The Washington Informer - July 13, 2023

Washington, D.C., and Baltimore Grapple with Rising Violence Communities Seek Safety

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In the wake of a recent mass shooting in Washington, D.C., concerns over rising violence and the need for enhanced safety measures are mounting in the nation’s capital and up north in Baltimore.

An Independence Day mass shooting in Northeast, D.C., injured nine people, including a child and teenagers.

While authorities reported no fatalities, the incident served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the escalating crime levels in the District, Baltimore, and communities nationwide.

In Baltimore, police apprehended a 17-year-old male suspect on Friday, July 7, believed to be connected to a devastating mass shooting in Charm City a week earlier. According to authorities, the incident resulted in two individuals’ deaths and left 28 others wounded.

Members of the city’s homicide and SWAT teams arrested the teenage suspect

VIOLENCE Page 48

The D.C. Council Moves on Emergency Public Safety Bills

As Alleged KDY Crew

Members Sit in Jail, Adult Pre-Trial Detention

Dominates Discussion

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In the weeks leading up to a D.C. Council’s approval of emergency public safety legislation, a dozen alleged members of the Kennedy Street Crew, also known as KDY, were still navigating the intake process at D.C. Jail

D.C. Council Unanimously Approves Independent Review of Falcicchio Investigation

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

After an internal investigation substantiated sexual harassment claims brought against former Bowser administration figure John Falccichio, the D.C. Council has taken steps to ensure the validity of the findings and further explore allegations of bullying in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED).

In the latest juncture of that quest, the council unanimously approved emergency legislation introduced by D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) that triggers the

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launch of an independent review of the Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel (MOLC)’s investigation.

“Credible accusations of harassment against one of the most powerful people in D.C. makes it clear that investigations need to be conducted [independently.],” Nadeau said on Tuesday shortly before the council vote. “There were widespread con-

5 In cities across the nation residents are still demanding a stop to the gun violence plaguing neighborhoods. (WI File Photo/Rob Roberts)

Camp Embers... Page 26

5 Leslie Parsons, Assistant Chief of the Investigative Services Bureau at the Metropolitan Police Department, holds up a wanted poster for some of the recent crimes in the the District of Columbia. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

wi hot topics

Spill Revolutionizes Online Representation as the Leading Social Media App for African Americans

To address the concerns and challenges faced by diverse communities, two former Twitter employees have developed a new social media app called Spill.

Alphonzo “Phonz” Terrell and DeVaris Brown, the co-founders of Spill, have created a platform they said prioritizes the safety and well-being of marginalized identities, with a particular emphasis on African Americans and the LGBT-Q community.

Speaking to AfroTech, Terrell expressed their vision for Spill.

“Our thesis was if we could build a platform from the ground up that caters to these groups, these culture drivers, and then solve the core problems that they’re facing, that our community is facing more specifically, that would make for a better experience for everyone,” Terrell asserted.

The support of Black Twitter users has catapulted

Spill to the pinnacle of success, helping it earn the number one spot on the Apple App Store charts.

Even after reaching the top spot, Spill maintains a strong position within the top five apps, highlighting the demand for a platform that resonates with African American users.

While Spill has garnered acclaim among its target audience, the company has faced criticism for not being exclusively Black-centric.

However, the founders clarified that Spill is open to users from all backgrounds, aiming to create an inclusive space that fosters meaningful connections and discussions.

Spill has implemented a system of invite codes, currently available exclusively for iPhone users, leading to some gatekeeping issues.

However, the owners said plans are underway to make the app accessible to Android users soon. WI

Tracy Chapman Breaks Country Music Barriers with Luke Combs’ No. 1 Hit

Renowned singer and songwriter Tracy Chapman, known for her reclusive nature, has emerged from the shadows to comment on a historic moment.

In a statement to Billboard, Chapman expressed her surprise and gratitude at finding herself on the country music charts, a genre she never expected to venture into.

“I’m honored to be there,” she remarked, acknowledging country star Luke Combs and his resounding success with his cover of her iconic 1988 single, “Fast Car.”

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Combs’ rendition of “Fast Car” has soared to the top spot on the Country Airplay chart, a significant achievement that carries even greater weight.

The ascent to No. 1 makes Chapman the first Black woman to reach that plateau as the sole writer on a country music song since the chart’s inception in 1990.

Chapman’s songwriting prowess also has propelled her to

the summit of Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart, courtesy of the Combs remake.

Combs’ version has climbed higher in the charts than Chapman’s original, which reached No. 6 upon its release over three decades ago.

“Fast Car,” the breakout single from Chapman’s eponymous 1988 debut album, earned her numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Billboard noted that, “Combs’ version has generated at least $500,000 in global publishing royalties, Billboard estimates, with the bulk going to Chapman who owns both the writers’ and publisher’s share of the song.”

Additionally, the success of Combs’ version has boosted Chapman’s original, with weekly consumption of Chapman’s version increasing 44% since Combs’ version was released, according to Luminate. WI

Acclaimed Actor Hill Harper Seeking U.S. Senate Seat

Hill Harper, the well-known author and actor recognized for his roles in hit television shows such as “CSI: NY” and “The Good Doctor,” has declared his candidacy for Michigan’s vacant U.S. Senate seat.

Harper’s bid for the Democratic nomination sets him on a direct collision course with U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin. With Harper’s entry into the race, he becomes the sixth Democratic contender vying for the seat left open by retiring Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

A four-term senator, Stabenow announced her decision not to seek re-election in 2024, adding to the significance of the battleground state’s upcoming election.

Although born in Iowa, Harper has established strong ties to Michigan.

He owns a residence in Detroit and made a notable investment in the city’s business landscape by purchasing Roasting Plant Coffee in 2017.

Before pursuing an acting career, Harper attended Brown University and Harvard Law School.

Harper’s involvement in public service extends beyond

the entertainment industry.

In 2012, President Barack Obama appointed Harper to his cancer panel because of his per sonal experience as a cancer sur vivor.

Harper’s background as a small-business owner, union member, and activist positions him as a unique candidate who emphasizes his status as a non-career politician.

He declared that his campaign would be “powered by the people, for the people,” hoping that this trait would give him an advantage in Congress.

Harper faces the daunting challenge of catching up to Slotkin’s impressive fundraising efforts and established campaign.

Slotkin, who has garnered endorsements from fellow U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, has raised $5.8 million in just over four months, with $3.6 million remaining unspent. WI

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

cerns about how the investigation was handled. I want to acknowledge the bravery of the women who came forward to share their experiences. We have a responsibility to them and all 36,000 district government employees.”

On July 5, Nadeau introduced the emergency legislation that requires the District’s inspector general to hire independent counsel to review MOLC’s report, along with formal and informal complaints that former and current employees have levied against Falccchicio as part of the investigation.

Shortly before the D.C. Council’s vote, Nadeau submitted an amendment that limits spending on the independent investigation to $450,000, an amount the office said it could support in its existing budget.

The emergency bill, titled the Sexual Harassment Investigation Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2023, followed Nadeau’s introduction of another bill that would’ve required a similar response for future sexual harrassment complaints against mayoral appointees, including deputy mayors, agency and sub-agency heads, and officials appointed by the mayor to boards and commissions.

MOLC released the findings of its months-long investigation into Falcicchio on the evening of June 17, during the Father’s Day/Juneteenth holiday weekend --- a move that sparked concern and skepticism among some District residents and elected officials about D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s sincerity about maintaining transparency and holding D.C. government officials accountable in sexual harassment cases.

Since the release of MOLC's report, attorneys Debra S. Katz and Kayla Morin, who are representing the first complainant, took on another client who’s accused Falcicchio of sexual harassment.

A growing number of D.C. council members demanded an independent investigation. On Monday,

D.C. Councilmembers Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 5) and Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) expressed their support for the emergency legislation, with Parker calling it a matter of workplace safety.

On Tuesday, Parker once again expressed his support for the measure. D.C. Councilmembers Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4)

Days prior, Bowser said she didn’t support an outside investigation, not only telling press corps members that she trusted the current investigative process but that an outside investigation could incur a high cost to District taxpayers. Even though she later said she wouldn't veto the emergency legislation, Bowser doubled down on her assertion about an outside investigation, saying that the D.C. inspector general already has the power to do what's onlined in the emergency legislation.

From the start of the investigation on March 10, the MOLC sexual harassment officer interviewed the employee from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) who issued the initial complaint that led to Falcicchio’s resignation, along with more than 20 other former and current D.C. government employees.

The officer also reviewed thousands of emails and other documents, a process taking four visits and 13 hours. After completing the investigation, the officer submitted her report to the MOLC director and deputy director who then reviewed the report before sending it to Bowser.

Falcicchio declined to participate in the investigation.

The report outlined allegations that Falcicchio made sexual advances, exposed his sexual organs, sent thousands of inappropriate messages via various social media and instant messaging platforms, and used the DMPED office as a “dating ground” where engagement in sexual activity yielded promotions

abouts via Snapchat, and messages instructing complainants to go home or demanding sex. The complainant also alleged that, in the aftermath of her complaint, DMPED senior staff members removed her from projects, excluded her from work-related emails and failed to respond to work-related inquiries.

Out of the eight allegations, MOLC’s sexual harassment officer found two -- physical sexual advances and inappropriate messages -- substantiated, thus constituting sexual harrassment, as defined in a 2017 order that Bowser issued.

concerns about who would conduct such an investigation and how the D.C. government would absorb the cost.

However, Nadeau's amendment laid that to rest, Bonds' spokesperson said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Bonds told the Informer that she wouldn't support the emergency legislation, but for an entirely different reason.

and favorable assignments. Other allegations concerned an employee’s demotion within DMPED that higher ups framed as a lateral transfer from one unit in the agency to another, retaliation against employees for turning down sexual advances, the monitoring of employees’ where-

The other allegations are outside of the scope of what MOLC could investigate in a sexual harassment compaint, a situation that Mendelson, during a Monday morning press briefing, said Nadeau's emergency legislation and joint committee hearings to be hosted by D.C. Council members Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large) and Anita Bonds (D-At large) during the council summer recess would attempt to rectify.

Though Bonds ended up voting for Nadeau's legislation, a spokesperson for Bonds' office said she always had

In expressing her apprehension about Nadeau’s emergency legislation, Bonds said there wasn’t any need to rehash the investigation, especially since Falcchicio had been removed from his position. She said that time would be better spent assessing how District agencies tackle sexual harassment.

“I support the permanent legislation, but not the emergency,” Bonds told the Informer hours before voting in support of Nadeau's legislation. “Some D.C. residents don’t want to revisit the investigation. Falcicchio has already been out of the D.C. government. This summer, we get to look at other agencies.”

WI

5Former Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio. (WI File Photo/Robert Roberts)

Find participating SNAP Match & DC WIC locations, explore what’s on the shelf of your nearest store, download the Healthy Corners app, & more!

AROUND THE REGION

JULY 13 - 19, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

Diahann Carroll is born in Billie Holiday dies in dies of liver cancer , an influential African American religious leader and first Black minister to serve for a White congregation, is born in West , former South African president of South Africa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and civil rights icon, is born in Mvezo,

FOREST WHITAKER

, who invented machinery for processing food and became very prominent in the food-service industry, is born in Boston.

JULY 13

1966 – R&B singer Gerald Levert, son of O'Jays lead singer Eddie Levert, is born in Canton, Ohio.

JULY 14

1891 – Inventor John Standard of Newark, N.J., receives a patent for the refrigerator.

1934 – Golfer Lee Elder, who became the first African American to play in the Masters Tournament in 1975, is born in Dallas.

1941 – Professor Maulana Karenga, a major figure in the Black nationalist movement and the creator of Kwanzaa, is born in Parsonsburg, Maryland.

JULY 15

1961 – Award-winning actor, producer and director Forest Whitaker is born in Longview, Texas.

1970 – James McGee is sworn in as the first Black mayor of Dayton, Ohio.

JULY 16

1862 – Civil rights activist Ida B. Wells is born in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

1947 – Assata Shakur of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army is born in New York City.

1977 – Janelle Penny Commissiong of Trinidad and Tobago is crowned the first Black Miss Universe.

JULY 17

1862 – Congress passes the Militia Act of 1862, which allowed African Americans to participate as war laborers and soldiers.

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Singer India.Arie has encountered backlash for her comments criticizing Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe’s performances at this summer’s Essence Festival, which some considered explicit.

What are your thoughts?

KIRK WILSON / CHICAGO, IL

The only point that should have been made is, “You don’t have to support it.” How about promoting artists that align with your values? I’m beginning to think adults have lost their ability to think rationally and maturely. So her point does nothing to help the culture.

ROLAND RANDOLPH / STARKE, FLA. India.Arie is on point!

ANDRE GOINS / MIAMI, FL

India is definitely 100% correct!

CARMEN JOHNSON / WASHINGTON, D.C.

Thank you, India, for the courage to speak the truth.

DENA HOLMES / CHICAGO, IL

It’s called entertainment.

Free Black Chesapeake Experience Inspires

Powerful Storytelling

Inaugural Cohort Learns Little-Known Facts about Free Black Communities

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Multi-hyphenate artist ChelseaDee Harrison led creatives through a history-based, experimental journey that not only birthed powerful artistic projects, but unearthed captivating and unknown stories that deserve to be shared and celebrated.

“We spent four weeks learning about different pre-Civil War free Black towns in the DMV region,” said Harrison, creator of the Free Black Chesapeake Experience and founder of Wild Seed Productions, LLC. “Then we did experimental art exercises where we used our imagination to consider who these people were and the legacy of their lives that was erased in the historical record, or that we don't really delve into. So we were considering art, history and legacy.”

On Saturday, July 8, dozens came to Fort Circle Park in Northeast, D.C. to witness the investigative and creative work presented by the intentionally intergenerational, inaugural cohort of the Free Black Chesapeake Experience. With the project, artists ages 15 to seasoned seniors, were inspired to research history, create captivating artistic responses and

share their work with others.

“They shared with our community what they learned, they shared with the community what they loved about the experience. Some people contemplated their own legacy and descendants, some people contemplated their own ancestors,” Harrison told the Informer.

In addition to learning little-known history, the event offered an opportunity for networking, sharing ideas and expanding knowledge. The cohort presented art of all kinds– from poetry, film, visual arts and photography. As part of the celebration, other local creatives were present to offer their artistic, culinary, horticultural and entrepreneurial expertise.

“We got together to celebrate the cohort and.. learn a little bit about food and culture. We had a chef demonstration out here that guided us through a really great conversation about food culture, agriculture– how does the Black experience connect to agriculture? How can we find power in food and growing our own

food,” Harrison explained.

Chef Shawn Lightfoot, who offered a culinary presentation featuring locally grown produce, also emphasized the importance of community.

“We’ve got to support each other,” Lightfoot said..

While the networking, interactive photo booth, and mapmaking and crafts station were added bonuses, the main focus of the event was remembering the free Black communities that thrived in the Chesapeake region and engaging with the artists doing the work to examine their lives and legacies.

COMMEMORATING LEGACIES, REIMAGINING NARRATIVES, CREATING ART

Cohort member, local filmmaker and artist Britt Sankofa, an admitted history buff, said she had a wonderful experience diving into the world of free Black communi-

CHESAPEAKE Page 11

5 Cohort member Britt Sankofa showcases her blackout/ erasure poems and visual collages. These pieces were inspired by the cookbook of Free Black woman, Malinda Russel and the legacy of Black femmes surviving and thriving in America. (Courtesy Photo)

CORNER

Commonwealth: Creating A Space for the D.C. Subculture

By Milaka Saddler WI Bridge Contributor

In 2007, Commonwealth D.C. opened as a multi-branded retail store catering to a new fashion scene that would grow to what we now call “streetwear.” Neighbors with a Stussy outpost in Adams Morgan, the brand was a frontrunner in creating a subculture for independent streetwear fashion enthusiasts. Initially established in 2004 in Norfolk, Virginia, the brand has grown with locations in Los Angeles, Manila, Philippines, and, recently, Virginia Beach.

Now located at 1811 14th St NW, Commonwealth continues contributing to the vibrant creative scene by offering incredible clothing options, fostering community engagement, and adapting to the ever-changing city. The company has remained guided by subculture, authenticity, and quality. Whether through a purchase, the store’s curated music, or a conversation with the knowledgeable sales team, Commonwealth strives to make each customer’s experience memorable. WI

Donique Rahmaan

(Courtesy photo)

Reggie Saunders and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children handed out fliers on Georgia Avenue on July 11 bringing attention to the disappearance of Relisha Rudd who has been missing since May 2014. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

CHESAPEAKE from Page 8

ties pre-Civil War. Having grown up in the D.C. area, she particularly enjoyed studying local history and learning creative techniques and tools to artistically respond to the often ignored, but important people and stories.

“I've really loved learning about local [stories]-- my place, my ancestry,” Sankofa told the Informer. “I learned about ‘character tabulation,’ which is basically giving names to some of the stories that we hear in history. You'll read something and it’ll say, ‘Negro woman or Negro male,’ but you'll see names attached to it. So giving these people’s voices, I think, is very important.”

A tool that particularly captured Sankofa’s interest was “blackout poetry,” a style that can be seen in her Free Black Chesapeake Experience final arts pieces.

“We learned blackout poetry, where you have a big text and you erase different words to create a new piece.”

From historic records, to literary works and learning about the first cookbook published by a Black woman (“A Domestic Cookbook: Containing a Careful Selection of Useful Receipts for the Kitchen,” by Malinda Russell) the cohort pulled from a lot of various sources to find inspiration.

Historic inspiration proffered major creativity, which was Harrison’s hope from the beginning.

“My hope for the cohort experience was to give them permission, remind them of their creative selves. They are artists, they are creatives. Creative expression is natural to us and we should be constantly expressing because it's constructive and it's community

building,” emphasized the artist, who is set to release a documentary on the Free Black Chesapeake Experience this fall.

Further, Harrison said she wants the cohort, which included students, health professionals, working artists and more, to continue spreading the good news of the free Black communities in the Chesapeake region.

“I hope that they go, travel and tell people, and ask: ‘Do you know the whole story of American history? Do you know the little pockets? Do you know about the byways off the highways of American history?... Do you really know my

people, our story,’” she explained.

The Free Black Chesapeake Experience creator also emphasized that the cohort’s newfound knowledge should bring a heightened sense of pride.

“I feel like that little nugget of precious information that they'll carry around with them, I hope it puts an iron rod in their back and lets them know: your history is important, your history matters, your history is rich, deep, varied,” Harrison said. “And don't let anybody tell you that you were only one way, or your descendants or your ancestry was only one way.” WI

5 Ta’Nasia McKinney and ChelseaDee Harrison, Free Black Chesapeake Experience project intern and creator, pose during the cohort’s final presentation on July 8. (Courtesy Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George's County Political Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

CONGRESSMAN RASKIN ANNOUNCES REELECTION CAMPAIGN

On July 8, Congressman Jamie Raskin (D) announced that he would run for re-election in the 8th Congressional District and would not jump into the wideopen Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

“At this moment, I believe the best way for me to make the greatest difference in American politics in 2024 and beyond is this: to run for reelection to the House of Representatives in Maryland’s extraordinary 8th District,” said Raskin in a statement.

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) and Congressman David Trone (D) are viewed as the two strongest candidates, with Mongtomery County Councilman At Large Will Jawando (D) also a strong contender. Trone has already sent several mailers to registered Democrats in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County, while Alsobrooks has reportedly raising $1.73 million in her first seven weeks as a candidate.

Raskin previously defeated Trone in the 2016 election for the 8th District, the most expensive House race in American history up to that time.

ALSOBROOKS BREAKS RECORDS IN RAISING FUNDS

In the first seven weeks of her candidacy for U.S. Senate, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has broken a record for candidates raising campaign funds, raising $1.73 million in the short time.

“Angela’s $1.73 million opening quarter is more than any statewide candidate in Maryland has ever raised in their first quarter and she did so in just seven weeks,” wrote Alsobrooks campaign manager Dave Chase in a recent memo.

“In fact, Angela’s opening seven weeks is the largest fundraising number any statewide candidate has posted in a non-election year quarter. Angela’s first report also tops the opening fundraising quarters of a number of well-known national Senate races including now Senators Raphael Warnock, Jon Ossoff, Tammy Duckworth, Ben Ray Lujan, and Peter Welch as well as well-known candidates Cheri Beasley, Sara Gideon, and Theresa Greenfield,” Chase said.

“Pacing ahead of multiple candidates who went on to raise $40 [million plus] demonstrates Angela’s fundraising prowess and solidifies that she will be well-funded in this race,” the campaign manager further noted. WI

GOV. MOORE ANNOUNCES NEW MEDICAID BENEFITS

On July 3, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced the introduction of new Medicaid benefits to expand pregnancy care coverage, support interventions for community violence prevention, and increase access to care for certified peer recovery services.

“These new benefits will help improve the well-being of Maryland Medicaid participants and contribute to the overall health of Maryland communities,” said Moore. “The new benefits mark a significant milestone in Medicaid’s ongoing efforts to ensure accessible and inclusive health care for all Marylanders.”

