The Washington Informer - February 24, 2022 by The Washington Informer

Center Section Vol. 57, No. 19 • February 24 - March 2, 2022

February 2022. Volume 8. Issue 2.

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Equity in Real Estate + Projects that Work.

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UDC Renames Sports Facility after ‘Grandfather of Black Basketball’

Grandson of Dr. E.B. Henderson Reflects on Legacy, Reveals Other Plans Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

victory for bowie state! 5 Bowie State University (BSU) forward Khalil Williams shoots a 3 pointer against Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) during BSU's win over ECSU 60-52 during the 2022 CIAA Tournament held in Baltimore. BSU (8-20) will move ahead to the quarterfinals in a meeting with No. 1 seed Virginia Union on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 8:50 p.m. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

Ward 8’s Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, GW Health Breaks Ground

Support Grows for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for U.S. Supreme Court

GW HEALTH Page 31

HENDERSON Page 42

Native Washingtonian Known for Excellence on D.C. Circuit’s Court of Appeals

James Wright WI Staff Writer Nearly 300 people, along with District leaders, attended the highly-anticipated groundbreaking of the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, GW Health on the campus of St. Elizabeths East in Ward 8 on Feb. 17. The $375 million facility will be the only full-service hospital east of the Anacostia River and will tentatively open in December 2024.

More than a century ago, Dr. E.B. Henderson introduced the then-nascent game of basketball to swathes of African-American youth in the District. This counted among his many achievements as an educator, athlete, referee, basketball organizer and civil rights activist. And to honor his contributions, the University of the District of Columbia [UDC] recently renamed its sports facility after Henderson and launched a scholarship in his name. A ribbon-cutting ceremony attracted more than 100 community members, including several of his descendants, anxious to pay homage to the man known as the “Grandfather of Black Basketball.”

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

5 Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. (Official photo)

As President Biden’s self-imposed February 28 deadline approaches to nominate the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, one poten-

BROWN Page 17

5 The family of the late Dr. Edwinn B. Henderson stand in front of a banner during the renaming of the sports complex at the University of the District of Columbia honoring his contribution to sports in the District of Columbia. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

SPELLING BEE Page 12 Celebrating 57 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area

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CONTENTS PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

BLACK FACTS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Around the Region........................................................................4-11 Prince George's County........................................................... 12-13 Business.......................................................................................... 14-15 National.......................................................................................... 16-17 International...................................................................................... 18 Health..................................................................................................20 Education............................................................................................ 21 OpEd............................................................................................. 23-25 WI Bridge.................................................................Center Section Black History Month.................................................................27-36 Lifestyle..............................................................................................40 Religion............................................................................................... 43

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Ahmaud Arbery’s Killers Found Guilty of Hate Crimes in Federal Court A federal jury found (from top) Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael and William “Roddie” Bryan guilty on all counts in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. The verdict on Feb. 22 came on the eve of the second anniversary of Arbery’s murder. The McMichaels and Bryan chased Arbery through their mostly white Georgia neighborhood in their pickup trucks, cornering him before Travis McMichael shot the innocent jogger with a shotgun. The trio was convicted in state court and given life sentences. However, the federal charges included a hate crime that exposed each of the men’s history of racism. Throughout the one-week trial, defense attorneys tried to convince the jury that while the men weren’t “likable” their actions weren’t driven by racial hatred. However, Prosecutor Christopher Perras ferociously attacked that stance. The murder “was driven by their pent-up racial anger and [Travis McMichael] was just looking for a reason,” Perras said. He also noted that if the men thought Arbery had committed a crime, they never alerted the police. Perras dismissed any notion that somehow justified the deadly action. “There’s a big difference between being vigilant and being a vigilante,” he told the jury. “It’s important for you to understand the full depth of the defendants’ racial hatred.” Before the trial, the McMichaels cut a deal with prosecutors. They agreed to plead guilty to hate crime charges and serve their sentence in federal prison. However, Arbery’s parents, Wanda Cooper-Jones and Marcus Arbery, argued against the arrangement. That prompted the judge to toss out the plea deal. “Ahmaud didn’t get the option of a plea,” Cooper-Jones said. WI

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PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Senior Editor, Copy Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Tatiana Moten, Social Media Specialist Angie Johnson, Circulation REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Timothy Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Writer), Hamil Harris, Curtis Knowles, Daniel Kucin, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman

Maryland School Board Votes to Rescind Mask Mandate in Schools The Maryland State Board of Education nearly voted unanimously Tuesday, Feb. 22 to rescind an emergency declaration requiring masks and face coverings in public schools. Prior to the board’s 12-2 vote, it heard a recorded presentation from Dr. Jinlene Chan with the state’s Health Department who summarized some COVID-19 metrics: positivity rate below 3%; hospitalizations decreased to 540 patients; and how almost 78% of the state population remains fully vaccinated, compared to 65% of the total U.S. population. In addition, Chen said vaccines, masks and even at-home COVID-19 are provided by the state and local health departments. “Given the improving health metrics, it is appropriate for the local boards of education to make the decisions which they feel are in the best interest of the students they serve,” said board vice president Charles Dashiell Jr., who made the motion to grant local control back to the 23 county and Baltimore City school systems. Board members Rachel McCusker of Carroll County and Dr. Holly Wilcox of Baltimore City

5 The Maryland State Board of Education voted Feb. 22 to rescind an emergency declaration that wouldn’t require masks in public schools. (Screen shot: Photo courtesy of Maryland State Department of Education)

voted in opposition of the decision. March 1 became identified as the target date to allow school systems to end masks requirements in the buildings, but solicitor Elliott Schoen reminded the board the decision made last year came through an emergency declaration. By law, lawmakers on the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review are permitted to make the final decision on emergency declarations. The committee will hold a virtual public hearing at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25. Afterward, it plans to vote on the board of education’s request. WI

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AROUND THE REGION

Former Officers Blame City Officials for MPD’s White Supremacist Problem Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer Since the discovery of Metropolitan Police Department [MPD] Lieutenant Shane Lamond’s alleged white supremacist ties, elected officials, activists and residents have been engaged in discussions about how best to rid the department of those with similar affiliations. For retired MPD officer Tabatha Knight, doing so means not only holding MPD Chief Robert Contee accountable but D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) and others she said turned a deaf ear to her complaints about racist and sexist behavior within the police department. Knight, one of 10 women who filed a federal class-action lawsuit against MPD last year, recently commemorated the first year of what she described as her forced retirement from the police department. The lawsuit filed by Knight, MPD Assistant Chief Chanel Dickerson and the other Black female officers alleges civil rights violations, misconduct and institutional racism and sexism. The lawsuit also implicates MPD’s Equal Employment Opportunity office, which allegedly colluded with MPD leadership to discredit those who complained about the hostile work environment. In the last years of her 32-year career, Knight served under Dickerson. Knight previously worked within the Special Operations Division where she witnessed white male officers’ leniency with protesters with overt white supremacist ties. For nearly a decade, Knight accumulated evidence of white male MPD officers threatening and assaulting civilians and verbally assaulting Black female colleagues. She said her attempts to present evidence to city leadership and even Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) often fell short because of their insistence that they couldn’t hold MPD accountable. Knight said intimidation tactics under then-MPD Chiefs Kathy Lanier and Peter Newsham, and later Contee, weighed heavily on her, and at times threatened her career trajectory. That’s why she hasn’t taken too kindly to Contee’s refusal to speak about Lamond’s case.

“Don’t be fooled by Robert Contee. He’s aware of everything that happens,” Knight said. “He’s been taken care of his entire career so he feels obligated to promote people he knows are doing wrong. Mayor Muriel Bowser is just as bad.” “No one wants to get involved with what’s going on within MPD. With all of this stuff coming out, they shouldn't act surprised because I told them all and provided proof,” she said. The investigation into Lamond, a police department veteran of more than 20 years, centers on communication between him and Henry “Enrique” Tarrio of the Proud Boys – a group whose members had been implicated for involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. During a pro-Trump rally in late 2020, Tarrio and the Proud Boys stole a Black Lives Matter flag from an historically Black church and burned it. Tarrio would later serve four months and a week in jail for his role in that racialized incident. On February 16, Contee didn’t disclose much information about Lamond, even his name. He cited an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI and U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia as the reason why he couldn’t share details. In the immediate aftermath of Contee’s announcement, there had been questions about whether a complaint from outside the department triggered a response. For decades, the FBI issued warnings about ties between police departments and far-right militant groups. An FBI intelligence assessment from the mid-2000s revealed strategic infiltration of law enforcement agencies by groups sympathetic to white supremacist ideology. The class-action lawsuit filed by Knight, Dickerson and other Black female police officers referenced video of MPD Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll standing by Proud Boys affiliates at a protest. Last May, the D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, chaired by Councilmember Allen, deliberated on legislation to compel the investigation of MPD’s white supremacist affiliations. That bill, the White Supremacy in Policing Prevention Act, still has not moved beyond committee. If passed it would direct the Of-

fice of the DC Auditor [ODCA] to determine the existence of connections between MPD officer and white supremacist groups, propose reforms to better detect and prevent such ties and provide protections of MPD officers’ freedom of speech and privacy. D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), who championed the bill, said it works best only if ODCA oversees the investigation. Any 5 Felicia Carson, Leslie Clark, Lisa Burton and Tabatha Knight, four of the 10 women involved other scenario, such in a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Police Department for alleged civil rights violations, misconas one where MPD investigates itself, would duct and institutional racism and sexism. (Courtesy photo/The Washington City Paper) not suffice. hurt MPD [but] to help restore the clear that MPD is in a place where “When people see instances when integrity of the department for peo- they have to restore integrity to build officers have white supremacist ties, it ple to stay and work. We have several trust. This legislation is part of that evaporates trust,” Lewis George said. lawsuits from women officers alleg- work.” WI “I didn’t introduce the legislation to ing harassment and retaliation. It’s @SamPKCollins

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AROUND THE REGION

black facts

FEB 24 - MAR 2, 2022 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

1928 – R&B legend Fats Domino is born in New Orleans. 1965 – Civil rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson dies eight days after being shot by police during a peaceful voting rights march in Marion, Alabama.

FEB. 27

1844 – The Dominican Republic declares its independence from Haiti. 1872 – Charlotte E. Ray, the first Black American female lawyer in the United States, graduates from Howard University School of Law. 1897 – Famed opera singer Marian Anderson, the first African American singer to perform at the White House and the first African American to sing with New York's Metropolitan Opera, is born in Philadelphia. 1988 – Figure skater Debi Thomas becomes the first African American to win a medal in the Winter Olympics.

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1984 – Michael Jackson (below) wins eight Grammys for his record-breaking "Thriller" album.

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1811 – Daniel Payne, author, educator and integral figure of the African Methodist Church, is born in Charleston, South Carolina. 1864 – Rebecca Lee Crumpler becomes the first African American woman to earn a medical degree. 1999 – Rapper and singer Lauryn Hill wins five Grammys including Album of the Year, setting a one-night record for a female artist.

1913 – Famed novelist and scholar Ralph Ellison, author of "Invisible Man," is born in Oklahoma City. 1927 – Singer-songwriter, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte is born in Harlem, New York.

MARCH 2

1807 – Congress votes to ban the African slave trade. 1867 – U.S. Congress enacts charter to establish Howard University in Washington, D.C. 1962 – Basketball great Wilt Chamberlain scores 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a 169–147 win over the New York Knicks, an NBA record. WI

FEB. 25

1903 – Albany State University, a historically Black institution, is founded in Albany, Georgia. 1948 – Civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. is ordained as a minister at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where his father was a pastor. 1964 – Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, defeats Sonny Liston by a 7th-round TKO in Miami Beach, Florida, to win the heavyweight boxing championship for the first time.

FEB. 26

1926 – Boxing great Theodore "Tiger" Flowers becomes the first Black middleweight champion.

6 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

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AROUND THE REGION

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FAHEEM GHANY / NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

All skinfolk ain't kinfolk. Loretta Lynch is no fan of human rights. She always sides with the power structure. Ask the family of Eric Garner. I won't be surprised if she conducts a smear campaign against Coach Flores. Judas factor in full effect.

CHARLETTA RICE / HOUSTON, TEXAS

Y'all didn't have anything negative to say when Mr.Flores hired a White attorney's firm with men only! But people are upset that Ms. Lynch's firm asked her to take the lead for this case for the NFL? Ridiculous! She's not required to skip clients based on skin color.

VICTORIA ROGERS / WASHINGTON, D.C.

They never stop at attempts to shield and cover their racist actions and comments. This is a well-used tactic!

Stay Informed!

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Black Fact: Firefighting Pioneer William ‘Jay’ Carpenter, Dies at 79 WI Staff Report

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When he showed up for his first day of work for the Prince George’s County, Maryland Fire Department on November 06, 1967, William “Jay” Carpenter had no idea that he was making history. “He joined because the salary was better than what he was previously earning as a postal courier,” said his former wife, Via Carpenter. One year earlier, his infant daughter, Sherry, died of crib death. “The emergency people couldn’t do anything to save her and something about her passing inspired Jay to want to help other people in distress,” Via said. “For years, he carried a little picture of Sherry in his wallet.” “He was among the first group of African-American fire fighters that were hired by the PGFD career service,” said Tom Breen, Retired PG County Assistant Fire Chief, who first met Carpenter in 1972. “Others such as Luther Crutchfield, Leonard Lewis and Bob Dorsey were hired just months prior to Jay's appointment,” he said. What separated Carpenter from that first group of fire fighters was that he kept taking the sergeant's exam with the hope of ascending the corporate ladder. “I used to help him with his

homework,” Via said. “He was so smart. He passed that test the first time he took it but they wouldn’t promote him because he was Black.” Carpenter once asked Prince George’s County’s Citywide Fire Chief, Lawrence R. Woltz, why he was never promoted despite passing the tests and he remembered Woltz saying, “That’s just the way things happen.” However, he eventually became the first African American eligible for promotion to sergeant in the history of the department. After years of risking his life as a firefighter, he graduated to sergeant, paramedic and detail officer within the department. He finally retired as a Lieutenant/Acting Captain in 1992 after 25 years of service. Carpenter died on Wednesday, February 9, at the Calvert County Nursing Center in Prince Fredrick, Maryland of a COVID-related heart attack at the age of 79. A former Fairmont Heights High school basketball star, Carpenter never went pro because of the ob-

stacles Black players faced in the late 1950s. After serving time in the U.S. Army and a short stint with the U.S Postal service, he found his footing within the fire department. “When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time at the Chapel Oaks Fire Department and I saw my father drive that big, long truck with ease, “ said his son, Bill. “It was wild that one man could steer that huge machine. I was always in awe of him and what he could do.” In his retirement, Carpenter sold real estate for Long & Foster and worked for The Wall Street Journal for a time. He was a big fan of Doo Wop and `50s era music. He was an occasional guest DJ on Raymond “More Better Man” Woods’ Saturday afternoon oldies but goodies radio program on Radio One’s WOL 1450 AM in the early 1990s. In 2017, he was honored by the African American Fire Fighters Historical Society at its seventh annual salute banquet at the Vollmer Center in Baltimore, MD. WI

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AROUND THE REGION

D.C. Business Offers Mental Health Healing

James Wright WI Staff Writer

The coronavirus pandemic, racial tensions heightened by police violence against unarmed people of color and the economic uncertainty the U.S. faces have made many African Americans anxious about their state of mind. Nonetheless, Thomas Davis, the president and CEO of Limitless Possibilities LLC, a private mental health agency, said he can help anyone who needs mental healing. “Limitless Possibilities provides counseling services for youth, young adults and anyone who believes that they need someone to confide in,” Davis said. “We want our clients to think their possibilities are limitless. We work with all types of individuals, whether you are male or female, Black or white, LGBTQ or straight and with people from all walks of life.” Mental Health America [MHA] reported on its website that while 13.4% of the U.S. consists of African Americans, 16% of people afflicted with mental illness are Black. MHA reported while 40% of whites who are undergoing a psychological crisis will seek the services of a mental health professional, only 25% of Blacks will do the same. Additionally, MHA reported historically Blacks experienced more trauma and violence than whites in the U.S. and that has translated into emotional and mental damage throughout the years.

ADDRESSING BLACK STIGMA

Davis said a stigma exists among many African Americans when it comes to receiving treatment for mental illnesses. “We work hard to address that stigma,” Davis said. “We want people to understand that they don’t need to suffer in silence. It is okay to say, ‘I am not okay.’ There are times when you need to talk with someone about what you are going through.” Limitless Possibilities has nine staffers, including Cordelia Crenshaw, a former Miss District of Columbia USA, a licensed social worker. Davis said when he and his staffers perform mental health services for a client, “we keep in mind one size doesn’t fit all.” “We take a therapeutic approach,” he said. “We don’t do it the old way of having someone lay on a couch

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5Thomas Davis is the president and CEO of D.C.’s Limitless Possibilities. (Courtesy photo)

and talk about their problems while a therapist takes notes. Sometimes, we will walk around the block a few times with a client as they talk about their problems or allow them to relax by listening to music. We want to provide an environment where people feel safe, loved and empowered.” Davis holds a bachelor’s degree from Ferrum College and a master’s from Bowie State University. During his career, he has worked for the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, charter schools such as KIPP DC and for nonprofits such as Capital Children’s Center and Psychiatric Solutions. However, Davis said he wanted to run his own business. “I decided to become an entrepreneur by stepping out on faith,” he said. “I have been working in the counseling field for 13 years. I wanted to help people outside of working a 9-to-5 job.” Davis said his firm has seen an increase in clients with many having

trouble coping with the changes in the country that have occurred since the pandemic began in March 2020. “We are seeing an increase in PTSD [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder] and domestic violence,” he said. “It is because the pandemic has people at home more often and because of economic concerns, there is more family violence between spouses and between parents and children. There is also increased drug and alcohol use along with a rise in suicides.” He said his company’s future includes expanding into ancillary services areas. “I would like to have a vocational facility where people can learn a trade and get their GED,” he said. “People also need to learn certain life skills such as planning for their future and not leave everything to chance or somebody else to do for them. I want to help people control their own lives with limitless possibilities.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

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media and traditional advertising. When it comes to closing an offering that has been made by investors, SMBX releases the funds to the participant and a repayment plan becomes set. Repaying consists of paying the money back on the same date, at the same interest rate monthly. Automatic withdrawal serves as the means of repayment. SMBX officials said businesses owned by returning citizens can qualify for bonds but owners who have certain felonies won’t be able to participate. Additionally, credit worthiness for a bond lies primarily with the character of the participant and how they have dealt with financial defaults and liens, not on a hard score from the credit agencies. Manny Cosme, founder and CEO of CFO Services Group., a bookkeeping and financial strategy firm, praises the program. “I was leery of it at first but I am glad I participated,” Cosme said. “I received a $65,450 bond from seven investors at a 7% interest rate with five years to pay it back. I am using the money for digital marketing and advertising. The people at SMBX really worked with me through the process.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Antwanye Ford serves as the president of the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy photo)

District and business leaders want entrepreneurs in Wards 5, 7 and 8 to take advantage of a program that offers capital through community investors on terms less stringent and cumbersome than traditional banks. In September 2021, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio and leaders of marketplace firm SMBX agreed to set up the DC Rebuild Bond Program. SMBX, which facilitates the funding, works through the Equitable Capital Access Fund Grant which will allow businesses in the three wards to build, expand and innovate their operations. The program offers $5 million in bonds from individual investors. Ben Lozano, CEO and co-founder of SMBX, said local investing distinguishes the bond program from other business finance initiatives. “By turning neighborhood fans into active investors in their favorite businesses, we’re creating a financial system that benefits everyone in the community and helps keep the cycle of wealth and prosperity local,” Lozano said. Antwanye Ford, the president and CEO of Enlightened, Inc., and president of the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce, embraces the bond program. “This is a $5 million investment in local small businesses,” said Ford at a community meeting on the program in Ward 8 on Feb. 15. “Businesses can raise capital directly from their customers. The money they borrow can be repaid monthly and those monies can be used to reinvest in the program. I believe in this program.” Ford said borrowers will not have to deal with hidden fees, unreasonable terms or personal guarantees as collateral won’t automatically be a requirement for a loan and interest rates will be reasonable. “This is a good program,” said Ford. “We need to get the word out.”

