The Washington Informer - February 16, 2023

Prince George’s County Almost Tore Down a Playground to Put Up a Gas Station

How A Few Dedicated Citizens Intervened

Kayla Benjamin

Earth Climate and Environment Writer

Every morning, 70-year-old Al Powell takes long walks on the Sligo Creek Trail, covering miles of wellpaved track alongside the burbling water. It’s an incredibly convenient place to walk for Powell: the trail and the creek run right past his home in Hyattsville, where he has lived since 1974. He and his wife, Geeta Powell, can see the path from

their backyard.

Most days, the two sit next to each other on the swing bench set up on their back patio and watch folks run, walk and bike on the trail, which sits within Parklawn Park. The daily commitment to—and delight in— his neighborhood’s outdoor space gave Powell cause for alarm when he found out about a proposal to build a 16-pump gas station less than 600 feet from his back door.

PLAYGROUND Page 26

Impending McPherson Square Park Encampment Closure Sparks Criticism

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As the National Park Service (NPS) prepares to remove the homeless encampment at McPherson Square Park earlier than originally planned, many of the people who had been living there for several months remain hard pressed to secure new accomodations.

This has especially been the case for voucher holders who can’t navigate a heavily backlogged system to access the District’s affordable housing stock.

Some residents of the encampment, like a woman who goes by Umi, say that Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Wayne Turnage has worsened matters by mischaracterizing those who’ve been living in McPherson Square Park and lying about the help given so far.

“Turnage said that we’re all service resistant, but there

ENCAMPMENT Page 49

D.C.’s Progressive Firefighters Association: The Fight for Fairness Continues

James Wright WI Staff Writer

On February 21, 1984, Tawanna Robinson and the rest of her fellow firefighters received a call about a fire at a house on Myrtle Avenue, NE. The firefighters came to the house to see that the windows and the doors had fire spewing out. Robinson received information that children were trapped in the burning house. Even though she was a rookie in the District’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (EMS), she rushed in to find a two-year-old boy, Robert Thomas, hiding under a bed in the rear bedroom.

Robinson grabbed Thomas and navigated her way through the burning house to safety on the outside. She performed CPR on Thomas and he was transported to

FIREFIGHTERS Page 48

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

Our

The Polar Bear Plunge

5Community members fought to protect this playground after learning about a zoning proposal for a 16-pump Royal Farms gas station that would have required its removal. From left: Jeff Cronin, Al Powell, Paul Rowe. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

5Over the last few months, McPherson Square Park became the District's largest encampment after the D.C. government initiated the Coordinated Assistance and Resources for Encampments pilot program, also known as CARE. NPS estimates that nearly 80 people currently live at the encampment.

(Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

Join The Washington

wi hot topics

Walgreens Is Shutting Down Ward 8 Store

Customers at the Walgreens located at 4635 S. Capitol Street, S.W, will no longer be able to purchase their prescriptions or sundry items according to a sign alerting them that the store will close on Feb. 20.

In January, it was announced that Walgreens and CVS would begin closing down stores across the nation until March 2023.

A Walgreens official told the Informer via email, “As we expand as a leader in healthcare, we are focused on best meeting the needs of patients and customers in communities we serve by creating the right network of stores in the right locations.

“When faced with the difficult task of closing a particular location, several factors are taken into account, including things like the dynamics of the local market and changes in the buying habits of our patients and customers.”

No further explanation was provided regarding what specific factors led to the decision to close the store on South Capitol Street, SE which sits one block from the D.C./ Maryland border. Just over the line in Eastover is a CVS. Customers of Walgreens have been advised to go to the store at 5741 Silver Hill Road in District Heights, Maryland. It is about nine miles away by car.

Customers, this weekend, were surprised to see the vast number of empty shelves and items they could no longer find. Alarmed by what she saw, one customer said she thought the store had been robbed although a uniformed police officer stood by the door.

Employees have said they were offered positions at other Walgreens. When asked where he was going, a clerk responded, “Onward and upward, but not at Walgreens.” WI

Nationals Owner Ted Lerner Dies at 97

On Monday, Feb. 13, the Washington Nationals announced the passing of Ted Lerner, a real estate mogul whose family purchased the franchise in 2006. He was 97.

According to a Nationals spokesperson, Lerner passed away at his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on Sunday due to pneumonia-related complications.

pal owner until he passed the reins to his son Mark.

The Nationals, who were among baseball’s worst teams during their first few seasons in Washington under the Lerners’ ownership, won the 2019 World Series.

Since Nationals Park was built in 2008, the Lerners have also been lauded for their contributions to the redevelopment of the city’s Navy Yard neighborhood.

The team released a statement saying, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Founding Managing Principal Owner Theodore N. Lerner.”

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to:

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032

Phone: 202 561-4100

Fax: 202 574-3785

news@washingtoninformer.com

www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC

Jamila Bey, Digital Content Editor Austin Cooper, Our House Editor Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation

REPORTERS

Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson

After MLB relocated the Nationals to Washington from Montreal in 2006, Lerner and his investors bought the team for $450 million.

Until 2018, he was the company’s managing princi-

LOVE IS IN THE AIR AND COURTS

The return of professional baseball to the city he loved and, with it, a championship for the first time since 1924, was the crowning achievement of his family’s business, the Nationals said. WI

Couples take to the D.C. Superior Court to Wed on Valentine’s Day

Daniel Beaulieu and Martha Kalikela were one of the local couples that decided to get married on Valentine’s Day– making their love official in the eyes of both the law and their families, with the help of a virtual ceremony through the District of Columbia Superior Court.

With makeup, a blinged out necklace and what appeared to be a beautiful, white dress– from what could be seen on the web camera– Kalikela said “I do,” to Beaulieu, who was rocking a nice suit.

The official ceremony was brief, beginning just after 3 p.m. As friends, family and onlookers watched the nuptials in-person and online, the newlyweds shared personal vows.

Beaulieu promised to “respect and support,” his bride’s life and career.

“I will be there for all of your joys and challenges. I will be faithful and listen to you with an open mind and do all I can to bring you joy,” he vowed.

Hailing from Tanzania, Kalikela noted that Beaulieu “lovingly” and “effortlessly,” embraced their cultural differences.

“I cannot begin to tell you how happy that makes me happy,” she said of his willingness to accept her and adapt. “I promise to be your biggest fan and partner in staying fit, adventurous, playing games and all that will bring a positive impact in our lives.” WI

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

5 Martha Kalikela and Daniel Beaulieu were married on Valentine’s Day in a virtual ceremony through the D.C. Superior Court.

(Courtesy Photo)

MPD to Increase Presence at Metro Stations

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

A week after a gunman killed a Metro employee and injured two commuters, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke revealed plans to increase police visibility at District Metro stations.

Starting this week, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) patrolled select Metro stations in partnership with the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD). This endeavor, which goes on until the end of the fiscal year in June, will start at Metro stations that crime data has designated as the highest risk.

Rush-hour commuters at Union Station, Metro Center, Georgia Avenue-Petworth, Congress Heights And Gallery Place-Chinatown will soon see two on-duty MPD officers patrolling on foot along Metro platforms.

WMATA, which is funding this endeavor, is currently working with law enforcement agencies in the region to secure officers for other train stations and buses on the transit system. “This will get us closer to our customers where they can see us on trains and buses,” Clarke said on the evening of Feb. 8 at Metro Center on 12th and G streets in Northwest.

“We do believe Metro is safe. I’m on the system every day. Every day we wake up knowing it’s our job to do everything possible to make the system safe.”

In recent months, MTPD increased rush-hour patrols by 30 percent and strengthened its surveillance network. Crisis intervention specialists have also been dispatched while MTPD officers have been equipped with Naloxone to prevent opioid overdose.

In the realm of community engagement, MTPD recently launched a campaign to warn commuters against evading fare. For many commuters however, not even these measures proved sufficient in the aftermath of the deadly shooting at Potomac Avenue Metro Station.

According to court documents, Isaiah Trotman, 31, shot one person in the leg on the morning of

to search for the gun.

Once Trotman hopped back on the platform, MPD officers arrived and stopped him, arresting him shortly after.

On Feb. 7, a D.C. Superior Court judge remanded Trotman, an Air Force veteran who was enrolled in a behavioral health program, to D.C. Jail until his next scheduled court appearance on Feb. 16. His charges include first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of kidnapping while armed.

The shooting at Potomac Avenue Metro Station came just weeks after two elementary school students were shot in the midst of an altercation that broke out aboard a Metrobus in Northwest. Similar incidents unfolded on public transportation throughout much of 2022.

Some parents, like LaJoy Johnson-Law, have since called for establishing a separate mode of transportation for District public and public charter school students.

Feb. 1 aboard a Metrobus shortly after it pulled into Potomac Avenue Metro Station. Minutes later, Trotman entered the station, dragged a commuter through the turnstile and pressed a gun against their back as they walked on the platform.

From that point on, Trotman held another commuter at gunpoint as they were speaking on the phone. Metro employee Robert Cunningham, standing nearby, attempted to subdue Trotman. Trotman shot Cunningham during this struggle and kicked him several times; Cunningham later succumbed to his injuries.

Trotman then pushed the two hostages onto a Silver line train where, at times, a struggle for the gun ensued. One of the victims ran off the train with the gun and threw it across the platform, where police officers later found it. According to court documents, Trotman jumped onto the train tracks

In terms of MPD presence on Metrobuses and the rail system, Johnson-Law said that she would rather police officers on the scene during a hostage situation. At the same time, she questioned whether officers would be able to quell a mental health episode without killing someone. A bigger picture item for Johnson--Law concerned whether the District has put enough preventative mental health and economic measures in place to quell the underlying problems affecting community members.

“Train passengers shouldn’t have to fight off a person in crisis. Police could’ve been helpful, but is it going to stop or deter people?,” Johnson-Law said. “People made up their minds about what they’re going to do [but] I would rather a trained professional subdue a gunman than a metro passenger on their way to work. There are a lot of issues with police but everyone has a time and place. An officer trying to subdue a gunman is more appropriate than them dealing with classroom matters.”

WI @SamPKCollins

SCAN

PRESENTED BY:

5 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke (pictured) unveiled plans to increase police visibility at District Metro stations, a week after a gunman killed a Metro employee and injured two commuters.

(Courtesy Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

in the inaugural National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.

1972 – Wilt Chamberlain becomes the first player in NBA history to score 30,000 points.

FEB. 17

1891 – Black inventor A.C. Richardson patents an improved butter churn.

1936 – Pro football great and civil rights advocate Jim Brown is born in St. Simons, Georgia.

1942 – Political activist and Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton is born in Monroe, Louisiana.

1963 – Basketball legend Michael Jordan is born in New York's Brooklyn borough.

1982 – Influential jazz pianist Thelonious Monk dies of a stroke in Englewood, New Jersey, at 64.

FEB. 18

1931 – Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison is born in Lorain, Ohio.

1965 – Civil rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson is shot by an Alabama state trooper during a peaceful voting rights march rally in Marion, dying eight days later.

2006 – Speed skater Shani Davis becomes the first Black athlete to win an individual gold medal in the Winter Olympics.

FEB. 19

1919 – W.E.B. Du Bois organizes the first Pan-African Congress.

1940 – Music legend Smokey Robinson is born in Detroit.

FEB 16 - 22, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

1992 – John Singleton becomes the first Black director to be nominated for an Academy Award with his debut, "Boyz n the Famed social activist and abolitiondies of a heart attack in receives patent , the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, is born Nancy Wilson is Singer/songwriter and civil rights activist is born in Tryon, North Carolina. Barbara Jordan, the first Southern African American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives, is , longtime U.S. congressman and and renowned civil rights leader, is born in Troy, Alabama.

1965 – Civil rights activist Malcolm X is assassinated in the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan at 39.

FEB. 22

1950 – Basketball icon Julius "Dr. J" Erving is born in East Meadow, New York.

1989 – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince win the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for their hit song "Parents Just Don't Understand." WI

NINA SIMONE

SHANI DAVIS

Signage Solutions to help you grow your business Innovative Signage Solutions to help you grow your business

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Superstar artist and entrepreneur Rihanna made her return to the Super Bowl stage, her first performance in six years. The highly-anticipated performance, where the singer revealed her second pregnancy, was met with mixed reviews from critics and fans. What did you think?

KARLAR ARTHUR / MIAMI, FLORIDA

It was an excellent performance. May God continue to bless her and her family. And congratulations on the other new bundle of joy on the way.

CHERYL NEWMAN / CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Phenomenal, outstanding performance! Balance of stage movement, unique choreography, all out-of-the-park hits, and Rihanna's beautiful presence made for an impeccable halftime show!

C. LLEW / WASHINGTON, DC

I love her, but that was not a performance. It was an appearance.

KAREN HALL / WASHINGTON, DC

I am not a fan and wasn't impressed, but I give her credit because she might not have been feeling her best due to morning sickness, etc.

JEFFERY CHISM / ATLANTA, GEORGIA

I was glad to see her perform, it's been a while, but I really don't think that was the greatest halftime show. The dancers and the lighting were great, but for her to perform and be pregnant was cool.

WI

The Bridge Successfully Launches the “Creative Salon” Series

Ra-Jah Kelly @Ra_jahDC (IG)

The Washington Informer Bridge successfully launched its first “Creative Salon,” series on Feb. 9.

Before entering and filling the flora + fauna covered doors and walls, many guests were confused exactly what the creative salon was about. After entering the lowkey Asian carry-out Alice on U Street NW, guests did not know their next steps. However after stepping into the salon space, attendees were invited to enjoy a discourse about building and supporting creativity in the DMV area.

The February panel featured independent publishers Mahadi Lawal of Big Facts Magazine, Aton Crawley of All Items Considered, Zahreh Barry of Bearings Magazine and Lyric Amodia of The Movement Street, a youth advocacy organization based at Howard University.

The panel was hosted by Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha P. Green. WI

5 Panel moderator and WI Managing Editor Micha Green, with panelists Lyric Amodia, Aton Crawley, Mahadi Lawal and Zahreh Barry. (WI Bridge)

5 Guests fill the house at the inaugural WI Bridge Creative Salon at Alice on U Street NW. (WI Bridge)

5 WI Bridge Publisher Lafayette Barnes speaks at the WI Bridge Creative Salon. (WI Bridge)

James Wright WI Staff Writer

The owner and chef of one of the District’s newest restaurants wants customers to experience fine dining in one of the city’s economically emerging neighborhoods.

Darrell Gaston is the founder and chef of Kitchen Savages, a restaurant located in the Historic Anacostia neighborhood of Ward 8. The restaurant sits a few feet away from the intersection of Good Hope Road SE and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. Gaston, 36, said he opened Kitchen Savages to offer customers who reside east of the Anacostia River the chance to eat at a classy restaurant without leaving the area.

“People should not have to go downtown in order to have a good meal in an elegant setting,” said Gaston, who lives in the Fort Stanton neighborhood. “I grew up in Ward 8 where there are a lot of carryouts and the residents here deserve an elevated experience.”

Gaston’s establishment is one of the first eateries that will set up in Ward 8 in the coming years. Another eatery has been slated to open next to Kitchen Savages, and a DCity Smokehouse and another restaurant will start serving customers within months. Gaston said anti-violence and hip-hop activist Ron Moten and a partner are set to open a café near Kitchen Savages. He said another restaurant is due to start operating next to the Starbucks in the Maple View Flats building. Gaston said Ronald Williams, a Ward 7 resident, will open a seafood restaurant that will be a neighbor in the complex. He explained the building that will house Williams’ eatery will also have other restaurants too.

The Kitchen Savages Experience

A customer enters the front door that faces Good Hope Road SE. An employee asks whether the customer wants to sit at the bar or in the dining space. The bar consists of stools for customers to sit on and the work area for the bartenders. There are two huge television screens for bar patrons to watch.

The dining room consists of small tables for two with black tablecloths and blue chairs. The utensils are gold, and the napkins are black.

Kitchen Savages waiters serve print menus, not Q-R codes as is common in restaurants. Soft rhythm and blues music plays while customers are in the establishment. On the western wall is a painted picture of Gaston’s late mother, Faith Gaston.

“I put that there so she can keep an eye on the place,” Gaston said. “It is like she is watching you, no matter where you go.”

The menu consists of starters, mains, sides, dessert, and drinks. For appetizers, customers can choose from chicken wings with a barbecue, garlic and honey flavor, their famous Savage fries, lamb Lollipops, which is marinated lamb in a jerk sauce, and crab cake egg rolls.

Main entree options include roasted quarter chicken pomme puree, honey-blackened salmon, jerk lamb chops, Maryland style crab cake, lamb rigatoni and lobster macaroni and cheese. Sides include French fries, roasted asparagus, macaroni and cheese and crab macaroni and cheese.

Dessert choices such as banana pudding cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake and chocolate cake are available to customers.

There is also an assortment of spirits, liquors and alcoholic beverages customers can choose from. WI

@JamesWrightJr10

FITS YOUR life

With our unique tub-over-tub liners, replacements, and tub-to-shower conversions we can complete your bathroom renovation in as little as a day. At Bath Fitter, we don’t just fit your bath, we fit your life. Why have over two million people brought Bath Fitter into their homes? It Just Fits.

“I grew up in Ward 8 where there are a lot of carryouts and the residents here deserve an elevated experience.”

3 Darrell Gaston is the chef and founder of Kitchen Savages located in Historic Anacostia in Ward 8. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

The Newsletter

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

you

–

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Paul Prince reads the Washington Informer. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Michael Jordan

“If

do the work, you get rewarded. There are no shortcuts in life."

Mayor Muriel Bowser, former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray, and community members celebrated the opening of The Ethel, a redevelopment project in Southeast providing permanent housing for residents exiting homelessness on February 13. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Councilmembers Criticize Bowser Administration on Contract Procurement

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

The D.C Council continues to clash with the Bowser administration about the manner in which it secures contracts for city services -- particularly those affecting the District’s youngest residents.

Section 451b of the Home Rule Act requires the mayor to submit yearlong contracts of more than $1 million to the D.C. Council for approval. Contracts are approved once, within a 10-day period, no council member submits a resolution approving or disapproving, or the council doesn’t disapprove it within a 45- calendar day period.

Much to the chagrin of D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), Bowser hasn’t been following protocol for contracts with the Department of General Services (DGS) and Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), the former of which had been cited by the Office of the DC Auditor for its mismanagement of work orders.

According to a letter Lewis George sent D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) on Feb. 2, DGS and CFSA extended year-long contracts with vendors using a “partial” option that would keep the new arrangement at under a year and below the $1 million threshold.

Well after the services were underway, both agencies sought council approval for the “partial” option and a new contract for the remainder of the year, both of which added up to $1 million.

On Feb. 7, the D.C. Council deliberated on nearly two-dozen contracts fitting this profile. This has been the case for hundreds of contracts in recent years.

Lewis George, chairperson of the Committee on Facilities and Family Services, pledged to disapprove retroactive contracts in the future that lack the substance and quality of work she deems adequate. She did so noting that leaving the council out of the contract approval process not only catches council members off guard, but denies constituents any opportunity to scrutinize city agencies.

“If a contractor is not delivering the quality services that our communities

need, we need to be able to address that. If a contractor is not providing enough value for the District's investment, we need to be able to fix that,” Lewis George told The Informer.

“Submitting contracts to the council late also suggests that an agency has not done thorough planning for the year ahead,” Lewis George continued.

“So I am looking forward to working with agencies to improve both how we contract but the outcomes that they lead to."

CFSA entered contracts with Edgewood Brookland Family Support Collaborative totalling more than $2.1 million for the provision of community-based child welfare services.

Meanwhile, DGS entered contracts with Superior Services & Associates, Inc. in Southwest for janitorial services for the Metropolitan Police Department and Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

Most of the contract modifications exceeded $1 million, which required council approval.

Neither DGS nor CFSA responded to The Informer’s request for comment about why it didn’t submit contracts to the council for approval earlier.

In 2015, Bowser established the Procurement Accountability Review Board (PARB), which reviews retroactive contracts, contract appeals and other phenomena that indicate disregard for laws and regulations.

PARB, which includes the mayor, city administrator and chief procurement officer, also identifies conditions within an agency that hinder its ability

to facilitate the procurement process. While Bowser said she couldn’t speak directly to the retroactive DGS and CFSA contracts, she referred to PARB as a tool in maintaining fidelity to the Home Rule Act.