The Healthy Babies initiative will provide comprehensive pregnancy and postpartum coverage to eligible individuals, regardless of their U.S. citizenship status. Under this initiative, applicants will be eligible for the same Medicaid benefits package available to other pregnant individuals, including physical and behavioral health services and dental and prescription drug coverage without copays.

Applicants will receive four months of postpartum coverage. Maryland Medicaid may also assist in covering health care expenses

DELEGATE KENT ROBERSON OFFICIALLY APPOINTED

Kent Roberson, the former Chair of the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee, was officially appointed as Delegate on May 30. He represents the 25th Legislative District, a central county district that stretches from Mitchellville to Clinton and Temple Hills . This district is also represented by Senator Melony Griffith (D) and Delegates Nick Charles (D) and Karen Toles (D).

The Frederick Douglass alum and ordained minister was appointed following the resignation of former Black Caucus Chairman Darryl Barnes, who is now a lobbyist alongside Gerry Evans. Barnes supported Roberson for the appointment, and Roberson was unanimously nominated for the appointment by the Central Committee. In previous election cycles, Roberson ran for both Delegate and Board of Education.

incurred during pregnancy or the four month postpartum period in the three months prior to application.

To qualify, applicants must be pregnant or have recently given birth, reside in Maryland, and meet specific income limits.

“Prenatal and postnatal care is critical to the parent’s and baby's health,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott. “The Maryland Department of Health is proud to provide these services.”

The Maryland Medicaid Administration also introduced the Community Violence Prevention Coverage program, which will cover services including mentorship, conflict mediation, crisis intervention, referrals to certified or licensed health care professionals or social services providers, patient education and screening services for victims of violence. Maryland is the second state to receive approval for this program.

Maryland Medicaid also launched two new opportunities for Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) and expanded its provider base to increase access to care.

CPRS, who provide substance use disorder services at federally qualified health centers, opioid treatment programs or commu-

“As a newcomer to the General Assembly I’m grateful that I do not bring inexperience,” said Roberson in an interview with the Informer. Roberson said his main goal for next is to “listen and learn.” He will serve on the Ways and Means Committee, alongside Delegate Charles.

“Although I have legislative goals of my own, I believe it’s important to observe what discussions are already taking place in Annapolis, and what is most important to the constituents of District 25, Prince George’s County, and the State of Maryland,” he said.

Roberson’s replacement to chair the Central Committee is Dr. Antwan Brown. WI

nity-based substance use disorder programs licensed by the Behavioral Health Administration, may be reimbursed by Medicaid for offering these services and helping people to recover from addiction.

“These expanded benefits will work to improve population health, providing individuals with enhanced access to vital health care services and support,” said Deputy Secretary of Health Care Financing and Medicaid Director Ryan Moran. “We encourage Marylanders to reach out and take advantage of these services.”

For more information about Medicaid benefits and programs, visit health.maryland.gov/mmcp. WI

5 Kent Roberson was appointed as Delegate on May 30. He will serve on the Ways and Means Committee in Annapolis. (Courtesy Photo/ Kent Roberson)

4 Montgomery County Congressman Jamie Raskin officially announced he is running for re-election in the 8th Congressional District, aiming to help Democrats retake their congressional majority.

Christian Film Premiers Locally, Zion Church

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

UNFAILING LOVE PREMIERS IN HYATTSVILLE

Unfailing Love premiered at the Regal Hyattsville Royale Theatre on July 7. The Christian film is narrated from the perspective of Hosea and is set in the DMV over a seven year period.

Jewell Powell, who co-directed, wrote, and starred in the movie, described the movie as an allegory for “the love story of Jesus chasing after us, even when we don’t want his love.” In the story, a man pursues a woman who has committed adultery and shows her unfailing love.

“I have authored several books so I always had the gift of writing. However, two years ago I felt called to write a modern-day script on the book of Hosea,” she said when asked about her learning experiences as a director.

“I worked as a production coordinator on ‘A Wesley Christmas’ by OCTET Productions. However, this was after I had completed the production of my film. I have had no formal film training -- never directed, produced, or acted previously to my film.”

For anyone who wants to enter filmmaking, she recommends that you learn the craft by working with others while developing your own productions.

By doing this before making her own film, she gained knowledge

and experience in some of the many facets of filmmaking.

“My film allowed me to have a cradle-to-grave experience so I was able to touch every aspect, but I was also fortunate to have experienced people around to help tell a great love story,” she said.

The trailer for Unfailing Love is available here.

ZION CHURCH PARTNERSHIP

Every Sunday evening through the summer, Allen Pond Park serves as a gathering space outside for relaxing music and comfortable listeners in the quiet shade of the cool water.

On Juneteenth, Zion Church partnered with the Bowie Town Center Summer Series and Mayor Tim Adams (D). Church members distributed health and wellness information during events and workshops and also distributed more than 200 Juneteenth-inspired meal kits, including a recipe card and the

ingredients to make smothered potatoes. This is the second year Zion Church has participated in the summer series.

Danielle Williams was one of the volunteers who took time out to spread the word about health and wellness.

“The warm weather provides a great opportunity for individuals and families to get outdoors and be active! No matter your age, taking care of yourself by investing in your health should be a priority,” said Williams. “Zion Church is also offering a host of health and wellness events this summer, to include Z-Fest, our community wellness day that meets people and families where they are and with the services they need most, but to which they may not always have access. Z-Fest events are completely free, offering essential health screenings, workshops, and fresh produce to attendees.”

The next Z-Fest will be on August 13. The Bowie Summer Concert Series will continue every Sunday through Labor Day weekend. WI

5 Unfailing Love, a Christian movie set in the DMV, premiered at the Regal Hyattsville Royale Theater on July 7. (Rob Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

FARM TOUR TAKE A SELF-GUIDED

of locally crafted beverages, often made from ingredients grown in the surrounding countryside. Take in the scenic beauty that Montgomery County farms o er for a memorable weekend getaway; just minutes from Washington, DC. LEARN

5 A Zion Church member attending the recent Summer Series at Bowie Town Center, where church members distributed health information and meal prep kits. (Courtesy Photo/ Zion Church)

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

BUSINESS briefs

SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CLINIC

On July 20, the DC Bar Pro Bono Center will hold a virtual Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic from 12-4 p.m. One-on-one brief legal advice consultations will last up to 60 minutes. To request assistance, sign up online at: forms.office. com/r/ekGRJ99a7u. If they can provide a business with brief legal advice, they will follow up by email, in which the entrepreneur must timely respond, collect additional documents and schedule a time to speak with a volunteer attorney during the clinic. They may also request additional information before scheduling. Only pre-registered, confirmed businesses will have appointments at the clinic.

Please contact DC Bar Pro Bono at npsb@dcbar.org with questions or accessibility requests and make sure to add ckulumani@dcbar.org to your contacts or safe sender list to that the emails aren’t missed about this clinic. WI

GWUL SPONSORS WEBINAR ON PERSONAL FINANCE TOPICS

Are you properly insured? Do you know that insurance would

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (Agency) is seeking individuals or firms to provide the Agency with an array of Legal Services on an as needed basis. Specifically, the Agency is seeking services for: 1.

AND EMPLOYMENT

6. LITIGATION

7. TAX

8. PROCUREMENT

9. REAL ESTATE (ACQUSITION, DISPOSITION AND FINANCE)

10. BOARD GOVERNANCE AND ETHICS

If you are interested in receiving the RFQ, email: procurement@dchfa.org. The detailed RFP can be found at www.DCHFA.org/business-opportunities on or about July 14, 2023.

benefit you if an unexpected expense came up? Do you have a plan to retire comfortably?

Join the Greater Washington Urban League’s (GWUL) free webinar on July 18 to learn all you need to know about insurance, how to cover your assets when the need arises, and how to prepare for a comfortable retirement.

Hear from experts to learn about insurance, how to cover assets when the need arises, and how to prepare for a comfortable retirement. The July 18 seminars are a part of the GWUL’s Center for Financial Inclusion and Financial Empowerment Center.

The highly interactive classes are designed to include any learner at any level. At no charge but with a commitment to invest in yourself, participants will leave with a pathway to take control of their financial future and the knowledge to build an empowering relationship with money.

For more information, call the Greater Washington Urban League at 202-265-8200. WI

MMTC SYMPOSIUM

Join the Multicultural Media, Telecom, and Internet Council for the 2023 Former FCC Chairs’ Symposium on July 25 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Speakers include former Federal Communications Commission

chairs Richard Wiley, William Kennard, Mignon Clyburn, and Ajit Pai. Former FCC Commissioners Deborah Taylor Tate and Jonathan Adelstein will moderate the discussion. Topics will include universal broadband, 6G networks, artificial intelligence, Section 230, M&A policy, and minority media and telecom ownership.

For more information, contact David Hornig, MMTC special advisor and president emeritus, dhonig@mmtconline.org or call 202261-6543. WI

D.C. CAREER DAY OPPORTUNITIES

The District of Columbia Department on Disability Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration is sponsoring a Career Day event on August 2 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with a 9 a.m. setup time.

Career Day will occur at the DDS/RSA located at 250 E Street., SW in the District. The event will provide opportunities for participants to market their companies and employment opportunities to qualified job seekers with disabilities. There is no cost for companies and businesses to reserve a table.

There are 25 slots. The deadline for reserving a space is July 19. For more information, call 202-730-1700. WI

Mayor’s Black Expo Proceeds Despite Rain Downpour

James Wright WI Staff Writer

Caleb Camara couldn’t wait for July 7 to come.

For months, Camara--in his position as associate director in the [D.C.] Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs (MOAAA)-planned for a business expo to take place at Sandlot Anacostia in Ward 8 in Southeast. He reached out to Black entrepreneurs to participate, urging them to show their wares and share advice on how to survive and thrive in the District’s competitive food industry.

The problem: rain.

Throughout the four-hour event, the rain persisted causing entrepreneurs, the attendees, and the booths at the expo to get wet.

Despite calls to postpone the expo, Camara stuck with his plan and allowed it to proceed.

“We at the Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs follow Mayor Bowser’s plan on equality and giving a fair shot for businesses,” Camara said. “This expo gives Black businesses a chance to show their products. While the weather is not the best, we hope to offer entrepreneurs access to opportunity and the chance to communicate with each other and to customers.”

The expo was held in concert with the DMV Black Restaurant Week, an organization promoting the patronage of African American eateries in the Washington metropolitan area. The actual DMV Restaurant Week takes place each November, with the first occurring

in 2018. DMV Black Restaurant Week co-founder Furard Tate circulated throughout the venue talking with attendees and business owners while co-founder Dr. Erinn Tucker emceed the event.

The Rev. Thomas Bowen, who serves as the director of the Mayor's Office on African American Affairs (MOAAA), attended the event, and spoke about the need for strong Black entrepreneurship in the District. He echoed Camara, saying the Bowser administration fully backs African American businesses and with its food grants program, wants them to thrive.

A panel discussion took place under a series of umbrellas while

5 Former FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn will participate in a FCC Chairs symposium on July 25. (Courtesy photo)

I Too Sing America

I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong.

Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, " Eat in the kitchen," Then.

Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed-I, too, am America.

EXPO from Page 14

the rain continued. Among the panelists were Ronald Williams, a Ward 7 resident who owns the Capital City Seafood Hub and Darrell Gaston, the owner of Kitchen Savages, a chic restaurant located on Good Hope Road in SE in Ward 8. The subject was food and farming and Kristina Noell, the executive director of the Anacostia Business Improvement District, served as the moderator.

Gaston praised the Bowser administration for its programs and encouraged entrepreneurs to learn more about what the District government has to offer.

“Do the research and find out what is available for you,” he said. Williams, 42, said Black food entrepreneurs need to think about growing their food naturally instead of buying from suppliers. He pointed out traveling to the waters of Maryland Eastern Shore communities to fish for the seafood he offers to District customers, in ad-

dition to utilizing suppliers from other states.

Despite the stormy weather, Williams visited the booths and chatted with attendees. He said the mayor’s expo was “an excellent idea.”

“I am a fan of the administration’s work of setting aside money for businesses located east of the Anacostia River,” he said. “They are supportive of Black food entrepreneurs. This administration knows what the needs are.”

Williams said access to capital is the primary need and “putting capital into businesses is important.”

“I am glad that I attended this event because it highlights the initiatives and projects that folks can learn about,” he said.

Camara said there will be future mayor’s expos for Black businesses. He did have one wish for the next one.

“I hope the weather will be better,” he said. WI

@JamesWrightJr10

The 4th of July is a holiday when I struggle. I love the opportunity to spend time with friends and family but the truth of being Black in America has its challenges. It feels hypocritical. I, too, Sing America, is a poem by Langston Hughes that shared the discriminating treatment received by the “darker brother”. This poem was written in 1926. Yet, the words still ring so true. The great contradiction still rings true to me as it did in 1926. The recent Supreme Court decision regarding impacting race. I have traveled abroad and appreciate the life that living in America has afforded me.

Yet, we are mindful of the challenge that we experience celebrating the birth of a country that has enslaved, devalued, and oppressed us and now with the recent Supreme Court rulings, denied that it has had an impact. This follows the celebration of Juneteenth when we celebrate the delayed but not denied emancipation. The continued efforts to oppress Black people should not be surprising. Frederick Douglass stated in 1857, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will!”

The opportunities are clear within this country, yet we continue to be confronted by the racism, sexism, along with the other isms that the privileged and entitled are not confronted with. I struggle with the major hypocrisy that I have been pondering since I became aware, in the third grade. It was in third grade that I made the decision to silently respect the pledge of allegiance without reciting the words. My statement to my teacher was, “I will wait until there is freedom and justice for all”. I am still waiting.

With the celebration of the birth of the United States, it seems to applaud the belief that liberty and justice for all has been achieved. We, as Black people, continue to face the racial wealth and wage gap. We acknowledge the prosperity of the country, that is built upon the backs of Black people who were enslaved, segregated and redlined. The retribution of electing our first Black president resulted in the anger, retaliation and insurrection of those who want to go back in time to recreate a time where oppression was tolerated and celebrated.

Yet, we are distressed when we realize those who have privilege deny access to those seeking opportunity. In the same 1857 speech, Frederick Douglass decried, if there is no struggle there is no progress. We must realize, there will be no white savior coming to level the playing field. We must collaboratively challenge the systems of oppression. We have tools to help shape the course. We must vote and run for public office. We must identify and stand against policies of oppression.

While we are challenging the institutional systems of oppression, we must also use our personal voice and lives to walk out the ways in which we can empower ourselves and our communities. We must work together to build capacity that can impact generations. I have chosen as my lane to participate in the growth of economic wellbeing, estate planning. We know that is through generational wealth building that we not only protect what we have created but we also create a platform for multiple generations to launch.

Again, the systems are in place to protect those who have created the system. We must take active steps to build the world that we want to see.

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC

http://yourestateplanningattorney.com

(855) 574-8481

5335 Wisconsin Ave NW  Suite 440  Washington DC 20015

5 Darrell Gaston, owner of Ward 8’s Kitchen Savages restaurant, spoke at the Black business expo sponsored by the Bowser administration.

Affirmative Action Ruling Complicates DE&I Efforts in Corporate World

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Workplace diversity initiatives are more complex than the affirmative action policies implemented in college admissions, which the U.S. Supreme Court struck a significant blow against last month.

Human Resources managers said these initiatives encompass various approaches, such as anti-bias training, mentorship programs, targeted outreach efforts, and more.

They also form a comprehensive range of programs that companies adopt to create inclusive and welcoming environments for employees and customers.

In contrast, affirmative action is just one specific policy among several options available to enhance diversity and inclusivity in various settings, whether educational institutions or workplaces.

“DEI is so much broader than that … targeted outreach at diverse colleges, auditing policies and procedures to remove implicit bias or creating employee resource groups of mentorship – those practices are not

URGENT NOTICE:

really regulated by Title VII in the sense that it doesn’t actually involve making a concrete employment decision around hiring and promoting,”

David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University Law School, told The Guardian.

Glasgow pointed out that even if the court’s decision does not directly apply to employers, the decision could embolden people inside companies “to use the decision as an excuse to push back on [DEI initiatives]”, he said.

The newspaper said the conservative legal movement is likely to directly target DEI initiatives under the guise of discrimination, just like they did with affirmative action in higher education.

What this means for companies is essentially a continuation of the ongoing “culture wars” that has already reached corporate America.

Employees and consumers “will push back if a company revokes its DEI efforts,” which could lead to serious consequences for a business, the newspaper editorialized.

Searching and looking to locate my sister, Rhoda Theresa Hudson, aged 79, African-American, 5’3” height.

Last seen in 1993 in Washington DC, our hometown. Need to find her concerning family affairs. If you have information or knowledge of her whereabouts,

Contact: Sylvia Rachele Hudson at ggrm2aaky@yahoo.com

5 Affirmative action is just one specific policy among several options available to enhance diversity and inclusivity in various settings, whether educational institutions or workplaces. (Courtesy Photo/ La Lolla, Wikimedia Commons) the symbolic black squares posted on social media after the tragic murder of George Floyd in 2020 may have been empty gestures.

“You’re going to be under pressure from your workers to keep these programs going. You’re also going to be facing talent sourcing pressures, and market pressures,” Alvin Tillery, professor of political science and director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy at Northwestern University, said in the same article.

The Supreme Court affirmative action case was “a Title VI decision about college admissions,” he stated.

“They should not be overly complying before anything has happened around Title VII. They should be thinking about how to foolproof their existing programs even before the challenges start.”

In what’s already a trend for the entertainment industry, three prominent studios and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have recently bid farewell to their top diversity executives.

The departures have sparked a growing perception that the industry may be placing the vital principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) on the back burner.

The push for diversity, which gained significant momentum following the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, now appears to have lost most of its steam after just three years.

The events have raised questions about the true intentions behind these diversity-focused roles.

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, known for her role in “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” expressed her disappointment on Twitter, suggesting that

“I guess all those black boxes after George Floyd was murdered were for nothing,” she stated.

The exodus of diversity executives includes the departure of Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president, Latondra Newton.

A veteran of six years at the company, Newton left on June 20 to pursue “other endeavors.”

Her exit reportedly was celebrated by a faction of individuals who criticized her for her involvement in the casting of Black actress and singer Halle Bailey as the lead in “The Little Mermaid.”

Netflix’s head of inclusion strategy, Vernā Myers, was the next to announce her departure, set for September.

Myers, who had held the position for five years, pioneered the role at Netflix.

While stepping down, she said she would continue to advise the streaming giant while directing her attention to her consulting company, The Vernā Myers Company.

Additionally, Discovery removed Karen Horne from her position as SVP of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The departure of Horne, who joined the company in March 2020, coincided with the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Affirmative Action in education.

Simultaneously, the Academy bid

farewell to Jeanell English, its EVP of Impact and Inclusion.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer created English’s role in July 2022.

With those departures, concern has grown regarding the long-term commitment of major studios and industry organizations to prioritize DEI initiatives.

“While the real reasons behind these departures may vary, the entertainment industry must reaffirm its dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure lasting progress and representation on and off the screen,” said Jan Krukow, a District of Columbia-based advertising executive.

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@StacyBrownMedia

“They should not be overly complying before anything has happened around Title VII. They should be thinking about how to foolproof their existing programs even before the challenges start.”

How Collaboration, Support, and Innovation Can Revitalize Local Journalism

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

News deserts, areas lacking access to reliable local news coverage, have become a growing concern, affecting approximately 70 million people across the United States, even stretching into Canada.

The absence of local news can lead to a loss of information, decreased community engagement, erosion of accountability, and negative economic impacts.

However, media experts said publishers could still implement several strategies to combat news deserts and keep local news alive.

“Local news plays a significant role in informing communities and holding local officials accountable,” said Keenan Beavis, founder of Longhouse Media, one of Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned digital marketing agencies.

Several media experts also noted that collaboration among newspapers, especially those owned by African Americans, could bring about positive change.

For instance, if the more than 200 African American-owned newspapers and media companies in the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) collaborated, they could significantly contribute to addressing news deserts and amplifying marginalized voices.

To that end, Word In Black began on June 7, 2021.

In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, 10 NNPA member publications – AFRO News, The

Atlanta Voice, Dallas Weekly, Houston Defender, Michigan Chronicle, New York Amsterdam News, Sacramento Observer, Seattle Medium, St. Louis American, and the Washington Informer – launched a news collaborative unlike any other in the industry.

“They realized that the voice of Black America needs to be amplified and elevated not just locally but nationally,” the collaboration’s founders wrote.

“Our publishers saw what was happening in the United States as a call to action — one which the Black press has answered since the founding of the first Black newspaper, Freedom’s Journal, in 1827.”

To bring Word In Black to life, the publishers said they connected with the Local Media Association, which champions collaboration and helps local media companies discover new and sustainable business models.

The publishers understood, among other things, that, in news deserts, residents are deprived of essential information, hindering their ability to participate actively in local decision-making processes.

This lack of accountability and transparency can lead to disinformation, corruption, and a weakened democratic process, said author Marie Davis of Salisbury, N.C.

