“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” – Nelson Mandela Malveaux Celebrates Mandela’s Road to Freedom See Page 26 •
C e l e b r a t i n g 4 9 Ye a r s o f S e r v i c e
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Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area / Vol. 49, No.10 Dec. 19 - Dec. 25, 2013
Happy Holidays
There’s plenty fun to be had among the holiday lights at the James Center in Richmond, Va. See Story on Page 16. /Photo courtesy of Beth Furgurson, www.Virginia.org. Virginia Tourism Corporation
Concerned Residents Decry Gentrification By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer @bsalmondc
Until a few years ago, black District residents proudly called their city “Chocolate City,” at a time when more than 70 percent of the 528,000 residents were African American. In the last few years, however,
gentrification has spread across Washington, D.C. with a vengeance, transforming the city with a steady influx of 1,100 new residents a month. The complexion of neighborhoods have or are in the process of shifting from black to white and multi-ethnic; meanwhile, longtime and middle-class residents,
and others with more modest means, struggle to pay soaring rents, the cost of living continues to spiral upward and affordable housing for the most part is a pipe dream. While Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Deputy Mayor Victor Hoskins and city leaders crow about the city’s growth, the booming econ-
omy and the upward movement, beneath the surface, tensions between old and new residents, blacks and whites, elites and the working class, simmer. On Saturday evening, a number of these and other issues manifested themselves at Union Temple Baptist Church during an emergency meeting convened
Visit us online for daily updates and much more @ www.washingtoninformer.com. Official Washington Honors Mandela Page 12
Student Group Tackles ACA Problems Page 14
by the church’s pastor the Rev. Willie Wilson, Malik Zulu Shabbazz of Black Lawyers for Justice, and Al-Malik Farrakhan, founder of Cease Fire, Don’t Smoke the Brothers and Sisters, Inc. The town hall and public hear-
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The CoLumn
From Pieces To Masterpieces Courage on Canvas Exhibit
Life Pieces To Masterpieces provides hundreds of African American young men and boys growing up in DC an opportunity to discover & activate their innate and creative abilities and to change life challenges into possibilities. This year’s exhibt was entitled “Courage on Canvas”. Mary Brown is the Executive Director. Debbi Jarvis (VP Pepco Holdings) has been a big supporter of the group. Pepco has been a partner since 2004. To learn more and to donate go to: www.lifepieces.org
Debbi Jarvis (VP Pepco Holdings) with David Grosso (DC Councilmember At-Large) Mary Brown (Ex. Dir. of Pieces to Masterpieces & Debbi Jarvis (VP Pepco Holdings) with the Pieces to Masterpieces Young Apprentices Front Row (L-R) Marlon Robinson, Isaiah Neal,David Bing, Joshua Neal, Michal Breedlove, Wayne Mundaray, Charles Dunbar, & Alex Robinson Second Row (L-R) Antwan Dance, Paul Washington, Thomas Howard & Kayon Morrow
John Gordon with Kaya Henderson (Chancellor of DC Public Schools)
Omar DeBrew (LPTM Lead Teacher) Mary Brown (Life Pieces of Masterpieces Executive Director) with Debbi Jarvis (VP Pepco Holdings, Inc.)
Cami Maza, Debbie Jarvis & Mohini Malhotra
Selvon Waldron (LPTM) and the young apprentices at work!
Mary Brown,Debbi Jarvis, Erin Krivicky (Mgmt. Consult), & Selvon Waldron (Dir. of Development & Grants LPTM) Mack Wathen (VP Pepco Holdings & an Artist himself) with Debbi Jarvis
Debbi Jarvis (c) surrounded by her team (L-R) Anglatette Glymph, Kim Watson, Devin Joyce, & Pamela Holman
Mary Brown, Chip Elis (Howard Theatre), Judith Terra (Chair DCCAH Commissioners), Lionell Thomas (Ex. Dir. Commission on the Arts & Humanities) & Debbi Jarvis (VP Pepco Holdings)
Debbi Jarvis, Mary Brown, Kaya Henderson, Judith Terra and Sonya Ali
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Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis with her daughter-in-law Debbi Jarvis
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FLASHBACK
12/19/2013 – 12/25/2013 In recognition of The Washington Informer’s 50th Anniversary
in
October
2014, we are looking back at some of the newsworthy events and individuals we covered in D.C. history. As the cacophony of campaign speeches in the upcoming District elections intensify, the deafening sound of Faith Dane’s bugle is missing. The
perennial
mayoral
candidate – and “Gypsy” film and broadway star – drew attention to her efforts to
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Page 15 NORTHERN VIRGINIA Page 16 BUSINESS William Reed’s Business Exchange Page 19 COMMENTARIES Pages 25-26 SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS Pages 36-37
bring together the arts and culture for D.C. Statehood. /WI Archives
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AROUND THE REGION Black Facts Page 6
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RELIGION Lyndia Grant’s Religion Column Page 38
December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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The Washington Informer Newspaper
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER PUBLISHER Memoriam NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is InDenise Rolark Barnes Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina STAFFJ. Rolark Periodicals postage paid at Washing-
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D.C. Political Roundup Women Break the Cycle of Domestic Violence By James Wright WI Staff Writer
Bonds Fights for Property Tax Relief By Tia Carol Jones WID.C. Staff Council Writer member Anita Bonds (D-At Large), a candidate L.Y. Marlow's 23-yearforWhen re-election in the Tuesday, old daughter her the father April 1, 2014told Democratic Parof primary, her daughter threateneda her ty has presented bill life, and the provide life of their that would tax child, relief she senior knew something had to 68, be to citizens. Bonds, done. Out of her frustration sponsored the “Senior Citizen with law enforcement's handling Real Property Tax Relief Act of of the situation, she decided to 2013” which would exemptcamresstart the Saving Promise idents over the age of 75 who paign. have thebecity for 25 years “It lived seemsinto a vicious cycle and less than a year that earn won't turn$60,000 my family from paying property loose,” Marlow said.taxes. Marlow “Thisher is an actwith that the will audiease shared story the them encefinancial at the burden District on Heights Domestic Violence Symposium [senior citizens],” Bonds said. onShe Maynoted 7 at thethat District Heights beneficiaries Municipal Center.are Thepast sympoof her legislation their sium was sponsored by prime earning years and wantthe to Family andhomes Youth Services stay in their but have difCenterpaying of theproperty city oftaxes District ficulty that Heights and the National Hooktend to increase each year. Bonds Up of Black Women. made seniorhas citizen property tax Marlow written a book, relief a key campaign issue in the “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a April election. of story 2013 aboutspecial four generations The spry D.C. Council memdomestic violence. The book is ber also by serves as the chairman inspired her own experiences, of Columbia and the thoseDistrict of her of grandmother, Democratic her mother State and Committee. her daughter. She said has every timetheshe reads Bonds, gained support excerpts from her book, sheD.C. still of her colleagues on the can not believe the words came Council, along with D.C. Mayor from her.Gray “Color Butterfly” Vincent (D) Me regarding the won the 2007 National “Best bill. All of the candidates for the Books” Award. Party nomina2014 Democratic “I was just 16-years-old when tion for mayor support her efmy eye first blackened and my forts, as well. lips bled,” Marlow said. The bill Davis-Nickens, is currently before the Elaine presiD.C. Council and has the strong dent of the National Hook-Up support of D.C. Council of Black Women, said therememis no ber Jack Evans 2), a consistency in the(D-Ward way domestic 2014 mayoral violence issues hopeful are dealt and withthe by chairman of the powerful Committee on Finance and Revenue. Evans has worked alongside Bonds to move the bill forward.
Graham Announces His Re-election D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) will run for a fifth term to represent his conSTAFF REPORTERS REPORTERS THE WASHINGTON INFORMER stituents in the John A. Wilson Brooke N. Garner Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, 3117 Martin Jr. Ave., S.E Building in Northwest. Graham, Carla PeayLuther King, Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, Stacy Brown, P.K. Collins, Washington, Ron BurkeD.C. 20032 Advertising and Marketing MarySam Wells, Joseph YoungMichelle 68, made his intentions known Phipps-Evans, Eve Ferguson, Gale Horton Phone: 561-4100 Mable202 Whittaker Bookkeeper on Dec. 9 on Channel 8’s NewLaNita Wrenn Administration Gay, Elton J. Hayes, Njunga Kabugi, Stacey PHOTOGRAPHERS Fax: 202 574-3785 John E. De Freitas Sports Palmer, Editor Dorothy sTalk Show. LafayetteRowley, Barnes, IV, Barrington Salmon, news@washingtoninformer.com Victor Holt Photo Margaret Editor John E. De Charles Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, Summers, E. Sutton, James www.washingtoninformer.com “This is such a rich opportuniZebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Wright Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert ty for service,” the council memKen Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt ber said. “The question became, CIRCULATION am I ready for it? Am I prepared PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul Trantham to provide the services, the vigJohn E. De Freitas, Roy Lewis, orous services, in another term Khalid Naji-Allah, Shevry Lassiter and is this something that I really want to do?” 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com Graham said he’s decided to move forward. He also men-
4 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said. had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vicstory, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assesspush forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further said about Marlow. training for law enforcement Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life Protecwho reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counsel“get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradiperson can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. Anita Bonds isbegin the newest member of theWe D.C. Council. /Courtesy help people to have a dianeed to address bothPhoto the viclogue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow Also present at the event was said. Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise who was sentenced to six consec- awareness among children in utive life terms without parole public and private schools. She by a Maryland jury for his role in feels children need to be educatthe Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. 2002. Mildred Muhammad is “We have to stop being pasthe founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilan organization that helps the dren about domestic violence,” survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. and their children. Marlow has worked to break “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that of,” she said. process. Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to people who want to help a Congress and implore them to domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliD.C. Council member Jim Graham is a Democrat who represents Ward 1. the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” /Courtesy Photo that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net “Before you get to 'I'm going to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI tioned on the show that he was just how out of touch he has bedeeply touched by the respect af- come about the importance of forded him during a recent event the public’s trust in our governat the Prince Hall Masonic Tem- ment,” said Weaver, 43. “Ward ple in Northwest. 1 needs a council member who Graham has been credited for reflects the values of those who supporting economic develop- live here. The people of Ward 1 ment in Ward 1 along with his deserve better.” strong advocacy for civil and human rights. Critics contend Evans Raises over $1 Million that he’s marred by charges of for Mayoral Campaign corruption and doesn’t tolerate D.C. Council member Jack Evdissent in his ward from those ans (D-Ward 2), a candidate for who he disagrees with personally District mayor in 2014, reached or politically. a fundraising milestone recently: Graham, who won his first a campaign treasury exceeding election to the council in 1998, faces a trio of challengers in the $1 million. To date, Evans has April 1, 2014 Democratic Party raised $1,019,373.16, in his quest primary. At this point, he has no to become the city’s next chief opponents in the Republican, executive. “The support I am receiving D.C. Statehood Green or Liberthroughout the city at public tarian parties. L.Y. Marlow Bryan Weaver, a contender in events and private homes is solthe race, plans to challenge Gra- id,” said Evans, 60. “My camham again for the seat. He said paign is about bringing quality that it’s time for political change jobs and more economic opportunities to residents in every part in the ward. “The council member’s deci- of this city – that message [resosion to seek re-election reflects nates] with voters.”wi
“
We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed.
“
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WEEK OF dec 19 TO dec 25
Black Facts December 19
1891 – One of the pioneers of Black Catholicism, Charles Randolph Uncles, was ordained the first African American priest in America on this day in Baltimore, Maryland. 1930 – Perhaps the nation’s leading black sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, is officially incorporated. The sorority was actually founded in 1913 by 22 coeds at Howard University in Washington, D.C. One of the first public acts by the group was to participate in a demonstration in March 1913 demanding that women be given the right to vote.
December 20
1988 – Max Robinson, the first black co-anchor of a nightly network news program (ABC’s World News Tonight), dies in Washington, D.C. of complications due to AIDS.
December 21
BUYING RECORDS
1865 – Following the example set by Mississippi, South Carolina on this day enacted a series of “Black Codes.” The codes displayed a white Southern obsession with three things after losing the Civil War. 1) They still desperately wanted to control blacks. The primary method was forcing the now landless and money-less exslaves to sign “labor contracts” with white employers which were so strict that they came close to re-instituting slavery. 2) They were obsessed with preventing sexual relations between blacks and whites. This took the form of banning interracial marriages and relationships. 3) They wanted to retard black economic progress with a series of measures designed to require that blacks work for whites and not establish their own businesses. The codes barred blacks from even selling farm products
without the permission of a white employer. Fortunately, many of the codes were never fully enforced because Northern troops occupied the South and voided many of the “Black Codes.”
December 22
1898 – Historian and author Chancellor Williams is born on this day in Bennettsville, South Carolina. Williams authored the book “Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of Race from 4500 BC to 2000 AD.” The book is considered a must-read for any serious student of black history. Williams died in 1992.
December 23:
1815 – Abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet is born in Kent County, Maryland. Perhaps second only to Frederick Douglass, Garnet was the leading black abolitionist of the 1800’s. He was known for his tremendous oratorical skills and being bold in expressing his opinions. After the Civil War, however, he became frustrated with the slow pace of black progress in America and favored the establishment of an independent black nation in Africa.
December 24 1881 – The Edgefield Exodus begins. Over 5,000 blacks, driven in part by a wave of white violence and economic exploitation, begin leaving Edgefield County, South Carolina and resettle in Arkansas. The movement was also encouraged by people like Pap Singleton who believed Southern blacks could enjoy a better life if they moved to the Midwest.
December 25 1951 – Mr. and Mrs. Harry T. Moore are murdered when a bomb explodes under their home in Mims, Florida. Both were teachers and courageous civil rights activists. It is believed the bomb was planted by a white terrorist organization such as the Ku Klux Klan. 2006 – James Brown dies. “Soul Brother #1” – one of the most influential figures in Soul and R&B music of the 20th Century died at 73 while preparing for a performance. Born in Barnwell, South Carolina, Brown began his career in 1953 and rose to fame in the late 1950s. He remained highly popular through the 1960s and 1970s.
Buying Vinyl Records from 1950 to 1986, Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, R&B, Disco, Soul, Reggae, Blues, Gospel, and record format 33 1/3, 45s, and some of the older 78s. Prefer larger collections of at least 100.
CALL JOHN @ 301-596-6201 6 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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around the region INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY LINDEN
Viewp int Jesse Jones
Washington, D.C. I think Shanahan made the correct move. Griffin III is a wonderful young man, and if he continued to take the hits he was subjected to so often this season, he might not have lasted. It looks as if defenses in the league have found ways to contain him. There’s no sense in keeping him in there and risking further injury to his knee this season, which could have a negative impact on his return next year. Once he heals completely, the Redskins will return to their winning ways.
Maurice Rose
Washington, D.C. I think it’s a good move when you look at the 3-10 record the team has this season. At this point, the players aren’t playing for anything other than pride. The move gives Kirk Cousins the chance to display his skills at the professional level. Now whether the move was a business one, where the Redskins could be looking to trade Cousins, is still unknown. But I think it’s a good move when you consider how the season has played out up until this point.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN DECIDED TO SIT EMBATTLED QUARTERBACK ROBERT GRIFFIN III IN FAVOR OF BACKUP KIRK COUSINS AFTER THE REDSKINS COMPILED A 3-10 RECORD. DID SHANAHAN MAKE THE CORRECT DECISION?
KizitoByenkya
Washington, D.C. I think it’s a wise move. Griffin III is a franchise quarterback and you don’t want to put him at further risk of injury by continuing to play him. He needs some time to fully rest his knee. The season is finished as the Redskins won’t be able to qualify for the playoffs. In terms of looking toward the future of the franchise, I think it’s a wise move. I don’t think Shanahan should have done it sooner, [because] you always want to put the best product out on the field.
Marcus Pratt
Washington, D.C. I couldn’t care less. I think we already have far too many African-American men chasing balls and playing professional sports. I think our community focuses entirely too much on sports, and it’s a distraction from the real issues that we need to focus on improving in the black community.
Troy Coleman
Washington, D.C. I think the quarterback change is a good idea. The Redskins should have done it in the past with former starting quarterback Jason Campbell. A lot of the black quarterbacks in the NFL have taken too many hits. When you come in at such a young age, like Griffin III, and are getting knocked around that often, you won’t have longevity in the league. I think it’s a good idea to play Cousins and protect Griffin III’s NFL longevity.
