The Washington Informer - June 20, 2024

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

On its second reading, the D.C. Council unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024 on Wednesday, June 12, thus (almost) concluding a budget season defined by concerns about growing expenditures and what the future holds for a jurisdiction bouncing back from a pandemic.

The council’s vote on the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act of 2024 is tentatively scheduled for June 25.

In his opening remarks, D.C. Council Chairman Mendelson said this budget season proved to be difficult due to what he described as inaccuracies on the part of

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Hospitality Workers Secure New Contract with Salary Increase, Benefits Workers Reflect on the Power of Union Organizing

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

With the ratification of a new contract, thousands of local hospitality workers averted a strike and what would’ve been years of labor disputes with industry leaders.

Throughout much of Thursday, more than 1,000 hotel and restaurant workers voted on, and overwhelmingly approved, a four-year contract that their union, UNITE HERE Local 25, spent several months solidifying with more than 20 District hotels and restaurants.

Provisions of that contract include a more-than-25% wage increase over four years, medical, vision, and dental coverage for workers and their families, an expanded pension package, no combination of job duties, and the guarantee of a positive work environment.

For some workers, like Angela Jones, the contract represented the end of a treacherous journey that started during the pandemic.

“We have not had a raise since COVID,” said Jones, a food service aide at Marriott Marquis in Northwest.

She explained the hard times the pandemic presented and continued challenges.

“Some of us didn’t even work. It was miserable, especially if you were used to getting up every day with something to do,” Jones continued as she reflected on the significance of the new contract. “We need extra [money] and we need our pension. It means stability and something we can count on when we leave without running out of our savings.”

In total, UNITE HERE Local 25 represents 6,500 housekeepers, servers, stew-

HOSPITALITY Page 46

As Advanced Technical Center Prepares for Expansion, D.C. Students Celebrate Successes

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As the 2023-2024 school year wraps up, Syieda Tomlinson continues to look back on what she calls an academic experience that made her goal of becoming an obstetrician more of a reality. For months, Syieda spent two days out of the school week traveling between her home in Ward 7 and the Advanced Technical Center (ATC) in Northeast. At the ATC, she and other D.C. public and public charter school students complete nurs -

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Celebrating 59 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.

5Shortly after announcing a $9.5 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies that will expand the Advanced Technical Center on June 7, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) takes a tour of the facility, housed within the Lemuel Penn Center in Northeast. (Photo by E. Watson/EDI)

5(Front Row) Hong Nguyen, Gregory Wilkins and Hamidu Jalloh Laurore voted on the new contract that UNITE HERE Local 25 negotiated with more than 20 District hotels and restaurants. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

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wi hot topics

Baltimore Shipping Channel Finally Cleared

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that the shipping channel into Baltimore has been fully reopened on June 10, following its closure due to the tragic Key Bridge collapse on March 26, which killed six maintenance crew workers working on the roadway, The collapse occurred after a container ship, the Dali, collided with the structure in the wee hours of that late March day. Following the collapse, the channel remained blocked for more than two months and over 50,000 tons of metal had to be removed. Broken pieces of the Key Bridge had to be dislodged and the Dali was moved out of the channel.

“With the channel now fully open, we can get more Marylanders back to work at the Port of Baltimore, increase the flow of commerce through the city, and accelerate our economic recovery,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) in a statement released by his office. “But our work is not over until

we rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge.”

More than 30,000 vehicles a day traversed the Key Bridge, which served as the quickest route for trucks transporting hazardous materials that aren’t allowed in Baltimore’s underground tunnels.

The Biden Administration, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Maryland Democrats agree on the federal government covering the full cost of the repair, which is expected to take years and cost billions of dollars.

“President Biden was very clear, and the Maryland delegation is leading a process in Congress to make sure that it is 100% eligible,” said Secretary Buttigieg to Maryland Matters. “In the past, there has sometimes been a 90% threshold. But 100% is both the delegation and the administration’s view.”

In addition Delaware Senator Tom Carper (D), who chairs the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee, is visiting the Key Bridge site as his committee considers legislation to fund the rebuilding effort. WI

Former President Trump Endorses Republican Nominee Hogan

Former President and presumed Republican nominee Donald Trump said in an interview on June 13 that he “hopes Hogan wins” in an effort to flip the Senate from Democratic control to a Republican majority.

However some experts worry Trump is deeply unpopular in Maryland, and tying his toxic brand to Hogan is unlikely to help him build the bipartisan coalition he needs to win in the deep-blue state.

The former governor’s campaign and Maryland Republicans have attempted to downplay the significance

of that support, noting that Hogan has been a critic of some of Trump’s worst behaviors as both a senatorial candidate and elected official.

“Governor Hogan has been clear he is not supporting President Trump, just as he didn’t in 2016 and 2020,” said Hogan campaign spokesman Michael Ricci in an official statement.

The Maryland Democratic Party and the campaign of Democratic Senate nominee Angela Alsobrooks were quick to tie Hogan to Trump’s quest for a Republican legislative majority.

“Donald Trump wants Larry Hogan because Trump

Ahead of June Debate, Biden-Harris Campaign’s ‘Character Matters’ Ads Highlights Central Dynamic of the Race

In the lead-up to the June 27 presidential debate, the Biden-Harris campaign has unveiled a $50 million paid media blitz, ramping up attempts to secure the crucial Black and minority voting bloc that could be the difference in the contest between President Joe Biden and the twice-impeached former President Donald Trump.

Titled “Character Matters,” the new ad encapsulates the campaign’s core message: Biden is committed to serving the American people, while Trump is fixated on his own interests.

The ad emphasizes Trump’s recent legal troubles, including his conviction on 34 felony counts and liabilities for sexual assault and financial fraud. It paints Trump as a figure driven by power and revenge, contrasting sharply with Biden’s focus on lowering costs, tackling corporate greed, and improving the lives of Americans.

“Trump approaches the first debate as a convicted

felon who continues to prove that he will do anything and harm anyone if it means more power and vengeance for Donald Trump,” said Michael Tyler, the Biden-Harris 2024 communications director. “Character matters, and the President of the United States should be someone who understands that the highest office in the land is about you and your family—not a vehicle to enrich yourself.”

The June campaign’s $50 million expenditure would mark a historic investment in reaching African American, Hispanic, and Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters across battleground states.

As part of this effort, the Biden-Harris campaign plans to make its largest to-date investment in African American media through partnerships with minority-owned media outlets like the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the

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

5Larry Hogan (WI File Photo)

HOGAN

Usher Raises Awareness for Black Youth with Diabetes on the Hill

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

Celebrated singer and this year’s Super Bowl sensation Usher Raymond visited Capitol Hill on June 12, where he met with legislators to discuss diabetes and the rising costs of insulin.

“Really great to be able to be here in the city today, be able to share my story,” Raymond told reporters, as he donned a tan suit, resurrecting former President Barack Obama’s unforgettable tan suit fashion moment in history in August 2014.

The celebrity, who met with Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (D-Fla.), has been very open about his experience raising a child with type 1 diabetes.

Raymond said he was there to promote, “ early screening for type 1 diabetes.”

According to the National Institute of Health, Black youth with

HOGAN from Page 4 knows Hogan would be the deciding vote to put Republicans in charge of the U.S. Senate,” read an email sent by the Maryland Democratic Party shortly after the announcement. “It could not be more clear what is at stake."

The Alsobrooks campaign said “the stakes of this race could not get any higher.”

“Just last week, Senate Republicans shot down access to contraception. Hours ago, Senate Republicans voted against protecting IVF,” the Alsobrooks campaign wrote in a statement

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trade association representing over 250 Black-owned newspapers and media companies that comprise the 197-year-old Black Press of America.

Parallel to this, Democrats are significantly investing in state legislative races. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) has launched a $10 million “Summer of the States” campaign to bolster key state candidates. DLCC President Heather

type 1 diabetes have higher rates of hospital admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis and early mortality. The issue has been a topic of discussion for the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, whose co-chairs reintroduced the PREVENT DIABETES Act in April.

“Our bill makes CDC-recognized diabetes prevention programs more accessible to Medicare beneficiaries at risk of diabetes, particularly those in rural areas and others who may not be able to attend an in-person diabetes prevention program,” said DeGette.

“With a growing number of patients opting for virtual care, our PREVENT DIABETES Act will help more Americans learn about how they can avoid this disease.”

Diabetes was the eighth leading cause of death in the United States in recent years. According to lawmakers, the disease costs the United States $412.9 billion every year in direct and indirect costs.

I March, Sens. Raphael War-

after the former Republican president declared his support. “And just now, Donald Trump endorsed Larry Hogan so he can have a Republican majority."

Political observers, noting Trump’s unpopularity and Hogan’s past success in courting Democrats and independents, don’t believe this will assist Hogan’s campaign.

“This was a very cynical effort by Donald Trump to torpedo Larry Hogan’s chances of winning this election,” said political analyst and consultant Len Foxwell. WI

Williams emphasized state legislatures’ critical role in safeguarding Democratic priorities, especially in the face of potential Republican control of federal government branches.

“It’s a stark contrast, and it’s one that matters deeply to the American people,” Tyler said. “We will make sure that every single day we are reminding voters about how Joe Biden is fighting for them, while Donald Trump runs a campaign focused on one man and one man only: himself.” WI

nock (D-Ga.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) proposed legislation that would cap the price of insulin at $35 for everyone on private insurance, and would also extend that discount to the uninsured.

“As a pastor who has sat in waiting rooms with families and

prayed at bedsides, I know the human costs of unmanaged diabetes,” Warnock said in an interview with The Hill. “I’ve been there and prayed with people when they got the news that their loved one has to get an amputation. So there is the financial cost and there’s the

human cost of all of this.”

All parties involved are committed to furthering awareness about the efforts to ease the burden on diabetics in the coming months.

“Not my first time, won’t be my last time coming back,” Raymond declared. WI

5Singer Usher Raymond visited Capitol Hill on June 12, where he met with legislators to discuss diabetes and the rising costs of insulin. (WI File Photo)

ELECTION

AROUND THE REGION

JUNE 20

1949 – Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lionel Richie is born in Tuskegee, Alabama.

1960 – Harry Belafonte becomes the first African American to win an Emmy Award for his special "Tonight with Harry Belafonte."

1967 – Muhammad Ali is convicted in federal court of violating the Selective Service Act by refusing induction into the armed services. He was fined $10,000 and sentenced to five years in prison. Ali, who opposed the Vietnam War, refused to report for service on grounds of his religion of Islam.

JUNE 21

1832 – Joseph Rainey, the first African American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, is born.

1927 – Former Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes, the first African American elected mayor of a major city, is born.

1945 – Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. becomes the first African American to command a U.S. Army Air Corps base.

JUNE 22

1937 – Famed boxer Joe Louis knocks out James J. Braddock in the eighth round at Chicago's Comiskey Park to win the heavyweight title.

JUNE 23

1940 – Sprinter Wilma Rudolph, winner of three gold medals at the 1960 Summer Olympics, is born. 1948 – Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who succeeded Thurgood Marshall as the second African American to serve on the court, is born in Pin Point, Georgia.

JUNE 20 - 26, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

1997 – Betty Shabazz, widow of Malcolm X, dies at 61 from burns suffered three weeks earlier in a house fire set by her grandson.

JUNE 24

1936 – Mary McLeod Bethune officially joins the National Youth Administration staff as director of the Division of Negro Affairs, becoming the first Black woman to head a department of a federal agency. 1968 – Police shut down a tent city set up on the National Mall in D.C. by the Poor People's Campaign, an anti-poverty movement organized by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and led by Ralph Abernathy after King's assassination. The demonstration, which had gone on for six weeks, brought thousands to the Mall, and nearly 300 protesters, including Abernathy, were arrested once the tent city was removed.

JUNE 25

1941 – The Marine Corps formally integrates after President Roosevelt signs Executive Order 8802 prohibiting racial discrimination in the national defense industry.

1975 – Mozambique gains its independence from Portugal.

JUNE 26

1938 – Author, lyricist, poet and educator James Weldon Johnson, who wrote the lyrics of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" — known as the Negro national anthem — dies.

1995 – Former NASA astronaut Bernard Harris, the first African American to walk in space, is born. 1992 – "My Guy" singer Mary Wells, "The Queen of Motown," dies of cancer at

MARY WELLS

AROUND THE REGION

view

PAMELA CLINCY / CLERMONT, FLA. Walking and music.

KEVIN ROBINSON / WASHINGTON, D.C.

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

LESLIE WERTS/ HERNDON, VA.

For me, it’s positive self-talk, music and dance, walks, and comedy. In

I do moving meditation, still meditation, running, and eating clean (plenty of veggies).

BRIANNA TURNER / HOUSTON, TEXAS

Grounding. Fresh air. Reflecting on God’s goodness. Alone time.

L. BABALOLA / BURLESON, TEXAS

My home gym. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears have fallen in there. It is my church.

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Capital Book Fest Attracts Hundreds to Support D.C. Students' Reading Skills

By D.R. Barnes WI Publisher

Improving reading levels among D.C. students that are lower than the national average is a rallying call for community organizations like Turning the Page (TTP), which held its Third Annual Capital Book Fest on Saturday, June 15, at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza in Northwest.

Sandwiched between several Juneteenth events along Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., the seven-hour book fest attracted hundreds of parents led by their children who stopped to read books, create art projects, listen to stories, and participate in spelling bees.

Jason King of TTP said he was “thrilled” at how well the event was received by local sponsors, including the Downtown DC BID, the

5

Reagan Building and International Trade Center, several local businesses, such as the Washington Nationals and The Washington Informer, and groups offering an array of education resources for families with children of all ages and abilities.

Incorporated in 1998, TTP has distributed close to 120,000 books to help build home libraries for DCPS children and families. Turning the Page is a non-profit organization that focuses on schools in Wards 7 and 8, and it continues to link public school students, their families, and the community with resources and programming leading to a high-quality education.

The Capital Book Fest also included discount sales of hundreds of children’s books which also serves as an annual TTP fundraiser.

“The event also presented opportunities for collaboration among groups in D.C.,” King said, highlighting expressions of support for an even larg-

er event next year with the National Children’s Museum, also located on the plaza. “We will want to also find ways to expand The Washington Informer spelling bee in schools located in Wards 7 and 8,” King added, where Turning the Page focuses its programs benefiting local families.

Washington Informer Charities was also a book fest participant.

Sixteen authors, presented by The Children’s Book Guild of Washington, D.C., shared learning activities with the children who stopped by their booths and sold signed copies of their books.

Nancy Johnson James, a children’s author and local teacher, shared three books: “Brown: The Many Shades of Love” (2020), “Black: The Many Wonders of My World” (2022), and “Blue: The Many Ways I Feel” (2023), respectively.

James said her books are for everyone, but they are aimed at early childhood readers between 4 and 7 years.

“Reading,” she said, “helps to expand a person’s thinking. You can get out of your own reality, especially if you’re curious, adventurous, and brave in what you’re reading, you can get beyond your reality and start to imagine what’s beyond your day-to-day.” WI

3Children's author Mayonn Paawewe-Valchev joined 16 local authors who sold and autographed books at the Capital Book Fest visitors on Saturday, June 15 at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza in D.C. (D.R. Barnes/ The Washington Informer)

5Angie Johnson promotes the annual Washington Informer Spelling Bee to future participants at the Capital Book Fest on Saturday, June 15 at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza in D.C. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)

Hundreds of families attended the Capital Book Fest on Saturday, June 15 at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza in Northwest. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)

Trump’s Return to Capitol Hill Draws Protests and Democratic Criticism

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Former President Donald Trump’s return to Capitol Hill on Thursday, June 13, sparked significant backlash, with critics condemning his appearance at the site of the deadly January 6, 2021, attack—a violent insurrection by his supporters.

Trump has refused to take responsibility for his role in the attack on the Capitol, or his conduct generally, even though a New York jury found him guilty of 34 felony criminal charges last month in connection with paying hush money to cover up an extramarital affair with an adult film star.

In total, Trump faces nearly 90 felony charges in four jurisdictions, including Washington, D.C.

Outside the Capitol, several protesters gathered, carrying signs with messages such as “Failed Coup” and “No One is Above the Law,” displaying some of the public’s lingering outrage over Trump’s actions and his return to the scene of the insurrection.

Democratic leaders were particularly vocal about Trump’s visit.

“Three years after waging a continual war on our democracy, Donald Trump, a convicted criminal, returns to Capitol Hill to hang out with the very same MAGA extremists who acted as his proxies on January 6,” said Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett. “Trump and his cronies attacked our free and fair elections, they attacked our peaceful transition of power, and they attacked our Capitol – and the American people are fighting back at the ballot box to defend democracy.”

She also emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections, advocating for Hakeem Jeffries as the next Speaker to restore order in the House and reaffirming support for President Joe Biden.

Former January 6 Select Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi echoed Crockett’s sentiments, expressing his

dismay at Trump’s audacity to revisit the Capitol.

“After inciting a deadly insurrection that defiled the halls of Congress, how dare Trump show his face on these grounds,” Thompson asserted.

He lambasted Congressional Republicans for allowing Trump’s visit and stressed that Trump remains a significant threat to democracy.

“Since January 6, Donald Trump, a twice-impeached convicted felon, has repeatedly doubled down on his disrespect for the rule of law and continues to sow hate and division,” Thompson demanded. “He still presents the same dire threat to our democracy that he did three years ago — and he’d be wise to head back to Mara-Lago and await his sentencing.”

California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff also decried Trump’s meeting with the “same MAGA Republicans who enabled his assault on democracy and supported his extremist policies and authoritarian agenda.”

“The American people can’t afford another four years of Trump and his allies destroying our democracy to maintain their grip on power,” Schiff protested. “Every Republican meeting today with Donald Trump – who has promised to be a dictator on day one if he’s elected and prophesied a bloodbath if he’s not – should commit today to accept the results of November’s free and fair election, but of course, they will not. Nothing means more to them than power — not oath, not truth, not decency, not democracy.

Nothing. We must hope and pray that they do not reap the despotic whirlwind they attempt to sow.”

Approximately 140 police officers were assaulted on January 6 at the Capitol, including about 80 from the U.S. Capitol Police and 60 from the Metropolitan Police Department. Five officers died after the attack.

Trump— whom a civil jury found responsible for sexually as-

AROUND THE REGION

saulting a writer, and a separate court found liable for nearly $500 million in business fraud— still faces several serious charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Some of the charges include: conspiracy to violate civil rights, conspiracy to defraud the government, corrupt obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding.

