The Washington Informer - February 9, 2023

32 Friendship Celebrates 25 Years

ANC Commissioners Demand More of an Expanding Office

Sam P.K. Collins and Kayla Benjamin WI Staff Writer & WI Climate and Environment Reporter

In her third term as an advisory neighborhood commissioner, Tiffani Nichole Johnson has her sights set on continuing to advocate for traffic safety measures that make walking, biking and driving in her community safer.

Johnson said embarking on this endeavor over the last four years has required repeatedly emailing the D.C. Department of Transportation and submitting testimony to the D.C.

Council, some of which she felt were ignored.

Johnson, a D.C. government employee and single mother of one, currently represents more than 2,000 residents in Manor Park in Northwest.

Like many of her counterparts across the District, she often invests time and, in many cases her own money, to spread information to her constituents, organize them around community-specific issues, and relay their concerns to D.C. council members and city agencies.

For Johnson, being an ANC commissioner has been a cumbersome, yet rewarding experience that has the po-

ANC Page 48

Super Bowl Features Strong African American Representation

Edward Hill Jr. WI Contributing Writer

Much of the talk surrounding the upcoming Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12 has centered around the historicity of the moment-- two Black quarterbacks will lead their teams: Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs— and one of the two will be victorious. While there have been other Black history moments of note in the NFL, such as when Tony Dungy was the first Black head coach to win a Super Bowl and two years ago when the league assigned an all-Black officiating crew for the first time in history, Hurts and Mahomes meeting centerfield is a moment to watch for NFL fans and the world. As the players work hard towards a good-game,before and on Super Bowl Sunday, several African Americans will play a big role in contributing to the main event.

Two of the game officials are African American: Umpire Roy Ellison (Savannah State), a long-time veteran, SUPER BOWL Page 42

(top

(left)

Biden Renews Calls for Police Accountability During SOTU Address

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

With the parents of Tyre Nichols in attendance for the State of the Union address, President Joe Biden renewed the call for police accountability and the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

The legislation bans chokeholds and no-knock warrants in certain cases, mandates data collection on police encounters and alters qualified immunity for law

SOTU Page 48

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

36 “Jalen Hurts (left) of the Philadelphia Eagles and Patrick Mahomes (bottom) of the Kansas City Chiefs will face off at the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, the first time in history where two starting quarterbacks will go against one another during football’s biggest day. (Courtesy Photos)

(top left)Tiffani Nichole Johnson, commissioner of ANC 4B06 (Courtesy Photo)

(above) Erin Palmer, commissioner of ANC 4B02 (Courtesy Photo)

right) Anthony Lorenzo Green, commissioner of ANC 7C04 (Courtesy Photo)

Amanda Beale, commissioner of ANC 8C08 (Courtesy Photo)

(right) The Rev. Wendy Hamilton, commissioner of ANC 8D06 (Courtesy

5President Biden delivers his second State of the Union appealing to Republicans to work with him. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

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Family of Double Amputee Killed by Police Pursuing Lawsuit

The family of a double amputee shot and killed by police officers on Jan. 26 has taken the necessary preliminary steps to file a lawsuit against a Southern California city.

NBC News reported that the lawyer for Anthony Lowe’s family, Christian Contreras, has asked the city to show all surveillance footage of the incident and name the police officers involved.

Contreras called the incident a “straight murder.”

“A disabled man, double amputee, murdered by the police department officers, and we’re here making demands. We’re not making requests. We’re making demands,” Contreras said at a news conference on Feb. 2.

Viral video of the incident has angered many on social media, particularly given the January murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five police officers in Tennessee.

Police claimed Lowe, a Black man who lost his legs in 2022 and was without prosthetics, stabbed a 46-year-old man before they stunned Lowe and shot him to death.

Social media posts show grainy footage from a cellphone that shows Lowe, whose legs were amputated at the knees, fleeing his wheelchair and climbing along the pavement while being pursued by officers with their guns drawn.

In an interview, Ebonique Simon, mother of Lowe’s 15-year-old son, argued that her son’s father did not constitute a substantial threat and police should not have fired any shots.

“I just feel like they could have done something else,” Simon argued.

“You can tell he was in fear for his life. He had no legs. It could have been handled any other way.”

Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com.

President Biden Unveils Massive Rail Project, and ‘Good Jobs,’ in Baltimore

During a trip to Baltimore on Monday, Jan. 30, President Joe Biden announced plans to replace the 150-year-old Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel, which is a major component of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

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The White House stated that the project would address the Northeast Corridor’s largest rail bottleneck between Washington, D.C., and New Jersey, as well as create “good-paying union jobs,” improve reliability, reduce commuting times, and improve safety and resilience.

The program is expected to create 30,000 jobs, including 20,000 direct construction jobs, the majority of which do not require a college degree.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Act in-

vests $66 billion in passenger rail, the largest investment in passenger rail since Amtrak’s inception.

Amtrak has also agreed to invest more than $50 million in local workforce development and community investments, including apprenticeship programs, to ensure that West Baltimore residents have access to those jobs.

Furthermore, the White House announced that Maryland and Amtrak have signed a project kickoff agreement, which includes a $450 million commitment from the state’s transportation agency for the tunnel replacement project.

It also includes a project labor agreement signed by Amtrak and the Baltimore-DC Building and Construction Trades Council, a local affiliate of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU).

This is expected to cover the first phase of the project, ensuring that good-paying union jobs are created.

Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com.

OSSE Expands High-Impact Tutoring Program

State Superintendent Christina Grant, District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Lewis Ferebee and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) recently converged on Cardozo Education Campus to announce the expansion of a citywide high-impact tutoring program designed to accelerate student learning.

Since DCPS fully transitioned to in-person learning last year, nearly 4,000 students at nearly 60 schools have participated in a high-impact tutoring program. The infusion of $7 million will pave the way for 3,600 more young people to receive these services that have been credited with curbing COVID-related learning loss. .

In total, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) plans to spend $39 million in recovery funds and money from the Every Student Succeeds Act to engage 10,000 students within the next few months. During the Feb. 2 announcement, Grant said all District schools will have high-impact tutoring.

Upon students’ return from virtual learning, District officials have set their sights on learning recovery.

This funding cycle will allow nine providers to offer

small group math and literacy tutoring under the supervision of an on-site coordinator. While some schools will receive providers, others will experience the expansion of already-existing services.

Partners of note include: George Washington University, American University, Horton’s Kids, Math Matters, City Tutor DC.

High-impact tutoring takes place throughout the school day, after school hours, weekends and during the summer, with all students qualifying for participation. Ferebee said tutors have received training that aligns with the Science of Reading curriculum, through which students engage material relevant to their stage of development.

“This is something we’re applying across the District to accelerate learning,” Ferebee said. WI

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

Tipped Workers Continue to Lament Delay in Raise

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Weeks after the D.C. Council unanimously voted to delay raising the tipped minimum wage, Chris Huggins said he continues to feel the effects of an economic downturn that’s making many of his customers think twice about eating out and bar hopping.

Huggins, a manager at a bar and vocal supporter of Initiative 82, said he currently works almost every day and more than 60 hours per week, to pay bills and meet his basic needs. Because of fluctuations in his tips, Huggins often walks or takes the bus to get to work in between paychecks.

He has also given up any semblance of a social life.

While Huggins, in his eighth year as a bartender, doesn’t see himself leaving the service industry anytime soon, he said policy decisions and misconceptions about how raising the tipped minimum wage would affect businesses has worsened matters for him and his colleagues.

“Now it’s just me being stricter on a budget and giving up certain things, which is unfair because I want to work in the service industry,” Huggins said.

“Most people say that businesses won’t be able to afford a raised minimum wage and people won't tip anymore. I don’t believe that,” Huggins added. “It’s part of our culture. It’s one of those things I don’t see disappearing in a blink of an eye.”

On Jan. 17, the D.C. Council unanimously approved an emergency amendment that D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At large) introduced to delay Initiative 82’s implementation.

Last year, nearly 3 out of 4 voters approved Initiative 82, also known as the District of Columbia Tip Credit Elimination Act. Years prior, the D.C. Council repealed Initiative 77, a nearly identical ballot measure that voters approved by a 12-point margin.

Had Initiative 82 been taken effect in January, the tipped minimum wage would’ve gone from $5.35 to $6 per hour.

In July, it’s scheduled to increase once again, reaching $8 per hour. By 2027, the raised tipped minimum

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5 Councilmember Anita Bonds introduced a bill delaying the implementation of Initiative 82. (WI File Photo)

wage would reach $16,10 per hour, on par with the standard wage.

In explaining why she pushed for Initiative 82’s delay, Bonds, chairwoman of the council’s Committee on Executive Administration & Labor, said she wanted to ensure that the ballot measure passed through the congressional review period, which she estimated ending in late April.

Bonds also cited the need for D.C. Department of Employment Services to prepare for the increase.

However, Initiative 82 proponents cited the Legislative Information Management System in designating March 8 as the end of the 30-day congressional period.

When asked about her calculation of congressional review period, Bonds told The Informer that her office had questions about whether the 30-day congressional review period included only business days, or business days and weekends.

She said a conversation between her office and that of D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) revealed that congressional leaders often alternated on the route they followed. Ultimately, as what she described as a safety measure, Bonds marked late April as the end of the 30 days .

"We operated on what would be the absolute last day. We wanted to make sure we didn't get any misinformation," Bonds said.

Bonds’ explanation about the con-

gressional review period hasn’t sufficed for some people, like Nikolas Schiller of Build Better Restaurants DC. Schiller has gone as far to accuse Bonds of acting on behalf of restaurant industry titans who oppose raising the tipped minimum wage.

For nearly two years, Build Better Restaurants DC went toe to toe with the National Restaurant Association, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and local restaurant groups over Initiative 82.

Last year, after organizers unsuccessfully attempted to get Initiative 82 placed on the primary ballot, they submitted signatures to get Initiative 82 on the general election ballot. Restaurant groups then initiated a lengthy court battle .

After D.C. Superior Court, and later the Court of Appeals, dismissed the complaint, Build Better Restaurants DC spent the last two months of the election season campaigning.

Now Schiller said that battle continues against a force that leverages power to the detriment of the workers who keep restaurants running.

“It seems like [all the council members] were all lied to or had visits by the restaurant industry,” Schiller said.

Councilmember Bonds really cared about tipped workers, she could’ve sped up the payments. Delays only help the restaurant industry.” WI @SamPKColliins

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AROUND THE REGION

facts

FEB 9-15, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

prison after serving 27 years.

FEB. 12

1909 – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, is founded after race riots in Springfield, Illinois.

1926 – Historian Carter G. Woodson founds Negro History Week, the precursor to Black History Month.

1983 – Famed pianist Eubie Blake dies in Brooklyn, New York, at 96.

FEB. 13

1920 – Baseball player Andrew "Rube" Foster founds the Negro National League.

1923 – The New York Renaissance, an all-Black professional basketball team, is founded.

1970 – Joseph L. Searles III becomes the first Black floor member and floor broker in the New York Stock Exchange.

FEB. 14

1867 – Morehouse College is founded in Georgia.

1946 – Actor, singer and dancer Gregory Hines is born in New York City.

1965 – The New York home of civil rights activist Malcolm X is firebombed with him and his family inside.

FEB 9

1944 – Writer Alice Walker, author of "The Color Purple," is born in Putnam County, Georgia.

1965 – Martin Luther King Jr. meets with President Lyndon Johnson to discuss Black voting rights.

1971 – Pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige becomes the first Negro League veteran to be nominated for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

1995 – Bernard Harris becomes the first Black astronaut to walk in space.

FEB. 10

1927 – World renowned opera singer Leontyne Price is born in Laurel, Mississippi.

1939 – Singer Roberta Flack is born in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

1992 – Author Alex Haley of "Roots" dies in Seattle of a heart attack at 70.

FEB. 11

1920 – U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general, is born in Pensacola, Florida.

1977 – Clifford Alexander Jr. is confirmed as the first Black Secretary of the U.S. Army.

1990 – Human rights activist Nelson Mandela is released from a South African

FEB. 15

1965 – Famed singer Nat King Cole dies in Santa Monica, California, of lung cancer at 45.

1968 – Henry Lewis becomes the first Black to head a major U.S. symphony orchestra when he takes over the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. WI

NELSON MANDELA

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Just in time for Black History Month, Starr Andrews became the first Black woman to medal at the U.S. figure skating championships in over three decades! What are your thoughts?

AMY DAWSON / LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

I love figure skating. I’ve been watching for almost 30 years and have seen very little Blacks and even fewer Black Americans in the sport. Bravo!

SUSAN PORTER / JONESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

I stopped watching ice skating after Debbie Thomas stopped skating. It’s always nice to see someone that looks like you in a spot continuing to be an inspiration to other little girls and boys of color. I am 74 and so thrilled.

T. ALEXANDER / WASHINGTON, DC

Congratulations to her on her medals, hard work, and willingness to be a role model for other little girls. I am and will continue to pray for her strength and health.

JASMINE JAY / ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Congratulations! I’ve been watching her for years on YouTube.

ANN SABB / WASHINGTON, DC

Congrats to the young queen.

Horton’s Kids Moves to New Digs in Ward 8’s Fort Stanton

James Wright WI Staff Writer

Horton’s Kids, a nonprofit whose mission is to aid children with educational, physical and emotional support and services, has moved its headquarters to the Fort Stanton section of Ward 8 in Southeast.

The grand opening of the new facility, a renovated New United Baptist Church, occurred on Feb. 3 with 50 staffers, board members and stakeholders attending. Erica Ahdoot, the executive director of Horton’s Kids, said the nonprofit had intentionally bought the former church building as a sign that it will continue its mission to help people, especially those who are young and located primarily in neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River.

“We are honored that the leadership of New United Baptist Church chose to sell their former church to us so we could continue their legacy of serving this community,” Ahdoot, 48, said. “Given that the church has been a gathering place for residents in this area for decades, it is fitting that the building will now house wraparound support for young people and their families.”

The nonprofit is an outgrowth of a 1989 effort by Capitol Hill staffers to volunteer to improve the lives of young people residing

in Southeast, D.C.. According to data provided by the nonprofit, 4,200 volunteers have provided over 400,000 hours of service to more than 1,700 children, served nearly 200,000 meals, and distributed more than 15,000 books. The nonprofit has two other community resources centers located in Wellington Park and Stanton Oaks.

The facility cost $3.5 million to renovate and features 19,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space designed to let its patrons participate in the organization’s activities as well as relax. A state-ofthe-art media lab with studio quality sound recording equipment has been installed to let patrons’ experiment with music technology.

“This media lab has been a game changer,” said Rahaman Kilpatrick, 48, the nonprofit’s director of family engagement & advocacy. “It gives the young people a chance to do something they can enjoy. It beats the lure of the streets.”

Close to the media lab sits the Clover Room. Joh’nita Johnson, Horton’s Kids senior manager for college & career readiness, said the space allows patrons to unwind, play video games and engage in discussion groups.

“The kids told me this is what they wanted,” Johnson, 48, said. “They said they wanted a place with aesthetic vibes. We also wanted to make sure that this room

The new facility has space for partnering organizations, such as Preventive Measures, with its mission to provide mental health services to young people, and programming offered by In a Perfect World, led by Manuela Testolini.

“Young people have the capacity to change the world,” Testolini, 46, said. “This is our youth experience center. We offer them a Teen Ambassador program and mentoring and leadership workshops. We are giving young people a voice.”

Nana Rudolph Stewart III, who served as the pastor of the former New United Baptist Church, said Horton’s Kids will be a good facility for young people in the neighborhood.

“I like what they want to do,” Stewart said. “I am excited that our former church will become more of a community center. While I wish it had a strong spiritual aspect, I think it will do well here.”

Robert L. Jones lives across the street from the new facility. He said he moved to the neighborhood in 1975. Jones, 82, fully embraces the addition to his block.

“I have no complaints,” Jones said. “Things are not as bad as they used to be. The area is improving. Horton’s Kids will be a great asset to the community.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5 The new headquarters for Horton’s Kids, a nonprofit with the mission to aid children, is located in the Fort Stanton neighborhood in Ward 8. (Courtesy Photo, Horton’s Kids) didn’t feel so clinical. They are free to express themselves and to be comfortable.”

Three Climate Bills Introduced Last Week

Kayla Benjamin Climate & Environment Writer

When Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) introduced two climate-related bills just weeks before the end of the last council term, he said in an interview that he planned to reintroduce them early this year.

“Two new members of the Council are coming on board in January, and I have a hunch both of them want to put their names on [the bills] as well,” Allen said in November. “And then we'll be in a better position at the start of the new year to move towards a hearing and get these bills moving.”

The council member turned out to be right. Both pieces of legislation, which would install thousands of electric vehicle chargers in the District and funnel federal money toward aiding low-income families’ switch from gas appliances to electric ones, gained additional supporters when Allen re-introduced them last week. He also introduced a bill that offers rebates to promote the use of e-bikes instead of cars, despite having cosigned a similar (though slightly less generous) e-bike rebate bill led by council colleague Brooke Pinto (D- Ward 2) just a few weeks prior.

Allen also became chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment this year, making it easier for him to shepherd bills through the early stages of the legislative process. In addition to nudging the District closer to its ambitious emissions reductions goals, the bills could offer consumers some substantial cash toward kitchen appliances and transportation. Get up to speed quickly with the basics below.

CLEARING THE ROAD FOR MORE ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Bill name: “Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Access, Readiness, and Sustainability Amendment Act of 2023”

What’s the plan?

• Install 7,500 electric vehicle chargers in the District by 2027— about 30 times as many as the city has now

• Add at least four new chargers in each ward by 2024

• Give renters the right to install EV charging stations where they live, given reasonable requirements and safety restrictions by landlords

• Mandate vehicle charging options in developers’ parking plans

• Require government agencies to consider chargers in major streetscape projects

• Establish a grant to help residents, businesses and nonprofits pay for EV chargers

Who’s on board: All 13 councilmembers co-introduced the bill.

What’s the status: The legislation was reintroduced on Jan. 31, and officially referred to the Thought bubble: The District currently has about 250 EV charging stations across the city, but those locations are not distributed equitably. Wards 7, 8 and 5 have very few charging stations. This new bill directs DDOT to prioritize charging stations located in low- and moderate-income communities, though it doesn’t get more specific about what that would look like.

What to know right now: The D.C. Council isn’t the only institution working on increasing EV charging in the District. If you’re interested in having a public EV charger installed near your organization or business, the Greater Washington Clean Cities Coalition hosts an online form that can help you find out if the location may qualify for a free charging station through the Mid-Atlantic Electrification Partnership.

SUPPORTING SWAPS FROM GAS TO ELECTRIC APPLIANCES

Bill name: “Healthy Homes and Residential Electrification Amendment Act of 2023”

What’s the plan?

• Provide electric appliances to replace gas-burning stoves, water heaters, and heating units at no cost to 30,000 residents making less than $80,000

• Complete 30,000 retrofits by 2040

• Add a fee to building permits

that include fossil fuel-powered appliances

• Prohibit D.C. Housing Authority from installing new gas appliances in public housing

Who’s on board: Eight councilmembers— Allen, Pinto Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5), Vince Gray (D-Ward 7), Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Robert White (D-AtLarge), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), and Matthew Frumin (D-Ward 3).

What’s the status: The legislation was reintroduced on Feb. 2, and officially referred to the Committee on Transportation and the Environment Feb. 7. Thought bubble: Reducing the amount of gas has benefits for both the climate and for public health. Gas ovens and stoves in particular can release extremely high levels of

5 Electric vehicle charging station. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

CLIMATE Page 44

AROUND THE REGION

The Newsletter

Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick with university deans, hit the wall being demolished during renovation of the 109-year-old historic Myrtilla Miner Building on February 1st. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Maryland State Delegate Nick Charles reads the Washington Informer. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

– Carter G. Woodson

“Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better.”

The Informer Represents at the NNPA Conference in Puerto Rico Annual Gathering Focuses on Digital Innovation

Ra-Jah Kelly

Digital Strategist

The Washington Informer took center stage at the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

2023 Mid-Winter Training Conference when Managing Editor Micha Green and The Bridge Publisher Lafayette Barnes were featured on a panel on how to engage more generation-Z and millennials in the Black Press.

With the theme “Digital Innovation, Training and Engagement of the Black Press of America,” the NNPA gathering included workshops, panels and celebrations from Feb. 1- 4 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

During the millennial-filled panel on Friday, Feb. 2, Barnes brought the house down by displaying the “first AI

(artificial intelligence)--designed cover in the Black Press,” an announcement

that received roaring applause when showcasing the recent cover of the Washington Informer Bridge.

“This year’s NNPA Mid-Winter conference was inspiring in so many ways,” said Chelsea Lenora White, business manager and entertainment editor of the Houston Forward Times. White, as well as Reading With A Rapper founder Jarren Small, were also featured on the panel and shared helpful resources for engaging with the community through digital strategies and understanding value.

“It was an honor to contribute to Friday’s panel which was geared towards engaging gen-Z and millennials, and ultimately, increasing digital revenue through strategy and innovation,” White continued.