“News desert is emptiness and lack of news within various communities that tend to apply towards poorer, older, and uneducated residents, making them feel unimportant and preventing them from ob-

taining knowledge of what’s really going on in the world today,” Davis said.

“To keep local news alive, it’s crucial for individuals to actively support their local newspapers and news outlets,” advised Michaela Melo, a marketing executive.

By subscribing to a local paper or donating to local news outlets, individuals can contribute to the sustainability and ability of these organizations to deliver valuable local news coverage.

Financial support from the community plays an essential role in fostering community connections and holding power accountable, Melo stated.

News deserts significantly threaten democracy, civic engagement, and public accountability, several media experts asserted.

However, many expressed belief that local news can be revitalized and used to ensure that communities remain informed, engaged, and connected by promoting collaboration, advocating for government support, embracing digital platforms, and actively supporting local journalism.

“Local news keeps communities informed about local events, government decisions, and issues directly impacting their lives,” Beavis stated.”

“By recognizing the importance of local news, individuals can contribute to the overall well-being of their communities and hold power accountable.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

@StacyBrownMedia

Employment

Part time

Hours: 4 Hours daily

$850 weekly

5 Approximately 70 million people live in news deserts. (Courtesy Photo/ NNPA Newswire)

5 Former Sports View Hotel was among the first buildings that changed the face of Migina. (Courtesy Photo/ Christianne Murengeratwari)

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The Changing Face of Migna: From ‘Red-Light’ Shantytown to Booming Business Hub

For many years, Migina was known as a place where people seeking quick, cheap thrills went, whether it was drinking and dancing the night away or finding a temporary sexual partner.

Located strategically right opposite Amahoro Stadium, for many years, Migina thrived as a hotspot for all sorts of things, given its slum setting, yet tucked in one of the busiest parts of Kigali, neighboring Gisementi. Situated in Nyabisindu cell, Remera sector in Gasabo District, Migina was originally known as ‘mu Kinunga,’ which is the heart of the neighborhood perched behind what used to be Sports View Hotel.

A buzzing neighborhood with a myriad of bars and nightspots, Migina cut its name as one of the neighborhoods that never sleep, characterized by loud music, a beehive of night activity, and the delinquency that came with it.

For the fainthearted, Migina was a no-go zone in the late hours and, in its heyday, often, people who did not belong to the locality would get mugged, with a phone or handbag snatched in the process. Anything goes in Migina.

On a random evening, a fight between a sex worker and a client would erupt in one of the bars or dingy lodges and for the residents, it was routine. Cheap alcohol and the watering holes that sold it were all located in Migina, which attracted all sorts of people to the neighborhood.

Back in the day, Migina majorly thrived on events and activities at Amahoro Stadium where sports and music lovers flock to first grab a drink and bite before the event.

Whenever Rayon Sport or APR FC won, Migina would come to a standstill. Being adjacent to the main stadium which is currently under renovation, it also meant that the old ram-shackled bars lining the main street had to undergo a facelift. Today, the old, shoddy buildings that characterized Migina have been refurbished to match the importance and vision of the area where it is located.

With the completion of BK Arena in 2019, the ongoing renovation of Amahoro National Stadium, and other developments, including Gisementi expansion, Migina, which was once a slum became a hot cake, with land speculators and dealers eying its strategic importance. WI

Congressman Maxine Waters Participates in the Bahamas’ Independence Celebration

The Bahamas highlighted a months-long “Road to 50” celebration of its 50th anniversary of independence from Great Britain with a spectacular display of entertainment and cultural events on Sunday and Monday, July 9-10, at Clifford Park on West Bay Street in Nassau.

Just before midnight on July 9, 1973, the British Union Jack was lowered for the last time and the black, aquamarine and gold flag of The Bahamas was raised, officially designating the Bahamian archipelago as an independent nation.

5 Congresswoman Maxine Waters with Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis and First Lady Ann Marie Davis at the Prime Minister’s Legacy Ball at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island on Friday night, July 7. (Courtesy Photo)

Leading up to the grand celebration at Clifford Park on Sunday and Monday, a number of major events were held throughout the Islands of The Bahamas, including an impressive 50th anniversary Legacy Ball hosted by Prime Minister Philip E. Davis in the ballroom of the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island on Friday night, July 7.

Among the noted guests at the Legacy Ball was Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), who has been a frequent visitor to The Bahamas over the years since her husband Sidney Williams was United States Ambassador to The Bahamas from 1994 to 1998.

During Williams’ tenure as U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas, he and Congresswoman Waters became close friends with Sir Franklyn Wilson, Chairman of Sunshine Holdings Limited, and his wife, former President of The Bahamas Senate Lady Sharon Wilson, and they were house guests of the Wilsons on their visits to Nassau. WI

July 2023 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living

like to extend my thanks to the DACL staff, my community, my family, and my friends who have supported me throughout this journey. Your encouragement and belief in me have been instrumental.

To all the seniors who showed up and showed out at my confirmation hearing, those who testified in-person, virtually, and those who submitted written testimony, I cannot express enough gratitude. Your support meant the world to me, and I am humbled by your presence. I also want to acknowledge those who could not be there but sent me well wishes. Your kind words filled me with joy and reinforced my commitment to serve.

Live Boldly

Dear Seniors, Happy Summer! It felt so good to kick off the season with all of you at the Mayor's 12th Annual Senior Symposium. But what made this event even more special was the confirmation I received just two weeks prior. On June 15, 2023, the Council confirmed me as the new Director for the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) and I want to take a moment to express my absolute gratitude and appreciation.

First and foremost, I am incredibly grateful to our Mayor, Muriel Bowser, for her remarkable leadership and for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading DACL and advocating for all of you. It is an honor that I do not take lightly. I would also

As we embark on this new journey together, I want you to know that serving you is an absolute honor. My dedication to older adults, adults with disabilities, and those who care for them remains unwavering. However, I cannot do this work alone. The team at DACL and I rely on your involvement and input to make a meaningful impact. Therefore, when we cross paths this summer, I encourage you to connect with us. Let's talk about what's working and what's not working. Share with us the things that are great and the things that are not so great. By staying engaged and keeping the conversation going, we can ensure that DACL, as well as the entire District Government, better serves YOU!

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support throughout this journey. I eagerly look forward to the great work that lies ahead, and I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of seniors and adults with disabilities in our community.

In Service,

Charon P.W. Hines

Introducing our Queen Cerise Elaine Turner, 2023 Ms. Senior DC

This year, DACL, in partnership with Seabury Resources for Aging and the DC Seniors Cameo Club, hosted the 2023 Ms. Senior DC pageant! Nine, talented District women, including the first hearing impaired contestant, competed for the title of Ms. Senior DC 2023, sharing their talents and philosophy of life with the District.

On Saturday, June 3, Ms. Cerise Elaine Turner was crowned DC’s newest queen! Congratulations to Ms. Turner and all of this year’s contestants!

D.C. ACLU Files Lawsuit

In Support of Local Organization

Bread for the City Fights For Mental Health Crisis Support in Recent Lawsuit

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

The D.C. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a federal lawsuit against the District of Columbia, challenging improper practices of sending policemen to the scene of mental health emergencies, largely found to endanger residents who are suffering from mental health issues.

Filed on behalf of Bread for the City, a local nonprofit group that provides medical, food, and social services to underserved communities, the collective is fighting for the District to reframe its medi-

cal emergency infrastructure and provide a solid support system for mental health emergencies, similar to what exists for physical health emergencies.

“More than just illogical and dangerous, D.C.’s emergency response system fails to provide the same level of care for people in mental health crises as for people in physical health crises. This is precisely the type of unequal treatment our disability rights laws are designed to protect against,” Susan Mizner, director of the ACLU’s Disability Rights Program, stated in a formal press release announcing the suit last Thursday.

According to the federal law-

suit, the District discriminates against residents suffering from mental health disabilities by failing to ensure mental health providers, emphasizing the need to dispatch trained specialists to the scenes of people who are facing mental health crises within a timely fashion and discontinue the protocol to dispatch police officers who are not equipped to address mental health emergencies.

Further details within the suit highlight that less than 1 percent of 911 calls placed in D.C. regarding a mental health emergency end up receiving a response from an actual mental health professional. Although the District has over 1,500 EMTs, they have hired only 44 CRTs. Due to the scarce number of CRT professionals available to serve the entire city, response times range from one to three hours, sometimes more, unlike EMTs who arrive within minutes of an emergency. Consequently, police officers often become the first responders on the scene.

One of the most common emergencies Bread for the City witnesses, is residents facing suicidal ideations. Typically, staff members' first line of action is to call the District’s crisis response team (CRT), while conducting their assessments to gather additional resources they can provide their client. However, staff members are often left sitting in

a room with suicidal clients after crisis response teams do not show up promptly, further prompting staff to call the 911 emergency line for immediate help.

“Most often we’re sitting in a room with someone who is feeling suicidal, having a crisis, wants help, and they are confronted with police showing up. It’s a scary situation,” explained Tracy Knight with Bread for the City. “The police officers are not trained to be able to do additional assessments or act as social workers, as behavioral health specialists, or as EMTs. So, even when they have the best of intentions to help the person get taken to a hospital for additional treatment, their only option is to handcuff that person and put that person in the back of a police car, which we all know is not an appropriate way to handle and work with someone who is having a medical emergency.”

ACLU Staff attorney Michael Perloff emphasized the cultural biases of this issue, and sensitivity needed to address workable solutions for vulnerable populations.

“The goal here is to achieve institutional change, to get the District to treat people with mental health disabilities with the respect they deserve, and the respect that they are not receiving right now,” said Perloff. “I think that if that happens, when that happens, the benefits will be redounded throughout the District, primar-

ily to people with mental health disabilities, but also to community service organizations like Bread, that try to serve them, and now are having fewer resources to do that because the District isn’t doing it’s part.”

In the meantime, residents battling mental health disabilities, and the organizations and family members who support them, struggle to receive the help they need due to scarce resources throughout the city’s infrastructure.

“Nationwide and in the District, people with mental health disabilities, particularly people with mental health disabilities who are also from Black and Brown communities, are among the most marginalized people in our society,” said Perloff. “They are people who are castigated as risks, as threats, but they are humans, they’re our neighbors, they’re our brothers, our sisters, our community members.

“I think what we are facing is a reckoning of decades of neglect and pushing to the side the very serious problems of mental health. Our hope is that this lawsuit and the advocacy initiative which is related will bring to the light a lot of the community members who deserve much better than they are receiving.”

The D.C. Mayor's office has not issued a response to the federal lawsuit.

WI

(Courtesy photo/Bread for the City)

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EARTH OUR

Anacostia River Swim Event Postponed Following Heavy Rain, Sewer Overflows

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Writer

On the morning of July 5, Anacostia Riverkeeper Trey Sherard went out to the dock at Kingman Island to carefully collect and label water samples for testing. The water quality results from that day would determine, in part, wheth-

er the Department of Energy and Environment would grant a permit for Anacostia River Splash, a historic swim event scheduled for Saturday, July 8.

“They give us numbers back tomorrow,” Sherard said that morning, describing the 24-hour process for testing the water. “Then we hope it doesn't rain hard between now and [the event].”

Just a few hours after that conversation, thunderstorms rolled in. The weather over the following three days saw short bursts of heavy rainfall across the D.C. area. On the afternoon before the event date, DOEE and Anacostia Riverkeeper announced that the swim event would be postponed to September.

BUSINESS SPACE AVAILABLE

Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington (SMGW), a faith-based nonprofit organization in Congress Heights, seeks to lease its 3rd floor and part of the 2nd floor at 3111 MLK, Jr. Avenue, SE, at the intersection of Alabama Avenue. Space includes bathrooms, access to kitchen on second floor, small group and office space, and elevator. Buses from Anacostia Station stop in front of the door, and it is .7 miles from Congress Heights Station. Street parking only is available.

Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington

(formally Southeast Ministry)

3111 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE Washington, DC 20032

3rd Floor Rental

• Access via interior stairwell, interior elevator, and exterior stairwell.

• Restroom

• Area of third floor = 1,088 SF

• Code allows for 11 occupants.

If interested, please email dwolf@samaritanministry.org or call (202-693-1764 ©) Rev. David B. Wolf, SMGW’s Executive Director, directly.

Because parts of the District have a combined sewer system— where rainwater runoff, sewage, and industrial wastewater all collect into one pipe—heavy rain sometimes overwhelms the system. Those instances, called combined sewage overflows or CSOs, can send untreated sewage straight into D.C.’s waterways.

This week’s rain caused two relatively small CSOs, one near Navy Yard and one by RFK Stadium, said John Lisle, DC Water’s vice president of marketing and communications.

“Any event that you’re doing on the river is dependent on the weather and how much rain you get, and whether you get CSOs,” Lisle said. “That’s kind of built in.”

The problem used to be far worse, with billions of gallons of sewage running into D.C.’s rivers. But a massive court-ordered project that began in the early 2000s has opened up huge tunnels designed to hold excess water, which has caused massive improvements in water quality. Since coming online in 2018, DC Water explained the Anacostia River Tunnel has reduced sewage overflows into the river by 90%.

A second phase of the project is set to come online at the end of this summer, and DC Water expects it to bring the reduction to 98%.

ANOTHER VARIABLE: PART OF A TUNNEL NEAR RFK WAS OFFLINE THIS WEEK

Because of construction on the new Northeast Boundary Tunnel, DC Water had to take part of the existing tunnel offline for about a month, Lisle said.

At that disconnected section, located by RFK Stadium, about 2 million gallons of sewage went into the river on Thursday. The spot is less than two miles from the site on Kingman Island where the swim event would have taken place (though the planned swim site is upstream).

Anacostia Riverkeeper said its team had not known that part of the tunnel infrastructure would be disconnected during the event.

“We did not know that the CSO controls were expected to be offline at this exact time,” McKenzie Ingram, the organization’s outreach and volunteer coordinator, said in an email. “If we had known ahead of time, we would have not scheduled Splash while the tunnels were offline.”

Jeffrey Seltzer, deputy director of the Natural Resources Administration at DOEE, said in an email that the agency—which worked closely with Anacostia Riverkeeper on the event—had known that DC Water would need to take parts of the system offline for construction during the summer. But, Seltzer said, they did not know the specific dates until June 30, less than a week before an event that had been months in the making.

“Even with the tunnel off-line, there are many days when water quality will support swimming,”

5 The Anacostia River from Kingman Island, near RFK Stadium. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Seltzer said. “It’s unfortunate that the timing didn’t work for this weekend, but we are excited to see the event rescheduled for later this fall.”

LOTS OF IMPROVEMENT—BUT STILL MORE WORK TO DO

Even once the entire tunnel system is online and complete, extreme rainfall may still occasionally cause overflows. Thursday’s CSO at Navy Yard, Lisle said, happened because the heavy rain simply fell too fast to be collected into tunnels—not because there was any issue with the capacity.

Separately, rainfall also washes polluted runoff from the city into the Anacostia.

“That comes in not from a discrete set of sources like combined sewer overflows—it’s coming in from the entire watershed, everywhere,” Sherard said. “Somebody doesn't pick up their dog poop: it does vanish from the yard when it rains, because it vanishes to here [in the river].”

Still, several places along the Anacostia have water quality good enough for swimming 80% or 90% of the time, according to

testing conducted by Anacostia Riverkeeper.

Seltzer said that the results from Wednesday’s water sample—which Sherard took before the last few days of rain and the two CSOs— were “well within the standards for swimming safely.” But without time to do new tests, DOEE decided to postpone the event.

The new date for Splash will likely be set for sometime after the new Northeast Boundary Tunnel goes online, completing the Clean Rivers Project’s work on the Anacostia River and even further improving the water quality. WI

DC FUTURES is a new program that gives District residents up to $8,000 for college tuition. Students can choose from more than 50 in-demand fields.

Other benefits include:

• One-on-one coaching to help keep you on track.

• $1,500 stipend for books, travel, and other extras.

• Emergency funds to cover some of life’s unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, rent, food, and child care.

So, whether you want to finish the degree you started, or start the degree you’ve always dreamed of, the first step is just a click away.

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.

“The career I never thought possible ... is possible.”

— Quinton, Class of 2024

5 Anacostia Riverkeeper Trey Sherard conducts a water test at a Kingman Island dock on July 5. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

RIVER SWIM from Page 22

Still, several places along the Anacostia have water quality good enough for swimming 80% or 90% of the time, according to testing conducted by Anacostia Riverkeeper.

9 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership

By Deborah Boddie WI Contributing Writer

I was watching a Netflix Series the other night, “How to Get Rich,” hosted by finance guru and New York Times bestselling author Ramit Sethi.  In one profile, he follows a young African American gymnast who purchased a condo but was clearly not ready for home ownership.  She moved in not knowing who would be responsible for repairs, had not understood her HOA (Homeowner Association) fees would be in addition to her mortgage, and her mortgage was over 40% of her income.  When she moved in she did not have hot water and several months later she was still taking cold showers because she could not get the HOA to make the repair and could not afford to pay for it.  She could not afford to go on vacations, to have a meal out or to make even the most modest purchases.

She was not ready to be a homeowner.

I was really rooting for her because she wanted to be a homeowner….badly.  She saw it as a pathway to wealth, independence and just the right thing to do.  Who can argue with that?

But, getting ready to be a homeowner involves several important steps to ensure a smooth transition into homeownership.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO HELP YOU PREPARE:

1. Determine your financial readiness: Evaluate your financial situation to determine if you're ready to take on the responsibility of homeownership. Consider factors such as your income, savings, debts, and credit score. Ensure that your finances are in order and that you have a stable income to afford mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other associated costs.

2. Start to accumulate savings: In anticipating your down payment, you will need at least 20% of the purchase price. So, for a house that costs $500,000, that’s $10,000.  Now, add to the down payment closing costs, which usually range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price.

3. Set a budget: Yes, everyone wants the dream house, but can you afford it? Calculate your monthly income and expenses, including potential mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Your housing costs should not be more than 33% of your income.  Can you afford the house and still afford a vacation and occasional meal out?

4. Get pre-approved: Go to your bank or to online lenders to see how much house you can afford.  Get a pre-approval letter.  You will need this when you finally find the home of your dreams and begin to negotiate. A pre-approval demonstrates are a serious buyer.

5. Research and explore neighborhoods: Research different neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle,

preferences, and budget. Consider proximity to schools, amenities, transportation, safety, and future development. Visit the neighborhood during different times of the day to get a feel for the area.

6. Determine your housing needs: Consider size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, layout, yard space, and other features.

7. Work with a real estate agent: Engage an experienced real estate agent. The right agent can help you find suitable properties, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that you're making informed decisions.

8. Start house hunting early: Begin your search for your home six months to a year before purchase. Attend open houses, schedule viewings, and explore different options.

Compare properties and consider their potential for appreciation and resale value.

9. Conduct inspections: Once you find a potential home, hire a professional home inspector to conduct a thorough inspection of the property. This will help identify any underlying issues or required repairs.  Use this information to help you negotiate the price.

As a real estate attorney and broker, I am TEAM HOMEOWNER, but getting into homeownership before you are ready can lead to disastrous results.

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Probate Specialist Realtor,

Broker, GRI, INV

5 Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. (Courtesy of Deborah D. Boddie)

5 Getting ready to be a homeowner involves several important steps to ensure a smooth transition into homeownership. (Courtesy Photo)

Four Additional District Public Schools Gear Up for Redesign Students, Staff at Coolidge and H.D. Woodson Reflect on Upcoming Developments

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Within a matter of weeks, four District public schools will execute a curriculum redesign that students, teachers, parents, business leaders and other community members have spent more than a year developing during a series of meetings.

The schools -- Calvin Coolidge Senior High School and Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC) in Northwest, and H.D. Woodson STEM High School and Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Northeast -- represent the second cohort of a partnership between DC Public Schools (DCPS) and XQ Institute.

Through this partnership, young people, like Coolidge Senior High School student Shamiyah McGee, have been able to think deeply about what they desire for their high school experience. For Shamiyah, the community engagement portion of the redesign process served as a muchneeded lesson in patience that she said will help her navigate the STEM field.

“I have a strong voice [to advocate] for my education and that of other students," said Shamiyah, a rising junior at Coolidge who aspires to be an architectural engineer.

Coolidge's curriculum redesign integrates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, through which students develop their global leadership skills while conducting projects focused on local issues.

Shamiyah said the redesign will enhance what she has come to love and respect about Coolidge.

"There are so many ideas on the table that can be used. I’m looking

forward to the next couple of years at Coolidge High School," she told the Informer. "It’s a top-tier school [because] it’s given me so many opportunities to express myself outside of the classroom."

Nearly nine miles away, H.D. Woodson student Wynnter Price said she participated in the redesign community engagement process with the wellbeing of the incoming freshmen weighing heavily on her mind.

During the 2023-2024 school year, those freshmen will participate in classes where they identify and pursue their passions, and eventually get an early head start on postsecondary pursuits. Options will include micro-credentialing in personal fitness and real estate, and enrollment in an early college program.

