The Washington Informer - June 13, 2024

District Dads Celebrate Fathers during Annual Event

Three Years, More than 100 Fathers Served and Connected

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Martha's Table at The Commons, once again, became ground zero for local fathers and father figures seeking and providing support, mentorship, and a chance to make memories with their little ones.

The hundreds of men who converged on Elvans Street in Southeast, D.C. for the Sixth Annual District Dads Father’s Day Celebration on Saturday spent a better part of their afternoon engaging in interactive activities with their children, grooving to the sounds of a live band, and prioritizing their health.

“This is an opportunity for us to show that we see the dads out here and their hard work and dedication,” said Matthew Miller, manager of District Dads, a fatherhood initiative that Martha’s Table at the Commons created to provide a wide range of services and resources to support fathers, acknowl-

DADS Page 34

Attorney General Schwalb Criticizes Mayor Bowser’s Emphasis on Detention

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Legislation that Attorney General Brian Schwalb crafted to address issues at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) recently made its way to the D.C. Council's Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs, chaired by D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8).

If approved, the legislation, titled the Recidivism Reduction, Oversight and Accountability for DYRS Act of 2024

DYRS Page 38

D.C. Council to Soon Consider Bill that Strengthens Accountability for DYRS

5The Recidivism Reduction, Oversight and Accountability for DYRS Act of 2024 (ROAD Act)will increase accountability for the agency that oversees the Youth Services Center, a youth detention center grappling with overcrowding, violence, and substance use among youth residents. (WI File

DMV Fatherhood Coalition Poised to Celebrate, Honor Black Dads

Theme for 2024: Celebrating Fatherhood – A Cause Greater Than Self

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Contributing Writer

While Father’s Day is celebrated every June, local organizations have been working to support, empower and showcase positive realities about Black fathers.

5More than 600,000 people participated and attended the 2024 D.C. Capital Pride, which, for the first year, started at 14th and T Streets NW, and traveled south along 14th Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, just blocks from the White House. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Under the undeterred guidance of men like Dr. Frank Malone, founder and CEO of 100 Fathers, Inc.; Tyrone Parker, former executive director, Alliance of Concerned Men (ACM); and Terrance

BLACK DADS Page 21

Grand Marshal Billy Porter Sets the Tone: ‘This is About Political Activism’

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Contributing Writer

As Pride Month continues across America, thousands flooded the streets of D.C. on a spectacular, sun-drenched day on Saturday, June 8, to celebrate the strength, beauty and contributions of members of the LGBTQ community and advocate for continued strides toward justice.

Celebrated Tony Award-winning actor and singer Billy Porter, a PRIDE Page 38

Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

5Martha’s Table at The Commons hosted a Father’s Day celebration on June 8, as part of the organization’s District Dads initiative. (Courtesy Photo/Martha’s Table at The Commons)

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Howard University Revokes Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Honorary Degree As Mogul’s Legal Troubles Grow

Just days after Howard University announced it would revoke the honorary degree awarded to Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2014, additional details have emerged about the decision and the mounting legal issues facing the hiphop mogul.

On Friday, June 7, Howard University’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously “to accept the return by Mr. Sean Combs of the honorary degree,” as stated in their official release. The decision, linked to a series of abuse allegations against Combs, has led to the university stripping all associated honors and privileges.

Combs, 54, who attended Howard University from 1987 to 1989 before leaving without graduating, pledged $1 million in 2016 to establish the Sean Combs Scholarship Fund for financially needy students. The university has also terminated this pledge and a 2023 agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation.

“Mr. Combs’ behavior, as captured in a recently released video, is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor,” board members said.

The catalyst for this move was a series of disturbing revelations. In November 2023, performer Casandra Ventura, known professionally as Cassie, filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of rape and physical abuse. The lawsuit was swiftly settled the next day. More recently, in May, CNN published surveillance footage from a Los Angeles hotel showing Combs attacking Ms. Ventura near the building’s elevators.

Combs posted an apology video on Instagram in response to the footage, stating, “I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

India.Arie Announces Hiatus from Touring: ‘I Need Healing Too’

In a deeply personal open letter, four-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter India. Arie announced her decision to step back from touring, citing the need for personal healing and mental health care. The announcement comes from an artist who has been a powerful voice in the music industry for over two decades.

“I’ve sat quietly all these years because the things that inspired me had disappeared, and I’ve been healing from great disillusionment,” India.Arie

wrote on her social media page.

Despite recently accepting a few shows to gauge her feelings, the singer said she was overwhelmed.

“Everything in me is screaming ‘no.’ My nervous system is a wreck,” she confessed, highlighting the toll that recent years have taken on her mental and physical health.

Her global influence is evident in her record sales, with over 10 million records sold worldwide, and her numerous accolades, including four Grammy awards, 21 Grammy nominations, two BET awards, and four NAACP Image awards.

Despite her illustrious career, India.Arie has been candid about her challenges. In her open letter, she explained that she

Hunter Biden Found Guilty of Felony Firearms Charges, Faces Potential Prison Time

Hunter Biden, the embattled son of President Joe Biden, was found guilty Tuesday of three felony counts of lying on a federal firearms application in 2018.

At a crucial time for President Biden’s reelection campaign, a Wilmington, Delaware, jury delivered the verdict. Biden, 54, faced the jury grimly as the verdict was announced. The charges include lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on a federal firearms application, and possession of an illegally obtained gun from October 12-23, 2018.

The offenses carry potential penalties of up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders in similar cases often avoid jail time if the weapon was not used in a violent crime.

The case centered on Biden’s purchase of a handgun during a trying time in his life that included crack cocaine addiction, numerous rehab stays, divorce, financial difficulties, and associations with prostitutes.

Despite these struggles, President Biden expressed unwavering support for his son in a heartfelt statement.

“As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a dad,” the president stated. “Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride in seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery.”

While he is supporting his son, the president also said he would “accept the outcome” of the case as well as “respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”

The incident is not the first time a president’s family member has drawn unwanted attention. Notably, President Jimmy Carter’s brother Billy was embroiled in scandal after becoming an agent for Libya under dictator Moammar Gadhafi, receiving substantial payments that sparked allegations of influence-peddling. During President George H.W. Bush’s tenure, his son Neil faced scrutiny for his role in the Silverado Savings and Loan crisis, which resulted in a civil action and a $50,000 settlement.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

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

STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER; ASHLEIGH

5India.Arie. (Courtesy Photo/ India.Arie, Facebook)

50 Cent Visits the Hill to Advocate for Minority Business Owners

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

Curtis Jackson, the rapper widely known as “50 Cent” visited the White House and Capitol Hill on June 5 to open doors for minority small business owners in the spirits industry.

“He wants all of the businesses whether Black, white or brown to have an opportunity in that industry,” civil rights attorney Bill Crump shared as he accompanied Jackson on the Hill.

Not only a rapper, Jackson is a critically acclaimed screenwriter and actor, who has made waves in the film industry through shows like “Power” and “BMF,” and has become an entrepreneur in music, media, spirits and fashion.

Last month, Jackson opened his own in-house production facility, “G-Unit” at a location based in Shreveport, Louisiana.

“From the gritty narratives of the streets to the compelling stories that define our era, G-Unit has always been more than just entertainment; it’s a platform for voices that need to be heard, stories that need to be told,” Jackson said in an interview with Billboard. “Bringing G-Unit Studios to Shreveport is not just a business decision; it’s a commitment to fostering talent, creating opportunities, and building a community that thrives through creativity and innovation. We see Shreveport as a beacon of inspiration and creativity.”

He shared that same perspective on June 5 with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R), Rep. Troy A. Carter (D) and Rep. Nikema Wil-

HOT TOPICS from Page 4

left her touring life in September 2019, seeking a break from the demands of her career.

Though filled with success, the artist’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She candidly shared the toll her career took on her health, especially in 2019.

“I sacrificed my health, enduring deaths, root canals, and lack of management support, just to secure higher pay for my performances. I was under-

liams (D) while discussing his ventures in the liquor industry through trade company Sire Spirits.

Jackson said he has faced discrimination in the luxury liquor industry and claims he was overcharged $6 million by supplier Suntory Global, formerly known as Beam Suntory.

"Changing the company name from Beam Suntory to [Suntory Global Spirits] without correcting what was done to my brands [Branson Cognac] and [Le Chemin Du Roi] doesn’t fix the problem and lacks honor," Jackson posted on Instagram. "I attempted to resolve the matter, not once, but twice. Now the legal process will play out publicly for everyone to see what really happened and how [Suntory Global Spirits] would rather spend millions to protect and conceal criminal conduct instead of doing the right thing."

Jackson’s attorney Craig Weiner claimed Suntory’s Chief Commercial Officer, Julious Grant, committed fraud causing Jackson to overpay on taxes, insurance, customs and commissions.

“We are committed to helping Mr. Jackson demonstrate the true power of not just his television acumen, but also the power of the consumers to make corporate America allow a seat at the table for hard-working Black entrepreneurs,” Crump who is also representing Jackson released in a statement.

The celebrated civil rights attorney said the artist and businessman is working to open doors for entrepreneurs of color.

“[Jackson] was here today trying to blaze trails, knock down barriers and say just like you want generational wealth for you children, we want

paid for years,” she revealed in her post.

The open letter touched on her evolving perspective since 2020, which has seen significant global upheaval.

“Now that I see the world [in] all different ways since 2020, as we all do, I’m having a hard time being inspired to take on the absolute heavy lifting it takes to go on the road with 19 people,” she wrote. The singer emphasized the importance of mental health, acknowledging her need to prioritize her well-being over financial gain. “I need healing too,” she stated plainly. WI

generational wealth for our children,” Crump later continued.

Black Americans represent 12% of alcohol consumers across categories, but they make up just 7.8% of the sector’s labor force, 2% of executives in the industry, and 0% of acquisi-

tions, according to Pronghorn, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity within the spirits sector.

Jackson and his team visited the Hill with hopes to help drastically improve statistics for minorities in the spirits business. He left feeling like that

goal was successfully accomplished.

“This is exciting for me, I got to meet with both sides today,” said Jackson. “The response I got makes me feel like there are bright things ahead of us.”

WI

5Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson meets with House Speaker Mike Johnson to advance opportunities for minority business owners.

(Courtesy Photo/X)

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LOVE TO TRAVEL?

black facts

JUNE 13

1967 – Thurgood Marshall is nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Lyndon Johnson, becoming the first-ever Supreme Court justice upon Senate confirmation two months later.

JUNE 14

1864 – Congress rules that African American soldiers must receive equal pay. Earlier that month, Pvt. Sylvester Ray of the 2nd U.S. Colored Cavalry was recommended for trial because he refused to accept pay inferior to that of white soldiers.

JUNE 15

1877 – Homy Ossian Flipper, U.S. soldier and former slave, becomes the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, earning a commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the Army.

1913 – Effie O'Neal, the first Black woman to hold an executive position in the American Medical Association, is born.

1921 – Aviator Bessie Coleman becomes the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license and an international aviation license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

1969 – Rapper, actor and filmmaker Ice Cube, member of seminal hip-hop group N.W.A., is born in Los Angeles.

1996 – Iconic jazz chanteuse Ella Fitzgerald, also known as the "First Lady of Song," "Queen of Jazz" and "Lady Ella," dies in Beverly Hills.

JUNE 16

1942 – Eddie Levert, lead singer of the R&B group The O'Jays and father of Gerald and Sean Levert, is born in Bessemer, Alabama.

JUNE 13 - 19, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

a major eastern U.S. city.

Iconic rapper and actor Tupac Shakur is born in the East Harlem section of Manhattan, New York.

Singer and actor Adam Wade becomes the first African American game show host, helming CBS's "Musical

JUNE 17

1871 – Author, lyricist, poet and educator James Weldon Johnson — who wrote the lyrics of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," known as the "Negro national anthem" — is born in Jacksonville, Florida.

1937 – Journalist Robert Maynard, who became the first African American owner of a major metropolitan daily newspaper in 1983 when he and his wife purchased The Oakland Tribune, is born.

1980 – Tennis great Venus Williams, the first Black American woman to be ranked No. 1 in the world during the Open era, is born.

JUNE 18

1899 – Inventor W.H. Richardson patents the "Baby Buggy," the first reversible stroller.

1942 – Bernard W. Robinson, Harvard University medical student, becomes the Navy's first Black officer.

1968 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules that it is a violation of the law to discriminate in selling or renting residential property.

JUNE 19

1865 – Blacks in Texas are notified of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued two years earlier, marking the beginning of "Juneteenth."

1918 – John H. Johnson, editor and publisher of Jet and Ebony magazines and founder of Johnson Publishing Company, is born.

1948 – Actress Phylicia Rashad, best known for her role as Clair Huxtable in "The Cosby Show," is born in Houston. WI

1970 – Kenneth A. Gibson is elected mayor of Newark, New Jersey, the first African American mayor of

ELLA FITZGERALD

AROUND THE REGION

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P INT

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

In honor of Juneteenth - June 19how do you celebrate?

JACQUI GREENE / TAMPA, FLA.

Through education and celebration of current accomplishments, but staying mindful of the fact that there is still so much work to do for us to be truly free because slavery never ended; it only evolved.

CORNELIUS T. / ATLANTA, GA.

I march in the annual parade, flying the red, black, and green and hanging out at the festival.

JEROME PAYNE / WASHINGTON, D.C.

One word: “Freedom.”

AARON WHITE / BUFFALO, N.Y.

The same way we have been in Buffalo since 1976. We honor our ancestors, support our brothers and sisters, and encourage our future.

DRELLY BLACK / NEW ORLEANS, LA.

I purchase items from my fellow Black business owners as well as spend time with family.

Senate Moves to Address D.C. Superior Court Backlog Crisis by Confirming Two New Judges

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

With the District of Columbia’s Superior Court grappling with a severe judicial backlog and burnout, the U.S. Senate has taken a crucial step by confirming two new associate judges this week.

With the Senate’s approval of Tanya Monique Jones Bosier and Judith Pipe, the District of Columbia’s Superior Court is set to receive a much-needed boost. The new judges, expected to be sworn in early next week, are a significant step towards addressing the court’s backlog crisis.

A recent report highlighted that many D.C. residents are experiencing years-long delays for case resolutions, exacerbated by a high number of judicial vacancies. Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring has expressed serious concerns, stating that the court is at a “breaking point.”

most two years.

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs took further action by hearing testimonies from five additional Superior Court nominees. The court handles some of the highest case volumes in the nation, and prolonged vacancies on the bench add to the strain, said Chairman Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan. Peters then urged his colleagues to join in confirming “these well-qualified nominees.”

In addition to the vacancies in the Superior Court, the D.C. Court of Appeals has had an unfilled position since 2013.

Douglas Buchanan, a spokesman for D.C. Courts, stressed the importance of continued Senate attention to the issue.

Our staff is made up of writers, just like you. We are dedicated to making publishing dreams come true. Trusted by authors for nearly 100 years, Dorrance has made countless authors’ dreams come true.

Unlike other cities, D.C. must wait for Senate confirmation of its local judges. Thirteen of the 62 judicial positions have been vacant for months, despite 11 nominations from the White House. To date, a Senate committee has advanced six of these nominees.

The District’s Superior Court handles a wide array of cases, from criminal matters to civil disputes. Current records show significant stress across these areas, with judges in civil courts managing 400 cases

each—double the recommended load. In the domestic violence court, four judges each averaged 1,900 cases last year. Additionally, the average time for resolving serious felony cases has increased by nearly seven months since 2019, now taking al-

“It is essential that the members of the United States Senate continue to focus on addressing this crisis so that the D.C. Courts can do all that we can to provide fair and timely justice to all of those we serve across the District of Columbia,” Buchanan said. WI

Let The Games Begin: Met Fest 20

By Demarco Rush WI Reporting Intern

The first annual Met Fest convention took place Saturday, June 1st at the Entertainment Sports Arena, also home to the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. The event focused on esports, tech, and STEM opportunities for children and teens in underrepresented communities.

Met Fest was founded by Brenda Walker, an innovative marketing expert who has helped lead successful organizations like Interscope Records, Death Row Records, BET, and Universal Music Group. Walker was inspired to launch Met Fest because of her son, Bruce Walker aka “Lil Bruce Gamer,” who is an avid gamer. She also hopes to serve kids unaware of scholarships from esports.

“Students and young people need to know about these schol-

arships. This event is important for people that don’t know,” said Walker.

Lil Bruce Gamer knows how hard his mom worked to bring this event to life.

“She always says I’m her biggest inspiration and she’s been talking about this event for so long.” he said.

He’s a prime example of esports building multiple, valuable skills. Along with being a hardcore gamer, he takes hosting his own show centered around gaming seriously. He even co-hosted Met Fest with writer and comedian, Javen Cannon, who was expecting a lot of “edu-tainment” from the day’s festivities, which they would be hosting on the event’s Twitch live stream.