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Family Files $75M Lawsuit Against Prince George’s County William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

Attorneys representing the family of Demonte Ward-Blake, who became severely injured after a traffic stop in October 2019, announced the filing of a lawsuit Monday, Feb. 21 against Prince George’s County and the officer who injured him. Attorney William Murphy, who spoke across the street from the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo, said the federal civil rights lawsuit seeks $75 million in damages.

“This lawsuit is a comprehensive indictment of the brutal, unlawful, racist practices of the Prince George’s County police department. This is a problem that we are targeting so that cancer in these police departments across the country is removed surgically,” Murphy said. “That knife comes from this lawsuit. This is the surgical tool that will enable us to excise the cancer in this police department.” A county executive spokesperson said in a text message Monday, “The County does not comment

5 Rena Ward, mother of Demonte Ward-Blake, holds a collage of photos showing her son with loved ones during press conference Feb. 21 across the street from Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

on pending litigation.” The lawsuit summarizes misconduct against former police Cpl. Bryant J. Strong, who slammed then 24-year-old Ward-Blake on the ground head-first into a sidewalk while handcuffed. At the time of the traffic stop in Oxon Hill for allegedly driving with a suspended license, Ward-Blake’s goddaughter sat in the vehicle.

A grand jury indicted Strong in September 2020 for second degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office. He remains in jail. Two months later in November 2020, Ward-Blake suffered injuries from a shooting in District Heights. He died nine months later in August 2021. Murphy summarized how

Activists Push for Community Involvement in Police Accountability Boards ARETHA DISTRICT24

12 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

As Maryland counties and Baltimore City continue work on implementing police accountability boards, criminal justice advocates demand a simple request: make sure residents are involved in the process. For instance, Prince George’s County already received dozens of applications from those interested to serve on a police accountability board [PAB]. Residents including Beverly John called the move “a sneak attack” when residents should be involved in the entire process. An integral group of 30 people that includes county staffers, law enforcement officials and a county Civilian Complaint Oversight Panel continue to review the ap-

plications, assess a budget and create proposed legislation to present to the council. The deadline closed last month for residents to apply on the county PAB slated to have seven members. “We are now waiting with bated breath for the work group to submit their draft legislation to the council,” John said Thursday, Feb. 17 “We are really trying to get some community engagement to whatever is going on because that is probably the only way this won’t be railroaded and pushed down our throats . . . based on what they decide.” John’s comments mirror concerns statewide from other activists who count as part of the Maryland Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability. State lawmakers approved leg-

POLICE Page 48

Ward-Blake’s “653 days of living hell . . . confined to a wheelchair” affected his life after the excessive force used against him by the police. Ward-Blake’s aunt Rashawnda Blake said he needed supervision and care. For instance, he needed help to sit up in bed, assistance to brush his teeth and change his diapers and simply sought “somebody to love him.” “Oct. 17, 2019, changed our lives forever,” she said. “The inability to understand that the power of a badge does not equate to the physical abuse of citizens, left my nephew paralyzed.” Malcolm Ruff, an attorney at Murphy’s firm based in Baltimore, said Strong’s next court appearance has been scheduled in May. Ruff encouraged residents to attend the hearing as a show of solidarity to not only support the Ward-Blake family but also speak out against police brutality. Murphy’s firm of Murphy, Falcon & Murphy handled high-profile, civil rights cases such as representing the family of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, who reached a $6.4 million settlement with the city in September 2015 after Gray died while in police custody. Friends and loved ones who also experienced police brutality joined the family and attorneys in Largo. The parents of former Prince George’s County Det. Jacai Colson, also represented by Murphy’s firm, traveled from Pennsylvania to offer their support. Colson was shot and killed during a police ambush at a police station in 2016 by a former fellow police officer who said he accidentally mistook Colson as one of the shooters. The firm also secured a $20 million lawsuit on behalf of the family of William Green, Jr., shot and killed by a former Prince George’s police officer in January 2020 while handcuffed in a police cruiser. Green’s cousin Nikki Owens said the Ward-Blake family must receive community support. “We cannot let this family stand alone. We have to show up,” she said. “They need all of us to stand up here to say what happened to Demonte was wrong. I couldn’t have fought for my cousin without the people behind me.” WI @WJFjabariwill

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Paid Family Leave, Medical Leave Supporters Rally in Annapolis William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Dozens of people rallied at Lawyers’ Mall near the Maryland State House on Monday, Feb. 21 pushing for lawmakers to finally approve paid family and medical leave. Although Dr. Natalie Spicyn had the ability to purchase shortterm disability through her employer to eight weeks off after a c-section birth of her son in August 2020, a proposed family leave policy would’ve granted her up to 12 weeks of paid leave. “Along with most of my patients, I am part of the 79% of working people in Maryland without paid family and medical leave,” said Spicyn, a pediatrician and chief of adult medicine at Park West Health System in Baltimore. “Imagine the stress as a key breadwinner of having to choose between bringing your child to their earliest doctor’s appointments and going to work so you can pay rent, buy food and formula, if you need it.” The bill represents one of the most “common-sense” policies in Annapolis for at least the last three to four years, but still hasn’t passed. Optimism for this year comes from the backing of House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County). No one said another key factor: this year represents an election year. Dels. Kris Valderrama and C. T. Wilson sponsor similar bills in the House labeled the “Time to Care Act,” which could grant workers not only up to 12 weeks of paid leave, but also provide long term care such as following childbirth and helping an ailing family member. In addition, workers can receive partial wage replacement. Valderrama’s (D-District 26) of Fort Washington legislation outlines an employee would make weekly contributions to a state Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund program not to exceed 0.75% of an employee’s wages. The

bill from Wilson, a Democrat from Charles County, the contribution would be 1%. According to the bill, “any covered employee is an employee who has worked at least 680 hours over a 12-month period immediately preceding the date on which leave is to begin.” Both bills are scheduled for discussion Friday before the House Business Regulation Subcommittee. Sen. Antonio Hayes drafted a companion bill in the Senate, which received a hearing Feb. 10 before the Senate Finance Committee. The Democrat from Baltimore City stopped by Monday’s rally before he went inside the State House to convene in the Senate. “Thank you to each and every one of you,” he said. “We would not be here today had it not been for the dedication from each of the organizations that you represent. We want to keep that momentum up.” Although opponents support the bill’s concept, they still believe it’s too expensive for local governments, small businesses and nonprofit organizations. A few of those individuals spoke before the House Economic Matters Committee during a virtual hearing Feb. 15. “It’s burdensome,” said Paul Frey, president and CEO of Washington County Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve proposed the establishment of a new legislative work group by this summer to work on and discuss the issues both sides have regarding this legislation.” Fiona Ong, general counsel for the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, said the bill would grant the state to take over an employer’s human resources function, “which is simply unworkable.” She said employees are granted time off through current federal and state laws such as paid sick leave, parental leave, pregnancy accommodations and even organ donation. “What’s critically important about these laws is that all of them

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

balance a leave right against the needs of employers such as verification, challenging fraud or abuse, no automatic reinstatement and even denying leave that poses an undue hardship or interferes with business operations,” Ong said. “This is why it’s critical to make clear this program is a pay for leave program and not a paid leave program.” WI @WJFjabariwill 4 Dr. Natalie Spicyn speaks during a Time to Care rally Feb. 21 at Lawyers’ Mall in Annapolis. She joined dozens of people pushing for state lawmakers to pass legislation for paid family and medical leave. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

A Message from Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce

Celebrate History! February is Black History Month a celebration of the immense contributions and voices to American History. From inventions, literature, arts, science, public leadership, business & scholarship, African Americans are essential to telling the American excursion. In the backdrop of conveying these luminous accomplishments is the acrimonious cacophonic debate on Critical Race Theory leading to the banning of outstanding literary writers like Toni Morrison (The Bluest Eye), To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee), Jacqueline Woodson (Brown Girl Dreaming) and others who were excluded for their portrayal of the Black experience for making white people uncomfortable. Critical Race Theory is an academic hypothesis that racism is inherit in public laws. Even when civil equality statues were enacted, for example the Emancipation Proclamation, the Voting Rights Statues, Fair Housing Act, Equal Employment Opportunity Legislation, and Public Education statutes; other laws were designed to negate these gains and ushered in new realities of wealth gaps, housing inequities, health disparities & mass incarceration that further entrenched racism. This theory examines the reason for this entrenchment and suggests that racism is woven in the American democratic fabric. Despite all the overture, the Critical Race Theory debate has served as the impetus for undermining African American stories and history. Since January 2021, according to a New York Times article and data compiled by Education Week, “37 states have introduced measures to limit how race and discrimination can be taught in public school classrooms, and 14 have imposed laws or rules to enforce these restrictions.” Further, the article cites that in New Hampshire, a bill was signed that said, “No public employer should teach that people of any particular race or gender were inherently racist, sexist or oppressive.” Imagine, teaching Slavery or the Tulsa Massacre suggesting that no one was at fault, and these were incidences without any accountability. The teaching of history should never intentionally bring harm or ill will to any one race; however historical events should never be devoid of telling the stories of bad actors who oppressed or, at minimum erected barricades for a group of people to achieve full citizenship. Indeed, the telling of these stories hopefully will bring light to oppression and, hopefully forge a dialogue on what is needed to change course and bring about just policies. The teaching of Black History, then is an opportunity to read and dialogue on the civic journey of an American people. Illustrating the trials, tribulations and successes are instructive in bringing attention to how democracy can be scaled and live up to its intentions and aspirations. Instead of barring Black History and intimidating teachers on weaving this history into the American story, there must be pedagogical opening to designing an inclusive curriculum. The seeds planted in understanding this history may sprout the vineyard of an all-encompassing civic society.

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David C. Harrington President & CEO Not a member? Please visit our website, www.pgcoc.org to get started! Membership is good for a full calendar year, so it’s always a good time to join*

FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 13

BUSINESS Sale of Emergence Community Arts Collective Sparks Debate over Founder’s Legacy Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

ECAC’s leadership board recently announced the sale of the $3.5 million property, much to the chagrin of community members who questioned how the nonprofit would continue the work of ECAC’s founder, the late Sylvia Robinson. A group of organizers has since united to get ECAC designated as a historic site and to discuss ways in

Washington Informer5 The former home of the Emergence Commuity Arts Collective. (Courtesy photo)

By the end of the month, 733 Euclid Street NW, the large, three-story building known to many as the Emergence Community Arts Collective [ECAC] will have a new owner who has expressed plans to turn it into townhomes.

5.85”

which they could ensure ECAC operates as Robinson envisioned. They said, while those plans have been put in motion, actualizing them hinges on the finalization of the sale and the ECAC’s board decision about how to use remaining funds.

“The building needs to be known as a historic place for the Emergence Community Arts Collective, the Merriweather Home for Children and Key Daycare,” said Darren Jones, president of the Pleasant Plains Civic Association. For years, Jones, Robinson and others worked together on the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force. At ECAC’s inception, Jones, through the Pleasant Plains Civic Association, connected Robinson with resources to renovate the building. When Banneker Recreation Center briefly shut down, Jones conducted meetings with the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force and the Pleasant Plains Civic Association in ECAC. Jones said 733 Euclid Street NW has a rich history that should be recognized not only out of regard for Robinson but those before her who used the space to help others. “Those are the things I would like to see so that people in D.C. and around the world are aware. There’s a distinct possibility of that happening,” Jones said. From 2005 up until Robinson’s death in 2017, ECAC served as a space for activists, religious groups, artists, educators and others who hosted programming after renting rooms from Robinson at a low cost. Long before Robinson purchased the property, community members knew 733 Euclid Street NW as the National Asso-

5.5”

14 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

ciation for the Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children, which housed and educated orphaned women and children after the Civil War. In the years after Robinson’s transition, ECAC underwent significant changes in board leadership amid struggles to continue providing services and collaborate with community partners dedicated to preserving Robinson’s legacy, including Jabari Zakiya, Robinson’s life partner with whom patrons often booked space at ECAC. As explained at an online meeting hosted by ECAC’s board of directors, the pandemic complicated efforts to secure funds to cover ECAC’s mortgage and a second line of credit opened by board members. By 2020, keeping the lights on in ECAC cost at least $6,000 per month, board members said during the February 10 meeting. To continue operation, ECAC’s board negotiated a postponement on mortgage payments and secured a Small Business Administration loan they said covered nearly two-thirds of costs. In the end, as a means of avoiding foreclosure, the board decided to sell 733 Euclid Street NW. Long before then, board members considered collaborating with a developer to add an affordable housing component. As they weighed various options, board members said they understood the property sale as the best means of overcoming significant financial challenges. “We were at the point where the building went on the market,” said ECAC Board Vice President Doreen Thompson. “People came in and we chose the highest bidder. The sharks are out there waiting. We have done everything good to save the building from foreclosure [and] it’s not going to make everyone happy. We’re open to hearing suggestions about what happens to the proceeds,” Thompson said. Upon learning about the new owner’s desire to convert 733 Euclid Street NW into town homes, community members during the February 10 meeting expressed anxiety about how the sale precipitated gentrification in the Pleasant Plains community. And while some appreciated the

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

ARTS Page 42

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FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 15

NATIONAL Erica Ford Champions Underserved as a Violence Interrupter

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

When President Joe Biden, New York Mayor Eric Adams and Attorney General Merrick Garland pledged their full support to tackle gun violence and those who sell weapons, the trio decided to meet in Queens, New York City. With Gov. Kathy Hochul joining the excursion, talk centered on perhaps the most needed aspect of the fight against crime and gun violence in urban communities: violence interrupters. Many viewed that the discussion and subsequent momentous pledges which occurred in Queens count as significant, particularly for Erica Ford, founder of Life Camp, the nonprofit whose goals and methods center on ending gun violence in un-

derserved communities. “What people are starting to understand, I think, is with the George Floyd situation and COVID, where people had to sit still and watch what was going on, people started to have more empathy for how we live and the conditions in which we live in,” said Ford, an internationally recognized peacemaker. She has been at the forefront of reducing youth and community violence in New York City and other areas for more than three decades. “There are some professional commentators who have no desire or interest to help. Instead, they want to confuse or distract but I believe people are moving from a space of fear to a space of love,” Ford decided. She called Mayor Adams a “different kind of mayor,” noting that he’s stood tall on the frontlines and

5 Erica Ford. (Courtesy photo)

understands the issues facing underserved communities. “His commitment is to get people the things they need to live as humans, so he’s dedicated to supporting the New York City Crisis Management System and he wants to make sure things work,” Ford insisted. Much of the communities Ford serves lack the resources for residents to make intelligent decisions, and she noted the infiltration of guns.

“We are not the ones making the guns, so where are they coming from? They are getting into the hands of our babies,” Ford declared. Both Mayor Adams and President Biden have pledged support and each has pushed legislation to assist. Mayor Adams stated his desire for precision policing to track down illegal firearms and “500 to 600 trigger pullers that are producing 17 percent of the violence in this city although

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for documents and questions

for documents and questions 16 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

they are less than 1 percent of the population.” In New York, major crime reportedly jumped from 38.5 percent in January 2021 to January 2022. In addition, robberies and felony assault both surged 33 percent. Garland announced new federal help, while President Biden has earmarked $8 billion in his stalled Build Back Better bill for community violence and prevention across the nation. “That means groups like ours who are on the frontlines helping to reduce gun violence would get some much-needed assistance,” Ford remarked. She noted that in 2021 the President signed an executive order that allowed 26 federal programs and five agencies to change the language in their budgets on how they allocate funds to violence interrupter groups like Life Camp. “The answer is not to defund the police. It’s to give you the tools, the training, the funding to be partners, to be protectors and community leaders,” Biden said during the February 3 meeting in New York. “To know the community, you know. Police need to treat everyone with respect and dignity.” Mayor Adams exclaimed that city residents need to have “the justice we deserve but the safety we need and we need to tweak some of the legislation that we have witnessed to take an account the public safety aspect of it.” The mayor also called on state lawmakers to change New York’s bail reform law to allow judges to consider a suspect’s danger to the community when setting bail. “At some point in life, we have to be about life,” Ford asserted. “We have to be servants of the world and to our nation. We have to be about those people we serve, not just the constituents in our areas, but across the nation.” Ford concluded: “There has to be a consideration to making sure that everyone has access to quality of life, to healthcare and education. Investment in violence prevention is about helping people move those barriers that stop them from living.” “Whether you’re Republican or Democrat, the question of violence, safe roads and access to the internet is vital. And we need to help those incarcerated to come back into society. All of this allows us to build as a nation, so why not? We should want to build as a nation,” Ford said. WI