Wynnter, a rising junior at H.D. Woodson High School, expressed her hope that freshmen will grow closer together as they embark on a new academic journey together. As a potential guest lecturer in their classes, she could witness their development in real time.

"I want to see our students come together more as a community," said Wynnter, an aspiring travel nurse and real estate agent. "The class we designed will do that. It allows incoming freshmen to know each other more so they can have a better bond throughout their four years."

THE LATEST CHAPTER IN AN ONGOING PROCESS

Over the last several months, community members at CHEC, Coolidge High School, H.D. Woodson High School, and Ron Brown

College Preparatory High School refined their yet-to-be-implemented designs and gathered input from community members.

For each school, the process included use of an Equity Opportunity Audit to determine which students didn’t benefit from the current education model. Students even left the confines of their campuses at one point during the 2022-2023 school year to meet each other and discuss their visions for their academic journey.

Toward the end of 2022, Rachel Curry-Neal entered her role as redesign director at H.D. Woodson eager to build upon the work completed thus far. She expressed a desire to include more people, including alumni, parents, teachers, and students who had either been unengaged or unaware about the redesign process.

In describing her strategy, Curry-Neal told the Informer that she hosted redesign days and lunches to better diversify students’ voices. “Coming into this experience, I was joining a robust and energized community,” Curry-Neal said. “Synthesizing students’ vision and connecting the pieces was exciting. They laid an amazing foundation. It was about making sure students’ voices were at the forefront. They had tantalizing ideas about how school could reflect what they want.”

Kira Rowe, redesign director at Coolidge High School, said that the model that students will experience this fall has been built upon previous

efforts to prioritize student wellness, bring them in tune with nature, and help them develop an interest in their community.

Rowe recounted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the foundation of Coolidge High School’s redesign, compelling discussion between students, teachers and community members about hands-on learning and student wellness. She said the development goals -- which include climate action, responsible consumption and production, reduced inequalities, peace justice and strong institutions -appealed to young people who have a natural inclination to solve problems.

“One of the blessings for Coolidge was the opportunity for cultivation [and] getting feedback from our first application and engaging community members, staff and families,” Rowe said. “We’ve created a school redesign committee full of younger students who will feel the redesign. The redesign model meets sustainability goals to give students a global experience, [a chance to] work on their wellness, and complete action and research-based caption projects.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Since its 2015 inception, XQ Institute has funded the design and implementation of more than 50 high school redesigns in collaboration with school districts and state education departments. It has done so through six design principles: strong mission and culture; meaningful, engaged learning;

caring, trusting relationships; youth voice and choice; smart use of time, space and technology; and community partnerships.

For Semanthe Bright, principal at Coolidge High School, the DC+XQ redesign presents an opportunity for students to take full advantage of all that the District has to offer in the realm of government and international affairs.

“We’re around the corner from Embassy Row and the White House [and] we’re across the bridge from the Pentagon,” Bright said. “There are many international opportunities for our students and the city allows us to use it as a hub of learning. We don’t want the redesign to be something that’s just in the moment. We want to sustain it over time [so] it’s an anchor in our community.”

William Massey, H.D. Woodson’s principal, expressed similar thoughts, telling the Informer that the redesign counts as another piece of the puzzle that will make H.D. Woodson a stronger institution, especially since students are more involved in its development.

"We can enhance the student experience along the way and bring students to the forefront of the planning,” Massey said. “It allows them to figure out how to map out their four-year journey and what they are going to do in their postsecondary studies."

WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Calvin Coolidge Senior High School and Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC) in Northwest, and H.D. Woodson STEM High School and Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Northeast represent the second cohort of a partnership between DC Public Schools (DCPS) and XQ Institute to execute a curriculum redesign. (Courtesy Photo)

Camp Embers: Firing Up Teens to Fight Fires

By J. Pamela Stills WI Contributing Writer

Camp Embers, the brainchild of Fire Chief Tiffany Green, opened for its inaugural summer camp. The two-day camp was open to girls ages 14 to 18 residing in Prince George’s County or having a family member who themselves is a firefighter. For its first year, the camp welcomed 30 girls that were ready for the challenge.

Chief Green, the first woman Chief and the first Black woman

Chief in Prince George’s County saw the camp as an opportunity to encourage girls to consider a career in fire service. Growing up in Prince George’s County, Chief Green didn’t know anyone who was a firefighter. After having, as she put it, stumbled into fire service as a volunteer in Oxon Hill, that feeling didn’t go away and in 1999 she began her career. Chief Green worked her way up the ranks and in 2022 became Fire Chief.

Chief Green believes one of the limitations of women in the fire service is they do not see themselves in the profession. Camp Embers provided an answer to that by surrounding the girls with leaders and firefighters showing them that although the job is demanding, women can do the job.

Chief Green summed it up this way, “Although it’s physically demanding women do this job successfully every single day. They save lives.”

The camp was held at the Fire and EMS Training Facility in Cheltenham, Maryland, where rookie firefighters are trained. Campers were provided with all the necessary gear and participated in some of the same drills that rookie firefighters would perform. The campers were guided through drill stations that included using an ax, breaching a door, handling a hose line, performing CPR, climbing the fire truck ladder to enter a high-rise building, using a chainsaw, vehicle extraction, and search and rescue. All of this was done wearing gear that at times weighed nearly 70 lbs.

At the end of the camp, campers were treated to a completion cer-

tificate, a ribboned journal, and a swag-box. Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, the first woman to serve in her position in Prince George’s County, provided remarks to the campers.

Alsobrooks noted she was very impressed with the girls handling the challenges of the program. She went on to say the all-girls program was designed to show young women around the County what it takes to join the fire department and to inspire a path for young leaders, adding she was “Prince George’s proud” of all the campers.

The Prince George’s County Fire Department is hiring 80 plus firefighters beginning this month. The department’s first recruit from the upcoming hirings may be coming from Camp Embers.

Eighteen year-old Alexis Morales submitted her application and has her fingers crossed that she will be accepted.

Kyndall Hardy, 15-year old camper whose mother is a firefighter, said going through the camp made her appreciate firefighters more. She said the hardest part was probably the hose drill, having to run up the house, shoot water from the window at the target while being timed. To add just a little more pressure, she had to put the uniform on within one minute.

“I didn’t think it would be so much work … I can’t imagine how much my mom does working here,” Kyndall said, adding that the camp sparked her interest and she now has plans to apply to the academy when she turns 18.

For information on Camp Embers, call 240-508-1773 or email campembers@co.pg.md.us WI

3 Camper Iyanna Haydel works on cutting the vehicle windshield during a vehicle extraction drill. (J.Pamela Stills/The Washington Informer)

Teachers Fest Celebrates the Hard Work of Educators in 3rd Annual Gala

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

While many schools might be out for the summer, Dr. Soyini Richards and the leadership at Teachers Fest recognize it is important to acknowledge the hard work of educators year round.

With a food, fun, and fashion-filled event, Teachers Fest– a nonprofit organization group of educators, administrators, entrepreneurs and other career disciplines – hosted its third annual gala on Friday, July 7 at the Sunset Room in National Harbor, Maryland. As drinks poured, food flowed, and an entertaining fashion show engaged the audience, the true emphasis remained on highlighting the integral and incredible work of local educators.

“I really take joy in the community coming together to celebrate educators,” said Teachers Fest founder Dr. Soyini Richards, a business and school psychologist and psychology

professor. “It's a vision God put in my heart and to see it come to fruition like this is a blessing. I'm a third generation educator. I've been grading papers since I was 8.”

While the evening celebrated the wonderful work of teachers, and honored several individuals for their exceptional service, there was also a clear acknowledgement of the major sacrifices involved to have a career in education.

“So often what we don’t talk about when it comes to education is the emotional labor,” said SEIU Local 500 President Pia Morrison. “We also don’t talk about the compensation.”

The SEIU Local 500 leader reminded educators of their power.

“What you all pour into students,” Morrison emphasized, “is so meaningful and valuable, because what happens is: when you pour into them, they pour out into society.”

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

DC FUTURES is a new program that gives District residents up to $8,000 for college tuition. Students can choose from more than 50 in-demand fields.

Other benefits include:

• One-on-one coaching to help keep you on track.

• $1,500 stipend for books, travel, and other extras.

• Emergency funds to cover some of life’s unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, rent, food, and child care.

So, whether you want to finish the degree you started, or start the degree you’ve always dreamed of, the first step is just a click away.

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.

“The career I never thought possible... is possible.”

— Shayla, Class of 2024

5 Teachers Fest hosted its 3rd annual gala celebrating the hard work of educators on Friday, July 7 at the Sunset Room in National Harbor, Maryland. (Courtesy Photo)

Helping District Residents Fight Climate Change In Their Own Homes

Sponsored by the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia.

For many of us, summer is a time to celebrate and enjoy sunny days with our loved ones. However, summers in the District of Columbia can also pose significant challenges for families, neighbors, and the environment. When temperatures soar in the District, many households find themselves using more energy to keep their homes cool and comfortable. This not only puts stress on the power grid, but it also strains

residents' budgets — especially those who live in older homes. According to a recent study, the energy consumed for air conditioning, cooling, and powering residential buildings makes up 20% of the total annual energy usage in the United States, and older homes tend to produce more carbon emissions.

The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia's (DCPSC) Summer Ready DC campaign has helped District utility consumers weatherize their homes or businesses to help reduce their utility bills since 2015. The DCPSC provides consumers with information on utility assistance programs and

offers weatherization tips, tools, and techniques to increase energy efficiency and conservation. Unfortunately, many families find themselves having to choose between essential expenses like medication, groceries, and childcare, or paying their energy bills. U.S. Census data reveals that low-income households spend an average of 8.1% of their income on energy costs, while wealthier households spend only 2.3%. Utility consumers can prevent high energy bills and do their part to combat the effects of climate change with just a few small steps. The DCPSC has prepared helpful checklists, in both English and Spanish, to ensure your home is in good shape and that it’s ready for summer weather.

Weatherization during the summer months, which is also referred to as summer-proofing, safeguards the inside and outside of a residence or structure against scorching heat, strong winds, or heavy downpours. This lowers energy consumption, boosts efficiency, diminishes your carbon footprint, and preserves the environment. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy found that making energy upgrades could cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050. Homeowners or renters who take steps to weatherize their home can save 20%-30% on their utility bills, an average of $283 annually. Other benefits of weatherization include improved indoor air quality, reduced sick days among children and adults, and lessening dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Simply put, by weatherizing your home you can enjoy enhanced comfort, safety, and wellbeing.

For the 2023 Summer Ready DC campaign, the DCPSC has partnered with four DC Public Library locations across the city to distribute free weatherization

and energy efficiency items to District residents. Attendees of these free outreach events can choose to receive one GE Lighting CYNC smart full color A19 LED light bulb ($10.99 value) or one Frost King white rubber self-stick weatherseal tape ($8.67 value), while supplies last. The kick-off event in Ward 7 at the Benning Neighborhood Library was very popular and the DCPSC was able to distribute hundreds of items to area residents. As the District's utility regulator, the DCPSC oversees the local electric, natural gas, and telecom utilities. However, our personal connections with residents, created and maintained through these types of outreach events and community engagements, are at the core of our mission to serve the public interest throughout the year. For more information on the DCPSC, the Summer Ready DC campaign, local clean energy efforts, energy conservation, utility discount programs, or energy service providers, please visit the DCPSC website or follow the Commission on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or here on LinkedIn.

There is a popular perception among Americans that the U.S. Supreme Court has lost touch with the lives and struggles of everyday people. A General Social Survey poll reported that only 18% of Americans have great confidence in the Supreme Court, a historic low.

Three recent court decisions regarding the narrowing of affirmative action in college admissions, the gutting of President Biden’s program to eliminate student debt and functionally sanctioning discrimination against sexual orientation minorities has many Americans worried that the court’s conservative majority has no interest in anyone who is not wealthy, a person of color or straight.

As a result of these concerns, U.S. Reps. Ro Khanna (D-California) and Don Beyer (D-Virginia) reintroduced The Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act on June 30. Khanna and Beyer’s legislation would create an 18-year term limit for Supreme Court justices appointed after the law takes effect.

After the 18-year term, justices could then continue their service on lower courts. Presently, justices serve lifetime tenures and can only leave office through death, resignation, or impeachment. The legislation is a step in the right direction to make sure that the Supreme Court will be an unbiased, fair, and ideologically balanced body with the best interests of all Americans.

Khanna is correct in saying the founding fathers intended for lifetime appointments to ensure impartiality, but that is not the case presently with the justices becoming partisan and out of step with the American public. Beyer is also correct saying the court “is a distant, secretive, unelected body that can make drastic changes in their lives without accountability.”

Former Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California), a bill supporter, said term limits will “depoliticize the court and restore public trust in the institution.”

Federal lawmakers must run for reelection every two or six years and the president can only serve two consecutive elected terms because of the 22nd amendment to the Constitution. Justices should be held to term limits also, so they are accountable to the people, not a small group of powerful, conservative special interests. WI

U.S. Supreme Court Justices Need Term Limits EDITORIAL TO THE EDITOR

The Smithsonian Needs to Get Moving On Returning Stolen Artifacts

Nearly 40 wooden funerary statues recently made it back to Kenya after being taken from Mijikenda villages’ sacred sites more than four decades ago. The Illinois State Museum announced last week that it had completed its transfer of the artifacts, which are called vigango. Mijikenda communities erected the statues to serve as a spiritual connection to, and memorial for, male elders who had passed. They were not meant to be moved.

Museums across the world—but particularly in countries with long histories of colonizing exploitation—should return objects that were stolen or otherwise acquired using coercion to their original communities. These days, that’s not exactly a hot take. But it took a long time to reach that point, and some major institutions (cough, the British Museum, cough) have remained steadfastly against returning anything at all.

When I read about the Illinois State Museum’s repatriation of its vigango collection, it surprised me to learn that the process can take years of work—even when museum leaders and employees are completely supportive. As it turns out, transferring valuable artifacts internationally requires cutting through a mountain of red tape. The Illinois State Museum had been seeking to return the vigango since at least 2018.

Even though it wasn’t easy, the Illinois State Museum still made the transfer happen— because it was the right thing to do.

The Smithsonian Institute, which operates 21 museums and holds over 155 million unique objects, adopted a new “ethical returns” policy in May 2022 that authorizes museums to repatriate stolen objects. So far, the Institute has returned one collection, its infamous Benin Bronzes.

The 21 Smithsonian museums (not counting the Zoo) and its 2020 revenue totaled over $1.5 billion. Meanwhile, the Illinois State Museum’s revenue that year came out to less than a million. My point: if this state museum system can manage it, the Smithsonian truly has no excuse.

I know these transfers take time, and the Smithsonian officially changed its policy just a year ago. But personally, I’m tapping my foot and checking the clock. They’re about a hundred years late already. WI

Long Live Banneker

It was awesome to read that Banneker’s alumni are still going strong and continuing on the legacy with the newly launched Banneker Alumni Society. Keep on making a difference!

Rochelle Leeds

Washington, D.C.

A Supreme Travesty

It’s been said many times before, but it feels like the Supreme Court is rolling the clock back, and soon our basic rights and needs will be up for debate. The bench will find a half-baked reason why it’s not constitutional. Their abortion decision and now affirmative action sets the stage for what’s to come.

Tyra Doughtery

Washington, D.C.

Readers' Mailbox

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.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

Clarence Thomas Hates Black People

people, and self-absorption.

As a child in Pinpoint, Georgia, Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was hazed by his classmates with the monicker "America's Blackest Child." Such hazing may have had long-term effects, rendering Thomas incapable of transcending his background. It may have given him an inferiority complex that expresses itself in his self-hatred, hatred of other Black

While I'm no psychologist or psychiatrist, watching someone who used affirmative action to get into Yale Law School so vociferously attack the policy is fascinating. But, as Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson noted in her dissent in the two Students for Fair Admissions (a misnomer if I ever saw one), Thomas has carried out a "prolonged attack" against affirmative action. His June opinion in Students for Fair Admissions was just one of his many attacks on affirmative action.

His distaste for affirmative action

Guest Columnist

seems to stem from his own experiences at Yale, an experience that none of his classmates have verified. Thomas seemed to feel that white students assumed he was an affirmative action admit (he was) and thus not as capable as they were (there is no evidence of that). Thus he thinks affirmative action stigmatizes Black students, so the Supreme Court should eliminate it. Many of us who were affirmative action admits (I was) don’t much chafe about any stigma. Instead, we celebrate the opportunities affirmative action offered, realizing that while affirmative

Ben Jealous

To Feel Less Heat, We Need More Trees

nomic well-being.

All of us suffered last week through day after day of the hottest average temperatures ever recorded on Earth. Now imagine it had been 10% hotter where you live.

That wasn't hard to do for residents in urban neighborhoods where pavement, concrete and glass far surpass leafy trees. The people who live there pay a heat tax through their health and their eco-

Roughly 80% of Americans live in urban areas and roughly 80% of those city dwellers live neighborhoods with less than 20% tree cover. And those places with minimal tree canopy experience significantly higher temperatures than green neighborhoods just miles away. That's true in big cities like Newark and New Orleans and smaller ones like Burlington, Vt., and Erie, Pa.

The list of quality-of-life indicators that decline as the presence of trees declines is long — health

Guest Columnist

Last year, Sports Illustrated magazine compiled a ranking system that acknowledged the most valuable and desirable programs throughout college football's five most powerful leagues. Out of 69 Power 5 schools, the University of Wisconsin ranked seventh overall. The impressive ranking doesn't hurt when it comes to recruiting. With the recent commit-

ment from four-star running back Darrion Dupree, the Badgers beat out the University of Illinois and Missouri in a tough competition to land one of its top sought-after players. Like many other top high school players nationwide, Dupree is a Black athlete attending a predominately white school.

While Wisconsin football is big, it doesn't compare to the South's obsession with college football, particularly the passionate fan base of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The late Marino Casem, a longtime Alcorn State and Southern University coach,

action opened the door, it did not pass our comprehensive exams, our bar exams, or any other qualifiers. Affirmative action opened the door to some elite institutions, but it did not do the work to get us out.

Thomas has a way of making public policy personal. People look down on him, he thinks, and he is hurt and angry, just as he was when people called him America's Blackest Child. To make himself feel better, Thomas has surrounded himself with the wealthy elites of the Horatio Alger Society, which believes that hard work is all you need

to get ahead in this country. Some of the hardest-working people I know are moms who receive public assistance, but Thomas and his ilk would look down on these folks and describe them as lazy (just as he did to his own sister during his confirmation hearings). In his narrow mind, he was looked down upon. Thus, he must prove that he is "fair," "colorblind" and a proponent of "equal protection."

If there were fairness and equal protection under the law, Supreme Court

MALVEAUX Page 53

conditions from heat stroke to asthma, outdoor activity, air pollution, flooding and chemicals from stormwater run-off, energy costs, and home values among them. The most vulnerable are hardest hit — children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

The places where people of color and low-income whites live get far less relief from trees. Communities in which nearly all residents experience poverty have 41% less canopy than those with nearly no poverty. The group American Forests calls

David W. Marshall

once said, "On the East Coast, football is a cultural experience. In the Midwest, it's a form of cannibalism. On the West Coast, it's a tourist attraction. And in the South, football is a religion, and Saturday is the holy day."

The dominance displayed by the SEC and other schools in the South during the past 20 years is obvious by the number of national championships. Eighteen out of the past 20 college football champions were from schools in the South. The University of Alabama alone has won six. The Ala-

this the “tree equity” gap. One of the easiest ways to find the neighborhoods with too few trees and too much heat is to look at a map of where racial redlining prevented residents from benefiting from federal home loans for much of the 20th century.

The need couldn't be simpler to state — plant more trees where there are too few. But meeting it has been less a priority for those in neighborhoods where shade isn't a luxury. We can't overlook urban trees help everyone — they keep

close to a billion metric tons of climate-killing carbon out of the atmosphere.

We're beginning to change that inattention. The same historic spending package approved last year that's driving renewal of American manufacturing and growth of clean energy includes $1.5 billion for planting and maintaining urban trees, with first $1 billion in grants expected to be announced at the end of the summer. That's at

bama Crimson Tide football program has a long tradition of championship teams. Football legend Paul "Bear" Bryant coached three national championships between 1961 and 1966, but the winning streak suddenly hit a wall. Over the following four seasons, the Crimson Tide won only 28 games. Winning became much more difficult when the most talented Black athletes who would normally play at historically Black colleges or universities started attending white schools outside the South. Affirmative action was unnecessary in 1971 to convince a

losing Bryant to sign the school's first Black scholarship athlete. In 1973, he won his fourth national title. It's about race and culture, but it's also about winning. Winning in college football is power, prestige and money.

The subject of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a sore spot for conservatives nationwide. While DEI refers to organizational frameworks that promote "the fair treatment and full participation of all people," it is also

The U.S. Supreme Court Has Never Been a Defender of Racial Justice

Coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court's affirmative action decision in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post would lead their readers to believe this was a monumental decision that reflected some type of brand-new position in this country.