Read more on wibridgedc.com and washingtoninformer.com/wibridge.

WI

5 Micha Green, Lafayette Barnes, Chelsea Lenora White and Jarren Small at the 2023 NNPA Mid-Winter Conference. (Mark Mahoney, NNPA)

5 WI Managing Editor Micha Green speaks during the millennial panel at the 2023 NNPA Mid-Winter Conference. (Mark Mahoney, NNPA)

5 Houston Forward Times Business Manager and Entertainment Editor Chelsea Lenora White showcases a recent edition of the publication as Jarren Small describes the thinking behind the cover. (Mark Mahone, NNPA)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Potential Maryland Senate Candidates Prepare In Event of Vacancy

Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Rumors are circulating across Maryland political circles that U.S. Senator Ben Cardin is in his final term and will not seek re-election. He raised less than $30,000 in the last three months of 2022, and while he has over $1 million in his campaign account currently, political analysts and potential candidates are playing close attention to his next move.

In an interview, Cardin did not

indicate that he plans to retire and said “If they raise money now, they can turn it over to me, can’t they,” regarding potential candidates.

Some of the potential candidates are Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Maryland Congressmen Jamie Raskin (D) and David Trone (D).

Alsobrooks is the first Black woman to serve as the Prince George’s County Executive and, if elected, would be the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Maryland. Alsobrooks was

the youngest State’s Attorney ever elected in Prince George’s and won re-election last year with over 90% of the vote in the Democratic primary.

The barrier-breaking county executive was a vocal supporter of Governor Wes Moore, Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Attorney General Anthony Brown during their

competitive primary elections. She said in a WJLA interview that she would consider a run if the seat was open.

Raskin is most known for his role in the January 6th investigations and is comparable to Senator Elizabeth Warren for his legal background and advocacy. He currently represents a district consisting entirely of central

Food Truck Access Expanded in Prince George’s County

Richard Elliott

WI Contributing Reporter

DISTRICT24

Food trucks in Prince George’s County are no longer restricted to operating in dedicated hubs solely for their purpose, effective December 27, 2022,. Instead, food trucks may operate in certain areas who make an agreement with the food truck operator.

Bill sponsor Councilmember Jolene Ivey (D-District 5), who passed the bill during the County Council’s previous legislative session, was first able to allow municipal regulation of food trucks and remove some fees from food truck operation in 2019. The 2022 bill allows food trucks to operate in most parts of the County as long as they have permission and obey basic rules.

ARETHA

Ivey was inspired to make the changes after her experience organizing and promoting events for the county’s Parks and Recreation Department, where she found that adding food trucks to events was fun but challenging to do, as there were few places where food trucks could legally operate.

“It was especially difficult when I put on my last event, the first ‘Celebrate Africa! Festival’,” she said. “It was important to have food available from African countries, but I couldn’t find any food trucks willing to commit for the day for a new festival in a part of the DMV that didn’t have a track record of supporting food trucks.” She was able to get two trucks for that event and then went to the County Council to update the policy.

Previously, local food trucks were largely kept out by expensive and onerous burdens and forced to op-

erate in the few food truck hubs in the county. “Local food trucks often went to neighboring jurisdictions where it was easier and less expensive to operate,” she said. Ivey now hopes that food trucks can return, and help to provide gourmet and healthy food options across the county.

One of the main benefits touted for food trucks is that they are cheaper to own and operate than a brick and mortar restaurant, and many can eventually morph into one. The opportunity to sell different items on the menu and service customers at different locations across the day are unique opportunities that put food trucks at a competitive advantage relative to restaurants.

Greenbelt entrepreneur LaWann Stribbling says opening a food truck would allow her and other Black chefs and bakers to be on a quicker business path. Considering

the limited food truck hubs in the entire county, she applauded the policy change . Stribbling has been a proponent for years of expanding food trucks and cottage industries in the county, and can be seen during Greenbelt’s food truck nights.

Ivey recommends municipal food truck nights, as they present an opportunity for people to meet their neighbors, build community and get delicious food right where they live.

New Carrollton Mayor Pheleica Nembhard said that she would like to see soul food options brought to her town via food truck.

The Council member isn’t picking favorites and said she would sample any food truck owned by Prince Georgians if given the opportunity.

and southern Montgomery County and was recently given the top Democratic position on the Oversight Committee, a post previously held by Baltimore former Congressman Elijah Cummings , and would become the chair if and when Democrats retake the majority. Raskin is battling cancer currently and it is unknown if he is planning to seek the Senate seat.

Trone owns Total Wine and More, an alcohol retail business with over 240 stores and an annual profit upwards of $3 billion. Trone currently represents a district consisting of the Western Maryland panhandle, along with Frederick County and northern Montgomery County.

While Alsobrooks reported over $250,000 in her campaign account, that amount is designated for state and local races and only $2,800 can be transferred to a Senate account. Raskin has over $3 million in his campaign account currently, and Trone has self-financed his previous campaigns with tens of millions of dollars.

Both Alsobrooks and Trone have begun staffing up for a potential campaign, according to sources familiar with their planning.

When asked about the prospect of the race, U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Maryland) said, “We’ve got a deep bench in Maryland. There’s a lot of people who could, I think, be strong candidates.”

5 Sources close to Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) say she is gearing up for a Senate run.(WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

5 Senator Ben Cardin(WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

Mr. Bake Receives Congressional Citation for Excellence

Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

In Riverdale’s Le Fantome Food Hall and Bar, U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D- Maryland) awarded business owner Kareem Queeman, also known as “Mr. Bake,” a congressional citation.

Mr. Bake, both the name of his business and Queeman’s nickname, moved to Prince George’s County from New York and has been an award-winning chef for years. He is a semi-finalist for the 2023 James Beard Award, an honor bestowed upon highly-lauded chefs and restaurateurs.

“It's powerful to be recognized for the work that I've not only done in the community, but the work I've done on me to stand the path when some many times I wanted to give up,” Queeman said. “This shows me our industry is ready for change and I'm happy to be a part of that change.”

As both a Black man and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he is a proud representative of changes in the restaurant industry.

He has also been seen on numerous cooking shows, including in a pastry challenge competing with Bobby Flay in season 26, episode 10 of the “Nightmare Before Pastry.”

Congressman Ivey enjoyed a chocolate cupcake with sprinkles,

a delight, he said he purposely skipped breakfast for.

“This is exactly the kind of busi ness we want here. They’re striv ing, they’re successful, and are do ing good in our community,” Ivey said during the ceremony.

WHAT’S COOKING AT MR. BAKE?

Mr. Bake’s menu consists of rec ipes inspired by family and South ern nostalgic classics, including: red velvet cake, sweet potato cake and banana pudding. His aunt’s banana pudding recipe won him his first award. In addition, each month, Mr. Bake offers a variety of different cupcake flavors.

“I’m building out the menu so the world can see what we have,” Queeman said at a press confer ence held at his restaurant. The restaurant is also looking to add more pudding flavors, such as oreo and red velvet, along with adding assorted cookies and mini pies.

Queeman is not only focused on his business: he is also looking forward to teaching others how to bake and growing nonprofits in Prince George’s County.

He is ecstatic about future opportunities to grow local entrepreneurship– “turning survival mode to thriving mode,”-- as he put it.

While Riverdale has been Mr. Bake’s home location for the past six months, those with a sweettooth can also buy his red velvet cake and banana pudding at Georgia Brown’s in Washington, D.C. Queeman’s cake slices are available at The Scoop Ice Cream and his

award-winning sweet potato cake donuts are sold at a speakeasy located at 1600 T Street NW.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MR. BAKE?

The entrepreneur hopes to retail

his products at supermarkets and cafe shelves next.

“We also want to partner with more restaurants, cafés ad bars in the area,” said Vicki Holcomb, a a public relations executive who works with Mr. Bake. WI

5 Recently elected Congressman Glenn Ivey awarded Kareem Queeman, also known as “Mr. Bake,” with a congressional citation. (Anthony Tilghman/ Washington Informer )

WE NEED SOME R&R! NOT REST & RELAXATION, BUT RISK AND REGENERATION. PERHAPS EVEN RAGE & REPAIR.

Through three days of groundbreaking dance performances, inspiring keynote speeches, energizing movement workshops and intimate panel discussions, The Clarice’s BlackLight Summit aims to activate the unimagined possibilities in dance. It is a convening that envisions dance as a conduit to galvanize resilience and inventiveness.

EXPLORE & REGISTER

BUSINESS briefs

façade grant. The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development’s Nourish DC program also chipped in $50,000 for the new venue.

“The small business sector is imperative to the success of D.C.’s economy,” said Whitfield. “More than ever, we must meet business owners where they are and continue providing resources and tools to help them succeed.”

McDuffie, who chairs the Committee on Business and Economic Development, said the opening of Flavorture “is a great day for Washington, D.C.”

“Here we are in Woodley Park celebrating the opening of a restaurant,” he said. “We need to see more of this.”

Frumin welcomed Flavorture’s owners to Ward 3.

“It is both sad and glorious that we have to welcome you here now,” the council member said. “I will work to see that we have more Black-owned enterprises in Ward 3.”

FIRST BLACK-OWNED EATERY IN WOODLEY PARK OPENS

Flavorture, the first Blackowned restaurant in the Woodley Park neighborhood of Ward 3 in the District, opened its doors on Feb. 4.

D.C. Council members Kenyan McDuffie (D-At-Large) and Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3) attended the

grand opening with other guests such as the District’s Director of Local and Small Business Development Kristi Whitfield and Shawn Townsend, the president and CEO of the Restaurants Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW). Whitfield’s agency helped Flavorture’s co-owners, Chefs Lew McAlister and Pinkey Reddick, secure funding through the Woodley Park Main Street

Flavorture will offer its customers fare such as macaroni and cheese, Belgian waffles, buttermilk fried chicken, chicken sausage and fresh kale salad. In addition to dining indoors and curbside service, the restaurants offer catering, social, governmental and corporate events with the desire to expand to other neighborhoods in the District.

“Flavorture is the dream of two passionate people who came together to redefine what local dining could be like in D.C.,” said Reddick.

Her co-owner agreed.

“We take pride in meeting the needs of our community,” said McAlister. “We are here because of consistency, and it really comes down to making an effort and repeating the same thing every day.” WI

WELLS FARGO GIVES $50M TO NAACP

Wells Fargo announced on Feb. 1 that it has granted the NAACP $50 million to support the organization’s continuing efforts to advance racial equity in America.

“We’re grateful to Wells Fargo for their donation, the single largest donation the NAACP has ever received from a corporation,” said Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of NAACP. “These funds will go directly toward strengthening the NAACP’s grassroots network of local units and branches across all 50 states, as well as the work of the national NAACP. All corporations play a critical role in our democracy. They must be engaged as allies in the fight to end discrimination—in our economy, in our justice system, across our society, and within their own services.”

Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf said his bank is pleased to support the NAACP.

“We value our longstanding relationship with the NAACP, and this grant is meant to strengthen the work we already do together to close economic gaps that have existed for far too long in our country.” WI

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Student Bus Transportation

Two Rivers PCS is seeking a company to provide bus transportation for field trips for students preschool to 8th grade. To request a copy of the RFP or additional information, email Liz Riddle at procurement@tworiverspcs.org.

WASHINGTON SPIRIT TEAMS UP WITH OBVIOUSLYDC.COM

The Washington Spirit, the women’s professional soccer team, announced recently that it will team up with ObviouslyDC.com as its preseason training kit partner. ObviouslyDC.com exists as an online resource hosted by the D.C. Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. The tool provides information and resources on starting and growing a business in the District.

The team started sporting the ObviouslyDC.com training kits during training camp presently taking place in Florida. Throughout the year, the Spirit and the District government will partner to promote the city as a viable place to live.

“ObviouslyDC.com showcases our city as a place for businesses of all sizes to grow and thrive,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Our vibrant sports, entertainment, and cultural landscape—of which the Spirit is a growing part—is one of many reasons why our city is an obvious place to live, work, and play.” WI @JamesWrightJr10.

5 Flavorture Chef Lew McAlister holds the scissors for the ribbon cutting along with co-chef Pinkey Taylor while At-Large D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie looks on amid cheers from patrons. (Courtesy photo/Flavorture FB Grab)

5 Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, said Wells Fargo’s $50 million dollar donation is the single largest donation the NAACP has ever received from a corporation. (WI File Photo)

5 The Washington Spirit started sporting the ObviouslyDC.com training kits during training camp presently taking place in Florida. (Courtesy photo/Washington Spirit)

James Wright / WI Staff Writer

You are Creating History

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

It’s Black History month and as we live each day, we build the story of our lives and create the platform for our descendants from which to build their story.  It is exciting and empowering to provide the resources and the tools for our children and our children’s children (be they biological, spiritual or community children) future success.

The racial wealth gap was created by the consistent denial of fair and equitable compensation and opportunities to create wealth.  The gap is enhanced by the institutional racism that continues to deny opportunities and access in addition to not taking every opportunity to personally build wealth.

Many of the decisions that we make today impact the trajectory of the lives of our children and our community.  As we raise our children, both biological and adopted, formally and informally, we impact the future of our lives and theirs.  We impact our children’s future and the future of our community and world.

As we invest in our community, we help shape the future of our community.  Through estate planning, we have great capacity to impact our family.  Unfortunately, we have seen the tragedies and the crisis of the impact of life lost without preparation.  We have seen the “Go Fund Me” drives that have been created out of despair of families without the resources to react to the tragedies.  That despair on top of the grief can be unyielding.

Study Finds Six-Figure Earners Also Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck

Stacy M. Brown

WI Senior Writer

In 2022, the economy proved as volatile as ever, with less disposable income and greater unpredictability.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, inflation in the United States peaked at 9.1 % in July 2022 and dropped to 7.1 % by November 2022.

A new study found that more people are having to spend all their income on necessities, and they are counting on their next salary to meet the costs they’ll incur until then.

Researchers discovered that many people of higher socioeconomic status have had their first taste of living paycheck to paycheck this year.

While researchers found that most paycheck-to-paycheck consumers can pay their bills on time, one in every five Americans still require assistance to make ends meet.

Research conducted by Pymnts. com and LendingClub Corp. revealed that by the end of the year, 64% of American customers (166 million individuals) will be living paycheck to paycheck.

That represents a rise of 3% from a year ago, or 9.3 million

additional people in the United States.

Almost 8 million of them made $100,000 or more per year.

By the end of 2022, 51% of people in that income bracket reported that they were living paycheck to paycheck, up 9% from the year before.

U.S. consumers, especially those who must spend every dollar they earn each month to meet their financial obligations, have been hit hard by inflation and economic uncertainty in 2022, as the authors of “The Paycheck-to-Paycheck Report: 2022 Year in Review” detail.

This study analyzed consumers’ responses to the ongoing financial pressures of an ever-changing economic landscape by drawing on PYMNTS’ series of 12 unique reports, conducted in collaboration with LendingClub and released each month from January to December — and representing insights from a total of 45,700 U.S. consumers.

The researchers determined that living paycheck to paycheck is currently the norm in the United States.

Over the past year, the percentage of consumers living paycheck to paycheck fluctuated, and while it is now comparable to a year ago, it is up 11 percentage points from a low in April 2021.

We have also had the privilege of working with families who have had to experience the grief of loss of a loved one and was able to take the time to focus on the life and the legacy of the one who has passed.  The life could be appropriately celebrated with testimonies of a life well lived and the blessings that were presented during a lifetime and beyond without concern about how to manage the preparations.  They were able to create endowments that will continue to provide blessings beyond the immediacy to provide the perpetual giving.

Every one of us are creating history by living. Our stories are being created as we live. Sometimes those stories happen to us and sometimes we create a framework with a target in mind that speaks to our core values as well as our expected impact.  Many times our lives are a list of things that have happened to us.  However, in many cases we have the opportunity to create an action plan and follow the steps to achieve the plan so that our lives have accomplished the goals.

If we are on a journey with no targeted location, we will indeed arrive somewhere.  If we are on a journey with a map and desired destination, there is a greater chance that we will arrive where we have predetermined.

Strategic planning provides the opportunity to create a destination.  Estate planning allows us to create a destination for not just ourselves but for those who follow after us.  We can provide a map with resources for not just our children, our children’s children and our community.  We are able to build up those around us and those who come after us.

During Black History month we celebrate those who came before us.  I encourage each of us to take the opportunity to pave the way for those who come behind us.

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC http://yourestateplanningattorney.com

(855) 574-8481

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Although people of all income levels have felt the pinch, the percentage of high-income people living paycheck to paycheck has increased significantly in the last two years.

From July 2021 to November 2022, the percentage of high-income customers who reported living paycheck to paycheck increased from 34 %to 47%.

While 6.8% of consumers making above $200,000 report living paycheck to paycheck and having trouble making ends meet, 10% of

those making between $150,000 and $200,000 and 12% of those making between $100,000 and $150,000 admitted a similar financial situation.

The report revealed that consumers with lower incomes are more likely to require bill payment assistance.

When asked why they were having trouble making ends meet, 18% of middle-income consumers and 33% of low-income consumers said it was because of their income level.

Lydia Boussour, senior economist at EY Parthenon, told MSN that “consumer spending prospects are unclear.”

She claimed that consumers’ discretionary spending will be low this winter because of rising costs, depleted savings, and growing reliance on credit.

The decline in stock prices and property values will have a “negative wealth effect,” exacerbating these dynamics. WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 A new study found that more people are having to spend all their income on necessities, and they are counting on their next salary to meet the costs they’ll incur until then. (Courtesy Photo/ Military.com)

NNPA Wraps Midwinter Conference Showing Strength of Black Press

Star-Studded Celebration for Dr. Benjamin Chavis

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association for more than 230 African American-owned newspapers and media companies, held its 2023 midwinter training conference in Puerto Rico.

By the end of the four-day event, publishers, partners, sponsors, mem-

bers, guests, and anyone else who visited the San Juan Marriott Beach Resort and Stellaris Casino gained a better appreciation of the power of the Black Press of America.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the NNPA, received the organization’s highest accolade, while colleagues, family, and friends celebrated his birthday.

With “Digital Innovation Training and Engagement” as the conference’s

theme, NNPA Executive Administrator Claudette Perry and conference planners did not disappoint.

The NNPA began by introducing everyone to its new app, which facilitated registration, provided information and instructions to each session.

Publishers left the Island of Enchantment with a better understanding of the importance of their digital products and how to monetize both print and online publications.

Kate Cox, adjunct professor at the Poynter Institute in Tampa, Florida, conducted an enlightening conversation on overcoming obstacles to produce sustainable corporate outcomes through digital transformation.

Cox advised publishers on how to engage in a presentation that was developed expressly for NNPA members to generate revenue streams because of digital transformation.

In a separate workshop, Cox assisted publishers in implementing the suggested evaluations of their current audiences, staffing, and consultants to maximize potential for raising digital revenue and expanding their total market influence.

Later, NNPA Digital Manager Norman Rich and Rolling Out COO Randy Fling discussed the digital revenue success approaches ad-

opted by certain members, including Rolling Out.

“Digital ads are an important part of digital, but there are many other benefits,” Fling advised publishers. “It can help your business,” he said.

“Do not unsell yourself,” Rich pleaded to publishers.

Ashley Edwards, Google News Lab’s US Partnerships Manager, and Tina Xiao, Google News Initiative’s global program manager, presented

publishers with three best practices for driving traffic to their websites. They also instructed journalists on how to use Google tools to find, verify, and tell stories tailored to their audiences.

In addition, the pair discussed the importance of GNP resources for publishers to grow and sustain their digital businesses. WI

For the rest of the story go to www.washingtoninformer.com

5 National Newspaper Publishers Association President & CEO Dr. Benjamin Cavis Jr. receives a lifetime achievement award at a birthday celebration during the organization’s midwinter conference. (Courtesy photo/NNPA)

MSNBC President Rashida Jones Scheduled to Headline Hampton University Journalism School’s 20th Anniversary Celebration

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

MSNBC President Rashida Jones plans to travel to Washington, D.C. in March to receive the First Amendment Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association. Although the award is among Jones’ long list of honors and accomplishments, it may pale in comparison to the celebration she is headlining at her alma mater.

The Scripps Howard School of Journalism & Communications at Hampton University (SHSJU) will host its 20th anniversary celebration on Feb. 10.

The celebration commemorates the 2002 donation of $10 million from the Scripps Howard Foundation, a gift made during the tenure of Judith Clabes, the Foundation’s former president and CEO, who was an advocate for journalism and education excellence.

The Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The E.W. Scripps Company for many years, is now affiliated with the newly established Scripps Howard Fund.

Jones declared to the Black Press of America that, “This is a full circle moment.”

“It always feels really good to go back to campus because it truly feels like home,” she added.

“I try to go a few times a year, specifically at homecoming or to visit the students at the journalism school, but every time I go back to the Scripps Howard School, I think about now… over 20, years ago where I was standing in the grass lot, and they broke ground for what would become the excellence that the school is.”

Jones continued:

“And going from seeing it before it was built to seeing what they’ve done with that facility, I’m proud of what it is.