Last June, DCPS signed a contract with food vendor Sodexo without council approval. The council didn’t receive the contract until the end of last year. DCPS reintroduced the Sodexo contract early in this council period.

For years, students and parents have complained about the quality of the school lunches -- at times describing the food offered at schools as significantly piecemeal and lackluster. Mendelson and D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) have reportedly gone as far as collecting photos of school lunches to prove this point.

At a time when the D.C. Council hasn’t also gotten much cooperation from DCPS on meeting the deadlines for individual school budget submissions, Mendelson continues to raise concerns about District agencies’ ability to fulfill basic responsibilities.

“If [agencies] can’t get us contracts on time, that suggests procurement office dysfunction,” Mendelson said. “ It means the contracting officer isn’t on top of what they’re doing. It means there could be a negative finding from the D.C. auditor. It means there’s some inefficiency and waste. It’s dysfunction, inefficiency and suggests bigger problems.”

WI

@SamPKCollins

5 The D.C Council continues to clash with the Bowser administration about the manner in which it secures contracts for city services. (Courtesy Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s Political Updates

Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Last week, Clinton Trusedale Sr. (D) and Jarryd Hawkins (D) were appointed by the Bowie City Council to fill the expiring terms of Bowie City Councilmembers Ingrid Harrison (D) and Adrian Boafo (D). Truesdale will be the 3rd District Councilmember and Hawkins will be the At-Large Representative. On Feb. 21, Truesdale and Hawkins will be sworn in to serve at Bowie City Hall.

Hawkins is currently a Senior Associate with High Street Strategies and formerly served as Regional Director for Senator Ben Cardin (D). Truesdale, the owner of Tight N’ Up Barber Shop, applied for a Council vacancy in February 2019 and his interview during that meeting is publicly available. Trusedale expressed support for business growth and indicated some approval to the Sears

redevelopment at Bowie Town Center that would create some housing directly within the shopping center.

In last year’s elections, Harrison and Boafo were elected to the Prince George’s County Council and House of Delegates, respectively.

During that same meeting, Councilmembers voted for Roxy Ndebumadu (R) to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. In the event the mayor is absent, the pro tem fills in for the Mayor.

Mayor Tim Adams (D), the first Black Mayor in Bowie’s history, thanked all of the candidates for their interest in serving, stating that it was an extremely competitive process and that there were “a lot of very amazing people willing to serve.” following interviews for the 26 At-Large candidates and 16 District 3 candidates. These meetings were not open to the public nor press.

Until recent times, Bowie did not have a Black Senator or Mayor. Adams won the mayoral race in 2019, becoming the first Black Mayor in Prince George’s largest town. He recently ran for Comptroller and, although lost the election, won Prince George’s County. Adams is a defense contractor who headquarters his business in Upper Marlboro.

Sen. Ron Watson (D- District 23 ), who first won by defeating longtime Judiciary Chairman Joe Vallario (D), was appointed to replace former Senator Doug Peters (D) and began serving in the Sen-

ate in August 2021. Peters is now serving on the University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents.

Watson won a contested Senate primary last year against former School Board member Raahela Ahmed and businesswoman Sylvia Johnson to become the first Black candidate elected to the Senate in the Bowie-based district. Watson is currently serving on the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee.

In District 22, Del. Alonzo Washington (D) was appointed to the state Senate after longtime Senator Paul Pinsky (D) was nominated by Governor Wes Moore (D) to lead the Maryland Energy Administration. Washington is the first African American to hold that senate seat. He has been prominent on education issues in the House of Delegates, including a successful push for then-Governor Larry Hogan(R) to distribute additional funding to Prince George’s and Baltimore.

Once Washington was appointed, his seat became vacant. Ashanti Martinez (D), who previously ran for the seat two times and has worked with CASA and other advocacy organizations, was appointed to Washington’s seat and awaits confirmation from Governor Moore. Martinez will be the first Afro-Latino to hold a Del-

egate seat in District 22, and the first openly LGBTQIA+ member of the state legislature from Prince George’s County. Martinez is currently serving as Chief of Staff for County Councilwoman Krystal Oriadha and has been an advocate for the completion of the Purple Line without displacing minority communities.

“I'm excited to bring my lived experiences to the halls of power and be a champion for working families,” Martinez said. “During this unique time, Prince George’s County needs a leader in Annapolis who is willing to think boldly and fight for every member of our community.” WI

Ashanti Martinez (D), who previously ran for the seat two times and has worked with CASA and other advocacy organizations, was appointed to Washington’s seat and awaits c onfirmation from Governor Moore.

5 Ashanti Martinez will be the first Afro-Latino to serve District 22 as Delegate, and the first openly LGBTQ member of the state legislature from Prince George’s County. He will be leaving his current role as Chief of Staff for County Councilwoman Krystal Oriadha. (Courtesy Photo/Ashanti Martinez)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

No Kid Hungry Campaign Aims to Expand Meals for Maryland Youth

Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Juwan Blocker is lobbying on an issue near and dear to his heart: addressing childhood hunger. Blocker is no stranger to governmental advocacy. He served as the student member for the Prince George’s County Board of Education while in high school, and formerly ran for the Board of Education himself. Now a Charles County resident, he is still using his legislative contacts and knowledge to help children at underserved schools across the state.

“As a former Student Member of the School Board, I’ve seen directly the impact that not having the opportunity to eat breakfast can take on the productivity of students across the day,” he said. “I was a Free and Reduced School Meals (FARMS) student and my school had over 40% FARMS students, and the negative impact was clear every day.”

Ayesha Holmes is leading the No Kid Hungry Campaign. Blocker is working alongside her to ensure the passage of a bill to expand meals for students in low-income schools.

Maryland Meals for Achievement (MMFA) was established in 1998 and propelled the state to be a leader in providing equitable access to breakfast for children in communities with high rates of poverty.

HB-514, introduced by Montgomery County Delegate Jared Solomon (D- District 18), seeks to build upon that program. This bill will be heard on Feb. 28 in front of the Appropriations Committee at 1 p.m.

Half of the schools in Prince George’s County that currently qualify for free meals do not have funding for “breakfast after the bell”, allowing students to eat a meal during the first period. Holmes noted that this funding must be reallocated annually by the state legislature.

The new legislation increases funding for this program from

$7.5 million to $12 million. By adding $4.5 million dollars, the General Assembly will ensure that all eligible schools that choose to participate will be funded. According to Holmes, this bill must be re-appropriated each year.

“This year, there are a significant number of schools ready to take this on,” she said.

Qualifying schools must have a 40% FARMS rate. One of those schools is Blocker’s alma mater, Parkdale High School. A 2021 data analysis of the FARMS system in Maryland shows that 61% of students in Prince George’s County Public Schools are eligible for the program.

In Blocker’s words, “HB-514 is a step further to ensure equality, ensuring that those kids that are in underserved communities have an opportunity to eat breakfast so that they can be productive throughout the school day.”

Holmes emphasized that breakfast after the bell improves attendance and leads to positive outcomes for youth.

Feeding America, a network of food banks, found that over 9,000,000 children in America faced hunger in 2021, over 1 out of every 8 children. The Maryland Food Bank reports that 1 in 3 Marylanders is food insecure, largely due to Maryland’s high cost of living and stagnant wages. Government programs and food banks that were accessible during the early stages of the pandemic have diminished, leading to what Holmes calls a “hunger cliff.”

Holmes is also working on a bill to provide universal breakfast and lunch for children in Maryland schools that would complement MMFA, but not replace it.

“There is no one size fits all meal program for children. The schools in neighborhoods with greatest needs, must offer a breakfast program that reaches children and allows for full participation, which MMFA is proven to do,” as MMFA is particularly targeted to low-income schools.

WI

5 Ayesha Holmes, with Share Our Strength, is leading the No Kid Hungry Campaign in Maryland. She is also supporting bills to provide universal breakfast and lunch to schoolchildren, and establishing Hunger Free Campuses at Maryland colleges. (Courtesy Photo/ Juwan Blocker )

4 Juwan Blocker is lobbying to support HB514, a bill to expand meals for children in low-income schools across Maryland. Half of the Prince George’s schools that are eligible aren’t currently funded. (Courtesy Photo/ Juwan Blocker)

Baltimore Brief...

ARETHA

Congress Invests in Black Press History

DISTRICT24

In honor of Black History Month and the historical legacy of the AFRO Newspapers in Baltimore, President and CEO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper (pictured left) received a check for AFRO Charities in the amount $2,257,000 to renovate the historic Upton Mansion in Baltimore that will house the newspaper’s archives.

More than 3,000 photographs, recordings and other significant documents that tell the story of the African American experience over the past 130 years will be housed in the building that once belonged to Sen. David Stewart (1800-1858). The building also housed Maryland’s oldest radio station and the home of the Baltimore Institute of Musical Arts.

Also at the press conference held Mon., Feb. 13 on the Upton grounds were, pictured: (left-right) Darroll Cribb, president, Upton Planning Committee, Savannah Wood, executive director, AFRO Charities, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). The AFRO is the oldest family -owned and continuously published Black newspaper in the U.S. WI

5 (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)

BUSINESS

One D.C. Business Encounters Discrimination in Quest to Help Ukraine

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Carolyn Davis, like many others, had an immediate reaction to the destruction in Ukraine caused by the Russian invasion.

“Those folks need help,” said Davis, the CEO of the District of Columbia-based CDAG International.

To help, her construction company visited areas of the war-torn country where civilians and military personnel alike needed assistance.

Davis said her group installed “living containers and living facilities” that provided families with things like furniture and bunk beds, as well as generators.

“We installed electrical systems and other mandatory features,” she stated.

The entrepreneur said U.S. politicians, government organizations, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and others have neglected CDAG’s work, even though U.S. military aid and spending has reached over $50 billion, and firms are pitching services to gain contracts to help reconstruct that Eastern European nation.

Davis has repeatedly requested that USAID allow the company to compete for contracts to provide relief in Ukraine, but USAID has routinely declined. USAID counts as an independent agency of the government that’s responsible for providing civilian foreign aid and helping development.

Legislators also have ignored CDAG’s attempts to contact them.

“They do not recognize me,” Davis stated. “I’m just some Black woman who wants to lend a hand. And that’s exactly what they perceive. I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t want to support a Black-owned business, but they clearly don’t.”

The American envoy to Ukraine also snubbed CDAG’s request for a meeting, despite the Ukraine Ministry of Defense having given Davis’s firm a glowing recommendation.

The Defense Ministry expressed gratitude to the United States government in a letter dated December 30, 2022, for its support during Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. The letter, addressed to Nathaniel Adler, the principal director of the U.S. Office of the Under Secretary for Policy at the Department of Defense, noted that

Ukraine still requires urgent supplies, equipment, and logistical support. Meeting such requirements would be impossible without access to necessary resources and a reliable support system, the defense minister wrote.

“Due to the intense fighting in several areas, it’s very difficult to get these materials to our troops on the front line and other locations, and there are very few companies that can accomplish this task,” the letter continued. “CDAG International has worked with our military and has proven that they can assist the Ukrainian government to acquire critical services and facilitate many of our requirements. CDAG has proven beneficial to our troops and has contributed to saving lives.”

The letter is only one of many testimonials to CDAG’s capabilities, according to Dwight Brown, senior managing partner for CDAG and a retired U.S. Army Sgt. Major.

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) Bid Announcement

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide Weapons Screening and Security Services primarily for the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Carnegie Library  in connection with events organized, hosted and/or sponsored by Events DC, as well as other designated Events DC interested parties can view a copy of the RFP by accessing Event DC’s e-procurement website at www.wcsapex.com. (Bid #22-S-013-810)

Key Dates

RFP Release Date:                                          3:00PM, EST, Friday, February 17, 2023

Pre-Proposal Conference/\Site Visit:              10:00AM, EST, Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Questions Due Date:                                       5:00PM, EST, Monday, February 27, 2023

Proposal Due Date:                                         5:00PM, EST, Monday, March 20, 2023

“We’ve created enough housing to accommodate 3,000 people and we’ve done it in approximately eight months,” Brown said.

CDAG has focused its efforts on the western side of Ukraine, where the war’s destruction has forced many people to relocate, he said.

“There are people who left Ukraine and are trying to make their way back,” Brown noted. “We see a lot of squatters and in villages there are people with tents on the side of the road. We want people to get back inside warm structures before it gets too far into the winter there.”

The Ukraine government provided CDAG 60 acres of land, but without funding or even a token commitment from the American government, it will be difficult for the company to meet current demand.

CDAG managing partner Warwin Davis added that the firm has supplied heating, generators, and external stoves to aid Ukrainian forces.

Warwin Davis, who has managed multinational supply chains for almost

three decades, insisted, “We made history over there.”

“Historically speaking, it was Carol Davis who made history,” the other Davis demanded.

“It’s incredible that we haven’t been able to acquire a quarter from USAID despite what we’ve shown that we can accomplish.”

CDAG hopes to meet with White House officials.

“The elephant in the room is we are a woman-owned and minority small business, and the U.S. government and USAID are giving all the dollars to the regular companies,” Brown asserted.

“We’re going not continue to ride the Office of the Secretary of Defense, USAID, and congressional offices. People with weaker constitutions than us would have thrown in the towel. That’s not us,” Brown added. “When they tell us ‘No,’ it just means ‘next opportunity.’ We’re coming to the table and not asking for special set asides, just an opportunity.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PA/Emergency Notification System

Two Rivers PCS is soliciting price quotes from a licensed vendor to install PA/Intercom/Emergency Notification Systems in four school buildings. To request a copy of the RFP, email Gail Williams at procurement@tworiverspcs.org. Proposals are due by March 6, 2023.

5 Officials from CDAG International gather with Ukrainian government and military officials in western Ukraine. (Courtesy Photo/ CDAG Int’l.)

James Wright / WI Staff Writer

WARD 8 HIRING FAIR

The Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs (MOCA), in partnership with the Donohoe Group, will hold a Ward 8 Hiring & Resource Job Fair on the grounds of the Barry Farm Recreation Center, located at 1230 Sumner Road, SE, on Feb. 22 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

There will be resources and the chance for job fair participants to interview with employers from the hotel, restaurant, construction and operations and maintenance industries and more.

Admission is free. For more information and to sign up, go to tinyurl.com/ Ward8HiringResourceFair. WI

BLACK WEDDING EXPO

A Black Wedding Expo pop-up event will take place on April 8 in College Park, Maryland.

This may be the event for someone trying to tie the knot or a wedding prospect looking into a new inventory of vendors to consider. The Black Wedding Expo is the brainchild of entrepreneur Josephine Ocheni who wants to make sure that local Black vendors in the industry aren’t overlooked by couples, as some are not historically listed on the preferred vendors at venues.

“This is an opportunity for Black wedding vendors to show their artistry, sophistication and creativity,” said Ocheni, a 15-year veteran of the wedding industry.

For general expo admission, there will be cake and food samplings, performances and door prizes. Over 100 vendors from the Washington area and other states are expected to attend the event. Additionally, there will be a fashion show, hors d’oeuvres, a buffet lunch spread and swag bags for VIP attendees.

The April 8 event is designed for people who reside in the Washington, D.C. region but Ocheni hopes to expand it nationally.

For more information, contact Ocheni at 443-332-8043 and blackweddingexp@gmail.com. WI

D.C. STARTUPS TO BE FEATURED IN COMCAST NBCUNIVERSAL SERIES

Season Two of the Comcast NBCUniversal streaming docuseries “Founding in Color” which chronicles the journeys of entrepreneurs of color, will feature the founders of two District startups.

Folasade Ogunmokun, the founder and CEO of media company UnscriptedTV, and Maisha Burt, co-founder of workspace startup WorkChew, will be among the 11 Black and Latino entrepreneurs.

The series got its start as part of Comcast NBCUniversal’s promise to its customers and viewers to tell more diverse stories and support entrepreneurs of color after the 2020 summer of unrest triggered by the killings of unarmed African Americans Breonna Taylor and George Floyd by law enforcement officers. It portrays the struggle these business owners often face in trying to get funding and pursuing their dreams of running their own companies.

“I hope that other founders will be inspired to keep going,” Ogunmokun said, when asked why she participated in the series. “To be honest with you, there were so many times where I wanted to hang this up.”

“I don’t think we see nor hear our entrepreneurial stories enough,” said Burt. “Each entrepreneur has a unique path they walk, and lessons learned along the way. It’s crucial for founders to share and tell their stories so we can learn from each other and so the younger generation can see with their own eyes that successful Black female founders exist.”

The series premieres Feb. 16 on Peacock and Black Experience on Xfinity. WI

@JamesWrightJr10

Learn more: disb.dc.gov/page/romance-scams

If you are the victim of a romance scam or another type of scam, report it to the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)

Even as Police Reform Remains Unfinished, President Biden Still Has African American Support

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

By all accounts, President Joe Biden has forged an economy that even the naysayers have difficulty finding fault with.

In the two years since Biden took office, a record 12 million new jobs have been created, the unemployment rate is 3.4 percent, the lowest

in more than a half century, and the 5.4 percent unemployment rate among African Americans is something to celebrate.

Overall, African Americans applauded Biden’s State of the Union Address, a powerful display of what can be done from the top bully pulpit in the world despite members of the Republican Party hissing, booing, and calling the president a liar.

However, Biden has yet to deliver on true police reform, an issue that remains a top priority for African Americans, even if it’s not totally in the president’s control.

During a half-day long conference at the White House in which the administration invited only Black journalists, high ranking officials said Biden’s bipartisan Safer Communities Act and his executive order on police reform are as far as he’s constitutionally allowed.

The administration continues to urge state lawmakers and governors to implement real change.

The five-hour meeting concluded with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris reiterating the administration’s stance on police reform to the assembled journalists in the Oval Office.

Despite police brutality and murder in cases like Tyre Nichols and George Floyd, the journalists agreed that Biden and Harris have a concrete track record of working to ensure better outcomes for African Americans.

“President Biden presented a vision for the future that spoke to many issues that are top-of-mind for Black Americans including police reform, voting rights, bolstering our economy, addressing climate change, and ensuring affordable and accessible health care,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson stated.

The State of the Union revealed Biden’s “renewed commitment to addressing racial inequities,” Johnson said, but added more than words are needed.

“Black America is grieving and continues to experience profound injustice at the hands of our nation’s broken systems,” Johnson argued.

“Far too many Black people have lost their lives due to police violence, and yet I cannot name a single law that has been passed to address this issue.”

Congressional Democrats have called for police reform since the

murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020, even introducing legislation named after the fallen man.

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would prohibit chokeholds and no-knock warrants from being used by law enforcement.

Further, this would put an end to qualified immunity and racial profiling by law enforcement.

Biden signed an executive order last year that does not allow federal officers to use chokeholds. He also signed an executive order that does not allow no-knock warrants to be used.

President Biden laid out a vision –and that vision was shaped by Black voters, Alicia Garza, principal of the Black to the Future Action Fund, said in a statement.

“We’ve pushed hard, and we know the administration is listening,” Garza stated.

The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) pointed out that when Biden was elected, he promised to restore the nation’s soul and strengthen its foundation.

Black mayors from all over the United States, including the four largest cities, are represented by the AAMA, and its leaders have said that they are confident that Biden “has our back and we’ve got his.”

The president’s leadership has helped steer our nation in the right direction, according to AAMA President and Mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas Frank Scott, Jr.

To which Mayor Eric Adams of New York City added, “I was honored to be at the State of the Union to hear directly from President Biden about the progress we have made as a country and the work we still must do on behalf of New Yorkers and all other Americans.”

“The president’s focus on working people is exactly what the nation needs and his focus on helping Americans care for their children, put food on their table, and money in their wallets will resonate coast to coast,” Adams said.

WI

5 President Biden and Vice President Harris met with Black journalists at the White House where they discussed police reform. (White House official photo)

HUD’s Six Black Secretaries

Austin R. Cooper, Jr. Our House Managing Editor

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was created under President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 9, 1965 to allow the federal government to tackle urban problems, including substandard and deteriorating housing, in a coordinated manner. It is headed by a Secretary who reports directly to the President of the United States and is a member of the presidential cabinet.

Since its inception, HUD has had six Black secretaries.