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BROWN from Page 1

son to be the next Associate Justice tial nominee continues to gain wide- of the Supreme Court of the United States,” the letter stated. spread backing. “We represent a broad cross-secJudge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who tion of America. We are civic and currently sits on the U.S. Court of Apcorporate leaders, scientists, artists, peals for the D.C. Circuit, has received entrepreneurs, public school teachers, letters of support from a host of union professors, doctors, lawyers and staygroups. at-home parents, among others,” the Those groups include: the Ameriletter said. can Federation of Labor, Congress of Brown Jackson ascended to her Industrial Organizations, the Americurrent position in June 2021. She can Federation of State, County and served as a U.S. District Judge, viceMunicipal Employees [AFSCME] chair and commissioner on the Unitand the National Education Associaed States Sentencing Commission. tion [NEA]. The 51-year-old District native, More than 170 Black Harvard who shares two children with her alumni recently submitted a letter to husband Patrick the White House Jackson, worked in “She is plainly asking that Biden civil and criminal select Judge Brown exceedingly appellate litigation Jackson. Additionin both state and ally, the promiwell-qualified federal courts for nent Florida-based Morrison & FoerstCuban American to assume er LLP. Bar Association, She also served as the awesome its board members an assistant federal and past presidents responsibilities public defender in sent a note to the the appeals division White House sup- of a Supreme Court of the Office of the porting Brown Public Defender Jackson’s nominaJustice and her D.C. and served inas tion. a law clerk for three Miami roots Born in D.C., federal judges: Assothe judge grew up will afford her a ciate Justice Stephen in Florida and went to high school in valuable perspective G. Breyer, Judge Bruce Selya and Miami. Patti Saris. “Judge Brown on the rights and Judge The White Jackson spent her House has also isformative years lives of the people sued a vote of conin Miami-Dade who come before fidence. County, still has “It’s because of family in Miami, the court.” Judge Brown Jackand is a testament son’s experience in to the outstanding roles at all levels capacity of the Miami-Dade County of the justice system, her character public schools,” read the letter signed and her legal brilliance that President by more than 30 current and past Biden nominated her to the D.C. leaders from the association. Circuit Court after which she earned “She is plainly exceedingly well-qualified to assume the awesome her third Senate confirmation,” White responsibilities of a Supreme Court House Deputy Press Secretary AnJustice and her Miami roots will afford drew Bates wrote in his statement. Should Brown Jackson be nomiher a valuable perspective on the rights nated, the 170 Black Harvard alumni and lives of the people who come besaid they would continue to press the fore the court.” Senate for confirmation. The letter added that Biden’s selec“That’s the next step,” wrote Nina tion of Jackson “would be a lasting Simmons, who organized the Harhonor to this community and a powvard group. “If she does get nominaterful example of the value of diversity ed, then there’s a whole set of different in the American justice system.” tasks we’re going to try to figure out Comparatively, the Harvard letter also and do, whether it be reaching out to expounded Brown Jackson’s virtues. “We are Black alumni of Harvard representatives or senators of the JudiUniversity and we write to urge you to ciary Committee.” WI nominate Judge Ketanji Brown Jack-

NATIONAL Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum: On Being Powered By the People Dwayne LawsonBrown, Experience Developer at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum As much as I’ve loved museums, they haven’t always felt accessible. Much like other institutions, they have often seemed 5 Dwayne at 6 years old. stuffy and uptight. Outside of the occasional Black History Month celebration, rarely had I seen stories that reflected my lifestyle and upbringing. There was one particular museum that impacted me deeply. While attending Stanton Elementary, a field trip led to a photography experience. Students were given disposable cameras and asked to shoot their daily lives. A week later, the exhibition hall transformed into a darkroom where we were guided through developing our photos. Those photos were then displayed for other groups to see and share an understanding of collective people power. This was the first time that I was exposed to photography as a storytelling tool. This museum was the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Nearly thirty years later, I find myself in that same museum, creating similar opportunities for people of all ages to see themselves reflected in exhibits and programs. I serve as one of the Experience Developers within the education department – tasked with creating experiences that help amplify the voices, share the stories, and highlight the history of the communities and cultures of Washington DC. If someone had told me thirty years ago that someday I’d be working at a Smithsonian museum, I would have laughed in disbelief. The typical office never felt familiar for a kid that grew up on Stanton Road Southeast. Very rarely have I seen myself in the con-

ventional structure of an institution. But this museum is different, and its aims are strikingly aligned with my own. Poet, dancer, photographer, and educator – I have the joy of wearing many hats in our community, but one holds reverence above nearly all others. I have always been powered by the people. Serving the community I grew up in has been a key part of my identity. For many years I worked in public health creating educational programs to support healthy decision making in youth, promote HIV testing, and mental health counseling. I now have the pleasure of applying that experience, coupled with a love for the people of our city, to shifting the culture around museums and education. One of my first actions was organizing the More Than Food for the People resource fair in May of 2021; bringing access to vaccinations, free groceries, job readiness programs, and HIV testing to my neighborhood in Ward 8. I cannot overstate the significance to me of being able to recognize and meet community needs while challenging the role museums play in our society. Seeing the joy on people’s faces as they gathered safely in public, danced to oldies, and left with bags of groceries – that makes the work worthwhile. Things have come full circle. The kid searching for self in the museum, now helps others see themselves as historic. I’m honored to help lead the museum’s newly created street team. The “Activators” work to bring to life the hidden history of DC’s communities. We believe that history isn’t stored within four walls; but is embedded in sidewalk pavement, growing from the seeds of community gardens, and held in the narrative of the people. We are planning “activations” in the coming months that aim to collect and broadcast community narratives, share local artists and their processes, speak on lesser-known aspects of DC history, and reflect the complexity and diversity of Washington DC. My name is Dwayne Lawson-Brown, Experience Developer at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, and I’m proud to be powered by the people.

5 Dwayne setting up shot with activators Sol Michelle and Skye Ellis.

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18 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

African and EU Seal a ‘Renewed Partnership’ in Brussels The EU and the African Union (AU) sealed a “renewed partnership” in Brussels on February 18 including the launch of a €150 billion European investment strategy and increased aid to produce vaccines against COVID-19 in Africa. The Europeans are also paving the way for a greater reallocation to Africans of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) special drawing rights for rich countries but without a firm commitment, according to the joint declaration adopted at the 6th summit of the two organizations. “Our common vision (…) is to consolidate a renewed partnership for solidarity, security, peace and sustainable economic development,” pleaded the African and European leaders, who had been meeting for several days to “reinvent” their relationship and “install a new software,” according to the formula used by Senegalese President Macky Sall. The meeting was an opportunity for the 27 countries to launch a global investment strategy with at least 150 billion euros over seven years to “help projects wanted and carried by Africans,” with priority given to transport infrastructure, digital networks and energy. All this while ensuring “accountable, transparent and inclusive governance,” according to the declaration. The Europeans, who promise to have provided a cumulative total of at least 450 million doses of anti-COVID vaccines to Africans by the summer, have also pledged to help African countries produce messenger RNA vaccines on their soil, a program recently unveiled by the World Health Organization (WHO). The EU will also mobilize €425 million to speed up vaccination campaigns by supporting the distribution of doses and the training of medical teams. The EU leaders reiterated their opposition to the lifting of patents on vaccines, which has been fiercely demanded by their African counterparts, in particular South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. WI

caribbean now Barbados and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Explore the Scope for Sustainable Tourism Development Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport and Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Senator Lisa Cummins, recently welcomed a delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), headed by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Saudi Fund for Development, for a series of bilateral discussions centered around tourism development in Barbados. The working visit of the KSA delegation, comprising members of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Fund for Development, follows initial discussions between Al-Khateeb and Senator Cummins last June at the 66th Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Commission for the Americas. Preliminary talks centered around the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation and under Senator Cummins’ International Transport portfolio, the accompanying development of an Air Services Agreement with a focus on Saudia, the flag carrier airline of Saudi Arabia. Senator Cummins disclosed that “Talks have begun between the two countries and pending approval from the respective governments, we hope to be able to open airlift opportunities between the two nations and by extension the Middle East.” A tourism focus on the Middle East builds on the Government of Barbados’ recent appointment of its first ambassador in neighboring United Arab Emirates in 2021, Gabriel Abed, as the country established its intention to strengthen relations with the burgeoning region. Noting Saudi Arabians’ high propensity to travel and spend, Al-Khateeb pointed out that last year their region amassed over 60 million domestic visits and spent more than $20 billion. WI

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FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 19

HEALTH CDC: Vaccines Protect Mothers and Their Infants Against COVID-19

Inoculation May Guard Against Hospitalization for Infants Under Six Months Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] say the recommended two-dose

COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women can protect infants six months and younger from severe illness, according to new data released on Feb. 15. Babies of vaccinated mothers

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have a 61% lower risk of being hospitalized as infants are at risk for life-threatening complications from COVID-19, including acute respiratory failure. “Evidence from other vaccine-preventable diseases suggests that maternal immunization can provide protection to infants, especially during the high-risk first six months of life, through passive transplacental antibody transfer,” the study’s authors wrote. “Recent studies of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy suggest the possibility of transplacental transfer of SARS-CoV-2– specific antibodies that might provide protection to infants; however, no epidemiologic evidence currently exists for the protective benefits of maternal

immunization during pregnancy against COVID-19 in infants.” From July 2021 through Jan. 2022, the CDC study showed that maternal completion of a 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was associated with reduced risk for COVID-19 hospitalization among infants (<6 months). The study took place in a real-world evaluation at 20 U.S. pediatric hospitals during a period of Delta and Omicron variant circulation, the CDC said. Among 176 infants (aged <6 months) hospitalized with COVID-19, 148 (84%) were born to mothers who were not vaccinated during pregnancy. Overall, these findings indicate that maternal vaccination during

pregnancy might help protect against COVID-19 hospitalization among infants (aged <6 months). However, study authors say the report is subject to several limitations and that “the optimal timing of maternal vaccination for the transfer of antibodies to protect the infant is currently uncertain.” Despite such, the CDC recommends that women who are pregnant, are breastfeeding, are trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future get vaccinated and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination. The latest CDC study adds to a growing body examining the relationship between pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccinations. In January, the Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York published a study in Obstetrics & Gynecology (the Green Journal) that vaccination against COVID-19 did not affect fertility or early pregnancy. The study particularly looked at patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and found no significant differences in response to ovarian stimulation, egg quality, embryo development, or pregnancy outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. “By leveraging science and big data, we can help reassure patients of reproductive age and enable them to make the best decisions for themselves,” said senior author Alan B. Copperman, MD. “It will give people comfort to know that the COVID-19 vaccine does not affect their reproductive potential.” WI

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EDUCATION

Protect Your Community Today.

5 The entrance to Boone Elementary School in southeast D.C. (Courtesy photo)

Ousted Administrators File Lawsuit against DCPS

Former Boone Elementary Employees Claim Violation of Whistleblower Protections Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer Two former public school administrators have filed a lawsuit against DC Public Schools [DCPS] alleging wrongful termination in connection with a curriculum that they have criticized as militaristic, racially insensitive and exclusively targeted toward schools with a significant Black population. In their lawsuit, Dr. Carolyn Jackson-King and Marlon Ray, formerly of Boone Elementary School in Southeast, said DCPS violated the Whistleblower Protection Act and the D.C. Human Rights Act. They have demanded a jury trial and if they win, Jackson-King and Ray stand to be reinstated and compensated for lost wages and benefits, among other economic losses. Months after filing their lawsuit, Jackson-King and Ray said they were still waiting for DCPS to respond. At a time when teachers and families have questioned DCPS' prioritization of their COVID-related concerns, Jackson-King in particular espouses the need for policy changes that benefit students and teachers. “It feels like you’re going against an organization but actually you’re trying to make it better. If you’re

not allowed to speak and tell the central office what’s wrong, then it’s not going to get better,” said Jackson-King, former principal of Boone Elementary School in Southeast.

A TIMELINE OF EVENTS

According to the lawsuit, Jackson-King spent much of the 20192020 school year in conversations with Instructional Superintendent Elizabeth Nambi and other leaders about the Relay curriculum and DCPS’ motivations for collaborating with the Relay Graduate School of Education [RGSE]. Much to Jackson-King’s chagrin, DCPS dedicated a portion of several schools’ budget to Relay training sessions that focused mostly on aspects of classroom management she said treated students like robots, limited their self-expression and primed them for the prison industrial complex. Other issues of concern involved the manner in which DCPS reorganized Boone and other Ward 7 and 8 schools within the cluster system. The lawsuit stated that DCPS placed Boone and other elementary schools located east of the Anacostia River into what had been designated as “Relay Clusters.”

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As the months went on, Jackson-King became more outspoken about her opposition to Relay in staff meetings, even going as far as discussing the matter with D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8). Toward the end of 2019, In-

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structional Superintendent Mary Ann Stinson gave Jackson-King an IMPACT evaluation score of 2.75 out of 4.0, what Jackson-King described as the lowest she has received since DCPS implemented IMPACT. The lawsuit alleged that the low score, DCPS’ response to

Jackson-King’s advocacy, gave the central office enough reason not to renew Jackson-King’s contract. By March of 2020, when Jackson-King learned that DCPS wouldn’t renew her contract, she’d

LAWSUIT Page 47

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EDITORIAL

A Promise for the Next Generation of Olympic Athletes Comcast television commercial currently running for Black History Month features A two young Black girls sitting with their eyes glued to their screens as they watch with pride and admiration two African-American gold medal winners of the Winter Olympics past and present. Vonetta Flowers, who along with driver Jill Bakken, became the first Black female bobsledder to win a gold medal in 2002, and Erin Jackson, 29, who recently became the first-ever Black female athlete to win a gold medal in speed skating. The words ending the commercial read: “It only takes one person to change what’s possible; bringing inspiration home for the team of tomorrow.” Black people are celebrated for their exemplary skills in all forms of athletics. Their determination to win against all odds has been proven time and again. Their prowess is more often displayed during the Summer Olympics but the door is opening wider for Black men and women in Winter Olympic sports. Debi Thomas was the first African American to earn a medal in the Winter Olympics in 1988 when she won the bronze in figure skating and Shani Davis was the first African American to win an individual gold medal in speed skating in 2006. The commercial accurately portrays Black children who stare at their screens with hopes and dreams that are too often unrealized because they don’t see a path to achieving them. They live in communities where there is a deficit of athletic fields or pools, organized teams and dedicated coaches. And they live with families who must prioritize food and shelter over cleats, uniforms and team fees. How is it that the District leaders will invest in a $124 million school renovation including a soccer field and collegiate-level competition swimming pool that students don’t have access to during or after school? How many aspiring Olympic champions have had their dreams deferred by decision makers who keep them from pursuing their dreams in their own backyards? If city leaders want D.C. to ever be selected for a future Olympics, they must begin to ensure that local aspiring athletes are eligible to compete and that they are not relegated to just being seen in a commercial wishing and dreaming instead. WI

Ten Years Later, Trayvon Martin’s Spirit Continues to Shape America It may be hard to believe but it’s been 10 years since 17-year-old Trayvon Martin lost his life after being stalked, attacked and shot by a self-empowered “security guard,” George Zimmerman, while visiting his father in the sleepy town of Sanford, Florida on Feb. 26, 2012. Since then, Blacks have witnessed an onslaught of other murders of innocent Black men, women and children – killed not because of their actions but tragically, because of the color of their skin. The litany of those who died too soon continues to grow longer with every passing day. And while groups like Black Lives Matter and other more traditional African-American civil rights organizations have demanded justice, their cries have more often than not been ignored. February, that time each year when we celebrate the contributions of African Americans during Black History Month, serves as an opportunity to reflect on the amazing persistence exemplified by people of color in their pursuit of excellence. With each tale of determination and creativity, we remember those who “made a way out of no way.” But February also counts as a month that bears darkness for Black Americans. Besides the death of young Trayvon, we cannot forget that brother Malcolm X was murdered February 21, 1965. Most recently, Ahmaud Arbery, 25, lost his life on February 23, 2020 when three white men attacked the unarmed Black man while he was out jogging. They claimed they thought he was the man responsible for a series of burglaries in the Georgia suburb. All three men have since been found guilty of murder. And earlier this week, a federal jury offered Arbery’s family a semblance of justice, finding the trio guilty of committing a hate crime. The verdict serves as the first race-based conviction in any of the high-profile slayings of Black people which led to mass protests in 2020. Trayvon Martin was not the first Black senselessly murdered by whites who took the law into their own hands, feeling emboldened by white privilege. But perhaps we are finally seeing the scales of justice tilt, just slightly, in recognition that even Black lives matter in America. WI

TO THE EDITOR I loved the photo of the young people singing in the gospel choir on the cover of the Feb. 17 edition of the Washington Informer. I could feel their joy and passion for singing through the paper. I remember singing in a youth choir as a young lad and it also brought me great joy and lifelong relationships. Let’s keep the traditions going. Melvin Timber Washington, DC

I thoroughly enjoyed the Show Me Love DMV story featuring Pierpont and Jeanette Mobley. It was a pleasant surprise to read about Black, happy couples in long-lasting marriages. If we relied on TV and other media, we would never think such things existed. It’s essential to showcase the best of our community as the worst will always get a platform. Thank you, James Wright, for your writing and the Washington Informer for your work. Yvette Hokett Washington, DC

Readers' Mailbox

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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. FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 23

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnists

AmirAli Talasaz and Jenn Higgins

Close the Gap: Disparities in Cancer Screening Threaten Lives

February marks National Cancer Prevention Month, an initiative to bring awareness to ways Americans can reduce their risk for cancer. While more than 1.7 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year, research suggests that up to 50 percent of cases – and 50 percent of deaths – are preventable. That’s why one key recommendation is to get regular cancer screenings. This is especially important

as we consider how to improve health equity in America. Black Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival rate of any racial or ethnic group across most cancers. To address this imbalance, the health care community, together with leaders at the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, is focusing its attention on closing the gap in cancer screenings to ensure all Americans, no matter their race

Guest Columnist

or ethnic background, have access to the best quality cancer care. Cancer underscreening is one of the biggest factors contributing to this difference in death rate. Compared to other racial and ethnic groups, far fewer African Americans are screened for leading cancers like breast, colon, and lung, where diagnosing patients earlier has a clear impact on mortality. Take colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, where screening has stagnated at a mere

66 percent, compared to the Center for Disease Control’s goal of 80 percent. And these rates are far lower in minority communities, where only 59 percent of Hispanics and 65 percent of African Americans are up to date with recommended screenings. What’s more, minorities often confront barriers to access, such as a dearth of convenient medical facilities for screenings, transportation challenges and jobs that lack flexibility or paid time off. The good news is new technology using blood-based screening tests can help close the screening

gap on a global scale. In contrast to traditional screening tests, such as a colonoscopy or mammogram, blood-based tests are simple to use, less invasive and reduce patient follow-through, as they can be completed during routine doctor visits. Together, this makes it far easier to integrate screenings into the existing health system, helping significantly address screening disparities. But blood-based tests can only move the needle if patients have

HIGGINS Page 49

Franklyn M. Malone

Unmistakable Connections between Fatherlessness and Violence: Solutions Need to Be Implemented Nationwide Syndrome [RMS] – a behavioral dis- who are unfamiliar with the devastating question what do errant law-breaking As one looks out across America, there are community safety issues that are proliferating across the nation and there is much concern for personal safety. So far in 2022, there have been hundreds of individual and mass murders nationwide and an uptick in car jackings, robberies and violent crimes. But, what is the problem causing national violence at schools, in homes and in

communities, and how can we solve it? We all know that when you have need for relief from something that can claim your life such as a disease, you must seek out a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms and give you a proper diagnosis. When you get the diagnosis, you can then focus your resources on treatments that can bring you the best relief. As a National Fatherhood Master Trainer, it is obvious to me that the diagnosis today for the violence in America, is Reactionary Masculinity