“It makes me proud to be a journalist to see that a school like Hampton University has the resources to be able to train journalists. And it just

reminds me of how far I’ve come.”

Jones, a 2002 graduate, will receive the prestigious Achievement of Excellence Award from the SHSJC, while Jessi Mitchell of WCBS-New York and Justin Tinsley of ESPN will be inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.

Julia Wilson, the dean of Hampton’s SHSJC, said, “The students are so excited and they’re already preparing and making speeches and figuring out what they will wear.”

“We’re honoring the past and celebrating the future and we’re looking at where we’ve been as a school of journalism and communications and preparing for the future – a global future,” she remarked.

Wilson deemed it exciting that the institution will celebrate its “last 20 years of excellence with the anticipation of another 20 years of global innovation.”

“We’ve tried to really prepare our students to compete worldwide, not local or even national, but the whole world,” she declared.

“Rashida Jones is a great example and then we’ve got these rising stars whom our students want to meet, and we have outlets coming like the Washington Post and Bloomberg and

our students will try and get internships and jobs at those places.”

Wilson insisted that it’s crucial “that we have Black voices not only included but heard throughout this country and abroad.”

She said Hampton’s new president Darrell K. Williams, a retired threestar Army general, has embraced the school’s vision and has brought in new technology and helped to modernize the institution.

Jones also expressed delight about the enthusiasm at Hampton. For the rest of the story go to www.washingtoninformer.com WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 MSNBC President Rashida Jones is receiving the First Amendment Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association and is ecstatic to headline at Hampton University School of Journalism’s 20th anniversary celebration.

(Courtesy Photo)

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Pope Makes Final Bid for Peace, Forgiveness in South Sudan

Pope Francis made a final appeal for peace in South Sudan on Sunday, Feb. 5, as he celebrated Mass before tens of thousands of people to close out an unusual mission by Christian religious leaders to nudge forward the country’s recovery from civil war.

On the last day of his African pilgrimage, Francis begged South Sudanese people to lay down their weapons and forgive one another, presiding over Mass at the country’s monument to independence hero John Garang before an estimated 100,000 people, including the country’s political leadership.

“Even if our hearts bleed for the wrongs we have suffered, let us refuse, once and for all, to repay evil with evil,” Francis said. “Let us accept one another and love one another with sincerity and generosity, as God loves us.” His message aimed to revive hopes in the world’s youngest country, which gained independence from the majority Muslim Sudan in 2011 but has been beset by civil war and conflict.

President Salva Kiir, his longtime rival Riek Machar and other opposition groups signed a peace agreement in 2018, but the deal’s provisions, including the formation of a national unified army, remain largely unimplemented and fighting has continued to flare.

“We have suffered a lot,” said Natalima Andrea, a 66-year-old mother of seven who wiped a tear from her eye as she waited for Francis’ Mass to begin. “We need permanent peace now and I hope these prayers would yield to lasting peace.”

The Vatican said more than 100,000 people attended the service, filling the field of the Garang Mausoleum and surrounding roads.

In a bid to spur the process along, Francis was joined on the novel ecumenical peace mission by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and the moderator of the Church of Scotland the Rt. Rev. Iain Greenshields. The aim of the Catholic, Anglican and Presbyterian leaders was to push Kiir and Machar to recommit themselves to the 2018 deal.

Welby and Greenshields joined Francis on the altar at Mass on Sunday and were to accompany him on the flight back to Rome.

The three also aimed to put a global spotlight on the plight of the country, oil-rich and yet one of the world’s poorest, where humanitarian needs are soaring for the 2 million people who have been displaced by continued clashes and years of above-average flooding. Watchdogs’ allegations of corruption are also widespread; some South Sudanese, upon the pope’s arrival, noted that his modest vehicle was overshadowed by local officials’ luxury ones. This reporting was assisted through sources by the Associated Press. WI

Ministry to Expand Justice Programme

Jamaica’s Ministry of Justice is aiming to expand its alternative Justice Programme offerings, with a focus on vulnerable groups. Funded by the Canadian Government, in partnership with the Justice Ministry, and implementation support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the So-JUST Project aims to enhance access to Justice services.

In an interview with Jamaica Information Service (JIS) News, Justice Minister the Hon. Delroy Chuck, said not all cases have to go before the court to be addressed.

“We know that we have a fair amount of domestic abuse, and these abused persons should really be brought out of hiding, so that they can go to victim services or get legal help,” Minister Chuck said. “We feel that there are many vulnerable groups that can be assisted, and that is why we will be promoting alternative justice services.”

Minister Chuck also argued that with the implementation of the So-JUST Project, the Ministry aims to improve the accessibility and delivery of justice.

“You could go to a Restorative Justice (RJ) Centre to see an RJ facilitator, and these matters can be dealt with amicably without the expense and inconvenience of having to go to court,” he said.

The project is expected to contribute to a more rights-based and gender-sensitive justice system that achieves equitable outcomes for all Jamaicans.

This reporting was assisted through sources by the Jamaican Information Services (JIS). WI

5 Justice Minister Hon. Delroy Chuck said the Ministry of Justice is aiming to expand its

(Courtesy Photo/ Adrian Walker)

February 2023 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living

Letter from the Mayor

First, I want to thank you for your trust and support. On January 2, I followed in the footsteps of our Mayor for Life, Marion Barry, and took the oath of office for a third time. It is the honor of my life to serve as the mayor of my hometown and I look forward to all we can accomplish in the next four

The District is now entering budget season, and seniors are an important voice in the process. As you know, every year, I make it a priority to gather input from the community – before we submit the budget to the Council – about the investments you want to see us make. In previous years, we’ve taken your ideas and turned them into solutions, programs,

and investments that have helped us build a more inclusive Washington, DC. Together, we have expanded Safe At Home, provided more property tax relief for our seniors, and distributed new technology to seniors to help people stay connected to friends, family, and doctors.

Last year, we also created a $40 million package of legacy initiatives to keep more longtime Washingtonians in DC. To do this, we are putting homeownership in reach for more Black residents; providing legal support so that families can pass on property from one generation to the next; and making it easier for Washingtonians to open and expand small businesses in DC by buying commercial property in our city.

The input of residents at our Budget Engagement Forums helped shape all of these investments. Now, it is time to start providing input for our next budget. On Wednesday, February 8, we will host our Senior Budget Engagement Forum and I urge you to join us. Information will be posted on budget.dc.gov about how residents can participate. With the support of residents like you, we will continue to create a more Age-Friendly DC and help all seniors live boldly in our great city.

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser Mayor

On January 2, I followed in the footsteps of our Mayor for Life, Marion Barry, and took the oath of office for a third time.

BLACK HISTORY month

Why Black Americans Historically Mistrust the Health System

How Doctors Combat Misinformation, Encourage Healthcare in Black Communit

Micha Green

WI

Managing Editor

William Shakespeare wrote “For trust not him that hath once broken faith,” (“King Henry VI, 1591); and many of Black grandparents have wisely warned, “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.” History and old adages alike emphasize healthy mistrust after being deceived, scammed or flim-flammed, and for many members of the Black

community– that thinking applies to the healthcare system.

While there has been representation of Black medical leaders over centuries, from tribal healers, physicians, scientists, surgeons, pharmacists and herbalists, history unveils a complicated and, at times, detrimental relationship between African Americans and healthcare. The nuanced nature of both health and African American, plays a role in how many Black people approach healthcare as both

practitioners and patients. As African Americans continue to be disproportionately affected by several diseases including COVID-19, heart disease and HIV/AIDS, health providers are working to mend, build and maintain healthy, long-lasting trust with the Black community, after centuries of unhealthy treatment and systemic racism and abuse.

“One has to acknowledge the overall systemic racism as a part of a problem where… African American

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

people are suspicious of European Americans because of just the history of racism, but also people’s encounters with the medical system,” said Dr. Donald R. Hopkins, a trained pediatrician who has spent more than four decades specializing in public health, particularly in Africa.

“Some of those [negative] encounters with the medical system are direct-

ly a result of medical people’s personal biases, and some of it is arrogance related…to the profession itself, including by some African American physicians, who sometimes will give the impression of being superior to people who come to them for medical help,” Hopkins added.

5 Dr. Donald R. Hopkins

in February, we recognize and honor the accomplishments of so many who have helped shape the face and future of our nation.

As we celebrate CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

HARRIET TUBMAN

FREDERICK DOUGLASS

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

As the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) examines “Black Resistance,” as its 2023 theme, the relationship between African Americans and healthcare is important to consider. For many Black Americans, healthcare has been a form of oppression and source of trauma. However, with Black medical schools and practices, as well as African American health professionals uplifting the healthcare field, in many ways, emphasizing “Black health,” is “Black Resistance.”

WHY THE MISTRUST

Enslaved Africans battled disease and unhygienic conditions when first captured and inhumanely transported to the Americas more than 400 years ago. At least two million people died during the Middle Passage, many from malnutrition, or diseases such as measles, scurvy and smallpox.

During slavery, research shows that enslaved Black people were only seen by doctors as a last resort; and then their masters would be told their results and diagnoses, sometimes without making patients privy to the ailments or offering effective care.

Then there’s the 40-year Tuskegee Experiment, where the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) used Black bodies as lab rats. In 1932, 600 participants were told they were being treated for “bad blood. In what was supposed to be a six-month study, 399 men had latent syphilis and were not told of their diagnosis, and 201 others were not infected. The participants were told they would receive free medical care for participating in the study and thought they thought they were being treated for their symptoms, but, in reality, the patients were given placebos and ineffective treatments.

By 1943, penicillin had already proven a successful treatment for syphilis. However, with continued false treatment, 128 participants died and many families and generations were seriously affected as a result of the experiment, which concluded after the study was exposed in an Associated Press story in 1972.

“The notorious Tuskegee Experiment,” Dr. Hopkins said, “was just another egregious example of the vantage taking of African Americans, and how when it comes to light, it leads into often justified paranoia.”

James Wilson, 35, said he’s always been “standoff-ish,” when it comes to

Western medicine because of what he’s learned from history and witnessed in life

“Black people have been used as experiments since day one,” Wilson said after discussing the Tuskegee experiment. “ I just never, really trusted anything about the health system, since we’ve always been that person to be a test trial.”

Wilson also explained he’s known of instances where someone appears fine before going to a doctor, but seems sicker once being treated, which has added to his skepticism of traditional healthcare in the U.S.

Finally, once people are treated, they don’t always have the best experience.

“In this country we deal with sick care, not healthcare,” said. Dr. Akmal Muwwakkil. “When we go to the doctor or hospital, we don’t get the care that we need. We don’t just need to take something for what’s going on, but we also need compassion. We also need to know that ‘I’m not just a number… that I’m worthy of you spending time with me because of what’s going on with me.’”

GROWING TRUST

As African Americans continue to be disproportionately affected by disease, people like Wilson, are working to grow their trust with medical professionals by prioritizing wellness and regularly checking in on their overall health.

“The way life is going so fast now you need that checkup, you need physical therapy, you need mental therapy, you need a dentist. It’s some things you still need, you have to see,” Wilson said.

When it’s time to treat patients, Dr. Hopkins, 81, contends that all medical professionals must approach the situation “human to human.”

“The most basic thing, no matter what color your skin, is to treat people with respect and humanity,” he said.

As an international physician working part-time now with The Carter Center based in Atlanta, Hopkins emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with respect.

“These materially poor people, in these rural villages…they sense immediately condescension and disrespect,” Hopkins said of the people he has worked with on the continent of Africa. “If you go in conveying that kind of [condescending] attitude, they pick up on it, and they will shut you down. They’re not going to listen to any suggestions you

make to try to help them.”

In addition to treating people with more respect, Wilson and Doctors Hopkins and Muwwakkil also uplift the importance of Black medical professionals.

However, Hopkins, who was the only African American in his class of 52 medical students at the University of Chicago, said even Black doctors have to come correct and respect “basic human dignity– human decency.”

“You can’t skip over that just because you’re Black and they’re Black, because people want to be respected by anybody.”

BLACK HISTO RY M ONTH

The Power of the Black Doctor

Austin R. Cooper, Jr. Our House Managing Director

MY BLACK DOCTOR HERO

I was born on November 21, 1962, at Christian Hospital in Miami, Florida. A Black doctor, the late Dr. Dazelle Simpson, saved my life.

Technically I should have been born in Dallas, Texas, where my mother was a public-school teacher and my father the new Rector of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church Mission. However, in August, my parents made the decision that the final months of the pregnancy would be easier if Mom was in Miami surrounded by her mother and other family members. So, my father

drove her there, the birthplace for them both, through the segregated South for approximately 19 hours, or 1,313 miles. He then returned to Texas, alone.

PERSONAL CRISIS

I was born with a collapsed left lung. Dr. Simpson, after consulting with the attending physician, immediately made the decision to

have me transferred by ambulance to Variety Children’s Hospital, in the event that she had to perform emergency surgery. According to my mother, Patricia H. Cooper, 86, “My pressure was very high, and my feet were extremely swollen. So, my doctor made the decision to induce labor. You came a few weeks early.”

Mom continued, “Dr. Simpson later told Austin (this writer’s father) and me that you had the exact same condition as Patrick Kennedy, the son of President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, who died within a few hours of being born the previous August.”

I was baptized at Children’s Variety Hospital and administered the Last Rites of the Church.

God, through the hands of Dr. Simpson, is the reason that I celebrated my 60th birthday last November, and for that, I will be eternally grateful. Indeed she, along with her husband, Dr. George Simpson, were history-makers in Dade County.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

From the time she was a child, Dazelle knew that she wanted to be a doctor. “I was four when I said I wanted to be a doctor. My grand-

mother was ill at the time, and I wanted to become a doctor so I could treat her and make her better,” she said.

Born in Miami, she graduated from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1945.

She later became the first Black pediatrician in Florida to become certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). On October 1, 1957, Dazelle received her certification in General Pediatrics.

Dazelle met her husband, George, at Meharry Medical College, and they moved to Coconut Grove, Florida, after graduation.

Once in Miami, they set up a medical practice. They practiced medicine together for 40 years. George was the first board-certified Black surgeon in Florida.

Dr. Dazelle Simpson passed away on February 9, 2020, at age 95. Over the years, whenever I traveled to Miami, I always made it a point to remain in touch and reach out, in addition to periodic phone calls. George, who will turn 97 in October and continues to reside in Miami, where he is active with their home parish, Christ Episcopal Church.

When asked to reflect on the

POWER Page 23

father with his daughter and a doctor.

POWER from Page 22

contributions of he and his beloved wife to Black people not only in Miami but across the state of Florida, he said, “‘Worship of God Through Service To Mankind,’ is the motto of Meharry Medical College. Service can be and should be its own reward.”

THE ROLE OF THE BLACK DOCTOR TODAY

The role of the Black doctor in our communities is as important and relevant today as it was when Dazelle and George Simpson began practicing medicine over 60 years ago. Many Blacks are distrustful of being treated by White physicians. For some older Blacks, the mistrust dates back to the “Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male,” from 1932 to 1972. The U.S.

Public Health Service wanted to see how untreated syphilis would affect the body. However, participants were instead told that they were being treated for “bad blood.”

Then there are cases of Blacks who do not feel comfortable with being seen and treated by medical professionals of their own race. This is an example of a colonized mindset that exists for far too many in the Black community.

Personally, and throughout my life, I have relied on Black physicians for my primary care, and I have no regrets. For me, it is a personal choice and one that I am comfortable with and will continue, particularly as I get older and face health challenges that impact my community at a disproportionate rate as they do others.

And for my comfort and belief in “The Power of the Black Doctor,” I have Dr. Dazelle Simpson to thank. Dr. Gazelle Simpson to thank. WI

More Black Doctors Needed

Micha Green

WI Managing Editor

Representation matters in the classroom, government, pulpit, entertainment venues and medical facilities– perhaps particularly in health environments.

Let’s face it, people want someone caring for them that they feel understands what they’re going through. While the Black experience is not monolithic there are ties that bind, and with systemic racism at the forefront of the common thread, there are challenges that African Americans face that– well–other Black people just understand best. And that’s why it is important to have African American health providers.

According to a 2021 UCLA study, the proportion of Black physicians in the United States has only increased four percentage points over the past 120 years, and the amount of Black male doctors has not changed since 1940.

UCLA researchers examining Black doctors evaluated U.S. Census Bureau findings, revealing that in: 1900, when 11.6% of the nation’s population was Black, 1.3% of the country’s doctors were Black; and in 1940, when 9.7% of the population

was Black, 2.8% of the nation’s physicians were Black, with 2.7% men and 0.1% women. In 2018, when 12.8% of the U.S. population was Black, 5.4% of the physicians were Black, with 2.6% men and 2.8% women.

With the Black community's justified mistrust of the health system due to horrifying historic events such as the Tuskegee Experiment, it is even more important to appeal to African Americans’ need for trust in healthcare. One major way of building trust is having more folks to trust, and in this case, that’s Black doctors. It’s time medical schools nationwide work diligently to attract, accept and provide more benefits and resources to produce more African American physicians. WI

One major way of building trust is having more folks to trust, and in this case, that’s Black doctors.

Prioritizing Gut Health as the Key to Overall Wellness

Micha Green WI Managing Editor

While prescriptions and many modern doctors help people feel better, Dr. Akmal Muwwakkil of the Energy Institute of Healing Arts and Healen Arts Wellness Studio, argues Western medicine doesn’t always get to the root of the issue.

“Medical science doesn’t look at healing, they look at curing. The problem is that we don’t really get cured, we have to be healed,” Dr. Muwwakkil said. “Healing comes from understanding what the body needs. And so in my practice I teach people what the body needs in order to heal. [It’s] different from pharmaceuticals– what pharmaceuticals do is they pacify the ailment. When you start looking at natural remedies, you deal with the baseline factor of where [the ailment is] coming from– the root cause.”

As founder of “Dr. Akmal Speaks” and his educational holistic healing institute, Muwwakkil prescribes healthy options that can be purchased in stores to contribute to overall wellness.

In treating patients over the years, Dr. Muwwakkil, 73, has seen a common thread among his African American patients– upset stomachs.

“I have noticed one thing, and especially about Black people, is that we have a digestive imbalance. So the first thing that we want to do is correct digestion,” he said.

Below are a few tips from Dr. Muwwakkil to prioritize gut health:

• “The first thing I tell anybody–you can come to my office for a hangnail, this is what I tell you before you leave– ‘You want to go to the health food store, not the big box stores, but the health food store, and get you some probiotics because probiotics are going to provide healthy bacteria to your small intestines, which is the seat of your nutrition.”

• “The second thing that I tell people that you want to get at the health food store [is] digestive enzymes… The digestive enzymes help correct digestion.”

• “The third thing I would tell people is that they should eat from their hands more often, meaning they should cook more often and eat

the food that they cook, opposed to eating out. When you eat out, you’ve got other people’s energy in your food, and you don’t know what people are putting in your food.”

• “The fourth thing I would say is that people should start to eat in season. Eat foods that are in season and within a 100-mile radius of you.”

• “Stay away from fat and greasy foods.”

Dr. Muwwakkil also said there are other healthy items that can be purchased over the counter to keep the body’s immune system boosted and ready to fight disease.

“Depending on your age there are other things you can take. You can take black seed oil. But when you take stuff like that you should have a great understanding of what it does,” Muwwakkil said. “You can take chlorophyll. Liquid chlorophyll cleans the cells.”

While a lot of people are hopping on the sea moss train year round, Muwwakkil said he suggests taking it in winter and summer and in autumn and spring trying grasses like wheatgrass.

Further, he said it’s important to take these holistic health supplements in moderation.

“Only take it five days a week so it doesn’t build up in your system and stop functioning for you. The same thing with black seed oil, or olive leaf extract. You only want to take it five days a week because you want two days for your body to work.”

WI

5 Dr. Akmal Muwwakkil founder of “Dr. Akmal Speaks,” the Energy Institute of Healing Arts and Healen Arts Wellness Studio, emphasizes the importance of healing as opposed to curing patients. (Courtesy Photo)

oric African American evements in Health: A Key Moments

Historic African American Achievements in Health: A Few Key Moments

Kayla Benjamin

for a U.S. medical school at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

1995:

Dr. Lonnie Bristow becomes the first Black president of the American Medical Association since its founding in 1947.

2018:

to lead the American Medical Association as its president. Prior to that appointment, she had headed up the AMA's task force created to fight the opioid epidemic.

2020:

Onesimus, an enslaved person in Boston, tells his owner about an African procedure used to inoculate against smallpox His owner, Cotton Mather, went on to inoculate more than 200 people, saving lives during a smallpox epidemic more than 70 years before the smallpox vaccine was officially invented

1783:

1721:

Onesimus, an enslaved person in Boston, tells his owner about an African procedure used to inoculate against smallpox. His owner, Cotton Mather, went on to inoculate more than 200 people, saving lives during a smallpox epidemic more than 70 years before the smallpox vaccine was officially invented.