Boys and girls of all ages flooded the arena to play a wide selection

MET FEST Page 9

5With the Senate’s approval of Tanya Monique Jones Bosier (pictured) and Judith Pipe, the District of Columbia’s Superior Court is set to receive a much-needed boost, addressing the court’s backlog crisis. (WI File Photo)

MET FEST from Page 8 of games on old-school and modern consoles like the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Wii, and PC. The lively atmosphere included festivities like a Rocket League tournament and an intense, day-long Super Smash Bros tournament that awarded the top three winners with an Xbox Series X, and the first-place winner, tickets to Super Smash Con and passes to an NBA 2K league event.

Along with the competitions and games, universities such as Jackson State University, Old Dominion University, Howard University and others were in attendance to recruit and inform young students about scholarships and opportunities.

Sergio Brack, a student and director of Esports at the University of Maryland (UMD), was excited to be at the event.

“We’re here to help the underserved community and let young gamers know they have a variety of options in the world of esports.”

The UMD table allowed kids to play games and record their own tape that they can use as part of their own portfolios, something many don’t have access to at home.

“Parents get it now, they didn’t support at first but, they see the money and opportunities in Esports and tech,” said Coach Lee James of Eastern Senior High School, in Northeast, D.C.

James and Josh Hafkin, a community advocate of esports and founder of Game Gym, have been locally advocating for esports among the youth in D.C but felt Walker and her husband, Bruce, took their idea to the next level.

“Esports isn’t just about playing games, it helps build skills like tech, coding, social interaction and pushes creativity,” said Hafkin.

5The first annual Met Fest convention took place Saturday, June 1st at the Entertainment

The games weren’t just a hit among the kids, some parents were taking part in the fun, front and center at the screens with their kids. Wii Sports boxing was a big hit among the parents.

Others sat back and relaxed while the gaming ensued.

The day consisted of live music from multiple acts including head-nodding performances from the Ballou High School band and Eastern High School’s drumline. Vendors like WUSA 9, United Bank,US Army, IHeartRadio, and Hot 99.5 were in attendance as well to inspire and impact the youth, including a how-to-do meteorology lesson from chief meteorologist, Topper Shutt.

With the recent boom in STEM and tech, Met Fest seems here to stay to help bridge the gap for those who don’t have access to the latest tech and opportunities.

WI

AROUND THE REGION

Sports Arena. (WI File Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

On Wednesday, June 5, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser attended Career Day at Barnard Elementary School in Ward 4. During the event, Bowser shared her personal career journey with the soon-to-be promoted 5th Grade class, and emphasized the importance of civil service and public leadership. (Ja’Mon

Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Assistant Dean for Administration Denise Saunders Thompson reading the latest Washington Informer Newspaper. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

“We are all gifted. That is our inheritance.”

Jackson/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

Manufactured Homes on the National Mall

Entice Builders, Policymakers to Increase Affordable Housing Supply

HUD Announces FHA Funding for Manufactured Homes, Tiny Homes and More on Exhibit on National Mall through Sunday

By Zerline Hughes Spruill WI Our House Managing Editor

In an effort to answer the waning supply of homes around the country, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Tuesday, June 4 that it will offer FHA-insured financing to purchase, refinance and revitalize manufactured homes. The announcement was unveiled Tuesday by HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman on the National Mall where several manufactured homes were on display as part of the 2024 Innovative Housing Showcase June 7-June 9.

“One of the things that we’re doing is increasing supply,” said Todman. “If there’s more cars on the car lot, more computers in the store, it becomes more competitive in terms of what the price point is. This country has been in a housing deficit for 15 years because we have not built to the need and demand on the rental and owner side. This fantastic showcase of how modern homes are being built and can be built using new materials, and different ways to construct our homes from tiny homes all the way to homes for larger families.”

The fourth annual Innovative Housing Showcase is a large-scale open house offering policymakers, builders and National Mall visitors a hands-on opportunity to tour high-quality, low-cost manufactured and tiny homes, and learn about innovations in home building including 3-D printed properties–efforts to increase housing supply, create resilient communities and decrease construction costs.

“Vulnerable communities are having the land stolen from them and they’re having to disrupt where they live,” said Todman. “We have a tool for that and we’re creating it starting today so folks are able to stabilize their community and keep their communities affordable. Make no mistake, manufactured

5On Tuesday, June 4, Adrianne Todman, acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), held a press conference on the National Mall to preview HUD’s 2024 Innovative Housing Showcase and highlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building new, innovative, and affordable homes for all. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

homes have a place in the future of housing.”

The new Manufactured Home Community loan product will provide an FHA-insured financing option for manufactured home communities in an effort to stabilize and revitalize affordable housing, according to HUD. Those who can take advantage of the new loan product include resident-owned manufactured home communities, cooperatives, non-profit entities and consortia, state and local governments, community development financing institutions, and Indian tribes. The new financing tool complements HUD’s Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) program, which offers competitive grant opportunities for investments in affordable manufactured home communities.

Due to high mortgages, increasing interest rates and an increase in building costs, Prince George’s County’s housing inventory is 13% lower this year than it was last spring, making pickings slim for first-time or

returning homebuyers.

Washington, D.C.’s housing inventory includes scores of condos, but they price out the average firsttime homebuyer. While it may not be a first-time homebuyer’s first thought, manufactured home communities are an affordable alternative, especially as a starter home.

While Washington, D.C. does not have many vacant lots or open space for manufactured home communities, Todman did say there is opportunity for the District to jump on this affordable housing option.

“I could see, assuming that D.C.’s very robust participatory process will allow for it – and I say that with love in my heart–that this is a product that can be used,” she said. “Ward 7 there is a lot of land, Ward 5, I know there is a lot of land where a product like this would be welcome for families who want something affordable and [want to] jump into homeownership.”

For more information, visit huduser.gov.

WI

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Democrats Convene in Maryland for Gun Violence Awareness

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

Vice President Kamala Harris held her first event in Maryland this year with local leaders like Gov. Wes Moore, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) to emphasize the importance of gun control in the November election.

“I believe the right to be safe is a civil right,” said Vice President Harris at the event in Landover, noting that gun violence is the

number one cause of death for American children.

The campaign stop also welcomed leaders from groups like Moms Demand Action, Team ENOUGH and My Gun’s Been Moved to partner on raising awareness on the impact of guns when left uncensored and unmonitored.

This year, June 7 marks the 10th annual Gun Violence Awareness Day, a moment marked with the color orange, initially in honor of the life of Hadiya Pendleton, and the more than 2,000 youth who

Prince George’s County Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

PRIDE FLAG OFFICIALLY RAISED AT COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

On May 31, County Council Chair Jolene Ivey opened a press conference to raise the Pride Flag at the Wayne Curry Administration building to commemorate the start of Pride Month. She was joined by several LGBTQ politicians including County Councilmember Krystal Oriadha (D- District 8), New Carrollton Councilmember Briana Urbina,

die due to gun violence in the U.S. annually. Pendleton was a Chicago teen killed just one week after performing at former president Barack Obama’s second inauguration, less than a mile from his Chicago residence.

“It’s bone chilling to think about what our young people have been going through,” said Harris after surveying the room to see which students have been through an active shooter drill.

also attended the ceremony to show her support. She also noted the efforts that her office undertook to prosecute the murder of two transgender women, and she gave a proclamation at the flag raising.

and Delegate Ashanti Martinez (D- District 22).

“We have representation from all levels of government, from the municipalities on up,” said Councilmember Oriadha, just before she raised the flag. She is the first LGBTQ+ Councilmember in the County Council’s nearly 60 year history.

“This shows that we are united in this, in saying that Prince George’s is home for everyone. Today we are saying that our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters in PG County are welcomed and safe here,” Oriadha said.

The Councilmember also noted that as small as a flag raising may seem, it can mean the world to those who feel isolated.

State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy

“I wanted to make sure that the justice system applied to them, and that they could seek justice through our State’s Attorney office as victims or witnesses of crimes,” said Braveboy. “I created the first LGTBQ task force, to connect that community with our office.”

WI

MARYLAND MAINTAINS AAA BOND RATING, WITH NEGATIVE OUTLOOK

Just as Prince George’s County recently had the highest credit rating affirmed by national agencies, Maryland has been granted AAA bond status. This rating came with

Kayla Austin, a Howard University student from Chicago, founded My Gun’s Been Moved to increase consciousness among gun owners and encourage them not to leave their weapons improperly stored.

“This month, I wear orange and [My Gun’s Been Moved] t-shirts to honor the eight children who are accidentally shot every day due to unsafe firearm storage,” she posted after attending today’s event. “[My Gun’s Been Moved] is on a mission to End Gun Violence though technology and by promoting safety and responsible firearm ownership among parents.”

a warning of a negative outlook due to rising budget deficits and the increased state responsibility of the Blueprint for Education.

Given this warning, it is likely that the General Assembly will have to raise taxes to ensure that the budget deficits of years to come do not downgrade the state’s ratings. It is expected there will be a budget shortfall of roughly $1 billion in upcoming years.

“The outlook revision was driven by expected structural imbalances and planned depletion of General Fund surplus and budgetary reserves by about 60% from fiscal 2023 through fiscal 2025, which threatens to undermine performance relative to peers,” said rating agency Moody’s in the report.

Currently, less than 20 states hold the coveted AAA bond rating. A higher bond rating lowers the risk of default and has lower interest rates on bond sales.

UPDATES Page 13

She is currently selling the SmartPad, a connected appliance that helps gun owners safeguard their firearms through the My Gun’s Been Moved app. This allows the gun owner to know if the gun is ever removed from its standard location and respond immediately through the My Gun’s Been Moved App to confirm if there is an emergency or not.

Statistics show that in 2022, Black youth accounted for 48% of all youth firearm deaths although they made up only 14% of the U.S. youth population. The Black youth rate of deaths ranks substantially higher than any other racial and ethnic group and six times higher than white youth.

“It is an indictment on us as a society that the number one way that a child dies in America is not by disease or by accident but by gun violence,” Alsobrooks said during her remarks while wearing an orange pin.

She highlighted the strength of local mother, Tiffani Evans, who lost her 8-year-old son to gun violence, and issued a charge to all present.

“It is true that every single person in this room has an obligation to change that fact,” Alsobrooks said passionately.

WI

5 Vice President Kamala Harris held an event in on Friday, June 7, in Landover, Maryland, to emphasize the importance of gun control and campaign for the November election. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

UPDATES from Page 12

“After hosting a successful briefing with all three ratings agencies for the first time in more than a decade, Maryland has once again received a AAA bond rating,” said Maryland State Treasurer Dereck Davis (D) in a statement. “Looking ahead, we are confident that the General Assembly and administration will successfully navigate any challenges just as we have done in the past.”

During that meeting, the three major ratings agencies praised Maryland’s fiscal management while also noting rising costs particularly for the state’s employee pensions and health care costs.

The Board of Public Works, a three-member body comprised of the governor, comptroller, and treasurer, voted on Wednesday, June 5 to authorize the sale of $1.2 billion in bonds.

WI

CONGRESSMAN

IVEY’S BIPARTISAN LAW

ENFORCEMENT RECRUITMENT BILL

SIGNED INTO LAW

Congressmen Glenn Ivey (DMD) and Wesley Hunt (R- TX) co-sponsored the Recruit and Retain Act, which was signed by President Joe Biden on May 24 and has now become law.

This bipartisan bill, also introduced in the Senate by Senators Deb Fischer (R- NE) and Chris Coons (D- DE), will support officer onboarding, study recruitment and retention challenges, and provide grants for understaffed agencies.

“Recruiting and retaining highly trained law enforcement professionals is of the utmost importance. Our ability to attract and develop the best, brightest and most compassionate and dedicated men and women of differing backgrounds is vital to the health and well-being of our nation. Keeping our residents safe and promoting better relations with our citizenry can only lead to safer streets and better policing,” said Rep. Ivey. “We must incentivize hiring and keeping the people who will do the job of safeguarding us from the border to Broadway and everywhere in between.”

Ivey held a press conference on

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Brought to you by:

June 6 alongside Police Chief Malik Aziz, International Council of Shopping Centers representative Abby Jagoda, and Maryland Retail Federation President Cailley Locklair to discuss anti-crime legislation he has passed in his first term, including this bill.

“Today, I was pleased to sign the Recruit and Retain Act, which will build on the progress my Administration has made in making communities safer. Police officers work tirelessly every day to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods and communities,” said Biden in a statement. “This bipartisan legislation will help police departments do their work more safely and effectively by helping them recruit and retain additional police officers by making better use of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program.”

Another local effort to reduce crime and improve opportunity is the Jobs not Guns recruitment fair, to be held on Thursday, June 13 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 8500 Pennsylvania Avenue in Upper Marlboro.

WI

SATURDAY

JUNE 15TH

WATKINS REGIONAL PARK

12 PM - 5 PM FREE EVENT

Juneteenth is a FREE celebration of reflection and renewal! Celebrate African American history, culture, and achievement. Enjoy a festival of food, local artists and artisans, and live music.

For more information visit pgparks.com or scan the QR code!

• The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register a minimum of two weeks prior to the program start date to request and receive a disability modification.

• Customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call Maryland Relay 7-1-1.

• Language interpretation is available at all facility front desks. Please ask for assistance.

5 The Pride flag was raised in front of the Curry Administration Building by County Councilmember Krystal Oriadha (D- District 7) on May 31. Oriadha is the first openly LGBTQ member of the County Council. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

DC Housing Authority

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE PROPOSED 2025 MOVING TO WORK PLAN

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is providing notice of a Public Hearing and Comment Period to solicit comments on the agency’s proposed 2025 Moving to Work (MTW) Plan.

MTW is a HUD program that allows select public housing authorities to design and implement innovative programs and policies with the intent to: 1) reduce costs and improve efficiencies; 2) encourage residents to obtain employment and become economically self-sufficient; and 3) increase housing choices for low-income families. The MTW Plan outlines operating plans for the fiscal year and requests and provides updates regarding MTW flexibilities.

To request a copy of the MTW plan, please call 771-240-4377, send an email to MTW@dchousing.org, or download from the DCHA website at https://www.dchousing.org/ProposedMTWPlan.

The Public Hearing will take place online at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2024. To join the live event, please visit https://www.dchousing.org/MTWPublicHearing, and when prompted enter meeting access code 2300 780 5217 and meeting password MTW2025. This event will also be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/dchousing.

Comments

Written comments regarding the MTW Plan will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Email your comments to MTW@dchousing.org. Alternatively, you can mail comments to:

District of Columbia Housing Authority Office of the General Counsel

Attn: General Counsel

300 7th Street, SW 10th Floor Washington, DC 20024

Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation

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

If you need a sign language interpreter or foreign language interpretation or translation, please contact our Office of Customer Engagement at 202-535-1000 or go to www.dchousing.org/language. Please allow at least 5 business days to make the necessary arrangements.

BUSINESS

By James Wright /

SYCAMORE & OAK TURNS ONE

The Sycamore & Oak retail village located on the St. Elizabeths East campus in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Ward 8 will celebrate its first anniversary through a series of events and activities that will take place from June 14-16.

Sycamore & Oak officially opened its doors over the Juneteenth weekend last year and has established itself as a year-round destination for shopping, arts, culture and wellness. The retail village offers residents a safe community resource and gathering place with much needed amenities and services.

On June 14, from 5-9 p.m. there will be “The Taste of SOAK: An evening of Eats and Art.”

Chefs with eateries at Sycamore & Oak will be joined by other local chefs and restaurateurs to offer free tastings of some of their customers favorite dishes. Attendees could view and buy visual art pieces from some of the city’s most talented muralists and artists including Chris Pyrate and Keyonna Jones.

On day two from Noon to 8 p.m., there will be the “Homecoming” Festival. Sycamore & Oak has become known to many Congress Heights and Ward 8 residents as a second home, a safe space to eat, shop, express

briefs

themselves and gather. The Homecoming Festival will include an official one-year anniversary ceremony, a new playground ribbon-cutting, and several activities for everyone, including live musical performances, free food, games and more.

The Ballou High School Marching Band and the Black Alley Band are slated to perform.

On June 16, from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., will be a “Fit Fathers and Father’s Day Brunch.” A core Sycamore & Oak value is promoting and offering fitness and wellness programming and services to Ward 8 residents.

Fit Fathers is a fitness event led by Joe Houston, owner of WeFitDC, the first privately owned fitness gym in Ward 8. Fathers, along with their families, will participate in a cardio and strength training workout.

Attendees will be treated to a discounted brunch from the eateries at Sycamore & Oak. WI

CHILDCARE OPTIONS FAIL WOMEN

ENTREPRENEURS: STUDY

In a new nationwide survey com-

5The Sycamore & Oak retail village is in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Ward 8. (WI File Photo)

WI Staff Writer

BUSINESS

BRIEFS from Page 14

missioned by United WE and announced at the National Association of Women Business Owners Days in the District, 62% of women entrepreneurs indicate childcare options fail to meet their needs and negatively impact their business.