31, 2000) was an American attorney and politician who served as Secretary of HUD from January 23, 1981, until January 20, 1989, during the administration of President Ronald Reagan. Pierce was an assistant U.S. Attorney in New York from 1953 to 1955. A lifelong Republican, he first entered government when Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. Pierce was appointed by Governor Nelson Rockefeller to serve as a judge of the New York City Court of General Sessions, from 1959–1960. Pierce once argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2004, and confirmed by the Senate on August 31, 2004. Jackson began his professional career in St. Louis as an assistant professor at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. In 1977 he was named the city's director of public safety. Active in both Democratic and Republican circles in the city for many years, he even ran for a spot as St. Louis's municipal revenue collector. He also worked for the U.S. Senate campaign of Jack Danforth, a Republican. His rising profile earned him the attention of officials in Washington, and in 1987 he was made the director of the U..S Department of Public and Assisted Housing for Washington, D.C.

Benjamin S. Carson Sr. (above)

(born September 18, 1951) is an American retired neurosurgeon and politician who served as the 17th Secretary of HUD from 2017 to 2021. A pioneer in the field of neurosurgery, he was a candidate for President in the 2016 Republican primaries. Car-

son became the director of pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in 1984 at age 33, then the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery in the United States. In 1987, he gained significant fame after leading a team of surgeons in the first known separation of conjoined twins joined at the back of the head. On December 5, 2016, Trump announced that he would nominate Carson to the position of Secretary of HUD.

Marcia Louise Fudge (above right)

(born October 29, 1952) is an American attorney and politician serving as the 18th US Secretary of HUD since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, she served as the U.S.

representative from Ohio’s 11th congressional district from 2008 to 2021. Prior to being elected to Congress, Fudge was the mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, from 2000 to November 18, 2008. Her 1999 campaign was her first run for any elected office and was the town's first female and Black mayor. She served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in the 113th Congress. Then President-Elect Joe Biden nominated Fudge to the top position at HUD on December 10, 2020. She was confirmed by the US Senate on February 4, 2021. Upon taking her oath of office, she became the second Black woman to serve in that position. WI

(December 29, 1907 – July 17, 1997) was an American economist, academic, and political administrator who served as the first Secretary of HUD from 1966 to 1968 when the department was newly established by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Weaver was the first Black to be appointed to a U.S. cabinet-level position. Prior to his appointment, Weaver had served in the administration of President John F. Kennedy. During Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, he was one of 45 prominent African Americans appointed to positions and helped make up the Black Cabinet, an informal group of Black policy advisers.

5 Patricia Roberts Harris

(May 31, 1924 – March 23, 1985) was an American politician, diplomat and legal scholar. She served as the sixth Secretary of HUD and as the 13th U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from 1979 to 1981 under President Jimmy Carter. Previously, she had been appointed U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg from 1965 to 1967 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. A member of the Democratic Party, Harris was the first Black woman ever to serve in a presidential cabinet, as well as the first to be a U.S. Ambassador.

5 Alphonso R. Jackson (born September 9, 1945) served as the 13th US Secretary of HUD. He was nominated by President George W. Bush on August 28,

5 Robert Clifton Weaver

5 Samuel Riley Pierce Jr. (September 8, 1922 – October

5 Equatorial Guinea Vice-President Teodoro "Theodorin" Nguema Obiang is known for his lavish lifestyle. (Courtesy Photo)

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Equatorial Guinea Vice President’s Superyacht and Home Seized in South Africa

South African officials have seized a superyacht and two palatial homes owned by Equatorial's Guinea's Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang. A court ordered the seizures after local businessman Daniel Janse van Rensburg won a law suit against Obiang for unlawful arrest and torture, BBC NEWS reported on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.

He has demanded compensation of about $2.2m (£1.8m). He says he was unlawfully detained in Equatorial Guinea for about 500 days after a business deal went wrong.

The vice-president, the son of the world's longest-serving ruler, has not yet commented on the case. He and President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo have long been accused of seeing oil-rich Equatorial Guinea as their personal fiefdom, and of abusing its wealth and resources.

This is the latest in a string of rulings issued against him by courts around the world.

"We attached two houses... in Cape Town in a formal application two weeks ago and the superyacht last Tuesday," lawyer Errol Eldson, who is representing the businessman, told AFP news agency.

An application to auction the assets had been filed, he added.

Van Rensburg has waged a lengthy legal battle against the vice-president in the South African courts, and published a book last year on how a business trip to Equatorial Guinea in 2013 "turned into a journey to the depths of hell" following his "harrowing incarceration" at the notorious Black Beach prison

Eldson told AFP that his client had set up an airline in Equatorial Guinea with a local politician who withdrew from the venture at the last minute and demanded a financial refund.

The dispute led to the politician phoning Vice-President Obiang and "within 10 minutes" an elite security force unit "picked Daniel up and threw him into Black Beach prison,” the lawyer was quoted as saying.

Obiang is widely seen as being groomed by his father, who has been in power for 43 years, to succeed him. WI

Heads of Government of Caricom Meeting in the Bahamas

The 44th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is being held in Nassau, Bahamas, Feb. 15—17, under the chairmanship of Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis, who assumed the chairmanship for six months on Jan. 1.

5 Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis assumed the chairmanship of CARICOM for six months on Jan. 1. (Courtesy Photo)

The meeting is being held in The Bahamas as the country prepares to celebrate two key dates in its history within days of each other. The Bahamas will attain its 40th year as a member state of CARICOM on July 4, and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence July 10.

The CARICOM Heads were scheduled to address several recurring and new issues, such as the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, Climate Change, Climate Finance, Agriculture and Food Security, Regional Security, and Health. They were also scheduled to be engaged by several foreign guests to discuss political, economic and financial matters relevant to the Caribbean Community.

CARICOM comprises 15 full members and five associate members. The full members are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitt Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos Islands are associate members.

The Conference of Heads of Government of the CARICOM meets twice a year at Regular and Inter-Sessional meetings, in summer and winter, respectively. WI

#OpeningCeremony

Opening Ceremony

CO-PRESENTED WITH

Saturday, March 25 5 – 6:30 PM

Free with $5 registration fee

Warner Theatre & via Livestream at

@ CherryBlossFest

Don’t miss this one-time-only performance featuring world-renowned artists, for a celebration of the friendship between the United States and Japan.

Scan QR code or visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org to sign up for emails to be the first to know about tickets!

@

@

MEDIA SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Anna Sato X Toshiyuki Sasaki

Mika Stoltzman

PETÆL Courtesy of the Ryuji Ueno Foundation

BLACK HISTORY month

HBCU Pride: Historically Black Colleges and Universities Remain Important Today

Austin R. Cooper, Jr. Our House Managing Editor

Graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are leaders in every field and include barrier-breaking politicians, doctors, business owners, scientists, artists, lawyers, engineers, and educators, many of whom are public servants.

Today, for example, several HBCU graduates serve in senior roles in the Biden-Harris Administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris – the first HBCU graduate ever to serve as Vice Pres-

ident of the United States - and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan. Harris attended Howard University, and Regan, North Carolina A&T.

HBCUS TODAY

HBCUs were created to provide educational opportunities to Black people following the Civil War. According to a report titled, Basic Needs Insecurity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, “Today, there are more than 100 HBCUs in the United States. Collectively,

these institutions serve roughly 300,000 students each year and serve 1 in 10 Black students throughout the country.”

Many students depend on HBCUs as a chance for education.

“HBCUs also enroll significantly more first-generation college students and students from low-income families than traditional colleges or universities,” according to the report. “Nationwide, 75 % of students at HBCUs are Pell Grant recipients.”

Even in their necessary role for offering access to higher education, HBCUs face challenges

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

of their own.

“Despite the important role they continue to play, many HBCUs struggle with a lack of investment, dwindling enrollment, and — most recently — fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

FAMILY LOVE OF HBCUS

I am a proud HBCU graduate who represents a family lineage of the same. My father attended St. Augustine’s University and my mother, Bennett College. In addition, the overwhelming majority of my parent’s siblings are also HBCU graduates, including my uncle, Dr. Donald R. Hopkins, a world-renowned physician.

Growing up, my sisters Angela and Kimberly and I often discussed going to college with our parents. In these discussions, there was a spoken expectation that our parents would cover our undergraduate education and that all academic requirements would be met in four years. There was also an unspoken expectation that we would attend an HBCU. Angela and Kimberly respectively gradu-

ated from Howard and Hampton Universities.

MY HBCU CHOICE

Morehouse College was my first choice. After initially receiving a rejection letter due to an incomplete application package, I was accepted. Unfortunately, campus

5 Austin R. Cooper, Jr., is a graduate of St. Augustine, an HBCU in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Courtesy Photo)

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

HBCU

Black Students Have Paid for College…One Way or Another

James Wright WI Staff Writer

African Americans have resorted to creative ways to pay for their college and university educations historically despite having to deal with Antebellum laws prohibiting the education of slaves and Jim Crow-era practices and legal measures making it difficult to finance a higher education.

Before the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, other than a few exceptions, African Americans obtaining an education from a higher education institution didn’t take place. Southern states prohibited slaves from learning how to read. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the first Black college founded in the U.S. in 1837 and Wilberforce University, a Black institution set up in 1856, operated during an era when it was widely believed that Blacks lacked the intellectual capacity to study at a post-secondary level.

After the end of the Civil War, the federal government and some Reconstruction era state governments set up schools that eventually became institutions of higher learning for Black people. African Americans attended these institutions to learn and many devised ways to pay for their education.

Booker T. Washington, who would later become the principal of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and a civil rights leader, wrote in his best-selling book “Up from Slavery” on how he financed his education at Hampton Institute. He wrote of arriving at Hampton unkempt due to the strenuous travel to get there in 1872. The head teacher instructed Washington to clean up one of the classrooms, a task he performed well enough that he was appointed the school’s janitor. Washington said working as the janitor helped him pay his school bills.

To finance his education at Morehouse College, Martin Luther King Jr., worked on a tobacco farm in Simsbury, Connecticut along with some of his schoolmates in 1944, according to an article written by Corey Kilgannon in the Nov. 12, 2021, edition of the New York Times.

“In the 1940s, Morehouse College students came from Atlanta to work on tobacco farms in Connecticut’s Farmington Valley as a part of the tuition assistance program,” said Kilgannon.

Kilgannon said King and his schoolmates worked long days cutting and hanging tobacco. He said King worked his first and last summers as a Morehouse student at Connecticut tobacco farms.

Dovey Johnson Roundtree, a District civil rights attorney famous for integrating the nation’s interstate bus service talked about the difficulty she had paying for her classes at Spelman College in the late 1930s, in her book, “Justice Older Than the Law: The Life of Dovey Johnson Roundtree.” Roundtree said she and her mother saved money for two years to pay the $75 yearly tuition for her freshman year at Spelman. The future litigator said she managed to pay her way through school haphazardly while progressing academically at Spelman at times working three jobs and accepting assistance from a friendly white teacher to complete her senior year.

Former New York Rep. Charles Rangel, in his book “And I Haven’t Had a Bad Day Since: From the Streets of Harlem to the Halls of Congress,” said he received GI Bill educational benefits due to his service in the U.S. Army during the war in Korea. While Rangel could get his GI Bill educational benefits, many Black veterans in the South faced racist opposition when trying to access theirs because the program was administered on the state level, according to an article, “Finding Human Rights in Higher Education: A History of Federal Financial Aid and Discrimination in the United States,” by Andrew J. Toritto.

In 1944, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) was co-founded by William Trent, an activist for Black education, Tuskegee Institute President Frederick Patterson and renowned educator and civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune. The UNCF’s charge was to raise money for Black colleges and universities and provide student scholarships. The organization continues that mission presently.

The federal government started its formal funding of higher education institutions and students through the National Defense Education Act of 1958 and the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs largely aided students regardless of race and whatever state one attended college in. Also, the Higher Education Act

created the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant for students who are exceptionally needy. The grant program was renamed the Pell Grant in 1980 after U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell (D-Rhode Island). The Pell Grant serves as the basis for a student’s financial aid package that could also include scholarships and work/study programs. Today, as the annual average for college is more than $35,000, students work to access federal funding through such applications as the

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and apply for private scholarships often offered through societies, businesses and organizations, including historic African American Greek-letter sororities and fraternities.

WI

@JamesWrightJr10

4 Tuskegee Institute principal and civil rights leader Booker T. Washington worked his way through Hampton Institute as its janitor. (Courtesy Photo)

Black Literacy is Black Resistance

Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Greetings! First, I’d like to thank you for coming along with me into the deep journey that is my mind–and musings.

Second, if you are Black, (with all encouragement to continue reading if you are another race), I want to awaken you to the power that is your ability to comprehend the words you’re reading– an act, in itself, of Black Resistance.

As the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) examines Black Resistance, it is important to consider “Black Literacy” as a form of protest and triumph in the journey for freedom and equity.

WHAT IS LITERACY?

Cambridge Dictionary defines “literacy,” as “the ability to read and write.” Other research further defines literacy as the mastery to communicate and comprehend symbols, but for the purposes of this conversation, let’s look at the first definition.

As the old adage and oldest children’s literacy nonprofit in the nation touts, “Reading is Fundamental.”

READING AND WRITING WHILE BLACK

In 1739, an amendment to South Carolina’s Negro Act prohibited teaching enslaved Black poeple to read and write– a crime that was punishable with a $100 fine and six months in prison.

In 1829 in Georgia, and in 1830 in Louisiana and North Carolina, laws were passed to punish, fine, imprison and even flog those who encouraged African American literacy.

Then came the literate Nat Turner, a preacher, who in 1831, famously organized the deadliest, and arguably, most important, slave rebellion in history. From August 21- 23, 1831, Turner and about 70 free and enslaved African Americans went around Southampton, Virginia freeing enslaved Black people and killing between 55 and 65 white people.

While retaliation included murdering 120 free and enslaved Black people, legislators also found ways to suppress African Americans– making literacy illegal.

In 1832, Virginia and Alabama passed laws preventing white people from teaching African Americans to read. In addition, throughout states many laws were passed preventing African Americans from working in reading or writing jobs or even assembling.

According to History.com, it is estimated that only 10 percent of enslaved African Americans were literate.

BLACK LITERACY AS BLACK RESISTANCE

Despite the illegal nature of reading and writing, and the few folks who could even do so, there were African Americans who risked retribution understanding literacy as a weapon to fight oppression.

In 1827 the first Black newspaper, the “Freedom’s Journal,” was published. As a member of the Black press, the audacity of its publishers to begin that publication 196 years ago excites me about the legacy in which I work and live.

A literate Frederick Douglass, not only escaped slavery, but in 1845, 20 years before the end of the Civil

War, published his celebrated autobiography “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave.” Douglass was also a member of the Black press, publishing his first abolitionist newspaper, the “North Star,” in 1847.

Don’t even get me started on the audaciousness of educating Black students. Pennsylvania kicked things off with the first HBCU in 1837 at Cheyney University and in 1854, when Lincoln University, the first degree-granting HBCU, was established. By 1856 in Ohio, Wilberforce was established as the first Black owned and operated university. In 1865, the South got its first HBCU in Shaw University, located in North Carolina.

When considering the bravery it took to be an African American who could read and write, and those who had the courage to actually exercise that expertise by publishing works, learning and educating– that’s bold, that’s power, that’s Black Resistance. WI

BROWN

3 Micha Green, WI managing editor, examines “Black Literacy” as a form of “Black Resistance.” Courtesy Photo)

According to History.com, it is estimated that only 10 percent of enslaved African Americans were literate.

Black Male Teachers Represent 2 Percent of Education Workforce

Langston Tingling-Clemmons Provides Black Male Representation

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In 2022, Kurt Russell, a Black male history teacher from Ohio, became the National Teacher of the Year. That occasion not only shed light on Russell’s efforts to reveal all facets of American history, but the lack of Black men in school buildings across the country.

Black men currently account for less than two percent of the U.S. public school teacher workforce, according to the National Center for Education Statistics’ National Teacher and Principal Survey and Dr. Travis J. Bristol of the University of California, Berkeley. This trend has been attributed to the lack of mentorship or misalignment in certain educational environments.

In the aftermath of a pandemic that brought to light glaring ed-

ucational inequities and hurdles teachers face in the classroom, the number of Black male teachers dwindles daily. As teacher retention becomes more of a hot-button issue, elected officials at the local and federal level are exploring ways to attract and keep more people in the profession, including a salary increase, revamping teacher evaluations, and creating a teacher pipeline from local schools.

BLACK MALE EDUCATORS IN THE COMMUNITY: LANGSTON TINGLINGCLEMMONS

Teachers like Langston Tingling-Clemmons provide examples of Black male leadership in the classroom.

Tingling-Clemmons, who was recently featured in The Informer for his take on the social studies standards revamp, continues on his mission to help students to gain a holistic knowledge of U.S. history and make connections between the past and present day, as it relates to their daily lives.

Clemmons, a native Washingtonian and DC Public Schools (DCPS) alumnus, comes from a family of educators. He currently teaches eighth grade U.S. History at Jefferson Middle School Academy in Southwest. Previous stints include Friendship Public Charter School - Woodridge Elementary & Middle School, where he also served as a history teacher during the Obama presidency. While teaching hadn’t always been in the cards for TinTEACHERS Page 51

Diversity Keeps Us Energized

We are proud to support The Washington Informer in celebrating Black History Month and making a difference in our communities.

pepco.com

5 Langston Tingling-Clemmons is a teacher at Jefferson Middle School in Washington, D.C. (Rob Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

Pepco, we welcome and respect people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and traits because we know that diverse teams drive powerful outcomes. We take pride in our long history of inclusion and are committed to promoting change that leads to improved economic social equity in our communities.

WE ARE PROUD TO

DIVERSITY DIVERSITY HIGHLIGHT

Support Black-owned businesses! Look for these tags on shelves to shop NMSDC certified Black-owned products and brands at all Giant locations as part of our every day celebration of diverse and minority vendors.

BlackOWNED

giantfood.com/BlackHistoryMonth

Robin and Andréa mcbride

WARREN BROWN

Julie and Albert Ndjee

*Black Girl Magic Wines are sold in select stores only.

HEALTH

The Deadly Wave of Fentanyl Hits Blacks and Seniors

Black Americans Becoming the New Face of The Opioid Crisis

Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

Across the District, fentanyl-involved overdoses remain prevalent in predominantly Black communities. Despite lowering rates of overdose, newly released data shows a heightened rate of Black, especially senior residents being disproportionately affected by the harrowing rise of fentanyl addiction.

“Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered. Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison,” said Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration Anne Milgram. “We must take every opportunity to spread the word to prevent fentanyl-related overdose deaths and poisonings from claiming scores of American lives every day.”

The fatal crisis once painted as an issue plaguing young adults and youth across white America has resurfaced as Black Americans seemingly become the face of a second national wave. Over the past five years, fentanyl-related overdoses have accounted for 96% of total overdoses in D.C. between the years of 2017 to 2022.

According to a report produced by the D.C. Office of The Chief

Medical Examiner, roughly 72% of all opioid overdose fatalities occurred among older adults within the age bracket of 40-69 years old, with a heightened prevalence among residents 50-59 years old. And for many, it is no drug of choice, but rather a sinister stroke of bad luck, as fentanyl-laced drugs are covertly displacing other opioid narcotics including heroin, oxycodone and cocaine for example, killing people without knowledge of what they have ingested.

“While the overdose crisis is driven by opioids, it's also increasingly a crisis involving poly-substance use. That is particularly opioids in combinations with other drugs, particularly stimulants,” said Magdalena Cerda, professor in the division of epidemiology of the department of population health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, while speaking on a virtual panel with the Center for Health Journalism.

Out of an examined 1,705 deaths by opioid overdoses within the duration of this data sample, 84% of these incidents involved Black people. The greatest number of drug overdoses by way of opioid use occurred in Wards 5, 7, and 8, with East of the River communities maintaining the greatest number of fatalities in comparison to the rest of the city.

NEXT STEPS TO ADDRESS THIS CRISIS

The unprecedented era of COVID-19 is yet another major factor that has exacerbated the rise in fentanyl-involved overdoses. The jolt of the health pandemic interrupted several needed prevention treatment and recovery services, while crushing the stability of jobs, schooling, and mental health support services, especially needed by those residents grappling in the throes of addiction.

But Cerda and various health physicians maintain a positive outlook when finding a silver lining in the thick of the crisis. Cerda highlights two major responses that she believes will bring a transformative stage to this epidemic, largely emphasizing harm reduction and access to evidence-based treatment.