James Durham, born into slavery in 1762, becomes the first Black doctor in the U S after buying his freedom and starting his own New Orleans practice He goes on to save more yellow fever victims than any other physician in the city – during the 1789 epidemic that killed thousands, Durham loses 11 of 64 patients

James Durham, born into slavery in 1762, becomes the first Black doctor in the U.S. after buying his freedom and starting his own New Orleans practice. He goes on to save more yellow fever victims than any other physician in the city – during the 1789 epidemic that killed thousands, Durham lost 11 of 64 patients.

1868:

Howard University School of Medicine is established here in the District to educate Black doctors. Notably, the school welcomes both Black and white students, including women.

Howard University School of Medicine is established here in the District to educate Black doctors Notably, the school welcomes both Black and white students, including women

1881:

The first official nursing school for Black students is established at Spelman College in Atlanta.

1891:

The fi nursing school for Black students is esta Spelman College in Atlanta

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams establishes the Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses in Chicago, the first Blackowned and first interracial hospital in the U.S. Two years later, Hale performs the first ever successful operation on a human heart.

Beverly Murphy becomes the first Black president of the Medical Library Association, which had been founded 120 years prior.

2019:

Dr. Patrice Harris becomes the first Black woman

Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a lead scientist with the National Institutes of Health, co-leads the COVID-19 research team that developed the Moderna vaccine. That vaccine is estimated to have saved approximately 2 million lives within its first year, according to a 2022 study published by the NIH.

President Joe Biden appoints Dr. Marcella NunezSmith to chair the Presidential COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.

1900:

The first organization of Black dental professionals, the Washington Society of Colored Dentists, is founded here in the District.

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams establishes the Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses in Chicago, the first Black-owned and first interracial hospital in the U.S. Two years later, Hale performs the first ever successful operation on a human heart.

1936:

Dr. William Augustus Hinton becomes the first African American to publish a medical textbook with his book "Syphilis and Its Treatment."

1986:

Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston’s study of sickle-cell disease leads to a nationwide screening program to test newborns for immediate treatment.

1987:

The first organization of Black dental professionals, the Washington Society of Colored Dentists, is founded here in the District

At Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson leads a surgical team of 70 people in the first separation of conjoined twins attached at the head.

1993:

Dr. Joycelyn Elders is the appointed U.S. Surgeon General, the first African American to hold the position.

Dr William Augustus Hinton becomes the first African American to publish a medical textbook with his book "Syphilis and Its Treatment "

Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee becomes the first Black woman to serve as Dean

HEALTH

The Fight Against Postpartum Depression

Can Exercise Be A Mother’s Greatest Arsenal?

highly effective antidote to fight the grueling stretch; the healing power of exercise.

ly to undergo long-lasting mental health concerns post-childbirth in comparison to their non-Black counterparts, while more often receiving less treatment for postpartum depression.

“The reason we have paid little attention, I believe, to Black maternal health is because we don’t listen to Black women. If we listened…we would understand that mental health is playing a role,” said Angela Neal-Barnett, Ph.D., a psychologist at Kent State University, and expert in the research of anxiety disorders among the Black community.

But for new mothers like local D.C. area resident, Lakeisha Steele, 40, experiencing the almost crippling condition inspired her to set out on an empowering journey of fitness, landing her in the best shape of her life, both physically and mentally.

The birth of a child can be one of the most defining moments in a woman’s life, but simultaneously, a whirlwind of physical and psychological issues most commonly including postpartum depression. While new, and recurring mothers struggle to balance their way through the “fourth trimester” of motherhood, others have found a

When we observe the maternity health outcomes for new and expecting mothers, Black women are found to experience a greater prevalence of maternal mental health conditions, particularly as it pertains to postpartum depression and anxiety. According to the American Psychological Association, Black women are more like-

Steele was one of many mothers who were considered high-risk, having her first child at the age of 39. After dragging along for six months with emotionally debilitating sadness post the birth of her daughter, Steele became inspired to find non-pharmacological methods to bounce herself back to a healthy state of mind.

Having had a cesarean birth,

the healing process was a total blur for Steele. While regaining her strength and mobility, Steele’s stressors stagnated her lactation experience and complicated her ability to nurse. The physical, mental,

and emotional weight became all so heavy on her psyche.

“I thought it would just be a matter of time before my milk started to come in, but when it started to come in, it wasn’t enough. Your body is trying to do so many things at the same time; it is trying to heal from the c-section, it is trying to produce milk for you to be able to get the proper nutrients,” she said while recalling that sensitive period. “If I could point back to when I remember that something wasn’t well with me, it was when I wasn’t producing enough milk for my daughter. Between that and all the hormonal changes is probably when I first started to really feel the blues.”

Realizing that she was not feeling herself, Steele felt the changes but lacked the language to communicate what she was experiencing. Her daily bouts of crying, sleep deprivation and fluctuating emotions prompted her husband to suggest contacting doctors to figure out what was occurring at only four weeks postpartum.

The screening results helped Steele and her medical team ascertain a proper diagnosis for her sporadic traits. After six months of trying various remedies to balance her hormonal discourse, Steele put a pin in the monotony and started

5 Lakeisha Steele, 40, found fitness as a way to combat postpartum depression. (Courtesy Photo)

Lindiwe Vilakazi

WI Staff Writer

EARTH OUR

Will Oil Companies Use ‘Massive’ 2022 Profits to Lower Gas Prices?

Kayla Benjamin Climate & Environment Reporter

United States oil companies shattered their profit records last year, according to earnings reports released over the last two weeks. Five of the biggest American companies—Exxon, Chevron, BP, Shell and TotalEnergies—raked $190 billion in 2022 CNBC reported.

Too much of that money has gone back to shareholders and executives, a White House spokesperson said in a Jan. 31 statement to the Hill, and not enough has gone into investments to increase production and thus lower prices.

At a press conference with several Democratic members of Congress Feb. 1, Ward 6 ANC commissioner Rhonda Hamilton spoke about the impact high gas prices have had on her own community.

“Big Oil companies are using these massive profits for record stock buybacks to their CEOs and wealthy shareholders. My [district’s] families are facing evictions and worried about how they're going to pay and catch up on their utility bills,” Hamilton said.

“This is not fair. And it is not right that they have failed to ease the financial suffering that their pricing has placed on these families,” she continued.

THE MARKET FORCES DROVE OIL PRICES SKYWARD, EXPLAINED

Shell reported over $41 billion in 2022 earnings on Feb. 2, and ExxonMobil announced Jan. 31 that its profits for the year totaled $55.7 billion. Both companies made over

$10 billion more last year than their previous record, which was in 2008. Chevron, with $36 billion, more than doubled its earnings from 2021.

The high profits stem from a perfect storm of market forces in 2022 that caused major jumps in oil prices. One major factor: the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the spring, the U.S., the E.U. and Canada first imposed sanctions on Russian crude oil in the spring of last year; starting Feb. 5, additional sanctions by the E.U. will take effect. The decrease in energy supply—and the increase in demand as pandemic lockdowns eased—drove up prices for crude oil, natural gas and refined fuels like gasoline and diesel all at the same time.

“They're actually taking advantage of a war in Ukraine, of the human rights violations there by Putin,” Democratic California Congressman Ro Khanna said at Wednesday’s press conference. “They're saying let's use this opportunity to have price volatility and make record profits.”

In a June article for Time, oil historian Gregory Brew wrote that the notoriously volatile oil market became particularly vulnerable in the years before Russia’s invasion. U.S. production had steadily increased over the previous decade, doubling between 2008 and 2019. That increased supply lowered oil prices globally. Then when COVID-19 hit in 2020, lockdowns slashed demand for oil; the market collapsed, with prices hitting historic lows. Private companies started selling aging oil refineries and stopped investing in new production infrastructure.

So when Russian oil supplies went off the market for many countries, companies had few avenues available to increase production quickly. At the same time, the world’s biggest

oil-supplying countries, collectively known as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, cut their output toward the end of 2022. Gas prices hit an average of nearly $5 in June of last year.

OIL COMPANIES PUT PROFITS OVER PEOPLE—BUT NOT NECESSARILY IN THE WAY THAT YOU’D THINK

Khanna and other Democrats have called the oil companies out for “profiteering” or price gouging consumers. But some experts, including GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan, disagree with that description. Individual oil companies don’t set the price of oil, which rests on the global market. And less than 1% of American gas stations are actually owned by oil companies, even if stations use company franchise logos.

In fact, gas stations lost money on average in 2022 even as oil companies’ profits soared, according to

3 Rhonda Hamilton, community leader and ANC commissioner for single member district 6D08 near Buzzard Point, speaks at a press conference hosted by Stop the Oil Profiteering in front of the Senate building Feb. 1. Alongside several members of Congress and national advocacy groups, Hamilton urged U.S. legislators to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable in response to record-shattering profits for the industry in 2022. (Rob Roberts/ Washington Informer)

the pockets of executives and shareholders.”

Encouraging oil companies to increase fossil fuel production does not fit neatly into the Biden administration’s efforts on climate change. Climate scientists have said that limiting the planet’s warming to 1.5 degrees celsius and averting some of climate change’s most catastrophic impacts will be essentially impossible if new fossil fuel projects continue to develop.

Private U.S. companies have increased oil production modestly over the last year, with barrels of crude oil produced per day increasing by about 5.4%. But, per NPR energy reporter Camila Domonoske, Chevron’s plans for next year include just a 0-3% increase in production, and Exxon plans to hold production flat.

a study by financial news magazine Barron’s. Individual station owners set prices based on what they expect to pay for the next shipment of oil— and analysts like De Haan say data points to oil companies charging market price for gas without unusual markups.

But even if the major oil companies may not be directly price gouging consumers, they have still contributed to the problem of high energy prices. On Jan. 25, Chevron announced the oil industry’s most ambitious shareholder payout to date, with plans to spend $75 billion buying back its stock over the next five years. The White House has called on companies to spend money on increasing oil production rather than rewarding shareholders.

“The latest earnings reports make clear that oil companies have everything they need, including record profits and thousands of unused but approved permits, to increase production,” White House spokesperson Abdullah Hasan said in the statement to the Hill. “They’re instead choosing to plow those profits into padding

Despite major extra profits this year and minimal plans to invest in new production next year, the major oil companies still do not intend to put substantial money toward renewable energy projects. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that BP executives plan to further reduce its spending on renewable energy projects because the company was not seeing high enough returns on those investments. According to Barron’s, BP’s stock price began to rise immediately after that report came out.

Transitioning to renewable energy will be expensive—but the impacts of unabated climate change will be far more so. American healthcare costs related to fossil fuel air pollution also total in the hundreds of billions, according to a 2021 report by the Medical Consortium on Climate & Health. Oil companies, however, are not on the hook for any of those costs.

“[In] my community in Buzzard Point in Southwest, we're living every day near environmental hazards that are polluting the air and reducing our life expectancy,” Hamilton, the ANC commissioner, said. “The hardships to these families do not end with financial ones.”

WI

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Two Murders in Memphis EDITORIAL

One was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. The other, June 5, 1993, in Sacramento, California.

One was married and had four children. The other was single and had a fouryear-old son.

One lived in Atlanta, Georgia, and periodically made business trips to Memphis. The other moved there from California just before the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

One liked to play baseball as a child. The other enjoyed skateboarding.

One was the youngest of three children. The other, the youngest of four.

As a young man, one knew he would be a preacher. The other considered becoming a police officer.

For one, his favorite food was pecan pie. For the other, his mother’s homemade chicken with sesame seeds.

One was a world-renowned civil rights leader and a recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize. The other worked alongside his stepfather at FedEx and was an aspiring photographer.

One knelt and prayed during the 1965 March from Selma to Montgomery. The other was pleased to see police officers kneeling with protestors after the murder of George Floyd, writing on his Facebook page, “Humanity is SLOWLY being restored.”

In the hours before his death, one was in strategy meetings in his hotel room. The other drove around Memphis taking photos of the skyline as the sun was setting.

One spoke to his mother less than an hour before stepping out onto the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. The other called out his mother’s name in vain for help.

One was shot in the jaw and died less than an hour later in an emergency room at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The other sat on the ground bloodied waiting for medical attention for close to one hour and died three days later at St. Francis Hospital.

One died at age thirty-nine. The other, age twenty-nine.

When one died, he was already known to the world. It was only when the other died that the world first learned about him.

One died three hundred ninety-one miles from home. The other was assaulted less than one hundred yards from home and died less than five miles away.

One did not even hear the shot. The other knew he was being beaten to death.

Less than twenty-four hours before his death, one bravely gave what would be his last speech, knowing that he had reached the end of his young life. The other was working alongside his stepfather at FedEx, had the world ahead of him, and had no idea that he had less than seventy-two hours to live.

One was assassinated by a White racist gunman, James Earl Ray. The other died as a result of a vicious beating by five Black police officers who seemingly hate their own people: Tadarrius Bean, Desmond Mills, Emmitt Martin III, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith.

When one died, his wife received a call offering condolences from President Lyndon B. Johnson. When the other died, his parents received a call from President Joe Biden.

Less than one week after one died, Congress passed the Fair Housing Act of 1968. After the death of the other, Congress should pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

One died on April 4, 1968. The other, January 10, 2023.

One died while organizing another march for better pay and work conditions for Black Memphis sanitation workers. The other identified with the Black Lives Movement after the death of George Floyd under the knee of a White, racist, Minneapolis police officer.

No one was recording the death of one. The death of the other was recorded by the police and a street camera.

The last words of one were, “Play Precious Lord.” The other yelled “Mom” three times.

With one, medical aid was immediately rendered by medics and police officers. For the other, the police and medics stood by and did nothing.

The killer of one died in prison 38 years after his crime. The other five killers, as well as any others involved, will also hopefully die in prison.

Tyre Nichols explained to officers, as he pleaded for them to stop beating him, that all he “was trying to go home.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was undoubtedly among those who welcomed Tyre with a warm embrace to his new home in Heaven.

May they both continue to Rest in Peace. WI

The Grammy’s Gave Black Excellence

Despite some upsets, such as British pop-sensation Harry Styles’, beating Beyoncé for the coveted “Album of the Year,” award, Black entertainers broke barriers at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 5.

Hosted by Trevor Noah, the evening featured beautiful, bold expressions of Blackness and created memorable moments in Black history and present such as a tribute honoring the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop featuring musical legends such as: Run-DMC, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Grandmaster Flash and Grandmaster Melle Mel.

Then there’s Lizzo, whose hit, “About Damn Time,” earned her a Grammy for “Record of the Year.”

Viola Davis earning EGOT status was another ma-

jor moment on music’s biggest night. Davis became the third Black woman in history to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony, behind Whoopi Goldberg and Jennifer Hudson.

And last, but certainly not least, Beyoncé “Black Girl Magic” Knowles Carter herself became the most Grammy-awarded artist in history with 32 of the high honors– earning four that night for “Best Dance Recording,” (“Break My Soul,”); “Best Dance/ Electronica Album” (“Renaissance); “Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance” (“Plastic Off the Sofa”); and “Best R&B Song” (“Cuff It”). From a young artist in Destiny’s Child and feeling “Bootylicious,” to the “Church Girl,” who reminds people she’s “that girl,” Beyoncé also has broken records as the artist with the most Grammy nominations (88). WI

TO THE EDITOR

I was glad to read that the killer of 13-yearold Karon Blake had been apprehended and denied bond. I can’t imagine what would possess a 41-year-old man to do something like that to a child, but I guess that will come out in the wash or the trial rather. Thanks for your reporting on the issue.

Marveina Thompson Washington, DC

I, for one, did not watch the video of Tyre Nichols being brutalized and beaten to his untimely death by those Memphis cops. I’m sick and tired of videos of Black pain and abuse being normalized and distributed like mints. The cops have been arrested and charged with murder: good. But the bigger problem is systemic, and there must be radical police reform from the top down. But good luck with that.

Rudolph Yates Washington, DC

Guest Columnist

'He Should Have Been Safe'

The first day of Black History Month brought a soul crushing ritual that has been repeated over and over in our nation's history: a funeral for a Black son, father and brother killed by police. Vice President Kamala Harris was among the White House officials and members of Congress who attended the service for 29-year-old Tyre Nichols at Mississippi Boulevard

Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. His family and friends were also joined by the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Botham Jean and other victims of police violence.

Tyre Nichols was stopped, dragged from his car and assaulted by Memphis police officers on his way home after taking sunset photos at one of his favorite parks, and some of those pictures were shown in a montage during the service, along with pictures of him performing on his skateboard, a picture of him beaming as he held his infant son,

Guest Columnist

Marian Wright Edelman

and pictures of him as a young child and with his beloved mother. Nichols was just yards away from his mother's home when he was fatally beaten, and on the traumatic video captured at the scene, he can be heard calling out for her as he repeated that he was just trying to go home. But she could not hear his cries, and the officials who were enjoined to protect and help him did neither.

When Vice President Harris spoke she began by praising Nichols' mother, Mrs. RowVaughn Wells, for her extraordinary strength, courage and grace.

We Cannot Accept Mass Murder

tality that too often is unleashed on African American men.

Once more the horror. Three mass shootings in California — 11 killed at a ballroom dance hall in Monterey Park, seven killed at Half Moon Bay, and a week earlier, a 16-year-old mother and four others shot in a California farming community — are tragic and grotesquely routine. The savage beating and murder of Tyre Nichols by five Memphis police officers was criminal, and one more incidence of police bru-

The murders once more trigger demands for reform. The unspeakable shooting of children at Sandy Hook and Parkland led to mass protests, culminating in the March for Life, led by the children themselves. The police murder of George Floyd, one of too many police murders, fed the Black Lives Matter demonstrations, the largest interracial non-violence demonstrations in our history, demanding police reform.

The results feed despair. The killings

Guest Columnist

She then said: "Mothers around the world, when their babies are born, pray to God, when they hold that child, that that body and that life will be safe for the rest of his life. Yet we have a mother and a father who mourn the life of a young man who should be here today. They have a grandson who now does not have a father. His brothers and sister will lose the love of growing old with their baby brother. And when we look at this situation, this is a family that lost their son and their brother through an act of violence at the hands and the feet of people who had been charged with

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

take place, the demonstrations demand change. Politicians express condolences and promise action. Then the lobbies mobilize to fight against reform. The gun lobby — even with the National Rifle Association scarred by corruption — remains one of the most powerful in Washington and in statehouses across the country. Police unions resist reform and scare off politicians. Reform gets twisted into a partisan issue, with politicians posturing that opponents want to "take your guns away," or "disarm the police" or side with the criminals against the citizens. The reforms get wa-

David W. Marshall

tered down, the reformers retreat. Real change is blocked. The killing goes on.

Some argue that reform won’t make a difference. Laws cannot erase the violence that a person might carry in his or her heart. But they can make it harder to get access to weapons of mass murder. They can require police reforms that offer training, limit qualified immunity, reorganize forms of policing, and create accountability that changes what is deemed acceptable. As Dr. Martin Luther King taught, "It may be true that the law cannot change the heart, but it can restrain the heartless."

Black Officers Not Upholding Our Black Heritage

is a white supremacist who made no attempts to hide his racial hatred. He claimed to have developed his white supremacist views after reading about the killing of Trayvon Martin.

"I would like to make it crystal clear, I do not regret what I did. I am not sorry. I have not shed a tear for the innocent people I killed." Those were the harsh words from Dylann Roof written in a journal six weeks after killing nine Black parishioners holding Bible study at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Roof

"Our people are superior," he said. "That's just the fact." And like so many white supremacists, Roof is proud of the Confederate battle flag he displayed so often while posing for photos. For white southerners who continue to carry the spirit of the Confederacy dear to their hearts, Roof dispelled their defense of how the battle flag is only a symbol of ancestral and regional heritage. "Her-

itage not hate" is the slogan, but they cannot have it both ways. The heritage and southern pride they glorify have a dark subculture filled with violence and hate toward people deemed inferior and not worthy of human dignity. Historically, the Confederate battle flag has always been used by white Anglo-Saxon Protestants as a symbol of power and intimidation against people of color, but also against those of Catholic faith. Roof took the time to research Black churches, and he understood the historical significance of the Black church within the community.

keeping them safe. And when I think about the courage and the strength of this family, I think it demands that we speak truth. And with this, I will say: This violent act was not in pursuit of public safety. … When we talk about public safety, let us understand what it means in its truest form. Tyre Nichols should have been safe."

Tyre Nichols should have been safe. The call and cry for police reform has been heard again from every corner of our country since his death, including

EDELMAN Page 53

After the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy in the summer of 1968, Lyndon Johnson pushed to treat guns like cars, licensing all gun owners and registering all weapons. Laws like that in Great Britain have had dramatic effect. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, that passed the House twice but was torpedoed by Republicans in the Senate, would outlaw racial profiling, restrict use of excessive force, and limit qualified immunity. That would help empower mayors to

When he killed nine innocent people, he knew precisely what he was doing and why. Each time he posed with the Confederate flag, he understood the hate-filled significance and intimidation the flag represents. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said in an interview that Roof had "hijacked" the meaning of the Confederate battle flag for people who felt it meant "sacrifice and heritage." The whitewashing of Black history curriculums and classes makes it easier for those like Haley to deny its dark side.