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Panelists discussed the effects of gentrification throughout the District during a town hall at Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast on Saturday, Dec. 14. /Photo by Roy Lewis
NEIGHBORHOODS continued from Page 1
ing’s title, “The Adverse Effects of Gentrification – Confronting the Crisis Facing Black Washington, DC” – illustrates just how dire the situation is, the conveners said. “I’m delighted to be a part of this conversation today,” said Wilson during opening remarks at the Southeast church. “We will talk about classism and racism, two subjects we refuse to Denise Rolark Barnes talk about in this country. People Independent Beauty Consultant shun discussing race when it’s www.marykay/drolark-barnes.com tied to a certain race, then it be202-236-8831 comes classism.” “We’ll be handling this in a very intelligent and informed manner and there are resource people here to help.” Wilson used the analogy of grapes and gripes to say that while listeners would have a forum to aim their gripes, the focus would be on using the information aired at the meeting to devise workable solutions to stem the current of change that deeply affects and continues to marginalize people of color in the District. Several hundred residents – most living east of the Anacostia River – participated in the forum, filling the church to capacity. “It’s that time. Either we stand up or we’ll be washed out of the city,” said Shabazz, 47. “We had in upper and lowercase, flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes: Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bold; Independent to convene this panel because n 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; Web site or e-mail address in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light. themay elected officials haven’t repbe utilized. nt Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay® Personal Web Site program resented us. We’re looking at gentrification and black population removal. Seventy-five percent of D.C. in 1990 was black. In 2013, it’s 48 percent and de-
8 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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clining. That’s a crisis.” “Every month, 4,000 residents move in and 1,000 move out. The repercussion of black population reduction is having a devastating effect on the city, the people, our lives.” Shabazz pointed to a conspiracy between city leaders, billionaire developers downtown, the National Capital Planning Commission, [the Federal City Council] and others which have brought the city’s black residents to this point. Many of the speakers said that it’s not that they don’t want to see their city improve and grow, but they said they have been priced out of the city and the amenities other D.C. residents take for granted aren’t available for them. But Wilson and others said that blacks have been complicit in their own demise. “John Henrik Clarke said that European conquests of the mind of Africans and people of African descent is the greatest conquest that [Europeans] have made. In Ward 8, police sit in certain areas 24-7. We’ve been here all these years and never seen that. We didn’t see street sweepers and all of a sudden, we see them everyday. This was planned and calculated 30 years ago,” Wilson said. Activists and residents talked about the effects of the lingering recession with its resultant job losses, foreclosures and increased property taxes which have seen significant numbers of blacks and Latinos lose their homes and other vagaries of gentrification. In addition, there is an affordable housing crisis
that’s overwhelming low- and middle-class residents. Affordable housing advocate David C. Bowers said the H Street and U Street corridors, which have been transformed by gentrification, has produced a phenomenon that’s pricing out long-term residents and those with modest incomes, even as about 20 percent of District residents already spend half of every dollar they bring home on housing. Gentrification and the massive boon to accommodate the influx of tens of thousands of new residents to the District have fueled a housing shortage for middle and lower-income residents. Those with higher incomes have snapped up houses at such a rate that it has exacerbated the shortage which regional officials and public and private partners are struggling to correct. “Twenty percent of the population in the city and the region are paying 50 percent of their incomes on rent; and the fair-market price for rent in this region has increased by 70 percent over the past 10 years,” said Bowers, vice president and Washington Impact Market Leader for Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., in Northwest. “It’s a severe problem. We’ve lost affordable housing units in D.C. and Northern Virginia and as we’ve lost units, rents have increased and incomes have not kept pace.” The situation is further aggravated by the fact that the District of Columbia boasts the highest rents in the country. The District
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The Rev. Willie F. Wilson, pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast hosted a town hall and public hearing to discuss the adverse effects of gentrification in the District of Columbia on Saturday, Dec. 14. /Photo by Roy Lewis
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Dr. Alyce Gulattee, a noted Washington, D.C. psychiatrist, addressed the crowd during a town hall on the effects of gentrification in the District at Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast on Saturday, December 14. /Photo by Roy Lewis
NEIGHBORHOODS continued from Page 8 and the rest of the Washington metropolitan region, is emblematic of the difficulties moderate and low-income residents face as they try to find affordable housing, Bowers said. Residents also spoke bitterly about what is often now called “racial micro-aggressions” – defined as “the everyday insults, indignities and demeaning messages sent to people of color by well-intentioned white people who are unaware of the hidden messages being sent to them.” That could be something like calling the police because some people are sitting on their stoop, or because black churchgoers double-park on Sunday mornings or black residents being made to feel that they don’t belong in their neighborhood by newcomers. Renowned scholar and psychologist Dr. Frances Cress Welsing said she finds herself in that
position at her home in Northwest. “Black people are complaining about the pain of being pushed out,” she said. “This is happening in Philadelphia, Detroit and New York. They are experiencing the pain of removal while whites are moving into the city. Gentrification equals accommodating white people’s desire for dog parks and bicycles. (No one) is responsive to black people’s interests and needs or resolving black people’s concerns.” “If indeed and in fact this is what gentrification is about, then this is apartheid. The media supposedly acts as if apartheid has ended but the dynamics of gentrification as ‘apartness’ is alive, well and stomping forward.” Welsing, 78, a child psychologist and author of the Isis Papers, recounted her encounter with gentrification. “I’m a black female homeowner living in my home for 40 years and for three years, my house has been bombarded with
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noise from the playground (of the school next door). There is no peace. Strangely, no one in power has been able to do anything but they are taken care of. My problem is a microcosm. “Why should black people be experiencing this in 2013?” Other speakers said the encroachment of gentrification is reflected in school closings, the inability of qualified black contractors to win bids despite $450 million set aside for minority contractors, and the protracted crisis in public housing. Residents acknowledged the ongoing tension and conflict that bubbles just below the surface in so many interactions, but they refused to be cowed or pushed out. “If not, what are black people going to have,” Welsing asked. “We must be recognized, respected and our issues prioritized and resolved without delay as quickly as dog parks are built. People who do not respect themselves will not be respected.” wi The Washington Informer
December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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AROUND THE REGION
Newtown Victims Remembered
By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer
It’s been a year since the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., that left the close-knit town numb with grief and many of the victims’ families continuing to ask “why?” In remembering the 26 educators and students who lost their lives on Dec. 14, 2012 in the country’s most deadly school shooting ever, two busloads of their loved ones and friends from Newtown recently joined hundreds of supporters from across the country for a trip to the District for a vigil at the National Cathedral in Northwest. The trip which included visits to several schools, churches and
Volunteers from the Newtown Foundation help to sort various items during their visit to Children of Mine Youth Center in Southeast on Dec.12. /Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah
community centers, was a part of the Newtown Foundation’s nationwide “An Act of Kindness: Day of Community Ser-
vice.” “This is a nationwide community service commemoration that acknowledges the first
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Nardyne Jefferies, the mother of the late Brishell Jones who was gunned down on South Capitol Street in March 2012, stands in front of Children of Mine Youth Center in Southeast, waiting for volunteers from the Newtown Foundation. The foundation visited the District as part of their “Act of Kindness: Day of Community Service” on Dec. 12. /Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah
anniversary of the Newtown shootings,” said District community activist, the Rev. Anthony Motley, 64. Motley, pastor of Cathedral of Christ Baptist Church in Capitol Heights, Md., added that the array of events which took place this past weekend, brought people together to make the world a better place through acts of kindness. Nardyne Jeffries who organized the Dec. 12 visit to the Children of Mine Community Youth Center on Maple View Place in Southeast, said she’s trying to live the way she was brought up. “This is important to me, because we have supporters from other cities like Chicago and Oakland, Calif., who are showing people all over the country that gun violence is not just an inner city or black issue,” Jeffries said. Jeffries, 43, coordinates volunteers for the nonprofit center that was founded 33 years ago by director, Hannah Hawkins. She said she feels the pain of those who lost children in the Newtown shootings, having had her child, 16-year-old Brishell Jones, murdered nearly four years ago in a drive-by spree on South Capitol Street in Southeast. September Chatfield also knows the pain of gun violence, saying however, that she counts her blessings. Chatfield said she and her son, who at age 12 is a gunshot survivor, made the trip from Hartford, Conn., to let the Newtown families know people still care. “The shoe could have been on the other foot for me,” said Chatfield, 35. “But we have a big heart that’s full of love, and
want the world to know that we’re willing to share that with the people of Newtown.” Chatfield added that she and her son came to Hawkins’ center to “lend a hand,” after realizing its shortage of volunteers. The center, located in an historic house that Hawkins owns, serves about 75 youth each week. Hawkins, who also uses the second floor on weekends to house homeless males, said that because her organization receives no public funding, it has to rely on volunteer efforts and donations. Yet Hawkins said the facility endeavors to be a safe haven for youth – many of whom visit after school for help with family issues, homework, free meals or to hone their artistic abilities. “We welcome the people from Newtown because we’ve been counseling and consoling families who have lost children to gun violence for years,” Hawkins said. “We’ve even had families who have lost all of their children.” Meanwhile, President Barack Obama, who offered condolences to Newtown during his weekly address to the nation, continues the call for stricter gun control and more support for mental health. “We haven’t yet done enough to make our communities and our country safer,” said Obama. “We have to do more to keep dangerous people from getting their hands on a gun so easily. We have to do more to heal troubled minds.”wi
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Vice President Joe Biden remembered Nelson Mandela during the Dec. 11 national memorial service for the human rights icon. Biden counted among the throng of mourners at the National Cathedral who honored the life and contributions of the anti-apartheid icon during a week of mourning in the District. Mandela died on Dec. 5. /Photo by Roy Lewis
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Those touched and influenced by Rolihlahla Dalibhunga Mandela – and who were not able to travel to South Africa for his state funeral – had the opportunity to say goodbye here in Washington D.C. On Dec. 11, the day after more than 100 heads of state and governments bade farewell to Africa’s favored son in Soweta, South Africa, several hundred people gathered at the National Cathedral in Northwest. Mourners included Vice President Joe Biden; Secretary of State John Kerry and his wife Teresa; D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray; Obama administration officials; ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps; representatives of civil society and the faith community, local elected officials; activists; and others. The more than three-hour service was not a somber but a festive and celebratory affair, with music, speeches and remembrances of Mandela, who died on Dec. 5 at age 95. Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey, of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, and Yarrow’s daughter Bethany, performed, as did Sweet Honey in the Rock. And acclaimed opera singer and soprano Jessye NorThe Washington Informer
man made a surprise appearance to sing “Amazing Grace,” her rich voice soaring to the rafters. Everywhere, South Africans could be recognized by unique and vibrant hues of their clothing, the colors of the national flag and the isiqholos, the distinctive hats worn by Zulu women. The National Cathedral’s Bourdon Bell tolled, echoed by calls to prayer in word and song, while spiritual leaders from the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions in marking Mandela’s life intoned their desire for his peaceful transition. Commemorations were commonplace globally, where those who loved Mandela lifted up the name of the man who became the embodiment of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and who spent 27 years behind bars for his deeply held desire for freedom and justice for all South Africans. On his release from prison, Mandela was instrumental in pulling his country back from the edge of the abyss and fostered peace and reconciliation, but he was also a rebel and a revolutionary, speakers said. Guests such as actress Alfre Woodard, the Rev. Dr. Allan Boesak, Ambassador Andrew Young, TransAfrica’s Nicole Lee and
South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, while celebrating Mandela, cautioned that the work he began is far from complete. “He stands as the embodiment of promise and his legacy calls on all of us, young and old, out of complacency into urgent action,” said Lee, 37, in a message geared to young people. “Because while apartheid in South Africa was defeated, Nelson Mandela recognized that we face a rising global apartheid, where so many of our brothers and sisters live perilous lives despite a world of wealth and accesses. Madiba didn’t stop with South Africa. He did not play it safe. He recognized that the destiny of all people no matter where they’re found, or what they possess, is inextricably intertwined.” “Simply put, if we want to fulfill Madiba’s legacy, it is not just enough to come to a memorial, nor is it enough to like Mandela on Facebook. A torch so significant must be picked up deliberately and with both hands. We must summon (the) courage to take on the most powerful forces on the planet, and fighting tenaciously for the victims of global apartheid, whether it’s in Soweto, Port au Prince, in the barrios of East LA or in the blighted neigh-
See MEMORIAL on Page 13
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around the region
Actress Alfre Woodard addressed the crowd who gathered inside the National Cathedral in Northwest on Dec. 11 to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. /Photo by Roy Lewis
MEMORIAL continued from Page12 borhoods of Detroit. Sisters and brothers this is how we honor and fulfill Madiba’s legacy.” Biden, 71, spoke of Mandela’s lasting effect on him and experiencing apartheid first-hand. “We mourn the loss of a truly, truly impressive man, the most impressive man I’ve ever met,” he said. “I heard his name as a student as we were preoccupied with Civil Rights and he fought against the repugnant system that subjugated blacks and Indians, relegated them to less than second-class citizenship.” “As a 29-year-old senator, I learned how physically, politically and economically strangling apartheid was.” Biden recalled visiting South Africa during apartheid’s height as part of a Congressional delegation where he was the only white in the group. “It was an epiphany for me,” he said. The vice president said he was accompanied off the plane by three burly soldiers and led down a red carpet that split off, one side for whites and the other for blacks. “I was ushered off to the right and a few minutes later, I realized no one was behind me. All the African Americans were on the other side … the arrogance of the government telling the
delegation of the United States we had to separate ourselves based on color …” The delegation refused to be separated and all exited from the same door, he recalled. Later, Young apologized for being the contrarian and for throwing water on the upbeat nature of the proceedings. “There’s nothing to celebrate … nothing yet to celebrate. We’ve only just begun the struggle,” he said, particularly because they’re so many people still in need of clothes, food and shelter. Rasool concurred, saying no one should be seduced into believing that the struggles for justice and equality are at an end. “The long walk to freedom is not over,” he said. “More hills are waiting to be climbed. Madiba is not here to light the path with his courage and sacrifice. Each one of us who has been touched by him, inspired by him and moved by him must continue the long walk.” “We must confront every psychological, institutional, and physical hill until we have won a world that is more equal, where women are respected, where the stranger is not ‘otherized’ and where our youth and children can dream again ”wi
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Pepco Kicks Off Sixth Annual Gift of Energy Program Now Gift-Giving Is Available Online or In Person This holiday season, you can help Pepco customers who are having difficulty paying their energy bills by giving them the Gift of Energy. To purchase a Gift of Energy, visit www.pepco.com and click “Gift of Energy.” You also can pay for a Gift of Energy in person at one of the company’s participating Pepco Customer Service Centers. The program, which is available to both District of Columbia and Maryland customers, launches immediately and runs through Jan.15, 2014. “The spirit of the holiday season is giving and sharing,” said Donna Cooper, Pepco Region president. “We are providing an opportunity to share a very important gift, the gift of energy, to people in our community who need help.” The program works like this: * Visit www.pepco.com, and click “Gift of Energy” and fill out the contact form * Or visit a Pepco Customer Service Center in the District of Columbia or Maryland * Provide customer service with the name and address of the person for whom you’re buying the Gift of Energy * Make a payment via check or credit card on that person’s account * Receive a holiday greeting card to give to that special someone, compliments of Pepco. Where to Buy a Gift of Energy * Washington Customer Service Centers: 701 Ninth Street, N.W. Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. * 2306 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, S.E. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Maryland Customer Service Centers: 8300 Old Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD – Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. * 201 West Gude Drive, Rockville, MD - Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information and updates, visit www.pepco.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter at PepcoConnect, and download our mobile app at www.pepco.com/mobileapp. The Washington Informer
December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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Student Group Tackles ACA Problems By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer @sampkcollins In the months since the Oct. 1 rollout of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), millennial enrollment has waned in state insurance exchange programs. In addition, a relatively unknown preventative health fund that subsidizes neighborhood clinics across the country, combats tobacco use, and tackles obesity could face possible extinction. GW Colonials for Health, a group of public health graduate students from The George Washington University (GW) in Northwest, outlined a series of recommendations to tackle these issues during a presentation before more than 50 public health professionals at the Washington Metropolitan Public Health Association headquarters in Northwest on the evening of Dec. 4. “My concern is that we know how to document problems but not how to solve them,” said Caroline Sparks, Ph.D., associate professor of prevention and community health at GW’s School of Public Health & Health Ser-
vices. “Students practiced skills they learned over the course of the semester and [used] them in changing policy [as well as] social norms among the population,” said Sparks, who has [taught] the community organizing, development and advocacy course every fall since 2005. The ACA represents the largest overhaul of the U.S. health care system since the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. The law aims to reduce health care costs and requires health providers to improve quality through a combination of mandates, subsidies, and state-based insurance exchanges. It also requires insurance companies to cover individuals, regardless of pre-existing conditions or gender. Although a 2011 Congressional Budget Office report estimated a long-term $210 billion net reduction in the U.S. deficit, the law has faced opposition from GOP lawmakers, many of whom have rejected the Medicaid expansion in their states. In addition, more than 50 percent of millennials nationwide have no intention of buying insurance in health exchanges, ac-
14 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
The D.C. cohort of GW Colonials for Health, (pictured left to right) Alex Carney, Brittney Stretsbery, Feda Al Sanonah, Bianca Chen,and Rachel Glassford, informed passersby about D.C. Health LInk, the local health exchange program, at the annual Foggy Bottom Block Party in October. /Photo courtesy of GW Colonials for Health