“Today, [Trump] arrived at the scene of the crime and continues to throw fuel on the flame,” added Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California. “He inspired an angry mob to try to overturn our Constitution, and I wonder if the ex-President has even read the document himself. I learned during the January 6th investigation to take Mr. Trump at his word, and his unhinged comments about democracy and America's future make it clear that he is a threat to our system of government.”

WI

5Protestors took to Capitol Hill to protest former President Donald Trump’s return to Capitol Hill, on Thursday, June 12, many of whom noted he has yet to take responsibility for his role in the January 6, 2021 insurrection. (WI File Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

(L-R) Manon P. Matchea, Tambra Raye Stevenson, and Franciel Ikeji reading the latest news in The Washington Informer Newspaper. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Metropolitan A.M.E. Church celebrates the 2024 31st Annual Scholarship winners. pictured with Deinse-Rolark Barnes (Center) Croix Ellison, Zahara Ford, Joyce Hebou, Jeffrey James, Logan O` Neal, Amber Primus, Justin Stephenson, Duane Sylvestre, and Michala Woodruff. (Photo by Roy Lewis)

AROUND THE REGION

Local Leaders Discuss Importance of Juneteenth, Emphasize Holiday as a Call-to-Action to Continue Justice Fight

By Hamil Harris WI Contributing Writer

This piece was originally published with the Trice Edney Newswire and has been edited for clarity and brevity.

On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Texas were notified of their already earned freedom– a moment marking the official end of American chattel slavery, though President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation two-and-a-half years prior. From 1865, until today, local and national leaders note that Juneteenth is a party with a purpose.

“Texas was one of the Southern Confederate States that was forced to free its enslaved who were still in bondage,” said Ayo Handy-Kendi, founder of the DMV-based organization African American Holiday Association. “The people celebrated in such a way that the celebration continues today.”

While President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021, community leaders and activists are emphasizing the importance of looking at the celebration as a day to not only commemorate a pivotal moment in American history, but continue the long, hard fight for racial equity and justice.

“Juneteenth has always been a holiday to help us focus on self-determination, and I believe this is a good holiday to influence this nation,” said the Rev. Tony Lee, pastor of Community of Hope AME Church in Temple Hills, Maryland.

The DMV-based pastor emphasized the importance of intergenerational engagement when continuing the freedom fight.

“Young adults will be engaged if activists take their messages to the people,” Lee said. “In Maryland, we had a night club tour where we went into area night clubs and talked about the importance of voting and self-determination.”

Whether through events, programming, activism or art, community leaders are looking for

5The Rev. Bill Lee (left), the Rev. Tony Lee, pastor of Community of Hope AME Church (center), and Melanie Campbell (right), president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, at an event to increase voting in the Black community in May. Pastor Lee and Cambell both emphasize he importance of commemorating Juneteenth’s history and using the day to continue fighting for justice. (WI File Photo/ Cleveland Nelson)

exciting ways to engage the masses surrounding the story of Juneteenth, and offering a call-to-action to push for a more liberated society.

Handy-Kendi produced a one-woman play called “Juneteenth Freedom Sagas.”

“[The production] tells the true story of Juneteenth and other emancipation stories through the lens of those who held the enslaved in bondage and further speaks to the liberation stories today,” she said.

Dr. Frank Smith, founder of the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum, is passionate about preserving, sharing and celebrating the history of slavery, Black participation in the Civil War, and commemorations such as Juneteenth.

He said there even needs to be more holidays in addition to Juneteenth.

“We can’t have too many holidays to celebrate the freedom of African Americans,” he said. “I think it is important to call attention to the fact that it is a long

struggle, and people are still fighting to retain the right to vote because state after state is trying to make it more difficult for people to have the right to vote.”

Smith, who in 1960 was one of the leaders of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, taking part in one of the bloodiest chapters of the Civil Rights movement, said that people must continue to keep pushing beyond the hard-fought gains of the past.

“I am a little concerned that we are going to let this thing slip through our fingers,” he said.

Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation, said among the greatest tributes to Juneteenth will be learning from its history, particularly as American citizens approach a general election in November.

“We celebrate, but we [must] learn from history,” Cambell said. “We need to take this moment right now to learn because we all don’t have our right to vote, right to learn and women don’t have right to choose.” WI

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVES

CURFEW ZONES, CIGAR LOUNGES

Councilmember Edward Burroughs’ bill to allow business owners to create new curfew zones has passed the Prince George’s County Council, and awaits enactment by Police Chief Malik Aziz to become law.

In late April, a curfew was imposed for the National Harbor area following a large fight, and currently remains in place.

The council also voted unanimously to allow cigar lounges in the county, an upscale entertainment option that usually offers fine liquors and cigars for clients in a space with air purifiers.

Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D- At Large) described the lounges as a good place to relax and watch sports while enjoying a cigar.

5 The Prince

“We think that there is a missing economic attractiveness to cigar lounges in Prince George’s County. There’s investment waiting to come to Prince George’s County,” said Bowie resident Mike Lyles, who testified during the hearing. “We found that it has helped a lot of minority and Black businesses who are in this space to be successful.”

County Council is considering legislation that would require gun shops and shooting ranges to display information about gun safety and mental health. (Rob Roberts/The Washington Informer)

The council is considering a bill that would require gun shops to

Prince George’s County Capture the Moment

By Anthony Tilghman and Richard Elliott WI Photographer and WI Contributing Writer

Keith Sydnor’s 2023 election as Laurel’s first Black mayor was an important milestone, but only part of the community’s African-American voting history.

The Laurel Museum hosted a temporary exhibit “Visions and Voices” to celebrate the electoral accomplishments of Laurel’s Black community.

The exhibit explored some of the highlights and perspectives of African Americans who ran for city office. WI

4 Martin Mitchell, former Laurel Councilmember At-Large, stands in front of his campaign sign. He ran for Mayor in 2023 and was unsuccessful. The Laurel Museum’s newest temporary exhibit “Visions and Voices 1920-2023, the African American Voting Experience is running from February 16 through June 16, 2024. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

display and distribute pamphlets with information on firearm safety and mental health. Councilmember Krystal Oriadha (D- District 7), who is sponsoring the bill, named it after Grant Colefield, who tragically took his life with a gun provided at a shooting range.

“We’re not asking for anyone to be impacted financially. We’re asking that everyone, all of us in our community, open our eyes and pay attention to issues that are harming us,” said Colefield’s uncle Jeffrey Grant, while testifying on the bill. “We’re not asking for anyone to be harmed financially, or to be put in an uncomfortable place. We just would like for everyone to actually have the opportunity to address our issues in our community in a safe and respectful way.”

WI

GOV. MOORE ANNOUNCES MOU WITH NASA GODDARD

On May 29, Governor Wes Moore (D) announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NASA Goddard’s Space Flight Center.

"NASA and MEDCO are synon-

ymous with innovation, growth, discovery, and strength. Today, the State of Maryland reaffirms our commitment to these principles, and others, by investing in this partnership," said Gov. Moore. "Maryland is ready to lead, and by standing united with our partners in both the public and private sector, we will make Maryland more competitive and position our state to win the decade.”

Under the MOU, the Department of Commerce and NASA will collaborate to promote technology transfer, STEM education, aerospace industry development and community outreach. This will include raising awareness of resources such as Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer funding.

In addition, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) will host business outreach events in partnership with Commerce and NASA in Prince George’s County and the Lower Eastern Shore.

“Maintaining and growing Maryland’s strategic advantage in the aerospace industry requires collaboration with our formidable partners at facilities like the Goddard Space Flight Center,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson, the state’s first Black Secretary of Commerce. “We’re thrilled to sign this agreement, which will support NASA’s innovative work and help make our state more competitive.”

WI

OUR STREETS, OUR FUTURE INITIATIVE BEGINS

State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D) announced the start of her annual summer initiative “Our Streets, Our Future Initiative,” will kick off on Saturday, June 22 in Forestville.

The event, as part of the state’s attorney’s anti-gun violence and prevention campaign, marks the fourth year she has led this community partnership to keep streets safe.

This initiative aims to provide communal events, community walks, and other activities to address and prevent gun violence in Prince George’s County, while also providing resources such as mentorship and job opportunities.

Past rallies have had basketball tournaments and featured local media and radio partnerships.

WI

George’s

Mel Franklin Announces Resignation from Prince George’s Council

Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Former Democratic Prince George’s County Councilmember Mel Franklin, announced his resignation from the Council on Friday, June 14, effective on June 15, leaving a vacant at-large seat with two years left in the term.

Franklin served as a council member representing District 9 from December 2010 until December 2018, when he became an at-large representative.

“We thank Councilmember Franklin for his years of dedication, hard work, and service. He’s authored numerous pieces of legislation that have significantly shaped Prince George’s County, and his knowledge and expertise have been invaluable in guiding the Council

over many years. His presence will be greatly missed,” said County Council Administrator Jennifer Jenkins in a statement recently shortly after his announcement.

It is not currently known why Franklin resigned, but he has been participating virtually for the majority of the current legislative term.

This is not the first time in recent history a sitting council member resigned.

Councilmembers Monique Anderson-Walker and Dereck Leon Davis resigned from their posts on the council during the previous term. When Anderson-Walker vacated her seat, a special election was held that longtime School Board Member Edward Burroughs III won. Davis’ seat was filled via Council appointment.

There is nearly two years until

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

the next Council election and thus, his seat is likely to be filled via special election, which must be held within the next 60 days, per county rules. No candidates, as of yet, have publicly announced their interest in the seat.

“We are committed to a smooth transition for the benefit of our residents. The process to fill the vacancy on the Council will begin promptly with the scheduling of a special election. Further details will be provided soon,” Jenkins continued.

WI

4 On June 14, Councilmember Mel Franklin (D- At Large) announced his decision to resign from the County Council. The vacancy will be filled via special election. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

Visit mypgc.us/clearthecurb for more information.

Curbside electronics recycling and scrap metal pickups are available every third Monday of the month, by appointment only.

Increase of curbside bulky trash items from two (2) to four (4) on weekly collection day.

Collection day changes for some residents. Visit bit.ly/PGCcollectiondaylookup to verify day of service.

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

LIERMAN TO SPEAK AT PRINCE GEORGE’S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENT

Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman will deliver opening remarks at the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Forum “Collaboration for Better Business” Forum that will take place on June 28.

The event will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction, located at 5850 University Research Court in College Park, Maryland.

The forum, held annually, is designed to create a platform for discussion, communication and exchange of ideas on regional focus areas that impact our local economy and learn about the chamber’s role in advancing the interests of businesses and creating wealth for Prince George’s County. The forum will explore issues and forces driving transformational change across economies, industries, and global issues bringing business

briefs

professionals together, community leaders, academics, and stakeholders to learn about strategies.

For more information, visit pgcoc.org. WI

ADDITIONAL YEAR OF CERTIFICATION FOR WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES

On May 20, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a program update to firms participating in the Women Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program.

The announcement provided SBA certified Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB) an additional year of eligibility to those firms whose three-year certification renewal date occurs between June 1 and May 31, 2025. This means WOSB Program participants whose renewal date is on or between June 1 and May 31, 2025, will not need to complete a three-year renewal until June 1, 2025.

Firms that have already submitted a renewal application and their three-year expiration date on or between June 1 and May 31, 2025, these recertification applications will be administratively removed by SBA. Participants must continue to meet the WOSB or EDWOSB requirements of all times while certified.

Specifically, firms should remain aware of the regulation at 13 C.F.R. at 127.401: Once certified, a WOSB or EDWOSB must notify the SBA of any material changes that could affect its eligibility within 30 calendar days of any such change.

“Material changes include but are not limited to, a change in

the ownership, business structure, or management,” according to the SBA.

The notification must be in writing and must be uploaded into the concern’s profile with SBA.

Additionally, the method for notifying SBA can be found on WOSB. Certify.

A concern’s failure to notify SBA of such material change may result in decertification and removal from SAM and DSBS (or any successor system) at a designated certified WOSB/EDWOSB concern. WI

U.S. SBA ANNOUNCES 7 (A) WORKING CAPITAL PILOT PROGRAM

U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman recently announced the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot Program (WCP).

The WCP offers a newly structured line of credit, made by 7(a) lenders and backed by the SBA, designed to give greater flexibility than a traditional term loan.

“Small businesses require working capital through competitively-priced lines of credit to operate efficiently and fund their pursuit of growth opportunities—which is why the SBA is meeting the market needs, especially in a higher interest rate environment, by adding the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot Program to our suite of loan products,” said Guzman.

The pilot program represents a change and expansion of the SBA’s

loan programs by adding a line of credit product with an innovative fee structure, designed to increase flexibility for small businesses and lenders, thus providing more options when structuring an instrument to meet specific business needs.

The Transaction-Based WCP will let small businesses fund individual projects or orders, enabling access to working capital earlier in the sales cycle.

Asset-Based WCP loans will provide small businesses with a cost-effective way to access working capital against their assets, allowing small businesses to better manage their cash flow while also supporting supply chain resiliency.

For small businesses participating in the global marketplace, the WCP is designed to support both domestic and international sales under one facility.

For small businesses participating in the Home Energy Rebate Programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the WCP provides a new solution to help companies ramp up capacity and mobilize service.

For more information, visit sba.gov. WI

MARKUS GREEN TEAMS WITH MOTLEY RICE

One of the nation’s largest plaintiffs’ litigation firms, Motley Rice LLC, has entered into a consulting agreement with District attorney Markus Green of MG Law

& Consulting based in Northwest. Green will collaborate with Motley Rice regarding its representation of state attorneys general, other governmental agencies and municipalities seeking to protect their residents, patients, consumers, and public funds. Leveraging his extensive global experience, Green will also work with Motley Rice’s human rights and abuse attorneys.

“Markus understands the special responsibilities and requirements needed to assist government enforcers in complex, lengthy litigations. His values are aligned with Motley Rice’s mission to support our clients’ cases that not only pursue recoveries and remediations but also advance the law, make markets fairer and help save lives,” said Motley Rice member Linda Singer, who served as attorney general of the District from January 2, 2007 to January 5, 2008. Green explained that this new opportunity affords him the opportunity to continue his mission of helping others.

“Consulting with Motley Rice allows me to continue to do work that truly matters, helping the most vulnerable members in our society,” said Green, a former leading attorney with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and the treasurer of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Board of Directors. “This strategic arrangement creates an opportunity for me to fully marshal my experiences, knowledge and networks while firmly dwelling at the intersection of passion and purpose.”

He expressed his excitement in beginning this venture with the firm.

“Motley Rice has a proven track record representing those harmed and consistently takes on big issues for marginalized populations,” Green continued. “The opportunity to work alongside another fierce advocate for justice is simply exhilarating.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

3Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman is set to deliver opening remarks at the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Forum on June 28. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

5District attorney Markus Green of MG Law & Consulting has entered a consulting agreement with Motley Rice LLC. (Courtesy Photo)

Forbes Center Sold for $86 Million by DSC Partners LLC

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

DSC Partners LLC purchased Lanham’s 17-building Forbes Center for $86,000,000, adding nearly 800,000 feet of industrial and office space to their existing 1.5 million square feet of real estate in the Washington metropolitan area.

“Forbes Center is an ideally suited addition to the portfolio DSC has built across the DMV, and particularly in Maryland,” said DSC partner and co-founder Doug Donatelli in a press statement. He was also excited about the site’s proximity and ease of travel to D.C.

The center, constructed in the late 1980s, was purchased on May 30 from Rockville’s BECO Management.

DSC co-founder Nicholas Smith expects to renovate certain buildings and sell the property off in several parcels, which he expects to take roughly five years.

WI

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR MODIFICATION OF DCHA’S 2024 ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is providing notice of a Public Hearing and Comment Period to solicit comments on changes the agency is considering for its 2024 Administrative Plan.

To request a copy of the proposed Administrative Plan changes, please call 771-240-4377, send an email to publiccomments@dchousing.org, or download from the DCHA website at www. dchousing.org/AdminPlan.

The Public Hearing will take place online at  5 p.m. on Thursday, June 20.

To join the live event, please visit https://www.dchousing.org/PublicHearing at that date and time, and when prompted enter 2301 859 8018 and webinar password AdminPlan. This event will also be live streamed at DC Housing Authority’s Facebook page.

Comments

Written comments regarding the proposed policy change to its 2024 Administrative Plan will be accepted through  11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024. Email your comments to  publiccomments@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 202-5351000 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.

5Lanham’s Forbes Center was sold for $86 million to DSC Partners LLC, who plan to renovate certain buildings and sell smaller parcels of the property over the next several years.(Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

NATIONAL

Lawmakers Unite to Combat Far-Right Project 2025 Initiative

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-California) has announced the formation of the Stop Project 2025 Task Force, a new working group aimed at halting the controversial Project 2025. Described by critics as a far-right roadmap designed to grant former President Donald Trump “supreme” powers, Project 2025 would radically undermine reproductive rights, LGBTQ equality, racial justice, free speech, and other democratic institutions and freedoms.

The newly formed task force will serve as a central hub for pro-democracy members of Congress, civil society, and affected communities to coordinate efforts in examining, highlighting, preempting, and counteracting the initiative.

“Project 2025 is more than an idea; it’s a dystopian plot that’s already in motion to dismantle our democratic institutions, abolish checks and balances, chip away at church-state separation, and impose a far-right agenda that infringes on basic liberties and vio-

lates public will,” Huffman said. “We need a coordinated strategy to save America and stop this coup before it’s too late.”

The Heritage Foundation, a prominent right-wing think tank, is leading Project 2025 with support from over 100 conservative groups and funding from entities like DonorsTrust. This coalition, which includes the Center for Renewing America and the Alliance Defending Freedom, seeks to dismantle democratic institutions and enforce radical policies against the majority’s will. Critics argue that the coalition, composed of election deniers and conspiracy theorists, aims to strip away rights ranging from voting to reproductive freedoms.

The Stop Project 2025 Task Force includes a diverse group of Democratic leaders who are at the forefront of many issues currently under attack.

Founding members alongside Huffman are Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu of California, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair

Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Equality Caucus and Labor Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chair Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Co-Chair of the Congressional Freethought Caucus and Ranking Member of Oversight Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.).

“Project 25 is a radical, extreme, pro-authoritarianism plan pushed by conservatives who are desperate to take our country backwards,” Lieu insisted. “It attacks our nation’s founding principles, such as our system of checks and balances, freedom of speech and of the

who want to strip away protections for minority communities, including LGBTQI+ people, and undermine the foundations of our democracy,” Rep. Pocan stated. “I look forward to working with members of this task force to thwart Project 2025’s extreme vision for the country.”