Guest Columnist

ease defined by Dr. Amos Wilson, the noted Black psychologist and author of “Black On Black Crime.” Dr. Wilson defines RMS as a Black male’s futile attempt to assert his manhood and regain some kind of power and respect by actively or passively rebelling against racial oppression and white authority. But the rebellion is often done in a way harmful to himself, his family and his community while being beneficial to his oppressor. For political and community leaders

effects of the “disease of fatherlessness,” let us look at evidence that cannot be refuted. Studies from the National Fatherhood Initiative and the American Psychological Association document that fatherlessness is the cause of academic failure, inappropriate behavior in youth, emotional problems, low self-esteem, suicide and unlawful behavior. An emotional hole in the heart of a young man can result in pain and anger. The facts about fatherlessness beg the

“The reactionary right wing of the Supreme Court showed its true colors this week. Just as Selma’s officers didn’t arrest or charge John Lewis before administering the punishment of their billy clubs, SCOTUS denied Black voters in Alabama a seat in Congress without even hearing arguments. Such extremism is alarming, but it is also a

24 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

MALONE Page 49

Marc H. Morial

Supreme Court Decision on Alabama's Gerrymandered Maps Makes a Mockery of the Voting Rights Act Alabama’s newly-drawn congressiosign that those defending the status quo are in a panic. No one would be fighting this hard to subvert democracy if they didn’t understand that the overwhelming majority of citizens want something else.” — Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits any standard, practice or procedure that results in a “denial or abridgment of the right of any citizen of the

youth need? Many will say, “lock them up and throw away the key.” But while we agree there must be consequences, we believe there must also be assets in place such as trained practitioners, support, empowerment, boundaries, expectations and constructive use of time. These assets must come from the community, families, faith institutions and local government agencies. The 100 Fathers Inc. has model pro-

United States to vote on account of race or color.” An obvious – and common -- violation of this law is a gerrymandered political map that splits Black communities among two or more districts so they don’t constitute a majority in any of them – a process known as “cracking” – or that crams Black voters into one district so they can’t influence the outcome in other districts – a process known as “packing.”

nal map does both. There’s no question the map was gerrymandered to dilute Black voting power. There is no question the map violates Section 2. The United States Supreme Court decided to let Alabama use it anyway. The Court didn’t even consider the question of whether the map is racially gerrymandered, as a lower court unanimously ruled when it ordered Alabama to redraw it. While the five-justice Supreme Court majority provided no rea-

son for blocking the lower court’s decision, justices Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Brett M. Kavanaugh wrote separately that the lower court’s order came too close to the election and could create “chaos.” There was no way to challenge Alabama’s racially-gerrymandered maps faster than they were challenged in this case, as legal analyst Elie Mystal pointed out. “When Kavanaugh says that the

MORIAL Page 49

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

David W. Marshall

Homelessness and the Repeal of Home Rule in the Nation’s Capital

Washington, D.C. is unique in a number of ways. With the distinction of being the nation’s capital, it functions both as a city and a state. Population-wise, the District of Columbia is larger than the states of Wyoming and Vermont. It has a larger budget than 12 states, pays more federal taxes than 21 states, pays more federal taxes per capita than any state, has a larger gross domestic product than 17 states, has a triple-A bond rating,

and is currently running a budget surplus rather than a deficit. But it is a city, not a state. Therefore, it is the only city in America where Congress directly oversees the city’s budget and laws by Constitutional authority. For years, Congress functioned as the sole legislative body where city residents had no elected representation. A limited form of self-government was granted when Congress passed the Home Rule Act of 1973, signed into law by then-President Richard Nixon. It allowed D.C. residents the right to elect their own mayor, council,

and a non-voting member of Congress. Washington D.C. is the only jurisdiction without the power to appoint its own judges. While D.C. voters have no federal voting representative on the ballot, the outcome of the 2022 midterm elections could have substantial consequences for the city’s autonomy, let alone its pursuit of statehood. With House Republicans pointing to the rising number of homicides and homelessness in the capital, along with the mayor’s COVID-19 policies, some in the GOP ranks have expressed their desire to take

Guest Columnist

greater control of the city. Currently, there are House members who would go as far as to see the Home Rule Act of 1973 eliminated if Republicans are successful in winning control of Congress. Rep. Andrew S. Clyde (R-Ga.), a member of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, which oversees D.C. affairs, is developing legislation to return exclusive control of the city to Congress by repealing the act. Washington D.C. is a city that is no different than other urban communities experiencing similar increases in crime and homelessness; Republicans who

are using this to justify cutting D.C.’s self-governance know this. We see high-cost cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco struggle with this same humanitarian nightmare—this is not solely a D.C. problem. The GOPs’ political motives are clear with D.C. being a heavily Democratic city but policy-wise, how will Republicans on the federal level address the increasing growth in homelessness and its root causes? The shortage of affordable housing is a national crisis that

jection of life saving vaccines. In stark contrast to the current pandemic, the 1950s battle against polio was a lesson in cooperative discipline. With the exception of general masking, Americans practiced extreme social distancing. In his book, Paralyzed with Fear: The Story of Polio, Gareth Williams wrote, “Fearful of the spread of the contagious virus, the city (San Angelo, TX) closed pools, swimming holes, movie theaters, schools and churches, forcing priests to reach out to their congregations on lo-

cal radio. Some motorists who had to stop for gas in San Angelo would not fill up their deflated tires, afraid they’d bring home air containing the infectious virus. And one of the town’s best physicians diagnosed his patients based on his “clinical impression” rather than taking the chance of getting infected during the administration of the proper diagnostic test.” When Jonas Salk released his vaccine in 1955, he was imme-

MARSHALL Page 50

E. Faye Williams

Who Would Have Believed It?

From the silly to the sublime, to the serious, faster than the mind can cogitate, our societal norms are being manipulated from the “as expected” to the “never in a million years.” Reflecting on what is presented to the masses daily, I can recall a time when a television series like “The Real Housewives (‘of anywhere’)…” could never have been shown and pimple pop-

ping would have been done in the privacy of one’s own bathroom, but no longer. Frivolity is often the trademark of a “who would have believed” event, but now, more often than not, rather than leaving us amused they leave us shocked, and in dismay and disbelief. The current trend in these events has us questioning how we might provide for increased security and safety for our families and ourselves. Who would have believed a time during which the serious-

ness of a public health crisis in the form of a global pandemic would be denied? Can anyone explain when, in the face of such a pandemic, personal interests and comfort became paramount over the interests of the general state of health? Most assuredly, few people could have anticipated this “denial” state of mind among such large numbers of people or that the disease would take the lives of over 900,000 Americans. My bet is that even fewer people could have also guessed the massive re-

WILLIAMS Page 50

Askia-At-Large

Askia Muhammad

March 28, 1945 - February 17, 2022

Rest in Peace

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FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 25

During the almost two years of our work at the Black Coalition Against COVID fighting this pandemic, we have witnessed numerous heartwarming and selfless acts of service conducted by individuals and organizations from across the DC community. As we observe these dedicated “Heroes and Sheroes” we understand that their efforts bring us closer each day to realizing Dr. King’s vision of a ‘Beloved Community’. Our city is blessed by people whose soul work meaningfully changes all of our lives and we are pleased to honor some of them in our first “COVID Heroes and Sheroes Recognition Awards.” We hope that these examples will inspire others in the spirit of Dr. King and in fulfilling the urgent mandate to make real the exhortation that Black Lives Matter!

Congratulations to:

Stuart Anderson: Advancing vaccine education, administration and COVID testing Reginald Black: Stellar work in protecting the homeless from COVID Mary Douglas Brown: Virtual Health Ministry health services navigator Maurice Cook: Leadership of Serve Your City and Ward 6 Mutual Aid’s initiatives Conchita Mays-Crawford: Dedicated COVID vaccination ambassador Minister Tayla Daniel: Providing PPEs, education and testing Kim R. Ford: Praiseworthy leadership of Martha’s Table’s community services Amanda Marshall: Selfless efforts to protect and support DC families Lamont Mitchell: Leadership of the Anacostia Coordinating Council’s initiatives Elder Ann Powell: Exemplary efforts to vaccinate seniors Juanita Price: A role model for increasing vaccine acceptance

Raygan Rogers: Selfless efforts in support of DC Health’s COVID initiatives Deaconess Darlene Rowe: Advancing vaccine administration clinics Terrance Staley: Leadership of the Alliance of Concerned Men’s COVID work Danielle Stout: Exemplary nursing services

Rev. Wanda Thompson: Co-Chair Ward 8 Clergy and Faith Leaders Monthly Prayer Breakfast Meeting Cheryl Walker: COVID health influencer and health services navigator

26 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

The BCAC also acknowledges the tireless efforts of numerous medical, community and faith based organizations, and government departments as exemplified by: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

AFSCME DC20 The Anacostia Coordinating Council Bluerock Care Bread for the City Children’s National Hospital Coalition of Black Trade Unionists DC Health Empower DC FiveMedicine George Washington Hospital Howard University Hospital Leadership Council for Healthy Communities Mayor’s Office of African American Affairs SEIU/1199 Center United Medical Ward 8 Clergy and Faith Leaders Monthly Prayer Breakfast Meeting Washington Teachers Union

The BCAC looks forward to our second round of awards in a few months so stay tuned!

“Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

For more information about our awardees, please visit us at BlackcoalitionagainstCOVID.org

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February 2022. Volume 8. Issue 2.

Equity in Real Estate + Projects that Work.

Point your camera here.

@WIBRIDGEDC

info@wibridgedc.com Advertise with us. Email us.

editor-in-chief & creative director :

Lafayette Barnes IV Lafayette Barnes IV copy Editor : Sam P.K. Collins Photography : Nelson Walker Layout Design : Lafayette Barnes IV cover art : Graphics by Kahimii Vanzego Contributing Writers : Mimi P. Green, Morgan Fykes, Lafayette Barnes IV managing Editor :

letter from the editor With some of the city's most expensive real estate sitting empty in downtown DC, it causes one to wonder...How can I get in this spot? This could be your future salon, office space, record shop...or whatever you can imagine. Unfortunately, we’ve been left out of the conversation for far too long. The information is out there but rarely presented to us in an edible fashion. But with the market wide open, it’s time to get down to business. It’s time to create equity in our infrastructure across the DMV. Our hard-earned dollars fill the coffers of these businesses, but it doesn't feel like the love is reciprocated. We may be tired, but we’re not defeated. This edition brings you a list of safe pop-up spaces you can access to push through, a deeper dive into one of my favorite projects in Northwest called Avi8ted House, and a really deep dive into the history of redlining and what our community partners have been doing to even the playing field. Ju a reminder...Black magic can not be defeated. Just (Never forget.) And, as always, get in touch. We are always looking to feature and collaborate with you. Reach us on our website or contact me directly at lafayette@wibridgedc.com.

Control the Narrative, Save the City. Lafayette Barnes IV

Photo by Nelson Walker

Pop up spots! Small Woode n Box 1302 Otis Place NW, Washington DC 20010 Small Wooden Box is a one-of-a-kind textile brand that celebrates the intimacy of home as well as the thrill of exploration. In addition, it’s a creative modern loft that can be altered to ﬁt any type of event. It's excellent for live performances, photoshoots, pop-ups, banquets, and more because of its unique architecture, open ﬂoor plan, and natural light. Website: smallwoodenbox.com Instagram: @smallwoodenbox

52 O Stre et Studios 52 O Street NW, Washington DC 20001 A diverse group of artists, designers, musicians, writers, and others call 52 O Street Studios home. 52 O Street is a four-story warehouse that was built in the early 1900s. It was converted into artist studios in 1978 by Eric Rudd who believed there was a scarcity of aﬀordable space for artists in Washington. The building oﬀers living spaces as well as creative studio spaces to a variety of artists and designers working in various mediums. It’s the home of Homme DC, which is an art gallery used for a communal and transformative experience. Website: 52ostreet.com Instagram: @52ostreet

Lab 1270 @ Vi llage Cafe 1272 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002 Lab 1270 is a facility within the Village Café where local retailers and individuals pool their resources to create pop-up shops, music experiences, and work environments. The Village employs Lab 1270 to connect networks, business people, and creatives by contributing to an exciting public place. They’re always looking to collaborate with residents, rising creatives, and burgeoning business visionaries. Website: thevillagedc.space/lab Instagram: @thevillage.dc

written by : Chandler Ashton | @bychandlerashton.s

H UE2 Foun dation + Th e DMV League of Artists H eadquarte rs 713 7th Street NW, Washington DC 20001 HUE2 Foundation gallery located at 713 7th st NW the current headquarters of the DMV League of Artists. The League connects creatives by facilitating opportunities, exploring possibilities, and bridging gaps. Their goal is to provide artists with developmental skills by allowing them to network and expand their platform as independent entities. The League invites the public to participate in a collaborative experien every week via the Artists Lounge, including Art experience Talk Tuesdays, Wisdom Wednesdays, and Open Studio Thursdays. Website: dmvleagueofartists.com Instagram: @dmvleagueart

Arts i n Color by Satarra Leona 1843 14th Street NW, Washington DC 20009 Arts in Color is an Art Gallery and Art Consulting Company that focuses on representing arti artists both domestically and internationally. Their goal is to give artists opportunities and a platform. The owner, Satarra Leona, through traveling, has been able to witness some of the most unique forms of art. She hopes that everyone who comes across her website to view the work of the artists that she represents will immerse themselves into the mind of the artists. Website: artsincolorcuratorial.com Instagram: @artsincolorllc

Th e Fri dge DC 516 8th Street SE, Washington DC 20003 The Fridge DC, which opened in September 2009, is an art gallery, music setting, and creative space situated on Barracks Row in the memorable Eastern Market neighborhood of Washington, DC. The Fridge is devoted to making artistic expressions available to everybody. As a music setting, The Fridge has upheld everything from Hip-Hop, Blues, electronic music, spoken word, and live per performances. They've hosted a wide range of Art /Exhibitions and workshops focused on public craftsmanship for emerging and established artists. Website: thefridgedc.com Instagram: @thefridgedc

Avi8ted Avi•8•ted Adjective : being morally, intellectually, and/or spiritually on a higher plane // Spread Avi8ted Thoughts® Worldwide Avi8ted House A globally focused incubator/think-tank offering members' a place to bring their Avi8ted Thoughts to fruition.

Avi8ted House is a globally focused incubator/think-tank offering members' a place to bring their Avi8ted Thoughts to fruition. Leveraging content, community, and capital for the sake of culture, Avi8ted is actively building a global business ecosystem, while fostering a local startup community first in our home city of Washington, D.C. It is a labor of love and increased economics to contribute to the local and global economy. There is power in community and connections and the Avi8ted Sunday series launched to capitalize on that and to continue to connect with the community.

There is a clear lack of spaces and resources for people of Color and women to self-actualize and make their dreams a reality. According to Economy for All, an economic report conducted by JP Morgan and Arabella Advisors, “overall allocation of capital to Black entrepreneurs has hovered at around 1 percent since 2013. Further, female founders raised just 2 percent of all venture capital last year, which marked a $1 billion decrease from 2019.” This is the direct motivation for Avi8ted Ventures, an impact-focused venture fund currently piloting its concept of a work-play-live incubator/think-tank where minorities and women come to bring their Avi8ted thoughts to fruition. The first question asked is ooen how was this connection and opportunity created? The Avi8ted Thoughts concept resonated with Brian Burns III, a television producer who ooen scouts talent and locations, and led him to connect the Avi8ted House concept with a location that made sense architecturally. AAer connecting Charlton Woodyard II, CEO of Avi8ted Ventures with the developer, whom Brian had been working with for years, Charlton pitched the Avi8ted House concept. The pandemic was a difficult period for so many folks around the world and we definitely witnessed some of the struggles of development in DC and have learned a lot about what it takes to run a space. This opportunity has allowed Avi8ted to show proof of concept and put the brand in a position to present an even clearer picture for the next building and project. With plans to launch in the spring, Avi8ted House has been seeding the culture and preparing by hosting Avi8ted Sundays; a series of intimate events and conversations based around personal, business, and community development. Gary Vaynerchuk, a successful popular serial entrepreneur, once said “be slow to develop your religion, but fast to build your churches”. This aligned with the slow and steady building of Avi8ted Thoughts®, but plans to scale Avi8ted House quickly based on the amount of need and opportunity in the community. On Sundays, we have been gathering to fellowship, collaborate, learn and grow together. I have been able to witness firsthand the connections and conversations that this space has facilitated. One of the things that new people ooen complain about in regards to DC is that many conversations start with, “what do you do for work?” and is ooen more about what you can offer, not who are you? Here people get to show up as their full selves that extends far beyond what people may do to make money. I believe that we have a responsibility to create and share spaces in the community to ensure that this rising tide liis all the ships.

written by : Morgan Fykes | @morganfykes

Art by Tom Floyd ‘Integration is a Bitch‘ (1969) 8

"What you goin' to do when the rent comes 'round?" By Rufus Rastus Johnson Brown (1905) 9

th e n e e d for knowi ng h istory, fi nancial lite racy from a young age to close racial wealth an d housi ng gaps The longtime discrimination of lending, zoning, homeownership, and infrastructure development towards African Americans has resulted in a racial wealth gap in which Black wealth is only about five percent of White wealth, despite the fact, Black incomes average about 60 percent of White annual incomes. As homeownership is key to housing stability and long term generational wealth, City First Bank Executive Vice President Tom Nida told The Bridge it is important to know the history of financial and housing discrimination in this country, as well as educate young people on the importance of financial literacy in order to be fiscally sound and confident in the future. Nida explained that though the root of wealth inequities for Black Americans begins in 1865 (post the Civil War, when Congress enacted legislation to create and oversee the Freedmen’s Bureau and chartered Freedman’s Savings & Trust Company), the recent history of homeownership unfairness began aaer World War II. “I think that recent history would show that a lot of the homeownership that we see today really started right aaer the Second World War when you have the GI Bill that included financing guarantees from the Veterans Administration (VA). And you saw that in the post-war economy, all the way through the 50s and 60s, there was just an absolute boom in housing. Now the problem was, the government support at the time was largely limited to folks that were White just by virtue of the VA and the HFA (Housing Finance Agencies) and so what happened was, at the end of the Second World War, veterans that were returning and looking to become homeowners, they we finding the price of the home was roughly two times more than an annual income. But in the 1960s, when were the Fair Housing Act was passed, the price of housing had appreciated to the point where the average house was at least eight times the amount of the total annual income. So the gap had already been created, the problem was that if you were then getting access to housing support, and financing and all, you were already behind at default because the price of housing had soared in 20 something years, since the end of the War, So even if you had a good job and good income, the number of housing costs that you had to pay was something that your income level at the time, probably couldn’t support,” Nida explained. “And so the challenge is how do you make up for that in some sort of support? Whether it’s down payment support, financial support from the mortgage lenders, or whatever the case may be, because you can’t turn back the clock. Nobody wants to see a crash in housing prices to be able to restart the clock, so now the reality is that home prices are booming again, construction prices are up, the gap is getting wider, and we just have to be more creative in our thinking in how do we get people in a position to at least have a good starting point in regard to maybe their first home, and then let them get in the game with maybe appreciation, to trade up as things go on,” Nida continued. The City First Executive Vice President said that it is important to know the history of financial inequities, such as redlining and lender discrimination, as well as the trajectory of housing appreciation post World War II, in order to know how to move forward as well as consider government assistance that could improve homeownership and gap closing outcomes today. “People that don’t read their history or know their history, are doomed to have history repeat itself, so let’s start there. You don’t want to turn back the clock with the events of the past,” Nida said. “But, I think the other thing is if you look at the events and the causes and the effects, then it‘ll be incumbent upon, probably, the public sector, since largely the federal government started this ball rolling, it may be up to them to work with being creative in conjunction with local government, and be able to restore some equity here and at least give 10 everyone a fair starting point.”