The study consisted of 750 women entrepreneurs with children under the age of 6, the majority, or 57% stated that their business could be more successful if they had better childcare options.

“For years, women entrepreneurs have been taking a giant step forward to start their own businesses because they wanted more flexible childcare support,” said Wendy Doyle, president and CEO of United We, a nonpartisan organization with the mission to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. “What we’re learning now is that women entrepreneurs’ growth is being held back by inadequate childcare options, partially driven by critical needs within the childcare workforce itself.”

According to a 2024 Wells Fargo report, women-owned businesses positively impact the economy, representing more than 14 million of all businesses, or 39.1%, employing 12.2 million workers and generating $2.7 trillion in revenue. When asked about their specific childcare needs, 31% of women say flexible scheduling in childcare services is their first need.

The survey reported that the second (29%) need is for infant and toddler care followed by the third (27%), which is care during early morning and late evening hours.

WI

GAME AT NATIONALS PARK

The Washington DC Economic Partnership, the Office of The Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development, DC Chamber of Commerce, Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce will host a night at the ballpark with District business leaders and city officials on June 25 at Nationals Park in Southeast from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The event will serve as a welcome to international guests attending the

SelectUSA Investment Summit. Attendees to the event will learn more about Washington, D.C.’s Global Soft Landing program and have the chance to enjoy light refreshments, music, and premier networking opportunities.

For more information, contact the Washington DC Economic Partnership at 202-661-8670.

WI

JUNETEENTH EVENT AT TANGER OUTLETS

Small businesses with products or services to sell are encouraged to participate in the Juneteenth event at Tanger Outlets located in National Harbor, Maryland on June 22.

The Prince George’s County-based People for Change Coalition has partnered with Tanger to celebrate Juneteenth and Black businesses in the community. The businesses will be able to advertise and sell their products and services onsite inside the Tanger Mall.

The event will take place from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Businesses are urged to register as soon as possible due to limited space. The cost is $35 for PFCC members and $55 for nonmembers. Register under pfccoalition.org.

WI

PGCOC ANNUAL DINNER

The Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner brings together the chamber’s members, business and community leaders for an evening to celebrate the organization’s accomplishments and recognize its members. The event will take place on June 27 at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

It is also a special time to usher in the new board of directors’ members and celebrate the newly incoming board chairman during the exchange of the gavel ceremony. The evening will include an evening dinner and entertainment. The dress code is cocktail hour.

Prior to the dinner, there will be an economic development forum. For more information, visit pgcoc. org/edf24.

WI @JamesWrightJr10

Father’s Day

By Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

I love celebrating my father and the opportunity to celebrate the men who serve in fatherly roles irrespective of the legal and/or biological relationship. I am blessed to watch my son who takes such pride in caring for his daughters, even doing their hair. Father’s Day is pretty awesome when we stand back and pay attention to the amazing relationships that we have with men who are committed to doing their best to impart wisdom to the next generation.

As an estate planning attorney, I want to encourage those folks to take all of the legal action necessary to support those you love. We often have relationships that we could categorize as “it’s complicated”. Many times, the adage of “mother’s baby, father’s maybe” applies. However, when we know who our children are biologically or legally, we should take steps to document the relationship.

Sometimes that may mean adding the father’s name to the birth certificate. Unfortunately, we have had situations where the father’s name wasn’t added to the birth certificate and the child, after the father has passed away, must take extra steps to make plans for their dad, because the law does not just give permission to anyone who wants to serve.

Sometimes that may mean creating a Last Will & Testament or a Trust to identify what the relationships are in your life. The identification of the relationship or how you want someone to be treated in your life is monumental. There are children who are biologically established but are not the children who have stepped up to serve or minimally to show you honor and respect. With that clarity in relationships, we are able to establish peace and harmony.

My perception of the father is based upon my experience with God as my father creating a standard and my earthly father seeking to provide an example of love, strength, and peace. I truly believe that those fathers whether biological, legal or bonus, seek to leave their loved ones with an abundance of love, strength, and peace. This can be done by providing a legacy of clarity. This can be done by providing a legacy of purpose. This can be done by providing a legacy of forethought.

We know that the confusion provides space for arguments and lawsuits. We know that the lack of purpose creates lack of direction. We know that with a lack of vision our people perish.

When we know better, we can do better! I encourage the fathers to do and be mindful of that which is their greatest assignment. The assignment is to train up a child in the way that they should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it! Again, the proverb doesn’t just say your legal or biological child but “a child”. This instruction is an opportunity to impact the world. We impact so many and can be world changers by creating a legacy of love.

Life & Legacy Counselors are committed to supporting the creation of legacy of love, strength, and peace. We celebrate with you the love that you are building and sharing.

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC https://www.lifeandlegacy.law/ (855) 574-8481 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 440 Washington DC 20015 1401 Mercantile Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 1100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1010 Arlington VA 22201

NATIONAL

Biden-Harris Administration Celebrates Juneteenth with Concert and New Initiatives to Honor Black History

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The White House marked Juneteenth with a vibrant celebration on the South Lawn on Monday, June 10. The celebration featured performances by celebrated African American artists, including Gladys Knight, Raheem DeVaughn, Patti LaBelle, Charlie Wilson, and Doug E. Fresh.

Over 2,000 guests, including President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, were expected at the event, which officials said emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication to preserving and honoring

African American history.

Since taking office, President Biden and Vice President Harris have prioritized advancing racial justice and recognizing Black history as an essential component of American history. The White House said the dedication is reflected in significant actions such as signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, establishing the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, and posthumously awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to civil rights icon Medgar Evers.

Amid efforts to combat attempts to rewrite history and undermine racial

5Gospel performer Kirk Franklin dances with Vice President Kamala Harris during the National Celebration of Juneteenth on the South Lawn of the White House on June 10. (Courtesy Photo/The White House)

progress, the administration hosted a live-streamed event featuring officials, artists, civil rights leaders, and scholars to discuss federal initiatives to protect African American history. The gathering highlighted ways the public can commemorate Juneteenth and emphasized the broader historical significance of African American experiences.

In conjunction with the celebration, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities organized the second annual Juneteenth

The large-scale concert also honored Black Music Month, showcasing African American musical legends and underscoring the cultural importance of this federal holiday.

Harris declared this year’s June 19, one of three National Days of Action on Voting, focused on enhancing voter engagement and safeguarding voting rights. The White House noted that National Days of Action will also occur on August 6 and September 17, 2024.

Aligned with Biden’s Executive

brary Services, several federal agencies announced new initiatives to protect African American history and culture. The National Archives Museum will display the original Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 from June 18 to June 20, while the National Park Service will offer free entrance to park sites on Juneteenth.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has launched a digital repository to deepen public understanding of African American history. Additionally, NEH will establish a nationwide program celebrating Juneteenth, leading to a grand 160th-anniversary celebration in 2025.

In response to the rising incidence of book bans targeting historically marginalized groups, the U.S. Department of Education announced it had appointed a coordinator to address the impact of such restrictions on civil rights. The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity will host events emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant education.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) plans to announce new recipients of the NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship, celebrating the contributions of African American musicians to jazz.

Read more on

“This time, it’s TREATMENT WORKS.

n Brochures

n

n Banners

n Canvas Bags

n Color Copies

n Contracts & Vouchers

n Church Fans

n Fax & Scan

Top Kenyan judicial officials including Chief Justice Martha Koome are in Rwanda on an official visit that will include, among other things, the signing of a cooperation agreement with their Rwandan counterparts, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper, reported on Sunday, June 9.

The visit, according to the Rwandan judiciary, will also feature bench-marking sessions.

The MOU that the two countries’ judiciaries are set to sign features among other aspects, the sharing of knowledge and best practices for expediting the hearing and determination of matters, as well as improving the quality of judicial services.

It will also include having the two countries avail their judges and other personnel for peer-to-peer capacity-building exercises and exchanges, study tours, and visits for knowledge sharing, in addition to having institutional consultations.

Top Kenyan judicial officials including Chief Justice Martha Koome are in Rwanda on an official visit that will include, among other things, the signing of a cooperation agreement with their Rwandan counterparts.

The visit, according to the Rwandan judiciary, will also feature bench-marking sessions.

The MOU that the two countries’ judiciaries are set to sign features, among other aspects, the sharing of knowledge and best practices for expediting the hearing and determination of matters, as well as improving the quality of judicial services.

It will also include having the two countries avail their judges and other personnel for peer-to-peer capacity-building exercises and exchanges, study tours, and visits for knowledge sharing, in addition to having institutional consultations.

Both Rwanda and Kenya are members of the East African Chief Justices Forum (EACJF), charged with facilitating collaborative efforts between partner state courts aimed at enhancing the ability of judicial systems to deliver justice by developing best practices, standards, and mechanisms to promote East African Community (EAC) jurisprudence, uphold the rule of law, and uphold constitutionalism in the EAC region.

The judiciary of Rwanda’s six years strategic plan (2018-2024) roots for fostering active and effective collaboration with justice partners, while the Supreme Court of Kenya’s Strategic Plan (2020-2024) provides for the development of strategic partnerships and collaborations in areas of scholarly discourses, dissemination, and information sharing, participation in conferences and workshops on topical issues, publications, and in collaborative research.

WI

5The Hon. Alando Terrelon, minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaks at the Jamaica Information Services Think Tank on June 6. At left is Courtney Campbell, chair of the Biennial Diaspora Conference. (Courtesy Photo/Jamaica Information Services (JIS).

As the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference draws closer, organizers have reiterated their readiness and enthusiasm regarding the number of registered delegates.

The conference, slated for June 16 to 19, is scheduled to take place at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, under the theme “United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity and Youth Empowerment.”

The event will bring together members of the diaspora, stakeholders from various sectors, and local Jamaican leaders to explore synergistic strategies that address key challenges and harness opportunities for transformative change.

“We are excited about the numbers coming in. Jamaicans are coming from all over. There are persons coming from the Middle East and Asia. They are coming from Africa, and they are coming from the traditional areas, the United Kingdom, North America and Canada. They are coming from the Caribbean,” State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Hon. Alando Terrelonge said.

Mr. Terrelonge was giving an update on the conference at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, held June 6 at the agency’s Head Office in Kingston.

“It is really going to be a great conference; Jamaicans from across the globe coming together to play their part in advancing the welfare of all Jamaicans. It is a true spirit of unity,” he said, adding that some persons have indicated that they will be coming for one or two days or specifically for the official opening ceremony on Tuesday, June 18.

In his remarks, Courtney Campbell, Chair of the Biennial Diaspora Conference and President and Chief Executive Officer of VM Group, said he is pleased with the registration numbers he has seen so far.

WI

5Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome Rwanda on a recent official visit to Rwanda. (Courtesy Photo)

Live BoldlyJune 2024 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living

DIRECTOR CHARON P.W. HINES

Dear Seniors,

Happy Pride Month! As we embrace the colorful celebrations of Pride, I hope you are eagerly looking forward to the meaningful month ahead. With summer nearly in full swing and 2024 already at its midpoint, we reflect on the festivities of Older Americans Month. Your active participation and vibrant spirit at our events last month were truly amazing. Thank you for your unwavering support and joyous presence.

Although Older Americans Month has ended, we have a lot more in store for June! In collaboration with Mayor Muriel Bowser, DACL is thrilled to present a lineup of engaging

events tailored for our senior community. On Saturday, June 8th, we invite you in celebrating our LGBTQ+ seniors as we proudly march alongside Mayor Bowser in the Capital Pride Parade. Solidifying our steadfast support and unity, we will participate in the parade in our infamous Senior Pride Trolley. March alongside the Mayor and Team DACL, showcasing our solidarity and dedication to inclusivity for all DC residents. Let us come together during this festive weekend to pay homage to the remarkable contributions of our aging LGBTQ+ community.

The following weekend, on Saturday, June 15th at 2:00 p.m., mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Ms. Senior DC pageant! Join us in cheering on our contestants as they compete for the title of Ms. Senior DC 2024! The pageant will take place at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Van Ness Campus, Theatre of the Arts. Our contestants have been working so hard to be the next representative of the District of Columbia, and we invite you to witness their elegance. Secure your tickets by visiting tinyurl.com/msseniordc24tix or contact my office at (202)724- 5626.

On Tuesday, June 25th at 10:00 a.m., DACL will host Mayor Bowser’s 13th Annual Senior Symposium at Ballou Senior High School, marking the culmination of this month's events. Aligned with June's recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, this year's Senior Symposium will spotlight elder abuse and scam prevention. Se-

niors will have the opportunity to learn how to identify various forms of elder abuse, strategize against fraud and scams, and access support services to safeguard themselves. The theme "Empowerment through Awareness" echoes Mayor Bowser’s commitment to aging safely and ensuring that every senior in DC is protected. At DACL, our mission is to equip you with the tools necessary to live boldly, and learning how to protect yourself from fraud, scams, and abuse is part of that. The symposium will feature panel discussions, educational sessions, exhibitors, access to resources, and food. To register for the Senior Symposium, contact my office at (202)724-5626.

As we honor Pride Month throughout June, we invite you to engage with the LGBTQ+ seniors in your community, learn about

As we honor Pride Month throughout June, we invite you to engage with the LGBTQ+ seniors in your community, learn about inclusivity of all seniors, and enjoy all the events this beautiful month has to offer. Together, let's remain steadfast in our commitment to the equity and inclusion of all older adults.

inclusivity of all seniors, and enjoy all the events this beautiful month has to offer. Together, let's remain steadfast in our commitment to the equity and inclusion of all older adults. I trust you will enjoy the events lined up for June and I can-

not wait to see each and every one of you this month and the rest of the summer!

In Service,   Charon P.W. Hines   Director, DACL

Transforming communities.

HEALTH

Senate Votes to Block Contraception Bill

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

Citizens across the nation are in shock and outrage after the Senate failed to pass a bill protecting contraceptives under federal law. After the repeal of landmark Supreme Court cases like Roe v. Wade in 2022 and the abortion bans in states like Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, many feel they have nowhere to turn for reproductive resources.

“Just when we thought they couldn't get more out of touch, Senate Republicans just BLOCKED our bill to protect access to birth control and contraceptives,” Senator Chris Van Hollen posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) after the late vote.”Their unwillingness to protect these basic rights is shameful but, sadly, not unexpected.”

The bill failed to pass by just nine votes with 51 in favor and 39 opposing. Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) both broke away from their party to side in favor of the legislation, which would have established a statutory right for people to obtain contraceptive in addition to prohibiting all forms of government from restricting the sale, provision, or use of contraception.

A basic premise that few thought needed to be upheld in such apparent legal terms.

“For almost 60 years, people have had the right to access contraception. In 1965, the Supreme Court ruled, in Griswold v. Connecticut, that states could not block married couples from being able to access contraception. This ruling paved the way for the 1972 Supreme Court decision in Eisenstadt v. Baird, expanding the right to contraception to unmarried people,” Maryland Senator Ben Cardin (D) released in a statement. “Despite these protections – and 96% of voters supporting access to birth control – some lawmakers continue to attack this basic right.”

He later explained that the decision to have a child is not only a health care issue, but correlated to economics and opportunities as well.

“Deciding whether to have a child is not only a health care issue but tied directly to economic opportunities, research demonstrates that when women are given more control over family planning and childbearing decisions, educational, career, and professional opportuni-

5 Birth control pills and devices. (Courtesy Photo)

BLACK DADS

from Page 1

Stanley, executive director, ACM, the D.C. and DMV Fatherhood Coalition has been committed to not only working with fathers, but championing their hard work. For Father’s Day 2024, the coalition will host a three-day weekend of programming under the theme: “Celebrating Fatherhood: A Cause Greater Than Self.”

The weekend of events include:

The Fathers and Families Reunion, which will feature a healing program for fathers who have lost children to gun violence, on the rooftop of the Wonder Bread Factory (621 S Street NW), on Friday, June 14, 6-8 p.m.

The Black Fathers Matter Citywide Caravan, kicking off at the Civil War Memorial, on June 15, 11 a.m., and proceeding to the Big Chair in Ward 8 for a Men’s Health Fair

The Fathers of the Year Awards, held for the 14th consecutive year, at Union Temple Baptist Church (1225 W Street SE), on Sunday, June 16.

Malone said that while he and the rest of the team are anxious to witness what transpires this weekend, the coalition is not the only program going on in the Greater Washington Area.

“I remember when we first began our annual events, it was just for one day – now we’ve expanded to the entire weekend,” Malone said. “But there are a lot of other things happening during Father’s Day weekend – more events are planned than I have ever seen in D.C.”

The founder and CEO of 100 Fathers, Inc. highlighted the strides in local celebrations for Black fathers over the past couple of decades.

“That illustrates the fact that our community recognizes the importance of fathers in the lives of their children, not only for guiding their children down the right paths but for keeping their children safe.”