Patrick Gaspard, president of the Center for American Progress, called Project 2025 “an authoritarian playbook that threatens the system of checks and balances that has fortified American democracy for nearly 250 years.”

Project 2025 is “Donald Trump’s blueprint for destroying our democracy,” Jayapal declared.

“It attacks the very foundations that this country was built on and seeks to limit Americans’ rights to embolden MAGA extremists further. We can and must stand up to ensure that Project 2025 never sees the light of day and instead ensure that our proposition agenda, bold, progressive, and popular policies, are at the forefront,” Jayapal continued.

press, and separation of church and state.”

Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley also joined the task force.

“Project 2025 is a far-right manifesto and blueprint for Trump and Republicans to enact widespread, wholesale policy violence on everyone who calls America home,” Pressley said in a statement. “We must call that out and use every Congressional tool to push back and prevent this harmful agenda from becoming reality. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this critical task force to save our democracy and do just that.”

Project 2025 includes a comprehensive strategy with several components, such as a list of radical policy changes across the federal government, a blueprint for increasing presidential authority to implement right-wing policies, a database of right-wing ideologues ready to enforce these policies, and training programs to prepare staff for enacting the agenda. The initiative seeks to purge civil servants who are not aligned with the agenda, centralize power in the presidency, and enact harsh immigration policies.

“Project 2025 is the product of a coordinated effort by extremists

MoveOn Political Action Executive Director Rahna Epting added, called Project 25 a “MAGA authoritarian playbook,” to take away rights and destroy American democracy.

“Donald Trump and his MAGA enablers are planning to use power to monitor pregnancies, further restrict reproductive freedom, unlawfully use local law enforcement to detain migrants, and gut policies designed to fight climate change. We have to get to work right now to stop them in their tracks,” Epting explained.

With Election Day approaching, the task force will emphasize the importance of voter education and engagement to counteract the project’s potential impact.

“Education and awareness are crucial in the battle against Project 2025,” said Abeni Bloodworth, CEO of Chromatic Black. “It is our duty to inform others about the detrimental effects it could have on our communities and rally for change. On Election Day, we hold the ultimate power to fight back against this tyranny and defend our fragile democracy. Let us honor the legacy of those who fought tirelessly for equality by standing up against Project 2025.”

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5Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley is one of the congressional leaders who has joined the Stop Project 2025 Task Force. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

Oklahoma Supreme Court Dismisses Tulsa Race Massacre Survivors’ Lawsuit

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed a case filed by the last two remaining survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre on Wednesday, June 12, casting doubt on racial equality campaigners’ aspirations for justice and reparations for one of the most heinous acts of racial violence in American history.

The nine-member court upheld a previous ruling by a district court judge in Tulsa, stating that the plaintiffs’ grievances, although legitimate, did not fall within the purview of the state’s public nuisance statute.

“We further hold that the plaintiff’s allegations do not sufficiently support a claim for unjust enrichment,” the court declared in its decision.

Attempts to contact both parties were unsuccessful.

Lessie Benningfield Randle, 109, and Viola Fletcher, 110, two survivors, filed the lawsuit in 2020 to compel the City of Tulsa and other parties to make amends for the destruction a white

mob caused to the thriving Black neighborhood known as Greenwood famously dubbed “Black Wall Street.”

The massacre resulted in the deaths of up to 300 Black Tulsans and forced thousands of survivors into internment camps managed by the National Guard.

Benningfield Randle and Fletcher, along with the now-deceased Hughes Van Ellis, sued to secure what their attorney termed “justice in their lifetime.”

Despite the legal setback, advocates vow to continue their fight for justice, drawing inspiration from the survivors’ unwavering resolve.

“If this truly is a nation of laws and a state based on the law, then my clients, the last-known survivors of the massacre, should get the opportunity that no one else who suffered the devastation had the privilege of,” Damario Solomon-Simmons, a national civil rights attorney and founder of Justice for Greenwood, recently asserted.

WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Raymond James CARES and National Black MBA Association Join Forces to Support DMV Students

Submitted by DC Black MBA

With a commitment and passion to educational and personal development, Raymond James CARES and the Washington, DC Chapter of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) have once again partnered to support middle and high school students in the DMV area. For the second year in a row, they have provided essential hygiene bags, and they expanded their efforts this year to include academic bags aimed at giving underserved students a jump start on their summer learning.

Now in its 13th year, Raymond James Cares is a firm-wide program of Raymond James for associate giving, fundraising and volunteerism. Locally in the DMV, the program has committed to supporting students by providing essential resources through strategic outreach efforts in collaboration with local organizations. This year, the initiative benefited students from Richard Wright Public Charter School in Washington, DC, DuVal High School, and Walker Mill Middle School, both part of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). Notably, Walker Mill Middle School had also received hygiene bags in the previous year, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to aiding their students.

Dr. Carletta S. Hurt, President of the Washington, DC Chapter of the NBMBAA, emphasized, “Our collaboration with Raymond James Cares is a testament to the power of community and corporate partnerships in addressing the needs of our youth. By providing both hygiene and academic bags, we are helping to meet their immediate needs as well as empowering them to succeed academically and personally.”

The hygiene bags, filled with essential items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, wipes, and other personal care products, aim to ensure that students have the basics they need to start their days feeling fresh and confident. The addition of academic bags this year, which include supplies such as notebooks, pens, and other educational materials, underscores a comprehensive approach to student support. These resources are particularly useful as students transition to summer break, offering them the tools to continue learning and preparing for the upcoming school year.

Warren Wright, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Complex Manager for Raymond James, highlighted the significance of this ongoing initiative. “Supporting our local students through the Raymond James Cares program is deeply meaningful to us. By working with the DC Chapter, we’re able to directly impact the lives of young people in our community. The combination of hygiene and academic bags this year reflects of our commitment to their holistic development and long-term success,” Wright remarked.

The partnership between Raymond James Cares and the NBMBAA’s Washington, DC Chapter reflects a shared vision of fostering educational equity and personal growth among underserved youth. By addressing both hygiene and academic needs, the initiative helps create a foundation for students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

5Raymond James employees, DC Black MBA members, and partnering schools gather for a photo (Photo Credit: DC Black MBA)

5Tulsa Race Massacre survivor, the late Hughes Van Ellis, Ike Howard, and Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre and author of "Don't Let Them Bury My Story,” at the 2023 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. Van Ellis was Ford’s brother and Howard is her grandson. (WI File Photo)

Federal Court Ruling Against Fearless Fund’s Diversity Program Sparks Outcry

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In the wake of a federal court of appeals ruling that suspended Fearless Fund’s grant program for Black women business owners, reactions have been swift and polarized.

Fearless Fund CEO and Founder Arian Simone described the ruling as “devastating” for the organization and the women it aims to support.

“The message these judges sent today is that diversity in Corporate America, education, or anywhere else should not exist,” Simone stated, accusing the judges of aligning with “a small group of white men.”

The decision represents another win for conservative groups challenging diversity initiatives across various sectors. Edward Blum, the conservative activist behind the

lawsuit, hailed the ruling. “Programs that exclude certain individuals because of their race, such as the ones the Fearless Fund has designed and implemented, are unjust and polarizing,” Blum said.

Civil rights organizations, employment lawyers, and the venture capital sector have all expressed concern about suspending the Atlanta-based Fearless Fund’s Strivers Grant Contest, which offers $20,000 to companies with majority-Black female ownership.

Alphonso David, legal counsel for the Fearless Fund and president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, emphasized that the organization is exploring all options to continue the fight against the lawsuit.

The case is part of a broader legal strategy against diversity initiatives, with conservative

groups seeing both victories and setbacks. Just last week, a federal district judge in Ohio dismissed a lawsuit challenging a program by Progressive and Hello Alice that provides grants to Black-owned small businesses. Similar dismissals have occurred in cases against Amazon, Pfizer, and Starbucks.

But the recent 2-1 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit found that Blum is likely to succeed in his claim that the Fearless Fund’s grant program violates section 1981 of the 1866 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in contracts. This ruling reversed an earlier decision that had allowed the contest to continue.

The appeals court panel, consisting of judges appointed by former presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama, rejected arguments that the grants were

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority t/a Events DC Bid Opportunity

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority t/a Events DC is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide Audio Visual Services.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) has a thirty-five percent (35%) set aside for a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) as required under the provisions of “The Small and Certified Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Amendment Act of 2014” (the Act), effective June 10, 2014.

Interested parties can view a copy of the RFP by accessing Events DC’s e-procurement website at http://eventsdc.bonfire.com.

Key Dates

RFP Release Date:                                                            Thursday, June 13, 2024

Pre-Proposal Conference:                                             11:00 AM EST, Monday, June 24, 2024

RFP Questions Due Date:                                               12:00 PM  EST, Monday, July 1, 2024

Proposal Due Date:                                                          3:00 PM   EST, Monday, July 15, 2024

Primary Contact

Name: Gerald Green

Email: ggreen@eventsdc.com

Phone: (202) 249-3028

.dchousing.org/language. Please allow at least 5 business days to make the necessary arrangements.

5After a federal court of appeals ruling that suspended Fearless Fund’s grant program for Black women business owners, reactions have been swift and polarized, with the organization’s founder Arian Simone (pictured)” calling the decision “devastating.” (Courtesy Photo)

charitable donations protected by free speech rights.

In a vigorous dissent, Judge Robin Rosenbaum likened the plaintiffs’ claims to soccer players faking injuries, arguing that they failed to demonstrate any real intent to apply for the grants.

David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NYU’s School of Law, highlighted the polarized nature of judicial decisions on diversity programs and predicted the issue might ultimately reach the Supreme Court.

Support for the Fearless Fund has been robust from various sectors. The National Venture Capital Association defended the grant program as a crucial step toward creating equal opportunities in an industry historically excluding Black women. Philanthropic leaders, such as Kathleen Enright, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations, warned that restricting targeted giving could harm both philanthropy and the nation.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, president and founder of National Action Network, condemned the ruling, calling it “outrageous” and a significant setback for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Sharpton emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for DEI despite setbacks.

“When I stood outside the courthouse in Atlanta with the Fearless Fund last year and have since led a campaign to protect DE&I, I reminded everyone that there would be victories and losses in this battle, but we must keep up the fight,” Sharpton declared. “Because from the moment Edward Blum launched his deceitful crusade against workplace diversity, the deck has been stacked against the Fearless Fund. An organization built to help fix the enormous disparity in venture capital funding for women of color-owned businesses is seeing its mission be dismantled under the guise of fairness and equality.

Sharpton added that the nation should be preparing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Summer and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Instead, he said, the country is witnessing right-wing litigants and judges “butcher the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement.”

“The National Action Network continues to stand with the Fearless Fund, the Fearless Foundation, and all the women of color entrepreneurs who have been given an opportunity to succeed because of their investments,” Sharpton asserted. “It's time we show the nation that for every single Ed Blum or Stephen Miller, there are thousands who believe in DEI.” WI

“This time, it’s different.” TREATMENT WORKS. RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE.

 Free substance use disorder treatment available 7 days a week

 Three medications to help

 Better coordinated treatment services

 Peer counselors who have been there

 Transportation, recovery housing, and more

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n Business Cards

n Banners

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n Color Copies

n Contracts & Vouchers

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Programs

Postcards n Promotional Products n Posters & Signs n Tithe Envelopes n Tickets & Flyers

5Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana; Mrs. Chinelo Oramah, spouse of Professor Benedict Oramah, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank; Professor Benedict Oramah; Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Bahamas First Lady Ann Marie Davis; and Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis. (Courtesy Photo)

The 31st Annual Meeting of the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank), held in Nassau, Bahamas, from June 12 to 15, attracted over 4,000 participants. Presidents and prime ministers of a number of countries, as well as senior government officials, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, heads of development institutions, and non-governmental organizations attended the conference.

The three-day event was held in the Caribbean for the first time at the Baha Mar Convention, Arts & Entertainment Center on West Bay Street, under the theme: “Owning Our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa.” This year, the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024) was fully incorporated within the Afreximbank Annual Meetings.

The opening ceremony on Wednesday, June 12, included a presidential plenary and high-level panel sessions. Seminars continued over the next two days that were dedicated to the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum and were marked by colorful events to celebrate the shared AfriCaribbean culture, as well as the essence of the two regions' shared socio-economic aspirations.

Underscoring the economic commitment made to The Bahamas, Prime Minister Philip E. Davis said: “The $30 million capitalization of the Bahamas Development Bank by Afrexim Bank will create new opportunities for Bahamians, support small businesses, drive innovation, and foster sustainable development.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the signing of a $1.86 million Project Preparation Facility agreement between Afreximbank and the Ministry for Grand Bahama.

“This marks a significant step towards the development of the Afro-Caribbean Marketplace and Logistics Center on Grand Bahama Island, set to become a vibrant hub for tourism, commerce, and trade between African countries, The Bahamas, and the Caribbean,” Davis said

He noted that the Afro-Caribbean Marketplace and Logistics Center “will position Grand Bahama as a beacon of international trade.”

“This transformative project will revitalize the International Bazaar, boost economic growth, empower entrepreneurs, and strengthen cultural ties across continents, fostering mutual exchanges in culture, education, and investment,” the prime minister explained.

Prominent American movie star Viola Davis, who was appointed in September of 2023 by U.S. President Joe Biden as a member of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement that advises Washington on deepening ties with African communities, also participated in the meetings.

In April of 2024, Viola Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon, joined forces with best-selling author and publisher Lavaille Lavette to launch JVL Media, a new publishing house seeking to champion under-represented voices in the book world.

In addition, Chinelo Oramah, spouse of Professor Benedict Oramah, a Nigerian economist who is currently President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, made two donations of $50,000 each to the Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel and the Salvation Army in The Bahamas. WI

LATAM, the largest airline in Latin America, will restart nonstop flights between Lima, Peru, and Montego Bay, Jamaica on Dec. 1 of this year. The announcement follows a successful tourism sales mission in South America last summer, led by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and Jamaica Tourist Board officials, the Ministry of Tourism stated in a press release on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

“We are excited about this new LATAM Airlines route, which reaffirms our commitment to improving connectivity and tourism growth in this key region. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for Jamaica as we expand our presence in the Latin American market, which will generate an increase in tourist arrivals and revenue for the Jamaican economy,” Bartlett said.

The flights will be operated three times per week, utilizing Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, with capacity for 144 and 174 seats, respectively. The flights connect Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, and will be scheduled to facilitate easy connections with Peru’s national network, as well as with multiple countries in South America including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, the release stated.

Last summer, Bartlett, senior advisor and strategist Delano Seiveright, JTB Head Donovan White and other officials led engagements with hundreds of Latin American travel trade partners in Argentina, Chile and Peru.

The airline had operated services with Jamaica for several weeks in December 2019 and January through February of 2020, but was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WI

Industrial Bank Empowers D.C. Inmates with Financial Literacy Program

By Demarco A. Rush WI Intern

Residents of the District of Columbia Jail celebrated their completion of a seven-week financial literacy course taught by Industrial Bank, one of the largest Black-owned banks in the country, at the Central Detention Facility on Wednesday, June 12.

The celebration featured speeches from the Industrial Bank team, a ceremony bestowing a certificate of completion to each participant, and even a special meal, which included: cabbage, rice, pasta and chicken.

“It’s been a couple years since I’ve had chicken! It’s about to go down,” program participant Chad Hawthorne proclaimed,” when thinking of his time behind bars.

The special meal was a small gift from the Industrial Bank leadership team for completing a course that Industrial Bank leaders contend offers many benefits and rewards in the long run — related to both financial literacy and individual growth.

“With education comes a sense of self-worth, the more they learn, the better they’ll feel about themselves,” B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr., President and CEO of Industrial Bank told the Informer.

Mitchell began the ceremony offering encouraging words to the graduates.

“You all are important and you matter,” he said, before emphasizing to the incarcerated District residents that he’ll see them “outside.”

The goal of Industrial Bank’s program is to arm participants with tools to thrive financially outside of the confines of the D.C. Jail.

“[Financial literacy] is import-

ant so they can make better and more informed decisions, not only for them but their families too,” said Melanee Woodard, Industrial Bank’s vice president and marketing manager.

Program participants, who were required to have no disciplinary infractions for at least the 60 days preceding, learned about financial literacy through topics like credit, mortgages, stocks, bonds, and real estate. The course complements offerings at the Resources to Em-

power and Develop You (READY) Center, a hub for formerly incarcerated D.C. residents.

Mitchell particularly highlighted

the importance of such a program in helping participants of colors and their families.

“[Black communities] have [less] access to resources and our families don’t talk about [finances] as much,” the Industrial Bank CEO said.

From taking the seven-week class, Antonio Hawley learned the benefits of putting one’s money in the bank, as opposed to under the mattress and other creative hiding places.

“It taught me how to manage money,” said Hawley. “Usually people from my area, we’ll put our money in a shoebox or a safe instead of a bank where it can gain interest.”

Johnny Wilkins shared some of the valuable lessons he learned, while simultaneously celebrating the completion of the course by playing a game of chess.

“Credit is super important, it just takes consistency and it can make your future much easier,” Wilkins told The Informer. WI

5Industrial Bank’s President, B. Doyle Mitchell Jr helps serve food to inmates. (Courtesy Photo/Tyler Palmer, Department of Corrections)

5Inmates and those involved with the ceremony take a group picture to celebrate the course completion.

(Courtesy Photo/Tyler Palmer, Department of Corrections)

5Patricia Mitchell, B. Doyle Mitchell Jr, Jacquie Boles, and Melanee Woodard of Industrial Bank. (Courtesy Photo/Tyler Palmer, Department of Corrections)

HEALTH

Maryland Counties Rank High In Alzheimer’s Prevalence Nationwide County-Level Study Reveals Alarming Rates of Dementia Diseases in DMV

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

The Alzheimer’s Association released a first-ever special report detailing estimates of the prevalence of people aged 65 years and older with Alzheimer’s dementia in all 50 U.S. states and 3,142 counties and, according to research, many people are grappling with the disease close to home.

“We found that the Eastern or Southeastern U.S. have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer's dementia for counties with a population of 10,000 or more people,” said Dr. Carl V. Hill, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Alzheimer's Association during a community forum on June 13.

The forum examined the prevalence of dementia in Maryland,

particularly among the African American community.

The study reveals two Maryland locales have the highest prevalence of people with Alzheimer’s dementia in the country.

“Here in Maryland, we were able to find that the prevalence of Alzheimer's and other dementia are among the highest in the United States, with Baltimore County and Prince George's County being particularly high among residents in Maryland,” Hill explained.