cording to a poll recently conducted by Harvard University. “I organized students into different teams to learn about the issues that would arise in implementing the Affordable Care Act,” said Sparks. “Each team was required to do a needs assessment and it showed the biggest problems. In D.C., they tried to focus on the activities of the agencies. At the federal level, the group focused on [what has become] the not so well known part of the Affordable Care Act.” The D.C. coalition of GW Colonials for Health launched a campaign to raise awareness about DC Health Link, the District’s health exchange program, among millennials and address common misconceptions. In talking to millennials, public health graduate student Maritza Pedlar found that many didn’t think about enrolling in the program either because they were on their parents’ insurance plan or didn’t have any close friends without coverage. She said the efforts of her group bridged an information gap that has often kept young residents unaware of the benefits that are available to them. “What young people may not know about DC Health Link is that if you’re single and make less than $24,000, you’re eligible for Medicaid and if you make less than $45,000, you’ll qualify for subsidies,” said Pedlar, 23. “Through my advocacy efforts, I [was able to] help people [denied Medicaid the first time] enroll for health insurance,” said Pedlar who lives in Northeast. Another issue of concern for Pedlar and her team members involved DC Health Link’s use of funds and its effectiveness in targeting D.C.’s millennial populaThe Washington Informer
tion. She recounted the difficulty her group had in collecting information that would help it to better understand the magnitude of the situation. “We wanted to ensure that funds have been used appropriately and there’s transparency between the organization and District residents,” said Pedlar. “We wanted to increase accountability for the DC Health Link to properly evaluate [its ability] to disseminate funds. We tried to find out how the funds were being distributed and the different activities and tracking methods [utilized]. We really want the college students, universities, and young professionals to find [our project] important.” Mindy Gruba, who worked with the federal subgroup of the GW Colonials for Health, circulated an online petition in November to rally support for the Prevention and Public Health Fund, a $14.5 billion treasure chest that funds public health research, surveillance and tracking, immunization, and workforce training over a 10 year period. In April, the Obama administration announced it would shift nearly half of the funds allocated for this year toward state health exchanges and House Republicans proposed the use of $4 billion from the fund for the highrisk enrollees. Gruba said cuts to the fund undermine efforts to proactively [tackle] preventable illnesses in a manner that would incur cost savings of more than $16.5 billion annually. “Financially it makes a lot of sense said Gruba, 28. “What it came down to for our group was presenting the information in a way that resonated with people. There is a cultural shift that needs to take place. We need to view prevention in a different way [but]
it’s not going to happen in a year,” said Gruba who lives in Northwest. GW Colonials for Health, formed as a part of Sparks’ community organizing and advocacy course, has addressed community-based public health issues by building coalitions, using social media, radio, and television, and meeting with lawmakers and health organizations. Each initiative students have undertaken has spanned more than four years with different cohorts of graduate students taking on projects at various stages. The group’s previous grassroots campaigns resulted in CVS pharmacies located in low-income neighborhoods openly displaying its array of contraceptives and the implementation of a ban on smoking throughout GW’s Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses in Northwest as well as its science and technology campus in Ashburn, Va. The graduate student group’s other projects this semester included drumming up support for Medicaid expansion in Fairfax County, Va., and persuading primary care physicians to accept Medicaid-eligible patients in Prince George’s County, Md. Sparks said that in carrying out these initiatives, students have fine-tuned skills needed to pursue a successful career in the public health field. “I think all the teams made progress on their issues,” said Sparks. “They went out into the field, met the public as well as key decision makers. The goal in the advocacy class is not change. Instead, it is to create enough support for causes so you have a chance to win. If you don’t have money, you [at least] have people,” said Sparks. wi
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Schools CEO Proposes $1.7 Billion Budget By Joshua Garner WI Staff Writer @JoshuaGarnerDC Expanding full-day pre-kindergarten, arts and language programs top the list of a proposed $1.7 billion budget for Prince George’s County Public Schools. Prince George’s Schools CEO Kevin Maxwell presented the proposed fiscal 2015 budget to the Board of Education (BOE) on Dec. 12. The total represents a 3.89 percent increase from last year’s $1.6 billion budget. Under the proposal, more funds will be allocated to arts programming and language immersion programs. Additionally, select schools would see the re-staffing of parent liaison positions and the expansion of full-day pre-kindergarten. “I hope it’s very clear … that we are listening [to parents]. That we are responding,” he said Maxwell said the budget shows his commitment to widening program offerings for county schools. The expanded programs are an effort to show Prince George’s County schools can be a destination point for middle-income households as well as highly-qualified teachers. The budget includes funds to bring in an additional 31 parent liaisons in schools with high Latino populations to act as translators and provide other services for Spanish-speaking parents. The positions were all but eliminated in past budgets due to declining revenues. Maxwell stressed the need to be inclusive of non-English speaking parents. Latinos make up about 24 percent of the Prince George’s County student population, according to the Maryland State Department of Education. “To move our district forward, we need to really know our community,” Maxwell said. “Not only how our community is growing and changing … but also who lives here and where they’re coming from and what their needs are.” Expectations are high for Maxwell to deliver strong leadership and improved standards
to county schools. Maxwell was selected earlier this year to head the county school system by County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) after he was granted the authority to select a school system leader by state legislators. Maxwell had previously served as superintended of Anne Arundel County Public Schools and as a teacher and principal in Prince George’s County for 20 Prince George’s County Schools CEO Kevin Maxwell. /Courtesy Photo years. Prince George’s County has the second largest school district in the state. Baker made improving county schools a campaign promise, and part of his initiative to revamp the county’s image. Still, Maxwell conceded that the school district continues to deal with the impact of a wobbly economy and the uncertainty of federal funds due to sequestra- Prince George’s County Schools CEO Kevin Maxwell tion. Administra- greets a teacher. /Courtesy Photo tors borrowed $46 million from the school system’s lengthy approval process that surplus to help pad the budget. includes public hearings along The proposal allots for a 2 per- with input from school board cent increase in teacher salaries, members and county officials. and a more structured workforce development program Both the school board and the that includes peer assistance county council must approve the budget by next summer. reviews. “This is about the best I can But initial remarks given by do financially this year,” Max- school board members favor well said. the proposal. Board members The budget will also make investments in easing teach- praised Maxwell for incorporater workloads as well as adding ing their suggestions of school additional staff for arts pro- equity, expanded programs, gramming. In total, 150 special and community outreach. The education assistant personnel board will continue to review will be added to county schools, the budget through March. seven school counselors, 20 “Our job now is to ask the reading specialist instructors, tough questions,” said BOE and 10 art teachers. Maxwell’s budget faces a Chair Segun C. Eubanks. wi
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/Photo courtesy of Beth Furgurson, www.Virginia.org. Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia Invites Visitors to Plan an ‘Old School’ Vacation in a Brand New Way
Drivers. Bikers. Walkers. • Safely share the road. Do not run in front of an approaching streetcar. • Streetcars cannot go around cars parked on the tracks. Park within the white lines and do not double park.
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Testing on H Street Begins in December
• Streetcars travel at or below the posted speed limit and must obey all traffic signals.
on H Street this December as
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Just in time for the holiday travel season, the Virginia Tourism Corporation has launched a new Web site to help visitors find the best of Virginia’s small town treasures and old school favorites. Virginia’s Old School travel site features 50 road trip ideas full of places like old-fashioned diners, classic driveins, authentic small towns and quirky roadside wonders. Visitors to www.Virginia.org/OldSchool will find stunning photography, videos, and itineraries to inspire a classic road trip. “Retro is back - it’s hot, hip, and fueling a resurgence of funky fun. We are so excited to share small town Virginia with the rest of the country and the world,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “The Old School Web site provides countless trip ideas to experience off-the-beaten path spots that have been local favorites for generations, many of which can be done as a 48-hour getaway. “These places inspire a sense of nostalgia and help visitors relax and reconnect with loved ones on a visit to Virginia. Our charming small towns coupled with a booming wine, craft beer, and culinary scene make for an always-unforgettable road trip in Virginia,” said McClenny. Visitors will also be able to upload their own reels to a virtual retro ViewMaster, sharing their own unique stories of special road trips exploring the hidden gems Virginia has to offer. Individual reels will be cataloged and searchable amongst the 200+ existing reels on the Old School website. “Back in the day, a few clicks of a lever could spin you through a trip to scenic wonderlands,” said McClenny. “Virginia vacations have always been reel-worthy, filled with nostalgia, beautiful scenery, quaint
downtowns, and hidden treasures. Now, you can discover what a true Virginia vacation story is all about. No eye-crossing 3-D stimulation on this reel - just glorious, full color 2-D images of travel adventures across the state of Virginia.” How it Works: Each region of Virginia has authentic small town sites, events and experiences on Virginia.org/OldSchool that are conveniently listed in road trip itineraries and four fun categories: Old School Eats - diners that have been family-run for generations, drive-up restaurants with the world’s best BBQ, and old-fashioned soda fountains are scattered throughout Virginia’s small towns and await hungry travelers looking for a taste of something real. Roadside Wonders - giant rollerskates, enormous pencils and supersized frying pans are some of the quirky sites that make for the best photo ops and are featured in the Road Trip Ideas section. Wines, Brews and Spirits Virginia is home to more than 220 wineries, 40 craft breweries and numerous spirit distilleries, most of which are open for tastings and tours and make for great destinations. Music Jams - from the mountain music of The Crooked Road to the Piedmont blues to honky tonk tunes and Patsy Cline’s Crazy, Virginia’s musical heritage is on full display across the state. Music jams break out in every corner of the commonwealth and are great events to inspire a trip.wi Go to www.Virgina.org/OldSchool and enjoy the journey in small town Virginia. Or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide. Connect with Virginia at www. Facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers or on Twitter @VisitVirginia.
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Finding a job and stable housing are often the most challenging first steps to getting back on your feet after you’ve been incarcerated. Being connected to the Internet empowers returning residents to further their education, apply for jobs, find housing, and get the services and resources they need. Victor Battle Workforce Development Specialist DC Office on Returning Citizen Affairs
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Industrial Bank Industrial Strong Member FDIC
Have a Vision for “It”. By Melanee Woodard, Sr. Marketing Associate
As 2013 comes to a close and a new year begins, it is natural that we start to evaluate what we could have done differently within these last 365 days and what we will do better in the New Year. This can sometimes cause us to be very harsh in our self-assessment and frustrated. But, it can actually be liberating and refreshing, if we choose to accept responsibility for our choices and remember the power that exists when you have the ability to choose. Our choices influence how we react to a situation or our perspective, thereby providing a certain result. The power in the choice we made which resulted in us not losing that weight, not meeting that goal at work, not saving that money, not paying off that bill when we had the money, purchasing that thing we knew we couldn’t afford, that power can now be used to make a different choice resulting in a different outcome. It has been said that if you don’t know where you are going - that’s where you will end up. You must have a vision for IT. We must visualize the end result and not be overwhelmed by the process. Dream “It”, Think “It”, Work “It”, and Achieve “It”. Dream “It” Visualize the outcome you want to achieve and then decide on the most effective process to get you to “It”. Visualize how you want to feel, look and the energy level you want to have, then decide which diet and exercise program will get you there. Visualize the financial “It” you want to accomplish, the amount in a savings or investment account, making the final payment on that debt, being able to pay cash for that vacation or big ticket item, then decide on the most aggressive, yet realistic plan based on your income. Think “It” Fill your thoughts daily with images of the desired outcome. Think about how it will feel to be the size you want to be, to have the money to do what you need and want to do without worrying about having to pay “that” bill. Find positive affirmations regarding your process. Know you are worth it. Work “It” Make choices that will lead to your desired outcome. Choose that healthier snack or meal. Walk more. Meet with a financial advisor or visit your community bank to get the financial information you need to start saving and/or investing. Create a plan with the collected information and work that plan by following the necessary steps to achieve your goal each and every day. Achieve “It” Be committed to the process but not overwhelmed by it. Try not to become distracted. Be open to changing the steps within the process if you find they really aren’t leading you to your desired outcome. You must find what works for YOU. I did not say quit because it is hard, but find the most effective steps to get you to your “It”. Industrial Bank will be celebrating 80 years in 2014, proving its commitment to a vision. When creating a plan to achieve your financial “It”, consider Industrial Bank for all your financial needs. We remain committed to surpassing customer expectations as a recognized financial resource partner, fostering the financial health of a diverse community. Let us help you achieve your “It”.
18 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
The Washington Informer
Cracking Down on Payday Lenders Just in time for the holiday season, three federal regulators have taken two separate actions against payday lending. One seeks to remedy outrageous wrongdoing by refunding money to past customers. The other will protect existing or new borrowers from further financial exploitation. By actively righting wrongs and implementing common-sense reforms, these regulators offer consumers prospects for a happier holiday season. On November 20, in its first enforcement action against a payday lender, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) secured an agreement from Cash America International, Inc. to reimburse $14 million to approximately 14,000 consumers. The refunds are a result of “robo-signing” debt collection documents and also overcharging on payday loans given to members of the military or their families. Affected consumers will receive a full refund. Additionally, Cash America will also pay a $5 million fine for those violations and other misconduct. CFPB’s regulatory action is particularly significant because Cash America is one of the largest and most influential in the industry. In fact, Dan Feehan, its CEO, said at a 2007 Jeffries Financial Services conference, “[T]he theory in the business is [that] you’ve got to get that customer in, work to turn him into a repetitive customer, long-term customer, because that’s really where the profitability is.” November 21, the next day, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued supervisory guidance to rein in payday lending by banks. These two regulators will now require banks making payday loans to assess a borrower’s ability to repay the loan and establish a clear limit on repeat loans. “Every year, abusive payday loans strip billions of dollars of wealth from African-American families and we applaud the CFPB for the enforcement action taken against Cash America,” said Hilary Shelton, who holds the dual roles of director of the NAACP Washington Bureau and its senior vice-president
By Charlene Crowell
of policy and advocacy. “We also commend the FDIC and the OCC for their guidance on payday loans as we move one more step forward in advancing economic justice for all.” The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) also commented on the regulatory actions, saying: “We applaud the FDIC and OCC for recognizing the harms caused by this type of lending and sending a clear message to the banks they supervise. We urge the Federal Reserve to do the same with regard to Fifth Third Bank and Regions Bank, as both of these banks continue to push payday products. And we hope the CFPB will continue its work on payday lending by promulgating a rule that stops any payday lender from trapping borrowers in debt.” Indeed, further regulatory action is needed. Research has long shown that many payday loan borrowers soon become mired in a turnstile of debt that worsens with every repeat loan. Earlier this year, Rebecca Borne, CRL’s senior policy counsel, testified before the Senate Special Committee on aging, advising how more than 13 million older Americans struggling to live on $21,800 a year or less are often caught into payday lending’s debt trap. In two states – Florida and California – one in five payday borrowers is age 55 or older. Similarly, other research has shown that more than one-quarter of bank payday borrowers are Social Security recipients and are 2.2 times as likely to have a bank payday loan as other bank customers. Further, to repay bank payday loans, an average of 33 percent of retirees’ next Social Security check is taken.
See CROWELL on Page 19
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BUSINESS Business Exchange
Help Ryan Award Medal to Booker Just weeks after the White House snubbed Simeon Booker for a Presidential Medal of Freedom, a backbencher has introduced House Bill 3655 to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Booker in recognition of his “achievements in the field of journalism, including reporting during the Civil Rights movement, as well as social and political commentary.” Comparable to the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal represents an equivalent honor to Booker. Timothy John “Tim” Ryan deserves recognition among African Americans for the way he’s acknowledging Booker who was born in Baltimore in 1918. The five-term Congressman from Ohio’s 17th Congressional District, originally represented Youngstown, Ohio where Booker grew up. After his family moved to Youngstown, Booker became interested in journalism. Booker promoted and wrote about Negro League baseball teams in Youngstown’s local newspaper, The Vindicator. In 1945, he moved back to Ohio to work for the Call and Post, where he became the first African-American reporter to win a Newspaper Guild Award for his series on Cleveland, Ohio’s slum housing, and a Willkie Award for reporting on racial inequities in the public schools. In the name of the United States Congress, the President of the United States has awarded 3,471 Medals of Honor since the decoration’s creation in 1861. A living symbol of America’s Black Press, it’s vitally important that the country’s leaders properly ac-
CROWELL continued from Page 18 Don’t let your holiday season become a financial nightmare. Every day, but particularly at this time of year, consider these facts on payday loans: The typical payday borrower remains in debt for 212 days; The average payday borrower has nine transactions per year; Ninety percent of the payday lending business is generated by borrowers with five or more loans per year; and
By William Reed knowledge Booker and his contributions to the African-American discourse. The “dean” of America’s Black Press, Booker deserves to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in recognition of his decades as Washington bureau chief of Ebony and JET magazines, during which his coverage of the Civil Rights movement became a part of the nation’s recorded history. Overlooked during the Obama administration’s dispensation of Presidential Medals of Freedom, Booker has received honors from national Black organizations such as the National Association of Black Journalist, National Newspaper Publishers Association, National Press Club and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF). Black Americans of all political stripes are encouraged to lobby on behalf of Booker receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. At their 40th Annual Legislative Conference, the CBCF awarded Booker with their prestigious Phoenix Award. Ryan’s fellow Cleveland, Ohio colleague, Rep. Marcia Fudge, should sign on to H.R. 3655 and bring the full support of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Booker is a National Press Club 1982 Fourth Estate and Golden Owl award winner. Booker’s also scheduled to receive the MLK, Jr. International Salute award in January 2014. Blacks can use this issue to lift More than 60 percent of business is generated by borrowers with 12 or more loans per year. This year and every year, avoid any financial product or loan that leaves borrowers with more problems than before. Whether from a storefront or from a bank, a payday loan is nothing more than a debt trap by design. Wi Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.