“When we talk about harm reduction, we are talking about meeting people where they are in their lives, treating them with dignity and giving them the tools that they need. One of the major tools in harm reduction is naloxone,” Cerda said. “Essentially, only 15 percent of counties in the United States have community-based naloxone distribution programs. [Likewise,] less than 50 percent of counties have treatment centers that provide naloxone, so essentially, broad swaths of the [U.S.]

lack access to some of the leading sources of naloxone for community-based use.”

Increasing access to evidence-based treatment medications is pinned as another useful method for treating withdrawal symptoms. But despite this, use of opioid treatment typically ranks lower within Black communities in comparison to their White counterparts.

Research shows White Americans are found more likely to

receive training in naloxone use, reach access to naloxone through community prescriptions or community programs, and use the opioid reversal medication in comparison to their Black counterparts.

Drug reform experts highly suggest D.C. pour funding into 24/7 drug centers to provide a safe space for residents to pick up naloxone, testing strips, and even use their drugs within a safe environment to gradually rectify the issue.

WI

5 (Courtesy photo/DEA.gov)

EARTH OUR

PLAYGROUND from Page 1

Geeta has asthma; Al didn’t want her to breathe in gas fumes day in and day out. He also didn’t want to see the tiny playground right behind the site torn down—a requirement for the Royal Farms gas station to meet zoning standards. For years, the Powells’ five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren have played there during their visits.

Besides, Al Powell said, that intersection—Riggs Road and East-West Highway—already has a gas station, an Exxon across the street. He didn’t need or want another one.

So Powell decided to say something. He joined an effort spearheaded by a handful of residents from the Carole Highlands neighborhood, about a mile northwest, to fight Royal Farms’ proposal. The group organized 11 citizens living nearby to give testimony at a zoning hearing about the project. A little over five months later, on Jan. 12, the company withdrew its zoning application.

By then, the project faced an active group of oppositional residents and the pro bono legal representation they had called in for help, as well as a newly elected County Council hostile to the project. On Monday, that Council voted 9-0 to officially accept the application’s withdrawal, closing the matter for good.

“Sometimes it feels like these companies, they’re just going to do what they want. But sometimes you can stop things if you put in the effort,” Powell said.

The lawyer for Royal Farms, Matthew Tedesco, declined to comment for this story, including on why his client, RF East West Hyattsville LLC, decided to withdraw the application.

“THE MORE WE LEARN ABOUT THE PROJECT THE WORSE IT LOOKS”

Walking in a wide loop around the park land surrounding his house,

Powell recalled several flooding events he witnessed over the years. In 1976, he said, the creek rose high enough to reach the proposed gas station site. Then on September 10, 2020, severe flooding hit the whole DMV region hard. Near Hyattsville and Chillum, the water flooded homes and tore up roads.

“There were logs rolling down the highway,” Powell said of the 2020 flood.

In July of this year, Sligo Creek rose to a record seven feet as thunderstorms deluged the region. The East-West Highway/Riggs Road intersection—the site of the proposal—shut down as the creek overflowed its banks.

The southeastern edge of the property that Royal Farms sought fell in the 100-year floodplain. In its current, empty state, the parking lot has no stormwater management.

Royal Farms’ site plan included landscaping and grading features aimed at reducing flooding, according to zoning hearing testimony from Joseph DiMarco, a civil engineer who worked on the plans. DiMarco also said that the underground fuel tanks would have been located outside the designated floodplain line.

Still, area residents remained concerned.

“Say those tanks don't leak— you're still going to have all the other things associated with a fuel filling station. If you’ve ever filled up your car, you know: sometimes you spill, or you're putting the hose back and it spills,” said Jason Clayton, president of the Carole Highlands Neighborhood Association. “Being in a floodplain, when we get heavy rains, all that stuff is going to wash somewhere, and it's going to be downhill and into the creek.”

That worry is backed up by research: a 2014 study in the Journal of Contaminant Hydrology examined the extent of chronic, small spills at gas stations and found that the cumulative impact likely added up to “non-negligible human exposure” to harmful chemicals. In general, research has linked living

near gas stations to increased risks for childhood leukemia and other cancers, according to a study published in the Journal of Environment Health Science & Engineering in 2021.

There are more than 20 gas stations within a mile and a half of the proposed Royal Farms, one Carole Highlands resident said in his testimony opposing the proposal.

The main toxin associated with gas stations is benzene, a carcinogenic. The likelihood of benzene to end up in the nearby waterway brought Michael Wilpers, chair of natural history for Friends of Sligo Creek, into the fight. Another gas station less than 300 feet from the creek threatened the plants and animals that lived there, he argued, as well as their human neighbors.

For Wilpers, who lives just across the border in Montgomery County, it was also a question of fairness. Montgomery County’s zoning rules prohibit gas stations designed to sell more than 3.6 million gallons a year from being built within 500 feet of residences, schools, day cares, playgrounds, parks and environmentally sensitive areas— including streams and floodplains. Of that list, the Prince George’s County zoning code only regulates gas station distance from playgrounds and schools.

“This gas station wouldn't have gotten off first base if they tried to do it in Montgomery County, because it's not even an inch away from a park—it shares a boundary,” Wilpers said. “Why should

firm listed the spot as one of the top ten most dangerous intersections where it saw repeated collisions throughout Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Charles counties.

Mark Ferguson, who prepared the land planning report for Royal Farms, testified at the hearing that the project would improve traffic safety, because the site plan would close off one access point on EastWest Highway and adjust the lanes around the other entrance. He also said that his analysis showed fewer additional trips to the intersection than occur with the present use of the site.

Powell, who said he sees a traffic incident at the intersection at least once a week, was not convinced. “The traffic would’ve been nasty,” he said.

animals, plants and people in Prince George’s be exposed to more airborne poisons than people in Montgomery County?”

Ten nearby residents, including Wilpers, Clayton and Powell, presented these arguments in their testimony during the zoning hearing on Aug. 3. Others, including former president of the Carole Highlands Neighborhood Association Jeff Cronin, also pointed out that the project seemed contradictory to the countywide Climate Action Plan adopted by the Prince George’s County Council just this past July. The plan calls for reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels).

Cronin first heard about the proposed gas station by accident, during a June 25 walking tour with county planning staff and officials. The tour focused on improving walkability and pedestrian safety in the area; the gas station plan came up in passing. On July 7, Cronin posted a message to the Carole Highlands Neighborhood Association email group about the project and his plans to oppose it.

“The more we learn about the project the worse it looks, especially from an environmental perspective,” he wrote in a follow-up message on Aug. 1 of last year.

People living nearby had concerns about several non-environmental issues as well. Powell and others worried about additional traffic at an intersection where they described regularly seeing severe accidents. One Maryland injury law

Further, no one wanted to lose the playground. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission had come to the conclusion that the tiny configuration of green slides and yellow monkey bars was “not heavily used,” according to the Technical Staff Report the agency produced. But both Powell and Clayton fondly recalled bringing a child or grandchild to play there.

Some, including a registered dietitian who testified at the hearing, also argued that gas station food— including fried chicken, burgers and fries—would not serve as a good replacement for the Salvadoran restaurant currently on the site. Cronin pointed out, citing Royal Farms’ own data, that 36% of the company’s store revenue comes from tobacco.

“If this project moves forward… we would trade exercise equipment for children and culinary diversity in exchange for fast food, fossil fuels, and finally, cigarettes,” Cronin said at the zoning hearing.

Based on the testimony and the technical recommendations of Prince George’s County planning staff, the Zoning Hearing Examiner approved Royal Farms’ request on Oct. 7.

Cronin and the others had expected as much. They had to decide if they would put in the many extra hours needed to file an appeal— and if they even had a chance to win it.

To find out what happened next, check out this story online at www.thewashingtoninformer. com. WI

5 Al Powell sits on his back porch swing, where he and his wife often spends time watching bikers, walkers and runners pass by on the Sligo Creek Trail. (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

Baltimorean Fights Environmental Racism, Works to Improve Community Health

Alexis Durham WI Contributing Writer

Native Baltimorean Glenn Ross spends his days showing people mountainous piles of garbage in his city. The 73-year-old self-described “urban environmentalist” began leading Urban Environmentalist Toxic Tours in East Baltimore as a part of his decades-long effort to raise awareness and clean up the many toxic sites he identified in the area. He has found predominantly Black neighborhoods in Baltimore do not receive the proper attention and care like White neighborhoods, which results in broken down houses and more health hazards within the Black communities.

Ross has discovered over 19 toxic sites in east Baltimore alone. There are only a total of 25 sites in Maryland including nearby towns documented on the EPA’s website and none of them are the ones that Ross found. He knew that these numbers didn’t add up, so he took action. His goal is for the leaders of Baltimore to condemn these sites properly and clean up urban neighborhoods regularly just like the white neighborhoods in the city.

Residents that live near the east Baltimore toxic areas, also known as superfund sites, have complained of respiratory issues due to the dust that accumulates from the landfill, and even Ross has battled asthma.

Construction workers crush debris into smaller portions and during the process, dust goes into the air causing residents to suffer in the long run. This cycle repeats itself until the landfill gets too tall and then they’ll eventually need to find another spot to dump the trash.

“They found crushed glass, asphalt and cement. People were complaining of irritation to their eyes, skin, and coughing up blood. They found out that they were inhaling glass particles for years,” said Ross.

One site is right next to his neighborhood on the 100 block of Edison Highway.

A RISE IN LEADERSHIP AND ACTIVISM

Ross’ father, who was a top union official at Bethlehem Steel, which ceased all operations in 2003, motivated him not to accept mediocrity. Further, be-

ing a single father ignited a flame within Ross and led him to becoming the director of the Urban Environmental Toxic Tour, which educates tourists about environmental racism and commercial contamination.

Serving as president of the McElderry Park Community Association for a total of seven terms has been another accomplishment checked off the entrepreneur and father’s list.

Working for many city council members and mayors allowed Ross to experience various aspects of the political system, all the while trying to fight against environmental racism.

He currently is a community advocate for Johns Hopkins Medical Center and continues to conduct tours.

FIGHTING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Throughout Ross’ work, there have been setbacks and triumphs-- particularly as he continues to fight for environmental justice. In the beginning of his journey, not everyone was eager to

inform Baltimoreans about these superfund sites. Some even tried to take extreme measures to keep Ross quiet. Ross received threats, warning him to stop informing citizens about the dangers of these sites near urban areas. He refused to let the threats stop him from cracking down on health issues that nearby residents were facing. People even offered him other opportunities to help out in the community in order to distract him from his original plan to expose the superfund sites.

PRIORITIZING HIS OWN HEALTH

Helping his fellow neighbors kept Ross focused on the end goal: getting scheduled clean ups for these newly founded sites. While he went to great lengths to take care of everyone in his community, he neglected his own health.

“We as community advocates have a hazard of doing everything for everyone, but we don’t take care of ourselves,” Ross explained.

Twenty-three years ago Ross was found lifeless after a build up of high blood pressure, pneumonia, a blood sugar level over 700, and congestive heart failure. He was only 50 years old and weighed in at just under 400 pounds.

“In 2000, I was pronounced dead in my home office,” said Ross. Doctors kept him in the hospital for

about a week before he was allowed to go home. In addition to that health scare, Ross beat cancer three timesprostate, breast, and liver. After looking death in the face, Ross has taken his health more seriously, while trying to save the world. He knew that after all that he had overcome, his story was not yet finished. WI

5 Glenn Ross, 73, began leading Urban Environmentalist Toxic Tours in order to clean up his neighborhood and fight environmental injustice. (Courtesy Photo)

The

best duo in the biz.

It’s a fact. Xfinity has the fastest internet and Xfinity Mobile is the fastest mobile service.

Power a house full of connected devices with even faster internet speeds from Xfinity. And, Xfinity Mobile is the fastest mobile service with 5G and millions of WiFi hotspots.

The fastest internet, the fastest mobile service, and major savings? Can’t argue with the facts.

Fastest internet claim based on 6 Gbps Gigabit Pro tier. Fastest mobile service claim based on consumer testing of mobile WiFi and cellular data performance from Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data in Q4 '22 for Comcast service areas, verified by Ookla for Comcast’s analysis. See xfinitymobile.com/savings. Xfinity Internet required. Reduced speeds after 20 GB of usage/line. Data thresholds and actual savings may vary.

1-800-xfinity xfinity.com Visit a store today

Restrictions apply. Ends 3/31/2023. Not available in all areas. Limited to Fast Internet with up to 400 Mbps download speed for new residential customers only. Offer requires enrollment in both paperless billing and automatic payments with stored bank account. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10 (or $5 if enrolling with credit or debit card information). The discount will appear on your bill within 45 days of enrolling in automatic payments and paperless billing. If either automatic payments or paperless billing with stored bank account are subsequently cancelled, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the term contract. After 24 months, regular charges apply. Comcast’s service charge for Fast Internet is $102/mo. (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. Internet: Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. Many factors affect speed, including equipment performance, interference, congestion, and speeds of visited websites. WiFi speeds affected by additional factors, including distance from Gateway, home configuration, personal device capabilities, and others. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. All devices must be returned when service ends. Xfinity Mobile: Requires residential post-pay Xfinity Internet service. Line limitations may apply. For Xfinity Mobile Broadband Disclosures visit: www.xfinity.com/mobile/policies/broadband-disclosures. Actual savings vary and are not guaranteed. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2023 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA243877-0005 NED-New It's a Fact-V2

In a 2019 Vogue article, singer and beauty business billionaire Rihanna revealed that she turned down an opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl, citing the contentious relationship between the NFL and African Americans– particularly after football star turned activist Colin Kaepernick was reprimanded and blacklisted for kneeling during the singing of the national anthem.

“I couldn’t dare do that. For what?” Rihanna said in the interview. “Who gains from that? Not my people. I just couldn’t be a sellout. I couldn’t be an enabler. There’s things within that organization that I do not agree with at all, and I was not about to go and be of service to them in any way.”

On Feb. 12, a pregnant Rihanna performed a solo set at Super Bowl LVII held in Scottsdale, Arizona. Revealing her pregnancy at the top of the show, the nine-time Grammy winner and Bajan queen floated high in the sky on a platform, accompanied by dancers for a more than 13-minute performance.

Although some people are accusing Rihanna of being a sellout after her words admonishing the NFL just four years ago, the mother and star has a couple of reasons she might have been willing to change her tune when it comes to the professional football organization.

While Maroon 5 performed in the Super Bowl in 2019– joined by rappers Big Boi and Travis Scott, later that year “that organization” turned to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation to take over the halftime show. Rihanna is signed to Roc Nation, thus Jay-Z is her boss.

Further, since 2019, the league has worked to strengthen relationships with the African American community. While the NFL has admitted there’s still work to do to empower African Americans in a league with 70% Black players, such as having more Black coaches and owners, there have been steps taken to improve relations such as partnering with the Contract with Black America Institute (CWBA), Ice Cube’s economic-inclusion focused initiative dedicated to increasing economic equity and partnerships with Black owned businesses.

Finally, Rihanna doesn’t get paid directly by the NFL to perform at the Super Bowl. While the NFL covers expenses and production costs, money from the Rihanna Bowl will later be tallied in streams in sales from such ventures as her beauty company Fenty, which even had a brief cameo during the halftime show.

Here’s Why Rihanna Isn’t A Sellout EDITORIAL TO THE EDITOR

So, Rihanna’s not a sellout. She’s a business woman who knows she’ll get a big payback later, or as in the words of her famous song, “B**ch better have my money.” WI

Today’s Culture Ruined an Epic Pregnancy Announcement

Donning an all red sporty ensemble, serving as a flame in the dark sky, floating from a platform above the arena and crowd at Super Bowl LVII in Scottsdale, Arizona, singer Rihanna announced she was pregnant.

After delivering her first child, a son, with rapper ASAP Rocky in May 2022, Rihanna appeared in her first major performance since childbirth with a visible, and adorable, might I add, baby bump. She began the performance flaunting the bump and rubbing it, introducing her child on one of the biggest world stages.

It was a moment in Black Girl Magic and history.

However, the politically correct police emphasized waiting for official confirmation before celebrating Rihanna’s epic announcement. The “We don’t know if she’s really pregnant,” “Never assume a woman is pregnant,” “We shouldn’t be talking about women’s bodies,” chorales, with whom I’d normally agree, just did far too much this time.

Don’t get me wrong, I tend to showcase my membership of the politically correct and social justice policemen. Don’t let me be around when someone is saying something I consider unjust, racist, misogynist, harmful, offensive or downright rude. While I’m generally ready to take off the earrings and pull out the vaseline, the sharp-tongued wit takes over, generally ready to demolish someone with wise words, facts and receipts to prove their detrimental words as such.

The politically correct vigilantes on the Internet are normally ready with a vengeance. The callout culture is real on the Internet and Black Twitter, in particular, is ready to correct a clear wrong.

But Robin Fenty giving the world, not new music, but new life was a treat. No, it’s nobody’s business Rihanna is pregnant, but she wanted the world to know it, and dang it, we should be happy for her and get my baby-mama-pregnant-ASAP Rocky, instead of being the debbie-downer trying to take away from the joy of the announcement.

It’s a shame that voters voted to raise tip worker minimum wage, yet members of the D.C. Council are impeding the will of the voters with typical political obstruction under the guise of “concern.” The service industry in this city is vast, and everyone depends on service workers, yet their ability to live at a certain standard somehow asks for too much.

Geraldine Reams Washington, DC

Readers' Mailbox

I just want to shout out to the best newspaper in town: The Washington Informer! I look forward each week to grabbing my free copy before it’s gone. What a service you all are to our community.

Mina Brown Washington, DC

The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.

Guest Columnist

Marian Wright Edelman

New Dangerous Assaults on Teaching the Truth

When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida's Department of Education make headlines for banning the new Advanced Placement African American Studies course from being taught in the state's schools, saying the class "significantly lacks educational value," we need to pay very close attention. Florida's move is the latest front in an ongoing war against

teaching children the truth about our shared history. When Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the son of former slaves, a pioneering, Harvard-trained historian, and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, created the precursor to Black History Month in 1926 he did so because he was alarmed how few people, white or Black, knew anything at all about Black people's achievements. Dr. Woodson believed it was critical to claim our rightful place in the history books and teach future generations about the great thinkers

Guest Columnist

and role models who came before us. As he said, "Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history."

But Dr. Woodson also understood that this was much more than just an academic discussion. He saw the connection between erasing Black history and assaulting Black bodies, and said the crusade to teach the truth about Black history was even "much more important than the anti-lynching

Svante Myrick

What I Wish We Heard in Biden's State of the Union

don't.

Reviews are rolling in for President Biden's latest State of the Union address, with many of them focusing on a highlight of the evening: the moment the president got Republicans to cheer for Social Security and Medicare. It was a neat trick. I still don't trust the Right to protect these critically important programs — but at least their hypocrisy will be on video if they

It was a high point in a speech that covered a lot of ground, as State of the Union addresses always do. I feel for President Biden; I've had a similar experience on a smaller scale. As mayor of a city, I used to give a state of the city address every year. It always ended up as a laundry list, and my team and I used to wish we could just spend the whole hour on one pressing issue.

And here's what I would wish for, if President Biden could have

Guest Columnist

We Built This Country

Students at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, are learning a hard and valuable lesson. These students are not just hearing about the fight behind the civil rights movement; they are living it. In the same spirit behind the boycotts, marches and lunch counter sit-ins of the 1960s, more than 200 Hillcrest students walked out of class this week to pro-

test a school administrator's decision to limit a student-led Black History Month program. The students said they were told to leave out significant historical moments, including slavery and the civil rights movement, from the upcoming program.

They "couldn't talk about slavery and civil rights because one of our administrators felt uncomfortable," said one student involved in the protest. While the walkout lasted almost an hour, the confusion, hurt and anger can be long-lasting. The feeling of disrespect is painful, but the students'

movement, because there would be no lynching if it did not start in the schoolroom. Why not exploit, enslave, or exterminate a class that everybody is taught to regard as inferior?"