written by : Mimi P. Green | @mimipgreen

One way to clearly evaluate the financial crises affecting Blank communities is through looking at Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC’s) Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) list. The FDIC defines MDIs as: “a federally insured depository institution for which (1) 51 percent or more of the voting stock is owned by minority individuals; or (2) a majority of the board of directors is a minority and the community that the institution serves is predominantly minority.” According to research from the FDIC, from 2001-2020, the total number of Black-led MDIs steadily declined from 48 to 20, while total assets only slightly increased, from $5 $5,033,296,000 to $5,596,561,000. However, numbers dramatically increased in both Hispanic and Asian/ Pacific Islander communities. While part of the Black MDIs issue with decreasing companies has to do with the larger trend of bank consolidation, the slow increase in assets is still very concerning. “The entire U.S. Banking industry has been consolidating for the last 25 years. When I first got into the banking business, there were probably 20,000 banks in this country, now there are about 6,000. And so the entire industry has consolidated- fewer but bigger banks. Even ours, two banks (City First and Broadway) merged, and so we have one bigger institution as a result. And so what we see is, the Black-led MDIs, had been in the process of consolidation, that’s why their numbers are reduced, but the flip side of that was, that while the numbers were reduced, there wasn’t any accelerated growth taking place in that sector, in comparison to Hispanic led, or the Asian/ Pacific Islander groups, which actually saw a real jump in the number of institutions, at least until about 2010. And then they started consolidating, but while they were consolidating, they were really growing exponentially,” Nida told The Bridge. “And so the challenge is that the other types of MDIs, probably can attribute some of their success to the fact they are tapping into populations that have seen substantial growth in this country in the last couple generations and if they are just making a pitch to look at having, like the credit unions, kind of a common base to support each other, you may see that helps contribute to the growth of those particular sectors.” “But, I do believe that the challenge here is that as we go forward, what is the opportunity? The reality is that since the last recession, the number of new bank charters across the country, of any kind, has been minimal. It’s tougher and tougher to get a new bank started. Capital requirements are tougher, regulatory requirements are tougher. So the challenge is going to be, not necessarily starting new banks, but looking at ways of fostering the growth of existing ones,” the bank’s Executive Vice President continued. Nida also explained how he believed Black millennials and Gen Z’ers could find ways to confidently enter into the world of homeownership and close the large wealth and housing gap in this country. “The number one challenge opportunity for any generation and any race is really getting into the game and being much more informed, with a good working knowledge of financial literacy. If you don’t know the rules of the game, it’s tough to play well,” he said, before passionately describing the need for education. “One of the challenges that we see, from many perspectives, is a lack of understanding of how you succeed. What’s expected? What’s required? How do you get there? How do you document it? Do you speak the same language as that lender? Do you know what the lender’s looking for and why so that you can anticipate a lot of that? The problem is that folks who are not financially literate, are handicapping themselves. And so one of the challenges is to reverse that, and I think that needs to start, frankly, in middle school, high school, so that folks coming out of school, whether they’re going on the college track or going into the employment world, or the militar they have an understanding of what they’re in for, and maybe use that information to set some military, reasonable goals and be aware of what their options are,” Nida explained. “I mean how many folks understand what’s available through Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, the FHA, your choice of guarantee programs, and all of that?” “That’s what we need to do, we need to educate people better about their financial resources available, and then help point them in the right direction and guide them there so that they can take advantage of it,” he emphasized. 11

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CONTROL THE NARRATIVE. SAVE THE CITY.

BLACK HISTORY month

Howard Emerges Victorious in First Annual NBA HBCU Classic Hometown Team Overcomes Double-digit Deficit to Defeat Morgan State University Ed Hill WI Sports Writer It was the First Annual NBA HBCU Classic and viewers witnessed a veritable smorgasbord of activities from Keke Palmer singing a rousing rendition of the Black National anthem, accompanied by the Howard University 'Showtime" Marching Band, to cheerleaders and dancers from both Howard and their opponent, Morgan State University. Also in the crowd would be the renowned movie director and producer, Spike Lee, a graduate of Morehouse College, who watched the game from courtside. Meanwhile, the commissioner of the NBA, Adam Silver, also counted among those in the crowd, where he represented the league and its varied interests. And oh yes, by the way, there was a basketball contest between the two rivals from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference [MEAC], Howard University and Morgan State University. When the smoke cleared, it would be Howard University which overcame a second half, double-digit deficit to narrowly defeat the Morgan State Bears, 6866, in an entertaining contest before almost 5,000 at the Wolfstein Center on the campus of Cleveland State University. By all accounts, the game served as a huge success. It showcased HBCU basketball with all that it has to offer before a national TV audience, carried on both TNT and ESPNU. "I'm really happy to come here and have the opportunity to be a part of this," said Howard Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney in his

post-game in interview. "We're very grateful to have the opportunity to play in such a marvelous event. Thanks to the NBA and all the sponsors." Kyle Foster, Howard senior guard, who led his team with 18 points expressed similar sentiments. "This event put HBCUs on the map," said Foster, a candidate for MEAC Player of the Year. "We have been struggling to get this kind of exposure for a long time and now it seems to be a time when we are getting our respect. As a senior, it is a great feeling to see this happen. Hats off the NBA." The Bears (8-13, 3-6 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) got off to a good start, capitalizing on Howard turnovers (16 in the first half ) to take a 3728 as they headed to the locker room. De'Torrien Ware led his team with 10 of his game-high 19 first half points. The lead increased to 16 before the Bison began to turn things around, led by Foster and freshman guard Elijah Hawkins. Down the stretch, it was free throw shooting that proved to be the difference. "We were able to take better care of the ball in the second half and that allowed us to play our game," said Hawkins, who finished with 17 points and five assists and is the leading candidate for freshman of the year in the MEAC. Howard (14-10, 7-3 in the MEAC) has won six in a row – the team’s best in over two decades with several games down to the wire during the current winning streak. "We did a better job of taking care of the basketball in the second half," explained Blak-

eney, a candidate for MEAC Coach of the Year. "We didn't utilize the free throw 5 Film director and producer Spike Lee was at courtside to support the event. (Courtesy photo) line in the first half and took a lot of jump shots but failed to put pres- on 80 percent in the second half, defense. We didn't do a good job sure on them defensively. Howev- including its last 10 over the late in the second half. We failed to er, we’ve done a good job of get- five minutes of the game. win the game. Our goal was to ting to the foul line in the last six The Bears, who have struggled come in and win the game but games." of late, shot only 26 percent in the we fell short. Still, it was a great Howard, which came into game second half after hitting a respect- opportunity for the players and shooting 72 percent as a team able 47 percent in the first stanza. Morgan State University,” said the from the charity stripe, converted "You have to play offense and Morgan State coach. WI

# B LACK I S B R I L L I A N T

De Beers celebrates Black History and Black Excellence

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14/02/2022 11:49

FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 27

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Acclaimed Food Writer Michael Twitty Joins MasterClass

D.C.-based Award-winning Author Will Teach Tracing Roots Through Food Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Michael Twitty, two-time James Beard Award-winning writer and author of “The Cooking Gene,” will teach a digital class tracing your roots through food. Through the platform MasterClass, Twitty will guide members on how cuisine can help them discover their unique cultural and familial history, the streaming platform announced last week. “Michael is a culinary historian who has revolutionized the way we understand what we eat,” said David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass. “He roots his class in his personal journey, teaching members how to see food as the lens and vehicle for understanding who we are, where we come from and how to preserve a family legacy.”

In his class, Twitty will teach members how to discover, track and document their family food histories through storytelling, genealogy and writing. By uncovering the unspoken truths of African-American food culture and its influence throughout history, Twitty shares that to pass down our food legacies, we must confront our ancestors’ good and bad histories. Using his book as an example, he will teach members why preserving and promoting family food history remains critical. “As someone with many intersections of identities – Black, gay, Jewish, Southern, male – all of those things put together means that if my experience is something rich and worthy of dialogue, so is yours,” Twitty said. Not new to Twitty, he’s been exploring food identities since 2010, with the launch of Afroculinaria, a culinary

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

history blog dedicated to exploring and educating readers on African and African-American foodways. “Understanding the culinary journey of our ancestors gives us something to be proud of and in my class, I will teach members how to preserve their ancestors’ legacy and continue telling their story through food,” he said. One of the ways Twitty will do so includes breaking down the meaning of “foodways” – inherited cultural and social practices surrounding food. He will also share the history of foodways during the transatlantic slave trade and the antebellum South. An exploration of the role of cultural appropriation and environmental racism on African-American culinary creations will be part of the class’s core, along with a step-by-step guide on how to interview family members to create one’s own DNA story through cuisine.

(Photo courtesy of MasterClass)

Twitty will also discuss authentic soul food and teach members how to cook traditional recipes such as blackeyed pea fritters and okra, corn and tomato “stew.” “Members will walk away with a new appreciation of preserving food experiences past and present to not

only uncover their food story but deepen their relationship with their family and culture,” MasterClass said. Twitty's class is now available exclusively on MasterClass, where subscribers get unlimited access to all 150+ instructors with an annual membership. WI

HARRIET TUBMAN FREDERICK DOUGLASS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR,

28 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

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Unsung Warriors Honored for Making D.C. Safer During Pandemic Black Coalition Against COVID Presents Awards to Individuals, Organizations D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the District has reported more than 1,300 deaths who count among those closest to us – family members, friends, co-workers – even business and political leaders who have become integral contributors in our lives. But even more deaths could have occurred had it not been for the unselfish and tireless efforts of hundreds of individuals and community-based organizations who accepted the call and served on the frontline to keep others safe and healthy. And to honor these men, women and organizations whose dedication and commitment in the battle against COVID-19 has generally gone unrecognized, the Black Coalition Against COVID [BCAC], a D.C.-based group formed in April 2020, has acknowledged these “soldiers” with awards of thanks. BCAC, established to address the challenges which continue to confront communities of color in D.C., has roots which can be traced back to the HIV/AIDS crisis that began in the early 1980’s. Their efforts have long been grounded in the belief that major public health crises require an active and engaged community-wide response in partnership with leadership within city government. As the Coalition has grown, its members have come from a variety of sectors including faith, academia, entertainment, organized labor, medical, business and non-profit. In their first series of awards, BCAC has put the spotlight on unsung warriors who have willingly acted upon their beliefs through tangible deeds of goodwill and service. The BCAC reached out to a host of community stakeholders for nominations for this first round of honorees. However, with so many

who could have been but were not chosen, they’ve already begun planning a second round of awards with the recipients to be announced in the coming months. Ten individuals have been selected for their work with an additional six leaders who persuaded their organizations to make significant contributions toward the well-being of those who live and work in the District. The honorees include: Stuart Anderson, advancing vaccine education, administration and COVID testing; Reginald Black, protecting the homeless from COVID; Mary Douglas Brown, health services navigator; Maurice Cook, Serve Your City and Ward 6 Mutual Aide’s initiatives; Conchita Mays-Crawford, COVID vaccination ambassador; the Rev. Tayla Daniel, PPEs, education and testing; Amanda Marshall, supporting and protecting D.C. families; Lamont Mitchell, guiding Anacostia Coordinating Council initiatives; Elder Ann Powell, leading efforts to vaccinate seniors; Kim R. Ford, director of community services, Martha’s Table; and Juanita Price, role model for increasing vaccine acceptance. Other honorees include: Deaconess Darlene Rowe, advancing vaccine administration clinics; Raygan Rogers, promoting DC Health’s COVID initiatives; Terrance Staley, leading the Alliance of Concerned Men’s COVID work; Danielle Stout, nursing services; and Cheryl Walker, COVID health services navigator. Dr. Reed V. Tuckson, M.D., the

BLACK HISTORY MONTH ANNOUNCING DC LOTTERY’S

2022 BLACK HISTORY CALENDAR MORE THAN A GAME Black Innovators in Sports

Since ancient times, cultures across the world have delighted in the creativity and skill of games. Black Americans continue to be visionaries and creators in this arena including groundbreaking inventions in traditional sports and exemplary leadership on and off the field of play. In today’s emerging field of computer gaming, young people like you are tackling underrepresentation onscreen as game characters and behind the screen as game programmers and software designers. What will you think of next? Game on!

DR. GEORGE FRANKLIN GRANT 1846–1910 Though many followed, the patent for the first golf tee was issued to Dr. George Grant, a noted New England dentist and the first African American faculty member of Harvard University’s School of Dental Medicine. An avid golfer, Dr. Grant grew tired of the then-custom of using one’s hands to mold wet sand into a mound on which to place the golf ball. His invention revolutionized the game of golf as we know it.

JOHN THOMPSON, III Born 1966 Coaching winning basketball teams is the family business for John Thompson, III. Namesake of his coaching legend father, John Thompson, III has won conference championships at his alma mater Princeton University and at Georgetown University. Under his leadership, the 2007 Georgetown men’s basketball team made it to the Final Four. Mr. Thompson is now Monumental Basketball’s Vice President of Player Development and Engagement.

SHEILA JOHNSON Born 1949 Calling shots on the game floor and in the board room, media and sports pioneer Sheila Crump Johnson is the founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts. It is ranked as one of the largest Minority-Owned Women-Owned Companies in the Washington D.C. Metro area. Johnson is the only African American woman to be a principal shareholder in three professional sports teams: the Washington Wizards, Capitals and Mystics. Johnson co-founded Black Entertainment Television (BET), the first Black-owned corporation registered on the New York Stock Exchange.

DOUG WILLIAMS Born 1955 Doug Williams made history in 1988, as the first Black quarterback to start and win the big game. Playing for the now-Washington Football Team, Williams would be named Super Bowl XXII’s Most Valuable Player. Still calling winning plays, he is currently Senior Advisor to Team President, Jason Wright, for the Washington Football Team.

Photos of Sheila Johnson and John Thompson, III: Monumental Sports; Photos of Dr. George Franklin Grant and Egyptian Senet game: Public Domain; Photo of Doug Williams provided by the Washington Football Team

AVAILABLE FOR FREE Find out about the DC Lottery’s Black History poster at dclottery.com or call 202-645-8000.

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FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 29

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

New Book: ‘Under Pressure: A Guide To Controlling High Blood Pressure’

Dr. Frita McRae Fisher, M.D. Says She’s On a Mission to Educate Adults Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer In an era of increasing rates of hypertension, one doctor remains on a mission to educate the masses about controlling high blood pressure. In her new book, “Under Pressure: A Guide To Controlling High Blood Pressure,” Frita McRae Fisher, MD., aka Dr. Frita, lays out a plan for managing one’s blood pressure and prevention. In the text, Dr. Frita says most people with high blood pressure don’t know they have it due to no symptoms, and most of the time, they have no idea that their condition has their health in danger. A matter she addresses with helpful tips that are “easy” to understand and implement. “It’s a step-by-step guide on how to control your high blood pressure, and it’s not written in a way

that people won’t understand,” Dr. Frita said. “I speak in layman’s terms so people can learn how to advocate for themselves and to take control of their health.” Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is blood pressure that is higher than usual that puts you at an increased risk for heart disease or stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg or are taking medication for hypertension. In 2019, more than half a million deaths in the U.S. had hypertension as a primary or contributing cause. By race and gender, more men have a high blood pressure than women (50% vs. 44%). In ad-

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dition, Black adults (56%) have higher rates of high blood pressure than white, Asian and Hispanic adults. With one in five U.S. adults having high blood pressure, Dr. Frita said it was important to write this book because so many people are affected by the disease, a leading cause of heart disease, strokes and kidney failure. “In fact, it’s the number-two reason why people end up in my dialysis unit. High blood pressure is something that is preventable or at least manageable,” she said. Dr. Frita states that she took the layman approach with the book because most people don’t understand how high blood pressure works and the dangers lurking from this “silent killer,” so they never ask their doctors the right questions. She adds that the book is all about resources – and for “people to have easy access to information

about avoiding hypertension in the first place and controlling it if they already have it.” Along with being an author, Dr. Frita is the president of Midtown Atlanta Nephrology, PC., where

she creates programs for patient education and prevention. She also has a YouTube channel with over 380,000 subscribers, where she provides health information on a variety of topics. WI

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

5 D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray speaks during the groundbreaking and naming ceremony for the new Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center in Ward 8. (Ja’mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

GW HEALTH from Page 1 Cedar Hill will be managed by Universal Health Services in concert with the George Washington University and Children’s National Hospital. It will provide patients a state-of-the-art, 136-bed, comprehensive service health care center with an ambulatory pavilion for physician’s offices, clinics and community space, a 500-car garage and a helipad for emergency transports. More importantly, it will be the first inpatient hospital to open in the city in over two decades. The hospital received its name from the estate of 19th century abolitionist and civil rights leader Frederick Douglass. Kenneth B. Morris, a descendant of Douglass, said the hospital “will provide much needed comfort and care.” D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) has worked on securing a modern health care facility for residents east of the river for several years. “Building a new hospital and creating a robust healthcare system on the East End of the city has been a goal of mine since my tenure as mayor,” said Gray, who served as mayor from 2011-2015. “I am grateful that my colleagues supported this vision and saw the vital importance of increasing access to quality healthcare for Ward 7 and District residents. The creation of a comprehensive health care system anchored by the new state-of-the-art Cedar Regional Medical Center is one of the best ways to ensure justice, equity and accessibility in healthcare services to residents of Wards 7 and 8,” he said. Gray thanked his successor, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, as well as Deputy Mayors Wayne Turnage and John Falcicchio and former City Administrator Rashad Young, his council colleagues and staffers “for

getting us to this point today.” “I look forward to continuing to work together to bring health equity to District residents, especially to those in Ward 7,” Gray said. The 365,000 square feet facility will include: a newborn delivery unit with a neonatal intensive care unit; academic medicine and pediatric care units with physicians and medical students from the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates and the George Washington medical and health sciences schools; Children’s Hospital and local practitioners; women’s health services; adult and children emergency departments; a trauma center (the first located east of the river); 16 behavioral health beds for voluntary and involuntary services; operating rooms; doctor’s offices for specialists; outpatient services; solar power which extends into the neighborhood; and a staff of 550 full-time professionals. D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) expressed his optimism about Cedar Hill. “It smells like a new ward today,” White said. “Thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands will benefit from this hospital. Ward 8 residents, particularly seniors, have had to travel across the city during a pandemic in order to receive treatment. I am excited we will have a real, state-of-the-art trauma center here in the ward. We are in the business of saving lives.” Ambrose Lane, Jr., a Democrat and candidate for the at-large council seat in the June 21 primary, celebrated the groundbreaking but said more work on community engagement needs to be done. “This is a good win for the community,” said Lane, a Ward 7 resident. “However, we still have to resolve workforce issues and find ways to deal with chronic diseases. We cannot stop

In remembering and honoring our building namesake Max Robinson and his incredible legacy, we recommit in the present to serving community, ﬁghting stigma and creating safe and welcoming health care service for all. Thank you, Max Robinson, for being a hero and champion for equity and health.

