VOL. 54, NO. 41 • JULY 25 -31, 2019
With Temperatures on the Rise Let’s Keep our Own Temperatures Cool Calm and Collected
Muslim Americans Use Grassroots Strategies to Combat Phobia
Don’t Miss WI Bridge Center Section
District Marks 50th Anniversary of First Moon Landing Projection on Washington Monument Highlights Splendor of Apollo 11
By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill One day after President Donald Trump reiterated racist remarks about four congresswomen he called “racist” and “not very smart,” a group of American Muslims, activists and community leaders presented their own message: Speak out against phobia. The Muslim Caucus Education Collective, a nonprofit organization that seeks to combat hate through grassroots efforts, hosted a two-day discussion at the National Housing Center in Northwest, July 23 – 24. Ghazala Salam, president of the caucus, said discussions started seven months ago as a means of eliminating hate and incorporate political harmony when the president spews racist language which cause division in America. “It’s time to turn up the heat on the racial and religious justice debate in this country,” she said. “We have got to open up our mouths, speak up and stand up because if we don’t do it, no one else is going to do it for us.” Trump criticized Omar and three other Democratic congresswomen, Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, during a rally July 14 in North Carolina where Trump supporters chanted “send them back.” Omar represents the only person born outside of the U.S. but be-
MUSLIM Page 48
By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir
5 The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum celebrates the 50thanniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, with a life-size projection of the Saturn V rocket on the Washington Monument. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
As the sun set to make way for nighttime and the stars, thousands gathered on the National Mall in the District on both Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20 to view images from
APOLLO 11 Page 23
Summer Spirit Festival to Pay Homage to Homegrown Go-Go Groove Local Favs Be’La Dona, Sugar Bear, Ms. Kim & Scooby Back with Pulsating Beats
By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir With a history boasting roots can be traced to the early 70s, replete with free, family-friendly outdoor concerts in Anacostia Park in Southeast, the musings of determined grassroots activists including one D.C. transplant named Marion Barry and gifted musicians known for spitting out inspirational lyrics while African-like cadences kept the beat – on overturned buckets not snare drums - the season’s annual go-go groove party is poised to make its return. The 2019 Summer Spirit Festival is presented by the dynamic
duo of Carol Kirkendall and Darryll Brooks, professionally known as CD Enterprises, Inc., who have long-proven that they have a penchant for putting on a concert second to none. And that’s what they promise to bring once more on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. Their tagline, perhaps, summarizes their mission best: “Not just another concert but an event.” “We pride ourselves in running a great show with great sounds, lights and a show that starts on time,” they said. We want the show to be special for our customers.”
GO GO Page 32
5 The 2019 Summer Spirit Festival, hosted by Carol Kirkendall and Darryll Brooks, CD Enterprises, Inc., will blend soul, R&B, jazz, Hip-Hop, and Go-Go. Sugar Bear will be featured with Be’la Dona. (Shevry Lassiter/WI File Photo)
Celebrating 54 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area