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their voices and “be heard.” Ryan is a rank-and-file Democrat who has totaled 118 co-sponsored bills in the 113th Congress. Black Americans can use this occasion to show ideology in regard to “race matters.” So far, Ryan’s H.R. 3655 has one co-sponsor, Rep. David Joyce of Ohio. Hopefully, many Blacks will sign on as the bill progresses through the House. The bill was assigned to a congressional committee on December 4, 2013, which will consider it before possibly sending it on. Black Americans are encouraged to contact people they know to support H.R. 3655. Each term about 25,000 bills are introduced in Congress, but only 10 percent become law. If each Black voter just devoted 30 minutes, we could make H.R. 3655 a reality. H.R. 3655 was introduced and referred to the House Financial Committee. The Committee Chair, Jeb Hensarling, a long-time conservative from the 5th District of Texas will determine whether H.R. 3655 will move past the committee stage where 90 percent of legislation dies. Blacks are encouraged to contact Chairman Hensarling and urge him to report H.R. 3655 out of committee, vote on it affirmatively and pass it on to the House, then encourage its passage in the Senate and the president’s signature to make it law. A phone call to Congress is an effective way millions of Blacks can have their voices heard. Call your Representative and/ or Committee Chair Hensarling now – via the main Congressional switchboard (202) 2243121 to get their agreement to co-sponsor, and support, this important resolution. wi William Reed is publisher of “Who’s Who in Black Corporate America” and available for projects via the BaileyGroup.org
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December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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health
Healthy Cigarettes?
E-Cigarettes Poised to Reduce Tobacco Harm By Shantella Y. Sherman WI Assistant Editor Gina Hahn lost more than half of her friends a decade ago. Though they once bragged about their lifelong friendships, love affairs, and classic school days, when it came time to grow up – and in this case, snub out – Hahn and only a handful of the 30 or so failed to quit smoking traditional cigarettes. Initially, Hahn, 32, said she was not particularly bothered by the newly health-conscious among her circle that affixed nicotine patches to their arms, or
quit smoking cold turkey. Others, she said, developed smoking-related illnesses that made being around a smoker impossible. While Hahn missed their company, she enjoyed more the ability to smoke freely. As a bartender, Hahn said she found it easy to work in smokefilled environments like bars and nightclubs and once those bars, restaurants and other public spaces enacted no smoking regulations, found a ready supply of new friends huddled and idling outside the entrances of buildings, lighting up. But with the advent of the new electronic
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20 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
cigarette (also known as e-cigarettes), Hahn often finds herself outside, in the cold, idling alone. “The doorways and balconies are emptying out in a lot of spaces as this new electronic cigarette becomes popular. I refused to ‘bite’ though,” said Hahn, who smokes unfiltered Camels. “My friends have gotten older and, maybe, wiser and they’ve used the e-cigarette to stop smoking altogether.” E-cigarettes allow users to inhale vaporized liquid nicotine through a mouthpiece.The heater also vaporizes propylene glycol (PEG) in the cartridge (used to create theatrical smoke in stage productions), and the user gets a puff of hot gas that mimics tobacco smoke. E-cigarettes contain no tobacco products; and utilize synthetic nicotine. Hahn is among the 50 million Americans who continue to smoke, understanding fully the dangers of smoking and those who aren’t yet sold on the e-phenomenon. Health experts believe the addictive nature of nicotine and other additives to tobacco provide some benefits smokers are unwilling to relinquish. Brad Rodu, a Senior Fellow of the Heartland Institute, holds the Endowed Chair in Tobacco Harm Reduction Research at the University of Louisville’s James Graham Brown Cancer Center, and works to find safe substitutions to tobacco products that reduce what he terms “tobacco harm.” Rodu said that in addition to reducing anxiety and stress, nicotine has the ability to lower weight, and improve concentration. “It’s time to be honest with the 50 million Americans, and hundreds of millions around the world, who use tobacco,” Rodu wrote, “The benefits they get from tobacco are very real, not imaginary or just the periodic elimination of withdrawal. It’s time to abandon the myth that tobacco is devoid of benefits, and to focus on how we can help smokers continue to derive those benefits with a safer delivery system.” Jeff Stier, a Senior Fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research in Washington, D.C., advises that while the nicotine present in both cigarettes The Washington Informer
/Courtesy Photos
and many e-cigarettes, is addictive, is not in and of itself, harmful. The danger comes from burning and inhaling tobacco, which is done with cigarettes but not e-cigarettes. Calling nicotine about as harmful as the caffeine in soda, Stier supports e-cigarettes as a tobacco harm reducer. “Tobacco harm reduction is based on the fact that there is a continuum of risks from nicotine products and the goal should be to help people move to lower risk but satisfying products without failing and returning to smoking – the riskiest form of nicotine consumption. E-cigarettes are quickly becoming the most popular tobacco harm reduction tool since they strike a balance between lowering risk and providing satisfaction,” Stier said. U.S. e-cigarette sales totaled $20 million in 2008; they have doubled each subsequent year, to $500 million in 2012. The devices retail for $100 to $200. Refill cartridge packs vary in price depending on nicotine content, and liquid for do-it-yourself refills are sold, too. Each cartridge is good for several uses. Opponents of e-cigarettes note that clinical studies about
the safety of e-cigarettes have not been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for the more than 400 brands of electronic cigarettes that are on the market. It has also not been determined whether these devices are safe or what types of potentially harmful chemicals the products contain. Other opponents worry the e-cigarettes may serve as a gateway drug for teens and young adults who will eventually turn to traditional tobacco cigarettes. The World Health Organization (WHO) remains wary about e-cigarettes saying, until they have been endorsed as safe and effective by national regulators, “consumers should be strongly advised not to use any of these products.” New York Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), a staunch opponent of e-cigarettes said “Once you try electronic cigarettes, you can become hooked [on] them, move on to cigarettes and then move on to other drugs.” Still, for at least two of Hahn’s friends, e-cigarettes have allowed them to kick the habit without gaining weight or “going stark raving mad.” wi
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PAID ADVERTISEMENT
‘America’s Pharmacist’ Makes Memory Discovery of a Lifetime: Is It the Fountain of Youth for Aging Minds? Pharmacist of the Year, Dr. Gene Steiner, finds what he and his patients have been looking for... a real memory pill PHOENIX, ARIZONA — If Pharmacist of the Year, Dr. Gene Steiner, had a nickel for every time someone leaned over the counter and whispered, “Do you have anything that can improve my memory,” he would be a rich man today. It’s a question he’s heard countless times in his 45year career. He has seen families torn apart by the anguish of memory loss and mental decline, a silent condition that threatens the independent lifestyle seniors hold so dearly. In his years-long search for a drug or nutrient that could slow mental decline, he finally found the answer in the pages of an obscure medical journal. “I was studying materials about memory loss and cognitive decline, and there it was, right in front of me...evidence of a real memory pill!”
says Steiner, “reduces oxygen to the brain, a sign of premature mental decline. This also restricts the supply of critical brain specific antioxidants and nutrients.” Reduced blood flow has another brain-numbing effect: it slashes the number of neurotransmitters in the brain, the messenger molecules used by the brain to help form thoughts, retrieve memories, and help its owner stay focused and on-task. Fewer neurotransmitters circulating in the brain translates to concentration and memory woes. So, Reynolds and a team of scientists developed a natural, drug-free compound shown in research to prompt aging brains to begin to ‘think and react,’ younger.
Tired Brains Snap Awake! “It helps tired, forgetful brains to ‘snap awake,” says Dr. Steiner. “This natural memory pill is to your aging, sluggish brain, what a breath of fresh air is to your lungs,” he says. It works so well, explains Steiner, that Seniors are more concerned about memory loss and mental decline than the participants in they are about death, itself, according a peer-reviewed, international research to a new survey. study not only saw “At the time, I was an anchor improvements in their memfor a medical program in Los ory, mood and concentration, Angeles. I was so excited but they also regained lost that I contacted the author of brainpower equal to that of the research and invited him someone 15 years younger, to come on the program as all in a 30-day time period! a guest.” This made perfect sense “I wanted millions of lis- to Dr. Steiner, who knew teners to learn about this instinctively that age-relatimportant new development!” ed memory problems may Dr. Steiner’s guest that be correctable. night, US researcher, Josh Reynolds, observed After the Show a common ‘disturbance’ After the show, Dr. Steiner in aging brains, one that confided to his guest that may be the primary cause he was fearful of not being of degrading memory and able to recall certain subject concentration powers. matter for his popular radio show. Gasping for Air? “He gave me a couple of He saw evidence that bottles and instructed me on older brains were ‘gasping its use,” says Dr. Steiner. for additional oxygen,’ a “Within a few days, I can condition caused by poor tell you without reservation blood circulation. that my memory became “Insufficient circulation,” crystal clear!”
a well-respected, peerreviewed medical journal.
For years, pharmacists told disappointed patients that memory loss was inevitable. A new, drug-free cognitive formula helps improve mind, mood, and memory in as little as 30 days. Feeding an Older Brain The formula helps oxygenate listless brain cells to revitalize and protect them from free radicals caused by stress and toxins. It also helps restore depleted neurotransmitter levels, while feeding the aging mind with brain-specific nutrients and protective antioxidants. Steiner was so impressed that he began recommending the formula to his pharmacy customers. “I had such marvelous results that I not only started recommending it to my customers, I even shared it with other physicians!” Pharmacy Best-Seller “It became the best-selling brain health product in my pharmacy and customers were returning to thank me for introducing them to it.” “It felt great to see so many people whose lives were enriched by taking a simple, natural formula.” “A rookie doctor right out of medical school can set a broken bone, or treat a rash or runny nose,” explains Dr. Steiner. “But he is often clueless when it comes to helping a patient who can’t remember to take his medicine, or forgets where he’s parked his car, or even
worse, foolishly leaves the oven on at night.” “With this simple, drugfree formula, we finally have something that we can recommend that is safe and effective. And you don’t need a prescription either!” Recently, Dr. Steiner relocated to another state and was apprehensive about taking the state board of pharmacy jurisprudence examination, a daunting examination that tests a candidate’s mastery of pharmacy law. “I began taking the natural memory compound for two weeks prior to the test, and I passed with flying colors!” “The recall I personally experienced was fantastic,” says Steiner. Many frontline healthcare professionals are embracing this natural remedy for three reasons. First, the formula was submitted to the rigors of a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, using the same FDAsanctioned brain testing protocols used to qualify prescription-sold cognitive medicines. “The findings for improved brain function were shocking,” says Steiner. Then, the results were shared with the world in
262972_9.5_x_12.375.indd 1
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#1 Selling Brain Health Pill Thirdly, this natural, memory-boosting wonder has passed the toughest yardstick of all – scrutiny from the US consumer. Word has spread; in a very short time, Reynolds’ memory-booster has quickly become the #1-selling brain health supplement in the United States. Dr. Steiner estimates that as much as 10 million single-doses have been used with excellent results by ‘lots of forgetful folks.’ Users like Selwyn Howell* agree. He credits the memory compound with bolstering his confidence. “It helped me speak out more than I used to. I am growing more confident every day.” Carey S.* reports, “I feel so much more focused and with the new energy I’m now ready to tackle the things I’ve been putting off for years!”
Pharmacist of the Year, Gene Steiner, PharmD, was so impressed with his newfound memory powers that he recommended the patented, prescription-free memory formula to his pharmacy patients with great success. Elizabeth K.* of Rochester, New York experienced a night-and-day difference in her mind and memory. At the age of 54, her memory was declining at an “alarming rate.” “I was about to consult a neurologist when I read a newspaper article about it.” “It took about a month for the memory benefit to kick in. Six months later, even my husband was impressed with my improved memory. And I am very happy
with my renewed mental clarity and focus!” “I highly recommend it,” says Dr. Steiner. “This drugfree compound is the perfect supplement for increasing one’s brain power. If it worked for me, it can work for you!” Get a Free 30-Day Supply of this Pharmacist-Recommended Memory Formula! Call the toll-free number below to see how you can reserve your free 30-day supply of the same, patented memory formula used by Dr. Steiner. It is the #1-selling memory formula in the US, and it is also mentioned in the medically acclaimed book, 20/20 Brainpower: 20 Days to a Quicker, Calmer, Sharper Mind! Claim Your Free Copy of the Top-Selling Book, 20/20 Brainpower When you call the tollfree number below, ask how you can also receive a free copy of the medically acclaimed book, 20/20 Brainpower: 20 Days to a Quicker, Calmer, Sharper, Mind! It’s a $20 value, yours free! But don’t wait, supplies are limited! Free Brain Detox Formula, Too! Be one of the first 500 callers, and you can also receive a free supply of the brain detox formula that is scientifically designed to help increase mental clarity and focus even further by helping flush away toxins in the brain. Call now while supplies last!
Call Toll-Free! 1-800-683-9548 *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Everyone is different and you may not experience the same results. Results can depend on a variety of factors including overall health, diet, and other lifestyle factors. 12/11/13 3:20 PM
The Washington Informer
December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
21
education noiger eht dnuora
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WI City-Wide Spelling Bee Brings Out the Best in DC Students
2013 Washington Informer Spelling Bee winner Donovan Rolle recives a check from Attorney Jack Olender while Washington Informer Publisher and Chairman of Washington Informer Charities and Ron Burke, Vice Chair look on. The spelling bee in made possible in part my Washington Informer Charities.
Donovan Rolle was determined to become the spelling bee champion for the District of Columbia. He studied hard and long but his aspiration only landed him among the top three winners of the Washington Informer spelling bee. Not to be deterred, Donovan gave it another try. The following year, his performance revealed that he was a fierce competitor, but one who came to the city-wide spelling bee with an enormous amount of charm and grace. For nearly 20 years, students in the District of Columbia could not compete in the national spelling bee because of the lack of a local sponsor. That was then. And now, for the past 33 years, more than 2,000 children enrolled in D.C. public, private, parochial, independent and home schools have been able to compete annually. That was why Dr. Calvin W. Rolark agreed to get his weekly newspaper involved in the national competition sponsored by Scripps National Spelling Bee. Like Donovan, so many other students who have par-
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ticipated in the Washington Informer City-Wide Spelling Bee over the past 33 years, are determined to win the coveted title of First Place Winner. Dr. Rolark knew from the outset that this was the case, and it is what led him to establish the Washington Informer Charities, a non-profit organization, to serve as the official sponsor. The mission of the Wash-
22 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
ington Informer Charities is to improve 21st century literacy among children and adults in the Metropolitan Washington D.C. area. In pursuit of this mission, WIC develops innovative sustaining programs and scholarship opportunities through partnerships with public and private sector and non-profit entities. The Washington Informer Spelling Bee’s success also comes from the generous support of local corporations, along with individual donors who give cash and prizes which help make the spelling bee a memorable experience for every child that competes. Donovan’s determination eventually paid off and this year, for the second time, he won the Washington Informer City-Wide Spelling Bee and represented the District in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Students across the District are preparing for the next spelling bee in March. It’s due to programs like this that the Washington Informer Charities exists.
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Officials Release School Equity Reports By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer Joint efforts by agencies responsible for public education in the District, offer new reports that they say are reliable in helping parents to draw comparisons between traditional and charter schools. According to a statement from the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system, the first-ever joint “District of Columbia School Equity Reports” provide transparent academic and discipline trends at DCPS and District charter schools that developed from measures that include academic performance, attendance, discipline, and withdrawals. “Coupled with our school profiles pages, these new reports empower parents with accurate, reliable information to help them make the right choices for their [children],” said DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson. “I want parents to look to us to provide the transparent, robust, comparable data we know they often need. I’m proud of these reports and glad we can provide another tool to inform the community.” While critics who compare public schools to highly-favored charters have been less supportive of public education, a study released this past summer involving 26 states, suggests that while charter schools have made modest gains in student performance, they have yet to surpass their traditional counterparts on standardized reading and math tests. The two-part, citywide reports, released on Dec. 11 and which are supported by the innovative, California-based non-profit New Schools Venture Fund, also helps District educators establish a clear view of how different public schools serve a range of students. In doing so, officials from DCPS, the Public Charter School Board (PCSB), Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and the deputy mayor for education – worked in collaboration for several months earlier this year aligning various data that established comparable performance measurements for all of the city’s schools. Featured measurements include school demographics; percentages of students with disabilities; test performance
surrounding specific student groups; absenteeism; and suspension, expulsion and withdrawal rates during the 2012-13 academic year. In addition, the school-by-school reports show how both charters and DCPS have narrowed or closed blackwhite achievement gaps. Scott Pearson, PCSB executive director, said that other schools in the region looking to improve their measurements have good examples within reach. “I’m proud of the 109 individual public charter schools that worked to align metrics with our DCPS colleagues so that parents and the public have valid information to compare school and student performance,” Pearson said. “The equity reports show a strong, viable sector of public charter schools that are achieving strong results while serving a student population that mirrors the District.” Jesús Aguirre, acting superintendent of education, added that the reports are vital for helping parents determine which school system is better for their children. “Our goal is to empower District families with reliable information and tools to improve their children’s educational outcomes; and the first-ever equity reports – will serve to assist us in achieving that purpose,” said Aguirre, a former District Department of Parks and Recreation director who looks forward to being permanently installed in February. Deborah Allgood of Northeast said however, that until the reports’ reliability have been proven, their validity remains questionable. “I haven’t seen the reports, but I’m hopeful that [school officials] at the charters and public schools will use the data from them to move the schools forward, rather than to use it to force parents to say that one system is better than the other,” said Allgood, 28, the mother of a DCPS 3rd-grader. “In my opinion, both [systems] exist in the first place, because they each have unique offerings that parents are looking for and that students need to be successful in their [studies].” wi The full reports are available at LearnDC.org. Individual school results are also available on both the PCSB and DCPS websites.