Lynching was more than just a per-

son getting killed; it became a show. Victims were hanged from trees, bridges and telephone poles. They were often tortured and mutilated before death: burned alive, castrated and dismembered. Their teeth, fingers, ashes, clothes and sexual organs were sold as keepsakes. Lynching was a community event with a carnival atmosphere in which tickets were sold. It became a spectator sport where lynch mobs could swell up to 15,000 people. Clergymen and business leaders often par-

Guest Columnist

February 1, 2023

I'm sure that many people only thought of February 1, 2023, in terms of the funeral of Tyre Nichols. Whether the date of his funeral was chosen randomly or chosen for symbolic impact, Tyre's funeral was the commencing event of this year's Black History Month Observance. Sadly, the circumstance of Tyre's lynching rekindles the pain and memories of the horrors and

brutalities that have been imposed upon Black communities for centuries. Those who value life deeply regret the loss of this young man's life and the loss of his potential for good to his family, friends and the larger community.

Many whites will attempt to expunge any personal or systemic culpability for the brutal murder of Tyre by pointing out that the crime was committed by five Black men operating under the cover of law enforcement. Nothing could be further from the truth. More correctly, the perpetual and on-

going conditioned responses, corruption and contamination by the malignant institution of slavery (America's Greatest Sin) continue to plague us all.

Throughout our experience in the US, Blacks have commonly been perceived and treated as subhuman. Our ancestors' value was determined by the work they could produce or the number of healthy offspring they could breed. When they became independently expressive, ran away or actively objected to their enslavement, they were brutally beaten into compli-

A. Peter Bailey

ance. Often, instead of "ruffling his feathers," the Massa would have a favored slave administer the specified punishment for him. This favored slave could/would earn a special place in the Massa's heart by demonstrating self-hatred/loathing and a willingness to serve as the Massa's surrogate enforcer.

It was culturally accepted that the most efficient way to exact compliance from a "slave" was to beat it out of him or her. Whether sadistic pleasure was derived from observing human torture or from

doing the dirty deed personally, "whippings" were more common than not. I believe that many of the whippings Black children received were predicated on the belief that beatings were necessary to achieve compliance. Unfortunately, this legacy of personal violence still festers among many.

Even the casual, OBJECTIVE observer can confirm the duplicity of punishment in law enforcement. For whites the "Serve and Protect" mantra of law enforce-

WILLIAMS Page 54

Ebony Publisher's Statement on Black-on-Black Crime Still Relevant 46 Years Later

and proposed solutions that are just as relevant today as it was in 1979.

Between 1965 and 1992, Ebony magazine always focused on one subject in its August issue. The subject for August 1979 was "Black on Black Crime: The Causes, The Consequences, The Cures." Anyone seriously concerned about that subject today should take the time to read that issue. It has analysis, information

One of the most important of its items is The Publisher's Statement by Mr. John A. Johnson, Ebony's publisher. His opening paragraph includes the following: "This is a special issue on an explosive issue of special concern to every man, woman and child in Black America. … It is perhaps the most important special issue from the standpoint of the strength and stability of the

Guest Columnist

Black community that we have ever published in the past 16 years. … It is our belief and it is the basic premise of this issue that Black on Black Crime has reached a critical level that threatens our existence as a people. It is a threat to our young, to our women, to our senior citizens, to our institutions, to our values. And although we are not responsible for the external factors that systematically create breeding grounds for social disorder, we cannot avoid the internal responsibility of do-

Divisions Set in Concrete and Pavement

The racial divisions that have split our country for centuries don't just live in people's hearts and heads. Some of them exist in concrete and pavement running right through certain neighborhoods. They are structural racism in the most tangible sense.

In Milwaukee last month, local activists told me about their

fight against that kind of division. Wisconsin's transportation department wants to expand a crumbling 3.5-mile stretch of Interstate 94 running through the state's largest city at a cost of $1.2 billion and about 49 acres of land in the neighborhoods adjoining the roadway.

Like Overton in Miami, East Los Angeles and West Montgomery, Ala., those neighborhoods, home to poor Black and brown residents, were subdivided 60 years ago when I-94 was built.

The highway continues to cut them off today.

It's disingenuous to make plans today that don't consider the history of these highways in places like Milwaukee. The cost to locate interstates, built as courts were ordering desegregation of public schools and housing, was borne by communities of color whose residents were barred from home loans that would have let them move to suburbs that got disproportionate benefit from faster commutes. Planners used code

ing everything we can to solve a problem that is rending the fabric of ourselves."

That was Mr. Johnson's opening statement. His closing paragraph was equally powerful. He stated, "That we must return to that family spirit that enabled our ancestors to survive slavery and segregation. There was a time — and it wasn't too long ago — when Black communities in America were surrounded by circles of mutual support and sustenance that protected the

Black child no matter how far he wondered and that condemned the Black violator no matter how high he rose. We have come to a hard place in our history that calls for the reforging of the shattered links in the circle of solidarity and mutual support. For when all is said and done, the only truly safe place for any of us is our neighbor's and our brother's and sister's hearts."

That statement is as relevant today as it was when made in 1979. WI

words like blight, renewal, and efficiency to confuse that reality.

A highway project like this creates an actual intersection between creating more equitable communities and protecting the planet. Public works projects that encourage more traffic increase air pollution that impacts our climate, increase noise pollution, and add to flooding and contaminated run-off that damage swimmable, fishable rivers. Those who live closest breathe the most exhaust and live with the constant

drone of traffic, but the environmental impact unquestionably stretches far wider.

The estimated cost of expanding I-94 is about $40 million more than fixing the existing six lanes. That's the same amount that a 50% cut in the current state budget cost mass transit systems in Madison and Milwaukee. Most Milwaukee mass transit riders are workers riding to a job or the disabled and seniors who

JEALOUS Page 54

Guest Columnist

Ben Jealous

E. Faye Williams

EDUCATION

Friendship PCS Celebrates 25 Years

Sam P.K. Collins

WI Staff Writer

For more than five years, Raegen Coby has increased her reading fluency, developed her critical thinking skills and gained an appreciation for learning at Friendship Public Charter School (PCS) Southeast Elementary & Middle, located in Congress Heights. Raegen, who considers South-

east Elementary & Middle a safe home away from home, said instructors, like her former teacher Lucy Price, unflinchingly provide support, which has not only inspired her to go above and beyond in the classroom, but take on leadership roles as a student dance instructor.

“My teachers push me to learn and give me high expectations,” said Raegen, a fifth grader at

Southeast Elementary & Middle who aspires to become a veterinarian or professional hip-hop/ballet dancer.

“I overcame my challenges by pushing myself and thinking about my answers for 15 minutes. I meet all the expectations and do what I’m supposed to do. In the real world, I have the same goals I want to reach inside of school.”

Southeast Academy, located just down the street from The Informer, counts among 15 Friendship PCS campuses scattered across the District. This year, Friendship PCS celebrates 25 years of existence in an educational ecosystem that has become increasingly diverse and robust since the school’s founding.

Friendship PCS, which serves students between PK-3 and 12th grade, started as Friendship House, a District-based social services agency and daycare center. In response to the public school system’s low graduation rates and parents’ concerns about the quality of their child’s education, Friendship House founder Donald Hense secured a charter that allowed him to launch what was then known as Friendship-Edison PCS in 1998.

vanced placement courses.

In the realm of parent engagement, Friendship PCS trained parents in the basics of childcare through its parent university and hosted annual breakfast for fathers. These days, parents have representation via two seats on the Friendship PCS board of trustees.

Hense, who serves as Friendship PCS’ board chairman, said such circumstances have cemented Friendship PCS’ longevity. For him, Friendship PCS and other public charter schools became the driving force in improving education in the District, primarily because it emboldened parents to control their child’s academic affairs.

“I don’t think people thought that charter schools would be around,” Hense said.

“We were among the first cohort and have served children and families honorably,” he added. “We were concerned about the state of schools in the neighborhood. [At the time], the DC Public Schools’ graduation rate was 50 percent. We wanted to increase it and provide a better learning environment.”

Shortly after, the D.C. Council approved the D.C. School Reform Act, which designated the State Board of Education and the newly formed DC Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB) as chartering boards. SBOE would later relinquish those rights to DCPCSB.

Years later, Friendship PCS counted among 19 charter schools that secured their charter from DCPCSB and the State Board of Education.

Today, there are 135 public charter schools run by 69 independently run nonprofits, also referred to as local education agencies.

Nearly half of the District’s student population attends a charter school, a significant portion of which are located east of Rock Creek Park and east of the Anacostia River, much to the chagrin of education advocates critical of public schools’ budget woes and pre-pandemic shuttering of public charter schools.

Publication Date 2-16 - 23

Friendship-Edison PCS counted among the first District-based public charter schools that provided frustrated parents with options beyond their neighborhood public schools. Offerings provided by the charter school network over the years include an early college high school, career academies and ad-

AN EARLY ACTOR IN THE CHARTER SCHOOL MOVEMENT

In 1995, Congress passed the District of Columbia School Reform Act, which made charter schools part of the local education system.

As other public charter schools have come and gone, Friendship PCS continued to grow, in part by taking over the operations for public charter schools facing revocation of their charter for poor academic performance.

Such was the case in 2005 when Friendship PCS acquired Southeast Academy, which is now Southeast Elementary & Middle. A decade later, Friendship brought

5 Lucy Price, a master teacher at Friendship PCS Elementary & Middle, has solidified a track record of rigorous instruction that takes students to the next level academically. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Poet to President? This week, Kid Scoop introduces readers to Amanda Gorman, who is the youngest Inauguration Poet in our country’s history. She has even bigger dreams for her future.

Each week, Kid Scoop brings students interactive games, activities, puzzles and more in a bright & bouncy, award-winning feature kids and their family members can enjoy together.

EDUCATION from Page 32

Dorothy I. Height’s Community Academy PCS’ Armstrong campus and Nicholson/online campus into the fold following revelations about its founder’s financial malfeasance.

TEACHERS TEACHING OTHER TEACHERS

At Southeast Elementary & Middle, kindergarten teacher Lucy Price continues to improve in her craft, so much so, she navigated a process to become a master teacher four years ago.

As a master teacher, Price has solidified a track record of rigorous instruction that takes students to the next level academically. In her role, she not only continues to teach her kindergarteners, but conducts professional development workshops at Southeast Elementary & Middle and other Friendship PCS campuses.

Price, in her 16th year at Southeast Elementary & Middle, said time’s of the essence, especially since her students are still transitioning into in-person learning. For the veteran instructor, teaching in the COVID era requires building foundational skills in students and establishing rapport with parents.

To this day, Price has been able to do that.

Since starting at Southeast Elementary & Middle, she has taught siblings and attended the high school graduations of former students who have moved on to other Friendship PCS campuses. Those experiences, she said, primed her for the responsibility of teaching, and in many cases, learning from other instructors in the charter network.

“We need to go over different skills and meet with other teachers,”Price said. “It helps to meet our colleagues throughout the network and see presentations by teachers who show their best practices.”

PERSISTENT ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Throughout the years, Friendship PCS has increasingly focused on alumni engagement, particularly as it relates to supporting

graduates’ collegiate endeavors. Through its Office of Alumni Affairs, Friendship PCS provides academic and financial aid counseling for graduates of Friendship Collegiate Academy and Technology Preparatory Academy.

Alumni who are enrolled in college also qualify for the Friendship College Persistence Fund, which fills gaps in tuition, room, board, books and travel after other financial aid options have been utilized.

DeMark Bowman, a Friendship Collegiate Academy alumnus, said he can attest to another aspect of Friendship PCS’ alumni relations: an ever-evolving student-to-employee pipeline.

In 2008, Bowman graduated from Friendship Collegiate Academy with the help of teachers who supported him after his mother passed, and during other tenuous moments in his high school career. As he recounted to The Informer, his relationship with Friendship PCS continued to blossom in his adult years.

While a student at Lafayette College, Bowman spent his summers interning in a Pre-kindergarten classroom at one of the Friendship PCS campuses.

After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, Bowman worked full time as an instructor at Achievement Preparatory PCS before returning to Friendship PCS, where he has since risen through the ranks as a 5th grade math teacher, human resources intern and eventually talent acquisition manager.

With these experiences in mind, Bowman has explored opportunities to bring more Friendship PCS alumni into the fold as teachers and staff members so they can replicate the ideal Friendship PCS experience for students.

“I was in a tough spot when I started,” Bowman said. “Teachers invested in me with additional time to complete work or [giving me] a safe place to nap. By the time I graduated, I had a few scholarships and the future looked up for me. I finished high school a lot stronger.”

WI

@SamPKCollins

Read full story on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Raegan Coby, a former kindergarten student of teacher Lucy Price at Friendship Public Charter School. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

LIFESTYLE

D.C. Travel and Adventure Show Draws Would-Be Travelers

James Wright WI Staff Writer

With the knowledge that the coronavirus pandemic may be winding down and travel having emerged as a viable entertainment and recreational option, thousands of people visited the 2023 Travel & Adventure Show that took place on Feb. 4-5 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in the District of Columbia.

“I decided to come because the world is opening up post-COVID,” said Ashley Johnson, 32, a resident of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. “I wanted to see what options were available. I also wanted to think out-

side of the box. Hidden gems in travel are what I’m looking for.”

In the convention center’s exhibition hall, representatives from dozens of booths representing travel concerns from countries such as Korea, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Aruba, Barbados and Japan presented literature and engaged visitors.

U.S. cities such as Anchorage, Alaska and Atlantic City, New Jersey, and states including North Carolina, Florida and West Virginia, and even in Maryland counties such as Cecil and Harford had booths. Airlines, cruise companies and public and private-owned travel agencies had agents explaining their offerings to

visitors. Four large theaters set up in the exhibition hall served as a place where visitors could listen to speakers talk about their travel careers and interests. Many of the exhibitors offered the chance for visitors to win free trips or discounted excursions to their locales either by a raffle or an encounter at the booths.

Primate World Safaris, a tour and travel company based in Uganda, had a number of people visiting its booth. Jackson Bagumm, a representative of the company, said visitors seem interested in traveling to his

country to see the wildlife.

“We are here to present people options to see Uganda, the pearl of Africa,” Bagumm, 37, said. “We have a range of safari options such as viewing the habitat of gorillas, looking at wildlife in general and visiting our country’s nature parks. We are also encouraging tourists to have cultural encounters with the people. The Ugandans will benefit directly from the tourists and the tourists will have real experiences with people in the communities.”

Lucia Barnard, a sales manager for

Sarasota, Florida-based Go Touch Down Travels & Tours that offers excursions to South Africa, offered reduced packages at the show. For example, an eight-day tour of the Cape Town area that normally costs $4,000 had a $3,200 price tag.

“Our customers have to arrange their travel to and from South Africa, but when they are in the country, we move them around comfortably,” Barnard said.

Visitors also showed great interest in domestic travel. A number of people hovered around the Anchorage, Alaska booth, with representatives constantly talking about visiting the state and its largest city.

“We have been overwhelmed. People coming by has been nonstop,” said Judy Overstreet, 60, a representative for the Anchorage booth. “Alaska is a beautiful destination. Some tourists consider it to be a little exotic but that’s okay. There is something for everyone in Alaska.”

Debbie Tompkins of Alexandria., Virginia spent two hours on Feb. 4 at the show. She expressed her excitement on resuming travel.

“It’s been a while since I have traveled,” said Tompkins, 62. “I am interested in going to Africa, the southern states such as South Carolina [and] Florida, and the Caribbean. I am glad I came to this. Some of these companies are offering decent deals.” wi

@JamesWrightJr10.

Washington Convention Center Offers State-of-the-Art Dining Facility Events DC and Aramark Collaborate to Deliver Diverse Food Options

Andrew Jacobson

WI Contributing Writer

Upon entering the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, few would have background on how the District’s newest state-ofthe-art dining facility came to reside in its lower level. However, just prior to the opening of the Washington Auto Show, Events DC hosted a Customer Appreciation and Auto Show Sneak Peek event that gave guests a behind-the-scenes view into the stories and strategies behind the food offerings.

Events DC, which manages the Convention Center, provided the Informer with a history of the space. When Aramark became the inhouse food and beverage partner at the Convention Center they made capital contributions of nearly $60 million towards renovations. Beginning with the Uptown Food Court,

located on the L Street Bridge side of the building, Aramark brought local pillars, like Ben’s Chili Bowl, to the center. Representatives emphasized the focus of the overhaul was to highlight District brands.

The Convention Center’s newest dining facility boasts 17,000 square feet and comfortably accommodates 400 people. The view from the space offers sweeping views overlooking the center’s showroom.

The space features multiple food stations and can be used for cooking demonstrations. On background, one Events DC executive offered, “if you want to have a cooking demonstration, that's going to require more than a burner or sternos, nowhere else in the Convention Center is permitted for that.” This unique dining product offers Events DC’s global clientele a diverse option, enabling Events DC to continue leading one of the most

successful convention centers in the nation.

However, the space doesn’t come in the absence of concern from the community. Questions regarding the affordability of renting the dining facility, by small and local businesses, have been raised. One small, local business owner, declining to be named, voiced, “How can businesses, like mine, afford this place? Are there going to be options for folks in the community to rent this venue?”

When asked how much the space rents for, Events DC commented that the daily rate was $10,000, plus additional costs for food and beverage. Events DC representatives explained that, while the space was conceptualized for the benefit of their corporate clients, they are focused on serving the community: “This space is just another option for economic development and also for local businesses. They [business-

es] can talk to the sales team, who has discretion in pricing.”

While small business owners are concerned with the space’s affordability, their concerns may be moot because of demand.

“As one of the busiest convention centers in the nation, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center wants to remain at the forefront and attract local, national and international business,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie Gates.

Events DC representatives candidly shared that they have so much demand, for national and international conventions, that the space may not have the vacancies business

owner’s anticipate.

Vacancy protocol aside, the story of Aramark’s transformation of the space is the focus. With their investment, a formerly dingy, employees-only luncheon area became a luxurious corporate event space. Moreover, Events DC’s mission is to generate economic and community benefits for the residents and businesses of the District of Columbia by creating a premier event experience in the nation’s capital.

“[The facility] brings a robust economic impact to the entire city –including booked restaurants, hotel stays and visitors,” Gates said. WI

5 World traveler, Ernest White II, known as the Fly Brother poses with a fan who watches his television travel docuseries. White was a speaker at the Travel and Adventure Show held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center February 4 and 5. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)

How to Combat Rising Interest Rates?

What Higher Rates Mean for Your Wallet.

Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Interest rates have a bigger impact on your wallet than you may realize. With rates forecasted to continue rising in 2023, you can expect to pay more on things like credit card debt, mortgages, car loans, and other everyday purchases. That’s why it’s important to take steps now to save and pay down debt so you don’t end up paying more for borrowing in the long run.

Although interest rates are projected to rise to as high as 5.1% this year, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve, there’s a bit of good news for consumers. Higher rates by the Federal Reserve mean consumers will see a higher return on their savings, and ultimately, more money back in their pocket.

What is the role of the Federal Reserve?

There’s a bank that you use to save and manage your money –and then there’s the bank.

The Federal Reserve, or “The Fed,” is the central banking system of the U.S., providing a safe and stable financial system by overseeing the nation’s banks and

influencing interest rates. While it doesn’t interact directly with consumers, the policies it sets ultimately affect the way you make financial decisions for things like savings, consumer credit and home loans.

How do rising interest rates affect your wallet?

The intent of raising interest rates is to lower inflation and moderate economic activity by reducing the supply of money in circulation. Higher rates mean more expensive loans for consumers and businesses, not to mention a higher cost of credit. Here’s how rising interest rates could have an impact on your wallet:

•Opportunities to Save: Higher interest rates might not be good news for consumers looking to borrow funds, however they can present savings opportunities if you have a deposit account. Rate increases impact deposit annual percentage yields (APYs), the percentage of interest earned on a deposit account or investment, which are determined by the current interest rate. As rates increase, banks increase the amount of what you earn, presenting an opportunity to earn more on checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and other deposit accounts.

•Paying off Debt: The prime rate, which determines most credit card variable annual percentage rates (APRs), is impacted by federal rates, so you can expect your consumer credit to be impacted by rising interest rates – whether that’s your personal loans, lines of credit or credit cards. By keeping up with paying off your credit card balance on time monthly, an APR increase won’t have a major impact for you.

•Buying a Home: Since 90% of new mortgages have fixed rates, the actual cost of borrowing for many households has not changed, even as interest rates have risen. However, for new homebuyers, higher interest rates could mean a higher mortgage rate, or if you have an adjustable rate mortgage loan, your monthly payment could increase.

How do rising rates affect your financial plan?

The Fed has been raising interest rates for an extended period of time and is expected to continue doing so. As a result, you may feel pressure to act now to lock in lower rates and make a big financial decision. Making choices under pressure is when you’re most likely to think (too) fast. Now is a good time to review your savings, investment and budget plans, and identify your financial goals for 2023. Then, connect with a dedicated advisor to work one-onone with someone who’s committed to understanding your needs and helping you achieve those financial goals.