Each of the "big-boy" newspapers headlined their reaction

across the top of their June 30, 2023 issues. "JUSTICES GUT COLLEGE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION," shouted The New York Times; "Court Guts College Affirmative Action," heralded The Wall Street Journal; "JUSTICES RULE AGAINST AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN COLLEGES," screamed The Washington Post.

Their editorials also presented the decision as though it was something of immense historic importance. The New York Times noted that "The De -

Guest Columnist

cades-Long Fight to Dismantle Affirmative Action;" The Wall Street Journal praised the court's decision as "A Landmark For Racial Equality;" The Washington Post insisted that "Affirmative Action Gone. Campus Diversity Need Not Be."

When reading all of the above one would think that the Supreme Court's decision was shocking and unexpected. It may have been such for those Blacks and whites who believe that the Court, when dealing with white supremacy in this country, has

Marc H. Morial

been and still is some kind of objective and neutral branch of the federal government. Serious Black people and many white people in this country are well aware that the Court has always been a defender and promoter of white supremacy.

The only time during this country's history that the Supreme Court has made any decisions against violent and brutalizing white supremacy was during the Cold War with Russia. The Russians, like most people of European descent, believe

in white supremacy. However, they took every opportunity to greatly publicize overt manifestations of white supremacy in the United States. In response to the Russian propaganda, the Supreme Court had to make at least some decisions that would enable the United States to continue to present themselves as the leader of the "Free World" and a place where all people have equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity. That led to BAILEY Page 54

Pence Claims There's No Racial Inequity in Education. He's Very, Very Wrong

inequality, they serve to maintain – or in rare cases disrupt – racial inequality for students and families." – The Inequality Project, Columbia University

"Decades of research indicate that racism undergirds our public institutions and shapes various aspects of our contemporary society, including public policies. These policies, in turn, shape local school practices that impact the day-to-day experiences of students in classrooms. Even as schools are shaped by broader trends of racial

Former Vice President and current presidential candidate Mike Pence, who presided over the most aggressive rollback of civil rights in more than a century, brazenly told the nation this week he doesn't believe there is racial inequity in the nation's education system.

Confronted with evidence to the contrary, he ducked the question. "I haven't seen your studies. I don't know the numbers." We do know the numbers. And Pence is dead wrong.

The National Urban League's most recent Equality IndexTM for education was 74.3. Inspired by Three-Fifths Compromise of 1787, which counted Black Americans as "three-fifths" of a person, the Equality Index is the National Urban League's semi-annual calculation of the

social and economic status of Black Americans relative to whites. Under full equality, the index would be 100.

Because of the lag in data collection and analysis, the most recent Equality Index does not capture the full effect of the learning disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit Black students the hardest. But even before factoring in the pandemic, Black students lost ground since 2005, when the education index was 77.2.

Right-wing SCOTUS Justices Are Not Acting Alone

ited to education. The right-wing majority on the court is escalating war on the reconstruction that was launched by the civil rights movement.

The right-wing gang of six justices on the Supreme Court just ruled that affirmative action in university admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina violates the Constitution. Do not be fooled. This ruling is not limited to the elite universities that seek to ensure diversity in their student bodies. It is not lim-

The court ruled that race is a suspect category even when used to remedy discrimination.

This ruling will be invoked to reverse efforts to guarantee equal employment opportunity, to provide opportunity for minority contractors, to counter discriminatory housing restrictions, to challenge hate crimes motivated

by race. With this ruling, the court declares that it is not only blind to the systemic racism that still scars this nation, but hostile to efforts to remedy that racism, arguing that they offend the Constitution. As Justice Katanji Brown Jackson wrote in her blistering dissent, “this is a tragedy for us all.”

The decision of the gang of six, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, is only part of the court's assault on equal rights under the law. Roberts also penned the court decision in Shelby County v. Hold-

er that gutted the Voting Rights Act — and has opened the gates to racially discriminatory election measures in dozens of states.

The right-wing justices are not acting alone. Across the country, an increasingly extremist Republican Party has made race-bait politics a centerpiece of its agenda.

In Florida, for example, Gov. Ron DeSantis, now a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, has outlawed teaching the truth about America's history of slavery. He has banned

More than 100 separate metrics are used to calculate the education index, and Black Americans have achieved parity with whites in almost none of them. About twice as many Black students are taught by unqualified or underqualified teachers. Black boys are twice as likely as white boys to be suspended from school, and Black girls are three times as likely. Black students are more than twice as likely as

any diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. He is waging war on what he calls “woke” corporations that seek to defend equal rights under the law.

African Americans and Latinos are not the only target. The Civil Rights Reconstruction helped lay the groundwork for the expansion of rights for women, the LGBTQ community, the disabled, and the young. It is not accidental that the reactionary court majority now

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

JACKSON Page 54

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

A. Peter Bailey MORIAL Page 54

LIFESTYLE

41st RAMMY Awards Celebrate Resilience in Restaurant and Bar Industry

By Brenda C. Siler and Micha Green

Contributing Writer and WI Managing Editor

In an evening that included open bars, specialty cocktails, various stations with decadent food offerings, and awards highlighting local food and beverage businesses, the 41st RAMMYS on July 9 celebrated the innovative work and extraordinary resilience of the DMV’s dining industry. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s (RAMW) annual event served as a reminder that while businesses struggled during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,

many local establishments made adjustments that allowed for them to not only remain open, but thrive.

General Manager of Circa at Foggy Bottom Brittany Dye, who was named this year’s Manager of the Year, emphasized the past few years have been challenging, but said internal support is what led to the restaurant’s continued success.

“It does take a little bit of thick skin, but it’s support, at the end of the day– knowing I can go to my bosses, my staff can come to me— that’s what’s gotten us through everything. Through the pandemic, through the mask mandates, fees everything,”

Dye told the Informer. “It’s been a challenge, but being there for each

other is what put us on top.

Though this is the first RAMMYS under his leadership, ShawnShaun Townsend, who was named president and CEO of RAMW in December 2022, reminded the several hundreds filling the Walter E. Washington Convention Center of his long standing relationship with the food service industry. He spoke about his parents and how his father is a restaurateur and mother worked as a waitress to pay her way through nursing school.

“Like many people, the industry has been an important part of my life,” Townsend said. “I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this organization at such a transformative moment.”

RAMW continues its commitment to helping the industry to sustain local establishments. In opening remarks for the awards event, it was announced that more than 80 new restaurants opened in the metro area.

“The restaurant scene has gone into overdrive,” said Jummy Olabanji, NBC Washington anchor and one of the hosts for the evening. “As we return to a new normal, people are dining out, they have a new passion, and restaurants are thriving.”

There were three categories for special achievement and 20 awards categories.

Special honors were given in the name of giants in the D.C. area’s food service industry. The John G. Laytham Exceptional Leadership and Impact Award was given to Michael F. Curtin Jr., chief executive officer of DC Central Kitchen, for his significant contribution to the region’s food service industry and for giving back

to the community. The Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award was given to Ris Lacoste, chef and owner of RIS Restaurant, for her excellence and community leadership.

In recognition of being in business for several decades in the metro D.C. area, nine restaurants were given the 2023 Honorary Milestone RAMMY Award: Filomena Ristorante (40 years), The Grill From Ipanema (30 years), Old Europe (75 years), Cafe Milano (30 years), Jaleo (30 Years), National Democratic Club (70 years), Artie’s (45 years), Four Sisters (30 years), and Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse (75 years).

Restaurateur of the Year was awarded to Rose Previte with No White Plates, a food and beverage collective that includes the restaurants Compass Rose, Maydan, and Kirby Club. Kevin Tien, the executive chef at Moon Rabbit, a Vietnamese restaurant that closed in May, won Chief of the Year. Employee of the Year was given to Nabil Moussa, from Le Diplomate. Pastry Chef of the Year, a new category, was awarded to Teresa Velazquez at Baked and Wired, A Baked Joint.

Accepting the award for Favorite Gathering Place, the team behind Tiki on 18th/ The Game Sports Pub came to the stage with a full-size Filipino flag. With tears, their spokesperson gave a shout out to other Filipino food and beverage businesses in the area.

WINNERS CELEBRATE AND SHARE TIPS TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE

After winning Manager of the Year,

Dye told the Informer she was experiencing many pleasant emotions.

“I just won Manager of the Year and it’s pretty overwhelming. It’s an honor and I’m incredibly happy and honored to be here,” said Dye, who has worked at Circa at Foggy Bottom on and off for more than five years.

Dye underscored the importance of teamwork as the key to personal achievement as a manager and contributing to the success of the restaurant overall.

“Even pre-pandemic, [then] coming out of the shutdowns, navigating this, navigating that– it was just about being there for the team,” Dye said. “Everybody was going through something, everybody was dealing with something, but we all stuck with each other and we looked out for each other, and we took care of each other.”

Kamal Azzouz, co-owner of “Urban Roast,” also shared an emotional tale when accepting the award for Best Brunch. He spoke about what it took for he and his brothers, Anthony and Joseph Azzouz, to open their restaurant on June 1, 2020, in the thick of everything shutting down. The entrepreneur stressed that family, friends and hard work allowed them to survive.

“We knew we would never give up,” said Kamal Azzouz. “Fast Forward to three years later. We have 100,000-plus followers on social media and over 2,000 reservations covered a week.

For more information and the full list of all RAMMY visit ramw.org. WI

5 Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), poses with his father, Jerome Hayward, a local restaurateur. (Shevry Lassiter/ The Washington Informer)

5 Brittany Dye, general manager of Circa at Foggy Bottom, who won Manager of the Year at the 2023 RAMMYS, poses with her mentor. (Shevry Lassiter/ The Washington Informer)

DMV Artists Flourish at Venus Over Manhattan Gallery Exhibition

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

Artistic careers often hinge on visibility, which is what makes the upcoming group show, "This Too Shall Pass," at the prestigious Venus Over Manhattan Gallery such a pivotal moment, particularly for artists with roots in the DMV area. The exhibit, which opened on July 11 will present a captivating exploration of the significance of florals in contemporary art, curated by Racquel Chevremont.

The impressive roster features a mix of emerging and established artists, each utilizing florals in a unique exploration of themes such as impermanence, transience, personal memory, and ongoing change. Among the line-up are Maryland natives Coady Brown, Shinique Smith, and Charles Mason III; presented alongside former D.C. resident Melissa Joseph.

Mason III is known for his gestural flowers on paper, while Joseph's new felted work explores her own unique narrative in relation to flowers. Browns’s works bridge the balance of personal freedom with the complexities of vulnerability in public and private life.

Smith is renowned for her sculptural practice, with multiple solo museum presentations under her belt.

"Whenever I see people carrying flowers around the city, it makes me

happy. I don't know who, but somebody’s going to get flowers,” Joseph shared.

Despite the ephemeral nature of flowers, the artists have captured their profound expressions of human emotions in a manner that resonates even after their physical forms fade away. Each work conveys a unique essence, embodying the individuality that lies within each artist.

Additionally, the exhibition will feature Alex Anderson's acclaimed ceramic wall works, Smith's calligraphic abstractions, Brown's striking depictions of flower arrangements, Marc Dennis’ hyper-realistic renderings, Natia Lemay's all-black paintings with heavy impasto reflecting personal experiences, Maia Cruz Palileo's works in flash, Leilah Babirye's wood and ceramic works, and Diana Sofia Lozano's mirrored panel incorporating organic forms.

Located at 55 Great Jones Street, the Venus Over Manhattan Gallery is known for providing a prominent platform for artists. The founder, Adam Lindemann, a seasoned art collector and writer, has been instrumental in realizing this exhibition, providing an ideal collaboration for the diverse and multifaceted collection of works.

"This Too Shall Pass" offers an immersive perspective on the transient yet enduring beauty of florals in art. WI

3 Venus Over Manhattan Gallery includes artists with DMV roots such as Melissa Joseph, Coady Brown, Shinique Smith and Charles Mason III. Melissa Joseph “Which way to Ikea? (2023). Needle felted wool on industrial felt, 48 x 36 inches. (Courtesy

Photo)

Erykah Badu Talks ‘Unfollow Me’ Tour and Significance of Apples in Her Life

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

More than 26 years since Erykah Badu’s debut album “Baduizm” (1997) dropped, it proves to be the gift of an album that keeps on giving. As part of her “Unfollow Me” tour, Badu is engaging fans with creative animation and gifts along with live performances, and much of the theme takes a bite from her 1997 song “Appletree.”

“I started out as an MC and my MC name was Apples,” Badu said in an intimate press junket on July 6. “I went on to relate a lot of things in my music and then my career to apples. My nickname was ‘Apples,’ growing up. My childhood friends and family members still call me that and I went on to name my touring company, Appletree Touring Company. “Apples have always been important.”

She further emphasized how apples have continued to remain key to her life and career.

“I went on to name my cannabis

line, ‘Appletrees,’ which is also one of my songs ‘Appletree’. And in the song, the lyrics say ‘I pick my friends like I pick my fruit. My granny told me that when I was only a youth,’” the songwriter explained before breaking down the background of the uplifting track. “My grandmother told me that bit of advice and it kind of stuck with me- follows me through life.”

The Grammy-winning singer and songstress added that apples have remained a symbol of “being organic,” so when she decided to go on tour, she knew she wanted to incorporate that integral part of her life.

“I knew I was going to be touring, and I was trying to think of things that could engage the audience and I came up with a quest. And the visuals, and everything in my show, all have to do with quests…. So I created this campaign for my fans. It's a vision quest, and the hidden object in each city will be this apple,” the singer explained, showcasing an apple-shaped bong.

The bong, generally used for smoking marijuana, will be hidden in cities as she tours. She hits D.C.’s Capital One Arena on Thursday, July 13, with Grammy-nominated artist Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def).

After Badu, as well as some local, trustworthy volunteers, hide the bongs throughout cities, the singer will promote where the items are hidden. Lucky fans will then scan a QR code found on the bong, which will offer other gifts, including attending concerts, meet-and-greets, and other Badu-themed swag and treats. However, the celebration of apple trees, and Badu’s iconic song doesn’t

end with the bongs. She collaborated with Belgian animation artist Robin Velghe, better known as RhymezlikeDimez, for an animated short “Forbidden Fruits.”

Inspired by Badu’s song “Appletree,” “Forbidden Fruits,” shows Puff, a cloud-shaped character repeated throughout much of Rhymezlikedimez’s work, who is seeking infinite knowledge. The “infinite knowledge,” is represented by red and green apples.

The creative video treatment of “Appletree,” which also features a Badu-cameo, was created in divine timing, the singer and animation artist explained.

“One day, I was looking on [Instagram] and I saw my friend Robin, who is a cultural staple in animation as well as for his shorts-- he's known for his shorts in Hip Hop, specifical-

ly. And I was thinking, ‘Wouldn't it be perfect if he could create something?’ A year later, Rhymez sends me a message and says ‘I've created something,” Badu said.

“This is one of the most effortless collaborations that I've ever done,” Rhymezlikedimez told reporters.

While she hopes fans tap into her “Unfollow Me,” tour, and gain clarity in their own quests, Badu also said audiences can still learn lessons from “Appletree,” such as embracing your own beauty and being unapologetically yourself.

“I think that the idea of unapologetically being is an action,” Badu told the Informer, sharing how unapologetically spreading joy is key in passing the power of positivity. “It can and will reach the next person, and the next and the next.”

FITS YOUR life

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5 Erykah Badu’s “Unfollow Me,” tour hits D.C.’s Capital One Arena on Thursday, July 13. (Courtesy Photo)

Natalia Lafourcade

July 20

American Ballet Theatre Giselle

July 27 + 28

Hilary Hahn plays Brahms National Symphony Orchestra

August 4

Jason Mraz and His Superband Monica Martin

August 6

Tickets On Sale Now!

The Lion King –Not Just for Kids

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

“The Lion King” is halfway through its run at the Kennedy Center, and audiences can’t get enough. The production is in D.C. until July 29 and some of the cast gathered at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library to discuss their background, the musical, and the work it takes to bring a show such as “The Lion King,” to life..

Before seeing the award-winning stage production, the team for the musical admitted that audiences often expect to see something like the animated film.

“There [are] enough parallels to the movie, but the action, the fighting, the hyenas, and the other theatrical spectacle elements do grab the audience,” said Khalifa White, adult Nala in the production.

At various points during the musical, it seemed like hundreds of people were on the stage. Darian Sanders, who plays adult Simba, explained that the ensemble rotated between multiple roles.

“A fun fact is that I actually started in the ensemble understudying Simba,” Sanders said. “I had about 12-15 costume changes in the ensemble, which was pretty crazy.”

White said traveling is also an added bonus of performing in the touring production of “The Lion King.”

“I like the travel aspect of it a lot. I love seeing new cities and different audiences,” said White about the national touring company of the musical. “We get different audiences and feel their cultural vibe.”

Mozart Don Giovanni Wolf Trap Opera

August 11

The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

August 13

Juanes

La Santa Cecilia

August 18

John Fogerty

August 19

Shakti

Anniversary Tour

August 23

Australian Pink Floyd 50th Anniversary of Dark Side of the Moon

September 6

Squeeze

The Psychedelic Furs

September 14

Sanders shared he was on a different path before getting the theater bug. He was in ministry for 16 years and has a perspective about “The Lion King,” which supports his life vision.

“It’s been an unexpected journey, but it has also been beautiful.”

For tickets and more information visit kennedy-center.org

WI

@bcscomm

5 Cast from The Lion King shares how the musical is produced with adults and children at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library recently in downtown D.C. Pictured are (L-R) Gugwana Dlamin, who plays Rafiki, Darian Sanders, who portrays adult Simba, Khalifa White, who plays adult Nala, and Samaree Lawson from Clinton, Maryland an ensemble dancer. The production is at the Kennedy Center until July 29. (Brenda C. Siler/ The Washington Informer)

Boney James Lalah Hathaway Damien Escobar

July 19

Diana Krall August 12

Jurassic Park™ in Concert National Symphony Orchestra

July 22

Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50 Tour Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, KRS-One, Rakim, Slick Rick, Roxanne Shante, & DJ Spinderella

August 17

The Go-Go Explosion Big Tony and Trouble Funk Bela Dona Black Alley

July 29

September 9 Robert Glasper Black Radio: A Hip Hop 50 Celebration with Cordae, Common, Lupe Fiasco, T3 (of Slum Village) & Rapsody A #KenCenHipHop collab with Wolf Trap

50th

John McLaughlin Zakir Hussain with special guest Béla Fleck

© UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC AND AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

5 Ways to Build or Rebuild Your Credit

Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

A good credit score is a critical part of a healthy financial future.

Having strong credit can make it easier to get a car loan, mortgage, an apartment and even some jobs. Because lenders use your credit score to help assess your reliability as a borrower, a high credit score can help you qualify for lower loan interest rates – saving you money over the course of your lifetime.

There's no fast track to building credit or improving your current score, but you can help make the process much easier. These five steps can help:

1. Find out your current credit score

Most adults already have a credit score that can be obtained by requesting a credit report and reviewing it carefully. You're entitled to one free report each year and can request it at AnnualCreditReport.com. Chase Credit Journey®  can also help you manage, monitor and protect your credit.

2. Apply for a credit card

If you’re starting to build credit, credit cards can speed up the process if used responsibly. Since credit card companies report activity to credit agencies, healthy activity can be a huge help when it comes to building your credit. Student and other new-to-credit credit cards are a good option for those who are looking to build credit. Establishing a credit score and

history requires having an account open for at least six months, so be patient and diligent about practicing healthy credit habits.

3. Address debt impacting your score

It’s expected for consumers to have some debt, but significant credit card debt and missed loan payments can have a major impact on your credit score. Pay bills on time and don’t overspend – maxing out a credit card or coming close to your limit will lower your score. If you’re working to rebuild your credit, pay down debt as much as possible and catch up on past-due bills. Also be careful about searching for new lines of credit while carrying significant debt – lenders could see this as a risk and your score could drop.

4. Practice good financial habits in other areas

Establishing a savings and checking account, renting an apartment and paying utility and other bills on time are among the activities that help show lenders you’re fiscally responsible. While these actions might not directly affect your credit score, they’re beneficial practices lenders will notice when considering your application for a car loan, mortgage or other major life goal.

5. Help your children build credit

Opening checking and savings accounts for your children can help teach them about everything from depositing your paycheck to easily paying your bills -- the basic building blocks of your financial infrastructure. You can also consider making your teenager an authorized user on your credit

card account to assist them in establishing their own positive credit history. Take this approach if you consistently pay your credit card bill in full and on time, as late payments can also impact your child's credit report, in addition to your own.

Building and rebuilding credit takes time and patience, but the results are worth it. A solid credit history can help you build generational wealth, reach your financial goals and establish long-term fiscal stability for you and your family. For more information on the basics of building credit, visit chase. com/personal/credit-cards/education.

