories and histories a global platform directly aligns with Britton’s desire to create a safe space where members of the diaspora can depend on each other. Despite colonization’s dismantling of a unified diaspora, Britton is relentless in her efforts to strengthen entrepreneurial bonds across the diaspora. These collective desires lead back to the concept of cooperative economics as they strengthen the idea that wealth should benefit all involved, rejecting monopolies and exploitation. By adhering to an ideology that prioritizes the community’s collective well-being rather than a single person or entity’s affluence, Black entrepreneurs create a space where their businesses can prosper and withstand the test of time.

Sin believes that in many cases, Black businesses operate with a commitment to Ujamaa as a means of survival. As a Pan-Africanist, he recognizes the power in the amassed creativity the BZB showcase displays and the significant cultural experiences it creates.

“The BZB event is like an undiscovered jewel in the community,” he said. “What you see is… an economic incubator that’s really sustaining and launching enterprises into the future, and it’s a very powerful experience on so many levels.”

WI

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CLEMONS from Page 26

power dynamics that prioritize profit over authenticity.

As Craig Detweiler, professor of film history at Pepperdine University, said in 2015, "There [is] a shortage of African American, Asian and Latino stars. For all Hollywood's progressive politics, its casting decisions look remarkably retrograde."

It's not just casting, however, as Hodges' dispute with Wayfarer clearly indicates. From producing to directing to deciding on creative vision to

EDELMAN from Page 26

routine ("I'm still not sure what it is about living rooms that makes black women crazy..."). She explained that a different segregated park had the only local swimming pool for Black children, "but we at CJP had the swings."

"I've always thought swinging should be an Olympic sport. I knew, in fact, when synchronized swimming became a 'sport' that double dutch would be next. I admire double dutch. Those ropes would pop and the girls would turn faster and faster and the girls running in and jumping out would dance a dance that would make ballet dancers weep from envy. They would jump up and twirl and pass each other on one foot

MARSHALL from Page 26

Americans see medical insurance companies as the primary cause of injustice within the health care system.

"Health insurance companies ultimately determine, through scandal-laden cost-cutting processes, which care you are eligible to receive and to what extent it will bankrupt your family, and are understandably the entities we most associate with the injustices of American health," he said.

Recently, UnitedHealthcare's CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in an ambush attack outside a hotel in midtown Manhattan. The calculated manner of the shooting was a shock, but even more shocking was the outpouring of public frustration against health care insurers and the lack of personal sympathy for Thompson by way of social media. The shooting opened many wounds while reminding people of their personal horror stories and the denied care they encountered when dealing with health care insurers, particularly UnitedHealthcare.

Therefore, some people did not see Thompson as an innocent victim of a senseless murder. Rather, they

upholding a project's ultimate vision, Black and brown people in Hollywood are consistently being overruled and written out of the process — with implications for us all, as who shapes and guides stories can fundamentally alter the end results and the way important stories are told.

Moving forward, it's crucial to advocate for equitable partnerships within the media landscape. This includes reforming contracts to ensure fair representation and creative control for Black artists, especially when it comes to their own stories. Support-

then flip to their hands then flip back up and I would stand amazed. I have no sense of rhythm. All my rhythm is in my head. But I could swing.

"Swinging took courage and patience and balance and the most difficult maneuver is the dismount. I grew up with iron swings that were set in concrete; none of those recycled things for me. The swing was hard black rubber connected to links of iron. These were swings to take you to the moon. The object, for those who do not swing, was to stand in the seat and pump up. You pumped up as high as you could go. You were actually trying to reach parity with the top bar. When you got 'even with the bars' (to which I ascribed 10 points) you 'kicked out

saw themselves and their loved ones as innocent victims at the hands of health insurance companies driven by corporate greed. Their responses to Thompson's murder were motivated by an industry's insensitive tactics, resulting in needless debt, suffering and death. For those who celebrated the shooting, Thompson puts a name and face on the source of their personal stress, fears, frustration and anxiety. The public indictment was targeted not only against Brian Thompson as CEO but also against the entire health care insurance industry and the profits it generates. It was an indictment against a sector that chooses corporate profits over the health and welfare of everyday individuals.

It should be a wake-up call for several reasons. Luigi Mangione was the man arrested and charged with murdering the UnitedHealthcare CEO, and now he is seen as a folk hero on some parts of social media. "He took action against private health insurance corporations is what he did. He was a brave Italian martyr. In this house, Luigi Mangione is a hero, end of story!" one anonymous person wrote in a post on X (formerly known as Twit-

ing Black creatives and their stories is essential for fostering a more inclusive and honest portrayal of their experiences.

Finally, the struggle of Craig Hodges against Wayfarer Studios is a reminder that the long history of exploitation continues to demand our attention. To effect meaningful change, readers and industry stakeholders must advocate for systemic reform and commit to supporting authentic narratives created by Black artists.

WI

and sat down in the seat' (10 points). If you missed the seat you could still hold on but it looked really ragged. You then pumped once or twice more to show control (10 points) then (and this was the final crucial ending) you 'bailed out.' You got 20 points for a perfect landing. If you fell or tumbled over you lost points accordingly. Sort of like a poor girl's parallel bars. The dismount was everything! And I would practice and practice. Pump and jump; pump and jump. Then Grandmother would call me to lunch.