Visit chase.com/advisor for more information.

Combating the racial wealth divide

JPMorgan Chase is building on our investments in Washington, D.C. and around the country to help close the racial wealth gap and build a more equitable future.

As part of our commitment, we are taking actions to help improve financial health and access to banking in Black, Latino and Hispanic communities. Learn more at jpmorganchase.com/racialequity

Ella Fitzgerald, a Singer Who Did It Her Way

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

World renowned entertainer Ella Fitzgerald has been widely celebrated for her unique singing style notably peppered with scatting, a form of improvisation that deviates from a melody. Fitzgerald’s life in song was featured in the cabaret show, “First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald,” staged by Signature Theatre in Shirlington, Va.

Mark Meadows, director of cabarets at Signature, found the perfect voices in Ayo and Rochelle Rice to bring Fitzgerald’s popular songs to life. Ayo studied jazz voice at Howard University and Rice has worked on several music projects and toured with the world-renowned

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Signature’s cabaret is a biography of Fitzgerald’s life surrounded by some of her best songs. Intertwined with singing from Ayo and Rice, the ladies shared facts from Fitzgerald’s life. She was born in Newport News, Va, and her family moved to Westchester County, N.Y., before Fitzgerald found her way to amateur night at the Apollo Theater.

The show immediately jumped off with “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” and “A Tisket, A Tasket,”-- the song that gave Fitzgerald immediate recognition as a young singer when she sang it in a black and white 1942 Abbott and Costello movie, “Ride Em Cowboy.”

Stellar Interpretation of Fitzgerald

Both Rice and Ayo have strong multi-octave ranges. They excelled in demonstrating their scatting chops. After all, that is what Fitzgerald fans wanted to hear. These ladies sang a comprehensive Fitzgerald catalog that included “You Belong to Me,” “Oh Lady Be Good,” and “Running Wild,” which was just the tip of the iceberg that made the Signature Theatre audiences hum along.

Both singers' solos showcased their astute ability to interpret Fitzgerald’s songs. Rice sang a beautiful melodic version of “The Very Thought of You.” Ayo sang a heart-wrenching

rendition of the Burt Bacharach/Hal David hit “A House is Not a Home.” Many of the songs had Ayo and Rice performing duets. The best from the set was Rice and Ayo singing “Mack the Knife,” a popular Fitzgerald hit from the “Live in Berlin” album. As performed in Berlin, most of the lyrics and scatting were improvised to cover for the fact that the versatile Fitzgerald forgot most of the words.

The quartet that accompanied Ayo and Rice included Brent Birkhead on alto sax, Delorean Fullington on bass, CV Dashiell on drums and Josh Jenkins on piano. The musicians smiled a lot, showing they were having a good time.

Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for over 50 years. Reading Ayo’s bio, the audience learns that the Howard alumna portrayed a young Fitzgerald in the HBO Documentary “The Apollo” and its subsequent album “Ella’s 100th Live at the Apollo.” When Ayo learned she would be in this cabaret, she was very thrilled.

"It felt surreal,” Ayo said. “I felt my inner child smile. I can’t believe I get to do this.”

More cabarets and other performances are on the Signature Theatre schedule. Visit the website https:// www.sigtheatre.org

WI

@bcscomm

5 “First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald” at Signature Theatre in Shirlington, Va., featured the songs made popular by the iconic singer. (Courtesy photo/Signature Theatre)

5 (L-R) Ayo and Rochelle Rice sang the music of Ella Fitzgerald in the Signature Theatre cabaret “First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald.” (Courtesy photo/Signature Theatre)

Marcia Griffin CEO/Founder HomeFree-USA  Homefreeusa.org

No matter how good your intentions, sometimes things will go wrong. You may lose your job, suffer a health setback or simply find yourself falling so deep into debt that you’re having trouble climbing out.

If you’re a homeowner, a financial setback can be even more nerve-wracking, particularly if you are struggling to make your monthly mortgage payments.

While you may feel like there is no one you can turn to, here are three steps you can take that may help you turn your financial situation around and save your house.

Think positive. Shame, fear, stress and anger are just some of the emotions you may experience if you are having trouble paying your mortgage. Those are all normal reactions so don’t beat yourself up about it.

However, the worst thing you can do if you fear that you are falling behind on your mortgage is nothing. If you don’t communicate with your lender about what’s going on or you ignore your lender’s attempts to collect your mortgage, your credit could be negatively impacted, or, even worse, you could lose your house.

When you are going through

tough financial times, remember that there are many people who have struggled financially before you who came out on the other side. You too can successfully resolve your situation with time, patience and guidance. Just keep an optimistic mindset.

Find an ally. If you’re worried about other people finding out that you’re struggling financially, you’re not alone. Let’s keep it real. Who wants their family members, friends or neighbors to know they can’t pay their mortgage?

However, now is not the time to try to figure things out on your own. The stakes are too high.

A HUD-approved homeownership organization can serve as a listening – and confidential – ear, and help you determine whether there are programs that would benefit your situation. There are many programs available that will help homeowners who are struggling financially to keep their homes. A nonprofit organization can tell you about them.

A nonprofit organization can also help you communicate your concerns to your lender and give you a plan of action you can take to get back on solid financial footing.

Trust me when I tell you, your lender doesn’t want to take your house. Lenders have plenty of incentives to help their customers move past a financial hurdle so that they can get back to making regular mortgage payments again. Take action. Once you’ve received guidance from a nonprofit organization, you will come away with a clear plan on what steps you should take next. That might mean applying for a modification, an agreement with your lender that may lead to lower mortgage payments.

It might also mean revising your budget or tackling a debt. Some lenders may agree to forbearance, an option that lets you take a temporary pause from making mortgage payments so you can get your financial house in order after a crisis such as a death, job loss or a divorce.

Whatever action you take, it will be designed to help you improve

your finances and, ideally, keep your house. However, you must be willing to seek help before you fall too far behind.

When financial woes pile up one

after the other it can seem like there is no way out of a bad situation. But if you’re a homeowner, there is help available to you if you know where to look.

Worried that you can’t pay your mortgage? Don’t panic. Here are three things struggling homeowners can do.

The INCREDIBLE story of SISTER ROSETTA THARPE

‘Grace’

the Musical, an Award-Winner

"Grace," a musical created by Nolan Williams, Jr., performed at Ford's Theatre in Spring 2022, recently won 11 top “Broadway World-DC” magazine awards.

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

A locally produced musical about saving a family-owned restaurant in Philadelphia has won 11 “Broadway World-Washington, DC Awards.”

With music and lyrics composed by Nolan Williams, Jr, the book by Williams and Nikkole Salter, and Robert Barry Fleming as choreographer, “Grace” played to enthusiastic audiences at Ford’s Theatre last spring. The core production team scooped up top awards at the “Broadway WorldWashington, DC Awards”– an outstanding accomplishment since the musical was nominated in 12 categories.

“In a market full of rich theater offerings, it is tremendous that we have emerged as the clear people’s choice,” Williams said. “It’s exciting because it speaks to how the show's message, music, and spirit resonates with everyday folks and astute theatergoers.”

“Grace" won: Best Musical, Best New Musical, Best Direction, Best Choreography, Best Ensemble Performance, Best Lighting Design, Best Scenic Design, Best Sound Design, Best Costume Design, Best Music Direction and Best Orchestra Performance. Lead actress Nova Y. Payton received the Best Performer in a Musical award.

The Road to Awards for “Grace”

From the opening musical number of “Grace,” it was clear the production had its sights set on going beyond the D.C. market. Smart dialog, songs that were an extension of the script, funny inter-family jokes, and closely held secrets were all featured under a cloud of potentially losing the treasured family restaurant.

“Broadway World” created the award categories. The publication is a national theater news site with regional editions. Theatergoers nominate what shows are worthy of consideration. The voting was online after theater patrons registered on the “Broadway World” site and then cast their votes.

In addition to the “Broadway World” awards, nominations were

recently announced for the Helen Hayes Awards, a theater recognition that began in 1983. Payton was nominated as Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical for “Grace” and “The Color Purple,” a Signature Theatre production. Payton is competing with herself in this category.

Williams and Salter are not done with “Grace.” The co-writers are reviewing their award-winning production for further development. Changes in the production will be tested through work sessions, the first one to occur outside of DC in the spring. Gratefully, In Demand

Williams is constantly busy. He was the music director of “Let Freedom Ring,” recently performed at the Kennedy Center with Tony and Grammy winner Leslie Odom, Jr. During that production, a new composition was composed by Williams, something he has been commissioned to do since 2005.

How does this “music man” maintain such a rigorous pace? “It’s really about time management, " Williams said. “I always try to maximize time. I am pretty dutiful about going out the door at an event when my time is up.”

Keep track of the next steps for “Grace,” plus other projects from Williams’ company NEWorks Productions by visiting his website https:// neworksproductions.com. WI @bcscomm

Carrie Compere in the 2019 Seattle Repertory Theatre Production of Shout Sister Shout! Photo by Bronwen Houck.

By Cheryl L. West; Based on the biography entitled Shout, Sister, Shout! The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe by Gayle F. Wald; Music Direction by Sheilah V. Walker; Choreographed by William Carlos Angulo; Directed by Kenneth L. Roberson

5 “Nolan Williams, Jr. composed the music and lyrics for his award-winning musical “Grace.” (Courtesy Photo/ André Chung)

Rabbits love cabbage. Help this rabbit nd the cabbage patch.

About how many di erent types of cabbage are grown throughout the world? Do the math to nd out!

Nearly 3,000 years ago, wild cabbage from Asia and the Mediterranean was ____________ to Northern Europe by the Celts and later the Romans.

Able to be stored for long ___________ of time, cabbage was a staple item of Europeans in the Middle Ages. Its juice was commonly used to heal wounds and as a _________ remedy. In 1541, French ______________, Jacques Cartier, introduced cabbage to North America.

Since cabbage contains lots of vitamin C, other explorers, including Captain James Cook, _____________ with it in order to prevent scurvy. Scurvy is a terrible ____________ caused by a diet lacking in vitamin C. Cabbage rapidly spread across the North American __________________.

Cooling with Cabbage

One of the greatest baseball players in the history of the game had an unusual trick for keeping cool. He would place a chilled cabbage leaf under his hat on hot days to beat the heat! He would replace the cabbage leaf with a new one every two innings. Circle every third letter to reveal this famous baseball player’s name.

Crunchy cabbage is full of good things your body needs. It has vitamin C and vitamin K. It’s a cruciferous (crew-si-fur-us) vegetable.

Cruciferous vegetables are plants that contain phytochemicals with possible anti-cancer properties. Other cruciferous vegetables are bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauli ower, collard greens, kale, Swiss chard and turnips.

Hard C and Soft C

Sometimes the letter C is a soft C and is pronounced as an S, as in cell and celery. Sometimes the letter C is a hard C and is pronounced as a K, as in the word cabbage Look through the newspaper and cut out six words starting with the letter C. Group them into Hard C and Soft C groups.

Healthy Mealtime

Look at the grocery ads in the newspaper. Select items and make a healthy meal menu. Cut out the pictures and names of the foods in your meal, and paste them on a sheet of paper to display on your refrigerator.

What’s the best way to eat cabbage?

In coleslaw? As sauerkraut? Roasted? Or? Give other kids ideas on how to best enjoy eating cabbage!

SCOOP IS SPONSORED BY

review wi book

"Driving the Green Book: A Road Trip Through the Living History of Black Resistance"

By Alvin Hall

c.2022, HarperOne

$29.99

288 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

The gas tank is full of fuel.

The tires are new, you checked the oil twice, the speedometer's calibrated, your headlights are intact, all good. The vehicle's not flashy, so there's absolutely no reason to attract attention. And yet, as in "Driving the Green Book" by Alvin Hall and as your ancestors did, you sweat that all-day road trip.

In 2015, while doing research for a podcast, Alvin Hall discovered something that intrigued and surprised him: one of his sources mentioned The Negro Motorist Green Book. Granted, when he was small, his family didn't travel much from their home on Florida's panhandle but still — how did Hall not know about that book? Surely, his aunts had one, right? How did The Green Book escape notice by his and other generations, when it was such an essential part of Black America for decades?

Needing to know, and needing to understand what it was like to "drive the Green Book," Hall and two younger colleagues took a roadtrip after the podcast was done. They started in Detroit and traveled through small towns and cities, Cleveland and Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville, Memphis, Birmingham and Montgomery, Mobile, Jackson, ending in New Orleans, which was the approximate route a northern-living, Jim-Crow-escaping Great Migration worker might have taken on an annual trek to visit kin back home in the South.

That route, as Hall points out, could've been uncomfortable, at best, or dangerous, at worst.

Not all gas stations, restaurants, or hotels welcomed Blacks; some places actively chased them off with threats or more. The Green Book, "small and thin" and meant to be tucked inside the glove box, changed all that with a guide to help the Black traveler find safe accommodations, fuel, and places to avoid.

With the latter in mind, Hall and his fellow travelers took to the road, and while they drove, they separately wondered if they'd be stopped by a policeman.

An adult man and two younger women — they could handle a stop like that today, right?

So what was DWB like in 1945?

Also relevant: how far have we come? That question, a ton of relevance, and a small whiff of threat accompany every mile that author Alvin Hall writes about, and in "Driving The Green Book," we're taken along for that ride.

Maybe you've seen the movie or read about The Green Book elsewhere, but those things pale in comparison to the stories Hall tells. These are tales of making do in embarrassing ways to avoid jail, of sleeping on concrete, of driving as an act of defiance, and of being warned to leave town or else. These authentic tales, told by experts and those who "lived" the Green Book, are like punches to the gut, but they aren't surprising. They're shocking but not unexpected. "We're still living it," says Hall, and that's just plain sobering.

Readers who love to travel will want to tuck this in their carry-on or console. If there's a bit of quiet activism inside you, "Driving The Green Book" will fuel it.

horoscopes

ARIES As the start of the week, you might be feeling especially emotional and as though you've been putting your personal needs on the back burner for far too long in order to tend to those around you. This can be a time to rest and reflect on how you can step up your efforts to address your own needs while also reimagining how you can continue to work toward long-term goals in your relationships and career without compromising your self-care. Lucky Numbers: 29, 31, 55

TAURUS You might want to take a time-out from the daily grind to rest and reflect on deeply felt emotions as the week gets underway. This could offer you helpful insight moving forward. Later, there's good news if you've been feeling a bit humdrum as of late. You'll get a burst of joyful, lighthearted energy that can be applied toward bolstering your closest connections and tuning in to your most artistic impulses. . Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 27

GEMINI You already know that it can be challenging to go through life without a certain level of social stimulation, but you could find that your connections to your community, neighbors, friends, and colleagues are even more integral to your emotional well-being at the start of the week. Finding new ways to connect and make a difference with people in your social network can have you feeling more centered and fulfilled now. Lucky Numbers: 10, 14, 31

CANCER It's possible you've been reflecting on the challenges and work it takes to keep your closest one-onone relationships firing on all cylinders. But early this week you'll get the green light to apply those meditations in the real world. If you've been wanting to have a tough conversation with a loved one or commit in a deeper way to a more casual relationship, now is the time to take steps in that direction. Lucky Numbers: 20, 33, 41

LEO You might be feeling a particularly strong case of cabin fever, itching to get out of your home and see or experience something new and exciting as the week begins. Whether you satiate this urge by soaking up new knowledge from books or films, or opt to take a long drive to a neighboring town you've never explored, allowing yourself to break free of your typical routine can be hugely restorative emotionally and intellectually.

Lucky Numbers: 10, 21, 22

VIRGO You could be reflecting on assets you share with loved ones or ways in which your closest emotional ties are falling short at the start of the week. This is a time to assess whether you're giving too much or not enough with others and where you might need to set better boundaries. Lucky Numbers: 2, 37, 43

LIBRA At the beginning of the week, you might have to address an ongoing issue with a loved one, significant other, or dear friend. You'll be thinking about what you need and what they need and how you can find common ground in order to move forward in a healing, harmonious way that works for you both. It might be tough to actually see progress right away, but bolstered awareness is the first step. Lucky Numbers: 10, 17, 18

SCORPIO You might be fed up with a lack of work/life balance as the week starts. This could lead you to make changes that become a new part of your day-to-day grind. Positive steps, even if they're small, subtle, or seemingly minor, can compound over time and lead to feeling more centered and vital. Lucky Numbers: 35, 39, 46

SAGITTARIUS In the beginning of the week, feeling like you've been putting work before everything else could start to get to you, urging you to break free of this rut and put your joy and artistic impulses first. You could find yourself meditating on the fact that experiencing pleasure and maintaining outlets for your creative expression is just as integral to your overall well-being as putting your nose to the grindstone. Lucky Numbers: 10, 55, 57

CAPRICORN You've likely been reflecting on your personal hurdles and challenges and how they might be impeding your hitting your main aspirations in life. But early this week you'll be able to apply that mental work to any external challenges that come up. Lucky Numbers: 12, 29, 45

AQUARIUS You might feel swamped by emails, texts, to-dos, and errands as the week begins. Finding room to breathe could be getting to you, stirring you to fantasize about rebelling by shrugging off these tasks and connecting with others. But your best bet in the long run is to put your head down and do your best, then take a deep breath and move on to activities you enjoy even more. Lucky Numbers: 12, 14, 16

PISCES At the start of the week, you'll be reflecting on how you're exerting yourself on the job and the benefits that follow. If something feels off-balance and unfulfilling, it might be time to reassess how you want to proceed moving forward. Give yourself free rein to think about all the possibilities, because there's really no harm in feelings and dreaming big now. Lucky Numbers: 17, 15, 19

then it would change, I think he made the right choice."

Harbor Makes His Decision

Edward Hill Jr. WI Contributing Writer

After hours and hours of pondering his future, Nyckoles Harbor has made his much-awaited decision. The talented dual sports athlete will take his talents to the University of South Carolina.

A 6-foot-five, 225-pound wide receiver and top-rated sprinter in the country picked the Gamecocks over Football Bowl Subdivision (FBs) powers Louisiana State University, the University of Michigan, the University of Maryland, Miami University and the University of Oregon.

"We've been prioritizing the tri-

SUPER BOWLfrom Page 1

and Side Judge Eugene Hall, who worked Super Bowl LIV.

The Chiefs have a strong representation, featuring Offensive Coordinator

Eric Bieniemy, Assistant Defensive Line

Coach Terry Bradden (Howard University), Strength and Conditioning

Coach Greg Carbin, Running Backs

Coach Greg Lewis, Defensive Backs

angle (three considerations): athletics, academics and then not just being there overall, but liking the feel of it," said Harbor, ranked the top athlete in the high school class of 2023 by many. "A team has to have a great track and field program, great athletics and a great football team. That is what got my attention. I have been blessed to be put in this position where I can make a choice of whatever school I want to go to."

The honors student made his decision at his school, Archbishop Carroll in Northeast, D.C., where the entire school body assembled in the gym to witness his pick. The signing was covered by Col-

Coach Dave Merritt, Offensive Coach Dan Williams and Defensive Assistant Coach Rod Wilson. Ted Crews (South Carolina State) is the Executive VP of Communications and Johnny Chapple, Jr. is the Assistant.

The Eagles have an equally impressive representation on their staff: Defensive Line Coach Tracy Rocker, Running Backs Coach Jemal Singleton, Defensive Backs coach D.K McDon-

lege Football Live on ESPNU. Surrounding him for the big moment were his father, mother and sister Azuka, Saundra and Giovanna Harbor.

ald, Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay, Quarterbacks Coach Brian Johnson, Wide Receivers Coach Aaron Morehouse, Running Backs Coach Dennard Wilson and Offensive Quality Control Coach Eric Dickerson. Perhaps the biggest news coming out of Philadelphia is that for the first time in team History, the Eagles will have a woman, Autumn Lockwood, to serve as an assistant coach in the big game. Lockwood handles sports conditioning for the team.

BLACK PLAYERS REFLECT ON THE BIG MOMENT

When Super Bowl LVII kicks off in State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ on Feb. 12, it will be more than just another major sporting event that will be attended and watched by a huge audience. The best storyline is that for the first time in NFL history, there will be two African Americans starting at quarterback, the most important position in the sport.

To put this into the proper perspec-

"I have not slept for the past two nights," confessed his father over the anxiety of reaching a decision. "It was hard. One minute it seemed like it was one school and

tive, it is only right to go back in history.

James "Shack" Harris was the first African American to regularly start as a quarterback in the NFL. The strongarmed native of Louisiana and standout at Grambling under the late, legendary Coach Eddie Robinson, spoke to the Informer about years past to help current NFL fans appreciate this exciting phenomena.

"It is especially exciting for me to see this come to reality," said Harris, who was the first Black quarterback named to the Pro Bowl, where he earned Game MVP as a member of the LA Rams. "There were African American players who had the ability but no one was willing to give them the opportunity.”

The barrier-breaking pro-bowler is impressed by the skills displayed by Hurts, Mahomes and their respective teams.