Combating the racial wealth divide

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

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

THE THAN MIGHTIER

View of the Global African Diaspora Through Frank Stewart’s Images

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Frank Stewart is the ultimate storyteller through his photographs. His images are currently at the Phillips Collection until September 3 in the exhibition, “Frank Stewart’s Nexus: An American Photographer’s Journey, 1960s to the Present.”

Occupying the entire third floor at the Phillips and divided into eight small galleries, Stewart’s work will impact viewers immediately. Five Stewart pieces are also in an inaugural exhibition at the museum’s satellite location in the Phillips at THEARC in Southeast, D.C. Both museum locations capture Stewart’s travels throughout the U.S., Africa, Cuba, and Haiti, taking us through his exploration of people of African descent.

“I’ve been to Africa, maybe, 15 times in my life,” Stewart said in an exclusive interview with the Washington Informer. “Where did the culture come from? How did the culture become the culture? How did this magnificent culture come to exist? How do you come through slavery and become this culture that everybody in the world admires and takes from us all the time?”

The collection goes back to some of Stewart’s first photos.

Using a Kodak Brownie Camera at age 14, Stewart took pictures at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. The film was processed at a drugstore.

Viewing his early photos, it’s clear Stewart understood composition at a very early age.

Stewart’s portfolio reveals that he has spent a lot of time examining people and their expressions. Some of those faces belong to celebrities, but many do not. There’s a couple together but looking in opposite directions showing obvious tension. A Black man with a photo of a cross and chain on his back next to where he was shot, giving a message of protection from God.

Stewart said he was surprised to capture Fidel Castro in a black-andwhite photo.

From the celebrity realm, Stewart gives us Miles Davis in the green room before a performance taken when he freelanced for “Ebony” magazine. Also in this exhibition, you see how Stewart captured jazz giants, pianist Ahmad Jamal, drummer Roy Haynes, pianist Marcus Roberts, drummer Art Blakey, pianist Walter Davis, Jr. and many more.

Stewart may be best known as the senior staff photographer for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) for 30 years. He traveled with the Wynton Marsalis-led orchestra documenting performances and candid scenarios.

“I originally met Wynton in New Orleans when he was 14. He was with his Dad Ellis and his brother Branford,” said Stewart.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com wi @bcscomm

5 (L-R) Photographer Frank Stewart with multimedia artist Dindga McCannon at THEARC in Southeast, D.C., where a portion of “Frank Stewart’s Nexus: An American Photographer’s Journey, 1960s to the Present

your mom you are doing a science experiment!

a penny an eyedropper liquid detergent tap water paper towel a place to work that your parents won’t mind getting wet!

Wash your penny. Rinse it and dry it well.

Place the penny on a flat surface that’s okay to get wet.

Look closely and find:

toothbrush paper airplane baseball strawberry

apple envelope watch sunglasses

Fill the eyedropper with water and slowly drop water onto the penny, one drop at a time. Count how many drops you can add.

What shape does the water take? Repeat three times and find the average number of drops the penny can hold.

As drops are added, they gradually mound into a dome instead of just flowing off the penny. Each drop raises the surface of the dome, until it gets too big and breaks.

The dome shape is caused by surface tension

Surface tension is caused by the grouping of molecules. Under the surface of the water, each water molecule attracts and is attracted to molecules on all sides of it.

The largest hailstone ever recovered in the United States, a seven-inch (17.8centimeter) wide chunk of ice almost as large as a soccer ball, was found in Aurora, Nebraska.

Look through the newspaper for three examples of news articles related to science. Tell which science(s) the article relates to. For example, a weather story is related to the science of meteorology

Students know that although people using scientific inquiry have learned much, science is an ongoing process.

Repeat this experiment with cold water and then with hot water. Does the temperature of the water change the number of drops that fit on the penny?

Add a drop of soap to the water. Does this change the number of drops that fit on the penny?

Try this same activity with different liquids such as cooking oil, rubbing alcohol, liquid detergent, salad dressing, etc. Compare how many drops of each liquid fit on the top of a penny.

Standards Link: Nature of Science: Students understand the nature of scientific inquiry (using tools, making observations, recording notes).

The surface molecules are attracted to the molecules below and to the sides. But there is nothing above the surface molecules to pull upward. The surface molecules pull together and act like a “skin” on the surface of the water.

Molecules pull together on the surface Water molecules attracting from all sides

Standards Link: Physical Science: Students know that matter has different states (i.e., solid, liquid, gas) and that each state has distinct physical properties.

Look through the newspaper and find:

Favorite Jokes and Riddles

Standards Link: Research: Understand that the newspaper has an organizational structure.

Send us your favorite jokes and

Washed car

Watered houseplants

Rinsed off with

Walked dog

Washed dog

Returned to the library

Washed new car

acob buy Jacob Junior. work, but keep him wet summer days. jobs on the included water Check off Did he raise HINT: Underline that gives included water. Standards Link: sums using money.

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review wi book

Books for a Kid's Summer

c.2023, various publishers

$7.99 – $25.90

Various page counts

horoscopes

ARIES Compared to the rest of the week, Monday through Wednesday are going to be the days you want to remember. Maybe not days for the history books, but you're certainly solid-gold happy with the abundance of energy and creativity you sense around you. Or maybe you're embroiled in professional sports. Anyway, you're grinning from ear to ear until Thursday, a day of obligations and details. Lucky Numbers: 7, 8, 41

TAURUS As you watch the pompous people parade down the street on Monday, you consider them and decide to be tolerant. And anyway, there are times when you have been mistaken about others. In any case, by Tuesday you'll be spending time around people you know like the back of your hand. People you love. Romance (and caressing in particular) figures into your life on Thursday. Lucky Numbers: 15, 19, 33

GEMINI You surround yourself with like-minded people, and this week your crowd is feeling especially cerebral. The conversation shoots into abstract directions and even disagreements in these settings are entertaining. A light debate on Tuesday or Wednesday puts you on your toes and keeps you on your toes for the next few days. Lucky Numbers: 30, 36, 45

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

The B-word has shown its ugly face in your house a time or two this summer.

Not birds or bats, not babies or bunnies. No, this B-word tells you that it's time to give your kids something new to do. No more BOREDOM when you've got BOOKS, and these great books will keep your kids entertained.

For young readers ages 3-5, "Sam and the Incredible African and American Food Fight" by Shannon Gibney, illustrated by Charly Palmer (University of Minnesota Press, $17.95) is a fun book about a boy who's just plain hungry, but cultures clash in his kitchen and his stomach's growling! Will dinner ever be finished? This book is yummy.

Kids who love comic books will want to read and re-read "Like Lava in My Veins" by Derrick Barnes, art by Shawn Martinbrough with Adriano Lucas (Penguin, $18.99). It's a comic-book-like story of a young man with superpowers but good luck getting a teacher who can understand him. When he changes classes, everything else changes, too, and your 7-to-10year-old will love knowing about it.

Your 6-to-10-year-old dinosaur lover will roar over "How to Survive in the Age of Dinosaurs" by Stephanie Warren Drimmer (National Geographic Kids, $9.99). Filled with lots of full-color illustrations, plenty of "Hey, listen to this" sidebars and stories, and all kinds of stats, your child will become a dino expert in short order. Heads up: it's a great take-it-on-vacation read, too.

The kid who got a puppy this summer, or who wants to more about dogs will beg for "A First Guide to Dogs: Understanding Your Very Best Friend" by Dr. John Bradshaw, illustrated by Clare Elsom (Penguin, $7.99). Part chapter book with a fictional story, part instruction, it'll make any dog-loving 7-to-11-year-old happy and quite knowledgeable. Woof!

Your future doctor or nurse will very much enjoy "Why? The Human Body" by Page Towler (National Geographic Kidsm $12.99). Why can't you stare at the sun? Why do you breathe air? Why does a tasty ice cream cone sometimes hurt your teeth? This is a book that answers all kinds of questions about how we move, think, and experience the world in our human bodies, and your 9-to-14-year-old will devour it.

And finally, don't be surprised if you want to borrow back "The National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024" (National Geographic Kids, $15.99 paperback / $25.90 hardcover). There's a little something for everybody ages 11-and-up here: jokes, quizzes, cartoons, chapters on food, mythology, weather, science, history, and more. Dip in her and learn about Amelia Earhart, page over there to find out about ways to be an ecology hero, flip again and read about animals. This book is truly a browser's delight.

If these great books don't quite fill your child's summertime wish list, then be sure to check with your favorite bookseller or librarian. They'll know exactly what will hold your young reader's interest, no matter how old the child. They'll know how to keep away the B-word (bored) and replace it with these B-words: beautiful books! WI

CANCER Why settle for anything less than the biggest and the best? That's your opinion on Monday. And Tuesday and Wednesday. All big days in the spending department. Make sure you can afford whatever doodad it is you have your heart set on, and then enjoy your indulgence. Thursday is a great day. The lines of communication are strong, you're feeling social, the brain is working nicely. Lucky Numbers: 6, 17, 50

LEO It might not be sweltering outside, but you're burning up. With excitement. About everything. Share this incredible warmth of yours with your friends and hug them tight. How you ever got to feeling this goofy is beyond you, but you're happy to enjoy it. Wednesday is a creative day, but by Thursday everything changes. Your mood is still up, but your focus has changed. You're introverted and thinking financial thoughts. Lucky Numbers: 7, 12, 29

VIRGO The underdog has captured your imagination on Monday. You were a fan of someone else, but recent information has led you to change your mind. You have the capacity to be flexible, which is a good quality to have right now. The only drawback to the flurry of excitement at the beginning of the week is that it will leave you exhausted by Wednesday afternoon. Lucky Numbers: 13, 20, 37

LIBRA For some reason, when there's a question at the beginning of the week, all heads look to you for the answer. You are tapped into the bigger picture right now, and friends, as well as perfect strangers, can sense it. Tuesday and Wednesday are great days too. The details? Don't worry about them. You're operating on a higher plane. Lucky Numbers: 11, 36, 48

SCORPIO A challenge can be invigorating, but on Monday and Tuesday, the challenge you face stresses you out. You almost feel like demonstrating how stressed you are, but that would be flamboyant of you, and flamboyance is not the way to go right now. Watch yourself on Wednesday as well. Thursday returns you to happier waters, and a couple of unexpectedly free hours in the afternoon on Friday give you the time to make plans. Lucky Numbers: 1, 9, 43

SAGITTARIUS If you are traveling at all on Monday through Wednesday, luck is on your side. There's a firstclass upgrade with your name on it. Cheerfulness abounds the first half of the week, which is why Thursday, when a run-in with an authority figure or older family member rattles your cage, will come as such a shock. Friday won't be a banner day either. Lucky Numbers: 13, 28, 52

CAPRICORN Monday might not be the easiest day in the whole world, but don't take anything to heart. What you're seeing may not be what's actually going on. Still, resources are tight, and on Tuesday or Wednesday, someone may ask you for your last piece of gum. Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 59

AQUARIUS A strange contradiction presents itself on Monday. Pursue it and you may stumble upon a discovery. Experiments and extraordinary strides figure into Tuesday and Wednesday as well. You feel a bit like a mad scientist making a series of breakthroughs. But by Thursday, you're more careful, taking care and covering the details. Lucky Numbers: 21, 23, 40

PISCES As long as you mind your own business at the beginning of the week, you'll be spared any unnecessary drama. Not that you mind drama. But you have enough things going on in your own life right now to let yourself be distracted. Keep your mind from wandering, especially on Wednesday. On Thursday, maintaining good relationships is more important than knowing all the facts. Trust your friends. Believe in your gut. On Saturday, a small financial crisis encourages you to collect on an old debt, as well you should. Lucky Numbers: 35, 45, 47

was the turning point, McNutt got an opportunity to call what was a heavyweight match between the University of South Carolina and UConn women in a nationally televised game on Fox.

“Monica blew everyone away,” recalls Robinson. “Her analysis, insight and presentation put people on notice. They were finally getting a chance to experience a rising star in the profession.”

Robinson adds that the key to McNutt’s success is that she brings a unique perspective and she knew then that she was going to be a star in the profession.

Monica McNutt: A Star on the Rise

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

The recent shakeup at ESPN has sent shock waves throughout the sports broadcasting world. Some top names have been dropped as a result of the massive cut to high-profile personalities.

In the wake of this shocking turn of events, Monica McNutt has emerged as one of the best in the profession. A graduate of Holy Cross, Georgetown University and University of Maryland (UMD), McNutt is a shining star at the “worldwide leader in sports.” With so many who specialized as either studio host, play by play or color analysts, McNutt has capitalized on being a jack-of-all trades in the industry, and a veritable master of all.

She has been with ESPN since 2019 and has taken a meteoric rise. She started out with the ACC Network as studio and game analyst. In 2021, her role expanded to include “SportsCenter,” “Around the Horn,” “First Take," and “NBA Today.”

With her credibility and popularity rapidly rising, McNutt also currently serves as studio analyst for the New York Knicks on MSG.

If you google the term “paid their dues,” it most likely includes McNutt. Prior to her current experience, Monca worked her way up the food chain with stops at local WJLA ABC7, the American Sports Network, NBC Washington Sports and even an occasional contributor to the Washington Post.

“I have found that getting to do multiple things makes you better at all things,” McNutt said about her dynamic versatility.

She developed an incomparable working knowledge of the game of basketball, after having played at the Academy of Holy Cross and later at Georgetown where she helped lead them to the Sweet 16 of

NCAA Tournament.

“Having played AAU, high school and college basketball, you develop a sense of teamwork that carries over into your professional pursuits,” she noted.

Yet, another important part of her journey and where she has come can be attributed to family support.

“My family has been important in this journey,” says Monica, who owns a graduate degree from UMD. “My mother (Desiree) is a teacher and is big on self-awareness. She used to say to me,‘You are tall so people will see you before they hear you.’”

She continued, “My father (Kevin) has been around sports as a high school basketball official and a coach for many years. So I learned a lot because I was always included in the conversations.”

Though she works in a male-dominated profession, McNutt said she has many role models and mentors who have directly and indirectly contributed to her journey.

McNutt credits Doris Burke (current analyst for ESPN) and Robin Roberts (one of the first women at ESPN and now at ABC) as role models.

An individual who has been a key figure throughout her ascendancy is LaChina Robinson. Robinson has served as a mentor, friend and colleague since 2011.

Robinson, who also looms from the DMV, has been with ESPN for 14 years.

When they met, McNutt was at Georgetown finishing up her senior season and Robinson was calling a game between Georgetown and Waker Forest. From there, they developed a mentor-mentee relationship that has grown over the years.

“From the first time that I met her, Monica had a sense of authenticity about her,” said Robinson. “You see the confidence and courage that she was going to be special.”

Then came what Robinson feels

“The key is her unbelievable versatility. She is comfortable doing interviews. If you need a studio host, she is equally capable. And then she shines as an ana lyst in her ability to understand the game and articulate it in terms that the au dience is able to grasp and understand. That is a rare quality in this profession.”

Robinson continued, “There is something about her that engages the audi ences. She is that homegirl from down the street or the person that everyone knows and feels comfortable. That is the uniqueness that sets her apart.”

Despite the success, McNutt admitted that there was a point in her rise that proved to be challenging and gave her some self-doubt.

It was in 2018 and I was in a different place,” she intimated. “Then, I remembered seeing a response that I received from Ma ria Taylor (formerly of ESPN and now with NBC) after looking at one of my reels. Along with her response at that time, I was watching Jemelle Hill (former award-winning host at ESPN) and right there, I became inspired and said, ‘I can do this.’”

In an effort to provide space and encouragement to young women, she works with a non-profit organization, Grow Our Game, that helps young girls learn self-confi dence and more, all while learning basket ball.

One of McNutt’s men tees, Tykera Carter, sees her as a role model.

Carter currently does social media for the WNBA and serves as a reporter for various media outlets. She got her start at Howard University doing color com mentary for the streaming of men’s and women’s basket ball games. She was referred by who else? Monica.

“Monica McNutt is one of the realest people, both on and off television,” praised Carter, who is also from the DMV. “Her rise to stardom is no accident. From the re lationship, I have had the privilege of building with her, the one thing that is consistent. Even if her time is thin from working so many gigs, she is always looking to help.”

Carter said McNutt is also true to her roots.

“Monica is a representation of the DMV in her personality and work ethic and I hope she knows that I will never forget some of our talks and con versations about negotiating your worth to being where you feel valued,” Carter said.

So as McNutt continues to shine, what is the next step of progression for her?

“My ultimate goal is to become a game ana lyst,” she declared. “I will continue to work on my craft to get better.”

And what advice does McNutt have for upand-coming hopefuls as women in the profes sion of sports broadcasting who, like Carter, see her as a role model.

“Have a happy relationship with the word ‘no,’” she said without hesitation. “Work on your craft, respect others in the profession, but always be true to yourself.”

6 As she continues to ascend in her shining career, DMV native and ESPN star Monica McNutt emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and working hard.

(Courtesy Photo)

the moment CAPTURE

5 The Service Bar team captured the Cocktail Program of the Year award at the 2023 Rammys held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on July 9. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

5 Symone Sanders Townsend, host of Symone, MSNBC presents the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award to Ris Restaurant during the 2023 Rammys held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on July 9. (Shevry Lassiter/ The Washington Informer)

3 As

3 Jessica Lewis (l) with her husband Tony Lewis, Jr. and Sunni Puric aka radio and television personality “Sunni and the City” attended the 2023 Rammys held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on

5 (L-R) Furard Tate, owner of Inspire Hospitality Group, Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, and Mayor Bowser’s Official Photographer Khalid Naji-Allah attended the 2023 Rammys held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on July 9. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

5 Powerhouse couple Chereace and Stan Richards attended the 2023 Rammys held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on July 9. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION D.C. Area Music Educators Celebrate the Life of Francis Louise Prince

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

The stained glass sanctuary of Foundry United Methodist Church was filled with sweet melodies as generations of singers and directors took time to honor Frances Louise Prince.

In life, Prince, who died at age 82, shuttled between sanctuaries to stages across Washington, D.C. While she was caring, many singers said that at a moment's notice, she could put the fear of God in a wayward voice.

“We come together to celebrate the life of one who has touched so many,” said Foundry Pastor the Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli, during the

memorial service for Prince, who died on March 31 of natural causes.

Frances Louise Prince was born on September 19, 1940, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Louis N. Smith, Sr. and Marlene N. Smith. Throughout her life, music, education and performing played significant roles in her life.

At the age of 15, Prince became the organist at her family’s place of worship, Bethel AME Church in Little Rock, where she served until graduating from Horace Mann High School, also in Little Rock.

Prince earned her Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Music Education from Howard University. While attending Howard University, she toured 19 countries throughout Latin America with the famous Howard University Choir under the auspices of the U.S. Cultural Exchange Program and the Department of State.

As a senior at Howard, Prince was selected to participate as a pianist in a Voice of America program, filmed at the Department of State to be presented overseas. Frances (Smith) met Norman Prince on tour in 1961. They became friends and married two years later on November 9, 1963, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Prince taught vocal music in the District of Columbia Public School System for four decades. In 1975, she served as an accompanist and a director of the City-Wide Junior High Chorus at the annual “All-City Choral Music Festival.”

During her career she taught at Woodson Junior High, Kramer Junior High, Rabaut Junior High and Fletcher Johnson Middle School. She also was the principal coordinator of the D.C. Public Schools Honors Chorus, which was established by

the Master Chorale of Washington. The memorial service was filled with music that extended from saxophonist playing “His Eyes is On the Sparrow,” to the Foundry Chancel Choir featuring soprano’s Angeli Ferrette and Yolanda Denise Bryant singing “I Waited For the Lord.”

Bryant, a gifted opera singer, said in an interview,” When I first decided to move here she called me down in North Carolina. She let me know that I was loved.”

During her tenure at Foundry, Prince directed the church’s youth choir and many came back as adults to sing for the commemoration.

One choir member said, “She loved us but she could put fear in your heart.”

Former choir members sang, “I Believe,” and choir director Stanley Thurston said directing the choirs was special because Prince was, “a wonderful mentor, supporter, and second mom to me.”

As her only child, Alison Prince said her mother was tough in terms of music.

“She made me memorize Bach, Beethoven, and Bronze.” But when it came to her grandson, Trent Crawford, “He was the apple of her eye.”

Howard University Professor Ravi K. Perry took note of the diverse audience filled with singers and music educators like former Howard University Choir Ned Lewis to Joyce Garrett, former Director of the Eastern High School Choir.

Gaines-Cirelli said the church’s fellowship hall is named after Norman and Francis Prince for a reason.

“They were the first African American members of Foundry… They were healers of a hurtful past and they will never be forgotten.” WI

5 Former members of the youth choir paid tribute to their old director. (Hamil Harris/ The Washington Informer)

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." — Luke 2:10-11

This column is back by popular demand, so if you need to save it so that you, too, can be reminded of the goodness of the Lord, do so! What great things could happen in our lives if we would continue to stand on these promises today? What was the first thing the angel told the shepherd? "Do not be afraid." This command is still valid today. We are charged to not be afraid. Fear is faith in reverse. Fear opens the door to our enemy.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. — 2 Timothy 1:7.