“But,” Nikki Giovanni concluded, "I was ready. I knew I was ready. I was prepared to go for the gold medal. All I needed was a chance." WI

ter).

The murder of Thompson is wrong, and the same would be true if this type of action ever becomes the norm. Will emotions continue to escalate while people feel helpless, resulting in future copycat murders targeting similar executives? Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has already called this "vigilante justice." The public's response should be a conscious moment of self-reflection for all corporate executives throughout the industry.

Mangione has exposed America's pent-up anger and frustration and the failure of America's health care institutions. Days after the Brian Thompson shooting, Andrew Witty, the CEO of the insurer's parent company, defended its practices to "guard against" what he called "unnecessary care." In its self-serving definition of "unnecessary care," the health care insurance industry has failed the public. By taking critical medical decisions away from the professional relationship between a doctor and patient, the industry has taken those personal medical decisions and made them into their own billion-dollar profit decisions.

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!

WILLIAMS from Page 27

They'll be called patriots and pardoned for those acts. They are then told by the man in charge he loves them and he promises to pardon them!

Shortly afterward, he'll be able to pardon himself! He has presidential immunity so he can do whatever pleases him.

It's strange that a brilliant woman ran a noble campaign against the guy and lost? There was no gloom and doom — just joy in her

MORIAL from Page 27

able at pharmacies, doctors' offices and health clinics across the country. For most Americans, the COVID-19 vaccine is free because private insurance and other programs like Medicare, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program cover the full cost. Americans who don't have

JEALOUS from Page 27

Times fact-checked the statement and correctly rated it "false" with "no evidence to support this assertion."

To pretend there is a moral case for fossil fuels requires more than mental gymnastics. It requires willful dishonesty.

But let us look to scripture. It is as good a place as any to start, since the Bible and its lessons help guide so many people's idea of morality. In it, God gave us a formula that certainly seems to be coming into focus today.

In the Book of Genesis, God charged people with being stewards of the Garden of Eden. He told Adam and Eve to cultivate and care for it. This early commandment recognizes nature — also known as God's creation — as something to be grateful for and respected.

Going back all the way to the beginning, God gave us the means to our own salvation or our demise. He gave us free will — along with His many commandments was the free will to choose whether or not to follow them. The other thing God gave us was fire.

Ultimately fire became electrical power. But it was the tool that allowed humanity to thrive; to give us light in the dark and warmth in the cold.

So, the energy we needed for

campaign! She never disrespected anyone. She never promised retribution. She's so much smarter than he is. She's a brilliant woman — but that's true for so many Black women. The administration she now works with is handing over a better economy to the guy coming in — just as President Obama handed one over to the guy who always gets breaks people like him don't deserve. That's just the way America has always been. We must continue our unity to help as many as we can to get

insurance can typically find nocost options in their communities through local immunization programs. The Department of Health and Human Services also provides up to four free COVID-19 tests per household.

Increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates will require the work of all of us. The same concerted ef-

warmth, light and eventually transportation and more, came from burning things. And what people burned were the things that were most readily accessible and easy to harness — starting with wood, then oils from animals and trees, then coal, then petroleum and so on. Over the eons, as the number of people increased exponentially, the accessibility of these finite sources began to shrink exponentially. Whale species were hunted to the brink of extinction for their oil. Island nations and huge swaths of the continents were deforested.

For a long time, we thought the answer was to replenish the finite things to burn as best we could.

But along the way, we realized God gave us infinite sources of energy that had always been abundant in the Garden: the sun and the wind. We realized the terrible cost of burning through the finite

our people across the finish line, despite unfair criticism or treatment of a woman who worked miracles in a very short time. Vice President Kamala Harris won our hearts — and it's not clear how the election ended showing just one name on so many ballots, leaving hers off. Now, he wants to take away Obamacare and all he can offer is a CONCEPT of a plan. People can't be healed on that, but I don't think he understands that or cares.

WI

forts to fight misinformation, direct people to resources and keep people informed of ways to stay safe are just as important as they were at the beginning of this pandemic.

Let's do our part to keep ourselves safe and protect those who are most vulnerable this holiday season. WI

sources was not simply running out of things to burn, it was extreme weather and our planet becoming ever less hospitable due to warming. The signs all pointed to the need to make the switch from the finite sources of energy — and the destruction they cause — to the infinite sources, which are kinder both to people and to all of God's creation. We can power our world and tend the Garden at the same time.

In the Bible, when humans finally understood the message and acted in ways God wanted, flood waters receded; fires stopped. So if saving lives, improving health outcomes and expanding economic opportunity through more and better jobs are not enough of a moral calling to prioritize the clean energy transition, look to the Bible and listen to God. His message seems to be pretty clear. WI

To pretend there is a moral case for fossil fuels requires more than mental gymnastics. It requires willful dishonesty.

We're in your corner.

People today can spend nearly half their lives over the age of 50. That’s a lot of living. So, it helps to have a wise friend and fierce defender like AARP in your corner and in your community so your money, health and happiness live as long as you do.

AARP offers custom tools, resources and local expertise to help you achieve your goals and stay connected. Find us at aarp.org/dc.