Maryland accounted for the highest rampancy of Alzheimer’s dementia, with 12.9%, followed by New York (12.7%), Mississippi (12.5%) and Florida (12.5).

Alzheimer's and dementia were found in Baltimore City, Maryland at 16.6%, tying with Florida’s Miami-Dade County and New York’s

Bronx County. Prince George’s County, Maryland followed closely behind at 16.1%. Researchers found that there were more people living with Alzheimer’s in Prince George’s County and Baltimore City compared to any other parts of the country.

Hill suggests that higher percentages of older Black people and Black Hispanic residents in those regions may explain the rates of higher prevalence, but more research is required to confirm the reasons behind those figures from a geographic perspective.

Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth leading cause of death among individuals aged 65 years and older, with an estimated 6.9 million

older adults living with Alzheimer's dementia. Between 2020 and 2021, Alzheimer's deaths increased by over 140%, and among people aged 70, 61% of those with Alzheimer's dementia are expected to die before age 80.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, has committed himself to the fight against Alzheimer’s after his late wife, Christa Beverly Baker, suffered a decade-long battle with the disease, succumbing to her illness at only 61 years-old. Her battle has encouraged his support of the Alzheimer’s Association to help other families who are also suffering from the devastating disease.

“At first we just thought it was something normal. She was 48, so we didn't even think about dementia or anything related to that. But as time went on, she kept having more and more problems. It wasn't until [later] that she was actually diagnosed with this disease. We were totally unprepared for what awaited us as a family,” said Baker. “My wife had been a civil rights lawyer, very active. One of the stellars of the family and keeping everything together. In a short period of time, she was not able to contribute in the way that she used to. So for us, we went from this family of three kids, two parents working, to how do we deal with this disease that had no cure?”

Baker is not the only one who has lost a life partner to younger or early onset Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia that affects people under the age of 65.

Native Washingtonian Michael Smith, Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter community educator and support group facilitator, was in utter shock when his wife, Bernita Smith, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at 56 years-old.

“I remember when the neurologist gave the diagnosis [of] early onset dementia. He said maybe we need to do further PET scan, but he said, ‘More than likely it's early-onset dementia, Mrs. Smith, and so you're going to have to do,’ this, this and this, without any sense of sympathy [in] the way he said it, and without any resources or referrals,” Smith told The Informer.

He recalled the feeling of getting such news.

“It was shocking, scary, upsetting. Bernita was scared, realizing she was only in her 50’s. Is she going to be around to see our sons grow older? See any potential grandchildren? We had that difficult conversation of [what would she want me] to do if it gets worse,” he said.

Smith recalled the negligence his wife experienced during her earli-

5People of all ages participated in the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Washington, D.C. A new study reveals two Maryland counties have the highest rates for Alzheimer’s in the country. (WI File Photo)

HEALTH from Page 22

est concerns signally Alzheimer’s. Practitioners waved off her forgetfulness to menopausal symptoms.

“I think that's an issue with primary care physicians, that oftentimes you have maybe 15 minutes with the doctor, so if you're presenting with a physical illness, they're not going to do anything else to further assess what’s going on from a more holistic perspective,” said Smith. "So sometimes, the doctor says, ‘Oh, it's just menopause,’ but maybe what we need to do is say to the doctor that ‘I think it's something that I need to be referred to a specialist for.’

Further, the transition into caregiving responsibilities for those who are not in healthcare poses many challenges, as Smith was left grappling with the stark reality of caregiving for his wife, while simultaneously scrambling to manage everyday life and responsibilities. Upon learning his wife’s diagnosis, Smith reached out to the Alzheimer's Association, which served as a beacon of hope and support.

Smith was able to find psychotherapy and an early onset support group for people battling the disease. Today, Smith continues to volunteer with the Association to support other people and families

who are also persevering through the experience.

“A lot of times I think caregivers think, ‘I can manage this. I've handled it all, I can handle this too.’ [But that can cause you to begin] neglecting [your] own health,” Smith said. “They need to give themselves grace to be able to self care. Self-care is not being selfish. Because the reality is, if we, as caregivers, aren't taking care of ourselves, we're not in the best capacity to take care of our loved ones.”

Smith also emphasized the importance of planning for the unforeseen future, as families should avoid waiting for life-altering emergencies to put their affairs in order.

“We often think, ‘Oh, I won't worry about the estate planning and getting my financial affairs in order until I'm older or near retirement. But in reality, we need to make sure we're covering ourselves on both ends,” he said. “Do our parents have enough life insurance, good health insurance? Are we taking care of our children [through] generational wealth? Do we have our financial and legal affairs in order? A lot of family members don’t think about these things in advance.”

WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Transforming communities.

One partnership at a time.

Together, we are a force for good. That’s why we invest in partnerships that advance equity in local Black communities by improving access to educational opportunities, healthcare and mental health support.

5Participants in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 8, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (WI File Photo)

EARTH OUR

Christian Cooper: From Racist Central Park Encounter with a ‘Karen’ to Emmy-Winning Birdwatcher

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Four years after a racist encounter with a so-called “Karen,” Christian Cooper has earned the ultimate payback: a Daytime Emmy Award for his passionate love of birdwatching. The racially charged incident, which took place in 2020, not only spotlighted systemic racial issues but also paved the way for Cooper’s extraordinary success.

It was a sunny day when Cooper, an avid birdwatcher, found himself in the Ramble, a secluded area of Central Park known for its rich bird population. As he enjoyed the tranquility of the natural habitat, he noticed a dog running off-leash, violating park rules designed to protect his beloved birds. Concerned, Cooper approached the dog’s own-

REPORT from Page 1

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser about the fiscal impact of removing due process for residents leaving rapid rehousing. Mendelson also criticized the Office of the Chief Financial Officer’s (OCFO) insistence on replenishing the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve, and more recently Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee’s refusal to include in the FY 2025 budget $40 million that the Office of the Attorney General secured in a settlement.

“Even though we have to balance the budget on the latest revenue estimates, the CFO argues that we have to consider June revenue estimates that won’t be out for two weeks,” Mendelson said on the dais on June 12. “There could’ve been a way to work with us instead of impeding on appropriation authority.”

er, Amy Cooper (no relation), requesting that she leash her dog.

What followed was a disturbing display of racial bias. Amy threatened to call the police and make a false claim that “an African American man” was threatening her life.

Christian captured the incident on video, which quickly went viral and brought attention to the racial tensions that ignited during the time of George Floyd’s murder in Minnesota.

“I knew something like this could happen to me, as a birder who is Black,” stated Christian Cooper, a Harvard alumnus and accomplished writer and editor.

In a twist of fate, the viral incident caught the attention of National Geographic, leading to the creation of his show, “Extraordinary Birder,” which premiered

Though D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) called her FY 2025 budget proposal a shared sacrifice, some D.C. residents saw it as anything but. In the days preceding the council’s second reading of the FY 2025 budget, advocates continued to demand more housing vouchers and other safety nets to be funded via tax increases on the District’s wealthiest residents.

“D.C. residents have enough wealth to provide housing security. We don’t need to move people out of housing permanently,” said Charlottie Simpson, a Ward 5 resident of nearly 60 years and one of three people who interrupted D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson’s press briefing on Monday in demand of more housing vouchers.

“This is life or death. None of us should accept this. Changes need

host Christian Cooper bands a

roofs as National Geographic

in 2023. The show has since garnered critical acclaim, culminating in Cooper winning the Daytime Emmy Award this week for Outstanding Daytime Personality.

“No matter what anybody says or does, we are not going back,” Cooper stated during his Emmy Award acceptance speech. “We will only move forward together.”

Cooper’s run-in with Amy, who has since been dubbed “Central Park Karen,” exemplifies the challenges he faced. The altercation not only led to Amy losing her job but also highlighted the dangerous misuse of racial stereotypes and the

to be made to the budget.”

On Wednesday, the council deliberated on an amendment in the nature of a substitute (ANS) that included an allocation of $2.2 million to the Department of Human Services for 80 additional permanent supportive housing vouchers.

This was on top of the 435 additional housing vouchers that Mendelson and D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At large) secured in the budget that made it before the council on May 29. Those changes, along with an additional allocation of $595,380 to the D.C. Housing Authority for local rent supplement vouchers, brought the total amount of new vouchers funded in the FY 2025 budget up to 577.

The council also set aside $21 million for the Housing Production Trust Fund. Another $250,000 to

potentially life-threatening consequences for Black individuals.

Beyond his television success, Cooper has also made his mark as an author. He penned the memoir “Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World,” which delves into his life experiences and passion for birdwatching. Additionally, he drew inspiration from the Central Park incident for his graphic novel “It’s A Bird,” featured in DC Comics’ digital series “Represent!”

Cooper said he aims to address the structural barriers that prevent people of color from engag -

the D.C. Department of Human Services will fund the protection of due-process rights for those exiting rapid rehousing this year. In his remarks, At-large Councilmember White made note of an additional 40 Local Rent Subsidy Program vouchers for families exiting rapid rehousing.

Facilitating these changes meant, in part, reallocating $1 million in funds Bowser gave to DHS for its truancy initiatives, leaving $3.2 million in one-time funding left in that part of the budget.

The council would ultimately approve At-large D.C. Councilmember White’s ANS 11-2, with D.C. Councilmembers Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) and Anita Bonds (D-At large) being the “no” votes. Minutes

ing with nature.

“Black and brown people go to the national parks far less than our proportion in the population,” Cooper stated during a 2023 interview.

He explained systemic challenges that could correlate with statistics that show people of color do not spend as much time enjoying national parks and similar spaces.

“I think there’s a lot of structural reasons for that… I think some of them are in terms of legacy problems that affect our communities and built-in barriers. For example, if you are working two or three jobs to keep a roof over your head, you’re not necessarily going to have the money to be able to send your kids to a summer camp where they can develop an appreciation for nature,” he said. ”They’re not going to have that connection to nature to want to go out to the great outdoors.”

Cooper said he hopes his show will help address the disparities found in people of color engaging with nature.

“We’ve got a lot of things to overcome, and that’s one of the things I’m hoping the show will do —get a lot of Black and brown kids thinking, ‘Oh, he’s looking at birds. He’s outdoors. Maybe I can do that.’ Because it’s so much easier to picture yourself doing it if you can see somebody who looks like you already doing it.”

WI REPORT Page 42

5Writer, birder and show

herring gull with NYC Bird Alliance scientists atop the Javits network of green

documents it for an episode on Christian's Extraordinary Birder show. (Courtesy Photo/NYC Bird Alliance)

Protestors Brutally Attacked at Congressional Baseball Game

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

Eight climate justice protestors were tackled, brushed against the stands and arrested by Capitol Police at the annual Congressional Baseball Game on June 12, after they interrupted the proceedings.

The group known as “Climate Defiance” disrupted the event by jumping on to the Nationals Park field toting white t-shirts that said, “END FOSSIL FUELS” due to the game’s sponsor, Chevron.

“We were brutalized tonight - beaten and bruised as we took over the Congressional Baseball Game. Our bodies are bloodied but our spirits are unmoved,” Climate Defiance wrote on X. “We will build a better world. We will rise again. We will prevail. Just you wait.”

Authorities said they were aware a demonstration could potentially happen and made response plans prior. Despite viral videos condemning the protestors' treatment, law enforcement officials are praising their actions.

“We are proud of our officers who are working to keep everyone safe during tonight’s Congressional Baseball Game for Charity," Capitol police posted on X mentioning that participants are being indicted on federal charges.

Currently, the Climate Defiance organization is raising funds for their imprisoned members.

WI

5Protestors from “Climate Defiance,” were tackled and arrested by Capitol on June 12, after disrupting the annual Congressional Baseball Game. (Courtesy Photo/ Climate Defiance)

EDUCATION

Duke Ellington’s Class of 2024 Graduates In Style, and with Purpose

Amid COVID and World Events, 100% of Class Complete Program

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As has often been the case throughout its half-a-century existence, the most recent graduation ceremony at Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) was as much a major stage production as it was a celebration of student artistic potential fulfilled.

For DESA’s Class of 2024 howev-

er, the pomp, circumstance -- and pizazz -- of June 15 represented much more.

This graduating class, 136 strong, overcame an unprecedented, and mentally and emotionally taxing pandemic to achieve a 100% graduation rate and the accumulation of more than $42 million in scholarships. Within a couple of months, graduates will matriculate to The

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

Juilliard School, University of Pittsburgh, University of North Carolina A&T, Howard University, and University of Southern California, among several other colleges, universities, and institutes.

If Class of 2024 salutatorian Reb Spring’s address serves as any indication of what’s to come for DESA’s

newly minted alumni, then it’s safe to say that many, if not all of them, will use their artistic skills to affect significant change on the world stage.

“Our generation is facing a lot of crises -- terrible genocides are going on in Palestine, Congo, Sudan and many other places,” said Reb, a DESA graduate and Leadership Award recipient who studied cinematic arts and media production.

“No one is free until all oppressed people are free. We won’t put up with our government’s endless cycle of violence. What if we stopped our fighting and came together to make art? What if we put down our guns and picked up our instruments?”

A GRADUATION FULL OF MESSAGES

Reb’s salutatorian address counted among several instances on June 15 when graduates used their art to make bold statements about a tumultuous coming of age. Rosemary Godfrey Sellers, DESA’s Class of 2024 valedictorian, took classmates on a walk down memory lane before encouraging them to use their art as activism and emerge as societal leaders.

Ariel Elise, a DESA theatre major, performed an Adam Clayton Powell monologue chock full of Biblical and historical allusions, along with questions of “What’s in your hand?”

The Duke Ellington Chorale and Senior Instrumental Ensemble sang Kirk Franklin’s “My Life Is In Your Hands” while dance major Kelis Johnson gave it her all in her dance number, titled “Surrender.”

Jayla Norwood, a DESA 2024 graduate who studied vocal music, led graduates, faculty, staff, family and friends in the singing of James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Throughout the morethan-two--hour program, everyone watched video montages produced by DESA cinematic arts and media production graduates that featured those who earned diplomas in that artistic track, as well as dance, instrumental music, museum studies, technical design and production, theatre, visual arts and vocal music.

Graduates heard congratulatory remarks from D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) Deputy Chancellor Patrick Ashley, along with Edward Elllington, Jr. and April Ellington, children of the late Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, for whom DESA is named.

The Ellington children passed along messages from Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge.

Later, graduates received awards from Amber Golden, president of the DESA Project, Ari Fitzgerald, president of the Ellington Fund, and Zach Cafritz, vice president of the Ellington Fund and son of Peggy Cooper Cafritz, DESA’s late co-founder.

Perhaps no award was greater than the words of affirmation from veteran singer-songwriter, rapper and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, the 2024 commencement speaker. Ndegeocello, a former DESA student who later transferred to Oxon

5 In a celebratory commencement that included engaging student performances, 136 students graduated from Duke Ellington School of the Arts on Saturday, June 15. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

GRADUATION from Page 26

Hill High School, received an honorary DESA diploma on June 15. Minutes later, she congratulated DESA’s Class of 2024 for reaching a crucial milestone. Her advice, she told them, was informed by her longtime efforts to stay true to herself while in the music industry.

“Do not invalidate what is different. Resist,” Ndegeocello said. “We must support each other. You are in a fellowship. A life in art is not a competition. The people around you are an advantage in addition to yourself. In adulthood, you must foster this fellowship yourself by believing in it. Competition among artists means one could win, but we must all win for the art to be powerful and the power to be infinite.”

DESA GRADUATES LOOK BACK AND REFLECT ON NEXT STEPS

As DESA graduate Anjai King,

18, prepares to go to Columbia College Chicago, she’s emboldened to grow into her own and pay it forward. The newly minted graduate told The Informer that, had it not been for her mother, she wouldn’t have known about DESA, a school where she honed her skills in the dance department.

“The best part of this experience was getting better at my craft,” she said. “I came from not knowing a lot but now I do. I hope to be a choreographer and help others with my creativity. Future students [at DESA] shouldn’t be scared. Your peers will encourage you.”

Darius Redo, a DESA visual arts graduate, looked back on the several hours spent on campus -- and at home -- growing as an artist. As he walked out of DESA for the last time on June 15, he passed his very own works of art that hung on the walls of the school’s gallery.

“There’s no school like Duke Ellington, the best arts high school in the world,” said Darius, who’s on his way to Virginia Common-

wealth University to study communication arts. “Staying up late and working on projects never felt like work. It came from my heart. I gave love to this school and the school spoke to me. I don’t think I would do well elsewhere.”

Willow Star Singleton, 18, a DESA theatre department graduate, said she’s going to New York University Tisch School of the Arts buoyed by the confidence that staff members at her alma mater instilled in her. On Saturday, she celebrated her graduation not only with DESA family, but representatives of the College Bound program, of which she has been a member throughout her high school career.

“I’m able to hold my own as an African-American artist with my skill set,” she told The Informer. “This helped me to find my purpose as an artist and [fulfill] my oath to myself and my community. We are liberators. We allow people to connect to and explore the deepest part of themselves so

EDUCATION

they see their value.”

Though he didn’t complete the vocal music track of DESA’s program, Bry’kiuse Lewis, 18, a DESA diploma holder, told The Informer that he made a lot of memories in the department.

One of the most recent, he said, was singing the National Anthem alongside classmates at Nationals Stadium earlier this year when the

Washington Nationals played the Atlanta Braves.

“With my vocal experience, I got gigs for a lot of great shows,” the trained singer and aspiring real estate investor said. “This is the beginning of a new chapter and moving on to the next part of my life.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

5 After delivering the keynote address, rapper and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, holds a student’s artwork at Duke Ellington School of the Arts’ 2024 commencement. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

The American Judicial System Should Not be Politicized

The American judicial system has been politicized under both Democratic and Republican Administrations; in theory, this should never be the case, but unfortunately, in many instances, it is.

Who will ever forget the disrespect shown to President Barack Obama in the spring of 2016 by the GOP majority in the U.S. Senate over the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court? Within hours of the nomination, Republicans announced they would not have the traditional pre-Judiciary Committee hearing courtesy member visits with Garland or bring his nomination to the floor for a vote.

In July 2016, FBI Director James Comey announced that an extensive investigation of Democratic nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton’s emails did not warrant the filing of charges due to a lack of evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

But that fall, he reversed himself and decided to reopen the investigation. For many, this announcement – just 11 days before election day - was the turning point in the 2016 presidential campaign and resulted in Clinton losing to Donald J. Trump.

Americans later learned that at the same time the FBI, under Comey –a Republican appointed by Obama - was investigating Clinton’s emails, the bureau was also exploring ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. This investigation, however, was not made public during the months, weeks, and days leading up to the 2016 election.