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December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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Editorial
opinions/editorials
A Budget Agreement, Finally For the first time in four years, Republicans and Democrats have agreed on a budget which averts the usual 11th-hour shenanigans or complete breakdowns all too often associated with Congress. The deal avoids another fiscal crisis, averts a shutdown and eliminates select sequester cuts in favor of revenue increases and spending cuts. Obstructionism, hyper-partisanship, and an unwillingness to compromise have been the hallmark of relations between Congress and President Obama, and among Democrats and their Republican counterparts. So passing a budget is quite an accomplishment for a body that has gained the dubious distinction of being the least productive and the most unpopular Congress in history. The biggest winner appears to be the Pentagon which gets $23 billion to offset the vagaries of the sequester which took a huge chunk of their budget. While Democrats were able to resist Republican attempts to slash Social Security or Medicare, more than 1.3 million unemployed Americans will see their emergency unemployment benefits stopped and thus, lose a vital safety net. Budget negotiators faced resistance from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats who were determined to add $25 billion to extend unemployment benefits. In the aftermath, Democrats are promising that next year they will produce legislation to restart jobless benefits. The plan is to squeeze out an extension by refusing to support the House’s reauthorization of the Farm Bill unless Republicans give their assent and use savings from the Farm Bill to fund unemployment benefits. It’s extremely disappointing that the White House and the Democratic leadership didn’t make continuing unemployment benefits a pre-condition of passing the budget. That would have made more sense, but it’s likely that they were more concerned about consummating some type of deal. Some Republicans’ continuous and concerted efforts to deny unemployment benefits to the unemployed speaks to a certain callousness that defines the current crop of so-called leaders. Some, such as Sen. Rand Paul and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, are on record as saying that ending unemployment benefits for four million long-term unemployed workers will be an incentive for them to go and find a job. But the position these Republicans hold continues the narrative of “givers” and “takers.” Those who’re jobless for long periods of time isn’t because they’re lazy. One need only look at how anemic the economy has been and how many people are out of work to see the absurdity of such an assertion – the jobs aren’t there. Economists and other experts note that there are between three or four people looking for a job for every position available. Too many Republicans in the House, and not a few senators, are oblivious to the steady erosion of the middle class. President Obama said as much two weeks ago during an important economic speech at THEARC in Southeast Washington, D.C.: “… we know that people’s frustrations run deeper than these most recent political battles. Their frustration is rooted in their own daily battles – to make ends meet, to pay for college, buy a home, save for retirement. It’s rooted in the nagging sense that no matter how hard they work, the deck is stacked against them. And it’s rooted in the fear that their kids won’t be better off than they were. They … experience in a very personal way the relentless, decades-long trend … a dangerous and growing inequality and lack of upward mobility that has jeopardized middle-class America’s basic bargain – that if you work hard, you have a chance to get ahead.” People are hurting and need help, but no help seems forthcoming from these elected officials. Let’s hope voters remember in 2014.
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Outstanding Mandela Tribute
Wow, what a fantastic tribute The Washington Informer paid to Nelson Mandela, the international civil rights icon, who recently died. Your Dec. 12-18 edition was an outstanding testament to the life and legacy of this fallen giant who was the epitome of leadership, humility and selflessness. Your newspaper stands in a class all by itself for having the fortitude and vision to devote an almost entire issue sharing with its readers, the life, work and struggles of a man who would stop at nothing to improve himself and the country he so dearly loved. Yes, Mandela’s legacy does loom large, for there’s certainly no one in the Western world who can compare to this quintessential hero. And, whether he’s forever revered as a politician, civil rights activist or philosopher, The Informer’s outstanding memorial – which should become
a collector’s item – will serve as a reminder that he did it all with grace and dignity. Wanda James Washington, D.C.
Boring Mayoral Forum
James Wright’s Political Roundup in the Dec. 12-18 edition lacked punch as he failed to say much of anything about the six mayoral hopefuls that we haven’t already heard from them – or their predecessors. The candidates, which so far include incumbent mayor, Vincent C. Gray, all seem poised to sling the same concerns and promises – but with no real insight how to solve or accomplish their goals, or to bring anything new to the table. Come on, what exactly does Mr. Evans mean in saying he has this golden record of accomplishment and will work on making housing more affordable? I’d like to know who he’s talking
about and where he’s going to get the money. Mr. Wright even went so far himself, as to say that the forum was dull and lacking in substance. Did he mean boring as in calm and pleasant or something more like mind-numbing and lackluster? I’m wondering that as a reporter, if Mr. Wright thought to step up the practiced rhetoric by asking the hard-hitting questions that would have brought some zeal to the event. Wright also mentions that in the event David Catania wins the 2014 election he’ll be the first white and first openly-gay mayor. How significant is that when all I’d want is a mayor who’d be willing to stand up for the hard causes like our quickly-disappearing public schools and his refusal to sign off on more charter takeovers. Kathy Long Washington, D.C.
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opinions/editorials
Guest Columnist
By Bill Fletcher, Jr.
Colombia’s Color Code I had the opportunity to visit Bogota, Colombia for a meeting of representatives of public sector unions from the Western Hemisphere. The focus of the meeting was on issues of race and xenophobia. One of the things that struck me in the meeting was the discussion of the situation facing the Afro-Colombian population. Descendants of slaves brought over by the Spanish, the Af-
ro-Colombian population is on the lower rungs of the economic ladder of Colombian society. They have been subjected to racist discrimination, as well as atrocities at the hands of narco-terrorists, paramilitaries and elements of the government. Those who speak up about their conditions and take up various social justice struggles, e.g., the fight for land, are subject to death threats, attempts on their lives, or actual murder. Colombia, like much of Latin America, has been in deep deni-
al of race and racism, whether it is racism carried out against the indigenous population or the Afro-descendant population. One of the reasons for this is that in Latin America, the racial divide is not always as clear as it is in the U.S.A Shades of skin color are far more important in Latin America than they are here in terms of how one is treated in the larger society. Whereas a light-skinned African American in the U.S. is still recognized as an African American [Black], albeit sometimes having access to
Guest Columnist
some privileges, in Latin America, the extent to which one’s skin shade is closer or farther from Europeans can make all the difference. But here is the catch: because there is so much African blood in the veins of Latin Americans, they can equally deny that there are any special problems facing those who are quite evidently of African descent. As someone once said to me in Venezuela, “…we all have African blood…” While this may sound quite revolutionary when thinking about what it
would mean for White Americans to say such a thing, in Latin America it essentially means that no special attention needs to be placed on race. There are organizations throughout Latin America of Afro-descendants that are trying to bring greater attention to the situation facing Afro-Latinos. In Brazil, there has been an explosion of Black consciousness organizations, but there have also been important developments in
See fletcher on Page 45
By George E. Curry
Mandela Opponents Trying to Re-write History Many conservatives who actively opposed Nelson Mandela’s protracted struggle to establish democracy in White minority-ruled South Africa are trying to rationalize their past criticism by either ignoring their earlier public statements or trying to place the struggle for a democratic society in South Africa in a Cold War context. Leading the way, not surprisingly, is radio commentator Rush Limbaugh. In a 1972 broadcast, Limbaugh said, “When Nelson Mandela or one
of these terrorists sees America, they ask, ‘How did they do this in less than 230 years? We’ve been around here for centuries, and we still can barely muster working toilets.’ It is this that the terrorists see, folks ? and it makes them envious.” That same year, he accused Mandela of having a “Black and White” world view and viewed Americans as “a bunch of White racists who hate people of color.” In an article, titled, “Limbaugh Whitewashes His Past Attacks on Mandela To Claim He’s Conservative,” Media Matters observed that Lim-
baugh is trying to recast Mandela as a Black conservative. The watchdog ground stated, “On the December 6 edition of his radio show, host Limbaugh argued that Mandela ‘had more in common with Clarence Thomas than he does with Barack Obama,’ claiming that he was more like American conservatives because he ‘insisted on compliance with his country’s constitution,’ whereas liberals, Limbaugh asserted, only care about ‘skin color and oppression’ and view the U.S. constitution as an obstacle.” Conservatives can’t run away from
Guest Columnist
their record. Former Vice President Dick Chaney can’t run away from the fact that as a Congressman, he voted against a bill that would have imposed sanctions on South Africa until it met five conditions, including the release of Nelson Mandela. Right-ringers who try to elevate Ronald Reagan to sainthood can’t run away from the fact that he vetoed a bill that would have imposed sanctions on the minority-ruled country. His veto, the only one of his administration, was overridden by Congress. Reagan had Mandela placed on the U.S. interna-
tional terrorist list, where he remained until 2008. In addition, the U.S. vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution that would have imposed sanctions on South Africa. Columnist William F. Buckley, Jr. can’t run away from his words, either. He wrote, in 1985: “Clearly some of the current campaigning against South Africa is a fad, a moral Hula Hoop, fun for a while.” Conservatives enjoyed trying to taint Mandela with the C-word. Conservative David Swindle wrote
See curry on Page 45
By James Clingman
The Tax Man Cometh When the tax man cometh, Black dollars “goeth.” Where will they goeth? Down a myriad of paths in pursuit of new items such as furniture, cars, clothing, and other niceties. But first, unless you do your own tax return or get it done for free by someone, Black dollars goeth to tax preparation firms, the vast majority of which are not owned by Black people. I can hear the two excuses right now: “I don’t
know where to find a Black tax firm;” and “I don’t want ‘them’ to know my business.” The first one I can deal with, but the second excuse just blows my mind. Nonetheless, let’s see if we can get the conscious ones out there to give a Black-owned company some business. There are many independent Blackowned and operated tax preparation firms, and we should seek them out, especially if they exist locally. But, there is one I have written about for years now that I strongly encourage you to sup-
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port. With more than 200 offices in various cities, Compro Tax is the oldest and largest Blackowned tax/financial assistance firm in the country. Go to the website, comprotax.net, and find the office closest to you, which eliminates the first excuse for some of you. As for the second excuse, and those among us who are still suffering from psychological enslavement, thinking Black businesses are somehow less competent and beneath the businesses of others, you need serious help. The Washington Informer
Knowing your business is exactly what you want in a tax firm. The better they know what you are doing, the better they can serve your needs. After all, unless you prepare your own tax return, you are going to have to tell your business to somebody. Why not Compro Tax or some other Black-owned tax business? Whether you file a personal return or a business return, complete with all the forms for rental expense, capital gains, or real estate transactions, Compro Tax professionals can and will pro-
vide you with complete and expert service. In business for more than 30 years and headquartered in Beaumont, Texas, Compro Tax is dedicated to helping its employees and franchise owners obtain the training they need to provide great service to their customers; it also offers great incentives that result in entrepreneurship and wealth-building opportunities. Compro Tax owners believe in giving back;
See Clingman on Page 45
December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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opinions/editorials
Guest Columnist
By Harry C. Alford
Notes from the DR The weather was perfect. The facilities were clean and professionally run. All participants wore smiles and had no complaints. The cuisine was abundant and was presented as an All-Inclusive Plan. Such was Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in the heart of the Caribbean Ocean. It was the venue of our 2nd PanAfrican Entrepreneurs Conference, an international extension of the National
Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC). Last year’s conference was in Houston, which was mainly organizational. This one was about action and making serious plans for progress during 2014. A major highlight of the conference was the growing affinity between the NBCC and the people of Colombia. We, hereby, introduce to the world the African American Chamber of Commerce of Colombia. It is a charter member of the NBCC and has the leadership of Luis
Carlos G. Playonero as general director. It has a documented 650 bona fide members and has received the recognition of the Colombia government. Juan Camilio Cabezas is the assigned Project Manager representing the president of Colombia to work with this new chamber and to assist in our collaboration. This is unique in the world. Most of our international chambers are extensions of the ruling party of Parliament and do nothing without orders and the blessings of the prime
Guest Columnist
minister or president. This chamber in Colombia is free standing and self-governing just like the NBCC. Our first mutual project will be a full fledge Trade Mission to Colombia during April. The majority of the Black population of Colombia is along the Pacific Coastline with the city of Cali being the center point. The Trade Mission will be held there. We will identify projects in both nations and start to encourage joint ventures between the members of both chambers.
A major match making event (between companies and live projects) will occur during a week in April, 2014 in the lovely town of Cali, Colombia. This is going to be historical. Colombia has the highest percentage (16 percent) of Blacks in any Spanish-speaking nation which makes this a natural in terms of potential and selection. There are 187 Black mayors in Colombia right now. Also, the United States now has a Free
See alford on Page 46
By Julianne Malveaux
Mandela’s Road to Freedom If I close my eyes, I can remember 1984. I am among those running from meeting to meeting working to pass Proposition J, the San Francisco ballot initiative that required the city to divest pension funds from companies doing business in South Africa. The ballot initiative had to get two-thirds of the vote because it dealt with money, and even in progressive San Francisco, some thought getting votes
out might be challenging. But a cross section of activists committed to divestment worked our tails off, and prevailed. San Francisco became among the first, and one of the largest, of our nation’s cities to divest public pension funds. I wish I could distill the energy that came from those rallies and community meetings. I can remember, with just one eye shut, the chants and songs, “South Africa will be free, South Africa will be free, Will be free South Africa.” Students were
among those to put themselves on the line for divestment, confronting their college and university leaders about the status of investments. The Free South Africa Movement was not a student movement, not a grass roots movement. It was simply a movement for justice that succeeded because many elements of our nation were involved. Those of us who favored divestment were following the lead of the African National Congress, who asked allies around the world to make South Africa
ASKIA-AT-LARGE
“ungovernable.” If massive divestment could stop the flow of dollars to South Africa (dollars that could be used to step up military action against innocent civilians), that would place pressure on the South African economy to make choices with dwindling resources. Would fighting to maintain apartheid be one of those? Divestment might make apartheid too expensive to maintain, or so we hoped. The divestment efforts contrasted sharply with the Sullivan Principles, crafted by the late Leon Sullivan,
who asked US companies to stay in South Africa but only under certain conditions that dealt with fair pay and working conditions. Those American corporations doing business with South Africa were getting lots of flack for choosing oppressors as their business partners. The death of Nelson Mandela causes these memories to rush back, memories of activism, of social change, of the conviction that change was coming. The
See malveaux on Page 46
By Askia Muhammad
What Makes a Black Conservative Tick? I listened sympathetically as Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) spoke to a dozen or so Black columnists recently. Speaking to the Winter 2013 meeting of the 25-year-old Trotter Group of African-American Columnists and Commentators, Scott was at ease. He was unpretentious. He sounded like he knew what he was talking about. He seemed comfortable, sincere, not like the bumbling, doctrinaire, freshman
House member I interviewed in early 2011 who was trying to stay “on script” and show he had no common cause with President Barack Obama after a State of The Union address by the first Black president. This time he talked about growing up and having had some ghetto-born “challenges” during his own academic career. I was able to relate. I too had flunked up a breeze. In my case it was when I first attended college. Like Sen. Scott, I too had a mother who often intervened
26 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
when my life strayed off course with her own special instrument of love – a switch from a bush in our yard. So he had me going, leaning in his direction. I was so impressed about his background as an insurance salesman when he talked about the Affordable Care Act that I needed to pinch myself when he was finished. “Is he for it, or against it?” I wondered. Once a month he speaks to young offenders caught up in the criminal “just-us” system. He uses his life as an example The Washington Informer
to show that a person can turn around from a troubled youth and forge a way to success. That’s real neighborly of him. In his talk to us “Trotters,” he got to reciting those insurance industry “actuarial tables” and dropping some old country witticisms – “Pay me now or later. If you wait until later, the cost will be greater.” Before I knew it, I started feeling like he was from “down home.” Well, he is from down home, just not from my home. And there our resemblance ends.
You see, like many liberal politicians whose schemes will never fully be implemented, Sen. Scott describes his pie-in-the-sky dream world, and we’re left to believe or reject him, based on our pre-disposition to his philosophy. So, his answer to the troubles confronting the education system is more vouchers for more students to attend private schools. Next topic. The nagging crisis of unemployment in this country will be cured
See muhammad on Page 46
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/Courtesy Photo
National Theatre Continues its Revival Famed Opera “Porgy and Bess” Returns for Five-day Run By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer For nearly 200 years, the National Theatre has been the site of some of Broadway’s most acclaimed stage plays and musicals. With a history that’s included appearances by such classic stars as Josephine Baker, Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Cab Calloway, Lauren Bacall and so many others, the theater recently has enjoyed a rebirth. And, for the nostalgic at heart, there aren’t too many ways in which theater officials could better underscore that renaissance than with an eight-show and five-day run of George and Ira Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” which opens on Christmas Day. “As you may imagine, we’re really excited about it because it was here in 1936 and then came back in 1952, so it was sort of a beginning of a new era for the theater,” said Tom Lee, the executive director of the National
Alicia Hall Moran as Bess and Nathaniel Stampley portrays Porgy in George and Ira Gershwin’s classic “Porgy and Bess” which opens Christmas Day at the National Theatre in Northwest. /Courtesy Photo
Theatre Corporation, which operates the historic playhouse in Northwest, a mere stone’s throw away from the White House.