God didn't create us with a "fear gene." Fear didn't enter into the garden until sin entered. Fear is from the enemy, pure and simple. The first time we find fear in the Bible is after Adam and Eve ate the fruit they had been commanded not to eat. Suddenly, when they heard God walking

the religion corner

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Fear is Faith in Reverse

through the garden, the God who they had communed with daily before, they hid themselves because they were asham

When fear is in action, one has decided that you cannot have whatever it is you want; you see the goal going in the other direction. Your goal moves away from you when you have fear. Fear and faith cannot and will not operate simultaneously. The minute you begin to feel fear, your goal moves backward. That's your non-belief at work.

When you say you "can't believe" you got the job, you are offering up some negativity, and you may forfeit it. We must practice speaking in the positive rather than the negative.

Another example is when someone is planning an event. As you're planning, you say something like, "We can't have an empty room, we've really got to get some people out to this event." Well the "empty room" part of your comment will attract exactly what it is you're saying. If instead you would say "the room will be filled for this event" and begin to be thankful for a filled room; then you're speaking life into your event. You will be speaking for a point of faith rather than fear.

Death and life are in the power

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day

of the tongue. — Proverbs 18:21.

When you examine your level of faith, all you need to do is look at your crop and what is it that you've been able to produce. Makes you look at who planted the crop, doesn't it?

All you need to do is look in the mirror. It was you. This is telling it like it is. It's called "straight talk."

It's the truth that tells the mind what is really wrong. It's not the economy, it's not the elected officials, it's not the government — it's you!

Like the old Negro spiritual says, "It's me, it's me, oh Lord. Standing in the need of prayer; It's me, it's me, oh Lord. Standing in the need of prayer; Not my mother, not my father; But it's me, oh Lord; Standing in the need of prayer."

It's not what's going on, on the outside that's the problem, it's what's going on within. This is dealing in straight talk. There will be a time when each of you must press toward the mark, but as you do so, keep your eyes toward your future — faith is the unseen. Scripture says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and it is the evidence of things not seen." Don't put your faith in reverse!

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

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

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

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

Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM

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

Campbell AME Church

Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White

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

Adm. Office 202-678-2263

Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study

Wednesday: 12:00 Noon

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

“Reaching Up To Reach Out”

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

Turning Hearts Church

Virgil K. Thomas, Sr.

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

Phone: 202-746-0113

Fax: 301-843-2445

Service and Times

Sunday School: 10:15 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM

Children’s Church: 11:15 AM

Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment”

Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org

Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

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

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays

12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM)

Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

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

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler

Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494

Fax: 202 265 4340

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

School: 10:00 AM

Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM

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

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr.

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

Service and Times

Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM

Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM

Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM

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

11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Street

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

Bishop

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

Services and Times

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

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM

Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study

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

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

Mt.

Zion

Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

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

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

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

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

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

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

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

Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

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

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

Bishop

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

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

Services and Times

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

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

headline and photo for LIF - MALCOLMXDAY

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

Service and Times

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

“Friendliest Church in the City”

Website: mountolivetdc.org

Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders,

Third

Church of God

Lanier C. Twyman,

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Alfred A. Owens, Jr.;

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

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

Zion Baptist Church

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

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor 2001 Brooks Drive  District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am

Sunday School: 9:00am

Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning

Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm

Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm

Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com

Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Park

Interim Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM

Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020

(202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday

Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM

Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor 623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM

Pastor’s Bible Study:

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services

11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM

Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Curtis l. Staley Pastor 621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032

P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM

1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM

2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM

Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

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

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Foggy Bottom Founded in 1867

728 23rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037

Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns

Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

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

Service and Times

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

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

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

Senior Pastor

2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 Fax 202-678-3304

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM

Sunday School: 8:15 AM

Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon

Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

“Where God is Praised, Christ is Obeyed, and People are Loved”

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836

Service and Times

Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

“The Loving Church of the living lord “

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor 602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001

Office:(202) 289-4480

Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times

Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM

Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday

“…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM Prayer Service Bible Study

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

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

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Richard B. Black

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln

United Methodist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Christ Embassy DC

Rev.

Mount

Rev.

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

at 7:00 a.m., according to a statement.

The suspect faces multiple charges, including possessing a firearm by a minor and reckless endangerment, among others.

The shooting unfolded at a block party shortly after midnight at Brooklyn Homes in southern Baltimore.

Law enforcement officials revealed that most of those injured were teenagers and young adults.

They identified the dead as 20-yearold Kylis Fagbemi and 18-year-old Aaliyah Gonzalez, a recent high school graduate.

Three victims of the mass shooting remain hospitalized, authorities said.

Authorities have continued to urge the public to come forward with any relevant details to assist the investigation.

Meanwhile, the 13th Annual “Breaking the Silence on Youth Violence” Anti-Violence Youth Summit in the District, held on July 7 at the Metropolitan Police Department’s First District Police Station, sought to tackle various subjects related to violence prevention and awareness.

U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the MPD, and numerous community-based organizations welcomed over 200 youths to the event, both in-person and via live streaming.

During the summit, participants discussed gun violence prevention, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, mental health awareness, self-respect, and fostering diversity and understanding to combat bullying and violence.

While efforts like those to promote peace and safety continue, other incidents have shaken the confidence of most residents.

Authorities deemed the Fourth of July shooting in D.C. “targeted,” highlighting the need for effective crime prevention strategies.

Before the shooting, law enforcement reported several attacks involving explosive devices.

MPD said it’s investigating the detonation or throwing of explosive devices at three closed business locations, causing damage but no injuries.

The motives behind the attacks remain unclear, and authorities are actively searching for the suspects involved.

“Our city must deploy as many public safety and public health resources as possible. That includes police, violence interrupters, and coordinating our Federal and regional

partners throughout the entire public safety ecosystem,” Ward 7 Councilman Vincent Gray demanded.

“While we work to overcome MPD staffing shortages, including legislation I introduced earlier this year to assist in MPD recruitment and retention, I echo every resident’s concern about public safety and their frustration with recurring violence.”

Gray continued: “We must also quickly take measures to ensure that people arrested for violent crimes, particularly gun crimes, are being adequately monitored and, where applicable, detained until trial.

“On average, a person convicted for murder in the District has eleven prior arrests. People who should not fall through the cracks are falling through the cracks.”

Leonard A. Sipes Jr., a retired senior public affairs specialist for a D.C.based governmental agency, noted the growing trend of people relocating to areas that offer a measure of peace and safety.

Sipes noted that homicides have increased nationally by 50 percent, and aggravated assaults by 36 percent since 2019.

He said fear of crime “is at an alltime high,” adding that the increased concern and dissatisfaction with the current situation drive this migration.

“It seems that many are concerned about the safety of their families. They want order rather than disorder. Every day they are assaulted by news headlines of homicides, carjackings, and other forms of violence,” Sipes asserted.

“In D.C., I have never seen a city with so many bars on doors and windows. Baltimore is less positioned economically than D.C., and the flight of residents is increasing. We may be addressing the economic destruction of some cities as businesses and citizens flee,” he said. WI

@StacyBrownMedia

“In D.C., I have never seen a city with so many bars on doors and windows. Baltimore is less positioned economically than D.C., and the flight of residents is increasing. We may be addressing the economic destruction of some cities as businesses and citizens flee.”

SAFETY from Page 1

under what one of them described as demeaning conditions.

In a widely circulated Instagram post, a person speaking on behalf of Antonio Reginald Bailey, also known as Fellow King, recounted instances when, during their detainment, Bailey and his co-defendants received cold meals and remained sequestered in their cells for several hours without any recreation time.

Other allegations centered on the denial of water, showers and tablets needed to contact attorneys, along with taunts by guards who referred to the alleged KDY members as “gangbangers.”

On June 27, local and federal law enforcement agents arrested the 12 alleged KDY members on several charges, including conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of firearms, assault with a deadly weapon, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

In the process, law enforcement agents said they seized multiple firearms.

Bailey and 11 other defendants, Kenneth Ademola Olugbenga; Khali Ahmed Brown; Miasiah Jamal Brown; Tristan Miles Ware; Herman Eric-Bibmin Signou; Cameron Xavier Reid, Aaron Deandre Mercer; David Penn, Ronald Lynn Dorsey; Anthony Trayon Bailey; and Angel Enrique Suncar have since been in D.C. Jail.

Their arrests follow not only several incidents of gun violence that have taken place along the Kennedy Street corridor and surrounding blocks over the last few years, but residents’ complaints about open-air drug markets between First Street and Georgia Avenue in Brightwood Park and Manor Park in Northwest.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) recently issued warrants for four other alleged KDY members with charges similar to those levied against their alleged co-conspirators.

All the while, those who are already detained at D.C. Jail are embarking on a search for answers.

“We demand to [know] what’s going on and why we are not being treated like other inmates,” the July 8 Instagram post said. “[Correctional] officers [are] harassing us, calling us gangbangers when we all [have] known each other since [we were] kids, and ignoring our demands, such as a little cup of water. If you really love us, repost immediately.”

D.C. DEPARTMENT OF

CORRECTIONS AND COUNCILMEMBER PINTO RESPOND TO ALLEGATIONS

D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) forwarded to the Informer a response by D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Thomas Faust to an inquiry she made about conditions at D.C. Jail and the well-being of Bailey and his co-defendants.

In the email, Faust said that he could facilitate a jail visit for Lewis George. He also mentioned that the jail undergoes consistent inspection by DOC staff, DC Corrections Information Council, and the Marshals Service. Faust went on to recount an instance when he and Deputy Director Michelle Wilson communicated with a parent who requested information about her sons’ health at D.C. Jail.

“I can assure you that we follow established guidelines in the areas you mention: 1) Showers – daily during recreation out of cell times. 2) Meals – two hot meals are prepared daily at breakfast and dinner meals. 3) Library access – we have mobile library services provided in partnership with DC Libraries and also access to materials through tablets . 4) Recreation –provided daily out of cell.,” Faust said in the email.

On the day of the alleged Kennedy Street Crew members’ arrest, D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), chair of the D.C. Council’s Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary, hosted a committee hearing about D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Safer, Stronger legislation.

The nearly 12-hour hearing attracted a wide range of voices and, in part, inspired three emergency bills that Pinto submitted last week -- the

Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act, Law Enforcement Vehicular Pursuit Clarification Emergency Amendment Act, and Office of Unified Communications (OUC) Transparency and Accuracy Emergency Amendment Act.

The Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act imposes pre-trial detention for adults and juveniles accused of armed and unarmed violent crimes, expansion of the security camera rebate program, new felony offenses of strangulation and “endangerment with a firearm,” use of GPS to prove defendants under court supervision guilty of alleged offenses, extradition of those who leave the District after committing misdemeanors, and the extension of liability for certain sexual offenses to contractors. It also directs courts to expedite cases involving young people, and requires that the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council posts data about the process and outcome of court diversion programs.

The Law Enforcement Vehicular Pursuit Clarification Emergency Amendment Act clarifies the “no chase” laws already on the books so that MPD can authorize its officers to pursue suspects alleged to have committed violent crimes or pose a threat to the community.

The Office of Unified Communications (OUC) Transparency and Accuracy Emergency Amendment Act, which Pinto co-introduced with D.C. Councilmembers Christina Henderson (I-At large) and Zachary parker (D-Ward 5), requires OUC to post data each month on agency operations, including the number of call takers, dispatch errors and reasons for errors, the number of shifts operating

5 D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (Courtesy photo)

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under minimum staffing levels, and the number of 911 calls eligible for diversion and which ones had been diverted.

When it came to concerns about pre-trial detention for violent crimes, Pinto pointed to several instances this year when defendants reoffended after a judge allowed them to await trial from home.

Pinto too addressed the conditions that alleged Kennedy Street Crew members are facing in D.C. Jail. "It's imperative that we treat people with dignity and respect," she said.

"We are working with the Department of Corrections to make sure there are standardized processes to update HVAC and I have a bill to improve conditions to give people access to fruits and vegetables to pay people a living wage,” she added.

“It's important to improve conditions at D.C. Jail to make sure people get a speedy trial. Now that we have many of these hearings happening in person, it helps the courts to speed up the process."

COUNCILMEMBER LEWIS GEORGE’S WORDS FALL ON DEAF EARS

On Tuesday afternoon, the D.C. Council unanimously approved the Law Enforcement Vehicular Pursuit Clarification Emergency Amendment Act and the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) Transparency and Accuracy Emergency Amendment Act.

By Monday, Pinto said she remained confident that she could secure nine votes for her emergency legislation. She spent the weekend meeting with council colleagues, finalizing the details of the legislation and addressing pressing concerns. She also added slight amendments to the Law Enforcement Vehicular Pursuit Clarification Emergency Amendment Act that turned “suspect” to “suspect or suspects” and clarified the elements needed to legitimize an officer pursuit.

Lewis George, who championed the original “no chase” legislation in the aftermath of Karon HyltonBrown’s police-involved murder, described the Law Enforcement Vehicular Pursuit Clarification Emergency Amendment Act as a "technical, but premature" change that came out of a faulty interpretation of the law by MPD’s general counsel.

In speaking about the vehicular pursuit legislation, D.C. Councilmember

Trayon White (D-Ward 8) said that helicopters need to be added to the equation to better apprehend suspects. Meanwhile D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At large) questioned why the examples that MPD used to make its case for expanding its vehicular pursuit capabilities -- carjackers committing robberies in a stolen vehicle and a six-year-old child taken along during a carjacking -- wouldn’t have already met the threshold for a chase.

After robust debate, the council overwhelmingly approved the Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act by a 12-1 vote. Lewis George was the sole “no” vote.

Shortly before the council’s vote, Lewis George failed to pass through an amendment to eliminate the adult pre-trial detention portion of the legislation. All but one council colleague -- D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) -- stood against Lewis George.

Many who approved the Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act said they relished in collaboration to tackle violent crime. Some, like Parker and Henderson, acknowledged that more holistic measures would be needed.

During a public safety meeting at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center on Monday, Parker said that, overall, he supported Pinto’s efforts, especially after setting out to ensure that juveniles would only receive pre-trial detention for select violent crimes. D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3) built upon that viewpoint, suggesting that qualifications for adult pre-trial detention should be narrowed, similar to what Parker had been able to negotiate.

At Tuesday’s council breakfast, D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At large) stressed that the legislation does not get young people caught up in pre-trial detention for possession of a firearm when they hadn't committed a violent crime, specifically since they secured a weapon out of what she described as their misguided attempt to defend themselves.

Amendments submitted by D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (DWard 6) focused on increasing data sharing, zeroing in on neighborhoods most affected by violent crime, and implementing a multi-agency crime deterrence model inspired by recommendations gathered over the last few years.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

@SamPKCollins

While Pinto found Allen's amend-

PUBLIC NOTICE: TAKE NOTICE THAT; that anyone with an equal, prior or superior equitable or legal right or interest in/to/for/of the TITLE: GRIFFIN, JOYCELYN DENEASE, JOYCELYN D. GRIFFIN, J. D. GRIFFIN, JDG, JOYCELYN GRIFFIN or GRIFFIN JOYCELYN in any style variations and ROSALINE DIOR LUCILLE GRIFFIN, PATRICK NEIL TINKER JR, DARIOUS JONTE’ GRIFFIN, ERICA DENEASE DAVIS, MALIK KYREE GRIFFIN, in any style variations thereof capable to confuse, suspend or clog said

Title, right or interest in/to/for

Title is HEREBY REQUESTED to present their claim to witness:

Joycelyn Denease Griffin Trust, 921 East Dupont Road, Suite 838, Fort Wayne, IN, [46825] before expiration of thirty days of this publication. have returned from the sea. 6/08/2023 x 6/29/2023 4x

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 693

Geraldine P. Boykin

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jeannetta Boykin, whose address is 3253 Highwood Drive, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Geraldine P. Boykin who died on 1/13/2023 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 12/29/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/29/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/29/2023

Jeannetta Boykin Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000733

Carrington L. Diggs Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Carrington D. Diggs, whose address is 475 Burbank St., SE Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carrington L. Diggs who died on December 13, 2022 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/29/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/29/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/29/2023

Carrington D. Diggs

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2021 ADM 589

Richard Hailey, Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Sean Hailey, whose address is 12010 Towanda Lane, Bowie MD 20715, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard Hailey, Sr. who died on 2/19/21 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 12/29/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/29/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/29/2023

Sean Hailey Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 708

C. N. Odom aka Charles Odom aka Charles Nathaniel Odom Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Adrene Maria Odom, whose address is 3903 Chapel Forge Dr., Bowie, MD 20715, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of C. N. Odom aka Charles Odom aka Charles Nathaniel Odom who died on January 4, 2023 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 12/29/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/29/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

6/29/2023

Adrene Maria Odom

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000691

Thelma Emma Pringle aka Thelma Pringle Decedent

Donald Marlais, Esq. 411 10th Street NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

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

Patricia A. Hawkins, whose address is 932 Amer Drive, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thelma Emma Pringle aka Thelma Pringle who died on April 26, 2023 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 12/29/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/29/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

6/29/2023

Patricia A. Hawkins

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000721

Charles Glover Decedent

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

Neatha Glover, whose address is 5101 Sargent Rd., NE, Apt. 303, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles Glover who died on 04/25/2020 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 12/29/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/29/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

6/29/2023

Neatha Glover Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 725

Robert Clifford Brown III Decedent

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

Brenda E. Brown, whose address is 10506 Calumet Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20901, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Clifford Brown III who died on March 19, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/29/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/29/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/29/2023

Brenda E. Brown Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000542

Lucille Ridley Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Karen M. Ridley-Lynch, whose address is 6009 Thunder Hill Ct., Fort Washington, Md 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lucille Ridley who died on February 19, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/6/2024. 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 1/6/2024, 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:

7/6/2023

Karen M. Ridley-Lynch Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000793

Vivian V. Smith aka Vivian Vincent Smith Decedent

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

Karen D. Smith, whose address is 14715 Argos Place, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vivian V. Smith aka Vivian Vincent Smith who died on March 13, 2023 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 1/6/2024. 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 1/6/2024, 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: 7/6/2024

Karen D. Smith

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 178

Geraldine Hatton Edmonds

Decedent

Law Office of Aaron E. Price, Sr., PLLC

717 D Street, NW

Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Brenda Wilson, whose address is 8310 Westridge Court, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Geraldine Hatton Edmonds who died on 10/19/2020 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 1/6/2024. 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 1/6/2024, 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:

7/6/2023

Brenda Wilson

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000752

Aaron Irving Robinson Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150

Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Aaron Butler, whose address is 6509 Hill Mar Drive, Apartment 303, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Aaron Irving Robinson who died on February 4, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor

Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/6/2024. 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 1/6/2024, 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:

7/6/2023

Aaron Irving Robinson 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: "Tonya LaToya Maynard", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ TONYA LATOYA MAYNARD", corp. sole Dba.: "TONYA L MAYNARD",“TONYA MAYNARD” “TONYA LATOYA MAYNARD” “TONYA TURNER”

“TONYA L TURNER” “TONYA LATOYA TURNER” “TONYA MAYNARD TURNER” “TONYA L MAYNARD TURNER” “TONYA LATOYA MAYNARD TURNER” “TONYA TURNER MAYNARD” “TONYA L TURNER MAYNARD” “TONYA LATOYA TURNER MAYNARD”“MAYNARD,TONYA” “MAYNARD,TONYA L" “MAYNARD,TONYA LATOYA” “TURNER,TONYA” “TURNER,TONYA L” “TURNER,TONYA LATOYA” “MAYNARD TURNER,TONYA” “MAYNARD TURNER,TONYA L” “MAYNARD TURNER,TONYA LATOYA” “TURNER MAYNARD,TONYA” “TURNER MAYNARD,TONYA L”

“TURNER MAYNARD,TONYA LATOYA”. As natural clan mother, and guardian of: "Kendrick Nathaniel Turner", the beneficiary and heir of: “ KENDRICK NATHANIEL TURNER ”, corp. sole Dba.: "KENDRICK N TURNER", "KENDRICK TURNER" "KENDRICK NATHANIEL TURNER"

"KENDRICK TURNER NATHANIEL" "KENDRICK TURNER N" "TURNER,KENDRICK N" "TURNER, KENDRICK NATHANIEL" "TURNER, KENDRICK" "TURNER NATHANIEL KENDRICK" "TURNER N, KENDRICK". 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 am: " Tonya LaToya Maynard ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "tonya latoya el". My beloved son, "Kendrick Nathaniel Turner", from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "kendrick nathaniel 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, Re: THE CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE: STATE FILE NUMBER,: 156-87-407797:" TONYA LATOYA MAYNARD", TONYA MAYNARD”, “TONYA L MAYNARD” “TONYA TURNER” “TONYA L TURNER” “TONYA LATOYA TURNER” “TONYA MAYNARD TURNER” “TONYA L MAYNARD TURNER” “TONYA LATOYA MAYNARD TURNER” “TONYA TURNER MAYNARD” “TONYA L TURNER MAYNARD” “TONYA LATOYA TURNER MAYNARD” “MAYNARD,TONYA” “MAYNARD,TONYA L” “MAYNARD,TONYA LATOYA” “TURNER,TONYA” “TURNER,TONYA L” “TURNER,TONYA LATOYA” “MAYNARD TURNER,TONYA” “MAYNARD TURNER,TONYA L” “MAYNARD TURNER,TONYA LATOYA” “TURNER MAYNARD,TONYA” “TURNER MAYNARD,TONYA L” “TURNER MAYNARD,TONYA LATOYA”, &,THE CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE : STATE FILE NUMBER,:156-20-049082: “KENDRICK NATHANIEL TURNER ” “KENDRICK TURNER""KENDRICK N TURNER" "KENDRICK TURNER NATHANIEL""KENDRICK TURNER N""TURNER,KENDRICK N" "TURNER, KENDRICK NATHANIEL"

"TURNER, KENDRICK""TURNER, NATHANIEL KENDRICK""TURNER N, KENDRICK", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to "Tmt Wellstead Trust". Re: THE CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE: STATE FILE NUMBER, 156-87-407797:

"TONYA LATOYA MAYNARD", “TONYA MAYNARD”, “TONYA L MAYNARD” “TONYA TURNER” “TONYA L TURNER” “TONYA LATOYA TURNER”

“TONYA MAYNARD TURNER” “TONYA L MAYNARD TURNER” “TONYA LATOYA MAYNARD TURNER” “TONYA TURNER MAYNARD” “TONYA

L TURNER MAYNARD” “TONYA LATOYA TURNER MAYNARD” “MAYNARD,TONYA” “MAYNARD,TONYA L” “MAYNARD,TONYA LATOYA”

“TURNER,TONYA” “TURNER,TONYA L” “TURNER,TONYA LATOYA” “MAYNARD TURNER,TONYA” “MAYNARD TURNER,TONYA L” “MAYNARD

TURNER,TONYA LATOYA” “TURNER MAYNARD,TONYA” “TURNER MAYNARD,TONYA L” “TURNER MAYNARD,TONYA LATOYA”, &, THE CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE: STATE FILE NUMBER, 156-20-049082: " KENDRICK NATHANIEL TURNER", “KENDRICK TURNER" "KENDRICK N TURNER""KENDRICK TURNER NATHANIEL""KENDRICK TURNER N""TURNER,KENDRICK N" "TURNER, KENDRICK NATHANIEL" "TURNER, KENDRICK""TURNER, NATHANIEL KENDRICK" "TURNER N, KENDRICK", is as a special deposit order conveyed to: “ Kendrick Nathaniel Trust © ”, with a 50% interest retained by Trustee: “ tonya latoya el © ”, &, a 50% interest retained by Trustee: “ aqeel ki el© ”. All interest is to remain fully intact until the sole beneficiary, “ kendrick nathaniel el© ”, reaches the age of majority. 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 / Guardian: "tonya latoya el", nom deguerre: "Tonya Latoya Maynard”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : "Tmt Wellstead Trust”, or : "Kendrick Nathaniel Trust", both Trust being, Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trusts. These deposits are 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.