Our Max Robinson Center provides: Primary Medical Care

Gender Afﬁrming Care

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Learn more about our services at whitman-walker.org or call (202) 745-7000 – we must continue to fight for quality health care.” Salim Adofo, 8C advisory neighborhood commission chairman, said the new hospital will bring more than just patients and em-

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ployees to the community. “This will be an economic boost to Ward 8,” Adofo said. “People who work at the hospital will go out into the ward to spend their money at the shops and restaurants we have here. I

also see the building benefitting the community aesthetically with a great edifice. The new hospital will make Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue more vibrant.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 31

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Newly-Released Books for Black Youth Perfect for All Ages Book Illustrations Bring Stories to Life

the way a child speaks. This book is an easy, joyful reading experience beautifully illustrated by Reggie Brown. It's With the times we are now in, we a tale based on the premise that you want to know how to help our youth want to learn about each other when understand what is happening around first meeting someone. In writing this book, Sellers says he us, develop self-pride and think about where the future. Three books penned was influenced by his three-year-old by Bakari Sellers, Johnnetta Betsch twins, Stokely and Sadie. But the apCole and Anthony Tilghman encour- proach is a far cry from his memoir. "This was writing to a rhythm. You age intergenerational talks about these and other challenging but necessary want it to read with a rhythm," Sellers said. "You want it to be meaningful, topics. knowing that you had minimal space for words. Each word has to have WHO ARE YOUR power.” PEOPLE? Brown's illustrations of significant By Bakari Sellers and illustrated figures like Harriet Tubman, Martin by Reggie Brown; HarperCollins Luther King, Jr., Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou, John Lewis, Jackie People know Bakari Sellers as a po- Robinson, and others appear to be litical commentator on CNN and a watching over the two small children practicing attorney. His memoir "My as they travel through history. Vanishing Country" is a New York "For me, it was a conscious effort to Times best-selling. Now Sellers is a engage a Black male," said Sellers in beAMTRAK PRINT_Washington Informer_B-AA 3-3.pdf 1/25/22 4:10 children's Q2 book author with "Who ing paired with Brown1 to illustrate the Are Your People?" The title sounds like book. "Subconsciously through my Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

writing and his illustrations, I thought maybe we could get more Black men reading to their kids because they felt their voice in these pages." Brown's illustrations of multi-generational family gatherings ensure a place for anyone who wants to read this book to a young child. A strong family spirit runs through the pages. "Who Are Your People?" will turn a child's curiosity into engaging conversations about history, heritage and determination. A bonus will be that readers, young or old, will close the book covers filled with pride.

AFRICAN PROVERBS FOR ALL AGES COLLECTED By Johnnetta Cole and Nelda LaTeef Illustrated by Nelda LaTeef; Roaring Brook Press PM

Now we are going to the motherland, Africa. Dr. Johnnetta Betsch

5 “Who Are Your People?” by Bakari Sellers and illustrated by Reggie Brown. (Courtesy photo) 4 A book of African proverbs collected by Johnnetta Cole and Nelda LaTeef; illustrated by Nelda LaTeef. (Courtesy photo)

Cole and Nelda LaTeef have gathered more than 60 proverbs from the continent. A group of children dressed in African patterns are playing and holding hands in the colorful cover illustration for "African Proverbs for All Ages." It is the first children's book designated as "An Oprah Book." Cole and LeTeef have lived in sever-

al African countries, working throughout the continent and spending time on various research projects. When Cole was director of the Smithsonian Museum of African Art, LeTeef visited her. The women said they realized their mutual love of African proverbs

BOOKS Page 33

CMY

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BOOKS from Page 32 and agreed to work together on a book. "It was fun and never contentious," said Cole about collaborating with LaTeef. "We each came with ones we loved, others we viewed and those we discovered recently." At times, these proverbs flowed like affirmations. I envisioned an elder sharing a couple of these sayings at family reunions. Then I felt a few proverbs would be helpful to a young adult starting their career. Others felt perfect for a mid-level employee moving into a management role. This 40-page book outweighs books with hundreds of pages that we purchased to guide our lives. LaTeef's illustrations accompany the four proverbs for each two-page spread. That is intentional to create dialogue as readers interpret the sayings. Since the book was published, it has been shared with children to get their reactions. There are a range of responses, but there are no wrong answers. "Whether the reader is eight or 80, let's give them an opportunity to be

engaged with the book," Cole said. “That's how why we came up with the concept of four proverbs and the illustrations." What Cole and LaTeef have created with "African Proverbs for All" is an appreciation for guidance delivered in a simple format. The sayings can immediately take readers to a reflective place and all of us could use a pause.

BLACK MALE, BLACK HOODIE

Written and illustrated by Anthony Tilghman; published independently A Black male walks into a store or drives his car home from an errand. People are watching him. He's followed down store aisles by a manager. He's wearing what most males wear, sweatpants or jeans and a hoodie. It's a scenario we hear about far too often. What should he do to not be confronted? Anthony Tilghman tackles the issue in "Black Male, Black Hoodie," a 24-page paperback. In addition to being the

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

author, Tilghman, an award-winning photojournalist, videographer and nonprofit executive, is also the book's illustrator. This book is a companion piece to "the talk" – that rite of passage for young Black males. “I wanted to showcase this, especially to our African-American young males," Tilghman said. "They need to know their rights, what to do when they encounter racism, particularly at establishments where they buy things." "Black Male, Black Hoodie" follows a young Black male in a grocery store. A white woman feels anxious and notifies law enforcement that the Black male looks suspicious. The questioning begins. Other shoppers stop and look but the store manager speaks up to vouch for the young man. The manager also "checks" the woman on her biases. Other shoppers speak up for the young man, as well. At the same time, store patrons continue to chat. The illustration shows the white woman feeling flustered. How does the young Black man feel? Is he relieved to get

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out one more time without a worse supplies and awarding scholarships. situation? Tilghman should know For Tilghman, it is all about the chilbecause this is his personal situation. dren. "It is important that kids learn "That happens to me all the time when I walk into a store especially about being profiled in the comwearing all black and a hoodie," he munity," Tilghman said. "I look said. "I automatically get judged. I forward to continuing to spread the get followed around. There is always word. WI that tension that pops up in a store." "Black Male, Black Hoodie" is Tilghman's fourth book that he has authored and illustrated. They capture his personal stories. Topics include the impact of the pandemic on children, bullying and moving from homeless to being cool. Proceeds from book sales go toward his nonprofit Make Smart Cool. The organization puts in thousands of hours offering programs for children. Community outreach includes hosting a weekly boys and girls reading club, donating 5 “Black Male, Black Hoodie,” written and backpacks with school illustrated by Anthony Tilghman. (Courtesy photo)

FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 33

Who tells the story makes the difference When the story being told is personal to the storyteller, it makes an emotional connection. And when their story is your story as well, then the connection is even stronger. Just say, “Black Experience,” into your Xfinity Voice Remote and enjoy the largest curated Independent Black Film Collection on demand, plus new and classic TV shows, blockbuster movies, and much more. Xfinity, where Black History is always on. Sign up today at xfinity.com/blackexperience

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Bakari Sellers Reflects on History with Eye Toward Future Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer At 22, Bakari Sellers had already made history. The son of civil rights icon Cleveland Sellers, Bakari stunned the political world by defeating a 26-year incumbent state representative to become the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature. With the improbable 2006 victory, Sellers became the youngest African-American elected official. Sellers earned an undergraduate degree from Morehouse College and a law degree from the University of South Carolina. Like his father, Sellers has displayed a commitment to civil rights and addressing issues plaguing Black America like education, poverty, domestic violence and childhood obesity. He served on President Barack Obama’s South Carolina steering committee during Obama’s historic 2008 run for the oval office. A lawyer, best-selling author and CNN commentator, Sellers earned

BCAC from Page 29 District’s former commissioner of public health and a co-founder of BCAC, said glaring health disparities between Blacks and whites, acknowledged prior to the pandemic, have only been exacerbated since the emergence of COVID-19. “Unfortunately, those disparities have gotten worse over the last two years and it has become apparent that we have a lot of work to do if we want to save Black lives,” he said. “These awards are all about honoring and thanking those who did the hard work but who are rarely recognized for the so-called little things like delivering food or knocking on doors to facilitate residents getting vaccinated.” “Further, these awards serve as a reminder that we must unite with the belief that Black lives are worth fighting for and that they matter. By honoring today’s heroes and sheroes, we’re setting the foundation for the work that has to go forward,” Tuckson said. Philip Pannell, longtime commu-

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of South Carolina in 2014. Reflecting on his still young and already successful life, Sellers refuses to take anything for granted. He continues to draw inspiration from his father, Stokely Carmichael and other civil rights champions as he seeks to push the dialogue about the vast racial inequalities for which Black leaders have fought and died. “I think in the conversations we’re having across the country, people want to know how to talk to their kids about the issues of race. So with young Brown kids, Black kids, they’ll get a sense of pride,” Sellers said during an interview at the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. “With white kids or others, they’ll read the book and they’ll get a sense of understanding. We live in a country where we have an empathy deficit because we don’t know or understand the struggles of others. I think this book helps break it down for kids who are ages four to eight, if not younger,

to understand and be prideful in who they are and where they come from,” Sellers continued. While his books like “Who Are Your People?” and “My Vanishing Country: A Memoir” have sparked needed dialogue, Sellers plans to do more. Notably, he said he wants to lift the importance of the civil rights movement. “I want to put together an overview and then dig down deep into pieces and maybe tell some stories about the heroes and heroines who got us this far, the shoulders upon which we stand,” Sellers asserted. His father, Cleveland, counted as a key figure in pushing the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee – or SNCC – in the direction of grassroots organizing for Black political power. Cleveland Sellers was one of the 28 people wounded during The Orangeburg Massacre in 1968. The deadly incident occurred at South Carolina State University as highway patrol units fired upon non-

The Rev. Wanda Thompson, a dedicated member of the Ward 8 Clergy and Faith Leaders monthly breakfast group, said ministers deserve a lot of credit for effectively spreading the word about COVID.

“Now that it appears the pandemic is on the decline, we’re still going to need people with the same spirit committed to promoting healing in our community. These honorees are part of that continued effort and as they have not been recognized for their work, these awards serve as a means of congratulating them for their good deeds while inspiring others to follow their example.” The Rev. Wanda Thompson, a dedicated member of the Ward 8 Clergy and Faith Leaders monthly breakfast group, said ministers deserve a lot of credit for effectively spreading the word about COVID. “They didn’t try to force their congregations or communities to get shots but they certainly encouraged them,” she said. “Many even had events at their churches where people could get vaccinated or receive information. With our community being impacted the most, we must be willing to serve on the frontline. Anyone who has worked to help bring the numbers down is a real hero or sheroe,” she said. WI

nity activist and executive director for the District’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission, said the honorees represent those who have risked their own lives for others. “They have promoted testing and vaccinations and educated the public on how to stay safe,” he said.

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5 Bakari Sellers. (Courtesy photo)

violent and unarmed student protestors. Three students were killed. “My father was shot in the shoulder,” Bakari Sellers remarked. “The unique part of that is that all of the officers were charged and it was the first time in the country’s history that law enforcement was charged with federal crimes.” A jury rendered not guilty verdicts and prosecutors lodged five felony charges against Cleveland Sellers that carried a 75-year prison sentence. “My father was charged, convicted and sentenced to hard labor,” Sellers said. “Ironically, they misplaced evidence and backdated the indictment from February 8 (when the massacre occurred) to February 6, meaning that my father was really convicted of being a one-man riot.” Sellers remarked how his family got involved in the movement after the murder of Emmet Till. “My father came to Howard University and befriended Stokely Carmichael and the rest is history,” he said. Following Cleveland’s stint in hard labor, Sellers said his father returned home facing the odds of being Black with a felony on his record. He recalled how his mother would give birth to his sister while Cleveland was in prison. However, Cleveland would earn a degree from Harvard and later, he landed a job as a college president. “I joke that my family was probably the only guy on the yard with a degree from Harvard,” Sellers said.

He noted that his mother “was one of the strongest people I know.” “Her family was middle class and they weren’t necessarily too keen of the movement but aware,” Sellers said. “But my mother was part of that school desegregation class at Hamilton High School in Memphis, so there’s that history on both sides of the family.” Sellers notes how his life has been bookended by tragedy – the 1968 Orangeburg Massacre and the 2015 Charleston Massacre, where he lost a friend. “This is the Negro experience in America,” Sellers said. “I want to tell the stories about the Black women who always sit on the front two rows of the church wearing their big hats and when you hug them, you smell like Chanel all day long, and they use two sticks of butter in their pies.” He continued: “And the stories of the men who served in Vietnam and who sit in the barbershop all day without getting a haircut and talking about why Muhammad Ali would beat Mike Tyson and when Dr. King came through town.” “We have to own our story. If we don’t, people will tell you that Dr. King came down to this country, won a Nobel Prize, told you to judge people by the content of their character and not by their skin color and then he died in his sleep. They don’t tell you about the revolutionary that was Dr. King,” he said. WI

FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 35

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Coming up at DC-area premiere

STEP AFRIKA! DRUMFOLK Thu & Fri, March 3 & 4 Resistance. Resilience. Reclamation.

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS

(Photo courtesy Step Afrika!)

Step Masters of Step Afrika! Share Powerful Black History Lesson with ‘Drumfolk’

Fri, April 8

OCTAVIA E. BUTLER’S

PARABLE OF THE SOWER

Founder C. Brian Williams to Unveil New Production in D.C. Premiere at the Strathmore

Co-presented by Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor

Thu & Fri, April 28 & 29 A powerful theatrical concert by Toshi Reagon & Bernice Johnson Reagon

Step Afrika!, Wynton Marsalis by Piper Ferguson, Parable of the Sower by Reed Hutchinson

STRATHMORE.ORG | 301.581.5100 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852

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“They took the drums away but they could not stop the beat.” These words serve as the message from D.C.’s own Step Afrika! as their founder and executive director, C. Brian Williams, describes the company’s newest production, “Drumfolk.” The celebrated step masters, exuberant after recently receiving standing ovations in Charlotte, N.C. during three sold out performances, will take to the stage at the Strathmore for the D.C. premiere of “Drumfolk,” March 3 – 4. The production serves as a celebration of resistance, resilience and reclamation and like Alvin Ailey’s signature piece, “Revelations,” “Drumfolk” has the makings of becoming the work which best defines the mission and message of Williams’ Step Afrika! ensemble. Williams said while the pandemic has forced the group to adjust its routine, they haven’t stopped working, creating and perfecting their highly-acclaimed “conversations.” “We’ve been performing since August 2021 including a holiday production last December,” he said. “But ‘Drumfolk’ is like nothing ever seen on stage anywhere in the world. We per-

formed a portion of the work several years ago but we were still putting the finishing touches on it.” “Now, it’s completed and it’s powerful. Included in the production will be “The Ring Shout” – a part of African history that few people have ever seen performed and one that we believe will resonate with the audience.” “Drumfolk” was inspired by The Stono Rebellion of 1739, an uprising initiated by enslaved Africans who used their drums to start a revolt in South Carolina. The suppression of the rebellion lead to the Negro Act of 1740 which took away the rights to assemble, read and use drums from Africans in the American colonies. When Africans lost the right to use their drums, the beats found their way into the body of the people – the Drumfolk. New percussive art forms took root and made way for tap, beatboxing and the African-American tradition of stepping. From hambone to hip-hop, an extraordinary ensemble of dancers, drummers and musicians take viewers from the 18th century to today, revealing the hidden histories and resounding rhythms that transformed America. In “Drumfolk,” the remarkable performers of Step Afrika! recreate histories, too often relegated to the mar-

gins and achieve a musical and movement-filled celebration of the human spirit. “’Drumfolk’ serves as the second work by Step Afrika! that celebrates and chronicles the African-American experience in America,” Williams said. “This production is grounded in extensive research and over 25 years of Step Afrika!’s percussive practice and investigation into the tradition of stepping. We’re thrilled to be sharing it with our audiences.” Williams said he continues to marvel at the warm reception he and his ensemble have garnered from audiences in the DMV, across the U.S. and around the world. Shortly after their appearance at The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md., Step Afrika! will travel to Poland where they will be on tour in cities throughout the country. “Since 1994, we’ve been doing this and always pushing forward,” he said. “It’s hard to believe that we’re almost 30 years old. And we’re excited to bring this work to the beautiful stage at the Strathmore. It’s the kind of work that will force you to reflect on both the past and the future.” For more information and tickets, go to www.strathmore.org or www.stepafrika.org. WI

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Washington Gas – Financial Assistance Options for You We are Here to Help

Submitted by Washington gas Washington Gas is committed to supporting our customers who are experiencing financial challenges and have trouble paying their gas bill. We are here to help. Our Washington Gas Cares program is designed to connect customers with several energy assistance programs and a variety of flexible payment plans. Our team is prepared to help you manage the challenges of paying your utility bill and we stand ready to connect you with an energy assistance option or a payment plan that fits your budget — simply visit www.washingtongascares.com. “Washington Gas is dedicated to the communities, families, neighbors and individuals we serve. It’s part of who we are and what the Washington Gas Cares initiative is all about ─ to lend a helping hand when customers can use it the most,” said Blue Jenkins. “Our team stands ready to support customers facing difficult decisions when paying their bills. We can identify the right energy assistance option and payment plan that fits a customer’s budget and schedule during a time of need. Customers can also contact us directly. Let us help you today.” The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can explore options and find a solution best suited for you.