Today, Trump is a convicted felon who, if not in prison for 34 unanimous convictions by a Manhattan jury of his peers, will accept the GOP nomination for president next month in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A “horrible city,” to use the words of the former president.

According to the Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington (CREW), Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump “reported between $172 million and $640 million in outside income while working in the White House.

Why is Biden’s son worthy of special counsel but not Trump family members?

Biden’s son is also a convicted felon, having been found guilty on three federal gun charges, and is awaiting sentencing. To his credit, the president has not once criticized the American judicial system’s conviction of Hunter, the judge, jurors, or any family members of any court officials. He has also stated that he will not pardon Hunter.

Indeed, the American judicial system does not always work. The 1964 trial in Mississippi of the killers of Andrew Goodman, Mickey Schwerner, and James Chaney comes to mind. Also, the Rodney King verdict in 1992. Many would also include the 1995 acquittal of O.J. Simpson It certainly worked in June 2021 when Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 ½ years for the murder of George Floyd, and it worked in the Biden and Trump trials.

The convictions of the first son and former president demonstrated that no one is above the law.

Trump would do well not to continue attacking the courts in each of his cases. But based on his continued behavior, it’s likely that he will. WI

Is the Caitlin Clark ‘Racial Controversy’ Real or Just a Marketing Ploy?

Twenty-eight years ago, on April 24, 1996, the NBA Board of Governors announced, “We Got Next,” and approved the concept of a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). With eight teams leading the way one year later, the WNBA held its first game in June 1997, paving the way for women to showcase their talents on the hardwood while pursuing their dreams to become professional athletes in their beloved sport of basketball.

Since those early days, the league has had its ups and down, with more teams contributing to expansion efforts while other teams were forced to

I appreciate last week’s homeownership supplement. The information was fabulous and just what I needed on my journey. I’ll make sure to share with others.

Taryn Bettis Washington, D.C.

shutter their doors.

TO THE EDITOR

Between Pride, Father’s Day, and Juneteenth, D.C. has been on fire! So many great events for the entire family, most of which I learned about from the Washington Informer. That’s why I make sure to pick up my newspaper every Thursday before they’re all gone!

Sabrina Robinson Washington, D.C.

However, in recent months, the WNBA has reported unprecedented growth, finishing May with its highest attended opening month in 26 years and its most-watched start of the season across all televised networks. In terms of viewers, diversity has been tantamount for team owners with Black and Hispanic fans, as well as young girls, contributing to the newfound success of the WNBA.

So, one has to wonder, what’s all the controversy about the former Iowa standout, Caitlin Clark, who, after helping her alma mater break attendance records while dominating women’s college basketball, has continued to showcase her amazing talent as a member of the Indiana Fever.

Some naysayers appear to resent the attention the small town white girl from the Midwest has garnered since being drafted. Others have even been vitriolic in their comments about Clark, suggesting that race has played a role in why she has become the darling of the press as dozens of other players – Black veterans in particular – have yet to receive similar accolades or notoriety.

While the situations are not the same, old school college basketball fans may recall the way Larry Bird (Indiana State) and Magic Johnson (Michigan State), who appeared in the 1978-79 NCAA men’s championship game, were pitted against one another, with Johnson’s team emerging victorious. Some fans seemed to line up on one side or the other based on the race of the two men. But in the end, both Johnson and Bird went on to successful careers in the NBA and they remained close friends.

Race notwithstanding, it would be the legendary NBA stars’ dominating skills as basketball players that helped the league see a significant increase in fan support and game attendance records.

For the moment, it looks like Clark may be just what the WNBA needs to continue its recent surge in attendance and fan support. And that’s a win-win situation for anyone who loves women’s basketball and wants to see it continue to grow and thrive– from teams made up of little girls who have yet to enter puberty, to women who make their living as professional basketball players.

It could be that controversy is part of a marketing strategy by the league’s owners. Or maybe, there are those, including players, who believe their criticism has merit.

Either way, it’s great to see women athletes receive the kind of attention, and hopefully financial compensation, that has eluded them for years. WI

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Celebrating Juneteenth

The White House hosted an early Juneteenth concert on June 10 this year, and when President Biden spoke at the celebration, he said that when the Biden-Harris administration made Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021 "it wasn't just a symbolic gesture. It was a statement of fact. It was a statement of faith. It was a testament to the resilience of generations of

Black Americans who kept their eyes set on the nation's North Star. That North Star was the idea that we're all created equal in the image of God and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. While we've never lived up to it, we've never fully walked away from it either. That's because of you and generations before you who led the march from slavery to freedom toward a more perfect union."

As always, we're called to stay on that march. This year, Juneteenth celebrations coincide with the 60th anniversary of the start of the civil rights

Guest Columnist

movement's Freedom Summer. On June 14, 1964, hundreds of volunteers — many of them northern White college students — gathered at the Western College for Women (now part of Miami University) in Oxford, Ohio. They were there for trainings with seasoned Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) leaders and other civil rights movement activists to prepare for summer voter registration and education work in Mississippi, including coordinating summer Freedom Schools. As a brand-new law school graduate I had been fortunate

enough to receive one of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF)'s first two fellowships to help young attorneys seeking to practice in the South, and after a year of intensive preparation at LDF's New York City headquarters, I had opened a new office in Jackson, Mississippi, just in time to witness and assist in the unfolding of the Freedom Summer Project.

Two days into the orientation, organizers received word that one of the Freedom Summer partner churches, Mt. Zion Methodist in Neshoba County, Mississippi, had been at-

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

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

disproportionately used by Black and Hispanic adult smokers, following concerns about unjust racial profiling and targeting.

By responding to concerns the African American community has expressed about proposed regulatory and administrative policies, the Biden-Harris administration has proven to be a responsive champion of minority voices and interests.

Take for example the administration's recent reversal of its proposal to ban menthol cigarettes, which are

Through the Affordable Connectivity Program, the Biden-Harris administration connected over 5 million Black households to affordable, high-speed Internet, bridging the digital divide for millions of African American families across the nation.

As the Biden-Harris 2024 presidential campaign continues to gain momentum among African Americans and other communities of color,

Cookouts. Beach trips. Baseball games. Summer is almost here, a season everyone loves. But in a town in Connecticut, this July will be a solemn time for the family and friends of a 15-year-old girl who was killed one year ago when the young driver of a car she was in was distracted. She was a gifted, beautiful student. Most importantly, she is more than

a statistic and our hearts go out to her family and friends. But sadly, her death adds to the tragic consequences of distracted driving that affects everyone. Her death, as a young Black teen, highlights a disturbing truth: Research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that fatality rates per 100 million miles traveled are systematically higher for

I encourage the campaign to remain responsive to the issues and needs of those communities that will provide a solid base for the Democratic Party in the 2024 national elections. Recent national polls continue to indicate that the Biden-Harris campaign still has some work to do to match the Democratic voter turnout that was achieved in 2016 and 2020, so responding to these concerns can pay significant dividends in this respect.

One area where Biden-Harris can energize African American voter turnout is addressing their frustration over

the rising cost of living, which is often driven by higher energy prices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this kind of economic pain has fallen more on Black Americans than White Americans.

I applaud my dear friend and colleague Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan who has been a strong advocate for environmental justice and equality for all Americans, and in particular for minority communities.

In a recent speech at my Alma mater, Howard University, one of the nation's

tacked and burned. Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) workers Mickey Schwerner, who had been working in Mississippi with his wife Rita, and Mississippi native James Chaney left the Ohio training to go investigate the arson, bringing new volunteer Andrew Goodman back with them. On June 21, the three men were reported missing in Mississippi after being jailed by local police on speeding charges. Their bodies were not found until Aug. 4. The news that our fellow

EDELMAN Page 53

most prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Administrator Regan announced that the EPA would like to eventually shut down existing coal plants and ban new natural gas plants unless they implement carbon capture technologies that are now emerging in the energy sector. In his remarks, Administrator Regan argued that the mandates are necessary to protect “communities of color” from hazards at coal and natural gas power plants that do not employ carbon cap-

Black and Hispanic Americans for all modes of transportation. Federal data shows that 225 teens (ages 15 to 19) were killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2021.

We also know that distracted driving (including texting while driving) is blamed for 58% of crashes involving teen drivers. We can prevent more deaths by making the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day the "100 Safest Days of Summer." This is our time to remain vigilant and provide teens with every safety tip that we know will

keep them alive. Sometimes, it takes a little extra courage to remind our independence-seeking teens that too many passengers are dangerous, that their cell phones should be turned off while driving and that other distractions can be just as deadly. We need to explain that impaired driving is not only dangerous but also a crime that can result in truly life-altering consequences.

Parents should remember these tips to give teens the best chance at staying alive:

• Never serve alcohol or other drugs at parties. Not only is it dangerous, but in some states, parents can be held liable for underage drinking if a party-goer crashes on the way home.

• Lead by example by eliminating distractions behind the wheel and always driving soberly. According to the National Safety Council, a recent survey reported that 91% of parents who use their cell phones do it in front of their teens knowing

Marian Wright Edelman

Guest Columnist

Brown vs. Board, 70 Years Later

The Brown vs. Board of Education decision handed down by the Warren Court in 1954 changed the social landscape in America. Particularly in the southern region where Jim Crow laws mandated separation of the races.

The Fourteenth Amendment armed the former slaves with the constitutional rights of due process of law and equal protection of the law.

The Fifteenth Amendment gave

the new citizens the right to vote. [Editor's note: The 15th Amendment, ratified on Feb. 3, 1870, gave the right to vote to all male citizens regardless of their ethnicity or prior slave status]

It was well into the 20th century before the Fifteenth Amendment was fully exercised. It took decades of struggles, protest and demonstrations, and murder before the apartheid south was bought under the law of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Blacks would use the intent of these laws to challenge systemic social and political attitudes prohibiting the ex-

ercise of their constitutional rights. The law was subject to interpretation. Interpretation of the law lays on the altar of perspective. For example, the recalcitrant white culture encoded Jim Crow laws to defy the rule of the new social order. Blacks, never obsequious, used the intent of the law to fight back.

Homer Plessy challenged Jim Crow laws that prohibited Blacks from the use of public facilities, from riding the same buses, and attending the same schools as whites. Plessy refused to give up his seat to a white man on a

Our Role in Perpetuating the Downfall of Democracy

We must all stand before Christ to be judged. Everyone will get what they should. They will be paid for whatever they did—good or bad—when they lived in this earthly body. — 2 Corinthians 5:10 (ERV)

As citizens of a democracy, our role in shaping its course cannot be overstated. Whether we cast

The Biden-Harris administration is making bold moves to ensure America leads the global clean energy economy of the 21st century. We are at the crossroads of our country's next major shift in trade policy and domestic manufacturing that will define our economy for decades. The last time we were

our vote for President Joe Biden and the strides he has made for inclusion or Donald Trump for all that he has done and is doing to discredit this country as a democracy as a whole, our actions affect what happens in our country's history. We better believe that our responsibility for our rights extends way beyond the ballot box; it includes the values we uphold, the causes we champion, and the ideals we strive and will fight for. No one man, woman or other

should stand in the way of our freedom for equal rights and our will to be FREE-come hell or high water!

The actions of those who lead speak volumes about the direction in which we are headed. Whether we stand for women's rights, Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), affirmative action, or combatting white supremacy, our choices shape the landscape of freedom, equality, and justice for all.

train. He was jailed.

The Fourteenth Amendment case, Plessy vs. Ferguson, was argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1896. Perspectives interpreted the law. In an 8-1 vote, the Justices upheld Jim Crow.

The majority agreed that the amendment was meant to enforce equality, which they viewed as political equality, but not social. "If one race be inferior to the other socially, the Constitution of the United States cannot put them upon the same plane."

That perspective of "one race inferior" and separate but equal accommodations, governed well into the twentieth century.

The errant perspective of "intent of the law" employed to uphold separate but equal became the primary argument of the NAACP Legal Defense Team. Charles Hamilton Houston and Thurgood Marshall won a string of victories before the Supreme Court against Jim Crow laws.

They argued the intent of the law

Supporting candidates who champion values essential for equity, it is not enough. We have to hold leaders accountable, demanding transparency, integrity, and loyalty to the principles upon which our democracy stands. We cannot afford to be passive observers, content with merely casting our votes and hoping for the best. We must actively engage in our communities, standing up for the voices least heard, demanding change, and standing up against injustice wherever it may intrude.

The continuation of democracy depends on us and rests squarely on our shoulders. It is a collective endeavor, requiring the participation and dedication of every citizen who is willing not to fall for the bovine excretions. We must refuse complacency and apathy, recognizing that the fight for democracy is ongoing and requires our persistent concern.

Now is not the time for us to be divided or allow our lack of

here was more than 30 years ago. I was helping to organize the movement to stop the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The framework being put forward this time, by the current administration, is the anti-NAFTA moment American workers have been waiting for. I am organizing in support of it.

The tariffs announced this month on electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, batteries, semiconductors and materials like aluminum and steel are part of a broader re-

gime of policies and investments creating the foundation for America's leadership in the next economy. These tariffs are part of a smart, targeted approach that stands at odds with the flailing, nonstrategic approach of his predecessor. They show the president understands the threats posed by China and has the courage to take them on in a real and impactful way.

And the administration gets that tariffs are just one piece of the puzzle. In his remarks at the signing ceremony for the tariffs, Biden

highlighted his bipartisan infrastructure law's investment in building 500,000 EV charging stations nationwide and the "thousands and thousands of jobs" it would create. The tariffs will help ensure the aluminum, steel, solar panels, and other components and materials for these charging stations are American-made. And that means even more good American jobs.

NAFTA cost our country hundreds of thousands of jobs and devastated America's manufacturing sector. By contrast, Biden's

trade policies, coupled with other policies and investments, have the power to create a green jobs boom and birth a new manufacturing renaissance. Companies have already announced over $825 billion in private sector investments in US manufacturing and clean energy since Biden took office. All of this is key not only to long-term job creation, but to stopping China's domination of the next economy. A future in which China holds

FRANKLIN Page 54

Bobby R. Henry Sr.

Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist

Rev. Norman Franklin via The Cincinnati Herald

HENRY Page 54

Biden's Anti-NAFTA Moment is Here

Columnist

LIFESTYLE

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Contributing Fellow

Check out the artistic versatility of Hampton R. Olfus, Jr., or delve into Annette Fortt’s spiritual take on the intersectionality of technology and human lifespan. Enjoy the musicality and light-heartedness of Miss Nelson is Missing!, and erupt in laughter with well-known comedian Luenell in her return to the DC Improv stage.

If you’re looking for a good place – or excuse – to eat, the 32nd Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle kicks off on Saturday, while residents hoping to tap into their inner-child might enjoy the sights of Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic.

End the weekend with a pivotal discussion and celebration of “The 1619 Project,” but first, don’t miss out on your last chance to be swept by the production of John Jarboe’s “Rose: You Are What You Eat,” which officially closes on Sunday, June 23.

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 20

June Exhibits with Hampton R. Olfus, Jr.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Free Artists & Makers Studios, 11810 Parklawn Dr Suite 210, Rockville, MD 20852

Sampling the work of full-time artist and former USPS worker Hampton R. Olfus, Jr., “Travels & Techniques" showcases artistry created between 2009 and

2023, with a range of settings from Charleston, South Carolina to here in the DMV. Viewers will experience some of the techniques and media Hampton used during his extended ongoing personal artistic travels, including inks, watercolors, collage, acrylic paints, and mixed media, and can feel to free to take a look at the other work on exhibit.

Exploring the Circuits: Art by Annette Fortt 1 p.m.- 6 p.m. | Free Waverly Street Gallery, 4600 EastWest Hwy, Bethesda, MD 20814

In “Exploring the Circuits,” the digital meets the spiritual.

African-American artist Annette Fortt’s aims to show that human spirituality is as real a factor in how people encounter this change as a response to the evolution of human communication.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

Miss Nelson is Missing! 10:30 a.m. - Noon | $9.50 - $36.50 Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

The 5th graders of Smedley Elementary School’s Room 207 are not just badly behaved – they’re the “worst kids of all!” No matter what their sweet and caring teacher Miss Nelson tries, they simply won’t listen, or stop throwing paper airplanes across the room. Fed up with their behavior, Miss Nelson leaves her class in the hands of dreaded substitute teacher Miss Viola Swamp, infamous for bringing “woe to those who misbehave.” Terrified of “the Swamp,” the kids must work together with Detective McSmogg to find their kindhearted teacher and win her back.

5“Rose: You are Who You Eat” at Woolly

Tuneful and hilarious, this Imagination Stage original has been a hit at theaters from coast to coast.

Luenell

7:30 p.m. | $40.00

DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20036

Known for her breakthrough role as the "hooker with the heart of gold" in the blockbuster comedy "Borat," as well as her tours and film appearances with Katt Williams, Luenell sold out every show when she appeared at the DC Improv in 2019 and 2020.

Her Netflix special "Town Business" debuted in 2023, and now she's back for 2024.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

32nd Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. | $20.00+ Historic Pennsylvania Ave, NW (3rd to 7th Streets) Washington, D.C.

The 32nd Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle is back on June 22 and 23. Kick off the summer and eat your way down Historic Pennsylvania Av-

enue, sampling food and drinks from over 100 brands. The event will feature live music across four entertainment stages, BMX and skateboarding freestyle shows on the quarter pipe, backyard games, and lots of other activities to enjoy all weekend long.

Tickets prices depend on pass selection.

“Rose: You Are What You Eat” 3 p.m. | $60.00 Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Once upon a vine, John Jarboe’s aunt revealed that John not only had a twin sister in the womb, but that John consumed her: “You ate her. That’s why you are the way you are.” This was a lot for John to swallow! In this musical shrine to the consumed twin, named Rose, John welcomes you into a feast of gender through song, storytelling, and a full plate of wordplay.

Performances run until June 23. Visit woollymammoth.net for a full list of performances.

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic 3 p.m. | $39.00+

Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566

Join us for a symphonic celebration of Disney music, animation, and memories! Disney characters and soundtracks come to life in this live-to-film concert like never before as the National Symphony Orchestra takes you on a magic carpet ride through the most memorable moments from “Peter Pan” (1953), “Moana” (2016), “Aladdin” (1992), “The Jungle Book” (1967), “Frozen” (2013), “The Lion King” (1994) “Fantasia” (1940) “Encanto,” and more.