BLACK DADS

SOMETIMES NEED ENCOURAGEMENT

The DMV Fatherhood Coalition is currently working to address and provide resources to help fathers overcome barriers.

“Economics is the first challenge, especially for young men, and we need organizations to help them with things like improving their credit worthiness, financial status and providing alternatives to gainful employment, like apprenticeships,” Malone told The Informer.

He also said fathers face “political neglect.”

“For years there have been local and federal programs dedicated to helping

men and boys with child support issues and overall obstacles of life, but most of them are either not funded or poorly funded,” Malone explained. “We do it for women but not for men. Mayor Marion Barry started the Commission on Fathers, Men and Boys but it’s no longer being funded by the current administration. We need help.”

Finally, Malone said the organization is working to address negative social stigmas often attached to Black fathers.

“If you check out the latest statistics from organizations like the Pew Research Center, you’ll find just the opposite. In their 2023 report, they cite Black fathers as among the most active and committed of all fathers in America,” Malone concluded. “Unfortunately, that story, that trend, that truth, is not being communicated or printed – at least not in the mainstream media.”

And biological fathers are not the only people working to help their families and build stronger communities.

Dr. Warees Majeed, 46, founder and executive director, Yayme, lives in Northeast, D.C. and is the father of a son and daughter, 14 and 16, respectively.

In his dual role as the custodian of a movement and mission entitled, The Board Room, Masjeed and other committed men—along with a small cadre of women— meet monthly with Black men, 18 and older, who have been impacted by the void left by absentee fathers. The goal of the organization, he said, includes eliminating both apathy and a mindset grounded in poverty.

“My father died when I was 10, so some of the things I work on with young men are things that I personally understand,” Majeed said. “I’ve been in their shoes. Young Black fathers are looking for help. Some reach out to me directly. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

HEALTH from Page 20

ties open up to them,” he added. Organizations like Americans for Contraception strongly agree with Cardin’s sentiments, which is why they took to the streets positioning a 20-foot, inflatable IUD a few blocks from the Capitol to solidify their stance. National Women’s Law Center, a local non-profit, also issued a statement urging Congress to consider the importance of this bill as a human rights matter.

“They are purposely conflating birth control and abortion, redefining pregnancy in ways that could criminalize the use of birth control, or otherwise trying to undermine access to contraception, especially

methods like emergency contraception and intrauterine devices (IUDs),” the organization wrote in their online release. “Activists opposed to birth control have already created a detailed policy plan for what they hope will be another Trump administration starting in 2025, a plan that targets emergency contraception and seeks to use the federal government’s powers to undermine contraceptive access.The Right to Contraception Act itself is a telling example of the threat to birth control rights and access.”

As thousands weigh in on this issue, Republicans like Tim Scott claim Democrats are trying to “politicize” contraceptives.

He said access to birth control

has always been and always will be readily available for Americans.

“The question is why Democrats continue to take the most extreme position on abortion in the country,” Scott said in an interview with Fox News. “All the Senate Democrats have voted, not talked about but voted for abortion up until the day of birth.”

He condemned that stance stating, “It’s wrong, it’s un-American.”

Reproductive freedoms continue to be a point of contention as the 2024 election unfolds. Democrats, Republicans and advocates will continue to debate on the topic with hopes of molding a sustainable reality post Roe v. Wade.

WI

5 Antonio Robinson from the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) in a photo from June 2023. (WI File Photo)

EDUCATION

Former Presidents Pull out of Historic HBCU Debate, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden Weighs In

By Ashleigh Fields

WI Contributing Writer

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have notified the Commission on Presidential Debates that they will no longer participate in University forums. This move rips three of the scheduled debates off the campaign trail and draws attention to the newly added matchups slated for June and September.

Virginia State University (VSU), Texas State University and the Uni-

versity of Utah, all respective host institutions have issued statements about the abrupt change.

“Virginia State University is disappointed to hear media reports suggesting that the U.S. presidential candidates may not participate in the scheduled October 1, 2024, debate at VSU. A presidential debate at VSU is a huge win, not only for our students and campus community but for the greater community in general,” university officials wrote in a statement on May 15.

For VSU, the opportunity to

host a debate was a monumental moment.

“As the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) ever selected to host a general election U.S. Presidential Debate, VSU recognizes the event’s significance and welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Democratic process,”

Virginia State officials continued.

In their statements, the VSU, Texas State, and University of Utah communities noted they were still working with the Commission of Presidential Debates to confirm the university debates were canceled.

“We are working closely with the Commission on Presidential Debates as we assess the situation,” Texas State explained.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has publicly denounced the decision.

The two new debates will not be hosted by the nonpartisan group but two networks, CNN and ABC. Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will moderate the CNN debate on June 27, while David Muir and Linsey Davis host the latter on Sept. 10.

It’s not too late to go to college this fall! The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) will provide up to $10,000 a year to help cover tuition at participating colleges and universities.

To be eligible, you must be a DC resident with a high school diploma or GED, and meet a few other requirements.

Click on dconeapp.dc.gov, upload a few documents, then submit! Apply by September 6, 2024

“Joe Biden is turning his back on students, Virginians and the nation because he can’t defend his failing policies. Huge snub to VSU and the citizens of the Commonwealth,” Youngkin wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

BIDEN AND TRUMP GEAR UP FOR NETWORK DEBATES JUNE 27, SEPT. 10

The Commission on Presidential Debates, a non-profit founded in 1987 has organized the schedule for the past three decades. Their website says their goal is to “ensure that the voting public has the opportunity to see the leading candidates debate during the general election campaign.”

Gearing up for the debates, Biden and Trump have thrown jabs at each other on social platforms— hinting at the drama to come from the match up. The two have not publicly addressed each other in over four years.

“Anywhere, any time, any place,” Biden posted on X. Trump responded on his Truth Social.

“I would strongly recommend more than two debates and, for excitement purposes, a very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds— that's only because he doesn't get them,” he said.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden weighed in on the value of debates leading up to the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

“As people start to focus a little bit more about what’s at stake, the difference on the issues and the two men, I believe Americans are going to choose good over evil,” said the First Lady. WI

5 President Joe Biden and Donald Trump have agreed to debate on June 27 and Sept. 10 in publicly televised events.

(WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

Kenyan Scholars Study at U.S. Military Academies and HBCUs

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

During Kenyan President William Ruto’s visit to the United States he met with Department of Defense Leader Lloyd Austin. The two discussed plans to merge against forces like the terrorist group al-Shabab and Manda Bay airfield based in Kenya but used by U.S. armed forces.

"We both believe in freedom. We believe in democracy. We believe in the rule of law. We believe in inclusivity, equality and, of course, in shared prosperity that is guaranteed by peace and security," Ruto said publicly.

The May 24 announcement came days after President Joe Biden sent a letter to Congress initiating his intent to make Kenya a major non-NATO ally. A decision that comes with no exchange of weapons or foreign

trade agreements.

"We … appreciate Kenya's contributions to U.N. international peace and stability operations," said Austin who visited Kenya to meet with Kenyan Defense Minister Aden Bare Duale.

There they composed a five-year framework to enhance the two country’s relations. Austin shared that three Kenyan cadets were selected to attend U.S. military service academies which remain unnamed.

"They will be the first Kenyan cadets to attend these outstanding schools — and I'm confident that they won't be the last," Austin pledged positively.

This announcement comes in addition to the EDTECH agreement between Ruto, Howard, and three HBCUs in the Atlanta University Center (Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse). Kenyan scholars will

be hosted at the respective institution through funds from Microsoft and Mastercard. Their goal is to help students innovate futuristic models on the digital landscape.

“This collaboration aims to

strengthen Kenya's higher education system and prepare a new generation of Kenyan leaders to drive the development of a resilient and prosperous nation,” Ben Vinson III, Howard University

president shared in a public statement.

He later added, “This is truly how we propel the diaspora forward with maximum strength.”

5 Kenyan President William Ruto and American Defence Leader Austin LLoyd at their meeting in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy Photo/Department of Defense)

Should the Ages of Our Candidates Matter?

When President Joe Biden assumed office in January 2021, he was 78 years old. Former President Donald J. Trump was 74. Biden and Trump are now 81 and 77, respectively, seeking second terms in the White House.

The 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns are not the first time that age has been an issue in American politics.

During the 1960 election, for example, many questioned Senator John F. Kennedy's age and experience. At the time, he was 43. His opponent, Vice President Richard, was 47.

Twenty-four years later, the ages of our presidential candidates were again front and center as President Ronald Reagan, then the oldest occupant of the White House at age 73, was campaigning for a second term against former Vice President Walter Mondale, 61.

During their first debate on October 21, 1984, when moderator Henry Trewhitt noted that “you already are the oldest president in history” and expressed concern about how he would respond during a national security crisis, Reagan responded with the now famous retort, “ I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.”

Again, for many glued to their television sets that evening, Reagan's line won not only the debate but also sealed the election.

Less than three weeks later, Reagan defeated Mondale in a landslide, winning 49 of 50 states. Mondale only carried his home state of Minnesota and the District of Columbia.

On June 4, the District held primary elections. Age was not a primary issue for those on the ballot. U.S. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton won her primary at age 86 with 81% of votes cast.

D.C. Councilmember Trayon White, who turned 40 on May 11, won his primary in Ward 8 with 52.8.% of the vote. In Ward 7, Wendell Felder, 24, claimed victory in his bid to replace D.C. Councilmember and former Mayor Vincent Gray, 81, who did not seek reelection.

President Biden won the Democratic primary here in the District with 87% of the vote. D.C. Republicans overwhelmingly supported former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race last March.

Should the ages of our candidates for elective office be considered? Sure! However, as demonstrated in the local and national examples above, age does not necessarily negatively impact one’s ability for elective public service.

Should age be the only variable that matters to voters? No!

The electorate must also consider other issues, including a candidate’s experience, command of the issues, physical and mental capacity to serve, ability to connect with voters, campaign promises kept and not delivered, positions on issues that are important to you and their potential impact on our daily lives, authenticity, and humanity, just to name a few.

Between now and November 2024, each of us must take the time to educate ourselves on the issues, study the policy positions of all the candidates seeking to represent us and vote in an informed manner for our best interests.

Today's votes are also for tomorrow and the lives and well-being of our children, grandchildren, and the next generation of leaders.

If you are old enough to vote, register and then vote in the next election. Regardless of your age, you cannot complain about the service, without having a seat at the table--the same goes for worrying about the world and not voting.

WI

Should the ages of our candidates for elective office be considered?

Sure! However, as demonstrated in the local and national examples above, age does not necessarily negatively impact one’s ability for elective public service.

With Schools Shuttering Their Doors Youth Deserve Positive Ways to Let Off Steam

After hundreds of youth—most of them teenagers, but some even younger— converged on National Harbor over a month ago, causing chaos and disrupting the flow of businesses and other activities, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks moved into action.

Under executive order, she issued a juvenile curfew that required unsupervised youth, 16 and younger, to be off the property between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

So far, the curfew, which is overseen by County police, seems to be working. Now, the County council has allowed other portions of Prince George’s to implement curfews with the sponsorship of their local councilmember.

Of course, the goal is to ensure public safety and to reduce incidents of youth engaging in unruly behavior. But isn’t this like putting a bandage over a wound, instead of healing it?

As the school year ends and children find a lot more free time on their hands, it is imperative that we provide wholesome activities in which they can participate.

Some youth may be lucky enough to snag a summer job to occupy their time and to make a few dollars. Others may choose to bone up on their math or reading by enrolling in summer school. As for the majority of children, their options may be more limited. That’s where local businesses, nonprofit organizations, even churches, must step up to the plate.

In some countries, education does not end with a summer break. It continues year round.

However, we realize that youth would lead a rebellion if they were required to attend school summer, winter, spring and fall. But we believe that most of them would rather be having fun, stretching their limbs, engaging with their friends – even learning new concepts along the way, instead of hanging out on corners or mulling around in shopping malls – desperately looking for ways to alleviate boredom.

It's up to adults to provide positive outlets for our youth. Curfews may help but what’s needed even more are programs, jobs and community centers that will open their doors to our youth.

Another great issue last week. Lots of great information and stories. I appreciate the community journalism and Black perspectives, always.

Lloyd Duncan Washington. D.C.

I’m excited to try Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen’s new location in Laurel. I’ve heard good things about it and am happy to know one is coming to my backyard. Thanks for the info!

Yvonne Sharp Laurel, Md.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Supreme Court Says 'Yes' to Consumer Protection, 'No' to Payday Lenders

A recent 7-2 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court gave consumers a longsought victory that ended more than a decade of challenges over the constitutionality of the agency created to be the nation's financial cop on the beat.

The May 16 decision in the case formally known as Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association of America

LTD, ET AL refuted arguments by the billion-dollar payday lending industry that CFPB was unconstitutional because its funding is derived directly from the Federal Reserve instead of Congress' annual appropriations.

The majority opinion, written by Justice Clarence Thomas, concluded, "The statute that authorizes the Bureau to draw money from the combined earnings of the Federal Reserve System to carry out its duties satisfies the Appropriations Clause."

Two additional concurring opinions underscored this conclusion. Justice

Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court and its newest member, addressed why legislators created the CFPB.

"As the Court explains, in response to the devastation wrought by the 2008 financial crisis, Congress passed and the President signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. … Drawing on its extensive experience in financial regulation, Congress designed the funding scheme to protect the Bureau from the risk that powerful regulated entities might capture the annual appropriations pro-

cess," wrote Justice Jackson. During the financial crisis, millions of Black and Latino borrowers suffered home foreclosures because they were targeted with high-cost, unsustainable mortgage loans, even though many were eligible for other lower-cost loans. But those were not the only predatory financial products foisted upon people of color.

Payday loans that lure financially-strapped consumers with promises of easy cash can still be found in profusion in most urban areas across the country. The payday industry's billion-dollar

Navigating Your Way Home: Why Financial Literacy and Fair Housing Matter

derstanding how money works, from budgeting and saving to investing and borrowing. It's like having a roadmap to guide you through the twists and turns of your financial journey.

On the journey to owning a home, there are two pillars that stand tall: financial literacy and fair housing. These concepts might sound complex, but understanding them is crucial for anyone who dreams of owning their own home.

Let's start with financial literacy. Imagine it as your GPS in the world of money. Financial literacy is about un-

At some point, every child, teenager, and young adult should have an awareness of the full story behind the Black Wall Street massacre that occurred in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The story of Greenwood is not only about racial resentment and violence; it is also a success story. There is a sense of racial pride that comes from seeing how the peo-

Why does financial literacy matter when it comes to buying a home? Well, think of it this way: buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. It's not just about finding the perfect house. It's about knowing if you can afford it and understanding the financial responsibilities that come along with it.

Financial literacy helps you make

informed decisions every step of the way. It teaches you how to manage your finances wisely so you can save for a down payment, understand different mortgage options and plan for ongoing expenses like property taxes and maintenance costs.

Let's be clear. Financial literacy is about more than just buying a home. It's about building a solid financial foundation for life. It empowers you to take control of your money, avoid debt traps and plan for your future financial goals, whether that's buying a home, saving for retirement or starting

a family.

In turn, fair housing is like the golden rule for homebuyers and renters. In other words, treat others as you would like to be treated. It's about ensuring equal access to housing opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.

So why does fair housing matter? It matters because everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live, free from discrimination and prejudice. Fair housing laws protect individuals and families from being denied housing or

profits typically are generated on loans of $350 or less. With high fees that create deepening cycles of re-borrowing, these loans disproportionately affect Black and Latino borrowers who earn $40,000 or less per year, and do not have a college degree. Research by the CFPB found that payday lenders collect 75% of their fees from borrowers who take out more than 10 loans per year.

In the absence of federal regulation, 20 states and the District of Columbia

CROWELL Page 45

treated unfairly based on who they are. And fair housing goes beyond just following the law. It's about creating inclusive communities where everyone feels welcome and valued. It's about breaking down barriers and building bridges across diverse backgrounds and experiences.

At First Home Alliance, we're committed to promoting financial literacy and fair housing for all. We believe that knowledge is power and that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve

ple of Greenwood became prosperous. The history of Greenwood gives hope and inspiration when the focus is on how the affluent community was built and developed rather than how it was painfully destroyed.

Greenwood gives proof and examples of how Black entrepreneurs were capable of creating vast wealth despite the tremendous obstacles put forth by racial discrimination and Jim Crow segregation. With segregation laws that prevented Black residents from shopping in white neighborhoods along with the desire and commit-

ment of Blacks to keep money circulating within their own community, Greenwood residents collectively funneled their cash into local Black businesses. Segregation produced a captive marketplace where Black entrepreneurs prospered.

In 1921, Greenwood was considered by many to be the most prosperous Black enclave in the nation. The sophisticated and self-sustained community consisted of banks, hotels, barbershops and salons, clothing stores, jewelers, restaurants, churches, taverns, grocers, movie theaters, and

contemporary homes. The children were well-educated by a superior school system, and it was not uncommon to see residents stylishly dressed or driving luxury motorcars. But in a span of 24 hours, the 35 city blocks making up the Greenwood community were burned to the ground. The Tulsa Race Massacre Commission reported that 100 to 300 people were killed. As many as 10,000 people were left homeless.