GET HELP

o RESIDENTIAL ESSENTIAL SERVICE (RES): Eligible households may qualify for a discount on a portion of the natural gas they use each month during the heating season from Nov. 1 to Apr. 30. To be eligible for the RES discount, customers must: • Use natural gas as the main source for home heating; and • Be certified by the Department of Energy & Environment as eligible for LIHEAP. o LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP): The federal government distrib-

utes funds to the District of Columbia which, in turn, provides grants to qualified applicants to help them pay their energy bills. For assistance on LIHEAP, RES or a payment plan, call 844-WASHGAS and select option 2. Please note that wait times may be extended due to the higher call volume. o WASHINGTON AREA FUEL FUND (WAFF): Founded by Washington Gas and administered by The Salvation Army, WAFF has traditionally paid for all types of fuel to heat families’ homes during the winter season. Washington Gas pays the administrative fees of the fund so 100 percent of WAFF contributions go to those who need assistance. Washington Gas and The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command unveiled a special Heating Fund to assist natural gas consumers pay their gas bills. Customers who qualify are eligible to receive up to $1,000 in payment assistance. Eligible customers for the new Heating Fund must meet the guidelines for WAFF and live within Washington Gas’ service area. For example, a family of four earning up to $77,600 could be eligible for assistance. All WAFF assistance is available annually between January 1 and May 31. For more information go to washingtonareafuelfund.org/eligibility. o THE ARREARAGE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Starting November 1, 2021 and running until October 31, 2022, eligible customers may enroll in the AMP initiative. Once enrolled, customers will participate in our 12-month payment plan. Upon successful completion of the 12-month plan, customers will receive forgiveness for the amount included under AMP. To become eligible to enroll in the program, you must first apply for energy assistance and be approved by the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE). To contact DOEE, call 311 or go online at https://doee. dc.gov. If your past due balance is more than $3,000, you must first bring your past due balance to $3,000 or less.

There are many payment options available to assist with managing your Washington Gas bill: o DEFERRED PAYMENT PLAN You can make payment arrangements by enrolling in the Deferred Payment Plan before signing up for Budget Plan. Defer payments for up to 12 months or 24 months if you are receiving energy assistance. No down payment is required, and payment deferral is interest free. Installment plans distribute your current outstanding balance across several billing periods. Avoid further credit action on your account as long as you make payments according to the agreement. Once

your plan is approved, you will be eligible to enroll in Budget Plan. For more information visit https://wglcx. washgas.com/#/Budget

able for residential customers only and allows for the extension of the payment due date.

o BUDGET PLAN The Budget Plan spreads the cost of winter heating over the entire year so that you pay the same amount every month. Each month, your bill will show actual gas usage, along with budget installments, so you can review the information. The Budget Plan is designed as a 12-month program, and we encourage you to stay on it yearround to realize the potential benefits. For more information visit https:// wglcx.washgas.com/#/Budget • Payment Extension Plan are avail-

• Online - Log in to our eService Center, eservice.washgas. com, to view or pay your current gas bill quickly and securely. • Phone - To pay your bill with your personal checking account, credit card or debit card, call 844-WASHGAS (844-9274427). • 7-Eleven - Make quick and easy cash payments at any local 7-Eleven store by using the bar code located on the back of your Washington Gas bill.

WAYS TO PAY

WE’RE HERE TO

HELP YOU WASHINGTON GAS CARES FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS There are several payment options available to help manage your Washington Gas bill.

RECEIVE PAYMENT ASSISTANCE If you’ve fallen behind, please let us help you. There are proven payment assistance programs available to help you manage your Washington Gas bill, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

ENERGY SAVINGS RESOURCES We offer rebates on high-efficiency natural gas equipment, helping to reduce your energy consumption and save money on your utility bills.

Learn more, visit www.washingtongascares.com

Customer Service: 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427) Natural Gas Leaks/Emergencies: 911 and then 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427)

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FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 37

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38 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

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FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 39

LIFESTYLE

wi book review "Books for Kids for Black History Month" c.2022, various publishers $17.99 - $18.99 various page count

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer The people you love are very special to you. They keep you safe and warm, make sure you aren't hungry, they teach you fun things to know, and they share stories. So why not ask for these great stories from history....? If you had a plate full of your favorite thing to eat, would you share it? In "Sweet Justice: Georgia Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus Boycott" by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie (Random House, $18.99), you'll read about Gilmore, whose resourcefulness in the face of racism helped finance a small part of the Civil Rights Movement. When Rosa Parks was arrested for a quiet act that launched a movement, Gilmore was working as a cook at a restaurant. She participated in the bus boycott, but she also felt that she could do more – and so she bravely began to collect money, quietly, right in front of the very people who could arrest her, too. For kids ages 5-7, this is a great introduction to this unsung heroine of the Civil Rights Movement. For children who want to know more individual stories of slavery, "Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America" by Selene Catrovilla, illustated by E.B. Lewis (Calkins Creek Books, $18.99) is a book to find. It's the true story of a man, an escaped slave, who played a silent but important part in the Civil War, the defeat of the Confederacy, and the end of slavery. Also for kids ages 5-7, this is an exciting tale and a great discussion-starter. Slightly older children who have been following along with today's news will enjoy "Evicted! The Struggle for the Right to Vote" by Alice Faye Duncan, art by Charly Palmer (Calkins Creek, $18.99). It's a story of the early years of Jim Crow, when sharecroppers could kick a family off their farm merely because the adults wished to register to vote. White shopkeepers wouldn't do business with them anymore, either, leaving them with few options. This book explains what those sharecroppers had to do to cast their ballots. Duncan tells individual tales, placing them inside a larger narrative so that kids ages 7-to-12 will understand why voting is a precious right. And finally, for the 3-to-5-year who loves a good fable, "Mermaid Kenzie, Protector of the Deeps" by Charlotte Watson Sherman, illustrated by Geneva Bowers (Boyds Mills Press, $17.99). is a book they'll love. Mermaids are a big part of African folklore, and this cute book tells the story of a young girl who loves to swim and to pretend that she protects everything in the sea. Imagine what happens when she learns that she really can help her underwater friends and the home in which they live... If your child craves more or different Black history books, or if you've got an older child who needs a good book, be sure to ask your favorite librarian or bookseller for help. They've got millions of ideas at their fingertips, including these special books. WI

40 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

horoscopes

FEB 24 - MAR 2, 2022

ARIES You might be compelled to consider diving into an exciting investment plan or moneymaking opportunity on a whim. Aspects could create friction and possibly even simmering anger with your significant other or another loved one. Do your best to handle it in a measured, immediate way to preempt a conflict and land on a healing solution. Lucky Numbers: 3, 14, 29 TAURUS As the week begins, you'll enjoy spending time with your lover and friends. Later, there could be tension in conversations with family members or colleagues. You might very well be at the end of your rope and inclined to repress these heated feelings but expressing them now and letting out the steam will serve you best. Lucky Numbers: 18, 23, 35 GEMINI At the week's start, you'll get a burst of self-assuredness and vitality that can absolutely light up your love life. Own this moment, and think about how you can make this playful, loving energy last. Later, you'll want to bring your whole heart to the conversation with a higher-up or colleague. Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 12 CANCER Your creativity, imagination, and sensitivity are sure to be heightened when the week begins. You'll want to break free of your usual routine and have an impromptu date or other whimsical experience with your lover or closest friends. Later, the stage is set for potentially butting head with family members. Lucky Numbers: 10, 19, 22 LEO You'll be driven to create exciting, important changes on the job early in the week. Your main focus is getting out of the rut you've been in for a while now and enjoying more freedom. Make sure to check in with your gut and follow your heart as you navigate this eye-opening, pivotal moment. Lucky Numbers: 5, 26, 35 VIRGO Heartfelt conversations with your significant other or a dear friend might be even easier to initiate at the beginning of the week. The key is leading with your emotions as opposed to logic now, as rational thoughts could be hazy. But it's an ideal time to open up about your fantasies and daydreams, which can set you up for romantic magic. Lucky Numbers: 4, 9, 38 LIBRA You'll feel like you have the green light to act on your deepest emotions when the week starts. This can be not only incredibly empowering but also fertile ground for making moves that will have a resounding effect, such as taking a class that could lead to an exciting job opportunity or signing up for training related to a new wellness plan. Lucky Numbers: 1, 16, 24 SCORPIO Look forward to getting caught up in daydreams that will be more vivid than usual when the week begins. You'll want to open up to loved ones about these exciting visions and potentially draw inspiration from them as you lean into an activity that allows you to express yourself in a creative way, such as poetry or another form of art. Lucky Numbers: 7, 9, 23 SAGITTARIUS You might find yourself itching to shake up your everyday fitness and eating routine. Whether you consult with a trusted expert to find an updated approach to ongoing health concerns or you commit to boosting the intensity of your existing strategy, enacting a shift of some kind now can ultimately improve both your morale and your results. Lucky Numbers: 26, 49, 58 CAPRICORN You might feel stirred to shift your approach to dating or connecting with your current partner early in the week. Adopting a laid-back, go-with-the-flow attitude or feeling more open in how you flirt with that special someone can have you feeling even more empowered and fulfilled in your love life. Lucky Numbers: 5, 10, 13 AQUARIUS Don't hesitate to bring your wildest ideas to the table at the start of the week. You'll be on a roll dreaming up quirky, out-there proposals, and there's no reason to hold back from sharing them with higher-ups and colleagues. Lucky Numbers: 15, 31, 32 PISCES If you've been feeling overwhelmed by nonstop e-mails, texts, and the sheer frenzied pace of life, you might be compelled to switch things up in a significant way as the week begins. You might even surprise people around you when you decide to make a bold move, such as setting boundaries around the times you're answering messages. Lucky Numbers: 16, 21, 39

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Through Project UP, Comcast is committing $1Billion so millions more students can continue to succeed in a digital world and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.

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FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 41

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“We’re building critical mass toward telling Dr. E.B. Henderson’s story and it’s well past time,” said Edwin Henderson, the grandson of Dr. E.B. Henderson and author of an upcoming book exploring Henderson’s life and multifaceted career. Dr. E.B. Henderson graduated in 1904 at the top of his class from Miner Normal School, then part of what would eventually become UDC. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Howard University, a master’s degree from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in athletic training from Central Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Missouri. Summer sessions at Harvard University introduced Henderson to the game of basketball which he would bring back to the District. Between 1926 and 1954, he served as director of health and physical education for D.C.’s Black public schools. He also launched a chapter of the NAACP in Fairfax, Va. He would later serve as president of the Virginia NAACP and became a charter member of its D.C. chapter. Though he never learned the game of basketball from his grandfather, Edwin Henderson said he relished spending summers with him at Highland Beach in Anne Arundel County, Md. toward the end of his life. Often listening to him reminisce about his coaching days, the he enjoyed staying up late and watching the NBA Finals with his grandfather in the late 1960s when Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics and Wilt Chamberlain of the Los Angeles Lakers went toe to toe for the championship. In 2013, the late Henderson

ARTS from Page 14 ECAC board’s transparency, concerns still loomed about the lack of a concrete plan to carry on Robinson’s work. Ginia Avery, a District resident, said she wants to explore the possibility of collaborating with the new owner in the continuation of ECAC’s purpose. As a founding member of the Georgia Avenue Business Alliance, Avery often organized small business owners along the corridor to push back against development that threatened their longevity. Avery said Robinson often

5 The new name of the sports complex at the University of the District of Columbia is unveiled honoring the late Dr. Edwin B. Henderson for his contribution to sports in the District of Columbia. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

became a posthumous inductee in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame after Henderson and his wife brought to light his accomplishments. Five years later, Henderson entered UDC’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Later this year, the Washington Wizards, in alignment with the release of the Henderson biography, will reportedly highlight Henderson’s contributions to the game of basketball. “If you want to know about [the insertion of ] Black people in basketball, you should start at the beginning,” said Edwin Henderson, a Falls Church, Va. resident. “When Dr. Henderson learned the game in 1904, he taught the counted among the partners in that effort with the two routinely going to Park Morton Public Housing in Northwest to help tenants fight displacement. However, Avery acknowledged ECAC as the center of Robinson’s year-round community engagement. “People had something free every day,” Avery told The Informer. “That’s how much Sylvia was able to provide for the community. We believe in her work and the work that came before her in that building. That’s too big of a legacy for us not to continue.” WI @SamPKCollins

sport, made teams and leagues and trained referees. He introduced basketball on a wide scale with the African-American population. That’s how he should be known,” he said. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 19, marked the inception of the Dr. Edward Bancroft Henderson Memorial Fund, which supports the launch of a scholarship endowment, the renaming of a sports complex and the establishment of a permanent on-campus memorial for Henderson. Rodney Trapp, who serves as vice president for advancement at UDC, described it as part of the Equity Imperative Strategic Plan. He said the newly-named athletic facility will raise UDC’s profile as a tourist destination while the endowment will allow more economically-disadvantaged youth to participate in summer camps, sharpen their basketball skills and become familiar with STEM concepts. These plans, Trapp said, fall in line with the essence of Henderson’s legacy. “Our theme is ‘Pathways to Possible’ and it talks about all of the possibilities in one’s career and life trajectory. That theme is very consistent with the life work of Dr. E.B. Henderson,” Trapp told The

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Meditate Like the Wise Old Owl

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.”

Meditation has become so important today, especially with so many changes occurring in our earth, starting with climate change. We have all experienced the major hurricanes, tornadoes leveling entire towns, only leaving a few houses standing. We have witnessed storms with so much rain that fish are displaced, now with so much ocean water covering neighborhoods, you wouldn’t know the difference. We are having fires that burn for months, and ice that has been frozen for centuries, melting and the ocean warming up. And lastly, we seem to be getting close to the end of a world-wide pandemic. None of us knows what could happen next. Thus, the need for meditation. This is the time to be quiet, and commune with our Divine Leader, no matter what your faith. Let me introduce to some and present to others, my dear friend Sister Dr. Jenna. The two of us met during the new series that was seen on the OWN TV Network, the Belief Series, by Oprah Winfrey. The two of us shared leadership, working closely with the committee in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area, she’s the best! Sister Dr. Jenna is the author of a recently released book Meditation: Intimate Experiences with the Divine through Contemplative Practices. As an acclaimed, trusted spiritual mentor she is committed to bridging divides in societies and building relationships between global influencers. She has impacted lives around the globe, inspiring change and finding solutions to current day crises as the founder and director of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum, located in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area. Sister Dr. Jenna is also the host of the popular America Meditating Radio Show and recipient of the President’s Lifetime National Community Service Award. She is a member of the Evolution-

ary Leaders Circle and was selected by Empower A Billion Women 2020 as one of 100 most influential leaders of 2015. Sister Dr. Jenna’s voice of influence is particularly needed in the wake of tragedy and increasing violence in our world. Acclaimed spiritual mentor Sister Dr. Jenna expands the concept of meditation to the highest level—from simple relaxation to ecstatic union with Source with MEDITATION: Intimate Experiences with the Divine through Contemplative Practices, her first book and the second book in our Common Sentience book series. Her wisdom will enhance your understanding of the value of contemplative practices, what happens when you turn within, and how it develops your capacity for selfless service. Learn how listening to your inner silence can help you overcome life obstacles, reclaim your spiritual power, and immerse in the presence of the Divine. What makes this book uncommon and truly special is it shares spiritual wisdom on the intimate journey of coming home to yourself through meditation and true, personal stories of meditation as a gateway into the mystical. In Part One: Understanding Meditation, Sister Jenna shares foundational yet profound wisdom on the experience of God inside of you, how to meditate and why, and what happens when you meditate. Part Two: Intimate Experiences

5 Sister Dr. Jenna is the author of a recently released book Meditation: Intimate Experiences with the Divine through Contemplative Practices

with the Divine through Contemplative Practices the mystical goes mainstream sharing the personal, meditative experiences that Sister Dr. Jenna and people from around the world have had. Find out how a mothers’ mindful moments led to: Heartfelt clarity about a father’s death giving his son a new life; woman embracing her wounded inner child and healing; an inexplicable medical miracle; a grieving mother connecting with the child she lost; understanding Divine Love through a grandchild’s eyes; receiving guidance from spiritual masters on one’s sacred work. Part Three: Deepening Your Connection to the Divine through Meditation does just that as Sister Dr. Jenna shares the world behind our eyes, practices that can deepen the meditative experience, and the path of seva as an integral part of our journeys. WI

(301) 864-6070

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness / Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland / Assistant & Youth Pastor 12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

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FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 43

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word of Life Church

Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Third Street Church of God

Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

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

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

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

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 Sunday 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

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

Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 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 Marks Baptist Come Worship 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

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

headline and photo for Mount Olivet LIF - MALCOLMXLutheran Church DAY

901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

44 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

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

800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

themcbc.org

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

Crusader Baptist Church

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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, 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

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

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!

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: 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

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

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

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

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM

Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

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"

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

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”

“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Shiloh Baptist Church

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 “

4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Christ Embassy DC

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor

9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288

602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595

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

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM

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

Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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 “

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 45

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2021 ADM 1616

2021 ADM 1552

Saul Shampain Decedent

Charles S. Grigsby aka Charles Grigsby aka Charles Sylvester Grigsby Decedent

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

Julius Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Ste. 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Washington Informer

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 I am: “ Terrell De Von Green© ”, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ TERRELL DE VON GREEN© ”, corp.sole Dba.: “ TERRELL D GREEN© ”, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: “Terrell De Von Green©”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “terrell de von green©”. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, 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: STATE OF MARYLAND, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Division of Vital Records : State File Numbers: 1977 -22- 11549, & 1977 11549, “ TERRELL DE VON GREEN© ”, “TERRELL D GREEN© ”, “ TERRELL GREEN© ”, & “ GREEN, TERRELL DEVON ”, is as a special deposit order conveyed to “ Freed Ruach 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: “terrell de von green©”, nom deguerre: “Terrell De Von Green©”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: “Freed Ruach 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

2021 ADM 001541

2021 ADM 000379

2022 ADM 00013

2021 ADM 001183

Harold Smith Decedent

Leonard L. Ledbetter aka Leonard L. Ledbetter Sr. aka Leonard Lenard Ledbetter Sr. Decedent

Levon H. Garabedian Decedent

Fred L. Simmons, Sr Decedent

Carolyn P. Vinson, Esq. Venable LLP 600 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

Pro Se Attorney

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

Michele L. Simmons, whose address is 2628 Myrtle Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Fred L. Simmons, Sr. who died on 1/12/2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/17/2022. 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 8/17/2022, 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.