Nikole Hannah-Jones Discusses The 1619 Project w/ Glory Edim 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | $29.00+ Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

MahoganyBooks is welcoming back Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times bestselling author Nikole Hannah-Jones in celebration of the paperback release of the book that has taken the nation by storm, “The 1619 Project.” Come to the MLK Jr. Memorial Library for an exciting Juneteenth weekend event, with the conversation led by Well Read Black Girl founder Glory Edim.

WI

Mammoth Theatre Company. (Courtesy Photo/Teresa Castracane)

Aaron Myers’ Singing Range in Full Effect During Blues Alley Recording

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

By day, Aaron Myers is the executive director of the DC Commission on Arts and the Humanities, but his involvement in the arts community doesn't end there. Myers is a singer, a member of the Board of Governors for the DC Recording Academy (The Grammys), a pianist, an educator, and an activist, and audiences recently got to witness him in action during a live recording at the historic Blues Alley in Georgetown.

“The first performance Blues Alley did after the pandemic was lifted was with me,” said Myers in an interview posted on his Instagram feed. “We could not do it at Blues Alley, we did it at the National Press Club. I am happy to be back in the original space.”

Myers, whose four previous albums include “Leo Rising” (2013), “The Lion’s Den” (2015), “Snowing in Vegas” (2015) and “The Pride Album” (2021), is very much a crooner. With his velvety voice,

he sings every genre of music.

Songs performed by Myers at Blues Alley included: “What Now My Love,” “Baby Aren’t I Good to You,” and “Winter in America” by Gil-Scott Heron. Myers was particularly excited to perform a song that was a jazzy spin with added lyrics on a composition by Frédéric Chopin. As he performed, Myers enjoyed giving the backstory to his song list.

Those who have seen Myers perform before know that audiences love his personality, especially when he finds joke material in a crowd.

As is his style, Myers moved effortlessly between songs, bantering about composers and why he liked a particular song. Plus, Myers had jokes that work for everyone in the audience. The atmosphere was enlightening and entertaining.

Follow Aaron Myers’ on Instagram (@aaronmyers) to learn about performances in the D.C. area and his upcoming album release. WI @bcscomm

5On June 7, arts administrator and versatile entertainer Aaron Myers, accompanied by bassist Michael Bowie, recorded a live album at the historic Blues Alley in Georgetown. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

5On June 7, arts administrator and versatile entertainer Aaron Myers, accompanied by the Eric Byrd Trio featuring Brent Birkhead, recorded a live album at the historic Blues Alley in Georgetown. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

DC Jazz Festival Honors Saxophonist Wayne Shorter

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Wayne Shorter, a legendary figure in the world of jazz, left behind an extraordinary music catalog upon his passing in March 2023.

The Paul Carr Quintet, accompanied by the exceptional trumpeter Sean Jones, delivered a performance celebrating Shorter’s musical brilliance in the concert “Footprints of Wayne Shorter.”

The title of the concert is from Shorter’s composition “Footprints” (1966), performed by what was considered the second greatest Miles Davis Quintet, with Davis on trumpet, Shorter on saxophone, pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Tony Williams.

The concert began with the classic Shorter composition “Speak No Evil” (1966) from the album titled the same. The album also included “Infant Eyes,” which the ensemble played later in the set.

Other Shorter compositions heard during the concert were “Yes or No” (1964), “JuJu” (1965), “This is For Albert” (1962) and “Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum” (1966). From this concert, we learned that Shorter’s approach to playing the saxophone was intentionally thoughtful and well-paced.

“One of his greatest records is ‘Speak No Evil.’ But you can do a concert of his songs for a week straight, if not two weeks straight,” Carr said when asked about the set list for the DC Jazz Festival event. “We had a lot of songs on the docket that we could not get to.”

Saxophonist Carr and trumpeter Jones, both stellar musicians and band leaders, showcased their unique talents in this concert. Their interplay demonstrated their ability to give space to each other’s solos and the other musicians in the group. It was a testament to their musical sensitivity and respect for the artistry of the individuals in the group.

Other musicians in Carr’s group included pianist Ryan Hansler, bassist William ‘Mo Betta’ Ledbetter, and drummer Kevin Kearney, Jr., all of whom contributed uniquely to the performance.

The DC Jazz Festival is celebrating its 20th year of bringing global sounds of jazz and education programs year-round to the D.C. metro politan area.

Artists who have been confirmed, plus ticket information for scheduled events, from Aug. 28-Sept. 1, can be found at dcjazzfest.org

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@bcscomm

“One of his greatest records is ‘Speak No Evil.’ But you can do a concert of his songs for a week straight, if not two weeks straight,” Carr said when asked about the set list for the DC Jazz Festival event.

5On June 7, arts administrator and versatile entertainer Aaron Myers, accompanied by the Eric Byrd Trio featuring Brent Birkhead, recorded a live album at the historic Blues Alley in Georgetown. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

Internet simplified

Easy, reliable internet. No commitments. No hidden fees. Unlimited data.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Limited to NOW Internet service, speeds up to 100 Mbps/10 Mbps. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed, visit xfinity.com/networkmanagement. Requires self-installation and activation of refurbished gateway. Payments must be made online only via credit, debit, or prepaid card. Autopay and paperless billing required. Pricing subject to change. Service limited to a single outlet and subject to Xfinity Residential Services Agreement (xfinity.com/policies). Xfinity 30-day money-back guarantee does not apply to service. Warranty/return information for NOW Internet equipment available at xfinity.com/nowhelp. NOW is a trademark of Comcast. © 2024 Comcast. NPA400641-0016

Luther Documentary Makes Us Appreciate Him Even More

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

All you have to say is his first name, “Luther,” and people in the know will immediately connect to Luther Vandross. Once again, giving her unique perspective, filmmaker Dawn Porter has produced and directed her documentary “Luther: Never Too Much,” which was recently shown at the DC/ Dox Film Festival.

In a post-screening panel discussion, Porter said she was surprised there had not been a documentary treatment about Luther. Extensive archival treasures were uncovered from the Luther Vandross Estate and Sony. The Sony connection allowed access to the music and conversations of Luther telling his story when a new record was released.

“We had rehearsal footage and access to Luther and his singers' beaded costumes from his estate,” said Porter. “The biggest asset was Sony. Music films can be expensive because of the rights to the music.”

“Luther: Never Too Much” gives audiences more than they could have asked for. The film combines biographical content and almost full versions of Vandross’ performances, allowing audiences to rock and swoon to the voice that gives a signature interpretation to lyrics. We hear Clive Davis explain what Vandross should have when a record label change was required. One of the film’s producers, Jamie Foxx breaks down the singer’s ap-

peal in a wonderful comic relief way.

THE ROAD TO HIS FIRST HIT

The documentary goes through all of the gigs Vandross labored before his first hit, “Never Too Much.”

He co-founded a group that sang on “Sesame Street.” Then there were commercial jingles, plus he was a background singer on several major artists’ records. With every opportunity, he would “Lutherize” an arrangement and the artists he worked with loved it. David Bowie and Bette Midler were two of the earliest big-name talents he worked with and who respected his touch.

Vandross’ vision was always clear. In creating his career, he was a songwriter, arranger, clothes designer, and set designer. He paid for everything. As confirmed in this documentary by his singers, Ava Cherry, Lisa Fisher, Kevin Owens, and Fonzi Thornton, Vandross’ childhood friend, he approached preparation like an athletic coach.

His idols were female singers, and he had a chance to work with them. Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, and Aretha Franklin had hits with the songs he wrote and arranged. Bassist Marcus Miller, pianist Nat Adderley, Jr. and Richard Marx were Vandross’ collaborators as co-composers of his singles and those he wrote for his idols.

LUTHER’S TRUTH

Films about music artists can be presented in a couple of ways.

Biographical documentaries about musical artists can show the featured talent overcoming a troubled upbringing and rising to success with snippets of hit songs sprinkled throughout.

Then there are concert films, which are just that, a concert on film.

This documentary shows Vandross’ life and what he gave to audiences: his love. Though his father died when Vandross was very young, his mother gave him and his brother everything. He was surrounded by lifelong friends who traveled with him on his journeys.

Yes, there were some career disappointments that were covered in the film, but Vandross kept things upbeat. Adderley provided a perfect explanation of how Vandross’ crew felt.

“There is an authenticity we're all talking about here that is evident to us.”

“Luther: Never Too Much” has been acquired jointly by CNN Films and OWN. It is not scheduled to air until 2025 due to CNN restarting its film division after it was dismantled two years ago. In the meantime, the documenatry is still making the film festival rounds.

Porter and Trilogy Films are to be thanked for giving audiences the gift of “Luther: Never Too Much,” helping to continue the artist’s in fans’ hearts forever. WI

@bcscomm

What’s Next in Porter’s Trunk of Projects?

The documentary “Power of the Dream" premieres June 18 on Prime Video Sports. In this film, Porter takes a deep dive into the WNBA, taking on a team owner, and how the women rally behind now-Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) to fuel his senatorial campaign victory.

A new collaboration is also in the works for Porter with MSNBC to produce a series of documentaries.

5The life and career of Luther Vandross are featured in the documentary “Luther: Never Too Much,” which was screened during the second annual DC/Dox Film Festival. The film was produced and directed by Dawn Porter. (Courtesy Photo/Matthew Rolston)

4The life and career of Luther Vandross are featured in the documentary “Luther: Never Too Much,” which was screened during the second annual DC/Dox Film Festival. The film was produced and directed by Dawn Porter. (Courtesy Photo/Matthew Rolston)

Di erent spiders weave di erent kinds of webs. Web-spinning spiders spin webs to trap food—the ying and crawling insects they crave.

Strand Steppers

Spiders rarely get caught in their own webs. They know where the sticky strands are located. Inside their webs are dry silk strands that they can walk on.

Spun in quiet, dark corners, this is the most common kind of web.

A thread of spider silk is stronger than a thread of steel the same thickness. It is one of the strongest materials on earth.

Circle every third letter along the spider’s drop line to find out what a rope of spider silk 1 inch thick (2.5 cm) could hold.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

Spun between blades of grass, the funnel web has a wide opening. The spider hides at the bottom of the funnel, waiting for insects.

How do spiders make silk?

Spiders have little finger-like spinnerets at the rear of their bodies. They squeeze liquid from a silk gland between the spinnerets. When the liquid hits the air, it hardens into a long, thin thread. Spiders can make the thread thick or thin, sticky or dry, smooth or bumpy.

The Making of an Orb Web

Number the pictures in order from 1 to 6 to show the making of an orb web. It takes a garden spider less than an hour to complete an orb web.

Draw the other half of this wolf spider. Many spiders spin webs around their eggs. The wolf spider does this as well, and then carries its egg sac until the eggs hatch!

web

wheels.

The spider attaches two points of its web to twigs. It holds onto the third point and attaches itself to a third twig. When an insect lands on the web, the spider loosens the end it holds and the web pulls the insect inside.

Read the ads in today’s paper. Then, use crayons or markers to create an ad for spiders! It could be a “Web for Sale” ad or an ad for something spiders need.

Glue a noun from the newspaper onto the center of a piece of paper. Then cut out other words that go with that noun. Glue groups of words around the center noun. Connect the words that go in one group.

Standards Link: Grammar: Indentify nouns.

How I Helped

Write about a time you helped someone else. How did it feel? Standards

and

Triangle Spider

House Spider

© 2024 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 40 No. 29

This

has spokes like bicycle

wi book

"Traveling without Moving: Essays from a Black Woman Trying to Survive in America" by

Taiyon J. Coleman

c.2024, University of Minnesota Press

$18.95 / 160 pages

review

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

One step forward, two steps back.

That's how it goes: every time you think you're getting a little ahead, something — or someone — yanks you back. You see a little light at the end of the tunnel, and it's a train. It feels like you can't win, but what're you gonna do? You can't quit. As in the new book "Traveling without Moving" by Taiyon J. Coleman, you just have to keep going.

Like most Black children born after Martin Luther King was assassinated, Taiyon Coleman was "expected to be the fulfillment of … generations of struggle …" She hoped, at age 8, that being a writer would do it ("I just knew that I had a lot … to write") but it didn't work out: she ran out of patience and candy after her first try. Living on the South Side of Chicago, the second-oldest of five with a single mother, Coleman understood then that writing would be a struggle but she never let go of that dream.

When she was a child, during the school year, Coleman cared for her younger siblings and helped keep house for her mother, who barely held things together and died too young. Every summertime, Coleman and her eldest sister were sent to stay with grandparents in Illinois, near St. Louis; it was hot there but she could run and play with cousins and others she "was kin to." Those annual trips, she says, became a sort of ancestor-fuel map for her growth. Her mother added to the many inroads, especially once Coleman understood her mother's hard life and sacrifices.

When it came time to choose a graduate program, Coleman visited a college in Alabama and saw Confederate flags everywhere, which went on the map, too. So did the racism she endured in college in Minnesota again and again, the unfortunate miscarriage due to more racism, being the only Black family on the block in their Minnesota neighborhood, and being told that her use of Black vernacular would keep her from being published …

That last one. You almost want to say, "HA!" now, don't you? And you will, for more reasons than one, while reading "Traveling without Moving."

Because here's the thing: author Taiyon J. Coleman is funny, taking readers from her grandma's living room and Coleman's feisty, foulmouthed 8-year-old self; to being a teacher, writer, and mother of three; with laughing at Rush Limbaugh in between. And yet, the humor is only icing on the cake: the better parts of this collection of autobiographical essays are the knife-sharp comments and observations of life as a professional Black American when white America won't give up the 1930s. This is told with proudly embraced irony and sarcasm, which turns out to both coat the anger a little and to delight readers, even its most seething moments.

You'll also particularly enjoy Coleman's style: it's conversational with plenty of asides, like talking with a friend — but it's also pay-attention serious and you'll like that, too. "Traveling without Moving" is a quick and forward read.

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horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

JUNE 20 - 26, 2024

ARIES When the week begins, you find yourself itching to make progress on a shared goal with your partner, a dear friend, or a close colleague. You'll enjoy the give-and-take of collaborating as well as the opportunity to put your individual strengths to work. The experience can bring you closer. Later, you'll do well to think back on the ways you've been reframing your current professional path. Make sure you're being honest with yourself about the changes you want to see. Lucky Numbers: 2, 11, 27

TAURUS At the week's start, you'll initiate any potentially challenging conversations with your partner or a close business partner. Letting ideas flow freely, can feel productive and relieving. Later, the cosmos amplifies your motivation to hit your wellness goals. If you've been thinking of adding an extra workout per week, joining a gym or class, or taking your daily routine to the next level in another way, now's the time. Lucky Numbers: 13, 19, 23

GEMINI If you've been wanting to pitch an impressive idea to higher-ups, make sure to take advantage of the vibe in the early part of the week. You are feeling especially imaginative, emotional, and creative, setting the stage for exciting, whimsical ideas that are sure to be a hit. Later, the cosmos bumps up your appetite for flirtation, fun dates, and time with friends. If you're in a relationship, you'll be craving even more fun-loving time with your partner. Lucky Numbers: 1, 35, 54

CANCER Getting out of a rut and exploring uncharted terrain with your current partner or a potential significant other might be at the top of your mind as the week starts. Whether you hit the road and drive out of your neck of the woods to enjoy a romantic weeknight dinner or take a new workout or meditation class, doing something extraordinary together is key. The moment might make you feel like you've just met, and sparks will fly. Lucky Numbers: 12, 43, 55

LEO At the beginning of the week, the cosmos elevates your need to connect with loved ones who live both near and far. You'll do well to nail down definitive plans for regular catch-up chats and connect with loved ones. The more you can bond with people who feel like home, the more centered and secure you can be now. Later, the stars light up your need to take the initiative at work. You'll be drawn to giving presentations which can elevate your success. Lucky Numbers: 14, 15, 37

VIRGO Opening up about your most deep-seated, passionate emotions with your significant other or a close confidant comes naturally early in the week. Letting yourself get carried away by how you feel and maybe even allowing it to inform your creative self-expression can be both therapeutic and relationship building now. Later, the cosmos urges you to step up your efforts to bring in new sources of cash and be more diligent when it comes to your budget. Lucky Numbers: 21, 22, 54

LIBRA As the week starts, you'll be fired up to hit all your major personal goals whether they're related to your career or your wellness. Your desire to nail down concrete results will be running high, but allow yourself to play a bit, experimenting with various group workouts you can do with your friends or allowing for creative brainstorming before delivering that ambitious work proposal. Later, the cosmos fuels your interest in sharing your biggest moneymaking ideas. You'll do well to schedule important meetings, interviews, or other opportunities related to your cash flow soon. Lucky Numbers: 11, 31, 33

SCORPIO When the week starts, you get the green light to pitch fanciful ideas on the job or dive into an art project you've been inspired to work on. Later, you might be feeling more verbal than usual about your feelings and needs. For this reason, you'll do well to prioritize sit-downs with your partner, colleagues, or higher-ups to discuss your short- and long-term visions for success. Do your best to tackle crucial conversations as soon as you can. Lucky Numbers: 9, 20, 57

SAGITTARIUS You might start to feel like it's time to enact changes around the way you bring in money early in the week. Make sure to reflect on psychological and emotional lessons that have played out over the past several months, because everything you've learned can help inform your next moves. Later, you're inspired to research methods for exploring and bolstering your emotional and mental wellness. Lucky Numbers: 10, 49, 52

CAPRICORN You're always on a mission to boost your personal growth, but early in the week you'll have even more wind in your sails to create bold, impressive changes that will strengthen your self-image. Think back on the past several months to map out the shifts you know in your gut you need to make. Later, the cosmos infuses your professional drive with even more fire and energy. Whether you want to apply for a new job, ask for more responsibility in your current position, stepping into the spotlight now can earn you the recognition and rewards you deserve. Lucky Numbers: 17, 47, 57

AQUARIUS Early this week, you're inspired to initiate a more vibrant conversation about big-picture ideas. You'll also be driven to do even more deep-dive research than usual, as long as the endgame is making professional dreams a reality. The more you can express yourself and connect with others on your goals, the closer you'll be to a win now. Later, you'll want to take a bolder approach to fitness, travel, and learning. Lucky Numbers: 9, 39, 40

PISCES At the start of the week, you'll be craving connection on a transformative and deep physical, emotional, and spiritual level with your current significant other or someone special. Making your needs known and having direct, powerful, intense conversations about how you can satisfy one another can lead to true and lasting fulfillment. Later, the cosmos amplifies your interest in honing your professional skill set. Signing up for a class or planning a long-distance trip to attend a conference might be wise right now and help shape your career moves down the road. It's all systems go! Lucky Numbers: 3, 16, 50

SPORTS

2024 Season Marks All-Time

High in WNBA Attendance, Viewership, and Popularity

1 Million Tune

into Mystics Game Against Fever

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Following the growth in popularity of women’s college basketball, several games have been moved to NBA arenas, including a June 7 matchup between the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever that featured a sold-out crowd and had over 1 million viewers tuning in on ESPN.