The 1921 massacre was called the worst public disturbance since the Civil War. Today, the incident is cit-

ed as one of the most horrific acts of racial violence and domestic terrorism ever committed in the U.S., and yet it was hardly known or mentioned. For years, America largely ignored the Black Wall Street events throughout mainstream history books. The story illustrates the legacy of Black independence and entrepreneurship and the subsequent white backlash. Whenever there is substantial progress on behalf of Blacks, there will always be some reaction extending from white su-

Larry Laws Sr.

Guest Columnist

David W. Marshall

Charlene Crowell

Guest Columnist

Guest

Daisy Bates Left Her Mark on Others

We have not had a lot in the news lately about which we could cheer, but we're blessed that occasionally there's something we can call positive. May 8, 2024 was such a day. A memorial to Daisy Bates was celebrated in the U.S. Capitol. It was a long time coming, but it finally happened!

The strangest thing about the program was that people whose

fore parents were totally opposed to the work Ms. Bates did when she became a leader and key supporter of the nine students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in the school year 1957-58. That included the current governor and a congressman of Arkansas.

Benjamin Victor, the artist who did the sculptor, did a masterful job on the full body bronze statue of Ms. Bates. The statue is located in Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol. Ms. Bates and her

husband, L.C. were publishers of the Arkansas State Press. They were leaders in their community. They had the courage to use their newspaper to focus on the African American community and their civil rights.

While her husband worked for the NAACP and she served on its Board, she took a public role in voter registration, anti-poverty programs and once Brown v. Board of Education became law, she took on the role of integrating Central High School — a danger-

ous undertaking, to say the least.

Recently I met three women who lived in Arkansas at the time, and pretty much had a front row place in what was happening. I spoke with Sarah Davidson, Bernice Bass Abner and Janice Kearney, who knew a lot about Ms. Bates and their lives were affected by the work of Ms. Bates.

I was still in high school at the time I learned about the leadership of Ms. Bates in working to implement the law on Black and white children attending school togeth-

Louisiana Regresses Into Medieval Era With Barbaric And Ineffective Law

sociology professor Emily Horowitz

Nigeria.

"This new law is solely vengeance and lacks any evidence of effectiveness and is aimed at a despised and powerless population that already is subject to dozens of draconian post-conviction collateral consequences. There is virtually no evidence that increasing punishments will have any impact on sexual recidivism." — St. Francis College

Not to be outdone by other southern states trying to regress to the Jim Crow era, my home state of Louisiana is trying to regress to the Medieval era.

A barbaric proposal to allow judges to sentence certain convicted sex offenders to surgical castration passed the legislature and awaits Gov. Landry's signature. Louisiana would become the first state with such a law, joining the ranks of nations like Pakistan and

The bill has been compared to the Tuskegee Study and Josef Mengele's experiments at Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

Child sexual abuse is a heinous crime with devastating consequences. It is also the crime with the highest rate of perjury or false accusations. In recent years, Orleans Parish in Louisiana has been called the wrongful conviction capital of the United States, with 10 times the number of exonerations per capita than the national aver-

age. And Black people are eight times more likely to be wrongly convicted than a white person for a crime involving sexual violence.

Even the sponsor of the bill acknowledged Louisiana's appallingly high rate of wrongful convictions.

The proposal raises the question of whether Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of New Orleans — currently the target of an active child sex-trafficking investigation — would be subject to the draconian punishment.

er. I learned about the Arkansas governor, Orval Faubus, who was determined to stand in the way of that happening. I remember hearing about the Little Rock 9, and later met some of them. These were the students chosen to go into Central High School and make it their high school, too. Recently I learned that Ms. Bernice Bass Abner is the daughter of Rev. William Harry Bass who was called on to accompany the Little

Page 46

While Louisiana lawmakers clearly are desperate to portray themselves as tough on crime, their brutal proposal is unlikely to prevent a single assault. Researchers have found no cause-and-effect relationship between testosterone levels and sexual offending. On the other hand, psychological treatment has been shown to reduce recidivism among sex offenders.

It would be naïve to assume that

Carbon Pipelines are a Bad Deal (For Everyone Who Is Not Getting Rich from Them)

through the state.

"Isn't it sad that money controls everything?"

That is what Kim Junker says, as she laments the iron grip wealthy pipeline interests seem to have over some of Iowa's most powerful lawmakers. What she is referring to is a yearslong fight against a massive carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline project planned to run

Junker and her husband own farmland in both Grundy and Butler Counties where they grow corn and soybeans. She describes a "David vs. Goliath" fight. The irony is that in this case, David — at least in terms of the number of people on that side of the fight — is bigger.

The Iowans fighting the pipelines, and the use of eminent domain to seize people's land for the projects, are a wide-ranging coalition of farmers and landowners,

environmentalists, county supervisors and attorneys, and others. It is a coalition that crosses all party lines. Junker herself identifies as a Republican-raised conservative who is also a conservationist.

The bill that was in front of legislators this year was overwhelmingly popular (as is opposition to the pipeline project). Written to maximize its chance of passage, it would have protected landowners' due process rights by allowing them to challenge eminent domain requests in court earlier in the per-

mitting process. Hardly radical stuff. By comparison in neighboring Illinois, state lawmakers just passed a moratorium on all CO2 pipeline projects for two years or until the federal government issues new safety rules.

The bill in Iowa passed the Republican-majority Iowa House of Representatives in March on a whopping 86-7 vote, with massive bipartisan support. That bill was a watered down version of the bill that passed the Iowa House last year by a vote of 73-20. But this

year, just like last year, the bill was killed in the state Senate before it could receive a floor vote.

Organizers in Iowa think the bill would have had enough support in the Senate to pass if it got a floor vote. Yet a handful of Senate leaders continue to prevent that … and, in doing so, are conveniently preventing it from getting to the governor's desk.

You see, Summit Carbon Solutions, the company behind the

WILLIAMS

Marc H. Morial

Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist

Columnist

E. Faye Williams

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND CHECKLIST

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Demarco A. Rush WI Intern

Looking for somewhere to take the kids? Check out the NBA 2K League tournament happening at District E this Thursday! Expect a loud, and exciting atmosphere. If you like the real thing, go out for a Mystics vs Sky game featuring the Sky’s DMV-born star rookie, Angel Reese.

Go celebrate Juneteenth in the nation’s capital at the third-annual

Juneteenth Freedom Fest. It will be active with food, entertainment and a live performance from R&B legend Musiq Soulchild!

Want to be active for the holiday? The Juneteenth Bar Crawl takes place on H street in NE. Receive your wristband and map at District Alley, then get ready to CRAWL to Lydia followed by Focus Lounge!

Come celebrate the kickoff of Montgomery County's premiere Black cultural event, the Scot-

AN ESTRANGED FATHER AND SON REDISCOVER THEIR EVERLASTING BOND

5The local double-dutch team, Jump DC, shows off its skills at the District of Columbia's Juneteenth Celebration on Black Lives Matter Plaza in 2023. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

land Juneteenth Heritage Festival. There will be a live performance by D.C.’s iconic Chuck Brown Band!

If you like food, music and drinks, prepare to attend the ASCF Juneteenth & Father’s Day Jazz Brunch. Enjoy yourself while knowing all proceeds will go towards scholarships for deserving high school students in Montgomery County, MD.

Remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit-- and social life-- lit. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

NBA 2K League Tournament

6 p.m. | $10 District E, 701 7th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

Bring the kids and watch as the best NBA 2K players in the country go at it in a competitive and exciting atmosphere!

Go check out some good hoops featuring Chicago Sky rookie, Angel Reese. The first 1,500 fans will also receive a free camouflage bucket hat!

Third Annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest!

5:00 p.m. - 10 p.m. | 35$

The Wharf DC, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

This event will bring together members of congress, celebrities, and community leaders to celebrate Juneteenth in the nation’s capital. Come celebrate and honor the next generation of Black scholars as scholarships are awarded to students attending HBCUs. The event will have food, entertainment, and includes a special performance by Musiq Soulchild!

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Juneteenth Bar Crawl

2 p.m. - 10 p.m. | $10+

CRAWL to Lydia followed by Focus Lounge.

Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival Opening Night Celebration

5 p.m. - 10 p.m.| $60+

Bethesda Theater, 7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20814

Come celebrate the VIP kickoff of Montgomery County's premiere Black cultural event! Festivities include a dance contest and a best-dressed contest, followed by a live performance from The Chuck Brown Band!

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

ASCF Juneteenth & Father's Day Jazz Brunch

8:30 a.m. | $100+

The Villa, 4060 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD, 20705

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Washington Mystics vs Chicago Sky

7:30 p.m. | $149+

Entertainment Sports Arena, 110 Oak Drive SE, Washington, D.C.

District Alley, 1378 H St NE, Washington, D.C., 20002

Come out and experience an amazing day filled with BLACK Food, Music, Vendors, and Vibes!

Receive your wristband and map at District Alley, then get ready to

End the weekend with great music, a scrumptious brunch buffet and a fully-stocked cash bar. All proceeds from this event will go to scholarship opportunities for deserving high-school students in Montgomery County, Maryland. WI

Nicole Wandera Talks Art, Mental Health, Feature at Kennedy Center with Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Just in a brief conversation with Nicole Wandera, it becomes clear she has three key priorities: caring for her family, creating art, and overall physical and mental wellness. As a single mother living Fairfax, Virginia, balancing all three takes strength, however Wandera has found a positive outlet to maintain her peace and mental health: art.

“Art is in itself a form of therapy because it allows us to dig deeper into our spirit and to ourselves,” Wandera told The Informer. “Art is the closest language of the spirits. I really believe that. It just makes you feel more connected with yourself and the universe as a whole.”

For the Kenyan-born artist and mother, art allows Wandera to unplug from life and the world’s daily stressors.

“There's a magic in there when

you're able to create or just engage in creativity. It's what makes us human at the end of the day, especially in this world where there's so many struggles,” she said. “It's an election year, there's a war going on. There's environmental disaster, impending themes tend to be just getting worse and worse every day. It's important to take that time and just recognize your humanity. And for me, having this artistic practice helps me recognize that within myself.”

As Wandera uses art to process her own trials, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (GMCW) is examining major topics surrounding societal classifications and cultural identities in “Portraits: An Exploration of Sexual, Gender, Racial, and Cultural Identity.”

In its world premiere on June 16 at the Kennedy Center, “Portraits,” will feature nine artists, nine composers and nine choreographers from across the U.S. and abroad, collaborating to create an original

multidisciplinary work.

“We have 27 artists from diverse cultures, orientations, genders, ages, and backgrounds, coming together to create an original work that will tell an aspect of the human experience,” says Thea Kano, GMCW Artistic Director. “Not only is the artistic element visually breathtaking, but the overarching message of inclusion truly matters at this time. I hope that members of the audience will take comfort and support from seeing themselves represented, and audiences will leave the theatre with a sense of connection to the portraits and a deeper appreciation that regardless

4Nicole Wandera’s “Strange Fruit,” will be featured in the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s premiere of “Portraits: An Exploration of Sexual, Gender, Racial and Cultural Identity,” on June 16. (Courtesy Photo)

NICOLE Page 30

LIFESTYLE

NICOLE from Page 29

of race, sexuality, or gender, we are all human.”

Wandera’s “Strange Fruit,” is one of the works selected for GMCW’s “Portraits,” in collaboration with composer Paul Leavitt and choreographer Catherie Oh.

“This piece is inspired by mental health in the Black community, and how Black men rarely have a safe space to be vulnerable and express themselves. The name of the piece is inspired by Nina Simone’s version of ‘Strange Fruit,’” Wandera said in a statement about her work.

As she does with much of her art, Wandera told The Informer “Strange Fruit,” helped her as she worked to heal from tragedy.

“The person in the painting is a very important person to me. He was my partner at some point. And he unfortunately did struggle with bipolar. And so as his partner, I never really understood how to help

him because in my background, we don't really discuss mental health,” she explained. “My way of understanding heavy emotions and trying to siphon through them is to paint. So that's how I ended up creating this painting.”

Influenced by her own life, partner’s tragic trials, and African roots, Wandera’s artwork was one of nine pieces selected out of 250 submissions.

“The painting itself has blue and orange and these are contrasting colors. And for me it was a literal translation of having to deal with somebody who's going through those struggles– the ups and downs, the warmth and the cold. And at the same time, the patterns that I created with those colors are patterns that are traditional in my culture, that are often used when a boy is becoming a man,” the artist explained.

From the work, Wandera was able to create a healing masterpiece.

“While painting this and trying

to understand the person, I guess I got more connected to the painting— making it more about mental health because it's important,” she said.

Wandera’s personal art therapy aligns with medical studies. According to the World Health Organization: “Art can help us to emotionally navigate the journey of battling an illness or injury, to process difficult emotions in times of emergency and challenging events. The creation and enjoyment of the arts helps promote holistic wellness and can be a motivating factor in recovery.”

In creating work to help her cope, Wandera’s work– and that of the other artists, composers and choreographers– offer audiences a chance to heal as well.

“The beauty of the ‘Portraits' project is that these are regular people, and we want people to see themselves represented on that stage,” said Kano. WI

5Mother and Kenyan-born artist Nicole Wandera use her art as a form of therapy. (Courtesy Photo)

review wi book

Juneteenth Books by Various Authors

c.2024, The History Press/Chronicle Books

$24.99/$17.99

141 pages/40 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

The park shelter has been reserved.

You've told everyone where to be and what to bring (Grandma's favorite dessert!) and someone will set up games to occupy the kids. Your whole family celebrates Juneteenth, so maybe it's time to bring these two great books to your jubilee …

If you sometimes feel like you're always the last to know, then read "Galveston's Juneteenth Story: And Still We Rise" by Tommie Boudreaux, Alice Gatson, Jami Durham and W. Dwayne Jones (The History Press, $24.99). Because sometimes, you are the last.

Some sixty years before the end of the Civil War, Britain and the U.S. both "banned the international trade of enslaved people …" Slavery still existed, of course, and "Galveston [Texas] was known as the largest slave market west of New Orleans …" Roughly a thousand people were enslaved there, and "many more … passed through the city's slave trading houses." It's estimated that "thousands" also tried to escape slavery through Galveston and Brownsville, over the Rio Grande to Mexico.

Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862. The Civil War ended in April 1865. On June 19 of that same year — two months after the war's end — Black Texans finally learned that they were free. The slaves in Galveston were the last in the country to be notified.

This essential look at the history of Juneteenth goes beyond that historic day to show more of what happened in the immediate aftermath of the posting of General Order No. 3. The authors don't stop there, though: they take their narrative well into the early 20th century, through Jim Crow laws, and into modern times and today's celebrations. Complete with lots of illustrations, "Galveston's Juneteenth Story: And Still We Rise" is a great book to browse and to keep around for reference.

You know your child wants to understand the history of this holiday, too, so look for the new picture book, "Juneteenth Is" by Natasha Tripplett, illustrated by Daniel J. O'Brien (Chronicle Books, $17.99).

The morning has just started. The sun is up and today is the day for Jubilee. Everyone's heading for the park and a parade with drummers and steppers. They throw candy to everyone along the parade route. There are red, green, and black flags everywhere!

After the festivities at the park, it's time to get together with family. Juneteenth is a time to "be thankful." It's "the ladies singing in the kitchen," an uncle's jokes (groan!), basketball in the front driveway, prayer around the table, and "generations of family recipes." And, of course, Juneteenth is a solemn time to acknowledge "things not taught in school." That's the lesson to be learned, and children ages 3 to 8 will love learning it with this book.

If these Juneteenth books aren't exactly what you're looking for, be sure to ask your favorite bookseller or librarian. They can put lots of other Juneteenth books for anyone of any age, directly in your hands. Ask for help, or be sure to put these two great books on reserve soon.

WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

JUNE 13 - 19, 2024

ARIES When the week starts, you'll be checking off things on your to-do list that can be accomplished with your significant other. Although you trust your own instincts and abilities, you feel working one-on-one to cross the finish line can provide a more fulfilling experience and end result now. Later, you'll be especially sensitive and feel like a bit of a homebody. Enjoying quiet time close to home with loved ones can do wonders to help you rest and recharge. Lucky Numbers: 8, 16, 23

TAURUS You could suffer from a tendency to want to enjoy yourself too much at the start of the week. You can have fun with your special someone by seeing where the moment takes you, but make sure to do it in a measured way. Later, you might be inspired to take on a new approach to a wellness concern. Though you could be drawn to self-care strategies that promise aesthetic benefits, go with something that is focused on bolstering mind/body above all else. Lucky Numbers: 7, 25, 53

GEMINI Get in touch with your most playful side at the week's start. Consider activities that make you feel like a kid (dancing) or like you're falling in love again (visiting a particular date spot), and find a way to weave them into your schedule. Giving in to these urges has you feeling fulfilled emotionally. Later, the cosmos compels you to open up about your deepest feelings to your significant other or a potential mate. You will want to put all your cards on the table. Lucky Numbers: 12, 20, 44

CANCER When the week begins, you find yourself fantasizing about planning a trip and meeting a potential lover or sharing a whole new experience with a current sweetheart. Revel in these imaginative thoughts, because you could manifest them into reality. Later, you'll want to spend quiet time. You might be reflecting on the relationships and activities that boost your sense of security. Nurture these aspects of your life can serve to strengthen your emotional well-being. Lucky Numbers: 33, 35, 49

LEO You're sure to notice an uptick in the sheer volume of messages you receive early in the week. You could be torn between putting your networking skills to use and feeling overwhelmed by the noise, wanting to take care of yourself above all else. Just be sure to be prudent about the conversations you have and you can strike the right balance. Later, you could get carried away in a cinematic moment with a special someone. The vibe is right for making sweet memories. Lucky Numbers: 18, 33, 55

VIRGO You could be inclined to tackle a major undertaking with loved ones as the week starts out. Whether it's a family party you want to plan or a redecorating project, your tendency could be to take on too much in a short period of time. Striving for a more measured approach can keep everyone firing on all cylinders. Later, the cosmos provides an ideal opportunity to brainstorm new forms of cash flow. Whatever resonates now is a seed you'll do well to plant. Lucky Numbers: 3, 16, 31

LIBRA A burst of confidence makes it easier to pursue bold wellness goals in the beginning of the week. Although you might want to do everything from stepping up your workouts to eating better and meditating more, and anything you want to achieve is possible, you'll do well to zero in on the aims you feel most passionate about. Later, you might turn your focus to a big-picture professional desire. You know it's going to take a lot of work to fulfill, and in the face of that you feel compelled to lean on loved ones for their support. Explain how important the end game and they'll get on board. Lucky Numbers: 4, 10, 29

SCORPIO Proposing a pitch to higher-ups might be in the cards at the start of the week. You'll be feeling especially confident which can translate to a winning presentation. Later, take a step back from the daily grind to reflect on your needs, reassessing whether your goals are relevant. Allow yourself to do this soul-searching, and make sure not to judge any messages. This moment is about exploring emotionally and mentally. You'll soon know how to proceed. Lucky Numbers: 16, 22, 51

SAGITTARIUS You gravitate to group projects and bouncing creative ideas off of friends at the week's start. Collaborating with others fuels your imagination, and there's really no limit to what you can achieve if you're working alongside people who are on the same page. Later, you find yourself daydreaming about a steamy night in with a lover, bonding over a home-cooked meal, and spending time between the sheets. You're sure to enjoy pure magic. Lucky Numbers: 24, 25, 32

CAPRICORN You might gravitate to bouncing creative ideas off of friends and colleagues at the week's start. Collaborating fuels your imagination, and it can feel like there's really no limit to what you can achieve. Later, you might find yourself daydreaming about enjoying a steamy night in with a lover, bonding over a home-cooked meal, and spending time between the sheets. Once you make it happen, you're sure to enjoy pure magic. Lucky Numbers: 24, 28, 58

AQUARIUS As the week begins, you could get caught up in daydreams related to shifting gears on the job or pursuing a dream venture. Allow yourself to be playful and imaginative, then write down a game plan. It might not be as wild as you initially thought. Later, you'll do well to set an intention related to honing your skill set. Whether you're thinking about skills that can help you develop your side hustle or advance your current professional path, you'll be reflecting on the talents you're most passionate about and then taking a step in whatever direction allows you to develop them further. Lucky Numbers: 7, 10, 35

PISCES At the week's start, find time to bolster your emotional and physical bond with your partner or a potential significant other. Not only are you craving this kind of deep connection building right now, but you have a new sense of confidence that makes it even more possible to share what you want, ensuring you'll receive and delight in it. Later, the cosmos bumps up your desire to take on more responsibility and bigger-scale projects. Higher-ups are sure to notice your enthusiasm and creativity. Lucky Numbers: 10, 18, 20

SPORTS Williamson Leaves Strong Legacy

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

They often say that a man is measured by his body of work. If that is true, then A..B.. Williamson can be considered a giant. At, 79, Williamson, who recently died on June

2 after battling health issues, leaves behind a lasting legacy.

Following his graduation from North Carolina A&T, where he played baseball, Williamson took a position at Eastern High School in Northeast, Washington as a physical education teacher. With his love

of sports, Williamson took over the head coaching positions of basketball and then baseball as a dual-sport coach.

Once at the helm, it did not take Williamson long to establish the programs as some of the elite in the DMV area. The baseball team went on to win three straight Interhigh (now DCIAA) titles. As successful as he was as a baseball coach, it was in the sport of basketball where he took the program to great heights, consistently ranking among the best in the talent-rich area. The team finished No. 1 in the country in 197273.

Along the way, Williamson produced some of the top players in the country with the likes of James Ratiff and James "Turk" Tillman, who

would go on to play at Tennessee and Maryland, respectively With that success on his resume, Williamson made an important move. Howard University, which had moved up to the Division 1 level, named him as its head basketball coach in 1975. There, he helped establish Howard’s basketball program as one of the tops in the then newly formed Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Williamson’s dedication to building the team culminated into back-to-back MEAC titles, in 1979-80 and 1980-81, the latter resulting in an automatic bid to the to the NCAA Sweet 16, becoming the first team in the MEAC to represent the conference in the Big Dance.

Williamson went on to coach for 15 years at the Hilltop and compiled a 228-169 career record. During that period, He was named the MEAC Coach of the Year three times (1980, 83, 87). His 25-5 record and 13-1 conference record in 1986-87 still stands as the best in school history. The 228 victories have yet to be matched in over three decades

Under Williamson, Howard produced a number of all-conference and players of the year, including former NBA champion Larry Spriggs as a member of the LA Lakers with Magic Johnson.

That body of work includes several of his former players, assistant coaches and staff who have taken the teachings and guidance from him and parlayed them into successful careers

Lou Wilson is a former player and assistant coach at Howard, who is the current head coach at Wise High School and has compiled a record of close to 800 wins during his career:

"A.B. Williamson served as a

role model for me on and off the court," Wilson told The Informer. "I watched how he touched so many lives through coaching. I used that as an example when I got into coaching in high school. I have adopted some of the techniques and philosophy that I learned while playing and coaching under him. He has played a great role in my success.

Perhaps one of the biggest beneficiaries of Williamson's mentoring is Cy Alexander.

Having served as the top assistant under Williamson for many years, Alexander went on to be one of the most successful coaches in HBCU history. A former head coach at South Carolina State, Tennessee State and North Carolina A&T, he is one of the winningest coaches in HBCU history with almost 400 victories and has taken two different programs (NC A&T, SC State) to the NCAAs:

"My college career started under A.B.," Alexander told The Informer. "He took a chance on me as a 22-year-old graduate in 1976 and it has paid off. A.B. became a mentor and a close friend. I am indebted to him for my success as a college coach." Alexander holds the distinction of taking two different schools (SC State and NC A&T) to the NCAAs while recording close to 400 victories during his career.

Williamson is an inductee into both the Howard and the MEAC Hall of Fames.

Following his illustrious coaching career at Howard, he went on to serve as Athletics ticket manager, Interim Director of Athletics and the first official director of compliance in school history.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5A.B. Williamson, a longtime celebrated coach at Eastern High School and Howard University, died on June 2 after battling health issues. (Courtesy Photo)

6 More than 600,000 people from around the District, nation and world participated in the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8. The parade route started at 14th and T Streets NW and traveled south along 14th Street to Pennsylvania Avenue. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

3 American actress and singer Keke Palmer served as a grand marshal during this year’s Capital Pride Parade. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

6 American actor and singer Billy Porter served as grand marshall for the 2024 Capital Pride Parade on June 8. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

D.C. Police Chief Crusading Against Crime

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

The courtyard of the Washington National Cathedral was lined with quilt images of children who were gunned down around the country for National Gun Violence Awareness on Friday, June 7, and inside the place of worship, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith preached a special sermon to remember the fallen youth and combat continued challenges.

In July of 2023, Mayor Muriel Bowser selected Smith as chief of police, and she was confirmed in November. However law enforcement isn’t Smith’s only passion. Her faith foundation has always been critical to her work.

Even with more than two decades of law enforcement experience, including degrees and certificates from the Uni-

DADS from Page 1

edge their critical role in their children’s lives, and help them become better men.

Many of those who participated in the festivities on June 8 either completed or will soon complete District Dads’ 17-week program that covers various topics, including positive parenting practices, mental and emotional wellness, financial health and navigating the legal system for fatherhood rights.

THREE YEARS OF PROGRAMMING FOCUSED ON FATHERS

District Dads launched in 2021 as an online pilot program geared toward fathers of all ages embarking on a journey of personal growth. By 2023, the program, intended to challenge misconceptions about Black fathers, conducted in-person sessions at Martha’s Table at the Commons in

versity of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the University of Virginia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy, Smith’s ordination as a Baptist preacher is what is helping her most in the war against crime.

Since being confirmed, she has rallied the faith community around her crime-fighting efforts.

“After 26 years in law enforcement, this gun violence is different; we have a call to action,” Smith told the congregation during her stirring sermon in Bethlehem Chapel. “I am a member of this community. What can we do? I'm glad you asked. We must be more intentional. We are losing 118 lives each month (across the country). We have to speak up. We have the power, and we have the responsibility to be the agent of change.”

A major focus of her sermon was faith.

partnership with the Anacostia Family Success Center, Capital Youth Empowerment Program and Community Wellness Ventures.

Throughout District Dads’ existence, more than 100 fathers have gone through the program, learning fatherhood approaches, building comradery with other fathers and earning a stipend. Within a matter of weeks, the current cohort of fathers will finish navigating 17 weeks of instruction. District Dads is currently accepting applications for those who want to join the next cohort in September.

On Saturday, Martha’s Table at the Commons became a maze of stations and resources, including arts and crafts, book readings, hairstyling for fathers and daughters, and games for fathers and sons. Live entertainment included The Uncle Devin Show, an interactive musical experience for children and The Devotion Band, an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band that played covers of the well-known jazz-R&B-soul-funk group’s songs.

Smith recalled her devastation when learning her mother was dying and how she leaned on God to see her through.

“I remember being taken to the airport; I have to go see about my mother, I have to go see about my children… I have to go see about my niece,” preached Smith. “I remember the pain; I kept

Poet Taylor of WPGC 95.5FM served as the mistress of ceremonies.

Amerigroup and Men Take Ten conducted intake for health checkups while Dr. Reed V. Tuckson, co-founder of the Black Coalition Against COVID and former D.C. commissioner of public health, spoke about preventative health with the fathers during his keynote address.

Attendees also heard from Lamont B. Mitchell, a member of Martha’s Table’s board of directors and founder of Know Your Numbers DC, an African-American Men’s Health Project that encourages Black men to test for prostate cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

“It's acknowledging the presence of our dads and father figures holding it down,” Miller told The Informer. “We have dads in our program with sole custody of their children. It’s a different narrative than what we’re used to seeing. The fathers in our current cohort and the dads in the District Dads alumni program represent the program, and fathers in general.

anything without Christ in our life,” said Smith in an interview with The Informer. “We have to go back to the basics of Christianity to drive out this darkness. Light drives out this darkness.”

Since becoming chief, Smith has worked to engage the church community to combat violence. She has organized a network of 125 churches and is warming up with events like prayer vigils and peace walks.

“People are suffering because of general trauma and health disparities,” she said.

The Rev. Leonard Hamlin, canon missioner and minister of Equity and Inclusion at the Washington National Cathedral, noted the importance of Smith working with faith communities to combat gun violence, which leads to more than 40,000 deaths throughout the country.

“Everybody has been touched by the violence, and having the chief here is all about coming together,” Hamlin said.

saying my hope is built….I said, ‘God, I know you are going to do something in this space because I had a relationship with him.’”

The MPD chief emphasized how faith in God can lead people through storms.

“I am a firm believer that we can’t do

We’re excited about that.”

LOCAL FATHERS REFLECT ON THEIR JOURNEY

During the latter part of last year, nearly 20 fathers and grandfathers navigated District Dads. During their visits to Martha’s Table at the Commons, they shared positive fatherhood stories. They also poured out their hearts among one another about hurdles they faced with the mother of their children and other aspects of life.

Gary Neclos, a Southeast resident and District Dads alumnus, told The Informer that he appreciated the opportunities he had for introspection while participating in District Dads. Last fall, Neclos and other members of his cohort took a survey that allowed them to explore their strengths, weaknesses, and how they interact with others.

As Neclos recalled, he grew closer with his fellow cohort members,

The Rev. Dr. Winston C. Ridley, Jr., pastor of The Greater First Baptist Church in Northwest, D.C. and a member of the Greater Washington Council of Churches, noted: “In these critical times, it is important to meet with someone like Chief Smith who has their finger on the pulse of the community.”

Ridley emphasized the church’s responsibility in working toward peace.

“It’s prime time for the church to answer the cause of Christ.” WI

speaking with them about a range of topics centered on personal development and Black consciousness. He said that the weekly meetings at Martha’s Table at the Commons benefited him.

“The program helped me dig a little deeper in myself,” Neclos said. “I liked the chance to hear opinions from other brothers. Whatever the question or subject we were on, if someone disagreed, they disagreed. We talked [about] it instead of it getting real ugly.”

Fernando Smith, a father of nine and grandfather of six, said he embraced the emotional healing portion of the District Dads program. Despite what he described as his experience as a father, Smith acknowledged that he had much to learn while in his cohort.

He told The Informer that he learned just as much from the younger fathers as they learned from him.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith preached a special sermon to remember the fallen youth and combat continued challenges. (WI File Photo)

How many of you out there have heard the saying, "If I can help somebody along the way, then my living shall not be in vain"? Deuteronomy 15:11 says, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you. Open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land."

On Sunday, June 30, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the honorable former Mayor Sharon Pratt will serve as the keynote speaker for the Eleanor Holmes Norton Legacy Fund's first annual "A Midsummer Fundraising Dayla (Day Celebration)."

The EHNLF is excited to announce the Dayla to be held at the University of the District of Columbia Student Center (4200 Connecticut Avenue NW). In addition to our keynote speaker, the Dayla will include an afternoon lunch, an informal fashion show presented by Dress to Manifest with local celebrity models, and a silent auction.

It is the fifth fundraiser for young women who are pursuing graduate studies in public policy or who are studying public interest law at the University of the District of Columbia's David A. Clarke School of Law. Since its founding, the scholarship fund has awarded several scholarships annually to students studying public interest law at the UDC School of Law.

The EHNL Scholarship Fund

WITH LYNDIA

GRANT

Eleanor Holmes Norton Legacy Fund the religion corner

was established in 2018 as an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission of helping to cultivate the next generation of policymakers, public officials and community leaders. The goal of this group is to award scholarships to students who demonstrate the scholarship, passion, determination, and commitment to public service as embodied by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, our "Warrior on the Hill."

As if Ward 5 Committeewoman Hazel Thomas does NOT have enough to do already, she is president of the EHNLF and coordinates the work of a team of committed women who are planning the fundraising Dayla. They are busy finalizing the details for the Dayla that will benefit many students who are first-time college graduates in their family and who often have families of their own.

Norton once said it this way:

"Thank you for the great honor of having the Fund named for me. Nothing could mean more to me. When I consider what you are doing for young women from our UDC School of Law, particularly at a time like this, at this moment in time, we are celebrating!

"This has been a tough year, particularly for young women struggling to get an education. Women

are the first to have to take on new responsibilities. I am certain that's been the case for many women, trying to get through their higher education. As a woman who attended law school when few women attended, I appreciate that the EHNL Fund awards scholarships to our UDC Law School.

"It's tough going to college. But to make the decision to go to law school in an environment like this, your support could not mean more. As the District's representative in Congress, I appreciate that you allow this scholarship to go to people in various public policy disciplines. We are on the brink of a new day for the District of Columbia. Polls show 54% of Americans support making the District of Columbia the 51st state.

"Thank you very much for the generosity the Eleanor Holmes Norton Legacy Scholarship Fund is doing for young women in the District of Columbia."

We invite you to join us in helping the hometown Washington, D.C., students who need assistance by attending the Dayla or by making a contribution, large or small! Tickets are still available, if you would like to attend.

Please make your donation at www.https//ehnlfund.org or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 4515, Washington, D.C. 20017. WI

MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, Race Discrimination, Rehabilitation Act, Retaliation, Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge

RELIGION

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

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Kevin A. O'Bryant

Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012

and Times

Worship 10:30 am

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

www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church Historic

Mary’s Episcopal Church Promised Land Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry

staunch human and gay rights activist, served as this year’s grand marshal, along with multifaceted and award-winning actress Keke Palmer. In his comments prior to the kickoff of the parade, Porter set the tone for the purpose of celebrating and marching in June and beyond.