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The original production of “Porgy and Bess,” considered by many in the theater industry to be among America’s greatest opThe Washington Informer
eras, introduced one of the first major companies of black actors to Broadway and to stages across the country.
When it arrived at the National Theatre in 1936, however, cast members refused to perform unless management allowed blacks to attend. “That was powerful, especially for that time,” said Sumayya Ali, who portrays Clara, the wife of the doomed fisherman in the two and a half hour musical. A graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest, Ali said she’s looking forward to her homecoming performance. “It’s exciting and I’m really looking forward to getting back and going to Ben’s Chili Bowl and seeing my family and friends and bringing honor to the Duke Ellington School,” Ali said. Among those whom Ali said she’s anxious to see are Ellington officials, such as her retired voice coach, Samuel L.E. Bonds. Bonds served as director of the Ellington Concert and Show See PORGY AND BESS on Page 28
December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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LIFESTYLE
Soundtrack Also Earns Rave Reviews
David Hughey as Jake and Sumayya Ali portrays Clara in George and Ira Gershwin’s classic “Porgy and Bess” which opens on Wednesday, Dec. 25 at the National Theatre in Northwest. /Courtesy Photo
PORGY AND BESS continued from Page 27 Choirs and also worked with the D.C. Boys Choir, the Washington Male Chorale, the Prince George’s County High School Honors Chorus, the Charles County High School Honors Chorus and the Washington Performing Arts Society’s Children of the Gospel Choir. “Mr. Bonds is like my second father,” Ali said. “Ellington is loaded with talent and I never thought I was anything special. He heard me singing and wanted to teach me. He exposed me to opera and when we were in class, Mr. Bonds said that there are people here who have the potential to be world-class [performers] and he mentioned me. Wow!” Ali said she received a call earlier this year to audition for “Porgy and Bess,” and it didn’t take long before her agent contacted her with the news that she had earned a part in the touring show. “I was minding my own business and my agent called and
said I have an appointment for you to audition to cover the parts of Clara, Bess, and Serena,” Ali said. “Three hours later, I’m at the opening party. You just have to have faith and determination and things work out.” First performed in 1935 with music by George Gershwin, “Porgy and Bess,” depicts African-American life in the fictitious Catfish Row in Charleston, S.C., in the early 1920s. Based on the book, “Porgy,” by DuBose and Dorothy Heyward, “Porgy and Bess” tells the story of a disabled black beggar who lives in the slums. It chronicles Porgy the beggar’s attempts to rescue Bess from her possessive and violent lover, Crown, and drug dealer, “Sportin’ Life.” “We wanted to not only do these kinds of things again – first-class and first-run Broadway tours – but we also want to expand what we’re doing,” said Lee, a Woodbridge, Va., resident. Lee also said he foresees the National Theatre as more than just a venue for stage shows. “Theaters today do more than just one thing. We could have ballet companies, dance com-
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panies,” he said. “The Dance Theatre of Harlem is one group that I’d like to see come in here and we can also host lectures, we can rent the building out for seminars or weddings. This will become what other performing arts centers are; a building that will be able to serve the people of the District.” The theater remains in need of a new sound and lighting system, elevators, an air conditioning system, new curtains and drapes, and an upgrade in technology, he said. For now, however, it’s just good to welcome back, “Porgy and Bess,” Lee said. “But, after a few years of activity that wasn’t nearly as much here as we’d have wanted, we are here with ‘Porgy and Bess’ again and that’s wonderful,” he said.wi Show times for “Porgy and Bess,” are 7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 25; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 26; 8 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 27; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 28; and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29. To purchase tickets, visit, www.thenationaldc.org, or call 202-628-6161. The Washington Informer
18-piece pit orchestra while adding spoken dialogue in place of many of Gershwin’s recitatives, said James Manheim, a reviewer for Allmusic. com. “The music is less substantially changed, but ‘Summertime,’ is transformed into a duet and given a whole new function,” Manheim said. Of the many well-known tunes included in the 32-song soundtrack, “Summertime,” “Roll Them Bones,” “I Got Plenty of Nothing,” and, “It By Stacy M. Brown Ain’t Necessarily So,” each WI Contributing Writer count among audience favorites. The boldly reinterpreted The musical tells the story music in the latest incarnation of “Porgy,” a disabled black of George and Ira Gersh- beggar who lived in the slums win’s, “Porgy and Bess,” has of Charleston, S.C., and it helped to bring an American chronicles his attempts to resmasterpiece back to life, said cue, “Bess,” from her violent critics who’ve not only lauded lover, “Crown,” and an unthe play, but the songs per- savory drug dealer, “Sportin’ formed in the classic. Life.” “While it was hatched Originally conceived by in controversy over radical George Gershwin as a folk changes proposed by direcopera, “Porgy and Bess,” pretor Diane Paulus and libretmiered on Broadway in 1935 to adapter Suzan-Lori Parks, and featured a cast comprised ‘Porgy and Bess,’ evinces a of classically trained Afriprofound love for the origcan-American singers. inal material,” said David While the director and colRooney, one of the Hollylaborators have shuffled a few wood Reporter’s premiere things around and polished theater critics. a few edges, they’ve made sure that the Gershwin score sounds profoundly correct and that the show and its soundtrack are worth its theatrical weight in gold, said David Finkle, who writes for the Broadway-themed website, TheaterMania in New York. Finkle said the music score’s emotional high/Courtesy Photos “But, more than that, it point comes during the song, straddles with confidence the “Bess, You is My Woman inherent divide of this ravish- Now,” where two actors proing work between opera and fess their love for Bess. “The grinning actor who musical theater, making the production accessible, theatri- sings, ‘I Got Plenty of Nothcal and emotionally full-bod- ing,’ is helium-buoyant,” Finied,” said Rooney, who also kle said. “The same care has writes about the arts for the been given to all the beloved songs, like ‘It Ain’t NecessarNew York Times. Paulus and composer Die- ily So,’ which is totally vital, dre Murray reduced Gersh- while they also loft ‘Summerwin’s score to music with an time’ to the sky.” www.washingtoninformer.com
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Griot
“American Adventures: Westward Journeys” by Judy Young and Devin Scillian, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth, Chris Ellison, and Doris Ettlinger, c.2013, Sleeping Bear Press $6.99 / $9.99 Canada 96 pages By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer
ATLAS
The last time your family moved, it was quite a big project. All your belongings went into boxes, which were stacked on furniture on a truck and it took two weeks for you to unpack. It was a mess, that’s for sure. Now imagine putting everything in a wagon about the size of a bathroom and giving away whatever didn’t fit. Imag-
ine walking 1,500 miles to get to your new home, and you have an idea of what happened to the children in “American Adventures: Westward Journeys.” On the day that Minnow saw the wagon trains, she knew what that meant: strangers were crossing the prairie again. As she went to tell her father, she spotted a girl with red hair and in “Minnow and Rose: The Oregon Trail” by Judy Young, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth, she was surprised. Rose saw the girl with the pitch-black hair by the river, and she was surprised, too. She wanted to meet the girl, though neither one’s father liked that idea. But when tragedy struck, there was no other choice… Running a fish stall in Baltimore almost never paid the bills, which made Moses’ father very sad – but, in “Pappy’s Handkerchief ” by Devin Scillian, illustrated by Chris Ellison, Moses
and his father heard the other Negroes talking about opportunity, and they listened very closely. Someone said that on April 22 of that year (1889), any American could stake a claim in the Oklahoma Territory – and that included Negroes! Owning a farm was a dream for Moses’ grandfather, who was once a slave. It wouldn’t be easy to get to Oklahoma; in fact, it would be one of the hardest things the family would do. But they would do it. Moses would make sure. When Mama died, Cora missed her mother but she was excited to have a new baby sister. She even got to name the baby, but in “A Book for Black-Eyed Susan” by Judy Young, illustrated by Doris Ettlinger, Pa said that Aunt Alma and Uncle Lee were going to raise little Susan. That made Cora unhappy. She might never see her sister again, so she made a special gift for Susan. It was a gift that
Cora would remember forever, too… Sometimes, it’s fun to imagine what life might’ve been like as a pioneer. “American Adventures: Westward Journeys” helps your child understand the hardships and joys of that time more than a century ago. In each of three stories, young readers will see – from several vantage points – the bravery it took to travel cross-country before automobiles were invented. They’ll learn that it wasn’t always fun, that danger and death were constant companions. And they’ll see that children their age made a difference, even in the smallest ways. What’s nice about a book like this is that the subjects of these stories are the same age as its intended readers. So if your 7-to-9-year-old young Wild West fan is searching for the next good read, then finding “American Adventures: Westward Journeys” should be the next project. wi
Art. Culture. Connection.
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30 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
Francesca Dugarte as Miss Liberty. Photos by Tony Brown, imijphoto.com and Steve Vaccariello.
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make a real connection Drivers will love Azera’s turning-circle diameter, which is one of the best in its class. Despite the car’s hefty exterior dimensions, it’s a snap to park. /Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
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Hyundai’s Big Front-driver Packs Plenty By Njuguna Kabugi WI Contributing Writer Hyundai is in a hurry to conquer the world. In two decades, the brand’s frenzied growth has brought consumers a wide variety of vehicles, from subcompacts all the way to Luxury. While hatchbacks, coupes and SUVs extend the range of available vehicles, sedans are the brand’s core. Best sellers such as the Elantra and Sonata models have carved comfortable niches in the lower strata, while recent additions such as the $40,000 Genesis and $60,000 Equus have brought the luxury to the mix. Today’s review vehicle, the Hyundai Azera, occupies the gap between the midsize Sonata and the Genesis sedan. This is the roughly $15,000 gap ruled by big sedans such as the Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon that cannot quite be described as luxury cruisers, but are roomier and more lavish than midsize sedans such as the Sonata. Since the launch of an all-new model last year, Azera has sold well, though it lags in overall volume behind Toyota, Ford, GM and Chrysler competitors. Compared with the Sonata, I prefer Azera’s more handsome body which comes with fewer swoops. The Azera scores well by having more length to draw out and finesse the balance of forms. From the chrome grille
that initiates the winged “in flight” theme in the front, to the wraparound LED taillight treatment is in the rear – Azera expands on Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” ethos with a grownup stateliness that will likely survive many years. The Azera offers a roomy cabin with more than 45 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom for front-seat passengers. Our test car came with a panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin and 3D Carbon interior accents. Other standard luxury equipment include power front seats, power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades. I found the test vehicle’s touch-screen navigation system easy to use, with quick destination programming, solid graphics and easy-to-follow maps. An optional 550-watt, 12-speaker Infinity audio system was a nice addition to the many amenities in this car that include a bevy of safety equipment. The ride is cushiony and on the open highway, Azera offers a driving experience just as composed as that of any current competing sedan we’ve sampled recently. On a trip through Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Virginia’s Tidewater, the Azera gave my growing family adequate seating space, a smooth ride, and luxury-car feel to keep everyone comfortable. On my mixed city-suburban
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commute, the suspension tamed wrinkled District of Columbia asphalt pretty well, though I preferred the Toyota Avalon that I drove a few weeks earlier – it was both sportier and comfortable. Azera features nine airbags including dual front, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact, front and rear side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. The test vehicle was equipped with Hyundai’s new generation 293-horsepower V-6, which outputs nearly 50 percent more power than the Sonata’s 198-horse 4-cylinder, and is mated with a six-speed transmission. For the 2013 model year, Hyundai engineers have improved highway and combined fuel economy by one MPG to 30 and 24 respectively, making Azera the first V6 powered Hyundai to achieve 30 MPG highway. Our tester had a sticker price of $36,875, which is not unusual for vehicles in this group. However, before you write the check for the Azera, you need to walk across the lot and look at the sportier rear-drive Genesis 3.8 sedan, with a 333-horsepower V-6, which retails for just over $3,000 more. I’m not one to take bets, but I suspect you will be impressed with what you can get for just a few extra grand.wi The Washington Informer
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ARIES Balance is an important skill. If you’ve been working too hard, the urge to play is going to be nearly irresistible this week. However, if you’ve been playing too hard, it’s a terrific week to restore some order to your work. Keep smiling! Soul Affirmation: I quiet all confusion. Lucky Numbers: 11, 26, 27 TAURUS Your energy level is marvelous, and you are probably getting a great deal of work done in an unusually facile manner. Bless your lucky stars, and stay on track. Expect to hear from a friend this week. Soul Affirmation: I entertain wild ideas about making money this week. Lucky Numbers: 40, 46, 52 GEMINI A little space from your current love interest seems to be in order. Use a brief time-out to remember the unique and wonderful personality traits of the person you love. Don’t forget to tell her or him of your love! Keep your heart open. Soul Affirmation: Smooth communications is the key to my success this week. Lucky Numbers: 19, 30, 32 CANCER This is truly your week. Take a break from any disappointments that you may have been remembering and move toward the Now with a wise heart. Your attention may focus on personal health, and ways to make yours better. Soul Affirmation: I exercise to lower tension this week. Lucky Numbers: 9, 17, 24 LEO Family matters will be pleasant this week, but save your evenings for your romantic partner. The vibes support a mutually wonderful experience that will deepen your appreciation for one another! Soul Affirmation: I obey the rules this week and avoid hassles. Lucky Numbers: 1, 2, 46 VIRGO You lucky ducklings! Everything goes your way this week, so relax and enjoy the abundant and wonderful soul vibrations. Make calls early in the week so that you can cruise through the afternoon. Soul Affirmation: I find peace in spending time out of doors this week. Lucky Numbers: 18, 29, 36 LIBRA A project at work may suddenly demand your attention. If you pounce on it rather than waiting for it to go away (it won’t), you’ll be finished by lunchtime. Your speed and agility enable you to work smart; use your advantage. Soul Affirmation: By going slowly I get there faster this week. Lucky Numbers: 14, 40, 55 SCORPIO Talk it up this week. You’ve got a gift with words this week that will facilitate all endeavors. If you’ve been meaning to ask for a raise, this week might be the day to broach the subject with the boss. Trust your instincts! Soul Affirmation: By rewarding others I reward myself. Lucky Numbers: 51, 53, 54 SAGITTARIUS Energy in the mornings will be more productive than the energy you feel in the afternoons. Work hard early each day, then take the afternoons off to play. Better yet, get your honey to join you in playing hooky from work! Soul Affirmation: I give thanks for the chance to give. Lucky Numbers: 31, 42, 52 CAPRICORN Finding a way to do it better than others is not going to be hard this week. Share your wisdom with other seekers. All who receive your word will benefit this week. Happiness rules! Don’t waste a moment of this perfect week on any negative thoughts. Soul Affirmation: I create a positive world for myself by thinking positive. Lucky Numbers: 11, 13, 18 AQUARIUS Strong vibrations bring a series of dramatic interactions with others this week. Practice your charm. Let it come from the heart, and let your energy carry you upwards to your best, highest self. Keep emotions calm. Soul Affirmation: In the storms of the week I find comfort inside myself. Lucky Numbers: 25, 28, 30 PISCES People often forget about the roaming side to your personality. This week is a week when you’ll love thinking about “faraway places with strange sounding names,” as the song says. What you do about your urges is yet another matter. Home calls too. What a week! Soul Affirmation: I smile as I think about far away paces. Lucky Numbers: 42, 47, 49
32 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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LIFESTYLE
/Photo by Shevry Lassiter
Christmas Celebration Play Continues to Charm
•
Evangel Temple’s Holiday Production Enters 23rd Year
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By Joshua Garner WI Staff Writer @JoshuaGarnerDC It’s rare when a Broadway-style production occurs in suburban Maryland, and it may be even rarer when it’s produced by a church. But for 23 years, Evangel Temple Cathedral in Upper Marlboro has made their annual Christmas Celebration a must-see event. But to keep the show fresh and relevant to new audiences, executive producers for the production continue to book top gospel and R&B music acts to headline the show. “It keeps the church active and always looking out,” said Peyton Gray, an executive producer for the show. “It’s evolved from a play about a family to a play that brings real meaning to Christmas with music.” This year, the play was made available to the homeless, veterans, and police officers throughout the county during a special dress rehearsal on Dec. 6. Gray said the rehearsal didn’t include the show’s headliners, rather local talent filled in and provided a two-hour performance for the crowd. And with a production cost of more than $500,000 and a cast who includes 200 local actors and performers and singers like Kelly Price, Marvin Sapp,
•
• • •
/Photo by Shevry Lassiter
and members of the Winans family, the show has become a tour de force for the holiday season in the Washington metropolitan region. The production usually draws 25,000 to 27,000 during its run, which started on Dec. 7 and ends on Friday, Dec. 20. And the show continues to attract new crowds each year. “I have not gotten to do anything musical [this year],” said Denise Marcelin, 33, of Alexandria who attended the event for the first time with a friend. “I was drawn to [the show] because of the performers.” And it was the cast of 200 that carried most of the show. During sets, the cast flooded the stage, draped in period costumes, dancing, singing, and riding horses and camels to recreate the birth of Christ with popular music and gospel tunes resonating throughout the
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venue. Gray said that the cast happens to be all volunteer performers from throughout the region, excluding the headlining acts. “It’s another platform [for local talent],” he said. Still, it’s the show’s headliners that said they continue to be impressed and amazed by the production. “To be in this environment with all my peers is wonderful,” said gospel singer and actress Tamela Mann, who starred in Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns.” “I’m excited about the whole thing – it’s a wonderful production.” Singer Israel Houghton said he jumped at the chance to be a part of the show. “The reputation of this event is talked about everywhere,” he said. “I’m honored [to be here].”wi The Washington Informer
Fiduciary Panel Attorney - Superior Court of the District of Columbia - Probate Division Former DC Fraud Bureau Examiner - Insurance Administration Former Law Clerk for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
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December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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LIFESTYLE Where did you hear about that?