“What’s happening now in women’s basketball is confirmation of what we’ve always known: the demand is there, and women’s sports is a valuable investment,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “We’re encouraged by growing engagement across all our verticals, especially as we welcome new and diverse

audiences into our fandom. The WNBA continues to experience sustained growth as our league embraces this heightened momentum.”

The May 14 game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun, the first-place team in the Eastern Conference, had over 2 million viewers. Many tuned in to ESPN to watch former University of Iowa star Caitlin Clark play for Indiana in her debut game.

In the first five WNBA games that aired on ESPN, average viewership exceeded 1 million people and surpassed last year’s average by 226%, according to the Associated Press. In-person audiences are also up 14% and the league’s app downloads have grown 146%, compared to last season.

ROOKIES COMING IN HOT

All-time college basketball scoring champion Clark, 2023 NCAA champion and All-American power forward Angel Reese, and 2024 NCAA champion center Kamilla Cardoso are some of the most well-known rookies, and are helping to bring newfound popularity to the growing sport.

Reese, a Chicago Sky power forward and Baltimore native who attended the University of Maryland and Louisiana State University, has put up historic stats to begin her professional career. She is fourth in the WNBA in rebounding, with

over 10 rebounds per game, and is the only rookie currently averaging a double-double.

Cameron Brink, a rookie center for the Los Angeles Sparx, is currently tied for second in the WNBA with 2.5 blocks per game.

Clark is likely to win the Rookie of the Year award while averaging 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists.

WNBA VETERANS CONTINUE TO MAKE WAVES

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson, the #1 overall pick in 2018, is leading the league with 11.5 rebounds and 28 points per game on 54% shooting from the floor and 43% from 3-point range. It is likely that she will be the league MVP this season, which would be her third time winning the award. Connecticut forward Alyssa Thomas is currently leading the league with 8.2 assists.

The 2024 women’s national basketball team was announced on June 11 and includes Wilson, Thomas, Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, and Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum. No rookies were selected for the team. The women’s team has brought home gold medals in every Olympics since 1996, and in all but one since 1984.

"I don't have any words to describe it. It's humbling. It's an honor. I'm excited to go and get the journey started," said guard Diana

Taurasi after the roster was unveiled in mid-June. She will be the first basketball player, regardless of gender, to participate in six Olympic games.

MYSTICS UPDATE

The Washington Mystics have had a rocky start to their season, and are currently 2-12, last place in the Eastern Conference.

Guard Ariel Atkins leads the Mystics in both points and steals, and rookie forward Aaliyah Edwards leads the team with 6.4 rebounds.

As the Mystics work to find their groove, the 2019 WNBA champions, have a top-four pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. The team has struggled in rebounding, and would be well suited to acquire a center or power forward in the next draft. Despite struggles, the Mystics are also seeing spikes in their fanbase as the WNBA continues to grow in popularity.

"Last year, we had peaks in attendance, peaks in sales and tickets, and it just shows that people have been dedicated to this sport," Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin, who is a DMV native, told NBC News in an interview. “I think we’re just going to continue to elevate and, you know, hopefully our league is able to, you know, back it up and be prepared for the attention we’re about to get.”

WI

5The Chicago Sky, featuring Baltimore native Angel Reese, defeated the Washington Mystics 79-71, on Thursday, June 6, but the Mystics got revenge with a score of 83-81, on Friday, June 14. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

WNBA UPDATE

CAPTURE the moment

Juneteenth Joy around the DMV

6 The City of Bowie held its Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration at Allen Pond Park over the weekend, where many people, including local chapters of Zeta Phi Beta and Phi Beta Sigma (pictured), came out to celebrate with music, food and culture. This event featured Black businesses and entrepreneurs, the National Black Panhellenic Council, HBCU alumni organizations and health experts. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

3Jaren Hill Lockridge, conducting a tour at The Farm at Kelly Miller in Northeast, D.C. during the Juneteenth Sisterhood Supper hosted by WANDA, on June 15 in. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

3WI Managing Editor and event emcee Micha Green, Food Sheroes Quiana Newby, Nadra Henderson, Monica Ray and Farrah Barrios, and WANDA CEO Tambra Raye Stevenson at The Farm at Kelly Miller in Northeast, D.C. Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5The Prince George's County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated at the Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration at Allen Pond Park in Bowie, Maryland. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

5Artist Edmond and Lisa from SWAG Works DC showcasing some of their artwork at the Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

3The National Juneteenth Foundation hosted its fourth annual star-studded Juneteenth Honors Festival at Eaton DC. This year’s event featured an intimate musical performance headlined by Musiq Soulchild, recording artist Maysa, and the Howard University Gospel Choir. (Brigette Squire/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Two D.C. Church Leaders are on the Move to Stop the Violence

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Faith and community leaders filled New Bethany Baptist Church in Northwest, D.C. on June 13, as Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela A. Smith talked about her crime-fighting initiatives during the annual Spring Assembly of the Council of Churches of Greater Washington.

Since being selected by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser last year, Smith, an ordained minister from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, has engaged dozens of church and community groups, often speaking to faith leaders about using their influence to help decrease crime and improve public safety.

The Rev. Dr. James E. Terrell, president of the Council of Churches

REPORT from Page 24

before the vote, Pinto and D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At large) expressed concern about whether the changes would hinder Bowser’s efforts to curb tru-

of Greater Washington and pastor of The Second Baptist Church of Washington, D.C., in Northwest, said he was glad that Smith agreed to speak to their group, so that the faith leaders can work to address community needs.

“We want to make the community a better place, and at the same time, we want to speak to the needs of our total community because there are so many issues,” Terrell told The Informer.

In addition to delivering a crime report, Smith also fielded questions from several pastors and community leaders, a move Terrell said was important for all parties involved.

“We want the chief to know that we want her help as we bridge this gap to be able to provide resources for this community,” he explained.

ancy, especially with a bevy of truancy bills that’s currently before the council.

On the dais, Pinto expanded on her viewpoint.

MORE FAITH EFFORTS TO WORK TOWARD IMPROVING THE DISTRICT

In addition to the Council of Churches, the Rev. Lionell Edmonds, pastor of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, announced the formation of a new group of 41 pastors called DC POWER, which stands for People Organized for Wealth, Equity, and Respect.

“DC POWER offers a citizen-based vision and community-based organizing work, leading to the reshaping of the District… including the creation of living wage jobs and career employment and the building of two thousand units of affordable housing in the redesign of downtown DC,” Edmonds explained.

The Rev. Dr. Winston C. Ridley, Jr., pastor of Greater First Baptist Church of Mount Pleasant Plains in Northwest, D.C. discussed grievances about the changing dynamics in the District.

“All of the housing and development going on in the city is not really for us, and at one time, we used to run this city,” Ridley said.

Despite challenges, the chief also shared MPD achievements, noting the department had shut down 90 crack houses and installed 38,000 cameras.

“Sixty percent of our high school students are now chronically absent or truant. That’s a crisis. Absolutely unacceptable,” Pinto said. “I think that [we need to move] these investments into DHS to make sure we’re being holistic about the services we’re providing to families. I understand the intersection between housing and truancy, but we need supports to let our kids know we need them in school.”

Given the expiration of rapid rehousing, estimated to affect 2,300 District families (and more than 5,000 children) over the next three months, Simpson and others are pressing for what they call deeper housing investments. As she spoke to The Informer on Monday afternoon, Simpson evoked memories of neighbors on Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast who moved to West Virginia when the cost of living in the District became too much to bear.

“It’s terrible to lose neighbors,” Simpson said. “There’s no reason for D.C. not to provide assistance when people could pay their fair

“There is double-digit crime reduction in all areas of the city,” Smith told the crowd. “We have 3,296 officers in the department, and there is a 38% reduction in carjacking.”

She assured the crowd that her approach is to combine her faith and law enforcement experience to combat crime.

“Somebody said we don't need a preacher. We need a crime fighter, but we already had (a crime fighter) when I arrived. The Lord put me on top of this because there is a shift in the atmosphere,” she said.

share. It can be done through taxes being raised on the wealthy and capital gains. I shouldn’t pay the same amount of taxes as a millionaire.”

LAST MINUTE CHANGES, BOWSER’S CONCERNS ABOUT TAXES

While Bowser commended the council for its reinstatement of funds for a new correctional facility, along with an indoor youth sports complex at RFK, and investment in Downtown revitalization, she reiterated concerns expressed in an earlier letter about the council’s decision to raise property and income taxes, along with the Paid Family Leave tax.

“Let’s be clear: by opening the door to increasing some property taxes this year, the council has set the stage for more property tax hikes for our residents and businesses next year,” Bowser said in her June 12 letter.

Edmonds said DC Power is an outgrowth of the Metropolitan Industrial Areas Foundation and the Washington Interfaith Network that started in 1996. The new organization is an effort to give all residents a stake in downtown development.

“We will increase the market share of Black and emerging businesses by demanding a greater share of market opportunities in D.C.,” Edmonds said. “We also seek stronger contractual partnerships with the top one hundred corporations in the District of Columbia." WI

Other elements of Mendelson’s ANS included an increase of $796,000 from the extension of the repeal of the Qualified High Tech Company capital gains tax cut; $2.7 million in one-time funds to the Department of General Services that restores security; and $580,000 toward program evaluation initiatives that will, in addition to what the council secured during first reading, fund two full-time positions.

An ANS by At-large Councilmember White changed language that allows public school leadership in Ward 7 and Ward 8 more latitude in hiring an additional permanent substitute teacher, wellness coordinator, or a full-time staff member. Despite concerns about the diminishment of the D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) enrollment reserves and further council member infringement on school affairs, the council approved by a 9-4 vote an amendment by Pinto that restored posi-

5 Faith and community leaders filled New Bethany Baptist Church in Northwest, D.C. on June 13, as Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela A. Smith (center) met with the Council of Churches of Greater Washington as part of the annual Spring Assembly.

(Hamil Harris/The Washington Informer)

5 Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and At-large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. (WI File Photo)

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while. — Hebrew 10:35-37

Simply put, stick with it. Don't quit! And don't take no for an answer. Instead, pray daily, use your imagination and find a way around your obstacles — persistence pays!

In his 13 principles for success, self-help author Napoleon Hill said of persistence (and I 'm paraphrasing): Persistence is an essential factor in transmuting desire into good health, to a better job, to increasing your business stream of income, to building the congregation of your church, to your monetary goal no matter what it is you seek.

This week, allow me to share a message that I received from The Washington Informer seven years ago. The message said:

"Dear Ms. Lyndia: As a frequent reader of the Excellent Washington Informer Newspaper, I was most inspired by your article in the September 14, 2017 'The Religious Corner -- Keep Going Through Storms of Life.' Your inspirational article motivated me to respond to you in a positive optimistic manner-actually rendering me "hope" to believe and never give up in obtaining a financial victory! I am a senior citizen-age 69- and a longtime resident of DC. I am also a retired DC Public School Teacher

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Don't Quit the religion corner

rendering 39 years of outstanding service to the school system. Please find below a poem that I keep in my bedroom as a means of inspiration in order for me to keep the faith and continue to trust in God! I pray daily which includes a plethora of prayers. Blessings to you and your family as well! Geraldine Scott Jackson/BS/MA."

Here's that poem: When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you're trudging seems all uphill, when the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit - rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns.

As everyone of us sometimes learns. And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow - you may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man;

Often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor's cup;

and he learned too late when the night came down, how close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out - the silver tint of the clouds of doubt, and when you never can tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems afar; so stick to the fight when you're hardest hit - it's when things seem worst, you must not quit.

This email came during one of the times I was sharing the 13 Principles to Success from "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. I was covering the principle of "Persistence" to show how the power of continuing even when it feels like everything in you is telling you to quit. If only you had just kept going, your life would be different now and for the rest of your life. Can you imagine that kind of stickto-itiveness! That is exactly what it takes.

You cannot find anyone who has really reached their goals who did not stay the course — they went the distance. The summer Olympics are coming up soon. Every athlete who reaches the success of becoming a member of the prestigious team understands this principle. They are up before dawn, doing one thing or another toward reaching that goal they dream of. They are persistent, if nothing else. Many have less talent than others who did not try. Look at the difference in one life versus the one who never tried.

WI

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ing coursework through which they could accumulate college credits and acquire a certification.

Since enrolling in the ATC this year, Syieda has gathered much knowledge and hands-on experience from college professors. She counts among her most memorable experiences taking blood samples and conducting research about period poverty --- a phenomenon where girls and women are unable to afford and access menstrual products.

“The classes I’m taking now give me a feel for the future,” said Syieda, a junior at Columbia Heights Education Campus in Northwest. “I will know some of the information I need in order to finish college. A program like this gives me a feel of the medical field to help me decide on the future before I’m stuck on a career and it’s too late.”

The ATC, now in its second year of existence, has served 191 public and public charter school students -- including Syieda and her colleague Almeria King, a junior at Eastern Senior High School. Since its inception, the program has saved students near -

HOSPITALITY

from Page 1

ards, bellhops and doormen, the vast majority of whom are African American or hail from Central America, the Caribbean and African nations. This contract, which affects nearly 4,000 union workers, comes just weeks after Destination D.C. revealed that visitor spending in 2023 -- $10.2 billion -- surpassed what the District accumulated annually before the pandemic.

After several months of organizing meetings, UNITE HERE Local 25 came to the negotiating table with industry leaders in February. Negotiations lasted up until the latter part of May, due to what Paul Schwalb, executive secretary treasurer of Unite Here Local 25, described as some contention around the wage increase and how much employers would contribute to workers pensions.

“The industry wasn’t prepared to give that wage increase until,” Schwalb said. “We said we needed to meet significant member challenges, like inflation around childcare and housing and being forced out of D.C. and then being forced

ly $900,000 in college costs.

Trinity Washington University and the University of the District of Columbia serve as partner institutions.

On June 7, after Syieda and Almeria spoke before an audience of principals and local and national education officials at the ATC, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced yet another partnership anticipated to take ATC to the next level.

A $9.5 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies will go toward the expansion of the current ATC, the establishment of another ATC at St. Elizabeths East Campus in Congress Heights and the launch of a post-high school bridge program that’s led by the D.C. Hospital Association.

Earlier this year, Bowser allocated $22 million in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget toward ATC programming and a new health clinic at St. Elizabeths East Campus that provides health care services and training for students. She also announced a $4.2 million Career Connected High School grant that the Office of the State Superintendent of Education received from the Biden-Harris administration.

out of the suburbs.”

The new contract is scheduled to start on Sept. 16. Workers’ hourly pay will increase by $1.50 on that day.

Six months later, in March 2025, hourly pay will increase by another $1.50. Throughout the four-year term of the contract, workers will see an overall pay increase of $7 per hour. Schwalb told The Informer that housekeepers stand to make $33 per hour while accumulating what he called a healthy pension.

Such an outcome, he said, shows the power of union, especially as the hospitality industry steadily recovers.

“When the industry was weak, the workers were there. The industry should be there for workers when it’s strong,” Schwalb explained. “We’ve been at the table five times with the industry [negotiators]. It was about wages, contributions to the pension fund, and adding Juneteenth as a paid holiday. Things super meaningful for our members.”

Across the country, unions have experienced victories in the auto

As Jenny Kane of Bloomberg Philanthropies explained, the partnership between Bloomberg Philanthropies and the District was a year in the making, starting with a meeting between Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Bowser administration and the Biden-Harris administration at the Lemuel Penn Center.

In her remarks, Bowser acknowledged Kane, Lael Brainard, the Biden-Harris administration’s national economic advisor, Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, Washington Teachers Union President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, D.C. Public Schools Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee and State Superintendent Christina Grant.

She would later reflect on the importance of this public-private partnership for the long-term sustainability of the District’s education and healthcare ecosystems.

“This is part of our work to reimagine high school and blur the lines between high school, college and career,” Bowser said. “We want students to graduate and be ready for the next step.

contract represented the end of a treacherous journey that started during the pandemic. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

industry and healthcare field, with the support of leadership in the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that President Joe Biden installed upon entering office in

We want to make sure in every part of our city, we have access to high-quality programs and students are preparing for highwage, high-demand jobs in cybersecurity and nursing.”

Per D.C. Department of Employment Services, D.C. will need at least an additional 570 nurses by 2030, along with 700 people to fill new positions in licensed practical nursing, medical assistance and nursing assistance. Once it opens, the new ATC in Congress Heights, based in Ward 8, will serve 75 students.

That number will grow incrementally, Grant told The Informer.

Weingarten, a former social studies teacher, reflected on experiences in the classroom where students on the technical and trades track exhibited the capacity for critical thinking, like what’s often expected of students who pursue a liberal arts education. For her, Bloomberg Philanthropies’ contribution helps reverse a trend that has marginalized a segment of the student population while decimating the U.S. workforce.

“What career technical education does is create choice and opportunity for our kids. It’s

2021. Such victories, and a fervor for unionizing unlike what’s been in decades, compelled Starbucks to ask the Supreme Court to weigh in on what business leaders call the NLRB’s heavy-handed support of seven Memphis workers who attempted to unionize.

On Thursday, just as UNITE HERE Local 25 workers were voting on their new contract, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Starbucks. Despite that setback, many UNITE HERE Local 25 members, like Gada Tune, relished the moment in front of them, and what it meant for their quality of life.

“We have to talk for the people struggling in the workplace,” said Tune, a restaurant server at the Marriott Marquis.

Tune, 42, counted among those who fought against industry leaders’ attempts to stack responsibilities on employees that extend the scope of their job. He said the new contract not only laid to rest concerns about that issue, but how he could cover unforeseen medical costs for his family.

With full health coverage for him, his wife and two baby daugh-

taking passion and meeting it with purpose… We have a shortage of nurses. How do we then align the workforce choices with opportunity with our kids when we have them in high school,” she questioned. “How do we prepare them with the certification and critical thinking? How do we make sure we connect [them] with the employees so they have an imagination of what can be?”

While she hasn’t quite decided what career path she wants to pursue, Almeria told The Informer that she continues to learn lessons that are preparing her for her future profession.

Since entering the ATC, Almeria has participated in urine testing and taken a deeper look into what’s required of her as she takes a sample of postsecondary education.