In his seminal book "The Mis-Education of the Negro," Dr. Woodson also explained that providing a standard "mis-education" to young Black children in the school system — "the thought of the inferiority of the Negro is drilled into him in almost every class he enters and in almost every book he studies" was a calculated and insidious

attack: "When you control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his 'proper place' and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary." Decades later, James Baldwin put a similar insight in sharp words that resonate right now: "It's not the

EDELMAN Page 53

devoted his address to one topic. I believe there are few challenges more important today than what is happening to public education. The president talked about expanding educational opportunities, and that was very welcome. He could have spent an hour-plus talking about the attacks on education we are seeing around the country, because an attack on how kids learn is an attack on all of us. It stuns me that one politician, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, was able to bully the College Board into

David W. Marshall

response with an organized and peaceful demonstration is admirable. These students became living examples of the Black experience from America's past. They now know — if they didn't before — that the subjects of slavery and the civil rights movement are not popular with certain individuals. It makes them "uncomfortable" for a variety of reasons. The students also know that there are issues worth fighting for due to national attempts to limit the truth behind the Black experience from being taught and shared. The story of slavery, including the pos-

gutting its new AP Black History curriculum. This doesn't just hurt students in Florida. The AP curriculum is for students nationwide. And where does it stop? If a rightwing politician flexes enough muscle, can he get the AP to strike President Obama from the curriculum?

The College Board folks already bowed to DeSantis by removing Black authors including Ta-Nehisi Coates and Michelle Alexander. They should be ashamed.

Censoring books and their authors is especially disturbing to me,

because it means our kids will be less educated than the rest of the world. This bankrupts kids intellectually and ultimately weakens our country. My grandmother, who was a librarian, used to say, "Don't trust anybody who doesn't want you to read books." As a kid growing up in poverty, books were my lifeline, and I firmly believe books are like food — kids will starve without either.

I hope that in the future, the

itive contributions by enslaved people, can unleash a tremendous amount of pride and inspiration for Black students at Hillcrest and elsewhere.

This week, President Biden gave his annual State of the Union speech to the American people before a joint session of Congress. The speech was delivered from the U.S. Capitol — the nation's signature building as the seat of government — literally would not have been constructed in Washington, D.C., without enslaved labor. Truthfully, slaves didn't just pick cotton and tobacco; they also built im-

pressive buildings with little or no pay. The authority to construct the Capitol building was granted to the president by Congress in the Residence Act of 1790. This law gave President George Washington broad powers to oversee the construction of a new city on the banks of the Potomac River, complete with the buildings necessary to house the chief executive and the U.S. legislature. The sparsely populated Maryland countryside created a major problem precisely because the

Faye Williams

I'm Just Asking

It is a well-accepted and proven behavioral theory that when people have honest and authentic relationships with one another, they are more inclined to develop genuine friendships. We welcome cultural observances because of the opportunities they provide to exchange information and expand the potential for cross-cultural competence among people

of vastly different backgrounds and experiences. Any positive outcomes usually demand serious introspection and straightforward evaluation of how past and present actions shape our perceptions of each other.

I recognize the February designation as Black History Month and truthfully, appreciate that, publicly, white people claim to be on board with us having a month of our own to talk about all of our accomplishments. Even though it is the shortest month of the year, we seem to have been

Guest Columnist

given just enough time to talk about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington Carver, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and a few very well-known others.

I want to show my gratitude to white people by sharing a bit of time during this month to learn about them. I have questions about them and their history that burn, unanswered, somewhere in the atmosphere and I am willing to allow anyone of them who wants to answer to do so:

1. Why do they always want

Julianne Malveaux

to tell us about their one Black friend who is so nice?

2. Why are they always so happy to have their daughters marry and have children with rich Black men, but don't allow their young daughters to play with innocent young Black boys?

3. Why are they so afraid (as demonstrated by Ron DeSantis) to have little white children learn the truths of Black history?

4. Why do they want to rewrite and glorify their history while they are shocked that we will not willingly agree to the revisions

Our Challenge During Black History Month: Resistance to Ignorance

Each year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History sets a theme for Black History Month. This year the theme is Black Resistance. It is appropriate for a time such as this because it reflects the work we must do in a climate where there has been active retrenchment of our rights.

The 2022 elections reminded us that voter suppression efforts continue to erode our voting rights. The reduction of our voting rights is taking place as we prepare for the 2024 election. Already the farrights and their allies are attempting to steal the 2024 election by sidelining as many voters as possible. This will pressure our voting rights organization, and I know they are equal to the task.

Their work to prepare for 2024 is the epitome of Black resistance. In the academic realm, 36 states

have passed laws restricting what can be taught in classrooms. These laws are specious and ignorant. Some say teachers can't teach "critical race theory," although no one attempts to introduce a higher-level legal concept to K-12 students. Others vaguely say nothing can be taught to make students "feel uncomfortable" about their origins. Enslavement was uncomfortable. Lynching was uncomfortable. Undoubtedly, Tyre Nichols felt "uncomfortable" when beasts with badges beat him to death over a

traffic stop. What many people do not know about American history is bound to make them uncomfortable. But, as my grandma used to say, "ignorance is bliss." We in academia must use our resistance to repel these malicious efforts. It is overtime for us to ensure that our collective history is reflective of reality.

Nobody wants anybody to "feel bad." Instead, we want to take the truth and build on it. There is so much to resist that we must also resist the urge to become "too

and distortions they attempt to apply to our history?

5. Why do they resist and object to putting up memorials to our successes, but unwaveringly worship their racists?

6. Why do they love our people like Sen. Tim Scott, Dr. Ben Carson, and the new guy from Florida that they dragged out to lure the votes of a few members of the Congressional Black Caucus during that fiasco of the vote for Kevin McCarthy to serve as

tired" to fight back. I'm ashamed to say that, years ago, I said that I was tired of marching. Wrong! We can never be too tired to march, protest, or stand up for what is right. I am profoundly grateful to the folks in Black Lives Matter who show up and show out in the face of injustice. In Los Angeles, they show up regularly to resist the anti-Blackness that riddles this city. In Washington, D.C., people show up to protest land use deci-

MALVEAUX Page 54

Biden Responds to National Urban League Priorities in SOTU Address

"Imagine what it's like to lose a child at the hands of the law. Imagine having to worry whether your son or daughter will come home from walking down the street or playing in the park or just driving their car. ... Imagine having to worry like that every day in America. Here's what Tyre's mom shared with me when I asked her how she finds the cour-

age to carry on and speak out. With faith in God, she said her son 'was a beautiful soul and something good will come from this.' Imagine how much courage and character that takes. It's up to us. It's up to all of us."

— President

Joe Biden

Just before Tuesday's State of the Union address, my fellow civil rights leaders and I asked President Biden to use his platform to call for a robust and impactful federal response to the killing of Tyre Nichols and the continuing

disproportionate police killings of Black and Brown people.

Tyre's parents, RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, were given a place of honor alongside the first lady and second gentleman, so the nation could not look away from their grief.

Their presence, and the words of RowVaughn Wells as shared by President Biden, made a powerful case for transforming the relationship between police and the communities they serve, reminding the nation that their anguish of is an

ever-present specter for Black families.

We asked the president to call on Congress to implement a transformative police accountability framework to address systemic police violence, whatever the legislative vehicle. As he noted in the address, we must "give law enforcement the training they need, hold them to higher standards, and help them succeed in keeping everyone safe ... And when police officers or departments violate the public's trust, we must hold them

accountable."

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act represents a vision of what President Biden called "the covenant we have with each other in America" and the National Urban League stands with him in demanding its passage into law.

While President Biden assailed the January 6 insurrection and the Big Lie that fueled its violence, his call to honor the results of our elections did not specifically

MORIAL Page 54

Marc H. Morial

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

E.

EDUCATION

District Educators Continue Efforts to Update Social Studies Standards

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and the College Board continue to collude in the erasure of African-American history from state and national education standards, D.C.-based educator Langston Tingling-Clemmons remains hopeful about local efforts to update social studies standards.

For years, Tingling-Clemmons, a U.S. History teacher at Jefferson Middle School Academy in Southwest, begrudgingly developed D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) curricula from standards that center a Eurocentric historical perspective.

Such experiences compelled Tingling-Clemmons to join his colleagues in developing an African-American History elective that’s available in all District public high schools.

Tingling-Clemmons, in his 13th year as a teacher, has also remained intentional about making connections between history and current events for his students, many of whom hail from the Greenleaf Gar-

dens Apartments, located in a gentrified community not too far from Nationals Park.

As the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and D.C. State Board of Education (SBOE) trods along on the social studies standards revamp process, Tingling-Clemmons wants them to consider making African-American HIstory a mandatory course.

When it comes to U.S. History, Tingling-Clemmons said that students must be able to explore history from their perspective and in a manner that channels their fervor for racial equity and justice. “It does the kids a disservice [when eighth grade U.S. history starts at European exploration],” he said.

“I would love to see the Reconstruction standards have some connection to the present day,” he added. “Oftentimes, students ask why something is important. This would invite teachers to bring in things happening around the country and in the community. It would help bridge discussions and help students see why history is important.”

DELIBERATION CONTINUES ON SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS

The District’s new social studies standards are scheduled to be finalized by the 2024-2025 academic year. A revamp of this magnitude is 20 years in the making.

As explained on OSSE’s website, the new social studies standards focus on media literacy, increasing student civic engagement, and preparing young people for an information-driven society.

The standards aren’t relegated to curricula and specific instructional material. Instead, they focus on time periods throughout American and world history. In elementary school, students will learn about ancient civilizations, the First Nations preceding the United States’ founding, and the foundations of modern society.

Middle school students will explore world geography and American history up until the Reconstruction Era. In the eighth grade, students will be able to participate in activities intended to increase their civic engagement.

Meanwhile, high school students will have more opportunities for historical and social science-based analysis through the exploration of global history, U.S. history, and D.C. history, the aspects of which focus on the self-determination of marginalized groups.

Earlier this month, state board members conducted a working meeting with State Superintendent

For years, TinglingClemmons, a U.S. History teacher at Jefferson Middle School Academy in Southwest, begrudgingly developed D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) curricula from standards that center a Eurocentric historical perspective.

forts, Williams questioned how the agency will integrate the standards into the curriculum. At this point, they haven’t made that clear, Williams told The Informer.

Dr. Christina Grant. They discussed the standards, which OSSE drafted in alignment with the guiding principles compiled by SBOE’s social studies standards advisory committee.

Since December, OSSE has collected community feedback, via a public comment portal. On Feb. 10, that portal will close. Shortly after, SBOE members will conduct its monthly public meeting to once again discuss the social studies standards and explore areas of improvement.

As of last week, more than 220 comments have been submitted, with input running the gamut. While some people have been supportive of these ongoing efforts, there has been a push for further decentering the Eurocentric historical perspective.

SBOE Representative Ben Williams (Ward 1) echoed similar sentiments. He said the social studies standards in some areas such as World History still have Eurocentric foundation and lack representation from Latinos and Asian Americans. Williams said the same of the LGBTQ community’s inclusion in D.C. history.

Another area of concern for Williams centers on the degree to which OSSE will incorporate public input in its revisions to the revamped social studies standards. Williams also said that the nearly 170-page document could’ve been delivered in an easily understandable manner, especially to Spanish speakers who only had a week to review a translated version.

While he applauded OSSE’s ef-

“We don’t need to rush the process,” said Williams, who’s also an A.P. Government and D.C. History teacher at Capital City Public Charter School in Northwest.

“We need to listen to constituents and experts and continue to take the advice of the social studies standards advisory committee. We should continue to update these standards in the next couple of months so when they’re rolled out in SY 2024-25 they’re righting the wrongs of how social studies standards and instruction has traditionally been in the United States,” he added.

At an event celebrating OSSE’s expansion of high-impact tutoring, Grant commended SBOE and community members for their help in revamping the social studies standards. While she didn’t speak directly to DeSantis’ recent policy changes, Grant expressed gratitude for the work being done locally.

“The standards you see published today represent guiding principles given to us by the State Board and the herculean levels of work done by D.C. educators to think through the unique approach to teaching both American history and D.C. history,” Grant said.

“I’m excited about tweaks in the standards, particularly in the eighth grade, which will be an action civics year where students will take their learning and apply it directly to the challenges they face in D.C. and as they think about issues both nationally and abroad,” she added. WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Langston Tingling-Clemmons is an 8th and 9th grade US History Teacher, affectionately called Mr. TC, at Jefferson Academy. He graduated from Bucknell University with a bachelor’s degree in History and Spanish. He also has a master’s degree from Lehigh University in Education. (Photo by Rob Roberts)

Council Clashes with DCPS on Budget Deadlines & Transparency

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Around this time each year, District public school principals work in coordination with their Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) to propose adjustments to budget proposals made by DC Public Schools (DCPS) central office.

While some LSAT members have often lamented not having enough time to respond, this year's budget process has become even more controversial due to the central office's refusal to meet a deadline D.C. Council legislation set for DCPS to reveal the dollar amount allocated to each District public school.

For some parents, like Tiffany L. Brown, this latest development calls into question the mayor's competency.

Brown, a parent of two District public school students and DCPS teacher, has previous experience navigating the budget process as an LSAT member at Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan in Northeast.

These days, she's far away from the process. Even so, she continues to raise concerns about how delays could affect parents' abilities to secure resources for their children's school.

"Not seeing the budget doesn't give parents and parent groups the opportunity to advocate for what's needed through LSAT petitioning,” Brown said. “The mayor isn't new to this. This is her ninth year running the schools and going through the budget process. It should be seamless, but it's not."

On Monday, the D.C. Council Committee of the Whole conducted a roundtable about DCPS' FY 2024 budget. The roundtable came days after DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee failed to meet the Feb. 9 budget submission deadline mandated by the Schools First in Budgeting Amendment Act.

The Schools First in Budgeting Amendment Act, which the D.C. Council passed last year, requires DCPS central office to allocate to each District public school a dollar amount no less than what they received in the previous year’s budget. This year, the budget amount awarded to each school would have to include

the funds agreed upon the recently ratified Washington Teachers' Union contract.

In a statement D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) released on Feb. 10, he noted that Ferebee refused to meet the Feb. 9 budget submission deadline. Ferebee would later say that DCPS is working to ensure that school allocations don’t fall below 95 percent of the previous year’s amount.

Ferebee, who testified at the roundtable alongside Deputy Mayor of Education Paul Kihn, said that the loss of federal relief funds, also ESSER funds, complicates budget projections. Kihn later explained circumstances, like fluctuations in student population at some schools, that prevent DCPS from releasing budget projections in accordance with the Schools First in Budgeting Amendment Act.

“The DCPS budget model doesn’t take the school as the starting point,” Kihn told Mendelson on Monday, Feb. 13. "At the level of the school, it may make sense with a static population, but we have a network with 127 schools with 3,000 students that came out of grade level in schools that lost students. It’s hard to find because now we have phantom students," Kihn added

"To find that money, we have to take it from some other school. If you can’t find the money to fund these empty seats, where do you take it? The questions you ask assume that classes are full.”

Mendelson didn’t find Kihn’s point a roadblock in DCPS following the law. Throughout Monday’s roundtable, the D.C. Council chairman drove home the point that all the DCPS central office needed to submit were projection figures.

D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) found some success in getting Ferebee’s assurance that the DCPS central office will meet the budget projection submission deadline next year. Even so, Parker expressed concerns that funds are often being spread too thinly across District public schools, much to the detriment of families living in Wards 5, 7 and 8.

That’s why Parker suggested that federal funds fill in any possible gaps.

More importantly, Parker expressed a desire to take this budget battle to the streets. Doing so, he told The Inform-

er, means educating residents about DCPS’ failure to follow the Schools

First in Budgeting Act and emboldening them to pressure Ferebee, Kihn and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) to be more transparent about the budget process.

Otherwise, Parker said, District education officials will continue to provide a narrative that’s vastly different from what parents, teachers and students often experience on the ground.

“It’s unacceptable [DCPS central office] won’t do the approach that’s the law. They’re authorizing contracts without council approval,” Parker said as he alluded to retroactive contracts DCPS entered with food vendor, Sodexo. “I’m most interested in how to bring DCPS in accordance with the law. We can’t have one leader doing what they want.” WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Councilmember Zachary Parker expressed concerns that funds are often being spread too thinly across District public schools, much to the detriment of families living in Wards 5, 7 and 8. (Courtesy Photo)

CEO Tompkins Opens Doors Wide to MoCo New MCEDC Chief Is Suited for the Job

D.R. Barnes Staff Writer

Bill Tompkins is president and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. It was a title far from a perfect fit for him and one he wasn’t prepared to take on when he accepted the position as MCEDC’s chief operating officer four years ago.

But, 10 weeks after he started, the former CEO announced he would not renew his contract, which meant Tompkins, 65, would need to take on a more vital role in that transition. “That’s when I had to fast-forward my knowledge base about economic development,” he said. “It had to be quick learning, and I became the acting CEO.”

Tompkins said he wasn’t interested in becoming the permanent CEO of MCEDC, an independent public, private partnership in Rockville, Maryland.

“I didn’t put myself in the running for the job,” Tompkins said, “because I thought I would serve better as a strong number two.”

THE PATH TO LEADERSHIP

Before joining MCEDC, Tompkins achieved an impressive corporate career. A graduate of Harvard School of Business, where he received his MBA, and Tufts University, where he earned a BA in economics and graduated magna cum laude, led him to such places as Eastman Kodak and The Washington Post.

He headed advertising and marketing at the historically Blackowned Philadelphia Tribune newspaper. He also served as President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the trade association for more than 200 Black-owned newspapers nationwide.

He eventually started his own consulting company, offering his in-depth knowledge and experience in marketing, business operations, strategic planning, and nonprofit management to local businesses. He focused on strategic business opportunities and brand transformation strategies but eventually found that being a self-em-

ployed entrepreneur differed from his aspiration.

“I didn’t like working for myself,” he said. He felt like working for himself lacked a daily structure. “I wanted to go back to corporate America,” he said.

Now that Tompkins has taken the helm as CEO, the first Black person to hold the position, he has also adopted its mission to advance equitable and inclusive economic growth, prosperity, and sustainability in Montgomery County through activities that accelerate the development, retention, and attraction of businesses in key industry sectors,” according to its website.

Tomkins said that one day, as he looked out of the window of his home and thought, “This place

I’ve been living in for so long has economic development, but how does it work? What is this economy comprised of?” he pondered.

If asked those same questions now, he can rattle off responses he deeply believes and hopes will persuade others to move their businesses to Montgomery County or at least explore what the county has to offer, including its family-oriented options, homeownership, and business opportunities.

WHY SHOULD A BUSINESS LOCATE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY?

“You name it; we’ve got it,” Tompkins brags.

“We have a talent for growth companies in life sciences, cyber security, hospitality, or healthcare. We’ve probably got the best talent pool in the region. And our infrastructure is great.

“We’ve got a very strong business network, and the environment, one-third of which is allocated for physical space, is tied to the agricultural reserves, including 93,000 acres of farmland. It’s very green here, and Rock Creek Park runs all the way through

richness and texture of what we’re all about.”

“Diversity goes beyond race and gender and sexual preference,” he continued, “it goes into everything you can do here, from entertainment to lifestyle choices, and it’s about making sure we’re building wealth here. It’s a place where you can take your business to the next level.”

“The most important thing is something that appears in our mission, and it is near and dear to my heart, and that is we expand economic and equitable growth. Whether you’re a large or small business, we want everyone who lives or works here to feel welcome and have the opportunity for success.”

A SYMBOL OF THE PAST AND FUTURE

As Tompkins sat in front of a computer screen for an interview on Zoom, the window behind him allowed him to occasionally gaze down onto Rockville Pike, a major thoroughfare, which he described as a symbol of Montgomery County’s past and the future.

Montgomery County.”

“The housing stock is very strong here, too,” Tompkins asserts. “We have lots of livable environments.”

“We have it all, and we’re able to compete on a number of factors.”

MONTGOMERY COUNTY VALUES ITS DIVERSITY

Tompkins speaks with optimism about Montgomery County’s growing diversity.

“In the 1960s and 70s,” he said, “the majority of the residents in the county were white. Today, it is a majority, minority community where 150 languages are spoken, and the best schools in the region can be found. That adds to the

“Back in the day, Rockville Pike had nothing but strip malls. It has a lot of nostalgia behind it. On the lower end was one of the nation’s first Howard Johnson restaurants in the D.C. area. It’s where the Marriott Headquarters is, and as you move further up, you begin to see remnants of the life sciences business that have begun to take over here. You have four Metro stops connecting a thriving metropolis from Friendship Heights at the D.C. line to Shady Grove. It’s very vibrant, with lots of commerce, and you can find lots of really strong communities to live in. We still have lots of shopping malls and Class A office space.”