I read it in The Washington Informer!
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SHINING STARS MONTESSORI ACADEMY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Montessori Instructional Materials, Classroom Equipment and Furnishings
Sidney Poitier and Katharine Houghton in the 1967 film “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” /Courtesy Photo
The Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School solicits proposals for Montessori Instructional Materials, Classroom Equipment and Furnishings. The full text of the request for proposals can be obtained by e-mailing Mr. Ayize Sabater at ayize@ shiningstarsdc.org. Email questions to ayize@shiningstarsdc.org with the subject line as “RFP Questions.” Deadline for submissions is December 27, 2013. Please e-mail to the address above or mail proposals and supporting documents to the following address: Mr. Ayize Sabater Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School 1328 Florida Avenue Annex, NW Washington, DC 20009
Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Dr. John Prentice and Bethany Anne Lind as Joanna Drayton in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater through Jan. 5, 2014. /Photo by Teresa Wood
‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ at Arena Stage Adds Humor to Time-Tested Family Drama By Eve M. Ferguson WI Staff Writer At this time of the year, family dramas tend to reach a fever pitch with gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas bringing folks together from their usual routines. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, now playing at the Arena Stage’s Fichlander Stage, revisits the drama that first came to light in the Sixties’ film of the same name, when Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy and Sidney Poitier addressed the taboo issue of interracial marriage. Based on William Rose’s 1967 screenplay for the film, the story has been revived for the stage by Todd Kriedler, starring Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who has grown up into a mature actor far from his days as Theo on “The Cosby Show.” This revival does not attempt to catapult the characters into present
34 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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day, where interracial marriage is commonplace and no longer has the shock value that it did nearly 50 years ago. But the interplay of family members living their lives on their own terms has not changed, and this play addresses those tense moments with humor and forceful dialogue, taking on what was considered radical back then. Playing Dr. John Prentice, the role immortalized by Poitier, Warner takes on the role of the accomplished African-American doctor who falls in love with and decides to marry the white, affluent Joanna “Joey” Drayton, (played by Bethany Anne Lind), a recent graduate of medical school abroad, who brings her fiancé home to meet her parents. The suave sophistication of Poitier’s depiction of the highly accomplished man is not fully captured by Warner. He does, however, inject candor and comedy into the
role when he is confronted with the reality that his parents have also been invited to dinner, to his dismay. Joanna’s naïveté is evident when she fails to comprehend that Prentice’s parents may object to the union as strongly as hers so obviously do. The new stage version of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” originally premiered in 2012 by Atlanta’s True Colors Theatre Company. For the Washington, D.C. debut, a few locally-known actors joined the original cast. Eugene Lee, who has played theater stages in the area since the ’90s, forcefully and convincingly takes on the role of John Prentice, Sr., who staunchly objects to the union of his son with a white woman. Although he is not playing the quintessentially stereotypical “angry black man,” the character voices his concern vehemently, fear-
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LIFESTYLE
(L-R) Andrea Frye as Mary Prentice, Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Dr. John Prentice and Eugene Lee as John Prentice, Sr., in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater through Jan. 5, 2014. /Photo by Teresa Wood
DINNER continued from Page 34 ing his son will erode all the accomplishments he has made, and that his father fought so hard to make possible. Equally compelling is Mildred Banks, or Tillie, played by local Lynda Gravátt, who has both acted in and directed area productions, playing Mabel in Crowns and directing Hair, The Wiz and Dreamgirls at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest. Tillie’s initial mistrust of the doctor, we find out, stems from dealing with harsh racial conditions of the times. Fiercely protective of her employers, and Joey, whom she raised from infancy, it is her softening and eventual acceptance that turns the tide of disapproval. Along with the mothers, Christina Drayton (Tess Malis Kincaid) and Mary Prentice (Andrea Frye), the only sense of reason and open-mindedness falls on the priest, Monsignor Ryan (Michael Russotto), whose half-drunken truisms seem lost on Matt Drayton (Tom Keys) and John Prentice, Sr. Reflecting on the pivotal role originally played by the late actress Beah Richards, Frye commented,
“Of course I saw the original movie years ago and remember the magnificent Beah Richards’ beautifully nuanced performance, but I did not study her work for my performance. I certainly wanted to make the role my own and therefore the interpretation had to be my own. But, we did include one of Miss Richard’s touching lines from the film, ‘This is not a night for happiness…,’ but it is spoken to Mrs. Drayton not her husband.” In taking a look at the subject matter addressed in this funny, entertaining two and a half hour production, Frye noted that the central issues are still not resolved, although not viewed through the same lens as in 1967. “Mary (Prentice) does not support the marriage immediately, because as the mother of a black man she fears that her son’s choice of wife will invite the threat of violence against him. This attitude in the character is reflective of most black mothers who worry about their sons in this country. It is an unending anxiety from Emmett Till to Trayvon Martin,” Frye added. Kriedler, who adapted the screenplay for the stage in its premier in Atlanta, and is also the playwright of Holler If Ya Hear Me, based on
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the lyrics of Tupac Shakur aimed for Broadway in 2014, spoke to the relevance of reviving this half-century old play about race and class in America. “First of all, it’s a cultural touchstone,” Kriedler comments in the Dramaturg’s Notebook. “Whatever your feelings about the piece are, whatever community you are from, it literally brought the issue of race into the home, both in the storytelling and thematically.” “Approaching it today, I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about and engage in the attitudes of 1967, but in a way that was for the 21st century,” he continued. “These attitudes and ideas are still very much alive. People have tried to make linguistic adjustments so racism today has become more covert. The systemic racism and the endemic attitudes are cloaked, but they’re still very much alive.”wi “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” plays at the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater through January 5th. Visit www.arenastage.org for show times and ticket information. The Washington Informer
Did You Know … The film, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, was showing in theaters at the time Martin Luther King was assassinated. Originally, there was a line in the movie where Joey (Katharine Houghton) tells the maid another person is coming to dinner, to which Tillie (Isabel Sanford), the maid guesses, “The Reverend Martin Luther King?” When King was murdered, the studio immediately called the theaters showing the film and gave instructions to cut that scene from the movie. In the scene near the end where Spencer Tracy gives his memorable soliloquy, Katharine Hepburn can be seen crying in the background. This was not acting: she knew how gravely ill her long-time lover was and was moved by his remarks about how true love endures through the years. Spencer Tracy’s glasses have no lenses throughout the film. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner was the film debut for Isabel Sanford, who later gained fame as Louise on The Jeffersons (1975). Sidney Poitier, born February 20, 1927, was only 13 years younger than the actor portraying his father, Roy Glenn.
December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
35
sports
Shanahan on the Chopping Block NFL Insiders Speculate Redskins Coach Will be Fired By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer The moniker may remain the same but it’s highly probably that the Redskins will soon have a new head coach. Mike Shanahan, whose overall losing record in four seasons with the team could be sufficient enough reason for owner Dan Snyder to fire him, appears to have pounded the final nail in his coffin. He’s publicly feuded with star quarterback, Robert Griffin III, recently announcing that he’s shut down the former Heisman Trophy winner for the remainder of the season. “The only thing Mike Shanahan is trying to shut down is his job as coach of the Washington Redskins,” said Jay Glazer of Fox Sports. “The coach sees the writing on the wall after an awful season and is benching Griffin because
he wants to get fired so he can sit at home and collect his $7 million salary for next season,” said Glazer, 43. Other NFL analysts and former players have questioned Shanahan’s tactics as the Redskins poor play led to an embarrassing photo taken during a recent game at FedEx Field in Landover in which there appeared to be more team personnel than fans inside the stadium. Also, during a nationally televised game between the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos on Thursday, Dec. 12, former NFL greats Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin engaged in a heated discussion about the rift between Shanahan, 61, and Griffin, 23. Warner asked what the benching of Griffin would do to the team’s locker room morale. “To me, this undermines your leadership role,” said Warner, 42.
/Courtesy Photo
“How do I lead my guys when you don’t even let me go out on the field and go to battle with them?” Faulk called Shanahan’s decision “so wrong in so many ways.” “There are so many fingers to be pointed, and when you start
with the one guy [who’s] dynamic, [who’s] your leader, [who’s] the face of your franchise, it’s a power play,” said Faulk, 40. However, Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback who briefly played for the Redskins, said Griffin deserved a seat on the bench. “RGIII needed a little humble
/Courtesy Photo
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pie. We all know what’s happening behind the curtain. Some of his teammates say he’s gotten a little bit besides himself [because of] his fame,” said Sanders, 46. “He may have needed a little humble pie. All of us, in some form or fashion during our careers, [are] humbled at some point. Either, it comes early or it comes late. He’s getting his now, and I’m sure he’s going to bounce back.” Irvin, the former Dallas Cowboy great, said Shanahan has presented the biggest problem in Washington this season. “It is amazing to me. And here’s something nobody is talking about: This is the third person that Mike Shanahan has had an issue with that was a star player with the Washington Redskins,” said Irvin, 47. “I understand, coaches come in and they want to grab control, and they usually go after a star player to get control,” he said. “You think they could do this to Andrew Luck? Let me ask you that, you think they could do this to Luck?” Despite the team’s 3-11 start and the controversial benching of Griffin, Shanahan disputed the notion that he’s trying to get fired. “Unless you’re really in the situation, it’s really hard to jump into somebody’s shoes,” he said. “And, everybody has opinions on everything, especially when you get paid to give your opinions. But, when you’re here and you’re the coach, you’re going to do the best thing that you believe, with all the facts involved … for the organization. And, sometimes you don’t know all the things that we’re evaluating,” Shanahan said. The decision as to whether Shanahan loses his job rests squarely on the shoulders of Snyder, 48, who must consider whether eating $7 million is worth ridding the team of its head coach. Some NFL insiders suspect that Snyder might be waiting the situation out with hopes that Shanahan resigns, therefore taking the owner off the hook for the remaining dollars on the coach’s contract. Snyder has yet to publicly comment on the situation and Griffin refuses to engage in a media war with his coach. “The coach is doing what’s best for the team,” Griffin said. “We all want to win.”wi
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sports
Los Angeles Clippers Defeat Washington Wizards 113-97
Los Angeles forward Blake Griffin dunks and scores two of his 16 points on Saturday, Dec.14 at the Verizon Center in Northwest. The Clippers defeated the Wizards 113-97. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
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Sports Photos by John De Freitas
at:
UDC Firebirds Defeat the Mercy College Mavericks 98-44
UDC forward Denikka Brent challenges Mercy College guard Maggie Salomone as she heads toward the basket during Division II women’s college basketball action on Saturday, Dec.14 at the UDC gymnasium in Northwest. UDC defeated Mercy College 98-44. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
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UDC forward Tiara Goode shoots over Mercy College guard Maria Nardulli to score two points during Division II women’s basketball action on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the UDC gymnasium in Northwest. UDC defeated Mercy College 98-44. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
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December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
37
The Religion Corner
religion
Do All You Can, While You Can! Based on scientific accounts, the earth formed more than 600 million years ago. We can’t even begin to imagine how many human beings have walked the face of the earth since the days of Adam and Eve. When we look at the short life span we can expect, we’re really only a mist, just like the Bible says. We’re here today and gone tomorrow. Let’s do all we can, for as long as we can, while we can. Never quit looking for a way to get where you need to go; do all you can. In this column I will share the four important keys that we should consider in order to have a successful life. They are philosophy; attitude; activity; results. Philosophy is defined as ‘how you think,’ and ‘what you think about and why.’ Our philosophy begins the day we’re born. The baby food we’re fed, whether it taste good or not; the care you receive as a child; how you are spoken to; what you hear others saying to each other; you learn pain and you learn hunger quickly. Then, you can continue to learn new influences by reading daily and going to school or college, and taking courses. We are all governed by what we think, and that determines just how much we will or will not do. Some people believe they’re not entitled to any more than they have. They were raised and taught that life isn’t fair, and unfortunately, ‘don’t expect good things to come their way.’ They were never taught that ‘if it is to be, it’s up to me’ a quote
made famous by the late Dr. Calvin W. Rolark. You came this way for a purpose. Are you living up to the expectations that our Heavenly Father had in mind for you? I’m here to remind you to ‘do all you can, while you can.’ The next important key we must recognize is attitude: How we feel. Our feelings govern our attitude. We allow our past to overwhelm us rather than stay focused on the future. What has happened already is over and cannot be changed. We can learn from the past though. Take the good, leave the bad and keep looking forward. We must stay focused on our future. It’s easy when we know what price we must pay in order to obtain the promise of a better future. We lose hope when we fail to see the promise for a better future. Then we waste valuable time by doing nothing. Finally, we need activity. Activity is what we do on a daily basis. Let’s use the story of the ants as an example. Ants can’t wait to get out, the first warm day they come out in droves. How much will ants gather during the summer to prepare for the winter? All they can. Ants never quit. They’re looking for a way to get where they’re going. Ants think ‘winter’ all summer long. Ants go over barriers, around them, and they go under them. When the weather becomes too cold, back inside they go. But ants can hardly wait for another warm day! They get back to work. Have you ever given any thought to the growth of a tree?
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How tall will a tree grow? It will grow as tall as it can; it will spread its roots as far as they will go; it will grow as many leaves as it can. Why would human beings stop growing? It’s because we were born with the power of choice. Results, our final principle, and that’s made possible by ‘doing.’ Do you think that you should work from 9-5 and that’s all? Do you watch the clock and refuse to work another minute longer? Do all you can, while you can! wi Lyndia Grant is an author, inspirational and motivational speaker, radio talk show host and columnist; visit her new website at www.lyndiagrant.com and, call 202-518-3192. Tune in Fridays at 6 p.m., to the radio talk show, 1340 AM, WYCB, a Radio One Station.
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religion BAPTIST
african methodist episcopal
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Reverend Lyndon Shakespeare Interim Priest Foggy Bottom • Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW • Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 • Fax : 202-338-4958 Worship Services 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.
Blessed Word of Life Church Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors 4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax Schedule of Services: Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service – 11:00 AM Communion Service – First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study – Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org e-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Campbell AME Church Reverend Daryl K. Kearney, Pastor 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., S E Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email:Campbell@mycame.org Sunday Worship Service 10: am Sunday Church School 8: 45 am Bible Study Wednesday 12:00 Noon Wednesday 7:00 pm Thursday 7: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE Washington, DC 20020
Mt. Zion Baptist Church Rev. John W. Davis, Pastor 5101 14th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 202-726-2220/ 202-726-9089 Sunday Worship Service 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7;00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm gsccm.administration@verizon.net
Pilgrim Baptist Church
700 I. Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20002 Pastor Louis B. Jones, II and Pilgrim invite you to join us during our July and August Summer schedule! Attire is Christian casual. Worship: Sundays@ 7:30 A.M. & 10:00 A.M. 3rd Sunday Holy Communion/Baptism/Consecration Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @12:00 Noon @ 6:30 P.M. – One Hour of Power! (202) 547-8849 www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ Drs. Dennis W. and Christine Y. Wiley, Pastors 3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax) SERVICES AND TIMES: SUNDAYS: 10:00 am AM Worship Services BIBLE STUDY: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org
Twelfth Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340
Church of Living Waters
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew, Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Schedule of Service Sunday Service: 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org
St. Stephen Baptist Church Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Bishop 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Sunday Early Morning Worship - 7:45 a.m. Church School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship – 10:45 a.m. Tuesday – Thursday - Kingdom Building Bible Institute – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Prayer/Praise/Bible Study – 7:30 p.m. Baptism & Communion Service- 4th Sunday – 10:30am Radio Broadcast WYCB -1340 AM-Sunday -6:00pm T.V. Broadcast - Channel 190 – Sunday -4:00pm/Tuesday 7:00am
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org e-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., • Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE • Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 • www.acamec.org 2008: The Year of New Beginnings “Expect the Extraordinary”
Crusader Baptist Church
Sunday Morning Worship 11:00am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday Sunday School-9:45am Men’s Monday Bible Study – 7:00pm Wednesday Night Bible Study – 7:00pm Women’s Ministry Bible Study 3rd Friday -7:00pm Computer Classes- Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org
“The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
“God is Love”
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202.347.5889 office 202.638.1803 fax Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30 p.m. “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org
Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews • Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 Fax: (202) 526-1661
Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan, Pastor 800 I Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 Fax No. 202-548-0703
Sunday Worship Services: 8:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. Sunday Church School - 9:15a.m. & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30a.m. 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study - 10:00a.m. Tuesday Topical Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Children’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Thursday Men’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service - 6:30p.m. Saturday Adult Bible Study - 10:00a.m.