“As a 54-year-old Black, queer who came out in the 80s at the beginning of the AIDS crisis, I’ve learned that love always wins,” Porter said. “But it takes effort and the willingness to fight. As John Lewis said, we have to get into ‘good trouble.’”

Porter emphasized the need for activism and fighting for justice, particularly with the general election this November.

“We are here and we are queer, so get used to it and get over it, darlings. I encourage you all to go out and vote. I don’t care who you are. I don’t care where you come from. It is an election year and our democracy is at stake. Period. And there’s only one choice [on the ballot] that is for democracy,” Por-

DYRS from Page 1

(ROAD Act), will increase accountability for the agency that oversees the Youth Services Center, a youth detention center grappling with overcrowding, violence, and substance use among youth residents.

“The responsibility of rehabilitation, consequences and making sure kids don't commit crime again lies with DYRS. I haven't been satisfied with the outcomes,” Schwalb told The Informer.

“We've been watching very closely..focusing on some of the data that the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CCJC) pushed out and our own observations. The things we hear from advocates, parents and families. The cases coming back into our office. Some legislative changes were necessary.”

A TUG OF WAR BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND JUDICIARY

Elements of Schwalb’s legislation include the establishment of a permanent oversight entity within the Office of the D.C. Auditor (ODCA); a requirement that DYRS develops an individualized rehabilitation plan prior to a depositional hearing; the provision of services to residents within 30 days of a deposition order’s entry; the development of a discharge and reentry plan when a child receives place-

ter said. “When I started going to gay pride it was a march that represented political activism and being here today, it’s political activism for me once again – and I hope for you, too.”

For the first time in the history of D.C. Pride, the annual parade bypassed its traditional route in Dupont Circle and instead began at 14th and T Streets in Northwest, ending along Pennsylvania Avenue, just a stone’s throw away from the White House.

Capital Pride’s director of operations, Sahand Miraminy, explained that with WorldPride 2025 coming to D.C. next year—- which also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the District’s first Pride event— the new route was used to determine if it could accommodate larger crowds and bigger floats.

“This is sort of our last test run before the big year in 2025,” Miraminy said.

All the colors of the rainbow were in full display as bands, floats, dancers, motorcycles, local politicians and representatives from houses of worship waved to and entertained the diverse crowds.

Carol Schwartz, a longtime District

ment outside of their parent or guardian’s home; and the refinement of a depositional order every four months if a child doesn’t t receive appropriate service.

If passed, the ROAD Act would also amend the DYRS Establishment Act of 2004 to explicitly outline DYRS’ duties as developing and updating individualized rehabilitation plans, monitoring and ensuring safety of contracted facilities, and conducting oversight of facility compliance.

Schwalb introduced the ROAD Act, via D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), weeks after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) introduced the UPLIFT Amendment Act, which includes a provision narrowing down consent decrees and deferred disposition agreements so that more youths charged with violent crimes would go before a judge.

During a roundtable that the D.C. Council’s Committee on Public Safety and Judiciary conducted during the latter part of May, Schwalb criticized the UPLIFT Amendment Act as an infringement on his powers and detrimental to what he called an overextended YSC.

Schwalb expanded upon those points while speaking to The Informer, saying that he aims to leverage pre-commitment tools while securing improvements to DYRS. His approach, he told The Informer, is based on data.

“Residents trust my office to keep them safe, which is my number one

resident, community volunteer and former at-large D.C. Council and school board member, said she couldn’t imagine being anywhere else than at the 2024 Pride Parade last Saturday.

“I’ve always come out to support Pride both before, during and after my years in D.C. politics and I’m very proud to see the positive results that are occurring today,” Schwartz said.

The former politician said that the District can still do more to make the nation’s capital a more accepting and inclusive place.

“D.C. is a great place to live, to love and to raise a family. But we aren’t done yet; we still have more minds to open. As for those who can’t or who won’t open their minds, it’s their loss. What I know is that my whole life has been made richer by the LGBTQ community,” she said.

Citizens Push for a Better Tomorrow

Wallace Corbett, 63, a resident of Southeast, said being a senior has given him a clearer perspective of what’s needed for him and other older gay men.

“Most of my friends are my age,

...75% of youth who come into contact with law enforcement for alleged crimes are not detained. They instead would most likely have a delayed disposition -- an agreement to avoid conviction if certain conditions are met.

priority,” Schwalb said. “It's not for the council or the mayor to dictate to the attorney general how to exercise that discretion. If residents aren't happy with how I exercise discretion, they have a democratic remedy.”

THE D.C. AUDITOR CALLS FOR STRONG OVERSIGHT

CCJC’s 2018 cohort study of the juvenile justice system found that 92.7% of young people committed to DYRS are re-arrested, with nearly half of them convicted of a new of-

they’re Black and they’re gay, like me, so we’ve experienced a lot,” he said.

“Are things better today? Yes. But even within the gay community, there’s still segregation. And just because someone is gay, doesn’t mean they aren’t racist. And that applies to Blacks and whites. We still have problems accepting one another across the color line.”

Robert Johnson, 59, a resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, who attended the parade with Corbett and several others, said he’s seen progress but not enough.

“We need to press our elected officials to pass The Equality Act which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity and sexual orientation,” he said.

“Women, Blacks, gays, transgender, you name it – we all deserve to live our lives as we choose and to have the same rights. I want everyone to be protected under the law. I just wish those who are different from me felt the same way because we all serve the same God.

“We have to get young people more involved and show them how import-

fense -- primarily release violations or property crimes. Among those who received interventions by the Office of the Attorney General -- including consent decrees and deferred disposition agreement, a little more than half reoffended during or within two years of the intervention’s completion.

As Terri Odom, director of Family Court Social Services Division, explained to community members at the D.C. Dream Center in Southeast in early May, 75% of youth who come into contact with law enforcement for alleged crimes are not detained. They instead would most likely have a delayed disposition -- an agreement to avoid conviction if certain conditions are met.

This process, which Odom said has increased in frequency since 2021, follows behavioral health and sex trafficking screenings, along with a risk assessment to determine whether a young person would reoffend or not return to court. During the May 9 event at D.C. Dream Center, Odom acknowledged what she called an ongoing battle to make District residents embrace the process, especially since there’s not a “large gap” between those alleged to have committed a crime and their alleged victims.

However, Bowser remains adamant about leveraging DYRS facilities as a tool in crime prevention.

Last month, she reportedly said, in response to the ROAD Act, that she’s not willing to work with Schwalb on this matter. Her focus, she told

ant it is for them to vote. As for the upcoming election, if we want equal rights and protection under the law, then we need to make sure Donald Trump doesn’t get elected. He’ll take this country and our rights back to a less humane time,” Johnson said.

Asha Bridges, 31, a Temple Hills, Maryland resident, who attended the parade with her partner, Day Day, said she was proud to be able to celebrate Pride with the person she loves.

“I haven’t been to any Pride events for a while and it’s great to be back,” Bridges said. “I feel accepted within my own community – the Black community.”

Even with the celebratory air, Bridges, like Schwartz, emphasized the need for more people to be open-minded to combat homophobia and transphobia.

“If you ask me why there’s still hatred and homophobia, especially aimed at transgender, I think it’s because people don’t know us,” Bridges explained. “If they knew us, they’d realize we’re more like them than we’re unalike. We’re not that different at all.” WI

reporters, lies with ensuring that young people are in “secure detention.” These comments came in the aftermath of an Office of the D.C. Auditor (ODCA) report revealing that DYRS and Child and Family Services Agency have failed to identify and support “crossover youth” -- known as young people who are involved in the welfare system and juvenile justice system.

D.C. Auditor Kathleen Patterson emphasized to The Informer that oversight is essential in ensuring that DYRS provides services. Last year, Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember White, and D.C. Councilmembers Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5), Christina Henderson (I-At large) successfully introduced an emergency declaration resolution to extend the life of the Office of Independent Juvenile Justice Facilities Oversight (OIJJFO) nto 2024.

The Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act, the second vote of which the council conducted on June 12, includes funding for OIJJFO within ODCA. The accompanying Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act, which the council will vote on at a date to be determined, includes a provision that requires OIJJFO to, in addition to its oversight duties, produce and submit a plan to the D.C. Council about the continuation of its activities beyond Fiscal Year 2025.

WI

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000571

Annie P. Williams Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

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

Warren W. Daniels, whose address is 22 Wayside Court, Stafford, VA 22554, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annie P. Williams who died on April 27, 2024 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Warren W. Daniels 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

2024 ADM 000567

llee Fernando Sanders Decedent

Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Northview Drive, Suite 401 Bowie, MD 20716

Attorney

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

Mandel D. Sanders and Jamie Coleman, whose addresses are 4235 71st Ave., Hyattsville, MD 20784 & 12305 Burning Oak Ct, Waldorf, MD 20601, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of llee Fernando Sanders who died on June 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Mandel D. Sanders

Jamie Coleman

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

2024 ADM 581

Barbara A. Jones aka Barbara Annie Jones Decedent

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

Diana McCormick, whose address is 6005 N. Hill Mar Circle, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara A. Jones aka Barbara Annie Jones who died on November 5, 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Diana McCormick

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 000338

James Milton Kelly Decedent

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

Karen Kelly-McIntyre, whose address is 1719 Arcadia Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Milton Kelly who died on August 21, 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Karen Kelly-McIntyre 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

2024 ADM 000575

Catherine Grayton-Lee Decedent

Peggy Miller, Esq. 5130 7th St., NE Washington, DC 20011-2625

Attorney

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

Henry E. Lee, whose address is 3400 Commodore Joshua Bailey Drive, NE, Apt 114W, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Catherine Grayton-Lee who died on 2/3/2020 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Henry E. Lee 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

2024 ADM 000570

Leilani Clark Decedent

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

Daje Clark, whose address is 1035 Quincy St., NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leilani Clark who died on November 25, 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Daje Clark 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

2024 ADM 000593

Doris Jean Lucas Decedent

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

Sandra E. Bell, whose address is 9904 Platte Ct., Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Doris Jean Lucas who died on January 4, 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Sandra E. Bell 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

2024 ADM 000561

Linda de la Rama 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

Jesse de la Rama, whose address is 5740-B Post Road, Charlestown, RI 02813, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Linda de la Rama who died on December 22, 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Jesse de la Rama 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

2024 ADM 000612

Gloria W. Dutch Decedent

Ethel Mitchell, Esq. 8403 Colesville Road #1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

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

Jean Dutch Tate, whose address is 549 Ingraham Street, NE, Washington DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gloria W. Dutch who died on August 10, 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Jean Dutch Tate 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

2024 ADM 000527

Marie A. Lancaster aka Marie Lancaster Decedent

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

Sayzon L. Ford, whose address is 2909 Sunset lane, Suitland MD, 20746, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marie A. Lancaster aka Marie Lancaster who died on December 24, 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Sayzon L. Ford 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

2024 ADM 000538

Marilou M. Righini

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

Giovanna M. Righini, whose address is 77 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401-4849, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marilou M. Righini who died on March 9, 2024 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Giovanna M. Righini

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

2024 ADM 000563

Walter Marion Anthony Decedent

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

Ruby Harden, whose address is 5128 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Walter Marion Anthony who died on July 15, 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Ruby Harden Personal Representative

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000537

Robert Mills

Decedent

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

Brenda Henry, whose address is 6800 Forest Terrace, Landover MD, 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Mills who died on 9/30/2016 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Brenda Henry 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

2024 ADM 000597

Wilson R. Jerman aka Wilson Jerman Decedent

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

Linda Taylor, whose address is 4505 Kentland Drive, Woodbridge VA 22193, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wilson R. Jerman aka Wilson Jerman who died on 5/16/2020 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Linda Taylor

Personal Representative

of

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 562

Ronald Quick Decedent

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

Wayne Quick, whose address is 12306 Kings Valley Court, Mitchellville, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ronald Quick who died on 12/31/2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Wayne Quick 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

2024 ADM 000595

Eldora Yeager Decedent

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

Markyle Yeager, whose address is 2343 Q St. SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Markyle Yeager who died on 8/23/2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Markyle Yeager 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

2024 ADM 000615

Ruth B. Johnson aka Ruth Barbara Johnson Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. Tobin O’Connor Concino, P.C. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, #400 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

Wendi Taylor, whose address is 523 Ridge Street, Newark, NJ 07104, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ruth B. Johnson aka Ruth Barbara Johnson who died on May 6, 2019 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 11/30/2024. 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 11/30/2024, 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: 5/30/2024

Wendi Taylor 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

2024 ADM 614

Harvey Lee Mise Decedent

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

Harvey Larvell Mise, whose address is 1935 U Place SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Harvey Lee Mise who died on January 11, 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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: June 6, 2024

Harvey Larvell Mise 1935 U Place SE Washington, DC 20020 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

2024 FEP 000051

March 6, 2023

Date of Death

Urbando Saa Bravo Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Leonardo del Rosario Saa-Guerrero whose address is 14719 Bentley Square, Centreville, VA 20120 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Urbando Saa Bravo, deceased, by the Register of Wills for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on June 12, 2023. Service of process may be made upon Donald R. Marlais, Esq. 411 10th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 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 property: 1355 Longfellow Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011. 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: 5/30/2024

Leonardo del Rosario Saa-Guerrero

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 620

James L. Clark Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

Shirley Carey, whose address is 16845 Winston Lane, Woodbridge, VA 22191, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James L. Clark who died on February 17, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Shirley Carey 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

2024 FEP 000053

May 8, 2023

Date of Death

Jane Delores Wright aka Jane D. Wright aka Delores Wright Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Carolyn Wright Bridges whose address is 4900 Roxboro Street, Apt 304, Durham, NC 27704 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Jane Delores Wright aka Jane D. Wright aka Delores Wright, deceased, by the Register of Wills Court for Montgomery County, State of Maryland, on February 26, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Charles E. Bright 5521 Colorado Ave., NW, Apt 305, Washington, DC 20011 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.

3446 Summit Court, NE, Washington, DC 20018. 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: 6/6/2024

Carolyn Wright Bridges Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000634

Zakiya D. Brown

Decedent

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

Jamila A. Prince, whose address is 814 Alabaster Court, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Zakiya D. Brown who died on April 15, 2024 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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Jamila A. Prince 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

2024 FEP 000057

March 3, 2023

Date of Death

Becky Sue Poock

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Roger Poock whose address is 1509 Archer Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50707 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Becky Sue Poock, deceased, by the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, State of Iowa, on December 3, 2023. Service of process may be made upon Robin Laupheimer, 1920 L Street, NW, Suite 835, Washington, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

Decedent has cause of action in DC. The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. 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: 6/6/2024

Roger Poock

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000322

Liliane Tocatlian aka Liliane T. Tocatlian aka Liliane Therese Tocatlian Decedent

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

Daniel Peter Tocatlian and Christian Bernard Tocatlian, whose addresses are 1303 Susquehanna Rd., Rydal, PA 19046 & 615 Sweetwater Dr., Feasterville-trevose PA 19053, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Liliane Tocatlian aka Liliane T. Tocatlian aka Liliane Therese Tocatlian who died on February 28, 2024 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 11/6/2024. 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 11/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Daniel Peter Tocatlian

1303 Susquehanna, Rd, Rydal, PA 19046

Christian Bernard Tocatlian 615 Sweetwater Dr., Feasterville-trevose, PA 19053 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

2024 ADM 000554

Iris A. McCrae aka Iris McCrae

Decedent

Ethel Mitchell

8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Attorney

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

Peggy L. Evans, whose address is 5608 Decatur Place, Hyattsville, MD 20781, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Iris A. McCrae aka Iris McCrae who died on January 24, 2024 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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Peggy L. Evans 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

2024 FEP 000056

April 5, 2023

Date of Death

Frank D. Bryant, Sr. Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Patricia Bathe Bryant whose address is 106 Canterbury Dr., Crossville, TN 38558 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Frank D. Bryant, Sr., deceased, by the Probate Court for Cumberland County, State of Tennessee, on March 12, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Robin Laupheimer 1920 L Street, NW, Suite 835, Washington, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. 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: 6/6/2024

Patricia Bathe Bryant Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000639

Mary Alma Wiley Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Mary E. Moore, whose address is 7777 Maple Avenue, Apt. 406, Takoma Park, MD 20912, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Alma Wiley who died on March 26, 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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Mary E. Moore Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 632

Calvin Lorenzo Williams Decedent

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

Ricky Williams, whose address is 11705 Thrift Road, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Calvin Lorenzo Williams who died on March 2, 2024 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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Ricky Williams 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

2024 ADM 000548

Sondra K. Cunningham Decedent

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

Jeannine Cunningham, whose address is 5208 Belgreen Street #401, Suitland MD 20746, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sondra K. Cunningham who died on February 20, 2024 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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Jeannine Cunningham 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