Robert Shampain, whose address is 4050 20th Avenue, SW, Seattle, WA 98106, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Saul Shampain who died on September 19, 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 8/10/2022. 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 8/10/2022, 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: 2/10/2022 Robert Shampain Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Tianna Marrow, whose address is 1403 Congress Pl, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Harold Smith who died on December 4, 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 8/17/2022. 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 8/17/2022, 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: 2/17/2022 Tianna Marrow Personal Representative

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sehon Grigsby Edwards, whose address is 2208 R Street, NE, Washington DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles S. Grigsby aka Charles Grigsby aka Charles Sylvester Grigsby who died on 4/9/2013 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/10/2022. 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 8/10/2022, 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: 2/10/2022 Sehon Grigsby Edwards Personal Representative

Ronald Dixon Bynum & Jenkins 1010 Cameron St., Alexandria VA 22314 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ronald Dixon, whose address is Bynum & Jenkins 1010 Cameron St. Alex. VA 22314, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leonard L. Ledbetter aka Leonard L. Ledbetter Sr. aka Leonard Lenard Ledbetter Sr. who died on 10/23/2018 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 8/17/2022. 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 8/17/2022, 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: 2/17/2022

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Ronald Dixon Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

46 FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022

Dean V. Shahinian, whose address is 8909 Captains Row, Alexandria, VA 22308, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Levon H. Garabedian who died on May 17, 2020 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 8/17/2022. 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 8/17/2022, 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: 2/17/2022 Dean V. Shahinian Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

2022 ADM 000107 Estate of Joseph L. Coleman NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Joseph Barrow 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 a supervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 2/17/2022 Joseph Barrow 25 Van Buren Street, NW Washington, DC 20012 Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 00481 Clarence J. Day Decedent Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Crystal Day, whose address is 9019 Elk Avenue, Upper Marlboro, Md 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clarence J. Day who died on October 26, 2020 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 8/22/2022. 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 8/22/2022, 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: 2/17/2022 Crystal Day Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

Date of first publication: 2/17/2022 Michele L. Simmons Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘Jesus Felipe Familia Lugo© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: ‘‘LUGO, FELIPE FAMILIA LUGO© ’’, corp.sole Dba.: ‘‘JESUS FELIPE FAMILIA LUGO© ’’, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: ‘‘ Jesus Felipe Familia Lugo©’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘jesus felipe familia lugo© ’’. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 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: STATE OF DOMINICANA – REPUBLICA DOMINICANA – JUNTA CENTRAL ELECTORAL, STATE FILE NUMBER : 191-01191, ‘‘ JESUS FELIPE FAMILIA LUGO© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ jesus felipe familia lugo© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘ Jesus Felipe Familia Lugo© ’’. 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: ‘‘ jesus felipe familia lugo© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Jesus Felipe Familia Lugo© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘Jesus Felipe Familia Lugo 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.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2022 ADM 000095

2021 ADM 000890

2021 ADM 001446

J. H. Michael aka John H. Michael aka John Henry Michael Decedent

Helen Branada Britt Decedent

Dorothy Hooper Decedent

Attorney Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Rd. Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ludmila Michael, whose address is 1810 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of J. H. Michael aka John H. Michael aka John Henry Michael who died on 9/20/2021 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 8/24/2022. 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 8/24/2022, 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: 2/24/2022 Ludmila Michael Personal Representative

Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. 8601 Georgia Ave. #503 Silver Spring MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. & Carlos Lopez, Esq., whose addresses are 8601 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring MD 20910, was appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Helen Branada who died on 8/25/2020 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 8/24/2022. 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 8/24/2022, 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: 2/24/2022 Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. Carlos Lopez, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

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

2022 ADM 000045

2022 ADM 000034

William Ellsworth Reid, Jr. Decedent

Esther Swinson Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

Matthew F. Shannon, Esq. 1420 N Street, NW #203 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

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

Rohulamin Quander and Amos Stanford, whose addresses are 1703 Lawrence St., NE, Washington, DC 20018 and 6341 Golden Star Pl., Columbia, Md 21044, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of William Ellsworth Reid, Jr. who died on 11/23/2021 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 8/24/2022. 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 8/24/2022, 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.

Valerie Swinson-Condell, whose address is 9918 Indian Queen Point Rd., Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Esther Swinson who died on November 1, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/24/2022. 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 2/24/2022, 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.

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Date of first publication: 2/24/2022 Cathey Chamber Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Rohulamin Quander Amos Stanford Personal Representative

Cathey Chamber, whose address is 125 Gerard Drive, Glen Burnie MD 21060, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Hooper who died on August 15, 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 8/24/2022. 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 8/24/2022, 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.

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Date of first publication: 2/24/2022

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

Date of first publication: 2/24/2022 Valerie Swinson-Condell 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 I am: “ Thurston Battles© ”, aka, “ Thurston Rafeeq Bilal© ”, “ Thurston Bilal© ”, and any and all derivatives, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ BATTLES, THURSTON© ”, corp.sole Dba.: “ THURSTON BATTLES©” , “ THURSTON RAFEEQ BILAL© ”, “ THURSTON BILAL© ”, “ THURSTON R BILAL© ”, “ THURSTON BILAL EL© ”, and any and all derivatives, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, and the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: “ Thurston Battles© ”, [ any and all derivatives ], from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " thurston rafeeq bilal el© ”. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “ hors de combat ”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, 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, “ Health, Ohio Department of ”, DBA: STATE OF OHIO : STATE FILE NUMBERS: 134, &, 53 182581, “ THURSTON BATTLES© ”, and all derivatives, is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Healing Love 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: " thurston rafeeq bilal el© ”, nom deguerre: “ Thurston Battles© ”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : “ Healing Love 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. Notice of Reference: 0112358-13

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LAWSUIT from Page 21 been in her fifth year as principal at Boone Elementary. Before then, she served as assistant principal and dean of students at Wheatley Education Campus. Over the years, Jackson-King’s leadership style garnered her appointments to the Chancellor Cabinet and opportunities to train new DCPS principals. During their tenure at Boone Elementary, Jackson-King and Ray helped facilitate the school community’s transition from the Orr Elementary School building to its new dwelling in 2018. Under Jackson-King’s leadership, Boone’s STAR rating rose two to three stars and students experienced significant gains on various assessments. In the spring of 2020, efforts to appeal the non-reappointment fell short. Jackson-King has since applied for other positions within DCPS. Last spring, she served as a dean of students at Banneker Academic High School in Northwest. However, budget cuts phased out that position. These days, Jackson-King spends much of her time reflecting on her life path and the significance of her decisions. “Teachers are in the schools doing the work so they can tell you what needs to be fixed, [only] if someone is willing to listen and put systems in place to make it happen,” she said. “I’m hoping with this lawsuit, things will get better for teachers so they can continue to be advocates for students and parents.”

MARLON RAY RECOUNTS HIS EXPERIENCES

DCPS didn’t respond to The Informer’s inquiry about the lawsuit. It also has not been determined whether DCPS continued its implementation of the Relay curriculum for the 2021-2022 school year. Jackson-King counted among school leaders who received a non-reappointment during the pandemic. Critics said her situation mirrored that of Johann Lee, formerly of Kimball Elementary School and Richard Trogisch, formerly of School Without Walls and School Without Walls at Francis Stevens. Lee and Trogisch criticized Relay and DCPS’s COVID mitigation strategy, respectively. The burgeoning movement against Relay and Jackson-King’s

termination at Boone compelled teachers, staff members and parents to rally around their ousted principal. Ray, who then served as Boone’s director of strategy and logistics, went a step further in questioning RGSE’s relationship with DCPS, the Executive Office of the Mayor and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. In the lawsuit, Ray alleges that DCPS leadership, in response to his inquiries, required him to work in person five days a week in the early months of the pandemic while most of his colleagues, including Jackson-King’s replacement Kimberly Douglas, worked remotely. This continued well into the spring of 2021. In October 2020, after Ray joined a peaceful protest, Douglas allegedly berated him during a meeting a day later. In that same month, Ray recounted receiving a phone call in which a person who identified himself as Marcus told Ray, “you’re done, you’re finished, you’re through.” A report obtained by The Informer confirms that Ray notified DCPS administrators about the incident on October 29, 2020. Months later, while out sick and awaiting the results of a COVID test, Ray learned that administrators didn’t fund his position for the 2021-2022, a decision that would ultimately leave Ray without a job. To this day, Ray says his former colleagues continue to feel the ramifications of his actions in support of former Principal Jackson-King. In speaking about the lawsuit, Ray said DCPS must create a climate in which teachers and administrators can comfortably criticize aspects of the academic experience without fear of retaliation. “The culture of silence within DCPS is common and pervasive,” Ray said. “Dr. Jackson-King and I were not the only ones impacted by the retaliation and ultimately termination due to Relay. More school administrators and support staff were terminated but have not come forward,” Ray continued. “Presently, some of my former colleagues are experiencing bullying and retaliation due to perceived association with me and Dr. Jackson-King. It’s widely known that Boone staff should not mention my name around senior leadership without possible acts of retaliation,” Ray said. WI @SamPKCollins

FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2022 47

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POLICE from Page 14 islation last year for all 23 counties and Baltimore City to create a police accountability board, which would be the first place to review citizen complaints of police misconduct and other allegations. In addition, no active police officer can serve on the board and it “must reflect racial, gender and cultural diversity” of a county and Baltimore City. “It is really important that these boards reflect the community,” said Yanet Amanuel, public policy director for the ACLU of Maryland which helped organize the discussion. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed legislation Feb. 15 for the jurisdiction to establish a police accountability board with seven members appointed by the executive and approved by the County Council. Each person must be at least 25 years old and “have a committed interest and active involvement in Howard County community service.” The board would begin its work by July 1, which starts the new fiscal year. Jim Gormley, who serves on a police reform steering committee in Howard County, said the legislation doesn’t allow for its police accountability board to immediately receive records after a “critical incident” such as officer-involved shootings. “It’s hard to see how the PAB can do a good job on accountability if they can’t get access to the information in a timely manner,” he said. In Baltimore City, there’s state legislation crafted by Baltimore

MORIAL from Page 24 challenge is too close to the election, he means that literally any challenge to any new, racist state districting map cannot be heard until at least one election cycle has taken place under the racist maps.” Furthermore, the plaintiffs who sued to block the map presented 11 alternative plans that comply with the law. Alabama quickly and easily could adopt any one of them without any “chaos.” State legislatures redraw Congressional and other legislative districts every 10 years following the decennial Census so that each district has about the same population, as required by the U.S. Constitution. Since 2010, Alabama’s white population shrank from 67% to 63.1%. The Black population is now

Democrats Sen. Jill Carter and Del. Stephanie Smith to allow the city’s Civilian Review Board (CRB) to function as a PAB. There’s a possibility the city may repeal the CRB. The legislation from Carter and Smith would allow the CRB to review all types of complaints. The proposal includes the board receiving no less than 2% of the police department’s total budget. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee held a public hearing on Carter’s bill Feb. 16 and Smith’s companion bill will be reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee on March 1. Baltimore remains the only law enforcement agency in Maryland under state control but state lawmakers voted last year to allow city voters to amend the city’s charter to allow for local police control. However, the City Council must decide on a charter amendment and referendum question to place on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. If approved, the city regaining control may not happen until next year. The city’s civilian board, created in 1999, may assess complaints for only five allegations that include abusive language, excessive force, false arrest, false imprisonment or harassment. The board can also investigate resident complaints. “We already have instruction(s) that’s in place. We already know how things work,” said Tierra Hawkes, chair of the city’s CRB. “We’re striving to have more police transparency and accountability.” WI @WJFjabariwill 27%. But under the gerrymandered plan, Black voters have the power to elect their preferred candidate in only one – 14% – of the state’s seven congressional districts. As the ACLU pointed out last fall, “the maps pack Black voters into districts in ways that unfairly limit their political power in a number of districts in Jefferson County, Montgomery, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa, while cracking Black communities of interest in Huntsville and Talladega and Calhoun Counties. In majority-minority Jefferson County, where Birmingham is located, the state legislative maps also allow a collective nine districts, all majority white, to cross county lines to

MORIAL from Page 49

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

HIGGINS from Page 24 access, and this depends on the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. The Task Force is a panel of national disease prevention and primary care experts who make evidence-base recommendations about clinical preventive services based on a five-year review cycle. Their recommendations require private insurers and Medicaid to cover preventative services without cost-sharing for patients, greatly influencing patient access to life-saving preventative care. The Task Force recognizes the role they can play for patient access, and just last November, they published an article in

MALONE from Page 24 grams we have developed as Certified Fatherhood Master Trainers. For example, in the District of Columbia, The 100 Fathers Inc. transformed dozens of young men at Woodson High School, at the District Phelps Academic Campus and at Ballou High School. For years, our trained fatherhood and rites of passage facilitators and our Council of Elders walked with young men past police cars and fights every week as we engaged with young men enrolled in our rites of passage programs. However, in spite of our success some local officials cut the funding because they did not see Black boys as a priority. Still, if anyone asks the principals or teachers at the aforementioned schools, they would receive positive responses about how our fatherhood programs worked. The 100 Fathers Inc. believe the answers to crime and violence begin with prevention, intervention, innovation

MORIAL from Page 48 change the makeup of the county’s legislative delegation and dilute the power of voters of color.” In determining whether a legislative map violates Section 2, courts have used the “Gingles test,” established by the Supreme Court’s 1986 decision in Thornburg v. Gingles: The minority group is "sufficiently large and geographically compact to constitute a majority in a single-member district," The minority group is "politically cohesive," meaning its members tend to vote similarly; and The "majority votes sufficiently as a bloc to enable it ... usually to defeat the minority's preferred candidate."

JAMA acknowledging the impact their recommendations may have on health equity – and accepting that health equity ought to play a bigger role in their recommendations. They endorsed “embedding [health equity] considerations in every step of the recommendation development process” to help address the problem of systemic racism, and now plan to pilot inclusion of evidence of differential effectiveness, reach or delivery of clinical preventative services and implementation outcomes. This is certainly a good first step but the challenge now is for the Task Force to move quickly to broadly adopt these necessary changes and focus their sights

on keeping pace with medical advancements. Right now, the Task Force recommendations are updated every five years. A timely review of the innovations that can play a significant role in addressing health disparities, like blood-based screening tests, can reinforce the Task Force’s commitment to health equity and provide patients with access to life-saving technologies. This National Cancer Prevention Month, we must refocus our efforts to close the screening gap and reduce persistent health care disparities. The drive from industry is there. But we need Washington to keep up – or our most vulnerable will be left behind. WI

and recognition that fatherlessness is at the root of the problem. Our local governments must put people to work to engage and connect with the thousands of troubled, fatherless boys and girls who believe crime is the enterprise they should chose. Elected officials must find ways to bring culturally competent programs, services, careers and support to communities with significant funding support from the public and private sectors. There must be collaboration among local, state and federal government agencies, police chiefs, community outreach programs, faith leaders, educational institutions and extended families. Programs that address fatherlessness are the only way we can change the paradigms across the country from community violence’ to community peace. Decision makers must diagnose the disease of fatherlessness and recognize that there is an important role for fatherhood role models, mentors, coaches, community leaders, faith lead-

ers and supportive trained women in our communities. This must be an interfaith effort that builds on men’s groups with experience working with fatherless youth, such as Cure the Streets, the Alliance of Concerned Men, Alphas, Omegas, Kappas and all of the Divine Nine Fraternities and Sororities who must work together to unravel the hurt, harm, danger and trauma caused by years of neglect. Our Fatherhood Master Trainers have the tools, knowledge and best practices based on our transformative curriculum and training. Now, we need a national commitment and abundant funding to implement programs that address fatherlessness and that build on the assets needed to transform lives in cities across America. No matter how you look at it – fathers matter! We care about our communities and our families and we are here to stay and prepared to build with hope, trust and resilience. WI

Regarding the first precondition, known as the “compactness” requirement, Justice Elena Kagan wrote, “Alabama’s Black population is heavily “concentrated” in the urban population centers and an area of the State known as the Black Belt .. Because Black voters in Alabama are relatively geographically compact, the plaintiffs argued that the State could have drawn a second congressional district, meeting traditional districting criteria, in which Black Alabamians would constitute a majority.” Regarding the other preconditions, known together as the "racially polarized voting" requirement, the lower court noted that “there is no serious dispute that Black voters [in Alabama] are ‘politically cohesive,’ nor that the challenged districts’ white majority

votes ‘sufficiently as a bloc to usually defeat [Black voters’] preferred candidate[s].’” Recent political campaigns in Alabama, the court said, had included “obvious and overt appeals to race.” Congressman Mo Brooks has repeatedly referred to “a war on whites,” and Senate candidate Roy Moore asserted that the Civil Rights Amendments to the Constitution “completely tried to wreck the form of government that our forefathers intended.” The Supreme Court did not overturn the lower court’s order that Alabama redraw its maps, but it put the order on hold and agreed to hear arguments in the case next fall. In doing so, the Court declared their contempt for the constitutional and civil rights of Black Alabamians. WI

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should be treated as such by federal officials from both political parties. There are no reasonable means of fixing the complex homeless crisis anywhere in America without adequately addressing the housing shortage and poverty. Bernie Sanders recently gave a speech on the Senate floor suggesting a “unanimous resolution congratulating the billionaire class” for amassing more wealth during the pandemic even as the remaining U.S. citizens suffered economic loss. This stance is not new to him. By now, some people may have become deaf to his message, but the senator’s constant point is not just about economic disparity but a gap in humanity. His speech illustrates a widening gap in being humane toward others. There is a gap between how much we care for the less fortunate and how much we don’t, as a society. To many people, homelessness is only an issue because it is visible and makes them feel uncomfortable—and we know how triggering being ‘uncomfortable’ can be for some— as they are forced to deal with the “eyesore” every day. We have a viable option in the Build Back Better (BBB) legislation which includes historic investments in affordable housing. It represents a critical step in solving the multipart problem surrounding the homeless encampments we see nationwide. Since proposed legislation is in place to address root causes, how can one in good conscience say they are sincerely concerned

WILLIAMS from Page 25 diately described as a “miracle worker” and, because he did not patent his vaccine, it was universally welcomed and produced in the United States and the world. Acceptance of his vaccine was so widespread that by1980, Polio had been eliminated in the United States. One must also ask, who would have believed a time in which the history of Black Americans is being openly erased from the curriculum of America’s public schools and from the conscience of the nation? Although barely taught, the instruction of Black History is under assault. It is erroneously labeled as Critical Race Theory and the new threshold of general acceptance is that it is presented in a manner which does not cause

To many people, homelessness is only an issue because it is visible and makes them feel uncomfortable—and we know how triggering being ‘uncomfortable’ can be for some— as they are forced to deal with the “eyesore” every day.

about chronic homelessness and yet reject the BBB? Yes, it is a heavy price, but not compared to years of doing nothing, spending millions on temporary fixes, not having safe streets or parks, and making bad policies out of desperation, not to speak of the toll on human life and suffering. There are other underlying causes of homelessness which “law and order” proponents must factor in. Many people who commit criminal offenses do so to survive, but many also have underlying mental health and substance abuse issues. It is hard for the chronically homeless to maintain stable housing due to these addictions or mental health issues. In many jurisdictions, the growing rate of homelessness is rapidly outpacing the drug and mental health services made available. And let us not forget how the humanity gap widens due to special interests and campaign

funding by donors who want to relax affordable housing requirements. Many housing developers prefer building more profitable and expensive housing, increasing their supply while decreasing affordable housing options. In many cases, developers receive subsidies (tax incentives) with the promise of providing public benefits such as jobs, affordable housing, and green spaces. Unfortunately, the community may not always receive the promised benefits. The national issue of homelessness needs coordinated efforts by local lawmakers on the front lines and those making effective federal policies in Washington. A homeless person most likely will not be casting a vote in November, but their fate hangs on the outcome. We should keep this in mind when we all vote this year. Unfortunately, the future of D. C. residents also depends on the results of House races nationwide. WI

“guilt” or “discomfort” to the listener. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, father of Black History, said, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” He added, “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile

tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” For now, the vigilant see psychological eradication as the goal. Will the physical follow? I guess nothing should surprise us as people now flock to certain gas stations for dinner! WI

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, father of Black History, said, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

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