“It's a reminder of everything we have to offer.”

Tompkins and his wife, Dana, are both native Washingtonians. They have lived in Montgomery County for more than 30 years.

To learn more about the MCEDC, its programs, and its services, visit https://thinkmoco. com. WI

5 (Courtesy photo/Montgomery Planning)

4 Bill Tompkins is president and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (courtesy photo)

LIFESTYLE

Sibling Relationship Play Out at Mosaic Theatre

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Mosaic Theatre opens its 2023 season with “Bars and Measures,” a multi-layered play that is thought-provoking and a must-see.

“Bars and Measures” is about brothers Bilal and Eric, both musicians, whose relationship becomes strained due to critical philosophical differences. Bilal is a jazz musician who is currently in prison. Eric is a classical pianist who has surround-

ed this brother with love before and during his incarceration. Mosaic’s artistic director Reginald L. Douglas is the play’s director, and Iris Goodwin is the playwright.

Eric, played by Joel Ashur, visits Bilal regularly. The dialog between the brothers is a continuous conversation– they always joke with each other and easily pick up from when they last talked. Jazz musician Bilal, played by Louis E. Gates, tries to get Eric beyond his classical music orientation by making him repeatedly re-

cite a few jazz riffs. Even though Bilal is always on Eric’s case, the brothers support each other. Eric keeps Bilal’s spirits up by ensuring he knows their mother is on his side.

A revelation about how Bilal, a Muslim, ended up in prison causes a major conflict. Eric, a Christian, questions his understanding of his brother’s imprisonment. Thus, the double meanings of the words in the title of this play.

Ashur plays Eric as a no-questionsasked, supportive brother, who presents himself as slightly naive when details are fully revealed about Bilal’s criminal charges. Gates, as Bilal, is protective of his brother Eric, then has to come clean about why he may have been set up, which led to his arrest. Both actors make seamless turns

in their emotions for each, where love may not concur at all.

Paige Hathaway created a minimalist set design with subtle indications of who each brother is and where they physically live their lives. In Eric’s apartment, prominently visible, is Bilal’s acoustic bass. The instrument gives the sense that Bilal is looking after his brother. The environment of the entire set is intimate, allowing the audience to feel all emotions between the characters.

“That was very intentional, beautiful, exciting and surprisingly nuanced,” Douglas said. “We’re depicting two Black brothers that we do not see enough on stage.”

Two additional characters that round out the ensemble are Afsheen Misaghi, as Wes, an antagonistic cor-

rections officer watching over visits between the brothers, and Lynette Rathnam, as Sylvia, an unsure vocal student being coached by Eric. In side roles, Misaghi and Rathnam briefly take on different characters as opposing legal counsel.

The dialog flow in “Bars and Measure” comes from Goodwin’s pedigree as a “breakbeat” poet. The movement in his writing moves beautifully between the characters. Goodwin’s background includes being on HBO’s Def Poetry, Sesame Street, NPR, BBC radio and the Discovery Channel. He has been commissioned to produce a variety of works throughout his career. Goodwin is currently the artistic director at the Seattle Children’s Theatre.

“Idris is a poet of the hip-hop tradition, plus he is a playwright,” Douglas said. “He thinks critically about how to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds in the theater. He gives honest depictions of Black life.”

A unique partnership between DC JazzFest adds to the presentation of “Bars and Measures.” Preceding the play, there is a 30-minute set where composer Kristopher Funn performs a solo bass set. The bass remains on the stage for most of the play. It is another character on the stage.

A lot is packed into the 80 minutes of “Bars and Measures,” which is at Mosaic Theatre until Feb. 26. Visit the website for performances and tickets at https://mosaictheater. org. WI

@bcscomm

5 Eric (Joel Ashur) sits in front of his brother’s bass, a prize possession that is center stage in Mosaic’s production of Bars and Measures. (Courtesy Photo/ Chris Banks for Mosaic Theatre)

A sister hides her translator brother from the Taliban in

5 (L-R) Brothers Eric (Joel Ashur), a classical pianist, and Bilal (Louis E. Davis), a jazz musician, connect across the physical and ideological barriers between them through a shared love of music. Afsheen Misaghi (as corrections officer Wes) looks on during a meeting in the prison visitation area. (Courtesy Photo/ Chris Banks for Mosaic Theatre)

New Dances and the Classics Keep Audiences Loving Alvin Ailey

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Founded in 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returned to the Kennedy Center with a gift of six days of breathtaking performances. Opening night featured three 2022 premieres and the classic “Revelations,” with Ailey devotees leaning in to absorb every movement.

“In a Sentimental Mood,” the first premiere of the evening, uses the Duke Ellington composition to play out a couple’s intimate life. Choreographed by Jamar Roberts, every graceful embrace and step away could be felt by anyone who witnessed their movements. When the music turned to a version of the Roberta Flack love song, the “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” the depth of the couple’s love was felt with every twist and turns. This was a delicate but intense dance.

A second premiere, “Duet,” was a modern ballet where all the dancers were united in traditional ballet movements. Choreographer Paul Taylor blends traditional ballet approaches with accents of modern ballet moves. Taylor’s choreography shows loving scenes of a couple’s domestic life.

“Are You in Your Feelings?,” the third premiere, was full of colorful sheer, flowing costumes accompanied by much posturing between the dancers. Unlike the first two premieres, this dance brings forth

what appears to be the full ensemble that broke into smaller dance groups and solo performers. Beginning with a traditional romantic song by The Flamingos, “I Only Have Eyes for You,” the music and the body positions move into contemporary hits from Jazmine Sullivan, Drake, Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Maxwell, and others. Then back to old school R&B with “Woman to Woman,” by Shirley Brown. The music selections added voice to the choreography of Kyle Abraham.

Getting To Ailey from Northwest Washington

Native Washingtonian Samantha Figgins was a dancer in “Are You in Your Feelings?,” Figgins and her three sisters all dance. At age four, she began training with the Jones Haywood Dance School (JDHS), one of the most prestigious Black woman-owned dance programs in the D.C. area that famously trains students of color. That foundation established at JHDS took Figgins to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, from where she graduated in 2007. College at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance and other dance programs along the way led Figgins to Alvin Ailey in 2014.

“My teacher at Jones Haywood was Sandra Fortune-Green, now the artistic director,” said Figgins.

“I got my first taste of Ailey at Ellington when the dancers came for a master class with us.”

While in town for this year’s

Alvin Ailey performances, Figgins taught a master class at Ellington.

“It’s really important for me to give them a vision of where this career can take them,” Figgins said with pride. “They can see themselves where they want to be. This is what I had growing up with my sisters.”

“Revelations” Never Gets Old “Revelations,” choreographed by Alvin Ailey in 1960, remains a staple of Dance Theater’s repertoire. The spirituals and the choreography continue to tell a story of the strength and determination of Black people in America. It’s an ongoing saga.

Not only was “Revelations” performed on opening night, but a few days later, Nasha Thomas, an Ailey Arts In Education master teacher and former member of the company, and Amos Machanic co-led a special workshop teaching excerpts from “Revelations.” A diverse group of all ages and abilities filled the area in front of the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. It was a rigorous 90-minute session from warming up to participants actually performing sections from “Revelations.”

Master Teacher Thomas cheered on her students and left them with applause and encouraging words from the late Ailey choreographer Ulysses Dove. "There is nothing to prove, only to share."

Bravo to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater! WI @bcscomm

5 Kyle Abraham's Are You in Your Feelings” performed on Feb. 7, opening night for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Kennedy Center. (Courtesy Photo/ Paul Kolnik)

3 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Samantha Figgins, a native Washingtonian, joined the company in 2014. (Courtesy Photo/ Andrew Eccles)

The INCREDIBLE story of SISTER ROSETTA THARPE

Flying

with

Ferrari A Look Into the Work and Collaborations of Ferrari Sheppard

Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

In the art world, it is rare to receive an invitation to an event that is potentially so transformative to your career that you contemplate leaving Miami Art Week (Art Basel), mid-week, to attend. Ferrari Sheppard and Swizz Beatz hosted such an event, in Los Angeles, on the date that Art Basel hosted its coveted VIP Preview in Miami.

As I clicked through Instagram the following day, I saw pictures of music executive Jimmy Iovine, rapper Nas, Swizz Beatz and Sheppard. The four were all beaming like old friends, sitting on a sofa in the midst of the pairs’ event; which was a launch for Beatz’s new limited edition jazz record, at Bang & Olufsen in West Hollywood.

Many are unaware of Sheppard’s past as a musician, collaborating on the album “December 99th,” (2016) with legendary emcee, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def). When asked about his history in the music business, Sheppard quickly responded, “I told him [Bey] years ago, ‘I think this might be my first and my last album.’” Fortunately for us, this is not the case.

Sheppard collaborated with Beatz, hand-finishing 30 vinyl albums for the project. Beatz curated the record; venturing beyond his traditional role as a hip-hop producer, but incorporating his love for art collecting in his latest project.

Many hold Beatz in high regard for his contemporary art collection; most notably, being the single largest collector of Gordon Parks photography in the world. Beatz and his wife, singer Alicia Keys, have had their personal collection featured in Architectural Digest (2021) with images of works from artists Derrick Adams, Jordan Casteel, and Nick Cave.

Referring to the collaborative album with Beatz, Sheppard elaborated, “It’s something that I always wanted to do and now it’s in my canon.”

When I last connected with Sheppard in Summer 2021, he was

working with the Mariane Ibrahim Gallery (Chicago/Paris); Kelly Rowland, of Destiny’s Child, was courting his practice; and I could not get work, to save my life, to appease the volume of inquiries from Los Angeles emerging art collectors. Now, Sheppard has new representation in MASSIMO DE CARLO Gallery (since March 2022) and his year has culminated in a solo show with the gallery.

When asked about the new representation, Sheppard acknowledged, “I liked their program and I understand they’re one of the most prestigious [galleries] in Europe.”

Sheppard’s trajectory is unique in a way. He did not have exclusive representation over the last several years, despite working with many established galleries– this is a rare business practice in the art world. Sheppard expanded on this thought by reestablishing that he is still not exclusively represented by anybody.

“The common view that I hear from artists is, ‘Yo, you’re independent bro,’” he said. It remains to be seen how long this will last, but it makes for an incredible case study.

What to expect from Sheppard in the future? Sheppard has hinted at pursuing a new medium, “I’m thinking of doing some pottery or maybe some sculptures.”

Whatever he decides to do, the excitement is mutual because, as Sheppard so eloquently put it, “I want to have a diverse output that has my DNA and touch in it.” WI

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 Ferrari Sheppard (Courtesy photo)

© 2023

by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 39, No. 12

Amanda’s Writing Tip

AVMCAFNBDLAKAULNWRACY HSDLCIJSUTWEVNTSGTYOBM DUASJIVCRWLIMTXHROFUBTJ

Look through for a topic to write Work with to write

Amanda was encouraged to read her poems out loud. This was a challenge for Amanda. She had a speech impediment, which means she had trouble saying certain letters, especially the letter r. For Amanda, poetry was a way to express her feelings and practice pronouncing words that were difficult for her.

Amanda Gorman’s Timeline

How

Amanda becomes the Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles.

AGE: AGE:

We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another.

We seek harm to none and harmony for all.

– From The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman

WMOIRGDTSNWPHOECNTS CHJEIWLRGIQTDEVSL.

What is a Poet Laureate?

In Ancient Greece, athletes and people who were the best in their elds were given a crown made of laurel leaves. Today, we use the word laureate, which comes from the word laurel, to recognize people of achievement in many elds. They don’t wear crowns of laurel leaves, but they do get the special title.

Conquering Fears

Amanda Gorman became the National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. AGE: = 1 = 2

Poetry at the Super Bowl?

Normally, just pop stars perform at the Super Bowl. But Gorman wrote and read aloud a poem at Super Bowl LV. Use the code to nd out which year this happened.

= 0

Amanda Gorman reads her poem, The Hill We Climb, at the inauguration of President Biden. = 3 = 4 = 5

= 6 = 7 = 8

Amanda for President?

Amanda has said she wants to be President of the United States as soon as she is old enough. She has to be 35 to run for president. In what year will she be 35? Add this to the timeline.

Elections for President are held every four years. Will there be a Presidential election the year she turns 35? If not, what year can she run for President?

Many people are afraid of entering competitions and performing in front of people even Amanda Gorman. She advises people to just go for it and don’t hold yourself back, even if you are nervous or afraid.

How many di erences can you nd between these two pictures?

A cinquain that doesn’t follows this Line 1: Subject only Line 2: Description in three words Line 3: Something the subject Line 4: Opinion subject Line 5: One the subject Example: Amanda Brilliant Cares about She is the Inspires Give it a Line 1: Line 2: Line

Adjective Search

– From The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman

Local Laureates

Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply un nished. We, the successors of a country and a time where a skinny Black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president, only to nd herself reciting for one. Look through the newspaper and find five people you think should be called laureates. Write down each name. After the name, write what you think they should be called.

Examples: a mayor laureate a teacher laureate a construction laureate a parent laureate

Look through the newspaper for three adjectives that describe Amanda Gorman. Use these adjectives to write a sentence or two about her. Standards Link: Language Arts: Identify parts of speech.

My Favorite Poet

Who is your favorite poet, and why?

KID SCOOP IS SPONSORED BY

3: Line 4: Line 5:

And so we lift our gazes, not to what stands between us, but what stands before us.

We close the divide because we know to put our future rst, we must rst put our di erences aside.

old was Amanda Gorman in each of these years? Write the answer on each line.

Amanda Gorman born in Los Angeles.

review wi book

"On Freedom Road: Bicycle Explorations and Reckonings on the Underground Railroad"

by David Goodrich

c.2023, Pegasus

$27.95

246 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

It's all in the balance.

You need to maintain that first and everything else comes next. Without balance, the wheels won't turn and pedaling is a wasted effort. Without it, you'd dream of a place with no chance of biking there. No balance, no movement – and, as in the new book, "On Freedom Road" by David Goodrich, forward, northward, is the only way to go.

In the early spring of 2011, while taking a rest from a cold bike ride, David Goodrich wandered into a museum. There, he was handed a large brass ring that was once a slave collar.

It reminded him of something he knew: one of his ancestors was a ship's captain in the "Triangle Trade." Holding the collar, and acknowledging that "white folks like" him have different ties to slavery than do Black Americans, he yearned to "discover how some … [African] descendants later brought themselves to freedom.

In 2015 and 2017, he and a friend had taken trips from New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi, respectively, on journeys reversing routes that enslaved people might've been forced to travel. He writes about those trips in later pages here, but he begins this book near the birthplace of Harriet Tubman.

To find Tubman's exact route north on the Underground Railroad took some effort, Goodrich says, because she was illiterate and written details could have been dangerous. Still, there were notes and clues indicating where she went; she tried not to attract attention but the owners of the safe houses along her route knew her. Those facts helped shape the journey that Goodrich and two fellow riders took in the summer of 2019.

From Maryland to Canada, they biked up hills, through wooded areas and mud, following an app, notes, roadside signage, and the words of Frederick Douglass, who "traveled along many of the same roads" that Tubman made repeatedly under cover of night, despite threats on her life and that of her passengers.

As for Goodrich and friends, "we would be traveling by daylight, without dogs in pursuit, and with the benefit of Gore-Tex, shiny gears, and freedom."

"On Freedom Road" is a pleasantly odd read.

The timeline, first of all, is backward: author David Goodrich opens this book with a recent tale, leaving a later journey for the back half. It's somewhat befuddling.

And yet, neither part lacks in excitement: because a bicycle isn't a car, Goodrich had a vantage point that's unique in travelogues, which is at least partly what this book is. Readers will find biking and scenery inside here but it doesn't distract from history, which is the reason behind the ride. The nimbleness of the transportation mode helps Goodrich share the smallest, bravest, most impactfully historic tales of danger, determination and daring.

"On Freedom Road" is not filled with the tales you learned in school; no, it recounts the wild and violent and heroic, told between gentle accounts of weather, traffic, flat tires, and scenery. Readers who are looking for something unusual will find that to be a nice balance. WI

horoscopes

ARIES You could feel like you're firing on all cylinders on the job on October 5 when the emotional moon in your second house of income forms a harmonizing trine to lucky Jupiter, transformative Pluto, and taskmaster Saturn-all in your tenth house of career. Putting yourself out there and pitching a passion project could prove fruitful, as could sticking to tried-and-true fix-it plans for any concerns that pop up now. Tune into your intuition, and you'll know how to best proceed. Lucky Numbers: 13, 27, 37

TAURUS On October 10 you'll be itching to experience something truly pleasurable and out of the ordinary in your closest relationships or through a creative outlet. Your appetite for flirtation and fun might even catch you off-guard. Satiating your need by getting out of your comfort zone (think taking an impromptu road trip or working with a new artistic medium) could prove emotionally gratifying. Lucky Numbers: 9, 35, 44

GEMINI You'll want to shake things up on the home front-perhaps trying on new techniques for better balancing your work and home lives-on October 10. Adding a new practice, like weaving a regular meditation into your morning routine, could prove enlightening and helpful. As long as you're enjoying something out of the ordinary, you're sure to feel satisfied. Lucky Numbers: 3, 24, 47

CANCER You'll want to bring a shiny, innovative approach to your interactions with others on October 10. If you've been thinking about heading up a brainstorm with colleagues or proposing a new volunteer project with friends, this could be an exciting time to do just that. As long as you're straying from your usual mundane routine, you'll feel thrilled and fired up. Lucky Numbers: 1, 13, 29

LEO Hitting it off with colleagues comes naturally on October 7. This could be a brilliant day to collaborate on a group project. Then, you could find yourself itching to be spontaneous and switch things up on the job on October 10 when money-conscious Venus in your second house of income forms a harmonizing trine to game-changer Uranus in your tenth house of car Lucky Numbers: 3, 8, 19

VIRGO It's easier for you to express what's in your heart and your head to friends on October 9. The same old routine, perhaps on date night or when spending time catching up with friends, likely won't feel nearly as appealing as usual on October 10. Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 23

LIBRA You'll be in your feelings in a positive, harmony-bolstering way on October 7 when the emotional moon in your ninth house of higher learning forms a happy trine to the confident sun in your sign. Getting in touch with your intuition comes naturally and can fuel your personal and professional goals. You'll do well to zero in on skills you'd like to hone-in order to boost your profile. Lucky Numbers: 16, 33, 53

SCORPIO You'll feel like your most rational thoughts are in sync with your heart's desires on October 9. This could be an ideal time to plan an upcoming trip or have an overdue philosophical conversation with a loved one. Then, you might feel like you want to shake up the way you're relating to and working with others on the job on October 10. Pitching a creative new project that requires all hands on deck, or sitting down with a close colleague to hash out an exciting plan you'll execute one-on-one could feel like exactly what you need to satiate this current urge for excitement. Lucky Numbers: 14, 28, 56

SAGITTARIUS Working alongside friends or colleagues can prove exhilarating on October 7. It's easier than usual for everyone to get on the same page, and together, you can formulate a plan that helps you execute and cross the finish line on a crucial group project. Then, on October 10 you might find yourself craving new responsibilities or a different creative outlet on the job. Exploring this desire now could lead you to exciting new horizons and opportunities. Lucky Numbers: 18, 26, 31

CAPRICORN Expressing your most creative ideas to colleagues and friends can come even more naturally on October 9. Trust that your head and your heart are in sync-which is sure to set you up for success. Taking a step back to reflect on and better understand your motivations could prove useful and give you a leg up when it comes to navigating through this challenging moment. Lucky Numbers: 15, 49, 52

AQUARIUS On October 9 you'll be able to tune into your intuition just as easily as your rational thoughts when it comes to plotting out a game plan for reaching your current professional goals. Giving equal weight to your gut and your head can help you land on and pursue the next right move. And on October 10 Trusting your gut could lead to an exceptionally pleasurable time. Lucky Numbers: 10, 13, 47

PISCES You might be frustrated if it feels like the world is against a certain, heartfelt game plan you had in mind for spending time with loved ones or a partner on October 6. It's totally natural to feel disappointed, but also know that this moment will pass. Lucky Numbers: 11, 31, 51

3The Phoenix Suns acquired 13-time All-Star Kevin Durant in exchange for two forwards and four future first-round picks. (WI File Photo/Abdullah J. Konte)

WI: What impact does this trade have on Kevin Durant’s championship aspirations?