2024 ADM 000592

Russell Wesley Riddick III Decedent

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

Shaunna Riddick, whose address is 1315 Harding Pl. Apt 203, Charlotte NC, 28204, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Russell Wesley Riddick III who died on September 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 (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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Shaunna Riddick

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 633

Karen B. Pearce Decedent

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

Amy Pearce Fonville and Hardy Lee Pearce III, whose addresses are 8003 Glenside Dr., Takoma Park MD 20912 & 9516 Byeforde Rd., Kensington MD 20895, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Karen B. Pearce who died on April 27, 2024 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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Amy Pearce Fonville Hardy Lee Pearce III 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

2024 ADM 000398

Tyrone Anthony Jenkins Decedent

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

Tyree Jenkins, whose address is 344 Tartan Ct., Fayetteville NC, 28311, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tyrone Anthony Jenkins who died on July 9, 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: June 13, 2024

Tyree Jenkins Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 000617

Arthur L. Beamon aka Arthur Leon Beamon Decedent

James S. Bubar 1717 K Street, NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Joan Agatha Campayne-Beamon and James S. Bubar, whose addresses are respectively, 2475 Virginia Ave., NW, Apts. 328/329, Washington, DC 20006, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Arthur L. Beamon aka Arthur Leon Beamon who died on February 10, 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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Joan Agatha Campayne-Beamon

James S. Bubar 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 2024 ADM 000672

Mary E. Mobley Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 434 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Brenda Mobley-Wooten, whose address is 3025 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary E. Mobley who died on February 21, 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: 6/13/2024

Brenda Mobley-Wooten Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 000644

Fred Tarpley, Sr. Decedent

Joel W. Anders, Esq. 1717 K St., NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC Attorney

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

Vida Olives, whose address is 1955 Emancipation Highway, Suite 201, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Fred Tarpley, Sr. who died on 2/7/2024 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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Vida Olives

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

2024 ADM 000663

Albert DuBose Jr. Decedent

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

Carrie DuBose, whose address is 1508 Deep Gorge Court, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Albert DuBose Jr. who died on March 29, 2024 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: 6/13/2024

Carrie DuBose Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 000559

Von Charles Davenport aka Von C. Davenport aka Von Davenport Decedent

Robert P. Newman, Esq. Law Office of Robert P. Newman 801 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

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

Ian Francis Davenport, whose address is 6515 Hil-Mar Drive, Apt. 102, District Heights, Maryland 20747, was appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of Von Charles Davenport aka Von C. Davenport aka Von Davenport who died on 1/29/2024 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment 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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: June 6, 2024

Ian Francis Davenport 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

2024 FEP 000058

December 10, 2023

Date of Death

John A. Epps

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

John D. Epps whose address is 10702 Black Locust Ct., Clinton, MD 20735 was appointed personal representative of the estate of John A. Epps, deceased, by the Probate Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on December 29, 2023.

Service of process may be made upon Daphne Epps 4100 Georgia Ave., NW, Apt #604, Washington, DC 20011 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 property: 5230 Blaine Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019. 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: 6/13/2024

John D. Epps

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000660

Loretta Ann Coughlin Decedent

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

Peter James Kochanski, whose address is 4408 Silverbrook Lane, Unit K204, Owings Mills, MD 21117, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Loretta Ann Coughlin who died on February 26, 2024 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: 6/13/2024

Peter James Kochanski 4408 Silverbrook Lane, Unit K204 Owings Mills, MD 21117 Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

2024 NRT 000026

Jennifer A. Hamilton Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Jennifer A. Hamilton (name of deceased Settlor) whose address was 3034 Newark Street NW, Washington DC 20008 created a revocable trust on November 15, 2015 which remained in existence on the date of her death on April 4, 2024, and Christopher D. Hamilton, whose address is 13385 Reva Road, Boston, Virginia 22713 the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Christopher D. Hamilton at 13385 Reva Road, Boston, Virginia 22713. The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expenses of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 12/13/2024 (6 months after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1) 4/4/2025 (One year from date of death of deceased settler) (2) 12/13/2024 (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the turst before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification..

This Notice must be mailed postmarked with 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101 (d).

Date of First Publication: 6/13/2024

Christopher D. Hamilton Signature of Trustee

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000646

William S. Metzel Decedent

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

Sarah Adams, whose address is 3503 Farragut Ave., Kensington, MD 20895, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William S. Metzel who died on April 23, 2024 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: 6/13/2024

Sarah Adams Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000645

Hind Sadek aka Hind Hassan Sadek Decedent

Lisa M. Nentwig, Esq. Dilworth Paxson LLP 1500 Market Street, Suite 3500E Philadelphia, PA 19102 Attorney

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

Shirin Kooros, whose address is 4200 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Apt. 1007, Washington, DC 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hind Sadek aka Hind Hassan Sadek who died on July 16, 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: 6/13/2024

Shirin Kooros 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

2024 ADM 000669

Joyce M. Bush Decedent

Mahsa Alaeian Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney

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

Joseph B. Bush, Jr., whose address is 536 Hamilton St., NE, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joyce M. Bush who died on March 21, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: June 13, 2024

Joseph B. Bush, Jr. 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

2024 ADM 00347

Shirley J. Riley Decedent

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

Quiana Harris, whose address is 17308 Newton Ct., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Shirley Riley who died on April 25, 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: 6/13/2024

Quiana Harris Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 585

Leander Moore

Decedent

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

Dwayne Moore, whose address is 5134 Fowler Lane, Fairfield CA 94533, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leander Moore who died on April 7th 2024 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: 6/13/2024

Dwayne Moore

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000684

Larry William Cook Sr Decedent

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

Larry William Cook Jr., whose address is 9444 Mayflower Ct., Laurel, MD 20723, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Larry William Cook Sr. who died on 2/18/2024 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: 6/13/2024

Larry William Cook Jr. 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

2024 ADM 000609

Albertha W. Cobb aka Albertha William Cobb Decedent

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

Laurie Anita Manning and Isaiah Jerome Cobb, whose addresses are 8110 Foxhall Rd., Clinton, MD 20735 and 307 15th St., NE, Washington, DC 20002, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Albertha W. Cobb aka Albertha William Cobb who died on March 18th 2024 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: 6/13/2024

Laurie Anita Manning Isaiah Jerome Cobb 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

2024 ADM 000657

Carey Edwin Brown Decedent

Tabitha R. Brown, Esq. Law Offices of Tabitha R. Brown 1200 G Street SE, Suite A Washington, DC 20003 Attorney

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

Teknika Mills, whose address is 506 Hill Road, Hyattsville, MD 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carey Edwin Brown who died on May 29, 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: 6/13/2024

Teknika Mills 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

2024 ADM 000578

Jessie Clyde Hairston Decedent

Peggy A. Miller, Esq. 5130 7th St., NE Washington, DC 20011-2625

Attorney

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

Audrey J. Hairston, whose address is 111 49th Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jessie Clyde Hairston who died on 9/3/2023 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 12/13/2024. 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 12/13/2024, 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: 6/13/2024

Audrey J. Hairston 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

2024 ADM 632

Calvin Lorenzo Williams Decedent

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

Ricky Williams, whose address is 11705 Thrift Road, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Calvin Lorenzo Williams who died on March 2, 2024 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 12/6/2024. 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 12/6/2024, 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: 6/6/2024

Ricky Williams Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

CROWELL from Page 26

have enacted laws to cap payday lending interest rates at about 36% annual percentage rate (APR), or required other measures to eliminate long-term debt traps for consumers. Further, since 2005, no state has authorized the expansion of traditional storefront payday lending.

But for the remaining states without reasonable rate caps, triple-digit interest on payday loans continues. Many of these states also have large numbers of minority residents. For example, Texas allows payday APRs as high as 662%, similar to Missouri (652%), Mississippi (572%), Wisconsin (537%), and Nevada (548%).

Against this backdrop, it remains important for CFPB's work in support of financial fairness to continue. Consumer advocates' reactions to this key decision were understandably jubilant.

Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, broadly considered the chief

LAWS from Page 26 their dream of homeownership.

That's why we offer a range of educational programs and resources to help individuals and families navigate the homebuying process with confidence. From workshops on budgeting and credit counseling sessions on fair hous-

MARSHALL from Page 26

premacy.

As the residents of Greenwood gained a strong foothold within the City of Tulsa, it came with power and potential to effect meaningful economic and social change. As a result, the socioeconomic progress of Blacks in the Greenwood District became a major threat to the city's white-dominated power structure. The upper-class lifestyle of Greenwood residents was a slap in the face to the Black inferiority narrative given by many whites. When an angry white mob destroyed Black business establishments and homes, it was to ensure that white superiority would always be maintained. Throughout history, there have been three American eras of reconstruction. The first reconstruction marks the period immediately following the end of the Civil War. It saw the defeat of the Confederacy, the emancipation of formerly enslaved people, and the rise of discriminatory laws such as Black codes aimed at restricting economic, educational, and social advancement for Blacks. The Black Wall Street massacre occurred during this time. The second reconstruction is known as the

strategist for CFPB's creation during the Obama administration, said the court decision is a noteworthy development:

"For the last decade, the consumer agency has fought the big banks and predatory lenders that try to cheat hardworking people. As of this week, the CFPB has returned more than $20 billion in ill-gotten funds to American families," said Warren. "This isn't the last attack on the CFPB we'll see from Wall Street, the banks, and their Republican allies. … The CFPB will keep on doing its work to slash junk fees, fight giant banks when they cheat people, and level the playing field for everyone in this country."

Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould, senior strategist at Faith in Action and founding member of Faith for Just Lending, said the ruling was as much a moral victory as it was a victory for public policy.

"This Supreme Court decision, which aligns with the moral compass of Proverbs 22:22, has sided with the least

ing rights, we're here to support you every step of the way.

We also work closely with local partners and organizations to promote fair housing practices and advocate for policies that ensure equal housing opportunities for all. Clearly, when we come together as a community, we can create a brighter future for everyone.

civil rights movement, which started at the end of WWII and continued through the late 1960s. It culminated with the end of legal racial segregation. Some historians and sociologists mark the election of President Barack Obama, the first president of color, as the start of the third reconstruction. It also covers the rise of racial and social justice movements like Black Lives Matter with its ensuing backlash. The backlash to the Obama presidency is in the form of the weakening of the Voting Rights Act by the Supreme Court and the flurry of voter suppression laws in states nationwide. The overall attack against DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) is a hostile response to the George Floyd movement.

During the first two reconstruction eras, the Black church was considered the center and heart of the Black community. According to the research of Professor Henry Louis Gates, Black churches were the first institutions built by Black people and run independently of white society. The church provided a refuge for a people systematically brutalized by slavery and then by Jim Crow racism. Leaders from Black churches were at the forefront of the fight for justice. Today, the in-

of these by protecting the CFPB. This decision is a testament to our shared commitment to not rob the poor because they are poor and to not crush those in need in court," Gould said.

And for the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), Nadine Chabrier, the center's senior policy and litigation counsel, said this consumer victory should be used as a springboard for even more consumer protection efforts.

"Even with this decision, we must keep fighting to defend our consumer watchdog agency in the courts and in Congress as some industry actors sue and lobby to preserve illegal financial discrimination, billions in unlawful junk fees, and other exploitative behavior," Chabrier said. "The nonstop crusade to undermine the CFPB goes against the wishes of the American people, who overwhelmingly support the CFPB's work. The anti-CFPB campaign is an attempt to throw sand in the gears of financial justice and it must be rejected." WI

So, whether you're just starting your journey to homeownership or you're already on the path, remember the importance of financial literacy and fair housing. They're not just buzzwords. They're the keys to unlocking the door to your dream home. And at First Home Alliance, we're here to help you make that happen. WI

fluence of the Black church is declining. Nearly half of Black millennials and Gen-Zers seldom or never attend church. If the third reconstruction involves the rise of a social justice movement, then there needs to be a social justice revival within the Black church. A revival that balances tradition and legacy with an evolving 2024 society. The third reconstruction will have a long-lasting impact on younger generations. One powerful lesson from the Greenwood District is unity. The lesson is "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link." The weakest link becomes the point of failure. The Greenwood residents understood that they had to depend upon the success of each individual and each group in becoming a strong, self-sustained unit. When the Greenwood District was destroyed, they destroyed the prototype model from which other communities could follow in becoming prosperous. Communities nationwide may no longer have the captive marketplace due to segregation; however, Black residents can still maintain the desire and commitment to support Black businesses, banks, and newspapers. WI

Each week you’ll get news from The District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia.

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WILLIAMS from Page 27

Rock 9 children on the first day of school at the segregated Central High School. Of course, the students were not welcomed and did not get into Central High that day.

I met Janice Kearney, who is the author of a book about the situation. She's a former personal diarist to President Bill Clinton and a former publisher who revived the Arkansas Weekly Press founded by L.C. and Daisy Bates. Their paper once had a nationwide readership

MORIAL from Page 27

preventing crime is the chief motivation behind this bill, however. Earlier this year, even as violent crime rates were falling, Louisiana rolled back criminal justice reforms that had saved the state more than $150 million.

Severe sentences do not deter crime, retribution often does not help survivors of crime heal, and the U.S. sentencing system overestimates who is a current danger to the community and when incarceration is needed for public

JEALOUS from Page 27

current pipeline plans, is owned by one of the state's largest GOP donors and one of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' biggest benefactors: Bruce Rastetter.

In 2023, as Kim Junker spoke at a rally on the steps of the state capitol in support of that year's version of the eminent domain bill, a member of the crowd shouted out that if the bill passed in the Senate, "those people won't get any money from Bruce!" The knowing laughter from the crowd at that sad and frustrating reality showed that Rastetter's influence is hardly a well-kept secret among Iowans.

The CO2 pipelines in question are part of a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, to help capture carbon emissions from the many ethanol plants across the states and pipe them out of state for deep underground storage. There are many reasons why CCS pipelines are not a good solution for curbing carbon emissions. Not the least of which is that the pipelines themselves are dangerous. The pressure required to liquify CO2 for pipeline transport is immense — three times the pressure

of thousands. She also published a creative nonfiction book on the life of civil rights legend Daisy Bates, "A Rock and a Hard Place."

Ms. Sarah Davidson grew up in Arkansas and knows a lot about Ms. Bates' work to integrate the schools. She was a civil rights advocate and social justice fighter at an early age. Her contributions became a catalyst that would change the course of history in her hometown. She was mentored by Ms. Bates, established North Little Rock's first NAACP Youth

safety, as a Vera Institute of Justice report makes clear.

Just as State Sen. Royce Duplessis noted when Louisiana was in the process of rolling back its effective criminal justice reforms, the state continues to prioritize political grandstanding over effective public safety.

"We could have actually done a lot of things to prevent crime on the front end, instead of continuing to advance policies that do great for campaigns, but do very little to actually prevent crime," he said. WI

required for liquifying natural gas. That creates a dangerous possibility of pipeline ruptures. Any amount of water getting into the pipelines can react with the CO2 to weaken them. Intense storms, which are getting worse and more frequent due to climate change, can threaten pipeline stability. A pipeline explosion can turn the pipeline itself into shrapnel. And then there is the toxic air pollution.

In 2020, a plume of CO2 from a ruptured nearby pipeline settled over Satarcia, Mississippi. Residents felt the effects within minutes. More than 200 were evacuated and 45 people were hospitalized. Experts say it was incredibly lucky no one died. Three years later, some residents reported still dealing with residual health issues like severe asthma attacks, headaches, muscle tremors, and trouble concentrating.

The CO2 pipelines also harm the soil and reduce crop yields — a major concern for farmers. And for people like the Junkers, who have worked hard to own and maintain their land, the threat of losing their land is perhaps the worst dagger in the heart.

Junker says if these eminent do-

Council and served as its first president. She was strongly touched seeing the four Black women with memorials in the U.S. Capitol and was honored to participate in the unveiling of the memorial. She was nominated by former Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln to serve on a congressional task force for a memorial to slaves who helped to build the U.S. Capitol — a significant fact often forgotten in our history. Let's VOTE TO REMEDY THAT! WI

Earlier this year, even as violent crime rates were falling, Louisiana rolled back criminal justice reforms that had saved the state more than $150 million.

main claims to Iowans' land were for a public good, it might be a different story — "if it was a road or bridge, or something that was a necessity … but it's not. It's not for the public good." She calls it a "scam."

"They're going to use our tax dollars to steal our land from us… they're getting all these tax credits and subsidies to do this. We pay for that."

Perhaps the clearest lesson from this fight goes back to Kim Junker's point about money and power. People across this country are consistent that they want more examples of bipartisan agreement and progress. Well here it is. But Big Money's influence in our politics will not let us have it.

Yet, in a battle between organized people and organized money, when the people are truly organized, the people can win. And the Iowans fighting the pipelines and the use of eminent domain for their construction are extremely organized. They are making progress. And they are growing their movement across different communities and viewpoints. It is for these reasons I believe they will ultimately win.

WI

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