“It is especially exciting for me to see these two talented players get that opportunity,” Harris continued. “They both have exceptional talents and they are surrounded by players who complement their skills. At the end of the day,

Harbor led the Lions football team to 22 wins the past two seasons, including a perfect 12-0 mark and DC State championship last year, with his ability to impact the game both on the defensive side where he stood out as linebacker/defensive end and at wide receiver. Harbor recorded 45 tackles (29 solo), with 16.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, while also hauling in 15 receptions for 439 yards and five touchdowns during his senior season.

He is equally impressive on the track where he has run some of the fastest times in the country. His recent times in the 60 meters (6.64 seconds), 100 meters (10.21 seconds), 200 meters (20.63 seconds) and 300 meters (33.90 seconds) are considered elite for someone his size.

Harbor has his sights set on future Summer Olympic host cities Paris (2024) and Los Angeles (2028).

"That's one of my biggest goals," Harbor said, confidently. "I'm going to make sure I get to it." WI

it is about winning in the NFL. That's why they are in the Super Bowl; they were given an opportunity."

District native Cornelius Green also has an interesting take on the historic event. Green starred locally at Dunbar High School and went on to star at Ohio State as the school's first African-American quarterback. He led his team, the Buckeyes, to four straight Rose Bowls and was named MVP in 1973. He was later drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 11th round.

"My skills were similar to the ones that Hurts and Mahomes have," said Green, who is in the Rose Bowl and Ohio State Hall of Fames. "At that time, the NFL was looking for the big, strong pocket passers and my skills, which are similar to those of Hurts and Lamar Jackson, were not what they were looking for during that period.”

The hall-of-famer is happy to see Hurts and Mahomes shine.

“It is so exciting to see the two of them get a chance to show the world their ability to lead their teams and perform at a high level." WI

3Nyckoles Harbor of Archbishop Carroll will be taking his talents to the University of South Carolina. (Courtesy Photo)

5 Autumn Lockwood, assistant sports performance coach for the Philadelphia Eagles is the first female coach to make super bowl. (Courtesy photo/LinkedIn)

CAPTURE the moment

5 Jay Heath (5) dribbles past a defender during a Georgetown Hoyas loss to the UConn Huskies 62 - 68 at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Feb.4. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

3 Will Barton (5) with a contested shot during a Washington Wizards loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers 91 - 114 at Capital One Arena in Northwest on February 6. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

6 A Georgetown Hoyas fan displays a sad sign during the Hoyas loss to the UConn Huskies 6268 at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Feb. 4. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

3 Georgetown Coach Patrick Ewing argues against a referees call during a Georgetown Hoyas loss to the UConn Huskies 62 - 68 at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Feb. 4. (Abdullah Kontes/The Washington Informer)

5 Monte Morris (22) drives the lane during a Washington Wizards loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers 91 - 114 at Capital One Arena in Northwest on February 6. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

Religious Group Counts Among the OftenOverlooked Victims of the Holocaust

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

When the world recently marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a symbolic date to commemorate the victims of Nazism, there were reminders of the murderous Nazi terror that targeted millions for reasons of biology, nationality, or political ideology.

But few people know that the Nazis’ victims included thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who suffered for their Christian faith.

Jehovah’s Witnesses, also then known as Bible Students, were “the only group in the Third Reich to be persecuted on the basis of their religious beliefs alone,” says Professor Robert Gerwarth.

The Nazi regime branded Witnesses “enemies of the State,” according to historian Christine King, because of “their very public refusal to accept even the smallest elements of [Nazism], which didn’t fit their faith and their beliefs.”

On religious grounds, the politically neutral Witnesses refused to give the “Heil Hitler” salute, take part in racist and violent acts, or join the German army.

Moreover, “in their literature they publicly identified the evils of the regime, including what was happening to the Jews,” stated King.

Witnesses were among the first sent to concentration camps, where they bore a unique uniform symbol—the purple triangle.

Of about 35,000 Witnesses in

nitrogen dioxide, which can cause respiratory issues. A growing body of research links gas stoves with health risks—one peer-reviewed analysis, published last year, estimated that one in eight cases of childhood asthma in the U.S. stems from gas stove pollution.

What to know right now: This legislation lays out a long timeline—nearly two decades—to meet its goals. Plus, it’s still in the earliest phases of the legislative process. In the meantime, a few simple steps can help minimize the air quality impact for households with gas stoves. Cracking open a door or window to help ventilate the kitchen while cooking makes a big difference. If your stove has an exhaust hood above it, try to turn it on every time you use the burners.

5

Nazi-occupied Europe, more than one-third suffered direct persecution. Most were arrested and imprisoned.

Hundreds of their children were taken to Nazi homes or reformatories. About 4,200 Witnesses went to Nazi concentration camps.

Leading authority Detlef Garbe wrote: “The declared intention of the NS [Nazi] rulers was to completely eliminate the Bible Students from German history.”

An estimated 1,600 Witnesses

This legislation lays out a long timeline—nearly two decades—to meet its goals. Plus, it’s still in the earliest phases of the legislative process.

SPEEDING AWAY FROM CARS-ONLY TRANSPORT

Bill name: “Electric Bicycle Rebate Program Amendment Act of 2023”

What’s the plan?

• Offer up to $2,400 in rebates for D.C. residents who are on SNAP or TANF or who do not own a vehicle to buy and maintain an e-bike bought from a registered D.C. bike shop

• Offer up to $1,100 in rebates to any other D.C. residents

• Establish $50,000 grant for a business to open a bike shop in Wards 7 or 8

• Enable residents to receive the rebate at the point of sale, instead of as a reimbursement later

• Create grants for bike shops to train D.C. residents as mechanics

Who’s on board: Nine councilmembers— Allen, Pinto, Parker, Frumin, Gray, Lewis George,

died, 370 by execution.

The Nazis sought to break Witnesses’ religious convictions by offering them freedom in exchange for a pledge of obedience.

The standard Erklärung (issued beginning in 1938) required the signee to renounce his or her faith, denounce other Witnesses to the police, fully submit to the Nazi government, and defend the “Fatherland” with weapon in hand.

Prison and camp officials often used torture and privation to induce

Nadeau, White, and Kenyan McDuffie (I-At-Large),

What’s the status: The legislation was introduced on Feb. 2, and officially referred to the Committee on Transportation and the Environment Feb. 7.

Thought bubble: Councilmember Allen told DCist that he intends to hold hearings on both this bill and the “Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstarting the Environment (‘E-BIKE’) Act” spearheaded by Councilmember Pinto last month. Both pieces of legislation seek to incentivize residents to leave their cars at home, reducing traffic, air pollution and carbon emissions.

What to know right now: If you’re thinking about trying out that e-bike life, you can already find ones to rent through Lime or Capital Bikeshare all over the city. WI

Witnesses to sign.

According to Garbe, “extremely low numbers” of Witnesses recanted their faith.

Geneviève de Gaulle, a niece of General Charles de Gaulle and member of the French Resistance, said of female Witness prisoners in Ravensbrück concentration camp,

“What I admired a lot in them was that they could have left at any time just by signing a renunciation of their faith.

“Ultimately, these women, who appeared to be so weak and worn out, were stronger than the SS (Schutzstaffel, the Nazi paramilitary organization) who had power and all the means at their disposal. They had their strength, and it was their willpower that no one could beat.”

The failure of Nazi coercion in the case of Jehovah’s Witnesses contrasts with widespread societal conformity to Nazi aims before and during the Holocaust.

The nonviolent resistance of ordinary people to racism, extreme nationalism, and violence merits thoughtful reflection on this International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

More information about Jehovah’s Witnesses during the Holocaust can be found at www.jw.org.

The world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses provided information for this report. WI

The nonviolent resistance of ordinary people to racism, extreme nationalism, and violence merits thoughtful reflection on this International Holocaust Remembrance Day. (Courtesy Photo, Jehovah’s Witnesses)

CLIMATE from Page 9

Last week, this series shared research that shows how African Americans have been a significant part of Washington, D.C.'s civic life. This is the third installment of this series, in which I'm writing about how African American churches have fared, especially during the gentrification that has taken place over the past two decades.

Blacks and African Americans are still the largest majority here, though it is much smaller today — only 45.39% of the population, down from 70% during the early days of the late Marion Barry's administration.

I interviewed several D.C. pastors, starting with my own at All Nations Baptist Church, located at the corner of Rhode Island Avenue and North Capitol Street in northeast D.C. for more than three decades. In May, our church will celebrate 32 years of service for our pastor, and 62 years serving the community for our church.

In my interview with Pastor Coleman, he said: "In order to properly address gentrification, we must first consider the land space available to its citizenry. For example, let's look at land space in the District of Columbia, which is much smaller than most cities, therefore when gentrification occurs the impact is felt more harshly."

Pastor Coleman also said "churches with the history of residential connection in recent times have suffered because more affluent neighbors have established new policies, new zoning regulations, they have created new shifts in population, where

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

policy is formed which pitches against new interest and new trends, such as dog parks, bicycle lanes and congested living conditions. Thus many of the regular congregants, having attended worship services here in the District of Columbia for decades, have been forced to move for economic and social reasons. They left because they do not want to continue to compete for parking in the neighborhoods they once enjoyed. Driving in from longer distances from the suburbs has become an issue, especially with the internet services, and worship services on Zoom or teleconference services. These services and other opportunities are more convenient for them."

In my second interview with the pastors who have stayed here in this city, I spoke with Rev. Dr. George Gilbert Sr., the pastor of Holy Trinity Baptist Church, who said, "Black families have moved out of the city, and they are not willing to drive back to participate in live church services. They are not feeling that it is worth the drive. Gentrification impacts the culture, meaning, what is acceptable and what is not. On Sundays, the church used to be almost the only thing open here in this city. Now we must compete with so many others. We did not have so many foot races happening on Sundays. They were held on Saturdays, now they are held on Sundays, too.

"Gentrification has replaced our culture," Rev. Gilbert said. "It has been a racist move. There is no poor white community in the District of Columbia, and we have a top-down white community, not a bottom-up. There is not a place for the downtrodden."

And finally, the third pastor, Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church at 1500 9th Street NW,

shared with me: "Shiloh Baptist Church parishioners work hard to connect with our new neighbors, we invite them to attend worship services on a regular basis."

As housing prices continue to go up for homes here in the District of Columbia, people have lost their homes due to the increases in taxes, said Smith, who headed up a task force to assist people with finding solutions and ways to keep their properties.

"Now disbanded, we would go to the D.C. government and refer them to federal agencies," Smith said. "We would send them to churches that could provide some assistance. It was clear this was a losing battle. Several churches have worked together to do the best they could in helping each other. They all worked together, but the forces seem to be lined against us. Membership is stable but growth is a real challenge now. All Shiloh Baptist Church can do is is simply maintain. I would love for our membership to begin to grow again. At least half of our members live in Maryland, and we do conduct a simultaneous Zoom service to accommodate them."

Next week, we will talk to a few more pastors and share how the African American church life's been for them.

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim

www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com

Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com

Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word of Life Church

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

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

Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Campbell AME Church

Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020

Adm. Office 202-678-2263

Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study

Wednesday: 12:00 Noon

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

“Reaching Up To Reach Out”

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

Turning Hearts Church

Virgil K. Thomas, Sr.

Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032

Phone: 202-746-0113

Fax: 301-843-2445

Service and Times

Sunday School: 10:15 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM

Children’s Church: 11:15 AM

Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment”

Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org

Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

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

Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

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

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494

Fax: 202 265 4340

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM

School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM

Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times

Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM

Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM

Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM

Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org

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

Services and Times

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

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM

Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

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

Mt.

Zion

Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

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

Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion 10 a.m. 4th Sunday

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

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

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

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Crusader

Street

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

St

1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

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

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

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: 8:00 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 6:00 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

with us...

Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

headline and photo for LIF - MALCOLMXDAY

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr. 1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005 Service and Times

Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday

“Friendliest Church in the City”

Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor

Third

Church of God

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr.

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Marks Baptist Come Worship

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.;

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

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773

Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study

Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday

Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

St. Luke Baptist Church

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor

1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851

P: (202) 726-5940

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun.

Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

All Nations Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM

Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM

Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM

Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM

Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge

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

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com

All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Israel Baptist Church

Imterim Pastor

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM

Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Eastern Community Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

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

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

Service and Times

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

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM

Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM

www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Florida

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor 623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45

Holy

“Real

Pastor

5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM

Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

www.easterncommunity.org

Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor 2001 Brooks Drive  District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am

Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning

Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm

Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm

Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com

Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor 621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032

P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM

Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Foggy Bottom Founded in 1867

728 23rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037

Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns

Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm

Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020

Office 202-889-3709 Fax 202-678-3304

Service and Times

Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM

New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM

Church School: 9:45 AM

Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study

Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM

Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM

“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

Service and Times

Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

“The Loving Church of the living lord “

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor 602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480

Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times

Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM

Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday

“…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM

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 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM

Noon

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert

Elder Herman L. Simms

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Christ Embassy DC

Rev.

Church

King

Dr.

tential to get easier with the District’s investments to increase staffing and resources provided by the Office of the ANC (OANC).

She said these additional resources could pave the way for ANC commissioners, level of experience notwithstanding, to acquire guidance on how to effectively communicate with all of their constituents and navigate an increasingly bureaucratic local government.

“We all need training on a yearly basis on different agency functions and different databases,” said Johnson, commissioner of single-member district 4B06.

“What are the confines of the agency, what can they do, what has to be legislated and how soon can we do that? Comprehensive trainings will help ANCs execute the duties of their position and effectuate critical changes needed in their communities.”

On Jan. 21, Johnson counted among several ANC commissioners who converged on Deanwood Recreation Center in Northeast for a public safety meeting that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) hosted. The forum provided an op-

enforcement officers.

RowVaughn Wells, Nichols’ mother, and Rodney Wells, his stepfather, sat attentively during the joint session at the invitation of Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nevada).

Since the cops in the Nichols case didn’t stop other officers from beating him up and they didn’t rush to help him, lawmakers have talked about adding a clause that says an officer must stop excessive or deadly force.

After the Nichols killing, eight Memphis police officers were terminated, and five were charged with second-degree murder and other offenses.

The NAACP, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), and other Black-led or owned organizations have demanded police accountability.

portunity for ANC commissioners to not only talk about the extent of D.C.’s gun violence problems, but also express concerns about the manner in which the Metropolitan Police Department responds to crime.

This meeting fell on the same day as an ANC training session that Greater Greater Washington (GGWash) conducted.

GGWash, a volunteer-led, nonprofit-organization, facilitates advocacy around urban, walkable communities. Its programs include journalism and a coalition focused on sustainable transportation in the District. This organization also endorses candidates for political office and conducts training about running for an ANC seat.

However, GGWash’s most recent training, scheduled for Jan. 19-21, was originally intended solely for recently elected commissioners. That training almost ended before it started when, in early January, the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability (BEGA) said GGWash was soliciting an “impermissible gift” to an elected official.

BEGA eventually reversed its decision after collaborating with GGWash

“The NAACP is committed to fighting for meaningful change in the way our communities are policed and how the culture of policing can be reformed to prevent any more violent encounters culminating in the murder of young Black men,” said Leon Russell, head of the NAACP Board of Directors.

Biden also pledged that the Department of Health and Human Services would increase funding to recruit future mental health professionals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and to expand its Minority Fellowship Program.

He pleaded with Republicans that he wants to work together instead of “fighting for the sake of fighting.”

During his speech, the president talked about jobs for the middle class, cancer research, the situation of veterans, and making America safer.

to modify the training and open the event to the public. GGWash’s executive director, Chelsea Allinger, said that 15 ANC commissioners attended the revised event, which focused on how ANCs operated and how constituents could better engage them.

Well before BEGA changed course, several commissioners, including Erin Palmer, took to Twitter to question the decision, primarily out of frustration with what they described as a lack of guidance around the job of a commissioner.

In an interview, Palmer, a former D.C. council chair candidate, decried it as part of a system that sets commissioners up for failure when it comes to moving the needle on important policy issues that concern their constituents.

“I think we're just a scapegoat for residents to complain to in many ways,” Palmer said. “[Citywide elected officials] don't want us actually weighing in on legislation and policy and holding them accountable. They want us to just be there to have residents yell at us, so they don't yell at them.”

Palmer said a lack of continuing training contributes to ANC com-

“To my Republican friends, if we could work together in the last Congress, there is no reason we can’t work together in this new Congress,” Biden commanded. “The people sent us a clear message. Fighting for the sake of fighting, power for the sake of power, and conflict for the sake of conflict get us nowhere.

The Head of State said his continued vision for the U.S. is “to restore the soul of the nation, to rebuild the backbone of America: the middle class, to unite the country.”

“We’ve been sent here to finish the job,” he added.

The president also spoke passionately about his economic plan, which includes “investing in forgotten places and people” and “building an economy where no one is left behind.”

Biden plans to call an end to the COVID-19 emergency in May, and during the State of the Union, he painted a positive picture of the country’s economic recovery.

He also assured those in need that he understood their predicament.

“Amid the economic upheaval of the past four decades, too many people have been left behind or treated like they’re invisible,” the president stated.

“Maybe that’s you watching at home. You remember the jobs that went away. And you wonder whether a path even exists anymore for you and your children to get ahead without moving away. I get it.”

missioners’ disempowerment. “I'd say most commissioners in some way have a budget request, something they think government money should go to. But we are not trained in how to do budget advocacy,” she said.

Palmer, in her third term as commissioner of single-member district 4B02, said that a lack of consistent training and guidance has, in part, impeded commissioners' abilities to carry

The president described America’s story as one of “progress and resilience.”

“We are the only country that has emerged from every crisis stronger than when we entered it,” he asserted.

He said that the economy is “reeling,” announcing that his administration “created a record 12 million new jobs.”

“More jobs created in two years than any president has ever created in four years,” Biden said.

He further emphasized the country’s resilience after battling the COVID-19 pandemic and demanding social justice in the nation.

"Two years ago, COVID had shut down our businesses, closed our schools, and robbed us of so much. Today, COVID no longer controls our lives. And two years ago, our democracy faced its greatest threat since the Civil War. Today, though bruised, our democracy remains unbowed and unbroken.”

Biden stated that his economic plan focuses on investing in forgotten places and people.

Too many people have been left behind or treated as invisible during the past four decades of economic upheaval, according to the president.

“We’re building an economy where no one is left behind. Jobs are coming back; pride is coming back because of the choices we made in the last two years. This is a blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America and make a real difference in your lives.” WI

out their duties. The most she recalled receiving immediately upon entering office in 2019 was advice from a panel of former commissioners, training about Robert’s Rules of Order, and a spreadsheet listing the liaisons for the District agencies.

Of the ANC commissioners elected this past November, 204 of them— more than 60% of the cohort—are serving in the role for the first time. The initial orientation training for those newly elected commissioners took place over five and a half hours on a Saturday in December. More than 140 ANC commissioners showed up, OANC executive director Kent Boese said.

But not all training facilitated by OANC, usually in partnership with government agencies or community groups, are so well-attended. Boese said one training on conflict resolution, held in September last year, only had six attendees.

“Since commissioners aren't paid, many of them do work full time,” Boese said. “And so they’re constantly juggling. Do you have [a training] during the day when they're likely working? Or do you have it in the evening—but then again, some people work in the evenings.”

Boese said the OANC helped coordinate 10 trainings in 2022. So far this year, he said there have been three trainings offered, and the office has six more planned through March 4. While the OANC does sometimes partner with community groups outside of the government to offer training, GGWash had not contacted the OANC regarding training it offered recently elected commissioners earlier this month.

“I'm perfectly agreeable to collaborating with any group, as long as we can make sure that the content that is being offered is authoritative and accurate, which I think is key,” Boese said.

Read full story on washingtoninformer.com.

5 On Sat. Jan. 21, several ANC commissioners converged on Deanwood Recreation Center in Northeast for a public safety meeting that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), standing next to Acting Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah, hosted. (Photo Courtesy of the Mayor's Office)

SOTU from Page 1

5 The family of Tyre Nichols were honored guests of President Biden during the State of the Union on Feb. 8. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

of unlimited possibilities

Through Project UP, Comcast is committing one billion dollars to reach millions of people with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in a digital world and build a future of unlimited possibilities.