Trade Adds DMV Native Durant to Phoenix Roster, Changes Playoff Picture

Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

During a flurry of trades happening right before the NBA’s trade deadline, several big moves were made in one of the most active trade deadlines in recent memory. But no move is likely as impactful as the Brooklyn Nets trading Kevin Durant and TJ Warren to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Mikail Bridges, Cam Johnson, four first round picks, a first round pick swap, and multiple second round draft picks. The trade was so large that the Bucks and Pacers were also involved to ensure that the trade met salary requirements.

Durant is a Seat Pleasant native and one of the greatest pure scorers in NBA history. In this one move, the Phoenix Suns are hoping to cash in with at least one championship with a star-studded roster and the Brooklyn Nets set themselves up with young, versatile players and

draft assets. The Suns now have a starting lineup consisting of Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and DeAndre Ayton. The Suns went to the NBA Finals in 2021, losing in six games to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Jae Crowder was traded from the Suns and while he has not suited up this year, he has been a contributing player deep into the playoffs and in the NBA Finals in past years. Several other players are considered “buyout candidates,” meaning that a team will pay out the majority of their contract now to terminate the contract immediately. Once bought out, a player is free to sign with any team as a free agent. Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love and Serge Ibaka are all buyout candidates who may take their talents to stacked rosters with space.

Reggie Jackson, who was traded from the Clippers, will be joining the Nuggets and Stanley Johnson, a former Laker who is shooting 45%

from the three-point range this season, was recently bought out by the Spurs.

The Wizards traded Rui Hachimura to the Lakers in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round draft picks. The 6 '8 forward is averaging 12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and an assist this season, and the Lakers made additional moves before the trade deadline to further bolster their roster alongside Hachimura. With the Lakers adding Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, three-point shooter Malik Beasley, defensive stalwart Jarred Vanderbilt, and young center Mo Bamba, they are also poised for a playoff run with new depth and improved shooting presence.

Nunn has been playing 20 plus minutes in most games since he joined Washington, with coach Wes Unseld Jr. using him as a facilitator alongside Kyle Kuzma. Since he was traded to the Wizards, the team has gone 6-3.

Some other trades:

The day before the deadline, Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris were traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, and draft compensation. Irving, who previously won a championship with LeBron on the

Cavaliers, was also being targeted by the Lakers. Irving’s contract expires this year.

Triple-double machine Russell Westbrook was traded to Utah, with former All-Star D’Angelo Russell moving to the Lakers and veteran guard Michael Conley was reunited with Rudy Gobert in Minnesota.

Former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman was traded from Golden State to Detroit, basically for former Warrior Gary Payton Jr.

Former Wizard All-Star John Wall was traded back to the Rockets in a three-team deal that sent three-point shooting guard Luke Kennard to Memphis and veteran Eric Gordon back to the Clippers. Wall was traded from Washington to Houston for Russell Westbrook in December 2020.

In a three-team swap, the 76ers are adding defensive-minded Jalen McDaniels and two second-round draft picks, the Trail Blazers are receiving Cam Reddish from the Knicks and Matisse Thybulle from the 76ers, and Josh Hart is moving to the Knicks.

We asked local fans what they thought of this year’s trade deadline and how they believe it will affect the playoff picture.

“I think this is the best recent move he's made, business wise. CP3 and Booker aren't Steph, Klay [or] Draymond, but the Suns’ ‘big three,’ have the capacity to win a championship and are definitely now the favorites in the West. KD, Kyrie, Harden hated the Nets front office and also having an inexperienced coach at the helm of a super team was not a good idea. The Nets experiment was doomed to fall due to lack of depth, defense, and direction. Like Kyrie said, I'm glad he got outta there.” – Kofi, Fort Washington

WI: How does the trade deadline affect the playoff picture?

“The trade deadline this year was one of the most frantic, hectic, and enjoyable pieces in NBA history in recent memory. We had one of the top 15 players of all time dealt to a team that is a couple years removed from a finals appearance. A slew of role players and stars in their roles moved to different organizations to where most could have a very strong impact on the future of said teams. I believe the trades will affect the playoff picture in a big way.” – Marcellus, Lanham

WI: Who do you believe is the championship favorite now and why?

“We have teams like the Phoenix Suns, who looked like they were on the verge of breaking it up this off season. And Durant, he propels them to be the betting favorite to make it to the finals automatically. The Suns lost key role players and draft capital but does it matter when you have an aging CP3, and this is the best chance the team will have to win a title ? They lost a lot of depth but Kevin Durant has won the championship without depth before.” – Marcellus, Lanham

WI: What was your favorite trade of the deadline?

“Too hard to choose. Durant, Kyrie, D-Lo, Saadiq Bey, Bones Hyland, Mo Bamba. Gary Payton II gets honorable mention.” – Nick, National Harbor. WI

CAPTURE the moment

Chesapeake Climate Action Network hosted the 18th annual Keep Winter Cold Polar Bear Plunge at the National Harbor on Feb. 11. Hundreds of participants showed up to take the plunge to fight climate change and demand a faster transition to clean energy solutions. (Robert

5 The

R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Jheanelle Wilkins who serves as a delegate to the Maryland General Assembly representing Maryland’s District 20, motivates participants taking the plunge in the icy Potomac River on Feb. 11. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

3 Rosemary Irving 83, traveled to the National Harbor from Baltimore to take the plunge. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

5 Charles Brown II, the Hampton Roads CCAN organizer takes a plunge in the icy Potomac River. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

3 Some participants made the plunge a family affair. (L-R) Lex Sturdivant, Alex 12, Tyler 8, and Lisa Goldnight prepare to take the plunge. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Love in the Pulpit

Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

The first time Joel Peebles saw a visitor to his church named Ylwanda, he reached out for her hand.

“I shook her hand, and I never let go. I didn’t care who was watching,” said Peebles, who, after 30 years and four children, is still in love with the woman who would become his friend, bride, and partner in one of the area's most significant ministries.

“My wife is a part of my soul that I would never have known was available,” Peebles said. “She brings energy, passion and fun to my life,” Ylwanda said their relationship became only after she learned to love herself.

“Marriage is for mature people,” she said. “The moment you properly love yourself, you will emotionally be available to love to love your mate properly.”

The love between Pastors Joel and Ylwanda Peebles is displayed every

Sunday at the City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover. They are among several couples in the area who have shared the pulpit and the bedroom for many years.

While most pastors have first ladies who support their husband’s ministries, the Washington, D.C. area has several couples that share preaching duties, from Alfred and Susie Owens at Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, to Grainger and JoAnne Browning at Ebenezer AME Church.

Pastors Lyle and Deborah Dukes in Woodbridge, Virginia, Creflo and Taffi Dollar co-pastor World Changers Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and T.D. and Serita Jakes of the Potter's House in Texas are examples of church leaders who are, as couples, guiding their flock.

On Super Bowl Sunday, Joel Peebles preached a sermon entitled “How to Make Love,” Following the service, the church had a Super Bowl party from noon until after the game.

5 After 30 years of marriage and four children, Pastors Joel and Ylwanda Peebles are still in love. (Courtesy

The Peebles have four children, ages 27, 25, 24 and 18, who, they say, are doing well at their young ages.

“I was always there for my children,” the father and pastor emphasized.

As a husband and spiritual leader, Peebles said he believes people often get relationships wrong and twisted.

“Many singles fall in love and then marry the person, and the reality is every woman needs security, and every man wants respect and sex.” WI

and many more.

housing was full, and all freshmen were required to reside on campus. I then applied and was accepted by Saint Augustine’s in Raleigh, North Carolina. My plan was to attend “St. Aug” for one semester, then transfer to Morehouse.

In transferring there, I wanted to ensure my exposure to the Black thought leaders of the time. I wanted to meet and hear from Benjamin Mays, Julian Bond, Dorothy Height, Jesse Jackson, Ben Chavis, Andrew Young, Coretta Scott King, and others. Unless I attended Morehouse, I did not believe that I would gain such exposure.

I was wrong. I met all of them

What I quickly learned at “St. Aug” was that these political giants visited my campus either on their way to Morehouse or having just left. I quickly fell in love with my alma mater and continued my matriculation there.

There, I saw men and women every day, who looked just like me, successfully running an institution of higher learning. As role models, they undergirded my belief in my ability as a Black man to fulfill their dreams.

St. Augustine has a long, powerful history– founded in 1867 by Episcopal clergy, dedicated for the education of African Americans, many of whom had recently gained freedom just a couple years

before with the end of the Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation.

While in college, longtime former president Dr. Prezell R. Robinson taught my father sociology. My professor for Western European Civilization, Dr. Elmer Schwertzman, also taught him that same class. There was a continuity and personal tradition in my education.

For several years, I served on the Board of Trustees of “St. Aug.” And today, I am active with the local alumni chapter.

HBCU PRIDE NEVER LEAVES

YOU

Whenever you speak to HBCU

graduates, there is pride that will follow us for the rest of our lives.

“As a Bennett College graduate, I was fortunate to experience a community that supported me,” said Ama Asafu-Adjaye. “There was a special kind of understanding among my peers and teachers that continues to follow me nearly 25 years later.”

Or as Vice President Harris said in commencement remarks last year at Tennessee State University, another HBCU, “I stand before you today …. as a proud graduate of an HBCU to say: There is no limit to your capacity for greatness. There is no obstacle you cannot overcome. There is no barrier you cannot break." WI

Photo)

5 Pastors Joel and Ylwanda Peebles lead City of Praise Ministries in Landover, Maryland. (Courtesy Photo)

HBCU from Page 20

5 Austin R. Cooper, Jr., is a graduate of St. Augustine, an HBCU in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Courtesy Photo)

This week is the fourth column of a series on how African Americans have been a significant part of Washington, D.C.'s civic life and identity since the city was first declared the new national capital in 1791. In this series, I'm writing about where we are today in the District of Columbia and how African-American churches have fared for the most part, especially amid the gentrification taking place during the past two decades.

As developing shopping centers and art districts in cities attract young, mostly-white millennials, historically Black churches are struggling with congregants leaving due to the rising cost of living. Statistics for the racial composition of the District of Columbia show that Black or African Americans are still the largest majority here at 45.39%, though it's only a few percentage points higher than whites, who make up 41.07%. Let us take a look at how this all began for African Americans here in Washington, D.C.

First, back during the 1960s after the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and riots in major cities, there was fear from the looting, burning and stealing, with folks walking down the streets carrying televisions, couches and anything they could. With that came "white flight," or upper-middle-class families fleeing to the suburbs when minorities began integrating with white neighborhoods in the late 1960s. Now, the opposite pattern of movement is happening in big cities. As a re-

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

sult, historic Black churches are suffering.

"Now, it's 'white return,'" said Melissa Wilde, associate professor of sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. White millennials are flooding back into big-city neighborhoods, seeking to develop downtown areas as residents leave the city.

Today, "white returns" are mostly millennials, and they are moving all across the District of Columbia. As I drive through the city going various places, I find it hard to recognize many neighborhoods. Homes have been replaced with small apartment units. Along Georgia Avenue near Walter Reed — an area I'm so familiar with because my office was located in the 7300 block for nearly 10 years, when the Grant sisters were the coordinators of the Georgia Avenue Day Parade & Festival — I now can quickly see the various townhomes and several small apartment units that were once D.C.-type townhomes. I see whites pushing baby strollers, walking dogs and jogging throughout the city.

Whites are now living on the so-called "Gold Coast" of D.C., and in Northeast and all parts of Northwest. Southwest D.C. has been nearly rebuilt, and it looks amazing — new stadium, new exclusive condos and apartments priced at $3,000 a month. We find them even in southeast D.C., with areas that were once all African Americans becoming mostly white with newly renovated homes or older homes that have been demolished from within and made brand-new on the inside. It is really happening, folks.

What does that type change do for the Black churches that have been

here from the early 1900s until now? This transition has been going on for the past 20 to 30 years — quietly at first, like an underground railroad. At first, we saw only one white family on the block. Now, though, when you look around, you can see all of the evidence that the "underground" has been working: tearing down, rebuilding, offering money to move Blacks to suburbs.

Unlike some of the megachurches that have moved from Georgetown in D.C. to the suburbs, Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church moved due to the tremendous growth. The church's website talks about how they outgrew their church then moved to a gymnasium to accommodate the growth and eventually moving to the new suburban location. The website also states how the church is rooted in faith.

Since moving from the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., to Fort Washington, Maryland, in 1983, the church has taken many steps of faith, and God has blessed it exceedingly and abundantly. It is a tremendous story of hope. Some people call it "The Miracle on Allentown Road." I'm glad they moved due to the overwhelming growth of membership. WI

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

Pastor 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

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

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

St

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

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

Sr. Pastor

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

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”

“Real

Website: 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 Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Rev. Keith W. Byrd,

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.

Children’s Hospital. The media picked up on Robinson’s actions and she received positive attention from the public and honors for her heroism in saving the life of Thomas.

Robinson said she loved her work as a firefighter and credits the predominantly Black Progressive Firefighters Association of Washington, D.C. (PFF) for giving her the inspiration to continue her work.

“I received a lot of moral support from the Progressive Firefighters throughout the years,” said Robinson, a 67-year-old Capitol Heights, Maryland resident. “They kept me going when things got a little tough at times.”

The PFF was founded in 1965 by a group of Black firefighters working for the District’s fire

department. The purpose of the PFF is to promote the interests of Black employees of the D.C. Fire and EMS Department.

“The Progressive Firefighters Association of Washington, D.C. serves as an organization dedicated to seeing that Black firefighters and those that work in the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services are treated with dignity and respect as they perform their duties serving the people,” said Romeo O. Spaulding, a former PFF president who has served as the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (IABPF) president, also.

The focus on the PFF comes as it will hold a special program recognizing its achievements in conjunction with the department on Feb. 21 at the D.C. Fire and EMS Training Academy located in

Southwest. One of the highlights of the program will be honoring D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) as an honorary fire chief.

SHORT HISTORY OF BLACK D.C. FIREFIGHTERS

Roland Hesmondhalgh wrote an article that appeared in the April 22, 2022, edition of the Washington Informer that talked about the formation of Engine 4, the first Black company in the District. Hesmondhalgh noted the first laws governing fire control in 1803 and the city’s fire department consisted of various rival volunteer groups utilizing buckets and hand-powered apparatus. He said plans for the first fire department received approval on July 1, 1864. He discussed the department’s first Black firefighter, John S. Brent who worked on Union Engine Company No. 1.

The article reported that by the end of World War I, African American private Charles E. Gibson, a driver in the now District of Columbia Fire Department, sought an all-Black fire unit due to the difficulty Blacks had in advancing through the ranks of the agency. Private Gibson, along with two other privates, Frank Hall and Richard J. Holmes, petitioned the city’s chief fire engineer and fire commissioner to organize an all-Black unit.

The fire department didn’t hire Blacks in large numbers until the 1980s, Spaulding said.

ROMEO O. SPAULDING ON THE PFF

Spaulding, who retired from the department on August 22, 1992, with 26 years and 10 months of active service, served in

several capacities while employed at the agency. He joined the fire department on October 24, 1965 after studying at Howard University and working at the Columbia Hospital for Women. Spaulding rose through the ranks starting at the training academy and graduating with honors, eventually becoming the director of community relations and public fire safety education for the department. In addition to leading the IABPF, Spaulding served on the Advisory Board of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, on the executive board of the National Black Leadership Roundtable, the Black Congress on Health, Law, Economics as a member of the board and treasurer, and the International Human Rights Association of America as the United Nations representative for Black firefighters.

Spaulding, 82 and a resident of Capitol Heights, Maryland, said the work of the PFF has become more important than ever.

“We have had Black fire chiefs since Burton W. Johnson became the first African American in that position,” he said. “Still, there are vestiges of racism today in the firefighting ranks and we are working to address that.

PFF AND THE CADET PROGRAM

Established in 1986, the cadet program has graduated more than 400 firefighting professionals. The program is year-long and accepts high school graduates between the ages of 18 to 22. Cadets are paid approximately $30,000 a year while in training. After they graduate, their salary increases to about $55,000.

However, Garry Wiggins, the 17-year president of the PFF, has a slightly critical view of the program.

“I think the academy underserves our community,” said Wiggins, 60. “The recruits don’t look like me. We have complained about that many times.”

Wiggins, a resident of Northeast, said many recruits of color don’t seem to finish the program and recruiting efforts of paramedics doesn’t appear to take place in the District as opposed to other states.

PFF TAKES ON RACISM

The PFF started as a response

to the overt racism in the department, according to a book, “Fire Suppression/EMS: In the Shadow of Racial Disparity” written by former D.C. Fire Chief Theodore R. Coleman. Coleman talks about joining the fire department in 1953 as a private and how he confronted racial practices such as dishes that Blacks ate off of being trashed and how bunk beds in some firehouses had been labeled for Blacks only.

Nevertheless, Coleman said he persevered because he believed in the public service and the work of firefighters. He also supported the work of the PFF, noting in his book that the organization filed a lawsuit against the District government for alleged discrimination in the overall hiring practices of its rank-and-file personnel.

Coleman said the lawsuit, filed while he served as the fire chief, forced him to address the vacant positions of Battalion Chief.

“It was agreed by all parties [PFF, District government] that the suit had no bearing on this particular position,” Coleman said in the book.

PFF’S FUTURE

Queen Anunay made history in 2022 when she became the first Black woman to become assistant fire chief in the history of the department. Anunay, 49, said she has been a proud, 30-year supporter of PFF.

“The organization has increasingly gotten better with its membership recruitment and programs,” she said. “I believe it is headed in the upward direction. Its leadership is focusing on bringing in younger people and mentoring them.”

Anunay, a resident of Northeast, said younger African American firefighters seem to be distracted from fighting battles dealing with unfair practices in the department.

Wiggins said there are 200 members on the organization’s database, a dip in membership, however he remains upbeat about the future of the organization.

“We are still a grassroots organization that has ties to the community,” he said. “We are in the business of helping people. If we can help one or two people, that is a good payoff in my view.” WI @JamesWrightJr10.

Read the full story on www. washingtoninformer.com.

5Romeo O. Spaulding is a former president of the Progressive Firefighters Association of the District of Columbia. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

5Romeo Spaulding who was the president of the Professional Fire Fighters with the first president of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters president Rayfield Alfred advocated for Black firefighters across the country. (Courtesy photo/Romeo Spaulding)

5Dr. Calvln Rolark, who was named an honorary firefighter, presents a check to and former Fire Chief Rayfield Alfred. (Courtesy photo/Romeo Spaulding)

ENCAMPMENT from Page 1 was never any intensive social services engagement until Feb. 1, two weeks before he asked the National Park Service to evict us early,” Umi said. “Turnage hasn’t sent Mandarin and Spanish speakers. The Department of Behavioral Health came and passed out Narcan, but where are the psychiatrists and therapists?”

Umi, a single Black woman who’s been housing insecure since 2014, moved to McPherson Square Park in 2020 after getting evicted from Franklin Square, located just half a mile away. For nearly three years, Umi and a handful of other women have set up their tents next to each other in a section of McPherson Square Park.

Umi said she and her neighbors have established an unbreakable bond. Their story differs from what Turnage and others circulated about heavy drug use and violence at the McPherson Square Park encampment, she told The Informer.

“We built a community. We take care of one another,” Umi said. “We check on each other when the Unity [Health Care] van comes once a week for healthcare. So many university students came to donate toiletries and no one has been harmed.”

The clearing of the McPherson Square Park encampment has been scheduled for Feb. 15. When NPS initially announced the closure last October, the date had been originally set for April 12. However, some encampment members said Turnage called NPS to speed up that process.

Over the last few months, McPherson Square Park became the District's largest encampment after the D.C. government initiated the Coordinated Assistance and Resources for Encampments pilot program, also known as CARE. NPS estimates that nearly 80 people currently live at the encampment.

Since news about the closure broke earlier this month, several elected officials and activists have weighed in on the situation. D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) released a statement on Feb. 1 saying that the continued growth of the encampment threatened residents’ safety and that of the surrounding community.

Pinto has since called on the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services (DMHHS) to reach the 50 people she estimated were still in need of housing and behavioral health resources.

At-large D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D) has also been on the scene at McPherson Square Park, speaking with residents and issuing a similar call for DMHHS to connect

them to housing. In a statement to The Informer, White said that the backlogs in the system have prevented voucher holders at the McPherson Square Park encampment from getting housing in a timely fashion.