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 000060

July 8, 2002

Date of Death

Delores Travers Davis

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Barbara L. Hill, whose address is 2018 Gaither Street, Temple Hills, Maryland 20748 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Delores Travers Davis, deceased, by the Probate Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on June 14, 2023.

Service of process may be made upon Attorney Bobby Henry 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 100 Largo, Maryland 20774 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 1905 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication:

7/6/2023

Barbara L. Hill

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 743

Vivian Dolores Harrison

Decedent

Caren M. Webb, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW Suite 250 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

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

Diane C. Harrison, whose address is 8412 Autumn Way Clinton, Maryland 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vivian Dolores Harrison who died on September 15, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/6/2024. 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 1/6/2024, 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: 7/6/2023

Diane C. Harrison

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Notice of Special Appearance : We have received the goodness of God in the land of the living : As a result of the holy matrimony of : “aqeel ki el”©, fka: “Joseph Antoine Turner”©, Age: 36, son of “annmarie miller” and “joseph wendell turner”, tribal lineage corporeal hereditament : Taino American Moor, and, “tonya latoya el”©, fka: “Tonya Latoya Maynard Turner”©, Age: 36, daughter of “margaret ward watts” and “michael maynard”, tribal lineage corporeal hereditament: Taino American Moor; beget at planet Earth, Latitude: 33.467940 Longitude: -84.263180, El Maghreb al-Aqsa, commonly known as : Henry County, Georgia, [Hampton, Georgia [republic], The united states of America, States of the Union, Moon : Waning crescent, 30% Illuminated, Zodiac : Taurus, On time : Long Count Date : 13 baktun. 0 katun. 10 tun. 9 uinal. 16 k'in. Tzolk'in Date: 4 k’ib’ Haab Date: 4 Sip. Lord: G7 [ Sunday, May 14th, 2023 ], Temperature : 80°F, at 09:53 p.m., mostly cloudy, anu allah [ God of gods ] saw it fit to allow a living soul to incarnate a fleshblood-and bone body, in homo sapien form, as a natural born, baby boy, in full life, Height/Length: 21” Weight : 7 Pounds, 2 Ounces, to be. Life Path : 8. He is known in this life as: khol kwali el©

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

Notice of Special Appearance: am that I am: “Joseph Antoine Turner”, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “JOSEPH ANTOINE TURNER”, corp.sole Dba.: “JOSEPH A TURNER”, “JOSEPH A TURNER”, “JOSEPH TURNER”, “JOSEPH TURNER, A”, “JOSEPH ANTOINE TURNER”, “ TURNER, JOSEPH”, “TURNER, JOSEPH A”, “ANTOINE JOSEPH TURNER”, &, “TURNER ANTOINE, JOSEPH”. As natural clan father, and guardian of: “Karson Isaiah Turner”, the beneficiary and heir of: “ KARSON ISAIAH TURNER”, corp.sole Dba.: "KARSON I TURNER", “KARSON TURNER”, “ KARSON ISAIAH TURNER”, “KARSON TURNER I”, “KARSON TURNER ISAIAH”, “TURNER,KARSON I”, “TURNER,KARSON”, “TURNER,KARSON ISAIAH”, “ISAIAH, KARSON TURNER”, “ISAIAH, TURNER KARSON”, “TURNER ISAIAH KARSON”, &, “TURNER, KARSON”.

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

2023 ADM 000759

Ivy J. Young Decedent

Michelle Lanchester, Esq. 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 900, South Building Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

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

Michelle M. Young, whose address is 807 Pleasant Hill Lane, Bowie MD 20716, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ivy J. Young who died on April 24, 2023 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 1/6/2024. 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 1/6/2024, 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:

July 6, 2023

Michelle M. Young

Personal Representative

TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000763

Margaret Ann Boddie Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 434

Washington, DC 20008

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Robert Boddie, whose address is 4137 Southern Ave. #102, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret Ann Boddie who died on February 14, 2011 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/6/2024. 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 1/6/2024, 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: 7/6/2023

Robert Boddie Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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. am that am: “Joseph Antoine Turner”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " aqeel ki el”. My beloved son, " Karson Isaiah Turner", from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " karson isaiah 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, Re: City of New York Department of Health: STATE FILE NUMBER, 156-87-308422, “JOSEPH ANTOINE TURNER”, “JOSEPH A TURNER”, “JOSEPH TURNER”, “JOSEPH TURNER, A”, “JOSEPH ANTOINE TURNER”, “ TURNER, JOSEPH”, “TURNER, JOSEPH A”, “ANTOINE JOSEPH TURNER”, “TURNER ANTOINE, JOSEPH”, and is as a special deposit order, conveyed to "Joseph Antoine Trust". This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: THE CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE : STATE FILE NUMBER, 156-18-041513, “KARSON I TURNER”, “KARSON TURNER”, “KARSON I TURNER”, “KARSON ISAIAH TURNER”, “KARSON TURNER I”, “KARSON TURNER ISAIAH”, “TURNER KARSON”, “TURNER KARSON I”, “TURNER KARSON ISAIAH”, “TURNER ISAIAH KARSON”, “TURNER KARSON”, “ISAIAH KARSON TURNER”, &, “ISAIAH TURNER KARSON”, is as a special deposit order, conveyed to "Joseph Antoine Trust", until the beneficiary reaches the age of majority. At which time, any and all rights, titles, and interest is conveyed to “ Karson Isaiah Trust© ”. Until the beneficiary reaches the age of majority, a 50% interest is retained by Trustee: “ aqeel ki el© ”, &, a 50% interest is retained by Trustee: “ tonya latoya el© ”, for “Karson Isaiah Trust© ”. All interest is to remain fully intact until the sole beneficiary, “ karson isaiah el© ”, reaches the age of majority. 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 / Guardian: " aqeel ki el", nom deguerre: "Joseph Antoine Turner ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Joseph Antoine Trust ", or : " Karson Isaiah Trust ", both Trust being, Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trusts. These deposits are 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.

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

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that am: "Pedro Tyri Winfrey© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ PEDRO TYRI WINFREY©", corp.sole Dba.: "PEDRO T. WINFREY© "; PEDRO WINFREY, WINFREY, PEDRO T, 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, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, 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. am that am: "Pedro Tyri Winfrey© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "Tyri-Azu: Amadi© ". 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: Illinois

Department of Public Health-Division of Vital Records : STATE FILE

NUMBER: 112-1983 6010736, "PEDRO TYRI WINFREY©", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to "Thrive Regardless 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: "TyriAzu: Amadi©", nom deguerre: "Pedro Tyri Winfrey", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : "Thrive Regardless Trust©", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 824

Estate of Barbara M. Johnson

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by LaVerne E. Johnson for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

Admit to probate the codicil dated January 8, 1994 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: July 13, 2023

Law Office of Kathy Brissette-Minus, LLC 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 230 Largo, MD 20774

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000798

Cheryl Renee Harris Decedent

Peggy A. Miller, Esq. 5130 7th Street, NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Geralean Harris, whose address is 2425 14th Street, NW, Apt. 306, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cheryl Renee Harris who died on 1/20/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/13/2024. 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 1/13/2024, 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:

7/13/2023

Geralean Harris

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000757

Cletus Michael Wade

Decedent

Julius P. Terrell, Esq.

1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Michael Christopher (Wade) Cross, whose address is 7524

N. Arbor Way Laurel, MD 20702, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cletus Michael Wade who died on April 10, 2018 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 1/13/2024. 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 1/13/2024, 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: 7/13/2023

Michael Christopher (Wade) Cross+ Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000803

Ella Law James Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Larry Odell Law, whose address is 6709 Geneva Lane, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ella Law James who died on 6/29/2019 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/13/2024. 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 1/13/2024, 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: 7/13/2023

Larry Odell Law Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000772

Ella Louise McLean aka

E. Louise McLean Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Sheila A. Smith, whose address is 502 Kenyon St., NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ella Louise McLean aka E. Louise McLean who died on November 4, 2013 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 1/13/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/13/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

7/13/2023

Sheila A. Smith Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 765

Giovanni Ian Love aka Giovanni I. Love aka Giovannie Love

Decedent

Law Office of Robert P. Newman

Robert P. Newman, Esq. 801 Wayne Ave., Ste. 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Dominique Watson, whose address is 4630 Hillside Rd., Apt. 4, SE, WDC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Giovanni Ian Love aka Giovanni I. Love aka Giovannie Love who died on 6/9/2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/13/2024. 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 1/13/2024, 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:

7/13/2023

Dominique Watson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 000774

Grozelia Stepney-Herring Decedent

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

Arthinia Morgan, whose address is 9707 Dale Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Grozelia Stepney-Herring who died on May 19, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/13/2024. 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 1/13/2024, 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: 7/13/2023

Arthinia Morgan Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: "Iliana Teresa Gonzalez© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ILIANA TERESA GONZALEZ", corporate sole DBA: "ILIANA T GONZALEZ© ", Iliana Hunt, Iliana Teresa Hunt, Iliana T Hunt, Iliana T Lopez Cruz, Iliana T Lopez-Cruz, Iliana Lopez Cruz, Iliana Lopez-Cruz, 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: the Tarahumara Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article 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: the Tarahumara Moorish American. I am that I am: " Iliana Teresa Gonzalez© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " iliana teresa muki© ". 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: The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records : 112-1990 0102258, " Iliana Teresa Gonzalez© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " BasJan 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: " iliana teresa muki© ", nom deguerre: " Iliana Teresa Gonzalez© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: " BasJan 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.

Justice Clarence Thomas wouldn't be sitting on the bench at all. Not only did he use affirmative action to get into Yale Law School, but he also used old-fashioned political patronage to get him on the bench. His patron, Sen. John Danforth (R-Mo.), aggressively championed his career, making sure he got plum assignments, including the chairmanship of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (where he once said that affirmative action made a difference in his life) and a judicial appointment that teed him up for the Supreme Court nomination. Several other, better-qualified Black jurists were far more qualified than he, but undoubtedly Sen. Danforth put his thumb on the scale by embracing that nomination. Black

JEALOUS from Page 30

least 25 times more than the federal government has spent for urban forestry in most years.

That money gives us a chance to grow more than trees. We can grow livelihoods. Good jobs created in nurseries and tree care businesses should go first to the people in these neighborhoods who need them. We have good models — the Detroit Conservation Corps

MARSHALL from Page 30

perceived as a liberal takeover of higher education.

Only hours after the Supreme Court's ruling striking down affirmative action in college admissions, one of Wisconsin's top elected state officials signaled interest in attacking other ways colleges promote campus diversity. Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R) suggested cutting scholarships and grants, among other programs that benefit minority students.

"We are reviewing the decision and will introduce legislation to correct the discriminatory laws on the books and pass repeals in the fall," Vos tweeted in reply to a post suggesting the state take such measures.

Vos has emerged as a staunch opponent of DEI efforts, calling such programs "indoctrination." He has previously suggested potential budget cuts to the University of Wisconsin system if it doesn't phase out DEI offices at its campuses. The Republican plan seeks to cut over 180 DEI positions over the system's 13 universities despite a projected record-high $7 billion state budget surplus. The state of Wiscon-

America was ambivalent, but Thomas effectively used his "up from poverty" back story to convince folks like Dr. Maya Angelou that he would represent Black interests on the court. Instead, the New York Times described him, in 1992, as "the youngest and the cruelest" justice.

In the Supreme Court case Hudson v. McMillan, a Louisiana inmate, Keith Hudson, sued after Jack McMillan and other prison guards beat him so severely that they broke his dental plate while it was in his mouth. Seven of the nine justices agreed that the brutal and malicious beating was "cruel and unusual punishment," outlawed by the Eighth Amendment. Thomas, joined by Antonin Scalia, dissented from the majority, saying that the beating was not severe and that the Constitution did

trains unemployed people, many of whom have faced incarceration, to earn tree care certifications by transforming vacant lots into nurseries, for example.

Like everything associated with our climate crisis, we are running out of time for urban forestry.

Conditions like heat, storms, and air pollution that trees can help address are getting worse, which makes it tougher for us to grow the trees we need. Every year, the na-

sin is not alone. Republican lawmakers in at least a dozen other states have proposed more than 30 bills targeting DEI efforts in higher education to abolish DEI offices and end mandatory diversity training.

What is the message when the Wisconsin football program targets the signing of Black athletes for its highly successful football team while Republicans in the state legislature seek to eliminate scholarships designated for minority undergraduate students? Football and basketball are the top two revenue-producing sports for colleges. Therefore, can we expect the same lawmakers to eventually thwart campus diversity efforts by denying athletic scholarships for Black players who are key contributors to football and basketball teams? I believe Coach Bear Bryant answered that question decades ago. Wisconsin lawmakers are sending no mixed signals; the messages are clear.

The Black collegiate athlete and Black scholar are not valued the same. Students of all backgrounds need a positive and healthy learning environment to thrive. That would include Black students at predominately white institutions. Inclusion does not auto-

not protect prisoners. The facts of this case are jarring, especially as a supervisor witnessed McMillan and a colleague beating Hudson and told them "not to have too much fun." In his confirmation hearings, Thomas said he brought "something different" to the court, namely his empathy for the downtrodden. Instead, he brought an unusually intense self-hatred, which spills over to how he deals with cases involving Black people.

All Americans must deal with this self-hating justice, whose outdated opinions threaten civility, inclusion, and decency in our nation. Black America is significantly affected by his anti-Blackness. Hopefully, the Department of Justice will investigate Thomas' financial shenanigans and remove this depraved man from the Supreme Court. WI

tion has more deaths due to severe heat than it would if we reduced urban temperatures.

As enormous as the new federal investment is, it's just the starting point (the original proposal was $3 billion). The average cost nationally to plant and establish a tree in an urban area is $300. Five million trees planted will close a sliver of the tree equity gap. Our commitment to narrow it must grow as those trees grow. WI

matically mean a person is welcomed. When minority students feel unwelcome on campus and in the classroom because of their race, it destroys the healthy learning environment. It opens the argument that their underperformance is due to other factors. A student having the peace of mind of knowing that their presence is welcomed, fully supported and unquestioned allows them to perform at their highest level.

Josh Jones is a high school senior from Fayetteville, North Carolina, who received over $3 million in academic and athletic scholarships. The high school quarterback established school records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and yards per game while maintaining a 4.1 GPA in the classroom. His choices of schools included Duke, Princeton, Dartmouth, North Carolina A&T, Navy, Air Force and Army. With all the options available to him, the prized student-athlete chose an HBCU. North Carolina Central University may not be a Power 5 school with all the facilities and the big name, but he will be welcomed in ways he may not be elsewhere.

WI

BAILEY from Page 31

all of the Supreme Court's civil rights decisions since Brown vs. Board in 1954.

Anyone wanting to learn the real deal about the Supreme Court should read articles and books by great Black master teachers such as Brother Malcolm X, Brother Lerone Bennett Jr., Brother Martin Luther King Jr., Brother Harold Cruse, Sister Mary McLeod Bethune, Sister Fannie Lou Hamer, Sister Frances Cress Welsing and Sister C. DeLores Tucker. WI

MORIAL from Page 31

white students to live in a home without broadband internet access.

A more recent study found that school districts where the majority of students enrolled are students of color receive $23 billion less in education funding than predominantly white school districts. Districts with a high percentage of students of color receive, on average, 16 percent, or about $2,200, less per student than largely white districts.

Unsurprisingly, the relative

JACKSON from Page 31

moves to overturn established law by terminating the right to abortion — and women's control of their bodies. On Friday, it also established — again against all precedent — a First Amendment right to discriminate in a case aimed at refusing service to gay couples. That surely will lead to cases that test the right to refuse service to Blacks or Asians or Latinos. This Supreme Court would take us back to the days when young African Americans could be arrested for seeking to be served at a lunch counter.

We've suffered this form of brutal racial reaction before. After the “Second Founding” — the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments after the Civil War — this country began the first reconstruction, designed to ensure equal rights under the law to the newly liberated slaves.

That progress was met with fierce resistance from the plantation overlords that had profited from slave labor. The Ku Klux

lack of resources and heavier disciplinary burden for Black students contribute to a persistent racial achievement gap: pre-pandemic, fewer than 15% of Black eighth-graders were reading at or above proficiency, compared to 42.5% of white eighth-graders. Only 13.6% of Black students were at or above proficiency in math, compared to almost 44% of white students.

Whether Pence really doesn't "know the numbers" as he claims, we cannot say. But his choice not to acknowledge racial inequity in education aligns with

Klan unleashed a campaign of terror to smash the fusion coalitions that were beginning to grow, and to deprive Blacks of not only the vote but more generally of equal rights. Conservative justices on the Supreme Court embraced the new apartheid, ruling that “separate but equal” – in which the separation ensured that there was no equality — satisfied the Constitution. By the time they were finished, they had twisted the 14th Amendment designed to provide all with equal justice under the law to a corporate weapon against workers organizing to demand their rights in the workplace.

This court's right-wing majority would take us back to the days when store owners could refuse to serve minorities, when women had no rights, when gay marriage was a sin and against the law.

They will not succeed. We aren't going back. They are tribunes of white privilege — cosseted by their circle of billionaires — standing against an increasingly diverse and proud people. They will not prevail — but only if people of

the so-called "anti-woke" movement some extremist politicians have embraced, hoping to capitalize on a wave of white grievance and racial resentment. Fortunately, a solid majority of Americans still reject the notion that racial inequality doesn't exist. But if Pence and his fellow distorters of history have their way, the next generation of Americans will grow up oblivious to the effects of historic and systemic racism and allow white supremacy not only to persist but flourish. WI

conscience stand up, across lines of race, religion, region. The first Reconstruction led to a brutal reaction that imposed legal apartheid on this country for 100 years. We must not allow this new reaction to reverse our progress toward equal justice under the law. WI

court's rightwing majority would take us back to the days when store owners could refuse

when gay marriage was a sin and against the law.

Anyone wanting to learn the real deal about the Supreme Court should read articles and books by great Black master teachers such as Brother Malcolm X, Brother Lerone Bennett Jr., Brother Martin Luther King Jr., Brother Harold Cruse, Sister Mary McLeod Bethune, Sister Fannie Lou Hamer...

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