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VI Declaration of nationality

Notice of Special Appearance: I am: simmons, kenneth michael © in full life, in proprio, by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of:

SIMMONS II, KENNETH MICHAEL© corp.sole Dba: KENNETH MICHAEL SIMMONS II© having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and south-western shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly sworn, hereby affirms to declare my intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as an: sharakhi shabtau Moorish American moslem national, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and inalienable, allegiance to the Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados / United States Republic, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Barbary Treaties, International Law, United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and all Natural laws governing moors and herby Declare and Proclaim my nationality as an: sharakhi shabtau Moorish American moslem national. Any and all facts contained  in this publication, are fully applicable to any and all private tribal issue offspring of: simmons, kenneth michael©, my wives, Nunc pro Tunc, not limited to but including: 1. fofanah, habbie©, the beneficiary and heir of Fofanah, Habbie© corp sole, Dba: HABBIE FOFANAH© I am: simmons, kenneth michael© from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality /Status /Jurisdiction, shall be known as “el, mubaraq tali ©”. Notice of Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title and interest, in the property, Re: SIMMONS II,KENNETH MICHAEL© corp.sole DBA.: KENNETH MICHAEL SIMMONS II©, Board of Trustees: simmons II  Chairman of the & Re: FOFANAH HABBIE©, corp sole Dba: HABBIE FOFANAH©, etc., to the depositor and or in the capacity as Guardian/: el, tali mubaraq© nom deguerre: simmons-ii, kenneth michael©. All property, of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor/ Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: el, mubaraq tali© nom deguerre: simmons, kenneth michael© as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is used exclusively for the benefit of: KENNETH MICHAEL SIMMONS II TRUST, to be used exclusively for the benefit of THE BOOK OF KENNETH TRUST, a private foreign Islamism ecclesiastical trust. Notice, the direct living beneficiary in flesh as people and in person having rights in name(s): najah-kenna; mariama-umu bayoh, kenneth-michael simmons III of the house SIMMONS and now officially known as house of EL This deposit is not to commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary /trustee / agent /bailee /donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including discharge and set off, all outstanding liabilities accord and satisfaction. All that which provides for me also provides for my wives and offspring vice versa. In addition, common law copyright KENNETH MICHAEL SIMMONS, KENNETH MICHAEL SIMMONS II, MUBARAQ TALI EL, NAJAH KENNA SIMMONS, KENNETH MICHAEL SIMMONS III, HABBIE FOFANAH, MARIAMA UMU BAYOH, mubaraq tali el, kenneth michael simmons, kenneth michael simmons II, kenneth michael simmons III, najah kenna simmons, mariama umu bayoh, habbie fofanah ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © common law, in esse; Notice we are in union and good faith with the United States, the United States of America, and the United Nations we are not sovereign citizens.

am giving this notice in accordance with UCC 1-202(Notice; Knowledge). In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance: I am, that am: "Jeremy Lamond Henderson©", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: "JEREMY LAMOND HENDERSON", corp.sole, Doing Business

As.: Copyright of trade name/trademark "JEREMY LAMOND HENDERSON©", including any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling, i.e NOT limited to all capitalized names: JEREMY LAMOND HENDERSON TRUST©, HENDERSON©, JLH©, JEREMY HENDERSON©, HENDERSON JEREMY JL©, JL HENDERSON©, and any derivatives thereof are under Copyright 1997, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the Northwestern and Southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes as a Moorish American National, and not a citizen of the United States Corporation United States, Inc. or any·of its corporate subsidiaries, including the STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC, STATE OF NC, INC. or any similar derivatives associated with same.

declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the United States of America, Article Ill Section 2, The Uber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People], and all natural laws governing Moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a Moorish American National. I am, that am: "Jeremy Lamond Henderson©", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality/ Status/ Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "ambassador jeremy lamond henderson, ttee©". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article Ill, as a Diplomatic Minister and Ambassador of The Moorish Empire and a Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47.

Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable, and to reserve all rights, titles, and interest, in the property,

Re: THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES VITAL RECORDS CERTIFICATE OF LIVE

BIRTH CERTIFICATE NUMBER: 1979-00-0046798 for "JEREMY LAMOND HENDERSON©" is a special deposit order, conveyed to "JEREMY LAMOND HENDERSON TRUST©". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor/ Beneficiary/ Bailor/ Donor/ Principal/ Creditor: "ambassador jeremy-lamond:henderson, ttee©", nom deguerre: "Jeremy Lamond Henderson©", as a special depositorder in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: "JEREMY LAMOND HENDERSON TRUST©", an Inter Vives Unincorporated Divine Granter Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary/ trustee/ agent/ bailee/ donee /debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding balances and liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit.

HOMESTEAD PUBLICATION

Be it known to All courts, institutions, cooperation’s, banks, tax collectors, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, STATE(s) OF, and all other artificial and commercial entities, this PUBLIC NOTICE is presented to All and  is NOTICE to the world that One, :rickey-martin:

:gilliam and wife :barbara-louise: :gilliam:,  do lawfully secure all interest, rights and title entitled to both as Constitution Assignees, and both, by this present do perfect their private status as UNEMBARRASSED FREEHOLDER.  :rickey-martin:

:gilliam and wife :barbara-louise: :gilliam:,  declare  and proclaim  full right of undisputable HOMESTEAD claim to distinct land within the seven square leagues in Los Angeles County, Huntington Beach, California Republic Constitutionally granted and protected by Law. The above is the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, so help me God. Any man, or woman who wishes to dispute this claim of rights must do so on their unlimited liability under the penalty of perjury.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001464

Thelma Hatcher Greene Decedent

Stephanie L. Royal, Esquire

The Royal Legal Group, PLLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Karina M. Holland and Lawana Holland-Moore, whose addresses are 2718 Lewis & Clark Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 and 15720 Presswick Ln., Bowie, MD 20716, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Thelma Hatcher Greene who died on 8/3/2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/26/2023. 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 7/26/2023, 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: 1/26/2023

Karina M. Holland Lawana Holland-Moore

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000025

Dawn F. White Decedent

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

Cait L. Breeze and Sara Flynn-Kramer, whose addresses are 3608 Wilder Ln., Orlando FL. 32804 and 610 Greely Street, Orlando, FL 32804, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Dawn F. White who died on November 2, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/2/2023. 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 8/2/2023, 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: 2/2/2023

Cait L. Breeze

Sara Flynn-Kramer

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001081

Estate of Mary Alice Tucker

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

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

Date of first publication: 2/2/2023

Caren M. Webb 1308 Ninth Street, NW Suite 250 Washington, DC 20001

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000084

Estate of Mildred Chappelle aka Mildred Chappelle Williams

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

Admit to probate the will dated September 8, 2010 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 2/2/2023

Marla A. Freeman Boyd 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 402 Washington DC 20036

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2021 ADM 000282

Nolia Belemu Mooya

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Hilda Choobe Nzuwah, whose address is 5128 9th NW Washington DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nolia Belemu Mooya who died on September 2, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/2/2023. 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 8/2/2023, 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: 2/2/2023

Hilda Choobe Nzuwah

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Notice Of First And Final Notice Of Demand

Notice To Principle Is Notice To Agent; Notice To Agent Is Notice

To Principle, Ht: 5’9, Wt: 172, Nationality: American National, Gender: Male. On and for the record am Charles of the family Samuel (Man) New Yorker(nation), I’m in the private, on the Land Jurisdiction in the Continental United States Republic, my right to contract and NOT contract is inviolable. Attention Public Officials New York State Attorney General, Federal Trade Commissioner(s), USPS Postal Inspector General, SSA Inspector General, HHS Inspector General (HHS Secretary & OCSE Commissioner) there is fraud, scam, waste, abuse, identity theft by constituents within the aforementioned departments by way of personage, usufruct and barratry. Public officials 1. identify who you are 2. what is your principle 3. who is the real party of interest 4. who understands this matter 5. by what authority you move in this matter. The SSA have a debt on their property the SSN noncustodial parent CHARLES SAMUEL (Ens Legis) is grammatically incorrect there’s no Nexus/Joinder, I am a flesh and blood Man, parties attempting to contract are improper. SSA take care of your created debt(scheme) blatant war against the United States of America constitution or go into default judgment and/or be charged for high crimes, treason and sedition. Fraud upon a private for-profit corporation Bronx County NY foreign court case PA32455T1 due to violation of due process, duress, coercion, word and language fraud and fictitious conveyance, separation of powers doctrine, lack of personal, subject matter, geographic jurisdiction and improper venue etc. I’m accepting Oaths and bonds, I’ve received irreparable injuries and demand remedy in law, dismissals of bonds, securities and full compensation. Furthermore, breach of contracts of Oaths of office, nonperformance of duties and obstructing the peace and security of a Free State. An unrebutted Affidavit stands as TRUTH in commerce, rebuttals shall be point by point in an AFFIDAVIT under penalty of perjury sign by (2) two witnesses no later than 30 days and/or aforementioned will be held commercially liable in their private/ public capacity. No blanket statements, send Affidavits to my email: Charles.s47@yahoo.com and/or for my physical mailing address. All my natural unalienable rights reserved. Real Land North America. 2/2/2023

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: "Lowell Terry Allen© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “LOWELL TERRY ALLEN ", corp.sole Dba.: "LOWELL T. ALLEN© ", [LOWELL T ALLEN, LOWELL T. ALLEN, L ALLEN, LOWELL A, LOWELL ALLEN, L.T. ALLEN, LT ALLEN, L T ALLEN, LTA, LT, LA, L.A., L.T.A., L.T., ALLEN LOWELL, ALLEN T LOWELL, ALLEN Lowell

T, also Lowell t allen, lowell t. allen, allen, l. allen, l.t. allen, allen lowell, allen t lowell, allen t lowell, lta, la, l.t.a., a.l.t., allen Lowell ], having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Mississippian but not a citizen of the United States. declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, and all natural laws governing American Citizens, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Mississippian. am that I am: "Lowell Terry Allen© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "lowell terry allen©". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of yhwh's covenant, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Mississippi State Department of Health and Vital Records: 123-69 015972: " LOWELL TERRY ALLEN© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " lta Christian Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor:" lowell terry allen© ", nom deguerre: " Lowell Terry Allen© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: "lta Christian Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary /trustee/agent/bailee/donee/debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000038

Nellie Clark

Decedent

Louvenia W. Williams, Esq.

9701 Apollo Drive #301

Largo, MD 20774

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Priscilla A. Anderson, whose address is 4021 9th Street, NW #301, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nellie Clark who died on October 8, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/9/2023. 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 8/9/2023, 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:

2/9/2023

Priscilla A. Anderson

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000059

Athel Q. Liggins aka Athel Quentin Liggins Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Silvia Liggins-Mackel, whose address is 14825 Phillips Oak Drive, Spenceville, MD 20868, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Athel Q. Liggins aka Athel Quentin Liggins who died on 11/30/2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/9/2023. 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 8/9/2023, 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: 2/9/2023

Silvia Liggins-Mackel Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000040

Ernestine M. Harper Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Gina D. Harper, whose address is 5316 2nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ernestine M. Harper who died on November 23, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/9/2023. 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 8/9/2023, 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: 2/9/2023

Gina D. Harper Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 000363

Beverly McLaine Nickens

Decedent

Antoine Wade, Esquire 4400 Stamp Rd., Suite 207 Temple Hills, MD 20748 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Steven S. McLaine, whose address is 115 Burholme Dr., Hamilton, NJ 08691-3336, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Beverly McLaine Nickens who died on November 8, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/9/2023. 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 8/9/2023, 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: 2/9/2023

Steven S. McLaine Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 801

Verna R. Myers

Decedent

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

Jacqueline D. Rogers, whose address is 1421 Peartree Lane Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Verna R. Myers who died on June 16, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/9/2023. 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 8/9/2023, 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: 2/9/2023

Jacqueline D. Rogers

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000048

Charlie Frank Burney aka Charles F. Burney aka Charles Burney Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Edna Hawkins Burney, whose address is 2220 Tucker Drive, Columbus, GA 31907, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charlie Frank Burney aka Charles F. Burney aka Charles Burney who died on June 6, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/9/2023. 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 8/9/2023, 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: 2/9/2023

Edna Hawkins Burney

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 0092

Eddie Lee Baxter aka Eddie Lee Baxter Jr. Decedent

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

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

Michelle Baxter, whose address is 1422 Potomac Ave., SE Washington, DC 20003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eddie Lee Baxter aka Eddie Lee Baxter Jr., who died on 7/5/2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/9/2023. 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 8/9/2023, 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: 2/9/2023

Michelle Baxter Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000017

Will Roger Giles, Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Deborah Ann Giles, whose address is 428 Oakwood Street, SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Will Roger Giles, Sr. who died on 7/27/2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/9/2023. 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 8/9/2023, 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: 2/9/2023

Deborah Ann Giles Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

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HEALTH from Page 26

taking herself for daily walks to jolt her energy. The daily walks gradually turned into full workouts at the local Ultimate Performance gym, where Steele explored weight training, cardio routines and hardcore exercise to help combat the effects of the disorienting postnatal condition. It is with the professional guidance of a personal trainer that Steele began to get herself back on track physically and mentally. Exercise became her saving grace.

“They were having a discussion [with me] about the challenges I was having as a new mom, and how I was feeling in my body postpartum so that they could understand the level of training that I needed that would be personalized for me,” said Steele. “Once I saw that there was something that just clicked. I [decided] that this was going to be a love letter to myself. This is going to be so hard, but this is going to be the time that I am going to pour into myself so I can

be my best self for my daughter.”

With consistency in her workout and the help of a balanced diet, Steele has successfully re-stabilized her emotional and mental state postnatal era, developed a killer physique, and significantly heightened her energy levels allowing for a better version of herself with her family. She is completely sold on the correlation between exercise and the cease in postpartum symptoms. Her greatest hope is for more women to walk the path of their exercise journey, as the benefits have shot beyond what she had ever imagined would come before changing her health habits.

“It just makes so much sense. When you think about everything that is happening in your body and all of these changes, a lot of it is hormonal. And then when you are active, the way in which your body’s endorphins and serotonin levels increase - there’s something to it. I am certainly not an expert, but I can only share how my body was responding,” Steele explained. WI

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renewed demands for Congress to pass the reforms in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which Vice President Harris co-authored while still a Senator and called for again at the funeral. When Mrs. Wells rose to speak through tears she also mentioned that legislation: "We need it passed, need to take some action, because there should be no other child that suffers the way my son (did), and the way all the other parents have lost their children. We need to get that bill passed, because if we don't—the next child that dies, that blood is going to be on their hands." She has said she hopes reform will be her son's legacy and the reason he was "sent here on assignment from God"—"so when this is all over, it's going to be some good and some positive, because my son was a

JACKSON from Page 30

reform police departments across the country.

When the civil rights movement pushed for equal protection under the law, for voting rights, and for equal access to public accommodations, we knew that changes in the law would not erase the racial hatreds that some carried in their hearts. But we also knew that reform would change actions even if it couldn’t change hearts. And it would empower those who wanted to do right and disarm those who wanted to continue the repression.

We cannot allow ourselves to accept mass murders, gun violence and police misconduct. We cannot allow ourselves

MARSHALL from Page 30

ticipated in the show.

Those who committed lynchings were rarely punished by law enforcement. The same lack of accountability was true of countless massacres of Blacks. They occurred primarily around the Reconstruction Era when Blacks were attacked and killed by white mobs whose goal was to suppress voting rights, land ownership, labor rights, economic advancement, education and full citizenship for Blacks after the Civil War. The massacres sometimes resulted in the burning and destruction of homes, businesses, schools and churches. The cruel and senseless murders resulting from lynching and racial massacres are the byproducts of the institution of slavery and its uncivilized, barbaric acts. This is the heritage Dylann Roof represents and exposed.

When the news of Tyre Nichols' death became public, it surprised many people because the five Memphis police officers fired and charged were Black.

good and positive person."

Will this be the moment it happens?

In 2015, several months after 18-yearold Michael Brown was killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri and 12-year-old Tamir Rice was killed by a police officer in Cleveland, Ohio, the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago created a two-minute video titled "Get Home Safely: 10 Rules of Survival If Stopped by the Police" that they encouraged Black parents and all adults to share with children.

It reiterated the urgent message, "Remember that your goal is to get home safely. Your goal is to get home safely."

Yet we have been reminded once again that no amount of "compliance" can guarantee survival and the ability to get home safely after an encounter with police, especially for Black boys and Black men. Tyre Nichols' death also

to adjust to them or to accommodate them. In the past three years, there have been across America more than 600 mass shootings in which four or more people were injured or killed. That’s nearly two a day on average. An average of nearly 53 people a day are killed by a firearm in the US. Seventy-nine percent of homicides in the U.S. are gun related. That compares to 4% in the United Kingdom, or 13% in Australia.

A record 1,176 people were killed by police in the U.S. last year, according to Mapping Police Violence. Only 31 percent were involved in an allegedly violent crime. Nearly as many were cases in which either non-violent offenses or no offense at all were alleged. Nearly one-third were in situations where the

We are quick to assume those types of images of police brutality are from white officers. It illustrates the widespread problem within police departments in Memphis and everywhere.

Black officers using excessive force against Black citizens happens all the time, while it may not always result in a death or national news. Nichols' funeral was held on the first day of Black History Month, and it forces one to consider how we arrived at this point with Black officers wrongfully killing Black citizens. It is not part of our Black heritage or traditions handed down by previous generations.

The purpose of adding Black officers to all-white departments was to provide diversity and officers who could relate to members of the Black community. The aim was to build the necessary trust between the police and the Black community while offsetting the heritage of white supremacy, often embedded within police departments. While many Black officers serve their communities with honor, we have those

reinforced the stark reality that diversifying a police force does not guarantee safety for Black citizens either. Studies of disparities in overpolicing and police violence show it is the victim's race that continues to matter most, and African Americans remain at greatest risk. Systemic and transformative change is desperately needed.

As Vice President Harris concluded her remarks at Tyre Nichols' funeral, she said, "One of my favorite verses in Scripture is Luke Chapter 1, Verse 79, which tells us God will help us to shine a light 'upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace…' Let our memory of Tyre shine a light on the path toward peace and justice."

We urgently need to forge a path toward peace, justice, accountability and safety. WI

person was fleeing from police. African Americans were three times as likely as whites to be killed by police.

There are more guns in America than there are Americans. More die from guns than in any other industrial country. Police brutality turns the law enforcer into the lawless. Yet sensible gun controls and police reform get twisted into partisan posturing. We can demand better. And we cannot fail to make that demand. Reform may seem impossible. Progress may seem an illusion. But accommodating ourselves to the violence offers no hope. Each horror, each crime, each tragedy must goad us toward greater action. This cannot go on. WI

who will abuse the enormous amount of power given to them. It forces us to think about our Black heritage and compare it to the cultural traditions that historically target senseless beatings and deaths for people of color. We have a heritage where Blacks are overcomers. It is a heritage where we were oppressed, but not the oppressor. We were lynched, but we didn't lynch others because of their race or religion.

"There is nothing more insulting and offensive to those of us who worked to open doors [than when] you walk through those doors and act like the folks we had to fight to get you through them doors!" Rev. Al Sharpton said as he eulogized Nichols, referring to the Black officers.

Sharpton added: "You didn't get on the police department by yourself. … People had to march and go to jail, and some lost their lives to open the doors for you, and how dare you act like that sacrifice was for nothing!"

Amen, Rev. Al. WI

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ment agencies has been more accurate than not. As with policing, for persons of color, especially Blacks, the unstated objective was and is absolute behavioral CONTROL. Whether the goal was finding the guilty or someone to blame, it was easy to find "the target" among Blacks. More often than not, when all else failed or when expediency dictated, color was the determining factor. The legacy of that thinking has evolved into modern policing.

For the lack of space, I cannot provide reference for each of my postulates, but for those who contradict or wish to know more, references with empirical data abound.

As we assess the lynching of Tyre Nichols, the historic parallels are striking. As described by those

JEALOUS from Page 31

WILLIAMS from Page 31 no longer drive. While Black and brown riders make up a disproportionate share of the total, most riders are white.

When we see these fabricated divisions, the question we should ask is, who benefits from creating them? We know from troubling experience that the self-interested find ways to separate us even when our interests are the same. Who benefits from a wider interstate? It's clearly not its neighbors. Not the Milwaukee City Council that opposed the plan. Not drivers today or in years to come as updating the current highway without adding lanes will improve safety and reduce congestion. And not millennials that Wisconsin has spent millions to retain and at-

who loved him most and knew him best, he was a free and unconventional spirit. His only crime lay in his Blackness. The group of "enforcers" Tyre encountered had no need to follow prescribed police procedures. Imbued with the notion of Tyre's guilt, they turned this manufactured traffic stop into a capital crime event and became this young man's judges, juries and executioners.

Sadly, this was not a tragic act of history, but a recurring event which threatens the psyches and personal security of us all. Like our parents, grandparents and those who preceded them, for the sake of safety, we are coerced into a state of imbalance and control. Our pledge for this BHM must be to force these recurring events into the malignant history of this nation. WI

tract who say they want to live in places that don't demand driving. A local issue like this one in Wisconsin matters even if you live three states away because one like it may be coming to where you live soon. We're on the cusp of many more in every state. Historic federal funding in 2021 and 2022 to repair infrastructure and

invest in a cleaner economy must be spent place by place. We need to follow the example of the folks I met in Milwaukee — stay vigilant, never assume that decisions will be made in the best interest of everyone or the planet, build the biggest coalitions we can, and hold officials accountable when we vote. WI

As with policing, for persons of color, especially Blacks, the unstated objective was and is absolute behavioral CONTROL. Whether the goal was finding the guilty or someone to blame, it was easy to find "the target" among Blacks.

We need to follow the example of the folks I met in Milwaukee — stay vigilant, never assume that decisions will be made in the best interest of everyone or the planet, build the biggest coalitions we can, and hold officials accountable when we vote.

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