“It has made my school day more interesting,” said Almeria, a Ward 8 resident. “It helped me prepare for the workforce [because I have] to balance my work sometimes. I take a day off from [the ATC] but there’s work at school. It’s about managing the work. If you have a good work ethic, it should be a breeze.”

WI @SamPKCollins

ters, Tune has his sights set on a new goal.

“I want to have my own home in a short period,” said Tune, a Silver Spring, Maryland resident. ‘I used to live in D.C. [before] I moved to Maryland, where everyone doesn’t qualify for healthcare… The union is part of my life. It makes it easy to get a pension and health insurance.”

Danilo Castañeda, a line cook at the Conrad Washington DC, told The Informer that he’s looking forward to a higher salary that will allow him to pay his bills more comfortably while increasing his savings. Though he admitted feeling fearful that negotiations would drag on longer, Castañeda said the process showed him the power of union representation.

“It’s a breath of fresh air,” said Castañeda, 28, a second-generation cook who aspires to become an executive chef.

“In a mom-andpop business, you have to overcome verbal abuse from managers because you [don’t want to] lose your job. With a union, you don’t feel scared.” WI

@SamPKCollins

5 For Angela Jones, a food service worker at the Marriott Marquis, the

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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

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 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 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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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 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

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 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

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 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

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

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

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 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

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

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 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

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 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 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

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

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000685

Rachel Mae Ross Ellis Decedent

Carlos Da Rosa Law Office of Carlos D. Da Rosa 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Elizabeth L. E. Wiggins, whose address is 2403 Shade Oak Court, Waldorf, MD 20601, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rachel Mae Ross Ellis who died on 5/21/2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/20/2024. 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 12/20/2024, 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: 6/20/2024

Elizabeth L. E. Wiggins 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 FEP 000060

July 26, 2022

Date of Death

Ethel Cobbs Spencer Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Larry Spencer whose address is 4843 Greencove Circle, Sparrows Point, MD 21219 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Ethel Cobbs Spencer, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Baltimore County, State of Maryland, on 9/13/2023.

Service of process may be made upon Augusto D. Macedo 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 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.

5733 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: June 20, 2024

Larry Spencer

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 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 000724

Estate of Ernest Postell Sr.

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Pamela Metts and Dominique Postell for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative waive bond for personal representative per waiver for as filed w/petition

Date of first publication: 6/20/2024

Stephen B. Pershing, Esq. Pershing Law PLLC 1416 E St., NE Washington, DC 20002

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000059

July 12, 2023

Date of Death

Lacey Jackson Thomas, II Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Michaele Lynn Abner whose address is 3409 Sherbrook Road, Richmond, VA 23235 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lacey Jackson Thomas, II, deceased, by the City of Richmond Circuit Court for the City of Richmond, State of Virginia, on May 6, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Lauren Wilcock; The Geller Law Group 1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036 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.

7525 Alaska Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20012. 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: June 20, 2024

Michaele Lynn Abner

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 000667

Elizabeth Lee Hogenson Barnes Decedent

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

Victoria Ellen Barnes Bishton, whose address is 6020 Walhonding Road, Bethesda, MD 20816, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elizabeth Lee Hogenson Barnes who died on March 18, 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 12/20/2024. 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 12/20/2024, 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: 6/20/2024

Victoria Ellen Barnes Bishton 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 000692

Delores Kittrell Decedent

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

Juan Harrison, whose address is 7809 Beddington Court Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Delores Kittrell who died on 4/19/2024 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 12/20/2024. 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 12/20/2024, 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: 6/20/2024

Juan Harrison 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 000661

Lorraine Jerman Ivey aka Lorraine Ivey Decedent

Stephanie L. Royal, Esq.

The Royal Legal Group, LLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

Montina I. Wood-McAbee, whose address is 733 Saint Michaels Drive, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lorraine Jerman Ivey aka Lorraine Ivey who died on 10/3/2023 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 12/20/2024. 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 12/20/2024, 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: 6/20/2024

Montina I. Wood-McAbee 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 000671

Mable Turner

Decedent

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

Owens T. Turner, whose address is 38700 Creek Lane Mechanicsville, MD 20659, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mable Turner who died on June 21, 2007 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 12/20/2024. 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 12/20/2024, 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: 6/20/2024

Owens T. Turner 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 000709

Gail Veronica Brooks Decedent

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

Cassandra Mary Payne, whose address is 6008 Survey Square Lane, Apt T2, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of Gail Veronica Brooks who died on April 8, 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 12/20/2024. 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 12/20/2024, 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:

6/20/2024

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000659

Alfred Plato Robinson, Jr. Decedent

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

Toni Newman, whose address is 2238 13th St., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alfred Plato Robinson, Jr. who died on October 11, 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 12/20/2024. 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 12/20/2024, 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: 6/20/2024

Toni Newman Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

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

2023 ADM 1458

Rush M. Fritz Decedent

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

Judith Duberrier, whose address is 1907 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rush Monroe Fritz who died on September 27, 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 12/20/2024. 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 12/20/2024, 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: 6/20/2024

Judith Duberrier 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 61

October 6, 2022

Date of Death

Louis Wilfred Provost aka Louis W. Provost Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

M. J. Gertrude Provost whose address is 6 Sally Sweets Way, #108, Salem NH, 03079 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Louis Wilfred Provost aka Louis W. Provost, deceased, by the Probate Court for Essex County, State of Massachusetts, on November 14, 2023.

Service of process may be made upon Robin Laupheimer, Sparacino PLLC 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.

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:

06/20/2024

M. J. Gertrude Provost 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 000678

Alexander King Boyer Decedent

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

Peter King Boyer, whose address is 9516 Evergreen Street, Silver Spring, MD 20901, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alexander King Boyer who died on 5/11/2024 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 12/20/2024. 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 12/20/2024, 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: 6/20/2024

Peter King Boyer Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

from Page 42

tions at School Without Walls for a theater teacher and world language teacher via the transfer of $111,000 from those reserves.

In the realm of traffic safety, Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen’s ANS redirected funds for D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT)’s metering contract toward the production of signage that lowers the speed limit on collector roads and the production of a report by the Commission on Climate Change and Resiliency.

Meanwhile, an ANS by D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) funds two civil engineer positions within DDOT and changes the U Street Streetscape project between 14th and 18th streets to better prioritize traffic safety and transit improvements along the corridor.

Capital enhancement funds in Mendelson’s ANS include $22 million to renovate the Central Cell Block in the Henry J. Daly Building on Indiana Avenue in Northwest, along with $463 million for a new correctional facility. D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto heralded these investments as paramount, especially amid the string of deaths at D.C. Jail.

“D.C. Department of Corrections has a fundamental responsibility to protect residents,” Pinto told The Informer. “It’s something we work with them on regularly… at every hearing. It’s why it’s urgent for them [to have] additional check points. In the budget, it’s important for a new jail, renovation of the Central Cell Block and funds for additional guards.”

QUESTIONS SURROUNDING THE SPORTS BETTING ECOSYSTEM

The council, once again, mulled over whether to open the District’s sports gambling ecosystem to several vendors, instead of maintaining the sole-source monopoly that’s been in place for years. This question pitted D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) against D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large).

Parker (D-Ward 5) floated an ANS that, in conjunction with an upcoming amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act, would free $1.83 million in local

funds from the Housing Production Trust Fund to ultimately remove a subtitle that allows the District to open the sports betting ecosystem to any vendor.

The council struck down that amendment in a 4-9 vote with Parker, Nadeau, Bonds and D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) voting in support.

On Wednesday, Parker told his colleagues that an issue like whether D.C. maintains a sole-source monopoly in the gambling ecosystem must go through the legislative process, which includes a committee mark-up, and ultimately a vote before the entire council.

“This is the third time in recent history that we’ve been asked to fast track something related to gambling. I’m not suggesting nefarious intent, but more time scrutinizing the proposal to make sure business concerns are met and the District wins,” Parker said on Wednesday during his trip down memory lane.

“In addition to grave concerns about the process, I recall the chairman mentioning when the mayor sent her budget, we removed proposals that didn’t have a hearing because of the process. What’s the difference between what the mayor proposed, the reparations commission and sports betting?”

As of earlier this year, FanDuel serves as the exclusive contractor in the local gambling ecosystem. This vendor’s arrangement with the District ensures that the District receives 40% of any proceeds. FanDuel also contractually guaranteed at least $10 million in revenue over the next two years, regardless of proceeds accumulated.

Within the first two months of FanDuel’s contact with the District, the vendor brought in $3 million of revenue -- more than what the previous vendor generated in 17 months.

Parker noted that, per OCFO, revenue from a two-year extension of the city’s existing sports wagering contract with FanDuel is projected to exceed the projected revenue from the subtitle in question.

Another concern that Parker expressed, as he had done on May 29, centered on whether small businesses operating gambling kiosks would be protected under the subtitle. Later, Allen expressed his dismay that funds from the Housing Production Trust Fund would be taken, even if temporarily. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

EDELMAN from Page 30

workers were missing swept a huge fear and pall over all of us, including volunteers who were still arriving for the next wave of Freedom Summer training. But the sobering reality of conditions in Mississippi did not stop Freedom Summer from going forward. Most people continued in the movement that over the next few months laid the groundwork for transforming Mississippi and ultimately our nation.

CHAVIS from Page 30

ture goals and objectives. Unquestionably, I know where the administration's heart is on this issue.

However, those proposals will possibly make electricity more expensive and, at times, less reliable — disproportionately hurting minority consumers. Moreover, many of the new natural gas plants targeted by EPA provide reliable critical backup energy sources. That said, Administrator Regan presents some valid points, and the administration can without question find a solution on this issue that pleases all its voter bases.

That process can begin by creating a Biden-Harris Sustainable Development Council. President Bill Clinton established the President's Council on Sustainable Development back in 1993. The successful purpose of that council was to bring together leaders of environmental and climate justice with the leaders of energy, commerce, and others in corporate America, including leaders from the coal and gas industries,

ANDERSON from Page 30

that they are "one of their teens' primary driving teachers."

• Urge your teens to call you if they are ever in a potentially bad driving situation. Let them know you will pick them up without repercussions, no questions asked. If your child is afraid, they'll "get in trouble" if you see them under the influence, wouldn't they be more likely to drive impaired or get in a car with someone who is?

• If your teen is learning to drive, practice with them frequently, be patient and positive, and always demonstrate safe driving habits when you drive. They will follow your example. Consider employing a professional for this often high-stress rite of passage.

• Ask them to add #BUTNOT-

The determination to keep moving forward despite overwhelming obstacles has always been an integral part of the African-American experience. It is also one part of what generations of Black Americans have long celebrated and what our entire nation now honors on Juneteenth. As President Biden also noted, the determination to keep moving towards freedom and equality is still desperately needed right now: "Let's be clear: There are old ghosts in new garments trying to take us back. … Our history is not just about the

to jointly explore ways to strengthen America's economy and protect the environment and climate at the same time.

Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown chaired the President's Council on Sustainable Development, and I was very pleased to represent the interests of the Environmental Justice Movement as an active member of the council. What we discovered was that the interests of corporate America and the energy sector were not mutually exclusive to the interests of environmental and climate justice.

In other words, a strong economy can and should contribute to sustaining environmental and climate matters — and environmentalists and climate change advocates can and should also work to ensure the growth and sustainability of the national economy.

I am convinced that President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Administrator Regan reestablishing the President's Council on Sustainable Development — which will work directly with the Congressional Black Caucus Energy

WHILEDRIVINGto their mobile device signature and teach them how to use "Focus" or "Do Not Disturb."

• Ask them to keep you informed of where they're going, and with whom and to call you if their plans change; it can save a lot of grief and worry.

• Empower them to show courage and decline a ride from a friend who has been drinking, taking drugs, speeding, or tends to drive distracted. Saying "no thanks" may make the difference between life and death. Encourage them to take care of their passengers and promise to keep them safe.

• Encourage them to sign the Courage to Intervene Unfortunately, there exists the commonly misguided notion that someone else will do the right thing, that someone else will speak up, that someone else will have the Courage to Intervene.

past, it's about our present and our future. It's whether that future is a future for all of us, not just for some of us. Folks, Black history is American history."

Black history is American history, and Juneteenth is another chance to celebrate our full history — and continue fighting back against every new attempt to erase or rewrite it. This is the day to honor every person who has struggled and sacrificed for the fundamental belief that nobody's free until everybody's free. WI

Braintrust, major urban mayors, elected officials, energy industry leaders, and with the advocates of climate change and the leaders of the Environmental Justice Movement — will allow them to find a way to implement an all-ofthe-above energy approach that works for everyone. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), where I serve as the president and CEO, welcomes the opportunity to participate in such an ongoing effort and council. More clean energy initiatives are needed and proposing them should remain a priority for the administration. That said, the new EPA policy rule on existing coal and natural gas plants should be done in a manner that protects the environment and climate while also enhancing the economy. The administration needs to ensure that new well-intentioned mandates will not have the unintended consequences of making electricity more expensive, especially for underserved communities. Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

• Teens can also help ensure that they and their friends stay alive to enjoy summer by pledging to practice responsible and safe driving habits, whether they're the driver or passenger, with the "I PROMise Pledge."

And, of course, talk early and often about speed limits, seatbelts, basic highway safety laws and tips on what to do if a tire goes flat and how to safely pull over in an emergency. Unfortunately, our young drivers are more likely to underestimate dangerous situations or not recognize potentially hazardous situations than older drivers. Life is too precious to waste it on a cell phone conversation drink or using drugs before driving. Together, we can make the time from now until Labor Day the 100 Safest Days of Summer.

WI

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You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more! And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why…

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FRANKLIN from Page 31

to defeat discrimination in institutions of higher education. The separate but equal and equal protection clauses were successfully argued in four cases before the Supreme Court from 1936 to 1950.

The string of victories sharpened the strategic genius of NAACP lead counsel, Thurgood Marshall.

Marshall had five cases before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1952. Each challenged the constitutionality of state-sponsored segregation in public schools.

The Supreme Court consolidated the five cases under Brown vs. Board of Education.

Separate school systems for Blacks and whites were inherently unequal, Marshall argued, and therefore violated the "equal protection clause" of the Fourteenth Amendment.

HENRY from Page 31

concern to see our democratic systems crumble right before our eyes.

We have to know who is in the "foxhole" with us before we

JEALOUS from Page 31

all the economic cards is one in which climate change is allowed to run rampant. Even though manufacturing in the United States is 3.2 times more carbon efficient than manufacturing in China, China has a grip on more than 80% of the world's solar manufacturing. China produces 58% of all new electric vehicles sold worldwide. In 2022, China accounted for about 59% of global primary aluminum production and 54% of the world's crude steel production.

All that manufacturing is energy intensive, especially for steel and aluminum. And in China that energy comes primarily from coal — the dirtiest energy source there is.

China is the world's largest consumer of coal — with 56% of global consumption in 2020, according to the International Energy Agency. That coal reliance makes carbon emissions from Chinese steel production as much as double that from American steel. It adds to the urgency of seizing market share from China and using our own domestic manufacturing to help expand the market. And it is why the president paired his tariffs on Chinese solar with tariffs on alu-

He also introduced sociological data from social scientist Kenneth Clark.

The data showed that segregated school systems tended to make Black children feel inferior to white children.

The unanimous decision, delivered by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren on May 17, 1954, ruled that state-sanctioned segregation of public schools was a violation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and was unconstitutional. Chief Justice Warren stated, "We conclude that in the field of public education the doctrine of ‘separate but equal' has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal."

The decision changed the landscape of public education and gave the name of Thurgood Marshall a coveted place in history. We pause to celebrate his legacy of audacious genus; we pause to celebrate 70 years of the transformative Brown vs. Board

can conquer the foes who are attempting to destroy us by keeping us apart.

It is a time for unity and action. Regardless of our political affiliations, we must come together in defense of our shared

minum and a $500 million investment in the first aluminum smelter in the US in 45 years. Imagine that new aluminum plant being built with modern protections against pollution and powered by American-produced solar panels made with the plant's own aluminum.

That is what President Biden imagined. And he is making it happen.

The Chinese government has not played fair. It overproduces in order to flood global markets. It has leaned on exports of "bifacial" (basically, two-sided) solar panels, which were foolishly exempt under the Trump-era solar tariffs — with 98% of Chinese solar panel imports to our country now being bifacial. And the Commerce Department is now investigating how China has allegedly used countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand as pass-throughs to route solar products to the US and evade tariffs.

The Biden administration's trade policy in this area can help make China more of an honest broker. But even that is no substitute for owning the manufacturing and supply chains of the staple goods that will power our next economy.

And let us not forget the national pride Americans once felt in the

of Education decision.

But we can only pause. Reflection is needed amid setbacks trending in the toxic sociopolitical environment eroding social progress today.

In many ways, the sociopolitical environment is as toxic now as in the era that required the Brown vs. Board of Education fix.

These setbacks are trending: extremist rhetoric in the political arena; restrictive voter legislation; the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) gutting the 1965 Voting Rights Act; SCOTUS gutting Affirmative Action; state legislatures' move to make Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) statues in education, government, and private industries that receive federal funds, illegal; and legislative moves to prohibit the sharing of accurate history in K-12 school curriculum because it makes some uncomfortable. WI

values and the principles that define us as a nation. Only then can we ensure that freedom, equality, and justice are not just lofty ideals, but tangible realities for all Americans.

WI

products invented and built by American hands.

The US automobile industry is a great example. The future of automobiles is electric. If we do not invest heavily in US EV production, we cede important ground to our primary global competitor. And we leave behind the current and future auto workers who will benefit from robust domestic EV production. But President Biden's policies once again show he has the whole picture in mind. He is not simply putting a tariff on EV's and expecting us to dominate. He is investing in the supply chain and protecting it — with tariffs on the aluminum, steel, semiconductors, and chips that are all vital to EV manufacturing (EVs use twice as many chips as gas-powered cars).

At the end of the day, we must invest in domestic growth of the industries at the center of the emerging global economy. If we fail, we allow China to dominate that economy and risk taking steps backwards in our efforts to curb climate change and save our planet. The Biden administration is showing its keen understanding of what is needed to tackle that challenge and build a strong future for American workers at the same time. WI

WHERE THE MONEY GOES.

Thanks to the support of our players, the Maryland Lottery contributed more than $714.3 million to support Maryland’s schools, public health and safety programs and the environment, and paid more than $1.73 billion in prizes to players during Fiscal Year 2023. Not bad. We’d like to think we generated a few million smiles as well.

ARTS & HUMANTIES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Arts and Humanities Fellowship Program (AHFP) supports qualified individual artists and humanities practitioners.

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, July 16, 2024 10:00pm (ET)

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