“Deputy Mayor Wayne Turnage must develop an emergency plan… to address all the backlogs in the system that keep people from using the vouchers that are sitting unused,” White said. “That is the only way we can end encampments and the only way to connect people with the support they need. As long as this backlog exists, all we’re doing is sweeping the people living in encampments from one neighborhood to the next neighborhood.”

On Thursday, Feb. 9, Turnage doubled down on his assertion that encampment residents must be ready to accept city services.

According to a statement Turnage sent The Informer, encampment residents at McPherson Square Park who have a housing resource have been offered Bridge Housing, which is temporary housing. The Department of Human Services also continues to conduct conferences with other residents who have completed a Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool assessment, or SPDAT, to determine their eligibility for permanent housing.

Residents who meet the criteria after case conferencing are matched to a housing resource.

As it relates to the backlog that’s preventing voucher holders from accessing housing, Turnage called that a personnel issue.

“We’re looking at master housing for people on vouchers. There are 800 people matched to a voucher but we have a shortage of case managers.” WI

@SamPKCollins

DC Housing Authority Public Hearing and Public Comment Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS UPDATES TO ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN, ADMISSIONS AND CONTINUED OCCPANCY PLAN (ACOP), AND 2023 MOVING TO WORK (MTW) PLAN

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is providing notice of a Public Hearing and Comment Period to solicit comments on updates to its Administrative Plan, Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (ACOP) and 2023 Moving to Work (MTW) Plan.

DCHA is updating its policies to align with all HUD regulations, except where MTW flexibilities have been authorized, and incorporate industry best practices. The Administrative Plan outlines voucher program policies, the ACOP outlines public housing policies and the MTW Plan outlines operating plans for the fiscal year. The MTW Plan also requests and provides updates regarding MTW flexibilities with the intent to: 1) reduce costs and improve efficiencies; 2) encourage residents to obtain employment and become economically self-sufficient; and 3) increase housing choices for low-income families.

The Public Hearing will take place online at 6 pm on Monday, March 6, 2023 at https://www.facebook.com/ dchousing.

Comments

Written comments regarding the MTW Plan will be accepted through Thursday, March 16, 2023. Written comments regarding the ACOP and Administrative Plan will be accepted through Friday, March 31, 2023. Email your comments to MTW@dchousing.org. Alternatively, you can mail comments to:

Hanna Koerner

c/o DCHA

1133 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20002

To request a copy of the draft Administrative Plan, ACOP, and/or MTW plan, please call (202) 681-1487; send an email to MTW@dchousing.org; or download from the DCHA website at www.dchousing.org/mtw2 beginning Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation

DCHA strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. It is the policy of DCHA that all agency-sponsored public meetings and events are accessible to people with disabilities. DCHA is committed to providing equal access to events for all participants & residents with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, or assistance in participating in a meeting or event due to a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact our ADA/504 Program Office’s Language Department at 202-535-1000 or at ADA504@dchousing.org with your complete request.  Your request should be made at least 3 business days before the scheduled meeting or event so that ADA/504 Program Coordinator can make the necessary arrangements. Every reasonable effort will be made to meet your request.

If you need sign language interpreter services or a foreign language translator, please contact our Office of Customer Engagement at 202-535-1000 or email LA@dchousing.org. Please allow at least 5 business days to make the necessary arrangements. You may also submit your request through our website at https://www. dchousing.org/vue/customer/language.aspxhttps://www.dchousing.org/vue/customer/language.aspx.

5(Ja’Mon Jackson/ The 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

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

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that 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, l 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. I 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. I 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

TEACHERS from Page 23

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

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 000071

Sharon Gardiner-Johnson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

LaToya D. Foster, whose address is 3639 Commodore Joshua Barney Dr., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sharon Gardiner-Johnson who died on November 13, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 8/16/2023. 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 8/16/2023, 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:

2/16/2023

LaToya D. Foster

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 001201

Adenia G. Taylor aka Adenia Gill Taylor

Decedent

Tamara Jones, Esq.

The Legal Courthouse, PLLC 6218 Georgia Ave., Suite 1-682 NW Washington DC 20011

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Seshmi Taylor, whose address is 4114 Moffre Dr., Bolling Springs, SC 29316, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Adenia G. Taylor aka Adenia Gill Taylor who died on June 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 8/16/2023. 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 8/16/2023, 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: 2/16/2023

Seshmi Taylor Personal Representative

TRUE TEST

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 000070

Helen E. Smith Decedent

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

Julius Holman Jr., whose address is 5008 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen E. Smith who died on 12/19/2022 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 8/16/2023. 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 8/16/2023, 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: 2/16/2023

Julius Holman Jr.

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

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.

gling-Clemmons, he entered the profession in 2010 as a Teach for America Fellow after graduating from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. He said the first two years were trial by fire. However, he would later come to improve his classroom management and better ensure that students gravitated toward the content.

Throughout his 13 years of teaching, Tingling-Clemmons has taught hundreds of young people, many of whom he still provides mentorship. Tingling-Clemmons has helped shape DCPS curriculum, and collaborated on shaping the African-American History elective taken in District high schools.

At the height of the pandemic, Tingling-Clemmons represented his fellow Washington Teachers’ Union members in demanding that the Bowser administration delay the return to in-person learning.

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, Tingling-Clemmons has also become more intentional about channeling youths’ frustrations into civic engagement. Activities over the last couple years include Q&A sessions with D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) and classroom discussions about council legislation that directly affects students.

In coming to recognize his influence as a Black male educator, Tingling- Clemmons said he works day in and day out to bring some sort of relevancy to U.S. History for students who, like he did, are coming of age in the nation’s capital.

“I’ve seen students get angry about things told to them that’s not true and get highly upset about things that are happening,” Tingling-Clemmons said. “I try to bring something relevant to their lives every month. Those types of lessons and the lessons that dismantle the lies told about Thomas Jefferson and Christopher Columbus encourage my students to see the things that have been taught. I create a classroom that questions how racism plays a part in U.S. history.”

WI @SamPKCollins

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

MEDIABIDS MISCELLANEOUS

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-4207280 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/informer

Two great new offers from AT&T Wireless! Ask how to get the new iPhone 11 or Next Generation Samsung Galaxy S10e ON US with AT&T's Buy one, Give One offer. While supplies last! CALL 1-877-370-2155

DISH Network. $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-855402-3370

SAVE 67% PLUS 4 FREE BURGERS - The Favorite Feast - ONLY $49.99.  ORDER Today 1-888318-1190 Use Code 48643VFW or www. OmahaSteaks.com/ ffmb93

Do you know your Testosterone Levels? Call 888-692-5146 and ask about our test kits and get a FREE Trial of Progene All-Natural Testosterone Supplement

Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Bergamonte, a Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call today and save 15 percent off your first bottle!

866-640-5982

ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.)

Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-680-1822

Any laptop repaired just $79. Macs too. REALLY! FREE Fedex shipping! $69 extra for screen or motherboard replacement. CALL Authorized Laptop Repair Specialists 1-866-437-6184

Ever Consider a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & Increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888-420-4716

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.)

Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-680-1822

Personalized holiday gifts for Everyone on your list! Save 20 percent off qualifying products from Personal Creations! To redeem this offer, visit www.PersonalCreations.com/Beauty or

Call 1-888-732-0679

Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with fast acting results within 30 days. Call to hear about our special offer 866-640-5982

ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. You WIN or Pay Us Nothing. Contact Disability Group, Inc. Today! BBB Accredited. Call For Your FREE Book & Consultation. 888-649-5110

Attention Joint & Muscle Pain Sufferers: Clinically proven all-natural supplement helps reduce pain and enhance mobility. Call 888-760-5952 to try Hydraflexin RISK-FREE for 90 days.

HEAT YOUR HOME FOR 5¢ AN HOUR! Portable infrared iHeater heats 1000 sq. ft. Slashes your heating bills by 50%.  FREE Shipping too! Use claim code 6239 WAS $499 NOW $279 Call 1-866-784-5182

CADNET & NANI CLASSIFIED NETWORK

HEALTH & FITNESS VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills

SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Español

Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-9299587

MISCELLANEOUS Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/ mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95

High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24.

1-866-479-1516

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid,

CLASSIFIEDS

prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote.

1-877-539-0299

Safe Step. North America's #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available.

1-855-417-1306

Switch and save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time get $50 off any new account. Use code GIFT50. 1-855-9033048

Attention Homeowners! If you have water damage and need cleanup services, call us! We'll get in & work with your insurance agency to get your home repaired and your life back to normal ASAP! 855-767-7031

MobileHelp, America's premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you're home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

Caring for an aging loved one? Wondering about options like senior-living communities and in-home care? Caring.com's Family Advisors help take the guesswork out of senior care for your family. Free, no-obligation consult: 1-855-759-1407

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877-592-3616

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

MID ATLANTIC COMMUNITY PAPERS ASSOCIATION CLASSIFIED NETWORK (MACNET)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit dorranceinfo.com/macnet

Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-327-0686 today!

Replace your roof with the best-looking and longest-lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors are available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - $500 Discount + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855338-4807

AUTO INSURANCE

Looking for auto insurance? Find great deals on the right auto insurance to suit your needs. Call today for a free quote! 866-924-2397

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

GENERAL SERVICES

Internet & WiFi Starts at $49 Call us Today to Get Started. Find High Speed Internet with Fiber Optic Technology No Credit Check, No SSN Required. Call us Today! 866-396-0515

GIFTS

Switch and save up to $250/year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time offer – get $50 off on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-888-684-1169

HEALTH/MEDICAL

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-553-1891 www.dental50plus. com/macnet #6258

DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER? You may qualify for a substantial cash award - even with smoking history. NO obligation! We've recovered millions. Let us help!! Call 24/7, 1-888-650-9135

Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-866-518-8391

Don ’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-844-317-5246

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-791-1626

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money

Down + Low Monthly Payment Options

Request a FREE Quote – Call now before the next power outage: 1-855-465-7624

Safe Step. North America ’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-356-1954

The bathroom of your dreams for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-877-540-2780

The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-866783-0292

Vivint. Smart security. Professionally installed. One connected system for total peace of mind. FREE professional installation.Four FREE months of monitoring! Call now to customize your system. 1-855-870-2073

MISCELLANEOUS

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the Most Local MLB Games! CHOICE Package, $89.99/mo for 12 months. Stream on 20 devices in your home at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no

hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-629-6086

Are you receiving SSDI/SSI Benefits? You may be eligible for additional benefits. CALL US TODAY Citizen Disability 1-888-490-6616

Attention Viagra users: Generic 100 mg blue pills or generic 20 mg yellow pills. Get 45 plus 5 free $99 + S/H. Call Today 1-877-707-5518

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-590-5561

Need IRS Relief $10K - $125K+ Get Fresh Start or Forgiveness Call 1-877-705-1472 Monday through Friday 7AM-5PM PST

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 888-965-0363

WANTED BUYING CLASSIC CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs **American and Foreign** Any Condition. Buying entire car collections. $$PAYING CA$H$$ Please call 717-577-8206 Krmiller1965@ yahoo.com

WANTED! MOTORCYCLES! ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, BSA, and other foreign models. $$PAYING CA$H$$ 717-577-8206 Krmiller1965@yahoo.com

MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-855-993-0969

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 877-738-0991.

PETS/PET SUPPLIES

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on Vet Bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-888-928-1656 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/mddc

SERVICES

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus. com/MDDC#6258

VEHICLES WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org

WANTED TO BUY

PAYING TOP CA$H FOR MEN'S SPORT WATCHES! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 844-506-3622.

world that was my oppressor, because what the world does to you, if the world does it to you long enough and effectively enough, you begin to do to yourself. You become a collaborate, an accomplice of your own murderers, because you believe the same things they do."

Today, just as Dr. Woodson believed would happen, knowing our history makes it easier to spot moves like Florida's hostile ban of A.P. African American Studies and immediately see them for exactly what they are and where they fit in in the long, long history of deliberate attempts to hide the truth and miseducate children. The adults desperate to control children's thinking today will have to work overtime as they try to block every new avenue

MYRICK from Page 30

president will use the bully pulpit of his office to send a strong message condemning right-wing attacks on education. Florida isn't the only state in which this is happening; in Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin made attacks on the freedom to learn a centerpiece of his gubernatorial campaign. He cynically rebranded them as a campaign for "parents' rights." But one of the first things he did in office was to set up a "hotline" for people to inform against teachers. The clear ob-

MARSHALL from Page 30

local manpower essential for a project of this magnitude did not exist. There were too few carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers and roofers.

There were virtually no stone cutters or carvers. Architects, engineers and surveyors had to be brought in from other areas. The only human resource the region could supply in abundance was unskilled labor — slaves. Even before the Capitol's design was finalized, the commissioners realized they were facing a long-term labor shortage. Rented slave labor from the surrounding slave states of Maryland and Virginia was the option most often used.

While records offer few specific details, enslaved people helped in every facet of construction activities for the new Capitol building. Shackled slaves made their way down Pennsylvania Avenue and worked alongside Black and white freemen in carpentry, masonry, carting, rafting, roofing, plastering, glazing and painting. The one activity which seems to have been per-

for young people to access and discern the truth for themselves. For example, the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is responding to book bans and purges in other libraries and schools by making its "National Teen BPL eCard" available for a limited time to young people ages 13-21 across the country, giving them free access to BPL's full eBook collection and learning databases. BPL was inspired in part by the American Library Association's and Association of American Publishers' "Freedom to Read" Statement, originally drafted 70 years ago, which begins: "The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label

jective was to intimidate teachers and scare them away from talking about real issues, primarily related to race but also to LGBTQ+ history and discrimination.

There's more to say about the State of the Union: that we were glad to hear the president take a more assertive tone on police violence, that we wish he had talked about voting rights. I get it — one speech can't accomplish every objective. The president achieved an important overarching goal in making it clear that he will be focused on middle- and working-class pri-

formed exclusively by slaves was sawing, both wood and sandstone. Skilled slaves were often trained in the art of brickmaking and bricklaying. Of all the work performed by enslaved people, carpentry was the most significant contribution to the construction of the U.S. Capitol. Carpentry was a useful skill taught to slaves and passed down to succeeding generations. So many enslaved people's descendants became carpenters and masons as a profession, and a means to support their families. Did any slaves ever imagine that future generations of Blacks would be elected lawmakers and serve in the legislative building built by their hands and hard work? As we built significant buildings, we also designed them. It is not likely that the story of Paul Revere Williams will ever be mentioned as it should. He was a major contributing figure to American architecture despite the racial obstacles.

Paul Revere Williams was a Black architect who began designing homes and commercial buildings in the early 1920s. When he died in 1980, he created approximately 2,500 build-

'controversial' views, to distribute lists of 'objectionable' books or authors, and to purge libraries. … We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read."

And as Dr. Woodson also taught us, the preservation of the freedom to read and the freedom to learn our nation's true and full history is not just an academic discussion today either. Every attempt to limit teaching the truth about Black history — or about Asian American, Native American, Latino, LGBTQ, or women's history—has a very dangerous subtext. This is a book we've read before. We must all stay vigilant against every new effort to miseducate our children and our communities. WI

orities. He spent about as much time talking about price gouging that hurts average consumers as he did talking about foreign policy. That was fresh, and welcome.

And now it's back to the daily business of governing and executing on national priorities. Fighting attacks on education, including book banning and censorship, has to be among the top issues. President Biden, great job — please keep it up as you continue to use your voice and your platform to speak out.

WI

ings, mainly in the Los Angeles area. He was the first Black architect to become a member of the American Institute of Architects in 1923. His work signified the glamour of Southern California. The homes designed by Williams possessed grace and elegance that attracted people of wealth and taste. His clients included Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Cary Grant and Danny Thomas. In later years, Denzel Washington, Ellen DeGeneres and Andy Garcia all lived in homes designed by Williams. By law, he was not allowed to live in some areas where he designed homes. He was forced to adjust to the hard reality of racism of his day by teaching himself how to draw upside down so white clients would not be uncomfortable sitting next to him. He believed that for every home and commercial building he could not buy or live in, he was opening the doors for the next generation. Unfortunately, people are "uncomfortable" because Black perseverance and excellence threatens the idea of white supremacy and cannot be stopped. WI

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

You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more!

And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why…

The Washington Informer is all about you!

Name Address City, State, Zip

Phone number (daytime)

Yes! I want to subscribe for:

n1 year/$55.00 n 2years/$70.00

Method of payment:

n Check Enclosed n Visa/MasterCard

Credit card number

Signature

WILLIAMS from Page 31

speaker of the House?

7. Why do they worship guns in their community, yet work to restrict ownership or remove them from our communities?

8. Why do they accuse Black people of hating our democracy and tell us that if we "don't like it here," we should "go back to where we came from"?

9. Why do so many of them support Russian interests, but seem to relish labeling those of us who do things they don't like — such as working for justice for our people — socialists/communists?

10. Why do they hate to say "Black Lives Matter"?

11. Why do they work so hard to limit our voting rights?

12. Why do they elect insur -

MELVEAUX from Page 31

sions that push poor and moderate-income people out of the city. In Memphis, folks are showing up to protest the murder of Tyre Nichols.

They are resisting, as we all must. Self-care is also a form of resistance. While we can never be "too tired" to resist, the wise among us will know when it is time to take a break. A leaky vessel can't carry anybody's water. When we are broken, we can't heal anyone, much less our community. When we are healthy and whole, we are effective warriors. When we are not, we must ask ourselves if we are bringing our best selves to the struggle.

MORIAL from Page 31

call on Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act or other comprehensive voting rights measures. The National Urban League remains committed to this legislation and will continue to advocate for its passage.

We were pleased to hear the president's praise of the Child Tax Credit, which has given "tens of millions of parents some breathing room and cut child poverty in half, to the lowest level in history."

The National Urban League is a staunch advocate of expanding the CTC, which would reduce poverty among children of all racial and ethnic groups and specifically cut Black

rectionists, racists and liars like Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jim Jordan, George Santos and a host of other miscreants to Congress to make crazy laws for us, while they refuse to obey the laws which currently exist? (Blacks and Democrats are dedicated to electing our best!)

13. Why do so few ever find their way to our community until it's time for elections?

I am prayerful that our white friends will begin to answer these questions, if not to us, then for themselves. These inquiries question their biases and duplicity. These questions do not serve to brand ALL whites as bad or suggest that there aren't good white people. I do know a few. We need to see that goodness more often. WI

Nearly 150 years ago, at the end of Reconstruction, African Americans faced resistance to our post-enslavement gains. Black Codes and Jim Crow laws were passed. Vagrancy laws were passed. Those African Americans who had attained some wealth and status, including elective office, found themselves under attack. In that context, people like Ida B. Wells began to document lynchings to ensure that we all knew about the many attacks we were facing.

This present period is reminiscent of the post-Reconstruction era when obstacles were created to prevent further progress in the face of Black gains. It is no accident that the presidency of Barack

With regard to consumer data privacy, the president endorsed "stricter limits on the personal data these companies collect on all of us." The National Urban League continues to prioritize the need for comprehensive federal privacy legislation with strong civil rights protections to protect our commu-

Obama was followed by retrenchment in the subsequent presidency of the Orange Man, and Vice President Harris has been attacked in both racist and sexist terms. White resistance to Black progress must be met by Black resistance to ignorance.

That is our challenge this Black History Month. Our resistance must be structural, but it must also be personal. We must make decisions about how we resist, but we must resist. "Power concedes nothing without a demand," said Frederick Douglass. What are you demanding, and how far will you go to ensure that our collective social and economic justice demands are met? WI

nities online.

The National Urban League appreciates our collaborative relationship with the Biden-Harris administration and looks forward to advancing our priorities of racial justice and economic opportunity in the months ahead.

WI

I am prayerful that our white friends will begin to answer these questions, if not to us, then for themselves. These inquiries question their biases and duplicity.

With regard to consumer data privacy, the president endorsed "stricter limits on the personal data these companies collect on all of us."

WHERE THE MONEY GOES.

Thanks to the support of our players, the Maryland Lottery set all-time records in Fiscal Year 2022. The Lottery awarded nearly $1.7 billion in prizes and contributed nearly $673.7 million to support Maryland’s schools, public health and safety programs and the environment. Not bad. We’d like to think we generated a few million smiles as well.

Please play responsibly. For help, visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 18 years or older to play.