Third Street Church of God
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church
Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:20 a.m. Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax Sunday Worship Service: 8 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org emailus@gmchc.org
ST Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Dr. Raymond T. Matthews, Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews Sunday School 9:am Worship Service 10:am Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service 6:45 pm Thur. Bible Study 7:15 pm
We are proud to provide the trophies for the Washington Informer Spelling Bee
Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor Service and Times Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Communion every Sunday 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Bible Study Tuesday 12Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Motto; “Discover Something Wonderful.” Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
52 Years of Expert Engraving Services
Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Sunday Church School : 9: 30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10: 45am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10: 45am themcbc.org
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The Washington Informer
December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
39
religion religion Baptist
Advertise Your Church services here: call Ron Burke at
202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com Zion Baptist Church
All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. • Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591
Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards
“Where Jesus is the King”
Israel Baptist Church
4850 Blagdon Ave, NW • Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 • Fax (202) 291-3773
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288
Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Study: Monday - 7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting: Thursday - 7:00 p.m.
2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Sunday School – 9:30 am Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 am Baptismal Service – 1st Sunday – 9:30 am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday – 11:00 am Prayer Meeting & Bible Study – Wednesday -7:30 pm
Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor
St. Luke Baptist Church
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor
Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration
Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor
Sunday Worship Service 10:15AM- Praise and Worship Services Sunday School 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.
Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton, Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 Fax: 202-544-2964 Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 am and 10:45 am Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 am and 10:45 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon and 6:30 pm Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 pm Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 pm
Advertise Your Church services here: call Ron Burke at
202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com
Advertise Your Church services here: call Ron Burke at
202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor 1105 New Jersey Ave, S.E • Washington, DC 20003 202 488-7298 Order of Services Sunday Worship Services: 9:05 A.M. Sunday School: 8:00 A.M. Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer Meeting: 7:00 P.M. (Tuesday) Bible Study: 7:30 P.M. (Tuesday) Theme: “Striving to be more like Jesus “Stewardship”. Philippians 3:12-14; Malachi 3:8-10 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 Email: stmatthewbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.com
Rehoboth Baptist Church
Salem Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor 2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family” Sunday Worship 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Florida Avenue Baptist Church Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert SR. Pastor
623 Florida Ave.. NW • WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 • Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 • Fax (202) 483-4009
4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184
Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m. Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
9:30AM. Sunday Church School 11:00 Am. Sunday Worship Service The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Wednesday 7:00pm Prayer & Praise Services 7:30pm. Bible Study Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries 10:30am A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms, Pastor
2616 MLK Ave., SE • Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 • Fax 202-678-3304
Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 P.M Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 P.M Prayer/Seeking Wednesday at 8:00 P.M. Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42
New Commandment Baptist Church Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560 Services: Sunday Worship 11 AM Sunday School 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study - Wed. 7 PM “A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Shiloh Baptist Church
Early Worship Service 7:30a.m Worship Service 10:45a.m. New Members Class 9:30a.m. Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School 9:30a.m. Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m. Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
Peace Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Sunday Morning Worship Service 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:50am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm “The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address pbcexec@verizon.net
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Rev. R. Vincent Palmer Pastor
Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Reginald M. Green, Sr., Interim Pastor
621 Alabama Avenue, S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 F: (202) 561-1112
917 N St. NW • Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-4294
9th & P Street, N.W. • W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4200
602 N Street NW • Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595
The Church Where GOD Is Working.... And We Are Working With GOD
Sunrise Prayer Services - Sunday 7:00 a.m.
Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m. Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m. Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.
Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m Church School : 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:55 a.m. Bible Study, Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting,Thursday : 7:30 p.m.
Sunday Service: 10 am Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 am 1st Sunday Baptism: 10: am 2nd Sunday Holy Communion: 10 am Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting: 7:45 pm Motto: God First
40 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
The Washington Informer
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Sunday Worship Services: 7:45am & 11:00am Sunday school For All Ages 9:30am Prayer Services Wednesday 11:30am & 6:45pm Bible Institute Wednesday at Noon & 7:45pm “Changing Lives On Purpose “ Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org
Advertise Your Church services here: call Ron Burke at
202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Sunday Church School: 9:30 A.M. Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 P.M. Prayer Service Bible Study
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 Fax: (202) 529-7738 Order of Services Worship Service: 7:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Prayer Services: Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12 Noon Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.
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The Washington Informer
December 19, 2013 - December 25,12/4/13 20133:5241 PM
legal notices
legal notices
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
Foreign No. 2013 FEP 133
Administration No. 2013 ADM 1119
October 4 2011 Date of Death
Etta C. Vaughn Decedent
Walter Daughtry Name of Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Bernard M. Taylor whose address is 1622 Golfcourse Drive, Mitchellville, MD 20721 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Walter Daughtry, deceased, by the Register of Wills/Orphans’ Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on July 26, 2013. Service of process may be made upon Frederick Walker, 5506 Central Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20019 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: 2218 R St., SE, Washington, DC 20020 Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, Building A, 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: December 5, 2013
Janice M. Williams, whose address is 5711 Birchview Place, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Etta C. Vaughn, who died on March 16, 2012 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 5, 2014. 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, 2014, 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.
CLASSIFIEDS SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2013 ADM 1238 Kathryn Ruth Tinker Reinhard Decedent Dennis A. Baird, Esq. 1323 Fenwick Lane Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Karen DeDomenico, whose address is 1 Bowling Lane, West Port CT 06880, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kathryn Ruth Tinker Reinhard, who died on May 23, 2011 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 June 19, 2014. 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 19, 2014, 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, 2013
Date of first publication: December 19, 2013
Janice M. Williams Personal Representative
Karen DeDomenico Personal Representative
Bernard M. Taylor Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2013 ADM 1219 Charles B. Rogers Decedent Johnny M. Howard, Houston & Howard 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Gratitude Thank you Noble Drew Ali; The Egyptian Adept; Sharif Abdul Ali; Founder of the MST of A – 100 years (1913 – 2013) Your lessons have been a blessing for those who have eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to sympathize. A true blessing to those who love Allah and the spirit of their forefathers and declare themselves Moslem under The Divine Laws of the Holy Koran and Mecca. The Great Meeting is on!!!!!!!! Islamism is the practice of Islam!!!!!! This is the uniting of Asia!!!!!!!!!! One God – One Aim – One Destiny!!!!! (Marcus Garvey) Thanks again to our sincere and trustworthy advisor – Noble Drew Ali Bro. H. Benson-EL Seik As Salaam ‘Alaikum
42 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
Towanna A, Brown, whose address is 4408 19th Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles B. Rogers, who died on November 1, 2013 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 June 19, 2014. 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 19, 2014, 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 19, 2013 Towanna A. Brown Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
The Washington Informer
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fletcher continued from Page 25 Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, Ecuador and Central America. These are efforts to watch carefully, and where possible, support. These groups are calling attention to the manner in which White supremacy developed over time in Latin America and the lasting impact on Afro-descendants and the indigenous. In Colombia political dissent is punished quickly and brutal-
curry continued from Page 25 an article under the headline, “Communist icon Nelson Mandela Dead a 75.” In his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela made it clear that he accepted help from wherever he could get it at the time. And while the United States steadfastly supported the White minority-controlled South Africa, others –including PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat, Cuban President Fidel Castro and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi – stood with Mandela. When Ted Koppel tried to get Mandela to denounce those unpopular figures during an interview, he refused, saying he supported people who supported South Africa’s Black majority. Instead of supporting majority rule in South Africa, President Ronald Regan said in 1981 that as long as White South African leaders were making a “sincere and honest” effort to bring about racial progress, the United States should not be critical. He asked, rhetorically: “Can we abandon a country that has stood by us in every war we have ever fought,
clingman continued from Page 25 they built their own convention center (Compro Event Center) in which to hold annual events and training, and they rent space to other local and national groups for their conferences and events, thus, creating jobs and business opportunities in the Beaumont community. Compro Tax, founded by Mr. Jackie Mayfield, is well ahead of the consciousness curve and has set a great example for other Black businesses to follow; but more importantly, it has built a viable, sustainable, and needs-based business, one that millions of people can use throughout the year, not just during tax filing time. It doesn’t open a storefront in your neighborhood in December and close down in April. It is always there, and its offices are committed to and engaged in their respective communities. In keeping with my theme of economic empowerment, this is
ly. Trade unionists are killed in record numbers, and so, too, are Afro-Colombian and indigenous leaders. The U.S. government likes to pretend that the Colombian government is taking steps to address these crimes, but what is closer to reality is that the Colombian government has a very effective public relations campaign underway. I would join with others in suggesting that the covers must be ripped away from this farce so that we are all made aware of the
utter brutality of the Colombian system. We must also be aware of those who have had the courage to stand tall in the face of such repression in the name of human rights and social justice.wi Bill Fletcher, Jr. is a Senior Scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies, the immediate past president of TransAfrica Forum, and the author of “They’re Bankrupting Us” – And Twenty Other Myths about Unions. Follow him on Facebook and www. billfletcherjr.com.
a country that is strategically essential to the free world in its production of minerals that we all must have?” Describing Mandela as a communist – and using that as an excuse to support minority rule – was a red herring. The United States has supported communist and socialist leaders of other countries – as long as they were perceived as serving the interests of the U.S. Mandela noted our country’s hypocrisy. “American conservatives of the era recognized the brutal repression of black South Africans by the whites, but ultimately determined that ending that system was less important that preserving South Africa as an ally in the Cold War,” Media Matters stated. “They pointed to Mandela’s ties to South Africa’s Communist Party and his history of violent activism and warned of dire results if he were freed and the apartheid government overthrown. (In his statement at the opening of the 1964 trial that ended in his imprisonment, Mandela explained that his African National Congress worked with communists toward the common goal of ‘the removal of white suprem-
acy.’ He compared this to the United States and Great Britain allying with the Soviet Union during World War II).” Former Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum even tried to equate Republicans’ opposition to the Affordable Care Act to Mandela’s struggle in South Africa. Appearing Dec. 5 on The O’Reilly Factor, Santorum said, Mandela “was fighting against some great injustice, and I would make the argument that we have a great injustice going on right now in this country with an ever-increasing size of government that is taking over and controlling people’s lives, and Obamacare is front and center in that.” Some politicians have no shame. wi George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www. georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook.
about Black business in general, not just one individual business. This is about doing what every other group in this country does in a “competently unconscious” way. They support one another and grow their businesses to the point of being able to provide jobs for their own children. What many of us do is simply get mad and complain about them instead of doing what they are doing. The more we pass our dollars around to one another, the more empowered we become and the stronger we will be, even to the point of building and maintaining a solid unshakeable economic foundation for our young people. We will also provide them with the proper examples of what they, in turn, should do. So, while this is not entirely about Compro Tax, I do encourage you to seek them out, as well as other Black-owned tax preparation firms in your city. You will develop relationships with some great people, and you will be exposed to an
opportunity to open your own tax preparation business. Taxes comprise a recession-proof industry, as you well know, because no matter what the economy does, the tax man will cometh; and your tax dollars, preparation fees and refunds, will goeth to someone. Make every effort to make them goeth to a Black business. (Note: Ironically, while writing this I received a call from a White friend of mine asking for the number of “that tax firm you told me about.” It was Compro Tax in Cincinnati, Robin Lewis, Owner. I encourage everyone to use Blackowned businesses; their success is America’s success.)wi Jim Clingman, founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce, is the nation’s most prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati and can be reached through his Web site, blackonomics. com.
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Trade Agreement with Colombia that makes all business activity duty and tariff free. Things will never be the same. Last week, we heard Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos give a very encouraging speech at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. We also found opportunities in the Dominican Republic which is part of the CAFTA-DR free trade agreement. The United States has a sizeable network of Dominican American owned grocery stores, especially along our East Coast. It makes perfect sense to provide value added processes to the Agri-Business products of Dominican farms and ship them to the Dominican American stores for consumption mainly from Dominican Americans. For example, there is a desirable cheese product in the Dominican Republic that just needs to have approved wrapping for importation to the United States. The entrepreneur who satisfies that need will be making a size-
able amount of profit. Madam Yahaira Sosa Machado, Vice Minister of Exterior Commerce, gave a very thorough presentation to our conference participants and we will be following up with her in a major way. Our members in Surinam, South America were present and gave an impressive proposal. They have ownership of 21,000 square acres of land that is farmable and possesses gold and other minerals. They have the land and we have the expertise. They propose a formal partnership. Our office has made two trips to the nation already. We will begin implementation of a strategic plan beginning in May, 2014. Our 22nd Annual Conference for the National Black Chamber of Commerce will be held in downtown Chicago during the week of July 10 – 14, 2014. That will give us an opportunity to report on the progress of the above and to further gather more resources in our worldwide endeavors. We expect this to be our largest event ever. Stay tuned for details. The remainder of 2014 will involve two other major venues.
Comments? Opinions? Email us at: malveaux continued from Page 26
MUHAMMAD continued from Page 26 by more and more entrepreneurship. So the millions of unemployed persons will form millions of “LLCs” – limited liability corporations. Every neighborhood then would support its own version of “Punkin’s Snow Removal and Lawn Maintenance Co.” or some such other effort, you dig? After these “businessmen and women” finish their part-time jobs at their community fast-food franchises or big-box stores, then they would spend the rest of their idle time managing their own companies, selling their new clothing designs or plying their trades. Why not? But Scott’s most compelling conversation has to do with his improbable role attracting other minority group members into his majority White political party replete with rhetoric which sounds on its face to be, well … anti-Black. He’s not so much concerned
about attracting more Black people into the Republican fold, as he is about just attracting people at large. He’s not so worried about winning a statewide contest where only one-third of the potential voters are Black, because his Congressional seat had a minority of “minority” voters, as did his state senate district before that, as did his seat on the Charleston, S.C. County Council before that. If Republicans are able to attract more people at large into their ranks, he argues, and then the numbers of Blacks will take care of themselves. There you have it, and not one word of rabid, anti-Black rhetoric has been uttered by anyone in the process. Wow, it’s easy to be a Black Tea Party sympathizer. It’s a wonder that there aren’t a dozen or more other Black arch-conservative lawmakers like Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina in national office.wi
46 December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
Ideas?
We have established a “beach head” in Senegal. A formal Trade Mission will be planned for this nation shortly. It will have a focus on the Fashion Industry but not exclusive from general trade and infrastructure. The other venue will be Havana, Cuba. Yes, we are going back at last. Currently, we are screening licensed travel agents and will decide on an exact date within the next 30 days. Cuba is allowing small business activity and land ownership now and that makes the timing just great. All national business organizations, including us, want the doors to Cuba to open wide. The timing is right and capitalism is going to win in the end. As you can see, our 2014 is going to be our most productive year ever. To God be the glory!wi Harry C. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.
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Free South Africa Movement wasn’t a Black movement, or a White one; it was a movement for justice. The Free South Africa Movement, in Washington, D.C. and around the United States, had an uncommonly positive energy, even in the cynical Reagan era. Nelson Mandela was freed from prison in 2000, went on to be elected president of South African, to dismantle apartheid, and to begin the social and economic transition of South Africa. The rest of the story is history. When people speak of Mandela they will inevitably speak of his spirit of forgiveness, of the fact that even after having been unjustly jailed for 27 years, he was committed to reconciliation in South Africa. Nelson Mandela projected a humble and forgiving spirit. His appearance of gentility was reassuring to many who expected someone formerly described as a “terrorist” to have The Washington Informer
little tolerance for the status quo. Still, a spirit of forgiveness is not a spirit that accepts social and economic inequality. President Mandela’s gentle spirit was a forgiving one, but not a forgetful one. As president, he managed to juggle competing constituencies, but he never retreated from his demand that justice be served. It is not clear when the economic gap in South Africa will be closed, or even narrowed. In many ways, Black South Africans control the political sphere, while the white business establishments control the money, just as is the case in several cities in the U.S. South. People speak of Mandela’s “forgiveness” much as they speak of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “dream.” Can forgiveness be poured from a can of tinned milk to comfort the hungry child in the shanty? Is forgiveness a simple rhetorical term for those South Africans who are moving’ on up, and a broken promise for those who remain down here on the
ground? Nelson Mandela left us much to celebrate, and also much to ponder. Where does the movement for freedom and justice go from here, both in South Africa and in the rest of the world? Which young people have ideas innovative enough to get us past freedom to equality of opportunity? How does one ameliorate an imposed inequality from the decades-old system of apartheid, and is there a desire to do so? And two decades ago, the idealists sang, marched, and chanted – “South Africa will be free. South Africa will be free. Will be free, South Africa.” Ache’ Madiba. Thank you for your ferocious forgiveness and for your persistent perusal of justice.wi Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.
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December 19, 2013 - December 25, 2013
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